Wry Punster

Breaking News: Press Release

 

Earlier today, Interweave Spokeswoman Ida Knitthat announced that the magazine is suffering from Wrong Size-itis.  "It's an industry wide epidemic," explained Ms. Knitthat, citing examples from numerous other publications.  Assured by physicians, Ms. Knitthat excitedly told press "The cure is Ms. WryPunster's knitting.  Were it not for her, the Show Off Ruffle Skirt would have been buried in its own dumpiness.  We have considering put the proper sizes on models and avoiding unflattering angles, but Ms. WryPunster works for free!  We are deeply grateful for her selflessness."

In a prepared statement, Ms. WryPunster said "I couldn't have done it without Debbie Bliss, Addison Lace-Needle and Katie Himmelberg.  They are the real stars in this exciting event."

Responding to queries for more information, Ms. Knitthat said, "Katie Himmelberg's Summertime Tunic was published in the Summer, 2007 issue of Interweave Knits, as part of our Simple Knits series." 

At a recent forum where the experts complained that "Simple Knits," plays down to new knitters, Ms. WryPunster said, "Actually, it's a delightful series.  The designs just need some tweaks to bring them to the high fashion standards we've come to expect from such a great magazine."

Ms. WryPunster's agent confirmed that she used nearly 600 yards of Debbie Bliss Pure Silk, a dk weight silk reclaimed from an earlier ill-fitting project.  She added, "Changing the ribbing to a twisted 1 by 1 rib, adding several inches of length and crocheting the straps rather than using ribbon all contribute to the success of this project.  Ms. WryPunster is thrilled."

A spokewoman for Addison Lace-Needle also released a statement, adding "Knitting  size 33 1/2 was only possible with the help of my children, US 3 and US 5."

Debbie Harry had no comment on rumors that this look was stolen directly from her closet, circa 1983.

I think I will knit a sweater, now

In my constant quest to monitor all things Phelpsian/Olympian, there's been more knitting time than I practically know what to do with.  You know, other than, like, knit.  It is so ironic that I have to chisel my thighs off the couch because I've eaten so many doughnuts while Shawn Johnson hurtles around the balance beam- I get tired just thinking about her metabolism.  Maybe I'll eat another bowl of yogurt while I contemplate it.  Luckily, I have not been absolutely useless; I polished off a little shell, started a new sweater and began contemplating Rhinebeck.

A certain person  offhandedly remarked "Wouldn't it be fun to knit something for each day of Rhinebeck?"  Now, I am not, by nature, competitive.  I did sports as a child and really did not like the side of my personality they brought out.  It drives my boyfriend batty that I always let him win whatever game we are playing and have been known to ask "Is there a way everyone can win??"

There is one, teeny, tiny aspect of my personality that still gets hot and bothered when it comes to land-speed record.  Knitting. I am all about the throw down. 

Here's the plan:  Knock out sweater one: Demi.  Sweater Two is still under consideration.   Potential winners: Linden.  Wisteria.  Juno.

Game ON.

Crossing Over

  So many bloggers have been discussing priorities lately.  Like them, I've been thinking long and hard about how I spend my time, since these last weeks have been about as miserable as I can remember.  Schoolwork has been absolutely relentless, entirely taking over my life.  Thankfully, the other shore has arrived. I learned important lessons about time management, the care and feeding of one's significant other, and having faith in the future- not to mention my academic subjects.  But for the support of the loving people in my life, both physical and internet, I would have been absolutely overwhelmed.  Punsir, Pundad, Amanda, Elinor and Ann were so kind, supportive and generous.  Thanks, peeps!

All the drains on my time have limited the knitting.  Most of the Gathered Pullover was knit on the bus, on the metro, waiting for class.  The more complicated lace has been relegated to a pathetic back corner of my desk.  The newest project on the needles is an almost endless circle of knit-knit-knit. 

It's strangely satisfying to finish something entirely and selfishly for myself.  No grades, no actual benefit, just the addition of another sweater to an overflowing closet- goodness as its own reward.

Specs:

The Gathered Pullover by Hana Jason from Interweave Knits, Winter 2007. 

Knit using the smallest size on US 6s at the specified gauge using just under 6 balls of Jo Sharp DK Silkroad Tweed for a total yardage of around 870.

Pattern mods:

-added 2.5 inches to the body before beginning the motif.  If I had to do over again, I'd add more.  I'm not oddly long waisted, but I do hate cropped sweaters.  I also wear low rise jeans.  Bad combination.

