swellknits

Sweet success on a small scale!

noreply@blogger.com (swellknits) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 16:45:00 +0000

Once in a while you make something that you know you will wear forever. It doesn't happen that often, and when it does, you want to broadcast the news and tell every knitter you know. And so it is with the Star Crossed Slouch Beret (free pattern on Ravelry). I used Punta Yarn's Merisoft and the drape, pattern definition, and its softness makes for the most perfect hat! And it only takes two nights of t.v. watching to make it. Because it's in that gorgeous grape color, it's tough to get a good photo. I realized to shoot it flat, wouldn't capture the essence of it. So....

I'm standing in my t-shirt and flannel pj bottoms (if you must know) and I try the hat on and I am absolutely thrilled. DH and pup are fast asleep and I'm alone trying to figure out how to get a picture wearing the hat from the back/side so you can see the shape and drape. I am too impatient to wait for DH to wake up, so I hold the camera with my right hand and stretch my arm out as far as I can and snap a couple of photos. Beautiful picture of the overhead fan. Another one of the fireplace and stained glass windows with just an edge of the hat. Good lord. Finally, I got one that actually has the hat in it!!! And here it is. I know it's not flattering, because I've broken the "no profile" rule among several others, but can you tell how cool this hat is?!# I'm risking all pride, betting you can!

Cashmere!

noreply@blogger.com (swellknits) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 03:40:00 +0000

Several customers have asked for cashmere recently and although I hesitate to purchase it because of the hefty price tag, I did discover Punta Yarns Mericash which is 80% merino and 20% cashmere. We got our first shipment in this week. To feel it, you'd think that it was 80% cashmere and only 20% merino...it's that soft and scrumptious. 276 yards for less than $20 makes it an affordable cashmere-mix. The variegated yarn is hand painted. And the Christmas red is a timely color which is calling my name from the shelf!

A Christmas Quimble

noreply@blogger.com (swellknits) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 19:30:00 +0000

Many years ago when I was in law school, a dear friend of mine gave me this teeny tiny little cloth doll that came in a small silk case with a snap. She told me it was a quimble and that I should always carry it in my pocket for good luck. I could not resist buying this cute little sprite on Monday because it reminded me of something from my past.

As I sat down to face some neglected paperwork this morning (ugh), I thought...ah-hah! It's a quimble! Then, I looked up "quimble" (see how I get to my paperwork?) because the word just popped into my head from nowhere, and I wanted to make sure I hadn't made it up over the course of 20 odd years! Well, I did find a definition for the word "quim" which means "a woman". Okay, it also means "vulva", a definition to be ignored for our purposes. So apparently, this little one resting next to my Earl Grey tea-filled cup is a bearded quimble, brought to you by me to wish you luck during the upcoming week when holiday obligations can be challenging! (Some tie-in, eh?) Okay, back to that paperwork.

Sock Smitten

noreply@blogger.com (swellknits) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 16:23:00 +0000

I'm not a big sock knitter, but I am crazy about these Turkish Bed Socks! Here's one fresh off the needles (I have no pride otherwise I would have blocked this before showing it). While DH and the pup are fast asleep (still), I am here in the quiet of my living room taking pictures of my foot.
It's not a great picture...the background is wrong, color wrong, etc. But DH could come out of the bedroom at any minute and see me photographing my foot. For some reason that embarrasses me so I'm not going to belabor this picture-taking thing; I'm posting them as is.

