#I like this pattern but the green yarn is baby alpaca

[vashti-lives]

Knitting is a constant battle between trusting the pattern and trusting your gut. My pattern wants me to knit another half inch of ribbing here but I think I’m going to call it now.

[pseudacrisregilla]

The Pinned Post

About Me

I've been knitting for the past ~13 years or so, and picked up crochet in the past three. This is a sideblog where I mainly talk about my knitting, but also what crochet and other clothes- and fashion-related things I'm up to. Hands-on projects are my way of relaxing, so I've typically got multiple projects going.

I can also be found on Ravlery as pseudacrisregilla.

Pseudacris regilla is the scientific name of the Pacific tree frog. If you want to call me by a name other than my full URL, Regilla will work just fine. I use she/they pronouns.

Projects List

WIP

Lovely Lightweight Tee by Purl Soho - knitting in Purl Soho's Buttercup Cotton (100% cotton) in cedar wood

Contrast Cuff Hat + Hand Warmers by Purl Soho - knitting in Purl Soho's Speckled Hen (80% baby alpaca, 20% fine merino wool) in field mint and fennel green (project tag | yarn tag)

HIBERNATING

Seashell Lace Wrap by Purl Soho - knitting in Purl Soho's Tussock (60% super fine kid mohair and 40% silk) in blue fjord

FINISHED

Maille by Bristol Ivy - knitting in Quince & Co.'s owlet (50% American wool, 50% alpaca) in albertine (project tag | yarn tag)

Interests

I primarily knit for myself, so I like choosing projects that I will wear for years. I tend to knit sweaters and light shirts, as well as fingerless gloves. I like knitting projects that I can pack in a bag.

I enjoy lace knitting and cable patterns. I'm aiming to learn how to do colorwork, but I haven't picked that up yet.

I tag knitting projects that inspire me as #inspo. I tag cool tips and techniques for knitting with #tips & techniques.

[professorpski]

Interweave Knits, Fall 2023

This issue has several cable sweaters perfect for colder weather and some oversized wraps, plus a color-work hat that is charming. The total is 4 pullovers, 3 cardigans, 3 wraps, 2 hats, 1 vest and 1 blanket.

The cover features the Mim Sweater by Debi Maige, only a 2 out of 4 for difficulty despite the slipped stitched color-work pattern. It is made in a yarn weighted only 1, Illimani Yarn Sabri which is a blend of cotton with a little bit of baby alpaca.

The grey pullover with cables and set-in sleeves is Silver Plume Pullover is my favorite sweater of this issue. It was designed by Therese Chynoweth and is a 3 out of 4 for difficulty. Its cables broaden as they move upwards, a nice way of creating more attention towards the face as well as creating more apparent width as you move from the waist to the shoulders. The yarn is Berroco Lanas Light, a fingering-weight yarn of pure wool.

Cilin Sweater in pale purple is knit in one piece with the sleeves knitted out sideways and is also a 3 out of 4 for difficulty. Vera Marcu designed it in DK weight yarn, Purl Soho Good Wool. Its ribbing which changes to cables as it moves upwards also moves the eye towards the face and broadens the upper body.

Memoir Cardigan by Evelyn Siatra in a pumpkin color also boasts cables, but not buttonholes. Since my whole purpose in donning a woolly sweater is to stay warm, and this one is made of Juniper Moon Farm Patagonia Organic Merino, I like cardigans to close all the way. One could change the front width and add buttonholes to the band, or just move to a less chilly latitude I guess ;-) The other cardigan you see in grey with buttons is a reprint, which you obtain via a QR code and a download, of the Essential Cardigan by Laura Grutzeck.

There are several interesting wraps including Revel Light Shawl by Jennifer Miller Comstock which uses several different colors of blue and green in The Fiber Seed Sprout Sock yarn, and is 2 out of 4. The pinks and purples of Stack Bond Wrap is done with a 6-row windowpane stitch and some knitting below in Manos del Uruguay Allegria a lace-weight yarn, designed by Jennifer Kent.

My favorite accessory is the Tilted Hat by Laura Barker which here uses two shades of grey in worsted weight Hazel Knits Cadence merino yarn, a 3 out of 4, but I think would be worth the effort. You can imagine a lot of nice contrasting pairs of colors for this one.

The patterns are the highlight in this issue, as the one article on yokes is a basic introduction, and then there is a bit on the fall yarns used and on new fall notions.

Find it at your local yarn store, or online here: https://www.interweave.com/product-category/knitting/knitting-magazines/knitting-magazines-interweave-knits/

[couldntbedamned]

Starker Super Soft Boyfriends AU


“So let me get this straight. Your pick for date night is a yarn shop because you want to look into crochet lessons?” Tony is walking around, observing the shelves. He reaches out to feel the material of a dark red offering that catches his eye.


“Yeah. See, Mr. and Mrs. Leeds are having another baby, and I want to make something. But first I have to learn how to do it.” Peter looks kind of embarrassed, flushing a pretty pink. It’s cute. 


“You could skip the lessons here and just have me teach you.” Tony grabs a few hanks of the yarn and decides to find a suitable gold in the same weight and texture.


“You know how to crochet? Seriously?” Peter looks shocked, and the look quickly melts into one of admiration, as if Tony’s just told him he was the inventor of all science.


“And knit. I was raised by a nanny. She had very nanny-like hobbies and decided I needed a way to keep my hands busy so I didn’t destroy things when I wasn’t building circuit boards.” She’d been one of the few patient adults in his childhood.