-grafted the shoulders.  Why?  I hate shoulder seams.  My purses are too big to have anything unnecessary sitting on a sensitive spot. (some would suggest carrying less junk- hah!)

-to graft the shoulder stitches, I did all the shaping with short rows rather than bind offs.

-worked the collar in the round.  Why not?

The pattern was super- very clever and the motif came just when you were considering stabbing out your eyes from all the stockinette.  It made excellent bus knitting, but for some reason, everyone assumed this was a scarf.  The big, honkin' body- a scarf?  Odd.

The sweater is fun to wear and very comfortable.  Jo Sharp is one of my favorite tweed yarns; it softens so beautifully when blocked. I look forward to the weather changing so I can wear it for more than just a photo shoot!

Good Idea, Bad Idea

In the course of human events, people (me) sometimes bite off more than they can chew.   What seems like a good idea at the time (dinner, promises, really high heels) can turn into a  burden disproportionate to the worth. 

I would like to add an addendum to this list of not-worth-the-troubles: nine hours of class a day, plus an internship.  Not my brightest moment, signing up for that much school, but it will all be over in a few more weeks and the blog should get a little more attention.  Knitting is flourishing, though.  All that time waiting for the bus makes the needles click-click-click!

New on the needles is the Fir Cone Square Shawl from Folk Shawls by Cheryl Oberle. I've had a huge girl crush on Madam Oberle since Irish Diamond and this recent foray into big lace is as much fun as I remember.  I must admit though, I haven't been totally faithful to Fir Cone.  I knit a sweater too, but I'm thinking of submitting the pattern, so no more about that.  Two patterns, actually.  How embarrassing to have two whole sweaters that never got a peep on the blog.

Progress is actually much further along than you see here in this picture: I'm about a repeat and a half from from starting the first border, but I've only used about half my alloted yarn.  The yarn came from the stash- 2,000 yards of a pure silk handpaint.  Since my yarn is much finer than the suggested Harrisville Shetland (a fingering weight), I'm using a 4 needle.  That should reign in the size a little, too.  My Irish Diamond is knit in the Shetland (I used two complete cones) and while the shawl is beautiful and substantial, I'm looking for something a little more downtown and sleek with Fir Cone.

This isn't the most popular shawl pattern around, which is interesting given its relative knitting ease and (hopefully) lovely result.  Knitting Nurse Steph is working away on a lovely version in pure white; Eunny Jang knit one in breathtaking blue.  What always surprises me is that for all the information at our fingertips- blogs, Ravelry, local circles- interesting and creative ideas somehow still slip past me.  Is this a symptom of overwhelming access, or just an inability to see through the mire?

In my Spawn of Satan Chemistry class, I've been struggling to sort the important from the background.  Much of my own knitting falls into this give-and-take as well.  Swatching is crucial, except when it isn't (like, the sweater is already finished) and the feel of a yarn often has more to say about its end product than any fancy stitchwork.  Knitting away on Fir Cone, I've been savoring the feel of the silk and the break from learn-learn-learn.  How funny that lace is what finally gets me to tune out.

Next in the lineup is another February Lady Sweater.  A beloved knitting friend is knocked up, drowning in baby knitting and offered to hand dye the yarn.  One snack deserves another, don't you think?

A Mid(summer) Winter's Tale

When a project is all over the blogs, Ravelry and up for potential inclusion in the next NASA time capsule, you can bet it'll make its way over here.  I am nothing if not a lemming.  But those lemmings?  They knit really cute sweaters.

Like Clapotis before it, the February Lady Sweater has taken on a life of its own.  In the month since its publication, there are 775 projects on Ravelry and another 4545 planned.  That kind of popularity must be exhilarating if more than a little terrifying; can you find a better example of the power of the the internet? 

My February Lady Sweater was knit from almost exactly 750 yards of Tess' Silk and Merino, a 50/50 blend with 250 yards per skein.  The yarn is some of the oldest in my stash, from Maryland Sheep and Wool 2005; this yarn has been waiting a long time for a worthy project.

I knit size XXS at a gauge of 18 stitches over 4 rows on US 7 needles.  The entire sweater was knit on a 24 inch circular needle, even the sleeves.  My pattern mods were fairly basic: I replaced the eyelet row with paired increases after working an inch plain then dividing for the sleeves immediately after.  My button holes are over three stitches, which comfortably accomodates my 1 and 1/4 inch buttons.  I knit the sleeves and body longer, and used a tubular cast on and off for extra give in these problem areas.