Turkish Bed Socks

noreply@blogger.com (swellknits) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:51:00 +0000

A visit from Lisa Limber, Schaefer Yarns' rep, is always inspiring. Yesterday, she introduced me to this Turkish Bed Socks pattern from Churchmouse Yarns, a wonderful knitting shop on Bainbridge Island, WA. I lightened Lisa's cash & carry load of hand-dyed Heather & Nicole by 30+ skeins. They are in a heavenly heap on the coffee table in our knitting circle at the Grove. Of course, I had to drop everything and start a bed sock right away and I am loving it! It works up on a #3, which is small, yes, but also standard for socks. The construction of this pattern is amazing. I can't even begin to tell you how clever it is. Since you knit small sections at a time, the project moves along quickly. It's not often that I get up and start knitting before the coffee is even done. Well, I did this morning...that's how fun this pattern is! There is plenty of time to knit a pair for one of your loved ones for the holidays. Oh, and 1 skein of Heather knits two pairs! We're open today until 6:00 and, of course, we'll be open on Black Friday. Come in soon for the best color selection!

An Illuminating Afternoon!

noreply@blogger.com (swellknits) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:29:00 +0000

Richard Lederer was an absolute delight. He is a word Cirque de Soleil artist. And he doesn't just talk, he broadcasts! Right there. In person. And up close. There was a wonderful turnout especially considering that his competition was The Game. The room was filled, questions flowed and Richard charmed us with Presidential Trivia (his icebreaker), excerpts and off-the-cuff stories from and about his Cat Lovers and Dog Lovers books. Dozens of books were purchased for holiday gifts and he patiently signed them all. He did go above and beyond and left some signed copies behind. So if you would like to surprise a cat or dog lover with an autographed copy, c'mon in!

Richard Lederer TODAY at the Grove!

noreply@blogger.com (swellknits) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 17:35:00 +0000

Today from 3-5pm at the Grove, Richard Lederer will be speaking about his two most recent books: A Treasury for Dog Lovers and A Treasury for Cat Lovers. I am a Huge Fan of his! For years, listening to him on A Way with Words on NPR was one of my favorite weekend rituals. So, if you're not busy this afternoon, come share the Awe with me and meet the man with that beloved inimitable voice and quick wit! If you want to be assured of a seat, arrive early! Hope to see you there.

Habu Beauty

noreply@blogger.com (swellknits) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 16:31:00 +0000

This crinkly scarf is knit from a silk Habu yarn that also comes in purples and hot pinks. Since novelty yarns hit the road a couple of years ago, "soft" and "variegated" seems to have replaced them. This yarn is full of texture and color and it's also soft...a wonderful combination. The scarf pictured here was knit by a beginning knitter who added (okay, I did them for her in a moment of weakness!) some of Mad Designs' beads to the edges. It almost brings it to the level of jewelry.

Knit Misti For Me

noreply@blogger.com (swellknits) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:10:00 +0000

Now I don't want to pressure anyone, but Thanksgiving is Thursday and you know where that leaves us...weeks away from Christmas! Let the inevitable shopping begin! There is plenty of time to knit someone special an alpaca scarf from Misti Alpaca. Also known as poor man's cashmere, this yarn would pass any blindfold test for cashmere...it is that soft and that luscious. Two skeins make up a beautiful men's scarf.

Here's one in the charcoal grey fisherman's rib. Ahhh. Let it snow! Well, at least get cold!

Lost Photo Op but Torrie's FLS Makes Up for It!

noreply@blogger.com (swellknits) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:46:00 +0000

The Golden Hanger Awards were a BLAST! Our Jeffrey stole the show as predicted. I whipped out my Canon automatic in the lobby before the festivities got underway and discovered that I had left the MEMORY CARD in the printer at work! Man, you can imagine how I felt about that. R-r-r-r.

So no photos today from the show, but here is Torrie who is making an amazing fashion statement in her February Lady Sweater knit out of Sweater by Spud & Chloe. I wish you could see the stitch definition in the lace pattern and what an awesome job she did. The most impressive thing (aside from her masterful workmanship) is how well this sweater fits her. Sizing is so important and she has got that down flat. Sort of inspiring, isn't it? Also, look at her choice of color .... perfect for a redhead, no?

