my knitting nook

This is wear I do 99.9% of my knitting. In this corner of the sofa, with telephone, remote controls and knitting baskets just an arms length away. I keep small WIP's in the basket on the left, all of my essential knitting tools in the wooden bowl and miscellaneous patterns and papers in the basket on the right. 

The above shot includes literally all of my essential knitting tools (the ones in the above mentioned wooden bowl). I have 1 pair of scissors, 1 calculator and believe it or not 1 set of darning needles (there are 2 in the pack, but I've only ever used 1 of them). Considering the amount of knitting I do I think that I've managed to keep my knitting supplies extremely paired down. I hold absolutely no judgement towards those who have a thing for gear and who have 500 sets of stitch markers, but I've somehow never gotten sucked into it and have managed to get through about a decade of knitting without losing my one darning needle. Even when I bring my knitting out and about with me and need to grab my scissors and tape measure I'll take these and then promptly put them back in my bowl when I get home. Crazy right?

And then there is the rest of it... the needles, the buttons. All of these things live in a few baskets in a cabinet in my living room. I'm not sure that I've ever shared a full shot of the fireplace that Chris and I built in to our living room (I should get on that, we love it!) we built a cabinet on one side, and Rowan recently took it upon himself to necessitate my reorganizing of it. I pulled out all the buttons and the needles, tidied them up and put them away nice and neat. That was about two weeks ago and the cabinet is still looking as it should. It feels very good to know that at least one corner of my crafting zone is as it should be! Don't even get me started on my office. I have made exactly zero progress on my big office makeover project… boo!

Watcha workin' on?

I've got several projects on the needles these days that I don't think I've mentioned at all on the blog. So, here's a little update on what I'm working on. 

First up is a new design I started just the other night. I'm knitting it in Aurora in the new Amber Label base and so far so good! I have no more details to share about this bad boy as it's still in a very preliminary stage and I have no idea where it will go from here. Hopefully somewhere, possibly nowhere. 

My official Ravellenic Games project: 

When I released the Cavalcade Sock pattern as the January Year In Colour Club pattern many of us agreed that the back pattern alone was pretty enough for a sock. I'm knitting a pair of DK weight socks for my sister in law in the Saffron colourway using just the eyelet cable ribbing motif. Should be such a quick knit, but things have been so busy these days that it's proving to be quite challenging to find the time to work on it. 

My Follow Your Arrow mystery shawl:

I've tried very hard to work each clue the week it came out, and up until now, I've managed to stick to the timeline. But now I'm on the last clue, Clue number 5. I've opted to pick option B for every clue, it's going to be great, but it's going to take forever to work this border. The pattern is ingenious, but I've gone ahead and decided to make things uber-complicated by working the border in intarsia! The results will be so worth it, and I don't think I'd like it half as much if I didn't, but man, this is a pain in the butt to knit. I will persevere and finish this eventually but it will certainly not be finished by Sunday night. Sigh. My project page with yarn details can be found here. I was considering intarsia for the border, figured it was foolish, but then saw this version and now there is no going back!

So, those are my main knitting projects these days. Other than that I'm trying desperately *desperately* to get photos of Rowan in this hoodie for the pattern I'm wrapping up. He is almost too big for it now and is so much more mobile than he was just a few week ago. There is a very good chance that the pattern shots end up blurry and that Rowan is squeezed into this hoodie like a little blond sausage. 

So, what's on your needles? Are any of you doing the Mystery KAL? Ravellenic Games? Crazy intarsia projects? Baby wrangling?

fabric dyeing workshop

Thank you so much to everyone who piped in on Monday's blog post to express their love of blogs! Sharing ideas and projects is such a big part of crafting that I don't see craft blogs going anywhere anytime soon. 

Some inspirational samples by teacher Dianne Robinson

my favourite part of any fabric project… the ironing!

My range - from slate blue to lemon yellow. All luck since I completely messed up my measuring!

Mom's gorgeous parfait dyeing. My favourite fabric of the day is that mix on the left. 

Our hand dyed fabric stash.

Big plans for this bundle. I did not dye all those blues! Only the two in the centre. 

