KNITTING WITH JACKIE

Hello Knitters,  I have been watching the “ FruityKnitting ” podcast for about eight months.   It is produced by Andrew and Andrea Doig from their home in Offenbach Germany.   From the start, March 2016, the podcast is about knitting.   However, recently, they have branched out to every aspect of the fiber world and crochet.   They have guests from designers (well-known and upcoming), dyer and yarn producers. Like other knitting podcasts, you will see their current knitting and/or finished projects.   What I have found extremely helpful and exciting is learning how the yarn is produced – from sheep to store.  A new segment was recently added called "Meet the Shephardress".  There was a wonderful show on Jamieson’s of Shetland which is a 5th generation family business; a section with Alison O’Neil, a hill farm Shepherdess, who created tweed as well as yarn from the fleece of her own flock of sheep.   I especially loved the feature ...

Hiya, af ter working on a lace and cable cardigan, I wanted to knit something that would not tax my brain or hands.   I selected the Summa Stripes Shawl by Meiju K-P on Ravelry.   The shawl is knitted from side to side; but, in two different directions.  The shape is achieved with increases and short-rows.  There is minimal finishing needed which was another plus; especially after the detailed finishing on the cardigan. This seemed an easy project to get completed and it would use up some of my stash yarn.   So....after a little bit of searching, I found a couple of skeins for MadelineTosh DK (Electric Rainbow) and I paired it with yellow and black.   The only modification that I have made to the scarf has been to change the strip section.  I alternated black and yellow stripes. One of the nice features of this design is that you did not need to cut the yarn.  She uses a "special" technique which carried the unused yar...

Hiya, one ago, I was teaching at the Pottstown Knit Out .  While there, I visited several vendors where I purchased a few things.  This included the pattern and yarn to knit with wonderful summer cardigan. The yarn in the Sugar Blush Bliss and the booklet contained eleven (11) designs featuring this yarn.   Unfortunately, I wanted enough yarn to make the long sleeved version of the sweater.  Therefore, the vendor has to forward the additional skeins I needed via mail order.   The yarn is lovely.  It is a blend of cashmere and silk with extra-fine merino.  It is incredibly soft and provides excellent stitch definition.   It is sure to stimulate your sense of touch if you tried it. I usually start a sweater with the back; however, this time, I started with the sleeve.  I added selvage stitches since the cables are knitted right to the last stitch in the row.  I didn't want to have difficulty seaming; but, I wanted a clean edge. ...

Hiya, I imagine many of us are still finding our feet after the holiday period.  As I prepare for my 2019 knitting, I began to reflect on 2018.  Last year I completed projects from my stash which I had "hibernating" for months.  In this process, I learned how to perform 'Japanese short-rows" while comprehending a complicated sweater design construction. This sweater has become my favorite.  I plan on knitting another one in 2019.   I also completed a "Romi Hill" shawl.  I have loved her shawls designs for years and finally took on the challenge.  I am extremely happy with the shawl and the yarn that I used.   In addition, while working on the TKGA's Masters Program, Level, I designed an Aran Cable hat.  This is the first time that I designed a knitted item completely on my own.  Although I am happy with the hat overall, I am not happy with the yarn choice.  Therefore, before I submit it for grading, I will reknit it with a differe...