The buttons have their own story: these are actually the second butons I purchased for the sweater.  The first were stolen in an unfortunate accident on the metro involving (my) skinned knees and a stranger's "apparent" kindness.  These junior varsity buttons are still lovely: hammered Danish pewter, but the originals were vintage Art-Deco masterpieces.

All button related sadness aside, this is really a smashing sweater.  It came together in about a week and has been worn a number of times since I finished it.  Nothing says summer like sunblock and wool, but I've worn this sweater five times in two weeks, even all day in 90 degree heat.  I love it.

In summary:

The February Lady Sweater by Pamela Wynne of Flint Knits.  This free pattern is available on both Ravlery and Pam's excellent blog.

Knit on US 7 needles, 24 inch Addi Turbo circulars.  As the sleeves are generously sized, the stitches fit very comfortably on the needle without any maniplation.  If you prefer narrower sleeves, you may wish to change the pattern.

The sweater required almost 750 yards of worsted weight yarn.  I had about three yards left over, so if you are attached to your swatches, you may wish to purchase extra yarn.

The sweater is fantastic: it definitely warrants a whole outfit.

(more pictures are on the Ravelry page for this project)

Me-a-me-a-ling-a-ling

Knitbug Val tagged me for a recent meme traveling around the net, and I'm delighted to share the answers. 

1) What was I doing 10 years ago?
If you think I am geeky now, you should have known me at summer camp.  I mean, there almost aren't words.  We wore bathrobes as clothes every Thursday because of a book, we calculated pi to the thousandth place using salt shakers as an abacus, we took off our pants and waved them around our heads during weekend evenings.  If you wish to revel in the astonishing nerdery that was so central to my existence, go a-clickin' here.  On a more serious note, it was the first time that I felt okay being smart.  Other kids were interested in calculus, too!  We dug at archaeological sites, debated the ethics of science, devised psychological experiments and studied advanced number theory.  To say I counted the days between sessions would be an understatement.

2) What are 5 things on my to-do list for today?
1. Make brownies for tonight's bridal shower.  Make a cake for Lori's birthday tomorrow.  This shawl is for her!
2. Break up staring match between cat and roomba, then run roomba in living room.
3. Run run run run. 
4. Make train reservations for family party.
5. Trader Joe's run on my way to the shower for some salty snackies.

3) Snacks I enjoy:
1. Tea.  Not a snack, you say?  In the quantity in which I consume it, it accounts for a significant portion of my caloric intake.
2. Cheese.  Any kind, any form except American, for which I have an astonishing, burning hatred.  It's not even cheese, people!  Crackers are just a delivery system.
3. Rice.  Mixed with garlic, beans and onions.  Mmmm!
4. Hummus, using any delivery method available, including my fingers.  Again, crackers?  Just a means to an end.
...um, that's about it.  I don't really snack?

4) Things I would do if I were a billionaire:
1.  Debt for me and mine?  Donezo.
2.  Big, rambling old farm house?  Minezo.
3.  All seven continents?  You betcha.
4.  Unlimited art supplies.  The clay, the fiber, the paint.  You'd hardly be able to walk for the goodies.
5.  The life list in my journal?  Crossing off one after another.  There are some weird things in there. Like "Stand in the Oval Office," and "Go to a Jackson Browne concert." Some normal stuff, too: "Hike the Great Wall of China," and "Grow roses."
6.  I know I've already said it, but it merits repeating.  Travel.
7. One class, from now until eternity, every semester of my life.  In something!  I loves me some learning.

5) Places I have lived:
1. Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
2. Baltimore, Maryland
3. Cayo, Belize
4. Cairo, Egypt
5. Washington, DC

6) Jobs I have had:
1. Record store employee.  Yes, it was exactly like High Fidelity.  No.  Really.
2. Baby sitter.  Not exactly like High Fidelity.
3. Shoe and chocolate sales girl.  In the same shop!
4. Crepe maker.  Delicious.
5. Archaeological field monkey.  With these fine folks.
6. Campaign Manager.  Not exactly like The West Wing, sadly.
7. Office manager and assistant to the stars.  Oh yes, so glamorous.
8. Knitting teacher. 
9. Graduate student/holder of priceless antiquities/researcher of camel knee covers.

7) Bloggers I am tagging who I will enjoy getting to know better:
Fidget Ann!
Knitzel Sara!
Stash, Knit, Repeat Amy!
and You!  If you'd like!