This past weekend I had the chance to take a fabric dyeing workshop with the Beaconsfield Quilters Guild taught by Dianne Robinson. My mother is an enthusiastic member and I managed to sneak in and nab the last spot in the class alongside her. It was awesome! Mom laughed at me for being so excited about taking a dyeing class (after all, I literally dye yarn for a living) but dyeing cotton fabric is different. Though the fundamentals about colour theory are the same, there is a completely different process involved in dyeing plant fibers like cotton and dyeing animal protein fibers like wool. Which is why you see so few hand dyers doing both animal and plant fiber dyeing. It requires different types of dyes, different methods to set etc.

It was incredibly liberating to be able to sit back and play with dyes and colour with absolutely no pressure. Though I do have fun experimenting on my yarns in my own studio, this felt nothing like work, it was like I was back in art class. I'm really happy with the fabrics that we dyed, but I think the most valuable thing I came out of the day with is a renewed passion for my craft. Every time we would pour dye on fabric I'd feel this rush, the whole process of applying colour to undyed material (be it yarn, fabric or paper) is still so exciting to me. It makes me feel very lucky to have found my calling. 

I don't do nearly enough sewing to justify my new fabric dyeing obsession, but I do plan to put a few of my hand dyed fabrics to good use soon. Remember these fabric swatches I had framed in the loft? Well, I replaced them with Liberty fabrics some time after we moved (and have since moved the liberty swatches to our bedroom) so all of these gorgeous blues have just been sitting in my stash, waiting for inspiration to strike. We're due for a new throw for the living room, and I think that with a few of my hand dyed blues thrown in I'll have a lovely palette to work with to make something really fresh and modern to snuggle under while I knit. 

Here are a few inspiration images of quilts that I've pinned. Which one gets your vote?

1) This quilt could be pretty in all blues.

2) More squares framed by white.

3) Maybe all triangles?

4) This heart quilt is really sweet, but maybe not right for these fabrics.

5) Love this one.

6) Well, this one makes a lot of sense for these fabrics.

7) Or maybe just Ombre strips like this one, because I never can get enough of a good ombre look. 

instablog

Are you on Instagram? I am right here. And I love it! There is much buzz around the internet these days about the changing face of blogging. With so many fast paced social media sites around these days (facebook, twitter, instagram, pinterest) fewer people are taking the time to sit, read, comment and participate in the blogging community. I, however, am not one of these people. I have luckily managed to avoid getting hooked on facebook or twitter, I love instagram, but it will never replace a good blog post for me. I love seeing a beautiful image, and I will "like" it, but I will continue to visit blogs and read about the story behind the images. 

As a blogger, business owner and colour lover, it's fun for me to have another outlet for quick posts, but since I consider this blog to be my true online home I thought it might be nice to share some of my favourite fibery-snaps with you here too. Above is a selection of my favourite moments in instragram from the past 2 weeks. 

So, I'd love to hear what you think. Do you still love a good blog post as much as I do? Or have other, quicker, social media sites replaced the chatty blog as your source of crafty inspiration? My thoughts: no way. I'd like to have my instagram and blog about it too!

Fashion Friday - Boots!

Featured knit: Handspun Hat
Yarn: TFA Superwash Merino Roving in Kelp, handspun by yours truly.
Boots: MJUS cowboy/biker boots in turquoise purchased from Cara Shoes.

A love story:

Girl sees photo of boots online. 

Girl can't stop thinking about them. 

Girl luckily has a contact in the shoe world (this contact happens to be the one responsible for leaking said photo of boots in the first place). 

Girl places a phone call that ends with the divulging of credit card details.

Boots are delivered. 

Girl and Boots live happily ever after until the end of time. 

The end. 

Turquoise boots, impractical? No way. They match just about everything I wear (and knit!) I will wear these every day. Thanks Sara, you're the very best. 

From Rock, to Lucky Penny and back again - a colour story.

Psst :: I reference the Etsy Update a lot in this post! If you don't know what I'm talking about, check out Tuesday's post here.

Some colourways just happen. Once in a blue moon I know exactly what I want, I make a plan, dye some yarn and everything comes out exactly as intended. More often, however, colourways are a tad more mysterious to me and kind of take on a life of their own. They start with an idea and end up wherever they are supposed to. Developing Club colourways can be difficult because I'm usually aiming for something very specific. Working on Etsy update colourways is a completely different ball game. There is so much freedom, nothing is planned, we just experiment as much as we want to and are always surprised and *usually* are thrilled with the results. 

Every colourway has a story. I thought it would be fun to start sharing some with you here.

