theraineysisters

May 27, 2010

From Susan — GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

Filed under: Great American Aran Afghan — lv2knit @ 10:42 am

This project certainly has a life of its own! Over ten years old and going strong, with almost 1,000 projects in Ravelry. I am speaking of The Great American Aran Afghan. Knitters Magazine teamed up with Plymouth Encore in 1999 and sponsored a design contest for afghan squares with aran elements. I continue to receive questions about the project and where to obtain the pattern, so I thought I would provide one more update here.

The original squares rolled out four per issue over six issues of Knitters — this took well over a year. My winning sweater square came out in the last [7th] issue. SO, if you had a subscription back then, you have the patterns. They also pulled all the squares into a book which is readily available on-line and at many yarn shops. There have been numerous knitalongs at various knitting stores — in fact, The Yarnery has one going on now if I’m not mistaken. This project is a great learning experience and you end up with an heirloom.

Great American Aran Afghan in Cascade 220

If you are interested in tackling this challenging and rewarding project, I suggest joining the GAAA Ravelry Group. They share their frustrations and learnings, so it’s like a do-it-yourself knitalong.

Comments (16)

May 21, 2010

From Sally — In the Pink

Filed under: Counterpane Blouse — surly @ 5:12 pm

I love pink, as I’ve said here before. I collect pink yarn in all shades but I often just pile it up and admire it. In a surprise move, however, I’ve actually started a bright pink summer project from the summer issue of Interweave Knits. It is the Counterpane Blouse designed by Mercedes Tarasovich-Clark. I loved the color — pink! — so I’m using the exact yarn called for: Louet’s Euroflax Sport (100% linen) in Crabapple.

Here is where I am in the project at the moment:

It’s not a difficult pattern, but I’m not sure what I think about working with this yarn. I tend to shy away from cottons and linens because I prefer wool and because cotton in particular is not as easy on my hands. This particular yarn feels like unwaxed dental floss when you work with it. It’s also difficult, at least for me, to achieve uniformity in stitch size and appearance, which tends to drive me a little crazy.

Everyone tells me, however, that linen yarn really softens up and has a wonderful drape the more it is washed and worn. I can tell that it has softened up just from being worked with and from having been lightly steamed. So I am cautiously optimistic, and I really like the design.

I’m not sure when I’ll finish it, however, because I’m also working on a bit of a stealth project. It’s not a total secret but I can’t really show photos of it in progress. Fibre Space — a wonderful yarn store in Alexandria, Virginia that I’ve mentioned in the past — asked me to design a baby blanket for their Bundles of Joy club. Subscribers receive the yarn and exclusive pattern for four different baby projects. The blanket features a color that was custom dyed just for the club. I’ve done all of the design work, but I’m still knitting the model. I’ll share it here when I can. They still have spots in the club if you’re interested.

Comments (22)

May 19, 2010

From Susan: Call a Doctor!

Filed under: Updates — surly @ 7:28 pm

As many of you already know, our blog has been hit hard by a hacker/virus/whatever! My own computer became riddled with disease and caused me no end of despair.

Sally is the “man behind the curtain” here at The Rainey Sisters and spent HOURS working on the problem, both with our host-site geeks and through trial and error.

It appears that the problem has been remedied, at least for the time being. These viruses are pesky and determined, so we can’t make any guarantees! We are sorry if this caused you any problems and hope things settle down.

Comments (5)

May 15, 2010

From Susan — From the “Favorites File”

Filed under: Updates — lv2knit @ 5:08 pm

Not a lot going on — a stealth project and little more — so I thought I would share some of the designs I have saved in my “favorites” file in Ravelry. I LOVE the fact that you can ‘favorite’ both patterns and specific renditions of patterns for future reference. It makes Rav worthwhile even if you do not want to catalog all of your WIPs and FOs or your yarn stash.

Here are a few that I have favorited recently:

Panda Silk DK Fan Shawl (free pattern) — it looks crocheted, but isn’t!

