I want to thank everyone for their kind comments about my “generosity” with the United Way gift bag, but also want to set the record straight. I am not much of a charity knitter. I know many people who knit quite a bit for others — either family and friends or for charity. But most of my knitting is for me. Sorry, but it’s true! The Market Squares bag that I donated is one that I did not use, so its loss will not be greatly felt. However, I do hope that someone else will love it and use it.
I also want to mention that I added a few pdf files that can be found as links in the upper right hand corner of our blog. I finally figured out how to put pdf files on our site (I know — it’s not that difficult!!). There are three beaded knitting patterns: amulet bags, the Wedding Purse, and a small cell phone purse designed for beginning bead knitters.
In addition, I created a pdf for the Hemlock Throw that combines all the pieces into one place. I mentioned this at the end of yesterday’s post as a “PS” but thought it might get lost in the shuffle. I made changes to the pattern to reflect the new version in heavy yarn vs thread and updated some techniques (i.e., ssk). I want to thank Jared again for his wonderful concept!!
In response to Sue: In our signature photo (at top of page) Sally is on the right and Susan is on the left 
PS to Astrid: I didn’t “fix” the problem people have with SSKs — the original pattern says to slip 1, knit 1, passover…which is even more asymmetrical than regular SSK. So I changed the wording in the pdf to say ssk instead.
Ooh thanks for the updates on the Hemlock. As soon as I clear a few things off some needles this going on.
I have always wondered which was which, thanks
Comment by michelle — September 15, 2007 @ 8:34 pm
I’ve been loving your Hemlock Ring throws — I’ve started one of my own!
(Also, love your signature photo!)
Comment by Octopus Knits — September 15, 2007 @ 11:35 pm
For some reason, my computer hiccups whenever I try to load your pdf. Please tell me about your change to the ssk. I don’t like the way my ssk and k2tog do not look symmetrical on the Hemlock Ring.
Comment by Astrid — September 16, 2007 @ 7:00 am
In other words, I’m the short(er) one.
Comment by surly — September 16, 2007 @ 9:23 am
Can’t wait to download the hemlock throw pdf (when I get back home!) I hope that it doesn’t make one want to DRINK Hemlock. And thanks for telling Sue and the rest of us who’s who.
Comment by PainterWoman — September 16, 2007 @ 10:25 am
Woohoo! Its like hittin’ the lottery. Thanks a kazillion. What is the largest size beaded bag you’ve made?
Comment by Michelle — September 16, 2007 @ 12:46 pm
Ha! You know, you’re right about the pattern Jared links to being fine. I looked at it again, and it’s not that the instructions I had trouble with were written incorrectly, but they’re written in such a way that I kept screwing them up. I had markers placed between the eight pattern repeats, and when I hit the instructions for rounds 35, 39, and 43 they aren’t written as a simple 8x repeat of the pattern, but like this:
35th rnd: O, k 1, O, * sl 1, k 2 tog, p.s.s.o., O, k 4, O, sl 1, k 2 tog, p.s.s.o., (O, k 1) twice; sl 1, k 2 tog, p.s.s.o., (k 1, O) twice. Repeat from * around.
39th rnd: O, k 1, * O, sl 1, k 2 tog, p.s.s.o., O, k 2, sl 1, k 1, p.s.s.o., k 2 tog, k 2, O, sl 1, k 2 tog, P.S.S.O., (O, k 1) 3 times. Repeat from * around, ending with (O, k 1) twice.
43rd rnd : O, k 1 * O, sl 1, k 2 tog, p.s.s.o., O, k 3, sl 1, k 1, p.s.s.o., k 2 tog, k 3, O, sl 1, k 2 tog, p.s.s.o., (O, k 1) 3 times. Repeat from * around, ending with (O, k 1) twice.
when they could have been written like this:
35th rnd: *O, k 1, O, sl 1, k 2 tog, p.s.s.o., O, k 4, O, sl 1, k 2 tog, p.s.s.o., (O, k 1) twice; sl 1, k 2 tog, p.s.s.o., k 1. Repeat from * around.
39th rnd: *O, k 1, O, sl 1, k 2 tog, p.s.s.o., O, k 2, sl 1, k 1, p.s.s.o., k 2 tog, k 2, O, sl 1, k 2 tog, P.S.S.O., (O, k 1) twice.
43rd rnd : *O, k 1 O, sl 1, k 2 tog, p.s.s.o., O, k 3, sl 1, k 1, p.s.s.o., k 2 tog, k 3, O, sl 1, k 2 tog, p.s.s.o., (O, k 1) twice.
which I find much easier to follow (because my markers have meaning, I guess).
Anyway, you’re totally right! I’m just a goofball!
Comment by Octopus Knits — September 18, 2007 @ 12:12 am
Hi, I clicked on the hyperlink for the Hemlock Throw but only get the message that the ID doesn’t exist. Could you please check the link and send me a message once it works, thanks. Meike
From Susan: The link is now fixed. Thanks for bringing this to my attention!
Comment by Meike Snow — October 9, 2011 @ 8:56 pm