Yarn choice for Anisos - guest blogger Andrea

Happy (almost) New Year!  I'm excited to be, once again, joining the New Year KAL.  I'm really looking forward to beginning.  The pattern is stunning and I've chosen a yarn that I have not previously knit with.  I love the color and can't wait to start casting on those 735 picots (I'm knitting the largest size).  See you in 2017!!

FLOOD'S FLOCK 2015 KAL - by guest blogger Andrea

Hi Flockers
     I have posted about my finished "Ludlow" over on Ravelry.  I lovingly refer to it as "FLUDLOW".  I do love this project and the yarn was a dream to work with.  It really gives the wrap a rustic and authentic look.  I'm so pleased with it.  It was so cozy when the weather was cold.  Until then it makes a lovely table runner.
                                                     

     My pictures are a little bit weird but I chose them because the stitch definition shows up so well with the sun/shade.  It is such a gorgeous pattern.
     I'm queueing up "Girasole" for my next project.  I loved seeing the others and have some Plucky yarn set aside for it.  I'll share it when it's finished.


http://www.ravelry.com/projects/aksaxton/ludlow

FINAL(LY) POSTING STREUSEL PICS - GISC BIRTHDAY KAL 2015 - by guest blogger Andrea

Please drop on over to Ravelry and view my pictures of the Streusel shawl. Sorry that it has taken me so long to post these, but life has stepped to the head of the line and I couldn't argue.  This was really a fun project, I love my yarn, and I wear this little beauty a lot.  Happy Spring to you all and Happy Knitting!

http://www.ravelry.com/projects/aksaxton/streusel

MY "FLUD-LOW" HATCHING - guest blogger Andrea

I just wanted to add a couple of pictures of my slowly "hatching" Fludlow.  I took down Christmas yesterday and finished it up today.  We had guests drop in (x 2) last night.  Today I've vowed to get my books bills in order before the week starts and since it is the new year.  I've had little time to really get up a full head of steam on this.  It's making me crazy.  Here are a couple of pictures to show the loveliness of the pattern/yarn. 

FYI - Yarn bowl by Jennie the Potter

Sitting on a bed of  Laminaria

Now, for some cool trivia I stumbled upon.  I got to thinking about punnery regarding this flock thing and have read some information about flocking (it's mighty interesting stuff).  This is the coolest thing I've learned so far:

A V formation (sometimes called a skein) is the symmetric V-shaped flight formation of flights of geese, ducks, and other migratory birds.

A SKEIN! Who knew! Happy knitting.

I CAN CAST ON AT MIDNIGHT, RIGHT? ~ guest blogger Andrea

Sherry (who, by the way, will be knitting along, too) has threatened a midnight phone call to see if I'm knitting on my Flood Flock project.  I say, "Why not?"  There is that "start-itis" thing, but also this is a little out of my comfort zone, project wise and color/ yarn wise.  I've never knit anything in this light natural color, I've never knit a project holding 2 strands together, and I've never knit a gansey-style anything before.  Therefore, Ludlow is a perfect way to start 2015.  Life in general hands us new challenges and new opportunities.  If my 1st project of 2015 is a metaphor, then a shake-up is on the horizon.  I look forward to seeing all of the projects as they unfold.

Happy New Year to the whole flock.  Only 7 1/2 hours 'til midnight!

LOOK MA, NO NEEDLES - a post by guest blogger Andrea

Well, I'm so happy to report this beautiful piece is finished and waiting for it's bath.  I have learned so much, struggled a little, worked on perseverance (and succeeded) and thoroughly enjoyed the time spent with this pattern and yarn.

 I can't wait to post more photos after blocking.

I LOVE PARTIES............by guest blogger Andrea

Happy 5th Blog Birthday, Kelli and Melissa!

 

I've certainly received plenty of enjoyment from your shenanigans over the last 5 years.  I expect more to ensue.  I know lot of work goes into making it look fun and easy.  You do a great job.

I'm here to join in the Bonnie Sennott KAL.  I'm on the home stretch of my Spire KAL and really needed something new that's a little less stressful.  This pattern is going to fit the bill.  My yarn is from my stash (yes, really)!  It's a wonderful choice for this pattern.  It's Periwinkle Sheep Watercolors sock yarn in the Thunderstorm colorway.

I'll be looking forward to seeing everyone's progress.  I'm glad to be at this party!  WHEEEEEEE!!

Don't forget to make a wish when you blow out the candles!

spire 2014 - my progress so far ~ posted by guest blogger Andrea :)

This picture shows my current status.  This is as flat as I can get it laid out. I'm now knitting on 2 circular needles to eliminate some of the scrunching. I like to see a little better what I'm doing.  I've reached the middle of Chart B, repeat 3.  I am really in the rhythm of this pattern. I count all stitches in each quadrant before I move on and it has gotten a little difficult (100+ stitches in each quadrant).  I've now added, for my convenience, 2 additional markers - one after the 1st 16-stitch repeat and another after the 4th.  This way I can break down my count to more workable and visible numbers.  Knock on wood, I've had no mistakes to unknit or fix because of these additional markers.  It's all to eliminate headaches and frustrations.

I am in love with my yarn and this pattern.  However, I'm ready to move on to the next chart.  It won't be much longer.  I love this project.

Let's hear a little from some of the others out there.  I'm curious where everybody is and how it's going, particularly Kelli.  A little bird whispered to me and I want some verification.  Happy knitting everyone!

SPIRE 2014 KAL - Day 1 ~ guest blogger Andrea

Jan. 1, 2014 - Last night I colored my charts with colored pencils, assigning a color to each stitch maneuver. It really calls attention to the different decreases, etc.

The cast-on took me about 4 attempts. I finally used a different color marker for each of the 4 DPN’s so I could identify them easily. That really helped. I’m not a fan of the cast-on.

Each of my paired markers are the same color. I’m doing everything I can to take the potential problems out of this project. The beginning of round markers are green (for go). I used that technique always to help me identify beginning of round or RS.

I am counting every section between the double markers before I proceed. This is something I learned in a Sivia Harding class. This eliminates forgetting a YO, etc. and not catching it until the next row.
I made my change to circular needles at the beginning of chart B. I’ve made it to around halfway through chart B, but I devoted the entire day to knitting (I never do that). Rose Parade, Coal Miner’s Daughter, and some afternoon fluff. It feels very decadent.

The pattern is pretty straightforward for me. I won’t be able to memorize it but it’s easy to read your work and get into a groove of what to do. I did go online to solidify how to do the sspTBL. Don’t let it throw you. So far, I’m loving this project. Cheers, all

A-Spire to Finnish - joining the KAL ~ guest blogger Andrea

Well, I've really been chomping at the bit to start the KAL.  2013 knitting was dominated by  the Rimes The Reason sweater - a project heavy on cables and big yarn.  I'm really needing some lace knitting.  Santa (aka hubby) did my shopping for me by purchasing more than enough madeline tosh merino light for this project.  Hmmm......how did he know? (thanks Sarah).  Anyway, I'm ready.

My yarn color is colorway Wicked and my inspiration is a needlepoint picture of  the church in Kristinestad, Finland where my paternal grandfather was baptized, c. 1896.  My grandparents brought this picture back from Finland for me when I was very young.  A family member did the stitching and I treasure it dearly.  I wonder if there was a subconscious draw because of the name Wicked!  Ha!

I'm hoping to join in with friends and fellow knitters that I do not know yet.  Kelli and Melissa always keep things interesting.  Kelli, did you notice I photographed MY yarn on a silver plate too?  It's tarnished, but silver, nonetheless!  Happy New Year to you all!