Ormolu by Barbara Gregory and offered in The Twist Collective — mosaic knitting which is not my favorite but the design is stunning…

Alexandria by Connie Chang Chinchio — classic and beautiful

Norwegian Rose Socks by Wendy Johnson of WendyKnits — nice if you like to knit socks!

Luiza by Jane Araujo — very pretty and downloadable for $5

This just proves how dangerous it is to explore Ravelry!! I have no idea if I will ever get to any of these projects, but it is food for thought!

Comments (8)

May 12, 2010

From Susan — Pack Up the Boxes

Filed under: Boxes,Updates — lv2knit @ 4:34 pm

Pack it in, it’s done!

It actually fits perfectly without the two extra sets of boxes, so it would have been HUGE with them! I steam blocked it, but plan on wetblocking it to gain some softness and drape. When I wear it, it stands out from the body and looks too stiff.

I’m pleased with it overall and glad to have this box wrapped up! Groan!

Comments (6)

May 8, 2010

From Susan and Sally — Just Our Necklaces

Filed under: Updates — Both Sisters @ 4:40 pm

From Susan
Sally can be a sweet and generous lil thing as evidenced by the fact that she bought me a present at the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival. That place is a tough go if you do not want to spend money — Sally resisted many of the temptations, but not this one.

She bought me a necklace kit from Just Our Yarn and also got one for herself. The kit is called “Just Your Necklace.” I think it is a pretty recent addition to their line up as it does not show up on their website or on the website of its designer, Betsy Hershberg of StudioB Knits.

The kit provides everything you need except the knitting needles (I did substitute a different clasp). I used a US size 2 and 1. The base yarn is Aziza, which is tinier-than-laceweight tencel. The kit has generous lengths of the yarn wound on spools because it takes far less than a skein of two different colors, and includes two different sizes of beads.

Susan’s Necklace

From Sally
The kits were flying off the shelves at the Just Our Yarn booth. I had to grab two before the hoarders got them! Susan, as usual, finished hers ahead of me and has been patiently waiting to post until I managed to knit mine. I knit it one and a half times because I kept changing my mind about which color to have as the focus. Susan adds: I also knit parts of mine twice because it looked sloppy with the size 2 on the tubular part.

Sally’s Necklace

Lucy’s wondering if it makes her look naked and headless. Yes, Lucy, it does.

It’s a quick knit, but a little fussy in parts.

PS: Sally and I received a message from Betsy Hershberg, the designer of our beaded necklaces:

“I am the designer of this necklace and I’m so glad you both enjoyed knitting it! And you both did a fabulous job – both with the knitting AND the picture taking. Just wanted to let you know that the kits are now available (as of 6/8/10) on the Just Our Yarn website: www.justouryarn.com. I admit that we didn’t anticipate the immediate popularity of the kit, but lots of gorgeous color ways are now available online. There is also a direct link to the kit on my website at www.studiobknits.com. Thanks so much for the great post! Much appreciated.”

Thanks, Betsy!!!

Comments (5)

May 2, 2010

From Susan — Lettie, You Saucy Minx!

Filed under: Boxes — lv2knit @ 12:52 pm

I have been working on my Boxes Drape Vest for the past few weeks — it is a LOT of knitting! But my goal is to finish it before embarking on anything new, so I plod onward.

Lettie agreed to try it on for me and the saucy minx was bra-less! Jeez, Lettie, cover up that boob!

And from the back:

I tried it on, too, and I think it will fit. I wanted to have the “racer-back” look of the original (see picture below) because it looked so fantastic on my friend Beth. This sounds good in theory, but presented a few issues. The armhole opening is quite small and since the opening orients more to the back (making the back narrow and racer-like) the fronts bunch at the front armhole. I made my armholes wider, putting the extra space BEFORE the armhole placement in the pattern. I added 12 rows to the opening. Mayhaps too much, though it still presses against my arm in the front a little bit. It made the armhole opening a little large for my taste. I added 4 rows of 2×2 ribbing around the armhole opening (not in the original pattern) and it did help. Blocking the center back a little wider will also help.