The Heart Wants What It Wants

My coffee table  used to look like the headquarters of Interweave Knits.  Swatches, balls of yarn, needles, patterns, notebooks- strewn helter skelter across the more usual debris of mugs, coasters and remotes.  Buried in the mess was the elusive perfect project: something for the metro, another for the evenings, a third for a friend's birthday.  No one can say I didn't sample every ware before making a decision, so it's especially refreshing to note how quickly the right combination came together into a finished object.

Something about this shawl just says "Summer," to me, with all its juicy, barefoot pleasures.  After a sweetly warm day of museums and cafes, there arrives a just-slightly-chilled night, outdoors with a kir and a gentleman caller.  There's a very Continental feel to this shawl, one I hope the recipient enjoys.

The Flower Basket Shawl, by Evelyn Clark from the Fall, 2004 Interweave Knits.  Knit on US 8 using Solitude Leicester Longwool, a sport/dk weight pure wool from local sheep and my local farmer's market.  I used a little under two skeins, about 475 yards.  It's somewhat larger than the pattern, hence the additional yarn usage.  I knit 10 repeats instead of the called-for 7.  Pre block, the shawl had a 52 inch wingspan and was 23 1/2 inches deep.  After blocking, it measured 80 inches wide and 30 inches deep.

The yarn got a little fuzzy in the blocking, more than I would have expected from such a smooth spin.  The halo obscures the lace a little, but not in an unpleasant way.   The shawl is a little outside the recipient's usual wardrobe, but she's soon to return to the working world after many years of graduate school.

And since I'm clearly on a lace kick, now on the needles is a lovely little snack you may have heard of: The February Lady Sweater.  It is most delicious.

Blue Angel

 My definition of sexy seems to be a little different than most of my generation's.  I feel my best with my hair pulled straight back, architectural jewelry and structured clothes.  1930s Katherine Hepburn, if you will, without the complicated life.   Clothes from that era often appeal to me, but with my modern girl body, men's inspired clothes don't always flatter me.   I'd love to pull off the clothes Marlene Dietrich wore with such aplomb, but until the invention of the magical, shrinking woman-figure, I'm going to look costumed rather than classic.

 

Luckily, I struck gold with my newest finished object.  Sensual silk yarn, a striking lace pattern and graphic construction.  Like I said: gold.

The Wakame Lace Tunic by Angela Hahn from the Summer, 2008 Interweave Knits.  Knit on Addi Turbo Lace US 6s with 1020 yards of Laines du Nord Mulberry Silk, a dk weight pure silk with 136 yards per ball.  I used about 7.5 balls and needed about 150 yards less for the 33 inch bust size than the pattern required.  Your own yarn usage may vary, but I tend to use what a pattern calls requires.

I blocked this sweater very gently, without pins, but had a devil of a time keeping all my ends tucked appropriately.  Add to this headache the yarn's numerous plies (which catch on EVERYTHING) and the fact that it's already pilling on its second wearing and you can bet I won't be using this yarn again. 

The pattern was its own adventure in guesswork and modification.  After swatching over an entire ball, the only thing I knew was that I liked the fabric best on 6s.  I eventually decided to knit the bottom band without deciding what size to make and measured frequently before I determined that the smallest size would be the best fit.  I have a 34 inch bust and my post blocking measurements are about three inches bigger than my actual size.  Wanting to avoid the "swimming in my sweater" look from the photoshoot, I had to eyeball my end measurements.  Part of this was because the pattern's gauge was given in blocked lace, which makes it nearly impossible to determine what needle size to use and part of this was because I knew this yarn would grow with wear.  Having contented myself with reblocking it every few wears, I think I can avoid the sagging issue.

I changed a few aspects of the pattern as well.  The pattern is full of seams and three needle bind offs.  While I understand her desire for structure, it seems like a losing battle in a garment this slinky.  I grafted all the seams and provisionally cast on the sleeves rather than using a long tail.  The finishing took almost as much time as knitting the bottom band and grafting over five hundred stitches is no party, but it really improves the look and drape of the final sweater.  I'm glad I did it.

Having pored over the original photographs in the magazine, it seems that Hahn may have grafted more than she lets on.  I wonder how much of the pattern was tweaked in the tech editing and what was sacrificed for space and clarity.  Honestly, if I had read "graft shoulders, all 150 odd stitches," I probably would have walked away before beginning, so perhaps there's some merit in a three needle bind off.  

If I had things to do over again, I might use a different yarn.  While I love the shine and color of the Laines du Nord, the yarn feels more substantial than I had envisioned.  The sweater is going to be the perfect summer trip cover up and will see a lot of wear in transitional weather but only if I can get around the pilling issue.  Short of picking off each little burr, I'm not sure how to solve this problem.

