KnitLob's Lair - Louhittaren Luola

Addiction

I am quickly developing an addiction. To Finnsheep wool. To rustic, durable, warm, beautiful Finnsheep wool.

These must be on my needles. Now.

The yarn is local natural-colored Finnsheep yarn which I dyed yesterday. It reminds me of Kauni and Estonian wool, but it is not as coarse. This is also slightly thicker. And oh boy how well it takes color! The colors are Sunflower Yellow, Orange, Deep Turquoise, Grass Green and Brown. I have a project in mind already, but I must finish a cardigan first. I've knitted and re-knitted it probably 3 times already, and I am almost sick of it. But now there's an incentive to finish it - I must knit these next.

Essential Guide to Color Knitting Techniques by Margaret Radcliffe

I promised this review on The Essential Guide to Color Knitting Techniques by Margaret Radcliffe (Storey Publishing 2008) a long time ago, but it took me some time to really get to know this book. It truly is a wealth of information - an instant classic in my opinion.

I have been looking for a book like this for some time now. It seems most of knitting patterns out today concentrate on using one color throughout the work, with different textures (such as lace or cables) being the focal point of a knitted garment. However, the possibilities of using color in knitting are not very widely explored. There are some designers who use colors very vividly and in an inspiring manner, but most knitting patterns with color concentrate on relatively simple stranded knitting, some even use clever mosaic or geometric techniques. And perhaps the color knitting techniques have been overlooked, as there are so many variegated, self-striping, handpainted and hand-dyed yarns out there. Colorful knitting is easy to achieve if you just have some variegated yarns at hand. But I always felt the wildly colored or textured yarns, while fun, were somehow difficult to use. And with the possibilities of hand-knitting, why not take very basic yarns, in simplest of solid colorways and use them in a bold and refreshing way? This is exactly where this book comes in.

What I look for in a book, first and foremost, are the pictures. I enjoy browsing through books for inspiration, and good pictures are what I look for in a book (especially in a knitting book). And this book may not be the most aesthetic book there is, but considering how color knitting as a subject can quickly lead to a book looking like a cat hawked it up, it is very clear and easy to browse. And the colors used for swatches are bright and clear - always a plus.

The book covers a remarkably wide range of subjects, from basic color theory to stripes, multicolor yarns, stranded knitting, pattern stitches and even...

Radcliffe has certainly made even intarsia sound like a fun thing to try. (Not that I would, yikes.)

The pattern stitches section covers a wide range of different stitch patterns. Some are knitted with two or more colors, but the section on multicolor yarns even shows what to do with yarns prone to pooling. The pattern stitches are familiar to owners of the Walker books, but if you're interested in color knitting (and who wouldn't be), this is a great collection of all of these clever stitches together, and in full color.

The best thing about this book, by far, are the techniques. Even with the simplest of stripes, there are clear illustrations on how to hide jogs in circular knitting.

The section on multicolor yarns concentrates on how to display patterns in variegated and self-striping yarns. Even textured and handspun yarns are discussed to show variations in stitch patterns and color display (for example in marbled yarns). And finally, the author introduces geometry - mitered squares, circles, octagons etc.

No book on color knitting would be complete without a stranded section. This book discusses stranded knitting, but it's rather straightforward and the approach is very practical. Holding yarns in stranded knitting is shown for both Continental and English knitters, and even a brief sample is shown to display the importance of yarn dominance. And even long floats are covered (I was happy to find my favorite technique among these on p. 157)! Each section ends with a couple of patterns, for the knitter who wants detailed instructions for trying out different techniques. Most of the patterns are small, quick projects such as socks, scarves and purses, which I think is a good and quick way of introducing a knitter to a technique.

And finally, the final technique section is "Other Techniques" which include helix knitting, shadow knitting, mosaic knitting, twined knitting, double knitting and entrelac. Every technique is well illustrated and clearly described, although some of them could be even more widely discussed. But all in all, there is very little extra I would add to this book - it truly is the essential book on the subject. The last two sections of the book are Finishing Touches and Design Workshop, the first of which can never be over-emphasized. Finishing, in my opinion, is what makes or breaks a garment, and I was happy to see this taken into consideration in the book. This interesting section covers neat edges, cast-ons and bind-offs, finishing trims, blocking tips etc.