"And you still do it?” Peter’s stroking a mint green swatch, and for a moment, Tony wishes he had the guy’s enhanced senses. Peter adds several skeins to his basket, snapping a picture of the color and lot number.


"When I get some alone time and need to de-stress. Some people cook. I build tech and play with yarn.” He’s found a beautiful blue yarn of 100% alpaca and adds it to the basket Peter’s carrying. It will look stunning wrapped around Pepper’s neck and Tony makes a note to himself to find a suitable scarf pattern. He might as well get started on her Christmas gift.


“Why keep it secret?” Peter takes the hook set that Tony hands him and adds it to the basket of yarn.


“Because if I hadn’t, my father wouldn’t have let me sit for a week once he learned about it. What about you? Any hobbies you keep on the down-low?” Tony takes a picture of a lot of purple cashmere yarn, picturing exactly what he’ll make for Peter after he goes back to MIT for the semester.


“I used to take ballet lessons. I still do the stretching, but I outgrew my ballet slippers and the really good ones are expensive to replace. And the classes, we couldn’t afford them after Uncle Ben was laid off back then.”


Tony has a vision of Peter leaping around a stage, leg extended high in the air. He must look magnificent when he dances. “You should pick it back up,” he encourages. “It’s not like we don’t have space for a studio in the tower.”


“Maybe,” Peter considers. “But first I need to focus on making this for Ned’s future brother or sister.”


Tony pretends to let the subject drop, as if he’s not already planning the renovation of an empty floor in the tower. It’ll be fun. Teach Peter to crochet, watching those gorgeous fingers of his create something soft for a family friend; and at the same time creating a space where Peter can be himself and dance his worries away. It’ll be nice.


“So, are you serious about teaching me?” Peter asks, after they leave the store with supplies in hand and nary a conversation with the manager about lessons.


“Of course,” Tony assures him, putting their purchases in the back of the Audi. “You’ll be going like a pro in no time.” It’ll be nice, domestic in a way that has Tony smiling.


“Cool,” Peter says, buckling himself in as Tony joins him.

“So… since it’s still my go on deciding the date stuff, we’re going to that French bakery.”


“Works for me,” Tony agrees. He puts the car in gear and reaches over to take Peter’s hand. “Here’s to another successful Out of the Lab Date Night.”


They hold hands the rest of the drive.

[basketofverbiage]

Crochet

Here is day 2 of the 2019 Christmas drabble challenge! My mom and I both crochet and I love making gifts for people I love. And the thought of Taehyung and how creative he is hand making gifts for the rest of the guys just melted my heart. So, here you go!

Taehyung was bored. He led an exciting life for the most part, jetting from country to country around the world to sing and perform for ARMYs, but there are only so many movies you can watch, naps you can take, and books you can read on a long flight. It was this need for something new combined with his intense desire to create that brought him to learning to crochet. Honestly, he had planned to learn to knit, but then he remembered that knitting needles weren’t allowed on planes. He ordered a “teach yourself to crochet” set aimed at children from the internet and picked out some brightly colored yarn. It took him several days to finish it, but he finally taught himself enough to crochet a full scarf. He was so excited with his creation that he wore it on a trip to a local craft store. Something about the thrill of creation made him want to do it more.

While he was browsing the yarn section with a basket, he suddenly had a great idea. Even though they usually had to work on Christmas day, they all made sure to have cookies and cocoa and exchange gifts amongst the members. What if he crocheted all the members a gift instead of buying them? Each gift would be custom made for them and no one else would ever have the same item. Plus, his brothers were always more excited about hand made gifts than store bought ones. So that solidified it. He bought several books with crochet patterns, a full set of crochet hooks of different sizes, and all the yarn and other embellishments he’d need. He even bought a stylish new bag to carry his projects in.

Taehyung threw himself into his new projects. Even though he was just a beginner at crochet, there were a lot of YouTube videos that taught him how to make stitches he wasn’t sure about. The worst part was keeping the other members from sorting out what he was making. Luckily, they all tended to distract themselves easily on planes, so he was able to continue his projects without their noticing. Jungkook and Jimin did tease him a bit about his new hobby when he first tried it, but after he finished his own scarf, they were a bit impressed and let him be about it.

The project that took the longest was for Namjoon. He had wanted to make him a beautiful cardigan that was a bit on the longer side, and the worst part was trying to make sure it would fit correctly. He finally got the bright idea to borrow a sweater from him.

“Hey Joonie-hyung! Do you mind if I borrow this brown sweater? It just looks so cozy.”

“Sure, Tae. I never would have thought it was your style, but you can borrow it,” Namjoon replied before diving back into the book he was reading.

Taehyung happily took the sweater back to his room and measured the length of the arms, the shoulders, and the waist of the sweater. He wanted to make sure that it fit perfectly. After tucking away the information, he put the sweater on over his button-down shirt he was wearing so that Namjoon wouldn’t be suspicious. The only other difficult project was making sure that the fingerless gloves he wanted to make Yoongi would fit. Taehyung knew that his hands were larger as a whole but Yoongi had long fingers. He always complained that his hands were cold, but he would either forgo wearing gloves or moan about being unable to use the many touch screen devices in their lives. Fingerless gloves would help with keeping his hands warm while leaving his fingertips free to do the things he needed them to. It was easy to figure it out though, surprisingly. Yoongi was a sucker for holding hands with any of the members, plus it was kind of their thing. So, the next time they held hands, Taehyung looked closer at the way that Yoongi’s hands fit into his own so that he could make the gloves appropriately.