Another issue is that I am running out of yarn. I bought 6 skeins of Lorna’s Laces Shepherd’s Worsted, color Hermosa — it was all they had. I found one more skein and thought, “Woo Hoo! I can add an extra set of boxes to make it longer!” Wrong, over-confident one! At the center back, I had used up all of the 4th skein of 7. That means I would need 8 to complete it as is. So, I will knit with my 3 remaining skeins until I run out of yarn. Then I will cut off the first half, more or less splitting the difference, add some length to side 2 to make them equal, and then reknit the ribbing on side 1. It will involve a little extra work, but after trying it on, it is too long now anyway. What a maroon!

Comments (9)

April 29, 2010

From Sally — It’s a Bolero, It’s a Shrug, It’s (not) a Cardigan?

Filed under: Oak Leaf Cardigan — surly @ 1:52 pm

I know I promised to show off the yarn I bought in Minnesota last week, but instead I’m going to show you my finished Creature Comforts Cardigan. Pictures first, and then I’ll share a few thoughts on this pattern. (Warning: It’s not Lucy’s best style — it does need a model with arms but I didn’t have one.)

This project is the Creature Comforts Cardigan from Madelinetosh. I knit it out of Madelinetosh Worsted (now renamed Madelinetosh DK) in the color Toast. That is slightly lighter gauge than the yarn called for, but I compensated by knitting a larger size.

I have mixed feelings about this project. I love the large leaf pattern that goes up the back, and I love the yarn. But it’s described as an oversized cardigan, and mine is definitely not. It’s difficult, when you’re knitting this, to figure out exactly how large it’s going to be due to the way it’s constructed. So although it was thirty or so inches long and forty plus inches wide without the ribbing (which I added at the end), it’s definitely not oversized or long on me. Based on gauge, the size I ended up with was supposed to be a generous fit on someone with a 38-42 inch chest, and I am a mere 34.

So I am disappointed in the fit because it’s not what I was expecting or what I wanted. It’s still wearable; it looks nice. But it’s more like a long shrug than a cardigan and I wanted a cardigan.

I initially made the built in pockets, but because of the way the sweater fit, the pockets seemed ridiculous and unusable. With the help of my sister the grafting queen, I excised them. Therefore, I wouldn’t recommend doing the pockets if you make this. You might be better off adding one at the end (and the pattern provides directions on how to do that).

Bottom line: If you love the leaf pattern and want an oversized cardigan, knit a traditional cardigan with this motif running up the back. If you want something a bit more unusual, then you’ll probably be happy with this. But you might want to knit a size larger than you normally would.

ETA: A quick reminder for those of you in the mid-Atlantic region — this weekend is the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival at the Howard County fairgrounds.

It’s a wonderful event with lots and lots of luscious yarn to look at (and buy). And the weather should be lovely.

Comments (15)

April 23, 2010

From Susan — It’s Just Been a Knitmare

Filed under: Updates — lv2knit @ 8:50 pm

A Knitmare on Elm Street, that is! When Surly and I were at Yarnover, Sally picked up a darling project bag at Darn.Knit.Anyway’s booth. I wanted it…I wanted it bad. But Sally snagged the really cute one, so I moped. However, thanks to Google and Etsy, we found the maker of these creepy-funny project bags. She is Laura from Slipped Stitch Studios and sells a lot of great items on Etsy.

As Laura describes this now out-of-stock Michael Miller fabric:

Do you enjoy horror and knitting? This bag has a bit of both!

Please be aware that this pattern includes some rather disturbing fiber-related images….

Fido gets your WIP, a shawl massacre!

Mr. Meowington unravels your cashmere- hundreds (of yards) slain!

Hubby couldn’t find chopsticks…so he uses your $40 artisan needles for lunch utensils!! THE HORROR!