I would say this book is truly the book to have if you are interested in color knitting. I found this incredibly inspiring (as the pictures of my last two knitting projects show clearly). I am glad I got my copy and I can certainly recommend this for any fellow knitter. I know this will be a go-to book on color knitting in the future.

Disclaimer: I bought this book with my own monies through Amazon. Storey Publishing has no idea who I am, and this is not a paid advertisement, but opinions of a knitter who likes this book a lot. You may disagree with my opinion, and if you do - please let me know! I'd like to hear what others have thought of this book.

So This Is the Life of a Knitter?

I started blogging nearly 6 years ago. At that time, I only had a miserable little point-and-shoot, and no photo editing software. I learned very, very quickly to make my photos look relatively decent.

Then, inevitably, I bought a DSLR. I still have it, and use it for all my photographing needs. It's an ancient 400D, but works well for my needs with the nifty fifty (50mm f/1.8) lens. But this time of year, especially, is so very hard for shooting nice pictures - there just isn't enough light, or there's plenty of hard, bright sunlight combined with bright white snow. Neither are very good for taking pictures.

So last weekend, on a whim, I went and bought a studio lighting set. And I have since then discovered a whole new world. The combination of lighting, my camera and the wee lens is quickly becoming an adventure, which will probably take me years to learn.

I can say for a fact, though, that in the first 15 minutes of shooting, using my learning technique of oops, wait a minute, let's try again and oh no nononono, I learned more than I have in years. And I am happy with the results.

Now, I must say, I am by no means a proper photographer. I still use my DSLR very much like a point-and-shoot. I won't take pictures with the full auto setting, but have very little understanding of how good photos are taken. So I apologize for my pictures have looked horrible in the past, and they certainly will continue to look horrible in the future. There are so many things wrong with my photos, even the one above, that it will take me years to learn even the basic things about photography. Or let me put it this way: my camera and my lens and all of the equipment I have are capable of taking very good pictures; it's me who needs to learn how to use them properly. And that will take time, lots of it. But I can say one thing: I love learning this new stuff. I never knew that blogging would eventually lead me to learn new things about this wonderful world of photography. So, I started blogging about knitting, and now I am a knitter blogging about photography! Who knew this would happen? :)

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

Confessions of a Knitter

Most knitwear designers would have you believe that the road from an idea to an actual knitting pattern is relatively short and narrow: first you draw a sketch, then knit up a swatch, then proceed to charting, sizing, writing, knitting and some more knitting. I can tell you this doesn't happen here at the Lair. That is exactly why I don't consider myself a designer so much. Especially on a day like today. In what follows is a short narrative to how things can go so very, very wrong.

First, you need an idea. It may be based on anything: the yarn you want to use, a colorway you have seen, a garment in a store. Or you may stumble* on a stitch pattern so intriguing it must be used immediately.

*Quite literally, too. Who said leaving your Walker books in a pile right in the middle of the living room floor was a good idea?? Ouch!

So you have the general idea, but not much more than that. Then it hits, this faint memory of a yarn bought years ago. Naturally it is stored in the back corner of your storage room, so you go scavenging through some 300 lbs of yarn until said yarn is found. You even remembered what colors you bought (although quantities may have remained a mystery, thus introducing you to some unexpected problems with the intended colorway). And since you parade around the northern hemisphere telling people how they must (must!) swatch (always!), you take your own advice and vigorously knit up a swatch. Proudly, the newly-finished swatch is given a thorough bath and laid flat to dry. And then it's already 3am and it's time for bed anyway.

Next morning, the fourth gallon of coffee finally jump-starts the brain into proper knitting mode and you dig up the yarn you will use. Oddly, you may need to search for it, as you most definitely left it on the kitchen table, and somehow it ended up behind the couch. (Again! I think the gnomes had another party.) And you look at the great balls of yarn, feeling mighty proud of yourself, and think: "Why yes, I think they will go together." And clickety clack, off you go knitting happily away.

And it looks good, at first.

And you knit away some more. Several hours later, you look at it and wonder what happened. You even ask your spouse to give an opinion. He says, quite kindly, that it brings back some fond memories of the 70s.