Jin’s project was so easy, but it just took a very long time. Jin stayed cold nearly year-round and constantly had on at least 2 layers if not more. Taehyung made him a full-sized blanket of super soft alpaca wool yarn that he found at a local farmer’s market. Taehyung took walks to clear his head when they were at home, and he stumbled across the farmer’s market one Sunday afternoon. The older lady who was selling the yarn initially caught his eye because she reminded him of his own grandmother, so he chatted with her as he browsed her booth. The yarn itself was so soft and a beautiful shade of pink, but when he learned that she raised the alpacas herself and had spun the wool herself, he bought her entire stock of yarn. Not only was it Jin’s favorite color, but the fact that it came from an alpaca sealed the deal. It would be like RJ had created the blanket and he just knew that Jin would love it more.

For Jimin, Taehyung crocheted an oversized sweater. It was baby blue in color made with yarn that was designed for babies so that it would be super soft to the touch. Instead of worrying about the size, he simply made it so that when he slipped it on, it was a little snug to his torso. On Jimin’s smaller frame, it would be a little bit oversized and comfortable.

Hoseok and Jungkook were his harder brothers to find a pattern for, but after several weeks of searching, he found the perfect projects for them. For Hoseok, he made a literal acorn bag. The bag itself was shaped like an acorn and was lined with a beautiful dark brown satin material that Taehyung hand sewed to the crocheted bag. Instead of crocheting the strap of the bag, Taehyung bought and modified a leather strap meant for a handbag.

Since Taehyung had made the scarf for himself, Jungkook had borrowed it several times, and that’s when Taehyung realized that he should make a scarf for Jungkook too. Since the gifts he had made for his other brothers had been a bit more elaborate, he also made a matching slouchy beanie. Jungkook tended to favor bucket hats when he wore hats, but Taehyung couldn’t find a pattern he liked. Both the beanie and the scarf were a dark slate grey with black flecks through the yarn.

Once he had finished each of the projects, he wrapped them meticulously. Each member’s package was a specific color so that he could tell them apart by sight: Namjoon’s was green, Yoongi’s was black, Jungkook’s was gold, Jimin’s was blue, Jin’s was purple, and Hoseok’s was silver. After he had finished wrapping them, he slipped them out to the tree when the members were all distracted. While he was very excited that he had finished them all in time and he was very happy with how the projects had turned out, he was beginning to get worried that they wouldn’t like them. Maybe he should have bought gifts after all. He got more self-conscious about them when he overheard Jimin telling Jungkook about the Prada laptop bag he’d gotten for Yoongi. Money wasn’t an issue as far as buying gifts were concerned, but Taehyung had crocheted his own love into his gifts for his brothers so he desperately hoped they would like them.

Christmas Day came quickly, and while they worked until late in the evening for a broadcast, they all caught their second wind at the thought of eating the cookies that Jin had made the day before and just having some time together to exchange gifts. When they all got home, they rushed through showers and putting on pajamas, then Taehyung helped Jin in the kitchen with putting some the cookies on a platter for them to snack on.

“You okay over there, Tae? You’ve been rearranging those cookies for like 5 minutes now,” Jin asked.

“I’m okay, Hyung. I’m just a little nervous that you won’t like the presents I have for you this year,” he murmured, avoiding meeting Jin’s gaze.

“You know that we will love it no matter what because it came from you, and we love you, Taehyung,” Jin reassured him. “Besides, we are all dying to know what you got because you’ve been incredibly secretive about it this year.”

“I know I have been. I just hope they are okay.”

Jin hugged Taehyung and cracked a joke to get him to smile a bit. “Come on, TaeTae. Let’s get these cookies and the cocoa out there before JK gets overexcited like he did last year. We don’t want a replay of him knocking over the tree chasing Jimin and Hoseok.”

When everyone had gathered together, they began to get settled in. Every year, they would play paper-rock-scissors to see who would go first, then each member would present their gifts, and everyone would open that member’s gifts before moving on to the next. That way, the member who gave the gifts could see the others’ reactions. Taehyung lost all around, and would be going last this year, and his heart was pounding in his chest at the anxiety. Everyone else had gone all out and bought designer gifts except for Namjoon, who had commissioned artwork for each of them from artisans that he loved. Finally, it was Taehyung’s turn.

“Before I hand these out, I want to elaborate a bit before you open them. This year, instead of buying something, I wanted to make something special for you all with my own hands. I just hope you like them,” he explained. “I’d also like you to open them one by one so I can answer any questions and I hope some of these fit.”

He started with Jungkook, biting his lip as the maknae tore through the paper. He could feel the anticipation of all the others building as Jungkook pulled the beanie and the scarf out of the small box.

“Tae-hyung! You made me a scarf like yours! I love it! Now I won’t have to steal yours all the time!” Jungkook exclaimed as he wrapped the scarf around his neck and pulled the beanie on his head.

The others complimented the craftsmanship and admired Jungkook’s gift before turning to wait their own turn. Since Jin was sitting beside the maknae, Taehyung handed him his gift next. Seokjin was more meticulous in opening gifts, always unfastening the tape on the paper and lifting it that way instead of tearing the paper. When he got the paper off and the lid off the box, he gasped as he pulled the soft blanket out of the package, turning to Taehyung with wide eyes.

“I found the yarn from a local farmer’s market. The yarn was spun and dyed by the farmer’s wife after they sheared their alpacas. So your blanket is technically made of RJ’s wool,” Taehyung smiled softly as he watched his hyung wrap the blanket around his shoulders and rub the blanket against his cheek.

