- January 06, 2025
- 7 Comments
We all love to knit, read, watch and eat, and this post is chock full of all my most recent favorites of all of those! First up is the knitting. My newest summer knit is a beautiful deep V neck pullover knit in a watery blue/green cotton. Oversized is always tricky for me, but this one works because the hip is defined and the blousy sleeves taper to a snug fit at the wrist, both with an exaggerated ribbing that is knit through the back loop to give it a firm and polished look and feel.
- June 09, 2023
- 20 Comments
Free books? You bet! I have a lot of knitting books that need to find a new home and I'm hoping you can help me out. I have a beautiful selection of gorgeous Rowan publications including darling children's books. If you'd like to know how they can be yours, read on.
- February 03, 2023
- 2 Comments
My June knitting so far has been colorful and easy. Something about the approach of summer I guess, but I want to keep everything simple with no deadlines, no making to fit, no looking at graphs, just easy peasy pleasy.
I've finished the bunting flags--all 100 of them--I think, although I haven't counted them. I do know that I'll miss knitting them! With the same colorful stash I'm knitting the Painting Bricks lap blanket and almost 3/4 done with that. I found myself reaching only for the brights, so I've started a second, pastel only version. The new one is on my patio and waiting for me for when I want to sit outside and knit and listen to the birds chirp. I've also started a new Candy Cane Scarf, a free pattern from yours truly. And then when I feel like knitting with skinny yarn and tiny needles I work on my 14 Color Scarf. Lastly, I haven't forgotten the little advent stockings. They are on hold but I will get back to them in earnest once I finish at least one afghan. Project links are in the caption of each picture below and ALL are knit from stash. Yee gads, my monster stash sure translates into a lot of projects!
The real reason for today's post is because I have two book recommendations that I love to bits. First is The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles. It's scrumptious. It's the early 1950s in the midwest and two brothers have an adventure and meet interesting characters along the way. Our heros and their companions have a bit of Frank Capra in them, a bit of Mark Twain, and a splash of Damon Runyon too. Heartwarming.
The second is The Boys, a Hollywood memoir by Ron Howard (child actor and now director) and brother Clint Howard. It's a sweet story about a somewhat ordinary family who happens to be in the glaring Hollywood limelight and manage to be nothing like the Hollywood brat pack we heard so much about. The audiobook is read by the authors. Entertaining.
LMK if you've read either as I'd love to know what you think. Also, any book recommendations?
 |
| Painting Bricks. This brights version is 3/4 finished. |
 |
| Painting Bricks Pastel version |
 |
| Candy Cane Scarf--free pattern by me! I recently updated some of my patterns and you may get an update notice, but no need to reprint. The update updates some non essential info like my website name. |
 |
| When I want to work with tiny needles I get out my 14 Color Wrap. OK, this was not from stash, but a kit I just had to have! |
 |
| These little sweeties are just too darling and fun. I've put them aside for now, but will get back to them in a few weeks. |
This post has affiliate links. If you purchase something from an affiliate link, I will receive a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you so much for supporting the blog. If you'd like to make a comment, please click here or scroll down. I reply to each comment and that response will appear directly below your comment. If you would like a personal reply, please know that I use the Blogger platform and they do not give me your contact information when you comment. If you would like a personal reply you can contact me using the contact form on the right side at the very end of my website. If you would like to receive Knitionary posts by email, please subscribe here.
- June 08, 2022
- 13 Comments
I'm so happy that I finally have a modeled sweater to share today. I always say that the knitting is the easy part, the modeling, not so much. This is the Cocoon Summer Sweater pattern from Heidi and Anna Pickles. The pattern has minimal information, as in it does not hold your hand in any way, but with that said, I had no problems and do love it. I recommend it if you are looking to knit a vintage 60s Poor Boy style sweater. Remember them? Sigh, they were the best!
The original Poor Boys were meant to cling to every curve. We wore them skin-tight with our matching skin-tight bellbottoms; bellbottoms so tight that we had to lay on the floor to zip them up over our 99 pound frames. While I don't want to wear a sweater the same way I did back when I was a teen, the best look for a rib sweater even for this older gal, is still snug. The smallest size would have been too big for me so to adjust the size to make it smaller, I changed my gauge from 19 sts per 4" to 21 and was able to scrape a few inches off the width. I also think I omitted the last increase, but can't exactly remember as I finished this a while ago.
