Posts filed under ‘Stash Buster’s Diet 2012’
There’s nothing like working with yummy yarn
For the past week, I have been turning that yummy yarn that I bought from Creatively Dyed Yarns at last year’s Maryland Sheep & Wool (MDSW) into a fun and comfy sweater that I can show off at this year’s MDSW. I have been super stressed and had some extra time on my hands since we traveled by car to Florida (from Virginia!) for the funeral of a close family member. Honestly, this yarn has kept me sane over the past week. I am so pleased with my progress too….as I posted a couple of weeks ago, this yarn will be a sweater someday – and, hopefully, sooner rather than later since MDSW is less than one month away. Can’t wait! I already have my wish list in mind.
Happy Stitching!
Lady Violet Shawl Revealed….Finally!
Inspired by my favorite charater on Downton Abbey, the ”Lady Violet” shawl is finally done and ready for primetime! This project took a year to complete, but it was definitely worth every stitch. I love the pattern (an old find from Bernat) and the feel of this incredible yarn by Roman Hills. Of course, this is their The Dowager Countess colorway from their Downton Abbey collection.
Happy Stitching!
Someday, This Yarn Will Be a Sweater…..
Yes, someday this gorgeous yarn will be a sweater. I bought this last year at Maryland Sheep & Wool and I had envisioned wearing it at this year’s festival. Sigh….there’s still time, I know. But, last night, just as I was about to get started winding the first skein, I had a moment of lucidity for a new design that is now itching to escape my brain and become a reality. Hopefully, it will work up fast and all of the math will fall into place….boy, would I love to play with this yarn soon.
Wondering what pattern I have in mind? Take a peak. Isn’t it nice to work on other designers’ patterns?!? It’s like a relaxing break from the intensity of designing. Certainly, both can be enjoyable in there own way. Maybe, I will work on both simultaneously this weekend.
Happy Stitching!
This Is a Yarn Binge
Yes….I’ve fallen off the wagon. Most of you know that I have been on a serious yarn diet since last year’s Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival. The plan was to make tons of projects using all of the yummy yarn goodness that I already have in my stash until Maryland Sheep and Wool 2013. Well, I didn’t quite make it. Yes, I have been busy playing with yarn from my stash. In fact, I found a lovely skein of Louet Gems in my stash and quickly fell in love while knitting a sample stockinette stitch scarf for my knitting class. A few rows in, I decided to buy some more (just in case, right?)….then, after a few moments searching the internet, I found a lot (or two!) of mill ends of Louet Gems in varying weights. I couldn’t resist. I had never bought mill ends before and it seemed like a great deal at %50 off the retail price. So, now the fun begins. My plan is to use these to make sample swatches and small projects.
Happy Stitching!
Christmas Is Coming and I Just Started Making Gifts
My hook is finally back in full gear again. Yesterday, we were given our Secret Santa’s for our team’s Christmas party in December. Of all things, my Secret Santa asked for hand-made “tall” socks. It was like divine providence stepped in since these were randomly assigned and I am the only yarn-addict on our team. After spending a good hour searching online for the perfect yarn, I realized that I already HAD the perfect yarn in my stash! YIPPEE! It took a while to find it, but I finally got my hands on my Cherry Tree Hill, Supersock yarn (100% superwash merino). It is so cuddly soft and I can’t wait to see the look on her face.
I picked what I hope to be a fast and easy pattern – Crochet Hear & Sole Socks, designed by Alison Grenier. I do have to make a few modifications for the “tall” version, but I am hoping that won’t be too major. My oldest daughter saw what I was planning and her eyes turned green with envy, so now I have to make 2 pairs before Christmas…..not to mention finish all of the other WIPs dormant in my yarn corner by New Year’s Day 2013.
Dare I even ask Santa for more yarn?
Happy Stitching!
Win a Free Copy of Sharon Silverman’s Latest Book!
Sharon Silverman’s new book, Crochet Scarves – Fabulous Fashions, Various Techniques (Crochet Scarves), is a true joy. I flipped open the book and immediately fell in love with all 21 patterns. There are scarves made in traditional crochet, Tunisian crochet and even one done in broomstick lace.
“I was looking for projects that would be beautiful to wear and would also be good teaching tools. Scarves are small enough to take a chance on, with a new technique, an exotic yarn, or a different style than you’re used to,” explained Sharon. “They don’t take a huge investment in time or materials, but are fulfilling to make, wear, or give as gifts. I’m very pleased with the variety of projects in the book. Seven of the projects are Tunisian crochet, and I really hope that crocheters who haven’t tried this technique yet will give it a go.”
Crochet Scarves is filled with clever designs that are perfect for laidback summer-time stitching – try a new technique without becoming invested in a project that will take countless hours to complete. These quick and light projects also are the perfect inspiration for luxury yarns.
Personally, when the book arrived at my front door, I went straight to my stash from Maryland Sheep and Wool to find my Mirabella yarn (50% Angora, 50% wool) by Tess Designer Yarns. I took out my Tunisian crochet hook so that I could try the Premium Cable scarf. This is the first Tunisian design I’ve seen that encourages the use of a cable needle. I use them all the time while knitting cables and I felt silly that I had never thought to use it for my Tunisian cables too.
