theraineysisters knitting and so much more

Andrea Mowry just launched a new hat pattern called Minted.  I had some yarn in stash, the pattern was less than $5, so I bit!  I used BeWoolen DK paired with Lang Lace Mohair.  It created a lovely fabric…at the exact gauge called for!  But, oops.  Hat was very small!  Many others said the same thing!

My usual blocking method for hats involves my snowflake bowl, which fits into the groove in the lid of an old Folger’s container perfectly!  This keeps the snowflake bowl locked in place.  The bad news is that the shape of the container is straight and stretches out the ribbing.  I don’t usually care that much, but for this hat I wanted the ribbing to retain its elasticity.

I scoured my kitchen, looking for the perfect combination of shapes.  I found it!  The black plastic lid snaps onto another blue bowl (on the right side in the above picture).

This curved shape allowed me to cinch in the ribbing while it was blocking:

So, the hat is “okay,” but small for me.  I love the big pom and may gift this to someone with a peanut-sized head.

KnitPicks just launched a new handpainted version of Aloft, their laceweight mohair and silk.  They also launched my design, called Sparkler!!  I knit the Sparkler prototype using the original Aloft yarn…LOVE IT!!  It really is fabulous yarn at a fabulous price!  AND, the pattern is F R E E !!

There are three sizes: narrow scarf (10 x 75″), wide scarf (15 x 75″), and stole (20 x 65″).  They take 2-3-4 balls respectively; Aloft is $7.99 a ball!!  The size 6 beads used are large for laceweight yarn, but work because the yarn is fuzzy.  This makes beading a breeze.  The fabric is soft against the skin and warm for its weight.  The prototype shown below is the wide scarf in color Carbon.

The beading consists of sparkler sprays on each end and a bold center motif.

It started out innocently enough.  I started out knitting the Sandness Cardigan from a recent Interweave Knits.  I thought the style was cute, nice cabling, etc.  I spent months trying different yarns (spent a ton of $$ test knitting skeins 🙁 ).  I landed on old standby Rowan Felted Tweed.  You knit the sweater on size 3 needles, so it was a bit of a slog.  But, I enjoyed knitting it.

I had some doubts all along because of the unusual construction AND the lack of ANY OTHER RAVELRY PROJECTS!!!  That is such a red flag!  I was getting pretty far along and had questions that the available photos (skimpy at best) could not answer.  I contacted the designer (Mone Dräger) and she responded, answered my questions, and provided a very helpful photograph.  My doubts persisted however.  The sweater was very over sized, long, and drapey.  I just could not picture it with long sleeves.  I could picture it looking like my Capture the Moment, however!!

Here is my Sandness laying on top of my Capture the Moment:

Hmmm.  I opted out of the sleeves.  I simply did 2×2 ribbed cuffs and called it done!

I am very happy with it.  I do think that I could have added long sleeves and it would have worked.  Maybe some day I’ll change my mind and add sleeves…I have enough yarn!!

I also did something a little different when sewing on the buttons.  I used a large bead for the button shank!  I also added small beads on the top of the buttons between the two holes, which I have done many times before.  The Rainey Sisters Tip of the Whenever shows close up pics!!

PS to Cynthia: I worked one row buttonholes over 5 sts to center them.  The method is described in this post.

I just finished a hat out of Brooklyn Tweed LOFT…yarn from my stash!  It is Andraos, with a bold graphic design.  I used bold contrast colors and a splash of red at the brim.

Invisible stranding helped me across the 19-stitch carries!  I lightly felted this little guy by swishing it in hot water when I blocked it.  I wanted to smooth out the very rustic appearance of the LOFT yarn.  It is a lightweight, warm, unisex hat that I have already worn on cool spring days.

PS to Suzan: I might have to pull it out again!  It’s suppose to be in the 30’s tonight!