ROCK version 1.0

Back in November 2012 we came up with a lovely, soft colourway that I called Rock. It had a little bit of grey, some beige, soft turquoise that in some places overlapped with a light mustardy yellow colourway making green spots too. I loved it. The batch we dyed had one flawed skein, which I was happy about because it meant that I could keep it!

Just a bit more saturated = LUCKY PENNY!

I loved the colourway so much that the next time we were playing around for an Etsy update I tried to recreate it. I was a little more heavy handed this time and the results were not what I was expecting. More saturated, more turquoise... more fabulous! That's how a not-quite-right Rock became one of my favourite colourways ever: Lucky Penny. 

ROCK version 2.0

Fast forward over a year later and I still had that skein of flawed Rock sitting in my stash. I still loved the soft colour and decided to use it to cast on for a new sock design that had been brewing. After having spent a bit of time with it, I was re-committed to giving it another shot in the studio. Knowing that we went too saturated the first time we tried to recreate it, we used our Lucky penny recipe as a starting point, then paired it down, made a few changes and came up with a brand new version of my lovely Rock. Looking at these photos it looks like Rock has come a long way from it's original lighter-Lucky Penny self, but in person the two versions were actually very close, our new Rock is just a bit more grey, which I love - I've never met a nuanced grey that I didn't like!

Smokestack Socks - pattern coming soon!

So there you have it! Rock inspired Lucky Penny and then Lucky Penny was the key to cracking the code to a softer, subtler Rock. It's a very complex colourway, difficult to photograph (aren't they all!) It's sometimes grey, sometimes beige, sometimes green, but always lovely. I've finished up the socks I was knitting with my skein. The Smokestack Sock pattern will be available within the next week or two. If you'd like to knit yourself a pair in Rock just like the sample, Friday is your chance to nab a skein!

A different kind of Etsy Update

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7th FROM 8am - 8pm EST

LINK TO SHOP

Shop will appear empty until exactly 8am (EST) on Friday at which point the yarns will be listed.

We are very excited to be trying something a little different for this Etsy Update. We have chosen 6 colourways and will be dyeing to order. This allows us to offer these 6 colourways pictured in large quantities in the following bases:

Green Label Aran Weight
100% superwash merino
115g (4oz) = 187m (205yds)

Purple Label Cashmere Sock
70% superwash merino, 20% cashmere, 10% nylon
115g (4oz) = 365m (400yds)

*New* Amber Label Cashmere/Silk DK Weight
75% superwash merino, 15% cashmere, 10% silk
115g (4oz) = 242m (270 yds)
Edited to add: this base will be listed at $32 a skein, just like it's big brother - Orange Label!

These yarns will go live in my Etsy Shop at 8am (EST)and will be available for 12 hours only or while quantities last. I really hope to have some available for a good part of the day. However I'd definitely recommend checking in early in the day if you have your heart set on something specific. I have allotted a certain number of skeins for each base. I'll start out the day with an even number of each colourway but am reserving the right to redistribute yarn availabilities as I see fit throughout the day.  For example, if one colourway sells out in Green Label very early on and I've got another colourway that isn't moving, I will borrow some from the less active colourway to add stock to the sold out colourway.

I am pretty crazy about all 6 of these colourways. Right this moment I'm staring at a skein of Aurora on my desk and I'm thinking that it just might be the best colourway that we've ever dyed. I love it. I'm also very happy to be able to offer a new base in this update. A very luxurious DK weight, merino/cashmere/silk blend that would knit up beautifully in any use; sweaters, shawls, accessories, this yarn takes the dye beautifully and I think you'll love it.

Since we will be dyeing to order for this update please allow 2-4 weeks for shipping and 4-6 weeks for delivery.

Swatches

Yesterday Rowan helped me to get the ball rolling. He crawled right up there, pulled himself up, opened the doors and started cleaning things out. He found the bin where I stuff all of my swatches. I hadn't looked in that bin forever, so a big thanks to Rowan for making me take a second look. A bunch of the swatches have been turned into designs or knits. Others are still percolating and may never be anything more than a swatch. One in particular really got my wheels spinning. I'm excited about that. 

I laid out all my swatches, took stock, and then proceeded to clean out the cupboard. Then I moved on to another area... man it feels good to have conquered just one tiny corner of chaos. Thanks Rowan! For wreaking havoc and then making feel good about sweeping up behind you!

Fashion Friday - super professional

Featured Knit: Adelia fingerless mitts, designed by me!