I think I need some really pretty colors this time. And this time I do believe they will go together. Otherwise I will develop a serious substance problem.

Now, if you'll excuse me, it's 5pm somewhere and I need to erase the seventies out of my brain. Now.

PS. Happy New Year everyone! (Yes, I'm only a month late, but we here at the Lair have concentrated on knitting and not blogging. And frogging. See above.)

First Ever Fiber Club at the Lair!

And there's two of them! See below for the club descriptions and payment options.

The Little Bit of Luxury Fiber Club
You will receive three (3) packages in the months of January, February and March of 2011. Packages will ship out on the 15th of each month. Each package will contain approximately 150g or 5oz. of fiber. There will be one batt, custom-made for this club only, and two tops of fiber. Both will naturally be of very high quality with vibrant colors! The fiber selection for this club will include soft, but easy to spin fibers. The fibers are suitable for socks, shawls, hats and other accessories.

Klubissa saat kolme (3) kuitulähetystä: yhden tammikuussa, yhden helmikuussa ja yhden maaliskuussa. Villapaketit lähetetään joka kuun 15. päivä, ja jokainen paketti sisältää noin 150g kuitua. Yksi paketeista on karstattu batti, vain tätä klubia varten tehty sekoitus kuituja - kaksi muuta pakettia sisältävät topseja. Molemmat ovat ensiluokkaisia kuituja ja täynnä ihania, hehkuvia värejä! Klubin kuiduissa on mukana helposti kehrättäviä, pehmeitä kuituja, jotka käyvät ihanasti pehmeisiin asusteisiin.

The Heavenly Fiber Club
You will receive three (3) packages in the months of January, February and March of 2011. Packages will ship out on the 15th of each month. Each package will contain approximately 150g or 5oz. of fiber. There will be one batt, custom-made for this club only, and two tops of fiber. Both will naturally be of very high quality with vibrant colors! The fiber selection for this club will include soft, easy to spin and super-luxurious fibers (merino, angora, cashmere, silk etc.). The fibers are suitable for warm shawls, hats and other accessories.

Klubissa saat kolme (3) kuitulähetystä: yhden tammikuussa, yhden helmikuussa ja yhden maaliskuussa. Villapaketit lähetetään joka kuun 15. päivä, ja jokainen paketti sisältää noin 150g kuitua. Yksi paketeista on karstattu batti, vain tätä klubia varten tehty sekoitus kuituja - kaksi muuta pakettia sisältävät topseja. Molemmat ovat ensiluokkaisia kuituja ja täynnä ihania, hehkuvia värejä! Klubin kuiduissa on mukana helposti kehrättäviä, pehmeitä luksuskuituja, jotka käyvät ihanasti pehmeisiin asusteisiin.

How to Order
Depending on where you wish the fiber to be shipped, choose the EU or non-EU option at the drop down menu below. You will be directed to Paypal for processing of your order, and you can pay with your credit card - no Paypal account is required. Please note: if this purchase is a gift, please fill out the "special instructions to merchant" selection at check-out with details of the recipient adress and your message to the recipient.

As always, if you have any questions, please contact me at tuulia . salmela (at) gmail . com!
The number of spots for the clubs is limited, and the signups will close on December 31st, 2010.
Thank you for your support and happy spinning!

Valitse ylläolevasta valikosta joko Little Bit of Luxury Fiber Club - EU- tai Heavenly Fiber Club - EU -vaihtoehto. Voit maksaa tilauksesi Paypalissa luottokortilla, Paypal-tiliä ei tarvita. Huomaa: Jos tilauksesi on lahja, täytä kohta "special instructions to merchant" maksaessasi, laita mukaan saajan nimi, osoite ja viestisi saajalle.

Klubeissa on rajallinen määrä paikkoja, joten toimi nopeasti! Ilmoittautuminen klubeihin sulkeutuu vuoden viimeisenä päivänä.
Kysyttävää tai kommentoitavaa? Laita viestiä osoitteella tuulia . salmela (at) gmail . com!
Kiitos ja ihania kehruuhetkiä!