“Oh Tae…it’s beautiful,” he whispered.

Jimin was next, bouncing slightly in his seat beside Jin in excitement. While he had worried about the others, he had no doubts about his gift for Jimin. His soulmate always understood him when no one else did, so he beamed as he passed the gift to Jimin. Once Jimin had wrestled the paper off, he squealed in happiness when he pulled the sweater out of the box.

“Your sweater is made of yarn made for babies, so its super soft and won’t be itchy. Plus, you baby all the rest of us, so I wanted to make something to baby you a little bit.”

Jimin pulled the sweater on over his pajama top then launched himself into Taehyung’s arms. “I love it, Tae. It’s perfect.”

Next down the line was Hoseok. Hoseok accepted the package with a big smile, knowing that Taehyung had poured his soul into these gifts. Hoseok would adore whatever was in this box because it was a piece of Taehyung he could take with him. He burst into joyful laughter when he pulled the acorn bag out of the box.

“You always carry those tiny little acorn bags, so I made you a literal acorn bag. And it was horrible hand stitching the interior, but I’m so happy I did, because it turned out great,” Taehyung explained.

“I love it, Tae. It’s perfect for me, and I will definitely carry it,” Hoseok said as he pulled Taehyung into the biggest hug he could.

Namjoon was next down the line. “For Namu-hyung, I made this. I hope you love it.”

Namjoon ripped the paper quickly and pulled the cardigan out. It was made in an earthy olive green and Taehyung had hand stitched big wooden buttons down one side. Namjoon immediately stood up and put it on. The cardigan was made to be a bit on the long side and came to just above his knees. While it looked silly over the top of Namjoon’s Ryan pajamas, Taehyung knew it would look stunning over jeans.

“How did you get the fit so perfectly?” Namjoon asked as he admired Taehyung’s stitches around the sleeves.

“Remember that day I borrowed your favorite brown sweater? Before I put it on, I measured the length of the sleeves, the shoulders, and the waist and hoped for the best on the length.”

Yoongi was last, and while he was stoic with a soft smile, the excitement was sparkling in his eyes. Taehyung nervously handed him the package.

“I know how cold your hands get, but how you hate not being able to use your fingers. So I made these. I hope you like them,” Taehyung said shyly.

Yoongi opened the box, then broke into a radiant gummy smile when he saw the gloves. Taehyung had made the gloves long enough to go midway up Yoongi’s forearms, and tiny pearlescent buttons decorated up the outside edge of the gloves. He immediately pulled the gloves on over his pajamas.

“They are lovely, Tae. Thank you,” Yoongi said happily. “But don’t think for one minute that this gets you out of holding my hand when I’m cold.”

[clickablog]

Back to Knitting

I decided I have to get back to my alpaca sweater so I can have it finished by the end of the summer. So I wanted to clear a couple of project up first.

I finished my green Baby Surprise Jacket and went to M&T Buttons to get some really cute buttons. The damn buttons cost more then the wool! But they are so cute and match so perfectly. The Lion Brand Superwash Merino worked out very nicely for this project. It took just one skein of yarn. I have a little yarn left and am thinking about putting a collar on it. I am putting this one away for the next baby shower/announcement. I'm closing in on (finally) finishing the Kai-mei socks for Dawn. I'm almost at the toe. These should be done by the weeks end. The skinny scarf is about half way there. I want to finish my sweater. I also want to start a sweater for my son, a blanket for our home, a triangle scarf of my own design, another pair of socks and a few holiday gifts. So much yarn, so many patterns and projects ~ so little time.

Oh and I think I might have found a house! Well it was the second house that we liked and missed by 2 days. Seems the other buyers backed out and we have the chance to get it. I know this is just the beginning of the house closing adventure but I must have looked at over 50 houses and I'm just glad the foreplay is over. I know this is like wishing your kids would talk and then they become teenagers and won't shut up! ...but I'm still gald the looking is over and that my kid can talk!

[mychiccabin]

A Throw Blanket for Every Room and Every Person

I truly have throw blankets on every sofa, oversized chair, chaise, and bed in my house. And at our cabin, we have throws on the sofas and beds, stacked up in the bedroom closets and a trunk full of them in the great room. Partly because I’m always cold, but I also love the weight and comfort of a blanket. They’re soothing and cozy. I prefer them when I am watching a movie or chatting with friends. Like my philosophy that you can’t have to many seating areas- I believe you can’t have to many throw blankets. There should be at least one for every room and one for every person that comes over!

It’s fun to mix up the styles for different preferences, temperatures, needs, and sizes. 

Here are some of my favorite throw blanket options:

Superior Down Blanket

Duck down makes it warm but light, good for all temperatures, soft and cozy with box quilting to keep the down in place. 

Twin; Full; Queen; King

Duck down and cotton

Price: $99.99-$199.95

Puredown Packable Down Throw Sport Blanket

Perfect down blanket for indoor and outdoor activities, lightweight, warm, packable.

50″x70″

Polyester skin, siberia down and siberia feather

Price: $41.99-$49.99

Adelaide Alpaca Throw

Made in Peru out of baby alpaca wool, this throw is soft, beautiful, and fun.

50″x70″

Baby alpaca wool

Price: $268

Kamryn Throw Blanket

This throw provides a little quirk, a pop of color, and a lot of fun.

60″x50″

Cotton, acrylic

Price: $128

Ultimate Faux Fur Throw

Luxurious, soft, and animal cruelty free.