My Premium Cable scarf – one of my favorite designs in Crochet Scarves.
“From a design standpoint, since there are 21 patterns I had the opportunity to experiment with colors, textures, shapes, edgings…it was a lot of fun. And because scarves come in just one size each, they don’t require the multi-size pattern-writing complexity of items like sweaters,” continued Sharon. That makes Crochet Scarves the perfect choice to get a jump start on your holiday gifts. You can have your list done in no time!
So, What’s Your Favorite Design?
Cactus Lace Scarf
“Like any good ‘mother,’ I can say truthfully that I find things to love in each of my ‘children!’ The stitch definition of the yarn in Catch a Weave, the color palette of Monet’s Village, and the colors and fringe on Classic Plaid come to mind right away,” remarked Sharon when I asked her this question. “However, if I had to choose just one, it would have to be Cactus Lace done in a combination of broomstick lace and regular crochet with Luna laceweight yarn from SpaceCadet Creations. The finished scarf is light as a feather.”
I would have to agree – I was thrilled to see the Cactus Lacus. For those of us who have been a little shy to try broomstick lace, this is the perfect primer. “[This pattern] would be a good starting place, but I would recommend that crocheters try several rows of the pattern with sport or worsted weight yarn and bigger hook first. The stitches in broomstick lace are not difficult, but it takes some practice getting used to managing the loops, not losing any, sliding the hook through the loops, etc. It makes sense to get comfortable with the technique before trying it with laceweight yarn,” commented Sharon.
My other top picks, include:
Marabou Scarf
Marabou is a show stopper – it’s simply gorgeous.
Swallowtail Cowl
Swallowtail Cowl has outstanding lines.
SeaSplash Scarf
SeaSplash is so light and airy.
Crochet Scarves – Fabulous Fashions, Various Techniques can be purchased on www.amazon.com. However, I am giving away a copy of the book to one lucky winner. Post a comment below about this amazing book and I will include you in the drawing on August 17th. Be sure to include your name!
For more information on Sharon Silverman’s incredible designs and what’s on the horizon for her, simply visit www.sharonsilverman.com. “One exciting thing [that I am working on] is a partnership with the folks at World Wide Yarns, who are putting together crochet kits for sale. So far, I’ve created two original designs for them – the Peach Fab throw using Colinette’s “AbFab” yarns and the Ripples on the Lake wrap using Dyelot Yarn’s “Recovery Package”. I’m working on a couple of book ideas and some magazine proposals–any requests, let me know! The best way to find out about my projects is on my website, www.sharonsilverman.com, on Facebook at Sharon Silverman Crochet, or on Ravelry at CrochetSharon. I’m also looking into the possibility of creating custom home decor items for interior designers,” Sharon concluded.
Take Me Out to the Ball Game
Crocheting on a beautiful evening at National’s stadium……gotta love a little “stitch and pitch”!
Yarn – It’s Not a Hobby, It’s a Way of Life
Most people who know me know that I’m pretty obsessed with yarn. I love playing with yarn and I have a particular weakness for yarns made with luxury fibers. I’m particularly partial to merino wool blends with silk and/or cashmere, to say the least. It’s pure joy playing with “the good stuff” as I like to call it.
A simple look at my recent yarn purchases and allocations of my free time over the past year paints a clear picture of the importance of playing with yarn in my life. A few days without crocheting (or knitting) leaves me frazzled and a bit lost.
On my way back from the Maryland Sheep and Wool (MDSW) festival, as I thought about the damage that I had just done and all of my new yummy yarn delights, I came to the conclusion that this is not a hobby for me. This is a way of life.
I will gladly give up new clothes and shoes, expensive haircuts, manicures and pedicures….you name it…..in order to buy more yarn. In fact, last year at MDSW, I went solo and purposely did not eat so that I could splurge on more yarn. Yes, I gave up food for yarn!
However, I realized too that it would be a shame if I amassed this huge collection of “good stuff” and I didn’t get to play with most of it while I was still on this earth. So, I have made a commitment – all of this beautiful yarn must be turned into completed projects. My goal is a project per month. Yes, I am going on a serious stash buster’s diet, complete with a plan and some accountability. You, my friends, will keep me accountable; and by December 31st, I should have 6 more gorgeous projects to display. Anyone else want to jump in with me on the stash buster’s diet? Think how much fun we’ll have making our dream projects and how much better we’ll feel after our next yarn shopping spree, because by then we’ll actually need to buy more yarn!
Making Progress on the Lady Violet Shawl
Here’s an update on my Lady Violet shawl. I am almost 1/3 done…..this will be finished in time for the 3rd season of Downton Abby, for sure. Won’t this be perfect for Mary and Matthew’s wedding? I hope I get invited. 
P.S. – I am still figuring out how to use my new light box…..I am not 100% happy with the results, but practice makes perfect.