Knitted top down in the round, the increases are made in the knit side of the ribbing so the ribbing fans out in a pretty way (see picture above). I used a stretchy yarn, vintage Rowan Calmer, but it is discontinued and difficult to find. With the stretch in the yarn and the ribbing, the sweater is form-fitting-ish, feels great and looks nice too. The color, an army green, just happens to perfectly match the "surf pants" I bought in a surf shop in Maui last month. I also have some Calmer in black and wonder if I should make another one. I think this is going to be one of those sweater staples that I'm going to love wearing again and again.
Cocoon Summer Sweater pattern by Pickles
Books:
Thank you dear readers for you book recommendations. Because of you I have two fabulous book recommendations to share. First is Call Your Daughter Home, 2019, by Deb Spera. This takes place in the early twenties in a small town in South Carolina. The south is experiencing a depression even if the rest of the country will not experience it for another five years. In this town and during this time, the lives of three very different women intersect and create a touching story that I could not put down. Even though it brought tears to my eyes, I loved it in every way possible. I downloaded the the audio version of this book from my library and enjoyed all three narrators.
The second book I think you'll love is Ordinary Grace, 2013, by Willaim Kent Krueger. This also takes place in a small town, this time in Minnesota during the 60s, a coming of age story reminiscent of an Ivan Doig book and centers around a family who grapples with loss, tragedy and their faith, and how they manage to stay together to find peace and grace. Despite the subject material, it is an uplifting, beautiful story. I downloaded the the audio version of this book from my library and enjoyed the narrator, Rick Orlow.
So folks, until next time, knit on, read on, that's what I'll be doing :) And please don't forget to recommend a book you have loved and you think I need to read. Kristen
If you'd like to make a comment, please click here or scroll down. I reply to each comment and that response will appear directly below your comment. If you would like a personal reply, please know that I use the Blogger platform and they do not give me your contact information when you comment. If you would like a personal reply you can contact me using the contact form on the right side at the very end of my website. If you would like to receive Knitionary posts by email, please subscribe here.
- August 31, 2021
- 9 Comments
When knitting books arrive in my mailbox I drop e v e r y t h i n g and flip though quickly, then sit down and read them like a novel. Then it goes by my bedside for bedtime reading and happy dreaming. I can't be the only one obsessed with knitting books, right? I have a few new publications to share in the next weeks, and the first up is Little Rowan Blossom by Linda Whaley, an imaginative and feminine collection of knitted garments and accessories for girls aged 3 to 7 years. From the book: "Timeless, treasured designs knitted in yarns excelling in comfort, wrapping your loved ones in garments hand made with love." And from me: This is simply the prettiest children's knitting book I've seen. I know it will become a classic.
As for gifting to expecting parents, I almost always knit a one year size, but I remember when my aunt gave me some toddler sized clothing at a baby shower. They looked giant to me, but she said, "Two years may seem like it's a long time from now, but it goes by quickly and you'll be happy to have these clothes tucked away." And she was right on both counts, those two years did go by quickly and I was very happy to have them when I needed them. So, at the next baby shower, and if I know it's a girl, I'm going to knit one of these in the three year size. Now, enjoy these pretty little sweaters on these pretty little girls. Shopping links are at the end.
 |
| Camelia in Summerlite 4-ply |
 |
| Jasmine in Wool Cotton |
 |
| Wool Cotton 4ply |
 |
| Cluster Shoulder Bag in Handknit Cotton |
 |
| Daisy in Summerlite 4ply |
 |
| Flora in Wool Cotton |
 |
| Flower Carry Bag in Handknit Cotton |
 |
| Gardenia in Summerlite DK |
 |
| 3 pretty blanket patterns are included |
 |
| Hyacinth in Summerlite 4ply |
 |
| Magnolia in Wool Cotton |
 |
| Peony in Wool Cotton |
 |
| Violet in Summerlite 4ply |
If the book is not at your local Rowan stockist yet, I found it online:
The suggested yarns are Rowan yarns I have used many times and can highly recommend.