50″ x 60″; 60″ x 80″

Acrylic and polyester 

Price: $189; $319

Espresso and Creamy Minky Couture Designer Blanket

Everyone I know what has tried these blankets is absolutely obsessed with them, they are the softest, coziest blankets I have ever felt. 

36″x30″; 36″x50″; 36″x60″; 50″x60″; 60″x72″; 60″x84″

Price: $69-$249

555- Gram Cashmere Throw

There is nothing quite as luxurious as cashmere, elegant and infinitely soft. 

50″x70″

Mongolian cashmere

Price: $299

Duffield Throw

Soft, light, simple, classic a good throw for any room.

50″x70″

Cotton, polyester, spandex

Price: $98

  Lavender Minky Mosaic Weighted Blanket

Weighted blankets are the ultimate in soothing.

38″x60″; 42″x72″

Polyester plush

Price: $189.95; $219.95

Chanasya Faux Fur Throw Blanket

We have this blanket in our bedroom and family room and it is incredible.

Twin-King

Price: $29.98-$59.88

Whitetail Forest Patch Throw Blanket

Elk, pine, and plaid this quilt throw is styled just for a rustic cabin.

50″x60″

Price: $34.95

Bear Forest Throw

Charming cream quilt with a beautiful embroidered forest scene.

60″x50″

Cotton

Price: $99.95

Wildlife Throw Blanket

Wolves and elk alternating with geometric patterns.

60″x50″

Recycled cotton with acrylic yarn

Price: $29.99

Bear Boogie Black

Add a little fun to your decor with this charming throw.

50″x60″

Microplush

Price: $99.99

Forest Green Throw Blanket

Classic cable knit throw that feels like home.

50″x60″

Acrylic/wool blend

Price: $130

Henley Wool Throw

Handwoven in Peru, this beautiful chunky knit would look inviting on any sofa or bed.

52″x64″

Wool

Price: $598

Alpine Collection Forest Red Blanket

Festive or year-round for a comfortable cabin.

59″x78.74″

Polyacrylic

Price: $97

  Alpine Collection Edelweiss Blanket

Red plaid and edelweiss, perfect for watching The Sound of Music or cuddling by a fire.

59″x79.784″ 

Polyacrylic

Price: $97

Cabin Fleece Throw

Every cabin needs at least one fleece throw, and this one is lovely.

50″x60″

Polyester 

Price: $37.50

  Cabin Throw

The classic cabin pattern, plaid. Perfect for any cabin, ranch, or lodge.

60″x70″

Polyester

Price: $32

source https://mychiccabin.com/a-throw-for-every-room-and-every-person/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=a-throw-for-every-room-and-every-person

[mittenmade]

Hmmm today is the color of this yarn so I needed some color. What better place to find color than the muddy gray and greens in the back yard 😁⠀ ⠀ Today has been reflective after thinking on and discussing my transition from full time maker to full time designer. ⠀ ⠀ I’m working on it and for me it feels like it will be a long process.(which is fine) ⠀ For now I will continue to do shows, design make and pattern write. ⠀ ⠀ I will post, blog and maybe do some insta live in future. Start an email list since everyone has asked me “well do you have an email list” ⠀ ⠀ This social media world is a mystery to me, and I am doing my best at what I know how to do, & that is snacking. 😂 and crocheting. ⠀ ⠀ I got an idea today for a summer time garment I am going to have to work double time to get it together. ❤️⠀ ⠀ Back to the yarn for today. This is the bulky weight knitpicks yarn Wonderfluff in Finley Heather it has a beautiful stonewash look and bits of dark and light coming together to make this cozy yarn. ⠀ It’s 70% baby alpaca, 7% merino wool and 23% nylon. ⠀ ⠀ It’s one of my favorites ❤️⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ #mittenmade #crochet #crochetersofinatgram #crochetgirlgang #crochetdesign #crochetdesigner #maker #makersgonnamake #makerlife #knitpicks #wonderfluff #michigan #michiganmaker #beautiful #amazing #craft ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ https://www.instagram.com/p/BuPJ9DjAa0G/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1fn0ey5yryb38

[rikrakyarnncrafts]

Luxury Yarn Sale

It’s time again for our annual Luxury Yarn Sale! Now through the beginning of the New Year (specifically through the end of Wednesday, January 2nd), our most exquisite and opulent yarns are on sale, from silk and alpaca to cashmere and beyond. You’re not likely to find a better opportunity to give into your most indulgent cravings for fabulous fiber. All of the yarns included in the sale are at least 20% off, and you can find select colors at 30% or even 40% off!

If you’re already a silk seeker, alpaca addict or cashmere connoisseur, then you won’t need any more encouragement to dig into these fabulous yarns. But these fibers can be a little intimidating, not just for fear of flubbing a significant fiber investment in one go, but also because it’s not always immediately obvious why these special yarns are worth the extra investment. Let’s dig in a little bit about what makes some of these fibers so special.

Silk

Full disclosure: I love all yarn with silk fiber. I still consider myself a lace knitter, and silk has everything you could want for lace: definition, durability, eye-catching luster, rich color, and unparalleled tensile strength. These are obviously best exemplified in our lace weight 100% silk Luminance (recommended colors: the gorgeous solid teal of Benevolence at 30% off or the elevated silver shimmerings of hand painted Hope at 40% off).

