Monday, January 24, 2011

Vogue Knitting Live






The String Fashion Show at Vogue Knitting Live. Wow! Even though I am quite familiar with all of the designs at String, their Fashion Show still thrilled me and the hundreds of other knitters who were lucky enough glimpse at all of these beautiful handknitted designs.


Joined by several friends,I spent an unbelievable weekend at the NY Hilton, at the first ever, Vogue Knitting Live event, allowing us to be part of the Vogue Knitting experience live and in person. I started with a class on Continental Knitting with
Leslye Solomon whose patience, humor and experience were great assets. I am still resistant to purling using this method, however, I plan to keep trying andhope I can take another class with the talented Leslye to reinforce my purl stitch. Beth Brown-Reinsel's Latvian Fingerless Mitts were challenging but, not at all impossible. And best of all, the skills I learned from Leslye on Friday morning were put to use in this class on Sunday. And, Beth showed us how to do a two-color cast on and I loved that.


For me, the best part of this event was the Marketplace. I love to shop and shopping for yarn and associated products is at the top of my list for favorite activities. I loved meeting so many knitters, new and old friends and designers like the gorgeous Ysolda Teague seen here on right. Not only did I get a chance to speak with this talented young designer, but she had the most awesome outfit and the coolest shoes. I knit her Ishbel lace shawlette this past summer and loved the pattern. I was so glad to have the opportunity to tell her in person. Also chatted with Teva Durham- looking forward to bringing her to our Salon one of these days, and had a few moments with special friends: Nadine Curtis of Be Sweet and Catherine Lowe . So glad I met the very talented Julie Weisenberger of Coco knits and her great team from San Francisco.

There are more tales to tell and yarns to describe. Windy Valley Muskox had beautiful shades of Quiviut and quiviut blends along with the most divine pima cotton (already on my fabulous new Blackthorn dps in size 1). Tess Designer Yarns offered a spectacular selection of fibers and colors and it was hard to choose. I had not seen Melinda in almost 20 years and was thrilled to see that she is still producing some of the most splendid and beautiful colors and fibers around.

Sad to see it end. Kudos to the Vogue team for a fantastic event. Cannot wait for the next one.

The New Quick and Easy Ribbed Hat


It was time for the updated version of the fabulous Quick and Easy Ribbed Hat. I love the original for its speed, (the short time it takes to knit it), versatility (looks good on almost everyone) style (definitely, a cute hat) and its warmth (It's just perfect for a cold and windy day). But, I discovered, with a slightly different decrease, I could create another fashion statement, a chic new style that drew raves the minute I put it on. I completed it at the beginning of the Vogue Knitting Live this past weekend and it was the perfect head covering for a brutally cold winter day. And, it didn't suffocate me when I wore it indoors. Better yet, everyone seemed crazy about it. It's another really fast knit (barely two hours to complete with lots of distraction from some very enthusiastic fellow knitters) and I immediately fell in love. Like its predecessor, it's knit with just one skein of Misti Alpaca's Super Chunky 50/50 merino/alpaca,. Solid colors are in limited supply and available in just a couple of shades. Fortunately, I've stocked up on them and at just $12 a skein, this hat is a great buy. Should you wish to purchase the yarn, just contact me and I will be happy to send it out pronto. Special thanks to Tania for modeling. The pattern appears below:


New Quick and Easy Ribbed Hat

Yes, quick about 2 hours. So easy, a perfect knit while sitting around with friends or in a comfy chair by the fireplace. This one-size hat will fit the average adult.
Materials: 1 skein Misti Alpaca, Super Chunky 3 Ply, 50% alpaca, 50% merino wool
100 gr - 55 ydsUS 13 /9mm 16” circular needles
stitch marker
tapestry needle
Optional: 1 set US 13/9mm double pointed needles (any length)

Gauge: approximately 2 sts=1”

Instructions: Cast on 36 stitches, place marker and join.
Row 1: Purl across row
Knit 5 rows
Purl 3 rows
Knit 4 rows
Purl 3 rows
Knit 4 rows
Purl 3 rows
Piece should measure approximately 6” when slightly stretched. If not, knit one more row and begin decreases as follows:
* P4 p2 tog, repeat from * across row (30 sts)
Change to double points if your work becomes too tight on the circular needles.
*K3, k2 tog, repeat from * across row (24 sts)
*K2, k2 tog, repeat from * across row (18 sts)
*K1, K2 tog, repeat from * across row (12 sts)
*K2 tog Repeat from * across row (6 sts)

Cut yarn, leaving 9” tail and thread tapestry needle, draw needle thru remaining 6 sts. Pull tightly, weave in ends and wear your new and cozy hat.

Copyright Notice: The entire contents of this pattern and the knitted design to which it refers are subject to copyright.  Please use this pattern for your personal non-commercial use only. www.whiteridgecrafts.com

2011 by Laurie Kimmelstiel info@whiteridgecrafts.com

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Time to knit

It's been a busy weekend. I've already completed two projects - my second Jared Flood Wool Leaves blanket and the awesome Imperial Stock Ranch Sumptuous Cowl designed by Leigh Radford made with their pencil roving and a size 17 circular needle. Such a good feeling to complete a project or two!

Excitement is in the air as I anticipate and prepare for this coming weekend's Vogue Knitting Live www.vogueknittinglive.com event. In addition to taking two classes, I'll be helping out at String www.stringyarns.com and also 2KN www.2kn.us. 2kn has the most beautiful designs and their "It's All About Cotton" theme will certainly turn some heads with their utterly special and unique pattern kits.