Episode 248 Balsam Hollow, Wellesley Socks

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This episode is sponsored by Quince & Co and Knitcircus Yarns.

At Quince & Co all of our wool yarns are 100% grown, processed, spun, dyed, twisted, and labeled here in the USA. Our yarns are springy, they’re soft, and you’ll love knitting with them. For summer knitting check out our organic linen and cleaner cotton yarns and designs for them.  www.quinceandco.com.

Knitcircus celebrates fun, a passion for knitting, and the delight of beautiful yarn. Have you seen our Alice in Wonderland Collection with gradients such as Curiouser and Curiouser, Drink Me, and Off with Their Heads? Add in a set of Mad Hatter Stitch Markers while you’re at it. Find us at www.knitcircus.com.

Knitting Pipeline is a Craftsy Affiliate. I enjoy taking Craftsy classes and have learned so much while taking them at my own pace. If you visit my blog prior to purchasing a class or supplies I receive credit for it. Thank you!

You can find me on Ravelry as PrairiePiper and on Instagram as KnittingPipeline. I’m KnittingPipeline on Periscope. There are two groups on Ravelry, Knitting Pipeline and Knitting Pipeline Retreats. Come join us there!

You can also find me here:

Ravelry: PrairiePiper Feel free to include me in your friends.

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Twitter: knittingline

Pinterest: Paula Emons-Fuessle

Ravelry Group

Knitting Pipeline Retreats Group.

Pipeliner Notes

Question from DCAlane

I am wondering when you figure out the percentage finished on a shawl if you determine that by weighing an actual project or if you come up with some formula of stitches per g?

I am making a Crooked Ewe Cowl, but I’ve added 3 garter ridges at the beginning (and will at the end). So, I was wondering how those extra rows will affect the outcome. (Of course, I was traveling when I started this, so I have no idea how much those ridges weigh so I know how much to leave in the end!)

Thanks!

Paula’s Answer:

The percentage is based on the total number of stitches. (You don’t want to know what that number is. Trust me.) By adding in those rows you should come to the 50% mark a little sooner and need to allow more at the end for the additional garter stitch. I wouldn’t worry about it.

From Kathy Kisforknitting

Hi Paula. I have a question that perhaps any mitten knitter could answer.

I knit my first pair of mittens last fall and have another in the queue, it was really a fun project and the recipient LOVED them. Mittens are fun to make and make wonderful gifts; I see many pairs in my future. My question: is it easy to convert fingerless glove patterns into mittens? Not that there is any shortage of mitten patterns but when I was searching for patterns I saw so many beautiful fingerless mitts patterns that I thought could also make nice mittens. My guess is there is a formula for when to start reducing stitches to close the fingers and thumb…

Answer from Diane from Belvidere IL

Take a basic mitten pattern and knit the pretty pattern onto the back. Or follow the fingerless mitts pattern until you reach the ends of your fingers, then follow the decreases from a mitten pattern for the tops. Do the same for the thumb.

Answer from Thea Midnight

I start a gradual decrease from the top of my pinky finger, then you can round the top of your mitten or make it more pointy like the Scandinavians-type mittens. Decrease every other row, then every row as you near the very tippy top! I love mittens now too, because fingerless mitts are not warm enough outside for me.

PS: psssss, if you knit the Quiver Mitts, you will get several options of mitten styles and a very warm mitten with the addition of extra yarn knit into the chevron pattern. The pattern is stylish knit in a solid color or a slow changing color way. Your friends will be amazed at how cute these mittens are! These were a huge hit in my area.

From Happy Fox 74

I was wondering what wool wash you use? I thought you had mentioned it on a previous podcast but I can’t seem to find it. Was it Twig and Horn?

Thank you,

Joy

Paula's Answer: Yes, my current favorite wool wash is from Twig and Horn. Wool Soap in White Grapfruit.

Events

·        Maine and Cornerstone Retreats              Maine Sept 18-22 (Info out soon)

·        Stitches Midwest

Nature Notes

Nature is at her busiest right now with so much happening outside. It’s tricky to get things done when I want to be outside or at least looking out the window. The first week in May is the height of bird migration here in Central Illinois. Many birds use the flyway along the Illinois River. I saw two herons fly overhead this morning when I arrived home from my walk. We saw our first hummingbird on Saturday although that was perhaps a scout because we haven’t seen one since. Rose Breasted Grosbeaks are at the feeder almost constantly. They know they are handsome, those male Grosbeaks, and who can blame them. The females stand like sentinels when they are at the feeder, with their heads pointed outward, perhaps watching for danger. We are also seeing Red bellied woodpeckers, Downy and hairy woodpeckers, Blue birds, Black capped Chickadees, and house wrens.  Male and female cardinals seem to be in greater numbers than they were during the winter, which is strange. Those male cardinals are staying out late at night too. Maybe they are teenagers.

One bird that had me stumped this week was a small bird that was pale overall. It was about the size of a house finch, maybe a bit smaller, and a bit rounder. I finally got some photos of it and guessed it might be an example of leusicm when birds and probably other animals lack pigmentation. Leucism is not the same thing as albinism although both are genetically transmitted.

Leucism is a genetic mutation that prevents melanin and other pigments from being deposited normally on feathers, resulting in pale or muted colors on the entire bird.

If a child is to keep his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the sense of joy, discovery and mystery of the world we live in.—Rachel Carson

Needle Notes

Balsam Hollow Christmas at Green Gables version by Paula Emons-Fuessle

Balsam Hollow Christmas at Green Gables Kit

Little Skein in the Big Wool

Leading Men Fiber Arts

The Wellesley Sock by Kate Atherley

Prairie Piper’s Wellesley Socks using Leading Men Fiber Arts

Wellesly Socks with over 500 cable twists

Ran out of yarn so finished toe with Miss Babs.

8 cables around and 23 repeats on cuff= 184 x 3=552 cable twists!

Crossing Cables without a Cable Needle Video Tutorial

Basic Ribbed Sock by Kate Atherley

PrairiePiper’s Basic Ribbed Socks using Into the Whirled

Basic 3 x 1 Ribbed Socks by Kate Atherley

Custom Socks: Knit to fit your Feet by Kate Atherley

Giveaway!

Custom Socks: Knit to Fit your Feet DVD. Leave a post in the giveaway thread on Ravelry. Thank you to Interweave for sending me the review copy.

In The Blethering Room

• Le Mouton Rouge Knittery Meet Up last Friday

• Thanks to all who came!

• My first Periscope broadcast. I am KnittingPipeline on Periscope.

• Lunch at Destiehl Brewery.

In The Piping Circle

• Periscope on Thursday 5/5 about 7 PM Central Daylight Time (I hope)

• Honor Flight tonight at Great Peoria International Airport

• Played for UAW parade and ceremony last Thursday night.

• Funeral this Thursday morning.

Haste ye Back!