The Golden Hanger Awards

noreply@blogger.com (swellknits) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 16:45:00 +0000

Tonight at the Town & Country Resort, Fashion Careers College hosts the Golden Hanger Awards, featuring student designer collections, with all proceeds benefiting Make-A-Wish Foundation. This year, Jeffrey of Junc Boutique (a Grove neighbor) will be showing his collection. We've seen bits and pieces of it from conception to construction and we are all so excited. I've mentioned before how talented he is, and tonight is a launching pad for him. Our own judi patuti taught him to sew last year. I'm pretty sure he completes his FCC program in December. And who knows where he will be next year.

Val Hebert will be among the fashion vendors at the show displaying her felted creations which include a beautiful array of earrings, scarves and perhaps some of her popular handbags made from repurposed sweaters. I taught Val to knit 6 years ago and she has had a love affair with fibers ever since. She is an amazing artist and it is always wonderful to see her newest creations. So we are all looking forward to an exciting evening. Hoping to get some good pictures to share with you all.

Day of the Dead

noreply@blogger.com (swellknits) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 18:15:00 +0000

As sure as dawn follows the night, The Day of the Dead follows Halloween. And here we are, the morning after. I looked up rituals for Day of the Dead ceremonies because I was rather curious about its origins. Growing up back east, we celebrated All Soul's Day but I had never heard of Day of the Dead until I moved to California. Okay, I just read that one of the Aztec rituals of honoring ancestors on this day is to make a sugar skull resembling a relative, write their name on it and eat it. Geeze, even if I had a skull made out of chocolate and nonpareils with jelly bean teeth and raspberry drizzle, I couldn't eat it if it had my dad's name on it. I really couldn't. I guess that's what you call a cultural difference.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

noreply@blogger.com (swellknits) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 16:04:00 +0000

Can you figure out who this Shutter Bug is? I'll give you some hints. She made this outfit. That is her husband's camera in her hands. And she won Most Creative Costume at Fashion Career College on Thursday.

Answer: judi patuti!

Spud & Cloe

noreply@blogger.com (swellknits) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 21:10:00 +0000

Yummmm! Two bags of almost every color in Sweater by Spud & Chloe. I received this bunch of pleasure on Tuesday and I already reordered the teal blue, firecracker and chipmunk this morning. My mind is whirling, thinking of projects for every color. but I must resist until I finish the three store samples I have underway with other gorgeous yarns. Man, there are just not enough hours in this day!

Namaste!

noreply@blogger.com (swellknits) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 23:51:00 +0000

We just got in the latest Namaste bags and I set up this display, highlighting the red one, which is their latest color. The picture seems so cluttered to me and as I analyzed it, I realized all that's going on there! We have red and green Namaste bags (which may suggest Christmas to some) in close proximity to judi patuti's Henry Alexander's Skull fabric (which definitely says Halloween) and on the table, is a Thanskgiving day placemat and apron! What a conflict of seasons! Well, I guess what we're saying is that we're ready for all of 'em!

Also fresh off the UPS truck are the Namaste Mini Clutches that are darling. Removeable, adjustable shoulder strap, magnetic clasp, and 3 sections. Best of all, they fit beautifully in Hermosa's exterior pocket. Pretty cool!

Yarn? What Yarn?

noreply@blogger.com (swellknits) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 15:47:00 +0000

I've had young knitters before, but this little guy Micah, at 7 months old, is definitely the youngest. At first he denied his interest in yarn.

But while his mom and friend shopped, he began playing with the yarn. Within a few minutes, it looked like he had taught himself to finger knit. His mom was not necessarily pleased to discover this. And Micah was definitely not interested in giving up the yarn!

The inevitable tug-of-war ensued, a game I have witnessed many times in my shop. Micah thought that was even more fun than knitting.

Obviously, he didn't get the seriousness of the matter.

Well, that's a 7-month old for you.