All yarn and pattern quibbles aside, I'm very pleased with this sweater.  I wore it this weekend with capris and flats and got tons of compliments.  Even the front door man said "You sure look pretty today."

Thanks, Front Door Man!  I do feel pretty in this sweater.

Lastly, and on a completely unrelated note, thanks for all the eczema tips and tricks.  I really, really appreciated all the advice and sweet comments.  Knitters are the best!

The Heat! The Humidity! The Sweaters!

Between the astonishing heat and the torrential rain, opportunities for blogoraphy have been thin.  I apologize for the grainy, plastic-y quality of the photos.  It was either take 'em now or wait until the second Sunday from never.

Weather whining aside, I'm excited to share a finished object (or two) and ask your advice (maybe twice).

Finished Object: ONE!

Pregnancy seems to be going 'round like a catching disease.   Whoops! Freudian slip?  I originally typed "desire!"   Stash, Knit, Repeat Amy is knocked up, and so is Mind of Winter Julia.  Add to them my non-knitting, non-blogging friends- all six or so- and I've got some serious baby knitting coming up.  Having heard such good things about the Baby Surprise Jacket by Elizabeth Zimmerman in her Knitting Around, I knew the time had come for me to get acquainted with my inner garter-stitcher.

Knit from about two skeins of Koigu KPPPM, plus some odds and ends to round things out, at a gauge of 6 stitches per inch on US 3 needles.  The pattern was a little quick and dirty for my tastes, but now that I've knit it once and made notes, I feel more confident about future adventures. Thirty-five hundred Ravelers are right: this is a CUTE little sweater.

Finished Object: TWO!

For being a relatively simple object, this project made me want to tear my hair out.  More information soon, when the weather clears for PunsterPicture taking!

And lastly, some advice!

 Peeps, I am in a knitting funk.  A F.U.N.K.  I have swatched for five projects and cast on none.  I have purchased patterns and even (shh!) yarn.  I am nowhere.  I lack the mental energy to plan an elaborate fair isle (my big goal for the summer/early fall) but am bored with all the stuff that is boring. 

I have considered The Dollar and A Half Cardigan by Veronik Avery, the Tangled Yoke Cardigan by Eunny Jang, the Harry Potter Sweater by Rowan, a Hand to Hand Aran by Elizabeth Zimmerman and the Aspen Top Down Sweater by Veronik Avery.  Help!

While this is usually a knitting blog, this is a call for non-knitting advice.  I have eczema.  It is unfortunate.  And on my face.  But luckily, very mild.  It appears to be sun and stress induced (only the combination) so I have to be extra vigilant in the summer.  Does anyone else have this particular skin quirk?  What do you love?  What do you use?  I have tried some lovely products from Sephora and they work fabulously, but the moisturizer is $75 a bottle. I think not.  I'd like to try Aveeno's line, but I had a really bad reaction to their soap about ten years ago, so I'm wary.  I'm especially interested in any physical (rather than chemical) sunblocks people love as I am Paley McWhiterson, and any anti-acne-anti-eczema products you adore.  Thanks so much!

Come Celebrate!

JOIN IN THE FUN
at The Textile Museum's
30th Annual Celebration of Textiles

Sat., June 7, 10 am - 4 pm
Sunday, June 8, 1-5 pm

Join us in two weeks for The Textile Museum's 30th annual Celebration of Textiles festival. This year, enjoy 30 activities and demonstrations celebrating 30 years! All activities are FREE and the festival is held rain or shine.

• Watch artists use natural indigo dye
• Make your own hat or woven bracelet or Bolivian inspired textile
• Try spinning wool into yarn
• See embroidery and quilting demonstrations
• Enjoy delicious treats from Gifford's Ice Cream & Candy Co. (available for purchase)
• See a special display of textile art by local students
• Listen to Blue Daze play live bluegrass music
• Enjoy traditional Andean music and dance performed by RAYMI
• Watch sheep shearing demonstrations in the Museum's garden

Please note: Activities and demonstrations vary on Saturday and Sunday. For schedule details and other information, visit The Textile Museum's Website.

The Textile Museum
2320 S Street, NW, Washington DC 20008
www.textilemuseum.org
INFO: (202) 667-0441
METRO: Red Line, Dupont Circle, Q Street exit

Celebration of Textiles includes activities for visitors of all ages. Photos by Stone Photography.