In all the shows we’ve gone to, the samples in Luminance get the most attention, and are also the only samples I’ve had people offer to buy outright. It’s particularly good for dramatic openwork lace, like the now-iconic In Perfect Harmony shawl. Luminance is one of the only yarns that I don’t try to break by hand, and that tensile strength is also what allows such delicate work. It blocks beautifully, with the strength to take and keep dramatic shapes like the elaborate points in the Diamas shawl. And unlike alpaca or even softer wools like Merino, silk doesn’t develop a halo, so you never lose stitch definition. And silk also makes for breezy wraps and shawls that you can wear through the warmer months. It even makes for wonderful crochet!

Even if you’re not into lace weight yarn, all of those attributes are also useful in other weights of the Gloss family and heavier silk blend yarns. I’m a fan of Gloss DK (color recommendation: the jewel-toned eggplant purple of Blackberry is 40% off)and sport weight Paragon (try White for a classic lace accessory or Pimento for a wild statement top, both 40% off) for fancy garments. The silk content gives both of these a gorgeous sheen, with fantastic color and nicely defined stitches. And the texture of silk only improves the ultra soft merino and alpaca. You’ll still get some of the normal pilling that Merino tends to, but the silk will give it a little extra durability for a longer lasting garment. It also keeps the halo from the blooming alpaca under control, so you can enjoy alpaca and still have actual stitch definition!

Alpaca

Alpaca Yarns from left: Alpaca Cloud, Andean Treasure, Wonderfluff, Simply Alpaca, The Big Cozy

Alpaca is a bit like fizzy water: some people will find it, realize they’ve found an essential ingredient in their life, and nothing will substitute for it ever again. If you’re an alpaca person, I don’t need to tell you how great it is. If you have yet to truly experience the preternaturally fluffy ur-softness of alpaca, then there’s hardly a better time than now. I humbly suggest you start with Wonderfluff.

  Although Wonderfluff (color recommendations: try foresty green Kale Heather and light brown Hare Heather for some earthy Fair Isle, both at 40% off) is one of the newer additions to the Knit Picks yarn clan, it has quickly proven to be one of the most popular. And not just because of Professor Meow. (Although that does help.) It sounds like marketing hyperbole to call it “softer than a kitten, fluffier than a cloud,” but it really is about the softest yarn you’re likely to find this side of qiviut, and not nearly as expensive. The secret to Wonderfluff’s wonderfulness isn’t just the absurdly delicate Baby Alpaca fiber. Instead of a traditional spun construction, this technological marvel is actually a nylon mesh that has loose fibers blown into it, which allows the alpaca to keep more of its natural loft and spring. This is also what allows for the unusual yard to weight ratio for a bulky weight yarn, which keeps garments extra light. Hats and cowls weigh almost nothing; most sizes of the easeful and generous Eldfell Pullover weight less than a pound. Try to find another bulky yarn you can say that about!

If you are already an alpaca aficionado, you can also take advantage of this sale to try out the full range of our alpaca selection. The 100% alpacas cover a huge range of weights, from Alpaca Cloud in Lace (color recommendations: rich true red Elizabeth while it lasts, or classic navy blue Edgar are both 40% off) and Fingering (color recommendation: bright and summery yellow Lucille is 30% off) for shawls and accessories, to sport weight Andean Treasure (color recommendations: make some fabulous grellow Fair Isle with yellow Prairie Heather and grey Mystery Heather, both 40% off) and Aran weight Simply Alpaca (color recommendation: rich cool brown Alton is 40% off).

Andean Treasure is actually my favorite of our alpaca yarns and is surprisingly excellent for stranded colorwork. Simply Alpaca is one of our eco yarns, coming in a lovely range of natural neutrals, and is one of those yarns that always sells well at shows. Once you touch it, you have to have it. The Two Texture Shawl is satisfyingly simple and actually a good-size shawl for only requiring two hanks of Simply Alpaca.

And, of course, we have a number of really interesting yarns with more niche character that benefit primarily from alpaca fiber.

City Tweed is one of Knit Picks’ oldest yarns, having stood the test of time with good reason. It holds a special place in my fiber-loving heart, being the yarn that first got me to order from Knit Picks. I’ve used the DK weight (color recommendation: warm reddish brown Tarantella will make lovely gender-neutral accessories at 40% off) for warm and snuggly vests, and I highly recommend the Aran weight (color recommendation: subtle olive green Toad is a favorite around the office, now 30% off) if you don’t already have a standard evening house cardigan. Really, how could you say ‘no’ to an alpaca tweed?

Quite frankly, Alux (color recommendations: grab some Ruby, Jade, and Mist all at 40% off to make the glitteriest Christmas ornaments for next year) is delightful in a way that mere photography will probably never fully capture. The metallic fibers give a scintillating sparkle to even the simplest of (Free!) patterns, and bring an interesting texture to even Baby Alpaca. We’ve found that it can be somewhat troublesome to knit with, so you’ll want to go with your preferred method of combating splittiness (some people find sharper needles help cope with splitty yarn, others blunter needles; you’ll definitely want to experiment!) and keep your hands plenty moisturized. However, once you’ve blocked your finished project and can appreciate the soft hand of alpaca and the unique gleam of metallic fibers, you’ll know you have a one-of-a-kind garment that you’ll want to wear for years.