Concerning Socks

For someone who has such a stash of sock yarns, and who also wears only handknit socks, you don't see me knitting socks too often. In fact, I won't pick up a sock knitting project until my socks are all worn out and in desperate need of darning - or all dirty. It's been at least 6 months since I last knitted a pair, which meant it was about time to get going with another pair. Preferably several, in fact, so I went and dug out some skeins of sock yarn. This got me thinking about sock knitting in general.

As I mentioned, I knit socks usually when I absolutely have to. There is normally a pair or two on the needles, waiting to be knitted when waiting at the car service or traveling, but it takes forever to finish a pair that way. Socks are perfect for travel-knitting, since they don't require a lot of thinking or concentration. But this means they're also very, very boring to knit. They would be more interesting with patterning, but I just prefer plain socks to any patterned socks.

My favorite type of sock is a plain stockinette stitch toe-up sock, with upside down French heel, and a 2x2 ribbed cuff. Sometimes I go wild and knit a small broken rib pattern on the instep and the cuff, but usually I prefer plain socks. Preference to plain socks is mostly due to the fact that most of my sock yarn stash consists of very colourful variegated or self-striping yarns. Choosing a pattern with such yarns would end up in neither of them showing very well.

Striping with two variegated would also be an option. I haven't knitted striped socks since "our boys" (= my younger brothers) were small and I knitted all sorts of socks for them in a collection of left-over yarns. In fact, I remember a time when I did all sorts of crafts but my knitting consisted only of socks for our boys. And they were well-worn socks too. In fact the high volume of socks knitted was due to the fact that they, being boys, went through them very quickly, and I didn't know how to knit very durable socks at the time. I'm not sure if we have a pair anywhere, anymore. But they were very traditional socks - cast on for a 2x2 ribbed cuff, which measured some 4 to 6 inches, then a reinforced heel with a regular sl1, k1 heel stitch, a sharp gusset decreased on every or every other row, and finished with a round toe. If striped, there would be 2 stripes in the cuff. The wilder version would have two stripes in the foot too. I don't think we even knew of variegated or self-striping yarns then, at least I don't remember knitting with them, ever. Those came later, but I was never truly drawn to them, until I started dyeing myself. And socks are perfect for very wild color combinations - small accessories as they are, and on your feet, they don't show as much as a scarf or a hat would. And you can choose colors which normally wouldn't be anywhere near your face. Such as orange!

Sock-knitting, while not necessarily fun, is very important then. Whether socks are worn only occasionally (like boot socks or slipper socks) or all the time, a good pair of socks is worth a lot of time and effort - and good materials. I prefer wool over any material. Cotton just feels odd in hand-knit socks, and loses its shape very quickly. (This can be due to the cotton used, or the fact that my feet are shaped very much like duck feet, they're only bigger.)

The best yarns I've used for my socks have been handspun.

But spinning sock yarn would make the process even slower, so when working with commercial yarns, I've loved Opal and Trekking yarns. They seem to last a long time, and they can be washed in a regular cycle without any damage to the knitted fabric. The colors are sometimes quite bizarre, but then again, my socks can be of very wild colors.

I always use the basic recipe for my socks: cast on 12 or 16 stitches (24 or 32 total) using Judy's magic cast-on, increase to 16 or 17 or 18 stitches per needle (64, 68 or 72 stitches total), then knit round and round and round until the gusset increases, which happen on every 3rd or every second row until I have about 20 new stitches. Then work the French heel upside down, with a small triangle at the base, turn the heel by knitting the 32, 34 or 36 stitches of the heel flap together with the sole stitches, and then work a 6 to 8 inch cuff and finish with 2 inches of ribbing. I've done it dozens of times, and it requires no thinking whatsoever, especially since I discovered that the foot is wide enough when I place the beginning of the sock on my left hand and my fingers have room to move around in the toe, and the gusset increases begin when the toe is long enough to touch the base of my thumb. The heel must be knit when the foot is long enough to cover my palm entirely.

There are slight variations to this recipe: sometimes I work a small pattern on the instep stitches, sometimes the ribbing is shorter than 2 inches, sometimes I work a Dutch heel instead of the French heel. I don't even have a preference for needles: I've knit them two at a time on one circular, or two circulars, or DPN's. I like bamboo needles, but mostly knit with metal ones.