theraineysisters knitting and so much more

Betsy asked what yarn I used for my version of Emmeline.  The Koigu color is #P130 and the Kidsilk Haze is shade 601.  I’m not sure that will help you.  Neither of these colors appear to be available.  I went on the Koigu website and color P130 is not listed, but I did e-mail them to check it out so maybe I’ll get more information for you.  Kidsilk Haze 601 doesn’t look like it’s around anymore either!  But truly, MANY combinations are gorgeous — Sally must own 3-4 :).

Here are the pictures of Emmeline from the Rowan book — pretty unassuming, huh?  I had seen the version on the left knitted up several times, but the plain version looks so blah, I don’t know what possessed the knitter at the Yarnery to choose the yarn she did, but it really worked.  Both Sally and I made this sweater and added the bell ribbing to the cuff as well — it just seemed like it needed it!

I have been meaning to post sooner, but this week at work was such a bear, I have had zero energy when I get home, plus there was the issue of Grey’s Anatomy.  Between the 2-hour repeat of last year’s final episode on Wednesday (turn down the thermostat, please!) and the new season starting last night, I’m sorry – I do have my priorities!!  And worth every minute I might add!!!  OMG — when McDreamy finally professed his feelings for Meredith…….

On Tuesday I went to the State Fair Knitters Guild meeting, as I already mentioned.  So much fun and great to see so many entries.  The knitters who entered something in the fair bring their entries, describe the project, its quirks, the barriers they had to overcome, etc., and then share the judges’ comments.  I did not want to post the comments on my entries until after Tuesday’s meeting.  Envelope, please:

Beaded Bag:

Sunrise Circle Jacket:

 

Mermaid (note ‘check’ by amount of work):

Aubrey Cap (“texture” means cabled):

Rogue Hoodie:

Camilla Gloves — I was glad they mentioned the fit since I made several adaptations for a perfect fit to my hands.  They circled “amount of work” but I don’t think they realized that this was the most challenging project I’ve ever made!:

Silk Scarf:

Socks:

99.5 points.  Everyone says you can’t get 100 points on anything, but I did get 100 once on a fair isle project, so I know it is possible or at least was at one time (could be the judges).  These were the first socks I ever made so I was very surprised that they won the blue ribbon.  All in all I think the judges’ comments were very nice, so I have nothing to complain about.  Most points are taken off in the “Workmanship” category which is 40% of the total, so people feel bad that their workmanship is being questioned.  I don’t see it that way.  One of the elements in that category is “amount of work,” so this is where the judges can give more credit to a more difficult project.  My favorite word on the judge’s sheet is under the first category “Beauty and Character” — disturbing!  I want to see what that looks like!

Hearing the comments of others, I think the judges do try to be positive and upbeat, and when they provide “instructive feedback” (read ‘criticism’) it is done with teaching in mind to help the knitter improve for next time.

I went to my Thursday knitting group last night and it was wonderful seeing everyone since I missed the last two times. 

It’s raining outside and I have two DVDs waiting for me!  I’m going to knit, drink coffee, watch movies and listen to the rain on the rooftop.  The perfect day!

 

I can’t write a full debrief about the Knitters Guild meeting tonight (I’m too tired and I have to get up at 4am tomorrow!), but let me just say that I enjoyed myself very much.  It was great to see all the knitted items that people brought in and hear the comments by the judges.  And I love the fact that people showed off the stuff they entered even when they did not receive a ribbon.  The only down side is that some of the stuff I was hoping to see was not there.

The best part is being able to touch everything, up close and personal.  Plus, I love the group itself.  The people are so friendly and outgoing that it feels like a reunion every meeting.  There must have been 70-80 knitters and a very upbeat atmosphere.  It’s fun to see what people are working on and catch up with friends.  Wow.  Great knitting karma.  Anyway, I’ll post more details in a day or so.

….sweater weather!  Fall is in the air and I am thrilled!  I love that little nip in the temperature — this morning was 46 degrees F.  My summer wardrobe (a pathetic collection of shabby chic without the chic) has worn thin in more ways than one.  I love sweater weather and it has begun. 

Some of you may be looking for amulet bead kits for sale — sorry, but you are looking for beads in all the wrong places!  I am the mild-mannered manager of an education department in a large, metropolitan hospital — not a high powered bead broker!  Check out this website for beaded purses and purse frames: Purse Paradise.

I do teach classes on occasion at The Yarnery in St. Paul and at Amazing Threads in Maple Grove, Minnesota and will more than likely offer the amulet bag class sometime in the next few months.  If you live in the area and are interested, leave a comment and I’ll let you know when it is scheduled.