—

There are just so many luxury yarns available in this sale that I can’t possibly cover them all. So, whether you’re looking for brilliant silk, luscious alpaca, or one of the other bonuses this year like new Capretta Superwash (color recommendation: bold red Embers Heather is 40% off, and don’t forget about the limited edition Neons, which are all 30% off), the entire Hawthorne family (color recommendation: dark and mysterious Cosmic Speckle at 40% off), or the entire Chroma family (color recommendation: unabashedly neon Pegasus in Chroma Twist Bulky is 40% off), you’ll want to browse the Luxury Yarn Sale before it ends Wednesday, January 2nd. You’re sure to find just the right special fiber to ring in the New Year and reward yourself for all the gift knitting you’ve been doing!

The post Luxury Yarn Sale appeared first on KnitPicks Staff Knitting Blog.

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[ask-dsminecraft]

Ashton Stone Alpacas

Maree Sol and the cria rest after a protracted day. Maree Sol is a superb mama with lots of milk. After the cria dried, we put iodine on his umbilical stump and weighed him. He was 20.Zero lbs at delivery; the largest cria we have now had born on our farm thus far. Notice proud papa Smokey in the background. We're so excited to have a full Peruvian Rose Grey male! Neither Noah or I predicted that Sol and Smokey would produce rose grey. Though Smokey is darkish silver gray and has a lot of grey in his background, Maree Sol has all white as far back and you may see. I was thinking white or fawn girl and Noah was considering brown lady. We could not be extra pleased with our new little guy! We will certainly be repeating this breeding! We hope he matures and shows properly as we might love so as to add him to our herdsire line-up some day. Particularly since we now have two full pervian gray females who could be nice matches for him! We just love greys! Already huge plans for such slightly guy. Stayed tuned for extra pictures of him as he grows.

They're being changed by what the Finns call “phenomenon” educating – or teaching by subject. As an example, a teenager finding out a vocational course may take “cafeteria services” lessons, which would include parts of maths, languages (to assist serve international prospects), writing abilities and communication skills. Extra tutorial pupils can be taught cross-topic subjects such because the European Union - which would merge components of economics, historical past (of the international locations involved), languages and geography. There are other modifications too, not least to the standard format that sees rows of pupils sitting passively in front of their trainer, listening to lessons or waiting to be questioned. Instead there can be a extra collaborative approach, with pupils working in smaller teams to resolve problems whereas improving their communication skills. Marjo Kyllonen, Helsinki’s education manager – who might be presenting her blueprint for change to the council at the end of this month, stated: “It shouldn't be only Helsinki but the entire of Finland who might be embracing change. In another occasion, if a photographer wants to depict a farmhouse space surrounded by greenery then he should use inexperienced coloration as the background display screen. There needs to be enough mild to illuminate the subject to stop undesirable shades on the face or clothes. Being too near the background screen can cause shadows that disturb the uniform colour of the background. After taking the photograph, you may choose the specified picture as a background and merge it with the assistance of the chroma key know-how. You may place your subject anywhere you need. Angel Wood is webmaster of 123videomagic.com providing video green screen software, inexperienced screen video editing software, chroma key software program helps in customizing video / pictures for replacing background, giving special results as per your needs. Log in or Create Account to put up a comment. Writer: Angel It is rather like a magical wand that the expertise, Chroma Key, works. Ever come throughout a scene in a film the place the protagonist within the film vanishes in a matter of few seconds? This invisibility is worked up with sheer magic of the know-how but in reality it isn't that difficult to understand how the approach works.

Whereas it goes without saying that farm stuffed animals make terrific companions, they're also great instruments for instructing a baby all about the animal in which they characterize. Angeline Hope is a collector of big stuffed animals. You can view a choice of large stuffed animals together with farm stuffed animals at MyBigPlush. Log in or Create Account to post a remark. Writer: Angeline Hope Among all kinds of toys, big stuffed animals are appropriate for teenagers of all ages. As a matter of reality, huge stuffed animals, additionally, make nice gifts for adults since these may express completely different affections that embody warmth, friendship, love and admiration. Writer: Angeline Hope Cows are one farm animal that kids most simply acknowledge. It's certainly one of the first animals they each learn to establish on sight as well as how you can make its signature 'moo' sound. Is it no surprise then, that a cow stuffed animal (or two) is among a few of their most cherished plush toys? Writer: Angeline Hope The tiger is the most important cat on the earth and is well acknowledged by its orange coloring and black stripes, although no two tigers ever have the identical stripe patterns.

The alpaca lifespan is 15 to 20 years, producing elite, luxurious fleece that can be sheared and processed into textiles 12 months after 12 months. Alpaca fiber is hypoallergenic. Many peolple, who are allergic to sheep's wool, can comfortably put on alpaca subsequent to their pores and skin. As well as, alpaca is an elite fiber that in demand by trend houses worldwide. A uncooked, unprocessed alpaca fleece often brings in sufficient cash to pay for an alpaca's feed and upkeep. Promoting alpaca fleece offers the alpaca rancher another income stream for his operation. Processing uncooked fleece into yarn after which into finished apparel provides worth that results in higher earnings. One feminine emu can lay 30 to 50 eggs each year. Which means that an emu rancher should find patrons for the eggs and/or hatched offspring of every hen. Thus the U.S. emu flock grew too quickly to permit for stable market values. The demand for emus could not sustain with the provision. Since there was no emu meat processing infrastructure, emu ranchers ran out of emu-shopping for clients. She has change into a favourite of Angus and follows him and Sue around all day. She has now been ousted into the garden and we've got to keep the botom half of the front door closed in any other case she's up the step into the house and moving into trouble. The dogs have adapted shortly and decided that she isn't meals due to this fact she is to be ignored. The alpacas alternatively don't know what to make of her and appear slightly bit terrified. How can she return to the flock now? Methinks we may have an addition to the mighty Patou? Yesterday we took a visit to the Bath and West present. Now we have taken alpacas the final two years but as a consequence of my stupid, get out of the best way, yes I do know you pay the payments, day job we might only pay a quick visit. Clearly I wanted to get to the alpaca tent and breathe all of it in and was delighted when I used to be asked by the Lord Lieutenant of Inca to guide a lovely black intermediate female into the ring.

