Sheila Joynes

Knitting Alice Starmore's Inishmore (Still a WIP) 2/15/2012

I have finished the back and front and will start the sleeves next. Inishmore designed by  Alice Starmore has been in my queue for a number of years. It is a beautiful sweater and I wanted to knit it from a yarn that did it justice, but was affordable. I ended up choosing Cascade 220 (nine skeins for the medium size) in a light denim blue to show off the cables. My gauge was right on using the pattern size 5 & 6 US needles. I knew when I started Inishmore that it would be a long term WIP (work in progress). Organization needed to be important for success. I made working copies of the numerous charts, cut and pasted them in order on the inside of an index file. The back of the index file was a perfect place to keep needed notes. As you can see my file got lots of use. I wanted to preserve them, so I used clear plastic tape  over the entire file. The the reusable colored tape marks my place on the charts. I used a piece of tape on each chart, moving the tape every two rows and taping right above the next two rows. I knitted the wrong side rows using the backward knitting technique, because I want the front of the work always facing toward me.   

Current Knitting Projects!

I have been busy working on Gina's Ruana. I have set a goal for myself to have it finished by WWKIPD June 18th. Last year it was freezing cold, so I figure, if I finish it and have it ready to wear the weather will be warm and sunny. I will post a picture in the next couple days. I am working tomorrow and by the time I get home the light will not be conducive to photography.

Fair Isle Cardigan with Steeks

This is an Alice Starmore design called Abalone" from the book "Pacific Coast Highway". The Design is  available at "Virtual Yarn" .   I will continue with the steeks and cut them open when finished. I have found that doing the two center steeks stitches in the same background color makes it easier when it comes to cutting the steeks. It gives a definite cutting area to follow. A great  advantage of using steeks ( besides being able to knit the entire project in the round) is to join yarn in the steek area and you won't have all those ends to weave in when finished.

 

Beaded Eyelet

"Beaded Eyelet" a Shapely Shawlette by Judy Pascale is in process. I finished the first set of pattern.This was   started this on Friday 08/31/2007. I am enjoying the beading process. The crochet hook method is much nicer and easier than stringing the beads on the yarn before you start method. It is difficult to see the beads in the photo, but believe me, "they are there".

"Hear ye, Hear Ye" I'm Starting A New Project"

This should be interesting!! It is called "Beaded Eyelet" a Shapely Shawlette by Judy Pascale. When we were in Virginia (which, by the way, we will be going back again in October) this last spring, my husband's Aunt Sylvia drove me around to LYS and I told her to pick out something she would like me to make for her. I will just mention "IT HAS OVER 2000 Clear SEED BEADS". I am using Cherry Hill 100 % Merino fingering weight (two Skeins) on a size 9 needle  and a 1.25mm crochet for the beads. I ordered the beads and they should arrive tomorrow. The yarn color is called "Silver Streak".

Yarn Package from Bavaria, Germany and a terrible week!

I just received this lovely package of yarn from Claudia in Germany. I am so in love with this yarn. It feels as nice as it looks. The colors are just beautiful. It is lace weight. I know someone named, Anna that will probably seek out some of this yarn. These are some of her favorite colors. The camera doesn't do it justice. I am planning a lace shawl, but I need just the right pattern, maybe something without alot of pattern. I don't want to take away from the beauty of the fiber.

This was one of my highlights this week. Then, downside side of the week is #1  I crashed my Mom's car and caused $4000 worth of damage. The deductible is $500 and my sweet Mom agreed to pay 50%, which I thought was really, really nice of her. (Thanks, Mom)  #2 I fell last night tripping over the hose while watering and talking on the phone all at the same time. My husband says, I try to do too many things at once and all in a hurry. (I think he probably is right)  #3 I accidentally dumped almost a whole gallon of liquid laundry soap all over the laundry floor and most of it went under the washing machine and dryer. (What a mess!) #4 I thought we might have top put our collie down, we thought she had a stroke, but she is better this evening. (Thank goodness) So I guess that sums up my week thus far, so the rest of the week should be smooth sailing don't you think?

Starsky Jr. for Victoria's Birthday

I am currently working on a project for my nine soon to be ten year old grandaughter's birthday. It is from Knitty.com and called Starsky Jr. I am using Yorkshire Tweed dk in the color Frolic, which has been discontinued. The designer is Jordana Paige. This yarn is absolutely beautiful to knit. I love the way this is turning out.

New project " Twisted Float Shrug" by Annie Modestitt

I couldn't stand it any longer, so I started a new project called "Twisted Float Shrug" from Vogue Knitting Fall 2005  last night (05/04/2007). I am still working on "Maidenhair" from Aran Knitting and the "Amphora" Cushion, but I need to make something for ME. Is that selfish or what? I have a couple more projects  planned for the new baby, but I wanted to get this new project finished before we leave on Vacation to VA in a couple of weeks.

I have about 4-5 patterns repeats left on the Maidenhair and two pattern repeats left on Amphora. So, I will plug away on them gradually, when I am not working on my new shrug. I want to make a new lightweight Spring lace shawl, also. ;o)

Amphora Cushion

I wanted to post my progress I have made on Amphora Cushion. I wasn't sure at first, but I have decided that I like the colors gold and red together. Yes, I am quite pleased. I think the colors in the photo are not really true. I would say the red is actually a little more on the blue side and the yellow is more on the gold side. Do you think it will go just perfect with my Key knot cushion and Maidenhair Red Rattle throw?

Amphora Cushion

I have started a new project to celebrate the arrival of our new sofa. It is a custom order from Virtual Yarns  called Amphora Cushion using the colors Red Rattle and Whin. The design is by Jade Starmore from "The Collector's Item".