….Not to mention, and I think we have all been there…picking up a supposedly “Quick and Easy Pattern” and expiring whilst casting on!

This funny pattern by Michael Miller is a “must-have” for any knitter with a wicked sense of humor!

So go ahead and show your knitter pride!

And let’s not forget the grumpy kid forced to wear ill-fitting handknits!

Our favorite image is of course the skeleton who dies in a vain attempt at knitting, so when I ordered my bag, I asked in the comments if the picture of Mr. Skeleton was complete and intact. She answered within 3 seconds and said it was right there, front and center!

I am extremely pleased with the bag. It is very well made, fully lined, with a number of small pockets inside.

I also acquired some absolutely stunning yarn:

On the left from Briar Rose Fibers: Sea Pearl, laceweight,50% merino, 50% tencel, 800 yds/219 gms (I’m not sure what my color is because there is no color # given on the skein); purchased at Yarnover.

On the right from Artyarns: Silk Rhapsody, 50% silk, 50% kid mohair, 260 yds/100 gms, color #137 ( a gorgeous champagne!) — a gift from Surly purchased at Lila and Claudine’s. This is the same yarn we both used for our Topsy Turvy Moebius.

I am sure Surly will have some nice things to share in the upcoming days!!

ETA from Surly: Yes, I will. In an upcoming post I’ll share the yarn I bought and my most recent knitmare finished object.

PS from Susan — we just got John’s official picture from the Birkie (I did not get any action shots):

Comments (11)

April 19, 2010

From Susan — No Lyin’, I’m Cryin’

Filed under: Updates — lv2knit @ 11:58 pm

Sally left today after a whirlwind weekend. I mean, a crazy busy, out-of-control weekend! Sally put up with all of my cranky moods and as she left said, “I’m your sister…I will just forget all about it.” That’s why I’m cryin’ in my brewski! Miss my sis!

We did have a lot of fun in between all of the nervous break downs and speeding tickets!

Thursday, April 15
I picked Surly up at the airport and made a quick stop at The Yarnery. Sally bought yarn.

Then we went to my knitting group. Beth shared her beautiful Boxes Drape Vest from Swing-Swagger-Drape so we could try it on and admire it yet again…everyone wants one!

Here’s mine so far:

Boxes Drape Vest in Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Worsted, Color #709 Hermosa

Friday, April 16
We tried to cram a week into one day! We went to Lila and Claudine’s as our first stop.

L&C is a fantastic shop — you really need to get there just to see it. They describe it as Alice going down the rabbit hole and it is the truth. Plus, the people are super nice. We hung out with Kirsten and other notables and had a great time. Sally bought yarn.

Then off to Darn.Knit.Anyway in Stillwater, MN. Again, a great shop with wonderful staff. Susan bought yarn (but it doesn’t count because it was just an extra skein for my Boxes vest 🙂 )!!

We needed to pick up stuff for Yarnover and then we stopped by Hopkins High School to do some set up.

Saturday, April 17
YARNOVER ARRIVES!! Up before dawn and off to the races! Great day. Everything went very well. We saw a lot of knitting friends, both old and new. We both bought yarn.

That evening we were able to dine with knitting royalty. We sat next to Jared Flood, Beth Brown-Reinsel, Cookie A., and Romi Hill. Let me just say that Jared is adorable…absolutely adorable! I also got to schmooz a little with Meg Swansen — I shared some of the rave reviews I had heard about her classes. She was thrilled and so humble! It was a wonderful way to end the day.

Sunday, April 18
We spent the day with family…but somehow managed to find another knitting store! We visited the lovely Tangled Skein in St. Peter and resisted the urge to buy more yarn. I know. It’s hard to believe!

Monday, April 19
We returned the rental stuff for Yarnover, had a great breakfast and then hit a couple more yarn shops: Borealis must have the best selection of sock yarn in the city. And then back to the Yarnery. Sally bought yarn.

If you happen to be keeping score, Surly bought WAY more yarn than I did.