Writer: Peter Kitt Yard rooster raising is less complicated than you may think about. As a first step, you might want to know the way to build a chicken coop. Once the building is over the fun begins, and elevating child chickens can be a number of fun. Moreover it is academic for teenagers and has the added bonus of producing farm recent eggs right from your yard. Publisher: Bob Pearson How to lift chickens in your yard? If you're asking this query, then most likely, you're a newbie. And since you might be nonetheless new with elevating chickens, it's important for you to know all the necessities and needs that come with the breeding of chickens. Due to this fact, you could read the information beneath so that you won't encounter issues when starting to raise your individual flock of chickens. Writer: Randy Rhoads If you're excited by raising chickens backyard hen farming might be for you. As you can see, you do not want an entire lot of room or cash to get began. Perhaps you may be so inclined to give it a whirl. You may even sell the extra eggs you don't use your self. It's a win, win situation all the way round. Charlotte Winslow enjoys outdoor sports and most recreational activities. A few of her pursuits include her love of animals, on-line auctions, baking, creating art from nature, hand-made crafts, researching health issues, and spending time with her family & friends. Charlotte has labored with pharmaceuticals, with a giftware import company and in the housing industry. She needs to share and impart her broad array of experiences and data with you. Log in or Create Account to put up a remark. Writer: Paul Vincent Chickens are usually not that hard to maintain. In fact, raising chickens at residence may be very simple and a rewarding interest to have.

[awkwardkrafts-blog]

EXPRESSION FIBER ARTS YARN CLUB

APRIL 2017

HAPPY MAY YA’LL!

At long last, here is the E.F.A. Yarn Club Reveal!

As you may recall, the theme is FLOWERS

First Up, the lovely, modest Magnolia Light

Then the vibrant, but not overstated, Sunny

Followed by the intoxicating Essence

and lastly the vivid Orchid Burst 

The extra’s this month were a pack of orange and blue stitch markers per skein and a one use coupon for 10% off 65$ or more.

The fiber is a blend of baby alpaca and mulberry silk, DK weight, 230 yd. - one of my favorite yarn bases from EFA. Really I like most of them for different reasons but this is the softest, snugglyist I think :)

I can’t say I’m quite as thrilled with the colors this month as I was last month. The green honey creeper is still my favorite Sunny and maybe using it with Magnolia Light to tone it down a bit for a nice shawl or scarf.

SUGGESTED KNIT PATTERN: Violet Waffles Hat by Halldora J

SUGGESTED CROCHET PATTERN: Jules Slouch Hat by Pink Milk

NEXT MONTH

MAY’S THEME IS: ART

Check Out the Inspiration Pictures HERE

All the yarn base will be a Merino Tencel Sport weight, 395 yds. Only 24$ a skein, compared to over 30$ for the last 2 months.

 I think I’m most excited to see how Chaotic Tranquility turns out but again they don’t seem like they’ll be as cool as the Bird colors from March… Still, I’m sure they’ll be nice and I know I like the yarn base so no matter what it’s a win.

Happy Stitching!

-Kat

^Hangin out with the boyfriend :)

[janeellison]

The Simple Baby Blanket Design

Design: Simple Baby Blanket (free pdf download or free printed pattern with yarn purchase) Yarn: Rico Merino DK (a total of 6 balls are needed, £4.25 per 50g from my studio) Needles: 4mm Size: Cot or pram size 51cm x 58cm

So the Cove Cushion and the Chusi Cushion 28 stitches squares leads to the new simple blanket pattern, which is a mixture of these patterns and all the gentle garter stitch ideas. I have knitters, beginners or those returning to knitting popping into the studio wanting to knit something for a new addition to the family.

Nothing says ‘I love you’ like a hand knit (or diamonds from Tiffany but a baby might swallow those so better to give a gorgeous hand knit instead). It is as unique and individual as the little person you are giving it to and while it brings you relaxing calm joy as you knit each stitch, it will give warm and comfort to the recipient and it’s a gift that will last for many years to come.

I feel a garter stitch blanket is the best way to start your knitting journey and there are many perfect yarns to knit this blanket with. My personal favourite is the Bluefaced Leicester but there are many other beautiful fibres too, like merino. The merino I have in the studio is gorgeously smooth and I have some comments that it feels like cotton. It is the perfect natural fibre for baby because it regulates their heat, so with a merino blanket, babies are less likely to suffer from overheating as the blanket absorbs and releases moisture away from baby in warm conditions and insulates during cooler times.

I used three shades of merino dk to knit this blanket and two balls of each shade, so a total of six balls. The blanket is four squares wide by five squares long and is 51cm by 58cm so perfect size for a pram or cot.

The colour way I chose is a grey however this gorgeous mint green will also be perfect for a new arrival.

And if you really want to treat baby and indeed the knitter as they knit, then i am loving this beautifully luxurious alpaca dk, it has all the same benefits as merino and more.

All these versions are available on the Simple Baby Blanket page on my website. Enjoy!

Remember to share your creations with me on on Instagram  (tag me @purlandjane or use the hashtag #purlandjane so I can find them).