They are all machine washable, soft to wear and easy to knit.
To make a comment, please click here.
- September 14, 2016
- 7 Comments
 |
The Cabled Wrap is a quick and clever shrug that gives
cable interest
without adding bulk where you don't want it.
This is knit using 5-9
skeins of Rowan Baby Alpaca DK in Cheviot.
|
 |
The Leaf Detail Collar uses just two skeins of Rowan Felted Tweed DK, knit above in Duck Egg.
The pattern has just enough detail on each end
and a clever open pocket to slip the end through.
Also includes
technique for a "no-turn" bobble.
|
 |
Well, have to admit this is the reason I bought the book!
The Loop
Stitch Collar uses 2 skeins and is held double
throughoutA fluffy collar knit in Kidsilk Haze! and has a fun loop stitch technique. While I LOVE this in bright Candy Girl, I'll be making this in a more sedate charcoal, Anthracite. (maybe beads too) |
 | |
Well, OK, this is my 2nd reason for buying the book.
Also knit in
Felted Tweed DK and uses 3-5 skeins.
The one above is in the color
Clay.
I made a similar cape for a child and was thinking, "wouldn't
this be nice in an adult size?" |
 | |
The Reversible Shrug is knit using a reversible cable technique, no
wrong side!
This uses 7-13 balls of the super soft and cozy Lima in
color La Paz.
|
 |
If you've never knit a Chevron Scarf, well, why not?
Such a fun fun
stitch pattern, so addictive and you won't be able to put it
down!
I like the dimensions of the above scarf knit in 5 colors of
Felted Tweed DK,
but don't know why you couldn't use your stash.
|
 |
| The Multiway Stole is knit using 4-6 skeins of Kidsilk Haze in a simple
lace pattern.
At first
glance you think this is just a scarf, but by adding buttons,
it changes
from a scarf to a shrug, cape, poncho and bolero!
Very clever and fun
addition to the wardrobe |
 |
The Bold Strip Scarf is cleverly knit in the round using Kidsilk Haze in eye popping colors.
I like this one so much.
|
 |
A fantastic addition at the end; there are 6 pages on how
to tie scarves.
Sarah also includes very clear technique instructions including pictures,
on how to do everything from cables, to fairisle and
short row shaping and more.
|
There are 22 designs in the book and I've shared just a few of my favorites. You can view ALL the patterns from the book here on Ravelry. The yarns used throughout the entire book are from Rowan. I hope you can find the book and yarn at your lys, but if not, I've included shopping links below!
Scarves, Shrugs and Shawls by Sarah Hatton
happy knitting! xo kristen
- February 23, 2014
- 2 Comments
This post is all about recycling: recycling a dinner party into a luncheon and after that, recycling fabric.
We had friends over for a casual dinner on Sunday night. We had just come back from spending the night in the city so I set my table the day before and had a simple menu planned. We pretended it was winter (California is experiencing unwinterlike warm dry weather so it wasn't easy) and made soup. Then I remembered that I was also having my book club over for lunch the next day so I doubled the recipe. The next morning I emptied the dishwasher and put it all right back on the table. The only change was to remove the candles and replace the wine glasses for iced tea glasses. I then served exactly the same menu as the night before. Nice 'n easy!
 |
| Endive with hummus and honeyed almonds, sliced apples and white cheddar grilled sandwiches were perfect with soup. |
Menu
Roasted Tomato Soup with Wild Rice
Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Hummus in Endive with Honeyed Almonds
Every guest said, "I haven't had a grilled cheese sandwich in years"! I know, me neither! But the cheeses at Cowgirl Creamery were too tempting and thought a gourmet grilled cheese would be perfect with the soup. The hummus was from Trader Joe's; I just put a dab at the end of a endive leaf, sprinkled some slivered honeyed almonds and snipped Italian parsley on the top. It was really popular so I'm bringing that to a Superbowl party on Sunday. A bit of a departure from typical Superbowl food! I passed chocolate candies for dessert.