Yarn: TFA Purple Label Cashmere Sock in Sand and Atlantic.

I had a meeting on Wednesday. A real meeting with an actual business man in a suit and everything. I did not wear a suit. Part of me wishes that I was a fancy business woman who wore smart suits and stiletto heals to work in a marble office. However another part of me really enjoys that I'm a laid back business woman who gets to wear pj's and hand knits to work everyday instead. Because pj's didn't seem appropriate on Wednesday I grabbed the most official looking top I own. A classic blue and white oxford. Any shirt that buttons up and that gets tucked into pants with a belt is pretty darn official to me! 

Anyhow... my meeting went well. I don't think I embarrassed myself too much. I did however, keep my hat on the whole time, and when it was time to explain what TFA is all about I just pointed to my head. Super pro. 

Julie's Notebook: Irisa Cowl (New Pattern!)

Even if you aren't big on colour trends, it's hard to avoid the Pantone Color of the Year, Radiant Orchid- it's been popping up all over the internet, and by spring, you'll be seeing lots of items in the stores in this color. Suddenly, you might find yourself buying a blouse or a new bag in a shade you didn't even know existed back in 2013.

When it comes to trendy knits, a one-skein project is perfect- it's fun to knit an accessory that gives a nod to what's cool, as well as carry you far beyond it (who knows what the color of the year will be in 2015!).

Tanis Fiber Arts is known for it's amazing colours, and while we don't have a tonal or semi solid that is exactly radiant orchid, Iris fits the bill of being on trend and yet timeless. Those little bright spots are definitely radiant orchid-esque:

 That castle and unicorn are getting in the Radiant Orchid spirit, too! 

I love Iris. It reminds me so much of spring- crocuses and hyacinths beginning to pop up, the rich colours after the bleached out greys of winter. This cowl is the perfect quick knit- a great one skein project for variegated yarns in rich, saturated purples that make us hopeful for spring.

Pattern: Irisa Cowl

Needles: 5mm (US 8)

Yarn: One skein of Tanis Fiber Arts Green Label Aran, in 'Iris'

Get the free pattern here!

It can be worn in a single loop, like the top photos, or doubled, for a cozy, keep-the-wind-away look. 

The Irisa Cowl is a very quick and very easy pattern, perfect for busting out of the knitting doldrums and getting a great hit of colour. The variegation in the Iris colourway is highlighted by the simple slipped stitch pattern. I know it won't be spring around here for a little while, but with a lovely colourway like this and a pretty new cowl to keep me warm, I can definitely stand the wait.

Club - January 2014

The 2014 Year In Colour Club is in full swing! The January Club shipments went out earlier this month, the pattern has been sent out and projects are already starting to pop up on Ravelry, which is always the most exciting part! This year we've kicked off the Club with a bright and cheery pink shade I've called Orchid. Dyed up in Blue Label Fingering Weight yarn, a simple sock project is just the thing to get us all revved up for the 2014 knitting season (by "knitting season" I obviously mean the entire calendar year.) I designed the Cavalcade Socks to feature a few very pretty, yet deceptively simple, lace motifs. 

Club memberships are available all year long, it's never too late to sign up! Join now and you'll receive your skein of Orchid along with the next shipment of Club yarns in March. And don't forget! This year we're offering a "patterns only" option. So if you'd like to knit yourself a pair of Cavalcade socks, you totally can! 

Sparkly Queen St. Mitts

Pattern: Queen St. Mitts by Glenna C.

Yarn: TFA Cosmic Blue Label Fingering Weight Yarn in Lucky Penny.

Ravelry project page here. 

Sparkly fingerless mitts in one of my favourite colourways... need I say more? This project was a fairly quick knit, however I fell victim to "second mitt syndrome" which slowed things down a bit. I've had these off the needles and in rotation since November, but then I fell victim to another knitting problem "failure to photograph syndrome". No idea what took me so long to haul out the camera and get Chris to take photos of me awkwardly positioning my hands on my knees... it didn't take more than a minute to do and now I've got a lovely FO to share! 

These mitts are really just that, super lovely. The pattern has bobbles and cables and a really neat reverse stockinette stitch gusset that I love. I'm thinking that fingerless mitts should be the new sock. You've got that thumb gusset instead of the heel gusset and once that's done it's just a simple tube really, much faster than socks and just as portable. A great vehicle for fun bobbles, cables and lace. I need more fingerless mitts in my life.