I love the paper pine cone place mats from Belle Banquet
Arte Italica dinnerware, discontinued Portofino pattern
On the table I'm using the napkins I made from discontinued sample fabrics. About 5 years ago I made 4 dozen or so large dinner napkins in shades of creams and whites in different tone on tone patterns and jacquards. They are made from discontinued fabric samples and are either silk, linen, cotton or a blend. Most of the fabrics were milled in Italy and they're ALL simply beautiful. When I worked in a linen shop we had numerous large samples of fabric for our customers to choose for their custom made sheets, etc. The fabrics were so lovely, but when they were discontinued, hold on, they were (please sit down for this) thrown out. I did warn you to sit down. That was their fate before I arrived on the scene. For the 5 years I worked there I took home every single solitary unwanted scrap no matter how tiny. Over the years I made quilts, purses, guest towels, pillows, doll clothes, tablecloths and napkins. Here are samples of my recycled goodies that came out of my sewing room.
 |
| I made a big market bag. |
 |
| This quilt was a gift for a new born baby boy. |
 |
| Here is one for a baby girl. I love to quilt. These are both machine pieced and hand quilted. |
 |
| I made some beautiful napkins. The napkin rings are vintage sterling silver that I've collected over the years, before they got too expensive! |
 |
| Two stacks of guest towels. |
 |
| I cut stacks and stacks and stacks of quilt squares and gave them to everyone I knew who would have them! |
 |
| A stack of Kindle cases to hand out. |
 |
| a stack of napkins. |
 | |
| I love to make dolly clothes. Looking at this picture makes me want to make some more. |
 |
| This lime green scrap was perfect for clothespin dolls for my granddaughter's room. |
 |
| I recovered all my pillows too! |
I admit to being a total lover and scrounger of fabric. I really do hate to see any of it go to waste. When I had my two living room sofas recovered recently I asked the upholsterer to save the fabric and I made two dozen napkins we use for our every day napkins. He said that he'd never heard of making napkins out of used sofa fabric. Why not? Seems perfectly normal to me.
Since it was book club I should tell you what we read. We just finished reading A Woman in Berlin by Anonymous and our next book is The Lowlands by Jhumpa Lahiri. I really like this author. I've read two of her previous books and they remain favorites. I'm also listening to The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt just because it seems to be on everyone's list. I belong to Audible.com and get a book a month. I am usually pretty behind and right now I know I have a few book credits that I need to use. I think Audible is great if you like to listen to books. I put them on my phone and listen to them when I walk and when I knit. The Kindle is also great for knitting and reading. If I have a project I can knit by touch I like to read from the Kindle.
Between the library, my Kindle and audible books, I rarely buy a book anymore. I borrowed A Woman in Berlin from a friend and I'll put The Lowlands on my Kindle. I know a lot of people prefer books, but I don't have much of a preference. I really love the convenience of a Kindle. As for newspapers, we still get the Wall St. Journal, that is something I still like to hold in my hand. We don't subscribe to any magazines. Oh wait, I take that back, I am getting Bon Appetit and my husband, Golf. We ordered them from our granddaughter for a school fundraiser but I really don't want magazines that much anymore, I prefer my blogs now. Our library has a very nice magazine reading area so sometimes I'll go there and browse through magazines if I'm missing them. It's funny how the way we read has changed in such a short time. I like having so many options.
Between the library, my Kindle and audible books, I rarely buy a book anymore. I borrowed A Woman in Berlin from a friend and I'll put The Lowlands on my Kindle. I know a lot of people prefer books, but I don't have much of a preference. I really love the convenience of a Kindle. As for newspapers, we still get the Wall St. Journal, that is something I still like to hold in my hand. We don't subscribe to any magazines. Oh wait, I take that back, I am getting Bon Appetit and my husband, Golf. We ordered them from our granddaughter for a school fundraiser but I really don't want magazines that much anymore, I prefer my blogs now. Our library has a very nice magazine reading area so sometimes I'll go there and browse through magazines if I'm missing them. It's funny how the way we read has changed in such a short time. I like having so many options.
Kristen
- January 29, 2014
- 10 Comments