Stocking Star

noreply@blogger.com (swellknits) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:01:00 +0000

Dorothea was in our Christmas stocking class 2 weeks ago and she surprised me yesterday by presenting her completed stocking (before Class 2 on heel turning and toe shaping even took place)! Her stocking was made challenging by the frequent color changes, which aren't so easy when you're knitting in the round. She mastered the technique of "jogless striping" from Class 1 and as you can tell from this picture, she's rightfully pleased with the outcome. She's on her second stocking now using the same organic O-Wool from Vermont. This time she's knitting the stocking pictured below on the right in red and white, which sort of makes me think you can't make just one of these! Due to the popularity of this class, we've scheduled another one for November 28th and December 5th.

Cowabunga!

noreply@blogger.com (swellknits) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 01:36:00 +0000

I hate to be one of those pet owners that thinks their pet is the cutest thing alive. And, I hate plastering my pet's picture all over the internet, but honestly, you have to admit, Scoutie Rose is a pretty cute dog. She is adopted from the streets of Rosarito, Baja. Having been on the kill list (via electrocution), she is pretty grateful to be alive. And she loves Dog Beach in Del Mar where we first took her when we got her at 1 year old. She is never freer or happier than when she is running on the beach. This video, taken this afternoon at low tide and 72 degrees, demonstrates that she is part dolphin as well as a fully indoctrinated Southern California pup! In the still picture, she found an abandoned tennis ball and hid it among the rocks and she wasn't about to leave without it.

Ode to My Socks

noreply@blogger.com (swellknits) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 19:41:00 +0000

As I finished this sock, I remembered this tender poem by Pablo Neruda and the appreciation and reverence many men have for hand-knitted items:

Ode to My Socks
by Pablo Neruda (translated by Robert Bly)

Mara Mori brought me
a pair of socks
which she knitted herself
with her sheepherder's hands,
two socks as soft as rabbits.
I slipped my feet into them
as if they were two cases
knitted with threads of twilight and goatskin,
Violet socks,
my feet were two fish made of wool,
two long sharks
sea blue, shot through
by one golden thread,
two immense blackbirds,
two cannons,
my feet were honored in this way
by these heavenly socks.
They were so handsome for the first time
my feet seemed to me unacceptable
like two decrepit firemen,
firemen unworthy of that woven fire,
of those glowing socks.

Nevertheless, I resisted the sharp temptation
to save them somewhere as schoolboys
keep fireflies,
as learned men collect
sacred texts,
I resisted the mad impulse to put them
in a golden cage and each day give them
birdseed and pieces of pink melon.
Like explorers in the jungle
who hand over the very rare green deer
to the spit and eat it with remorse,
I stretched out my feet and pulled on
the magnificent socks and then my shoes.

The moral of my ode is this:
beauty is twice beauty
and what is good is doubly good
when it is a matter of two socks
made of wool in the winter.

The Fall & New Beginnings

noreply@blogger.com (swellknits) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 16:29:00 +0000

Ah, there is nothing more satisfying than to see a group of young knitters seated around that table (which used to be in my dining room) learning to knit for the first time. This was last weekend's drop-in knit class and to me, it marked the beginning of the Fall Knitting Season! The minute, and I mean minute, we get a whiff of Fall in the air, knitters come out of the woodwork!

Melody, who is seen here skirting along the outside of the group, has been teaching at the Grove for several years. She has decided to take a sabbatical and return to her roots for 4 months in the Midwest. This means that I will be taking over the knitting classes again. I've had a good break from teaching and am ready to relieve Melody, but man oh man, we're sure gunna miss her.

Color & Skulls

noreply@blogger.com (swellknits) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 21:34:00 +0000

judi patuti has delighted us all with Henry Alexander skull fabric perfect for Halloween. You don't even need to know how to sew to adorn yourself with this. Take a square, fold it in half from corner to corner, and make yourself a pirate's bandanna. Or sew yourself a simple trick or treat bag! The possibilities are endless.

Those gorgeous ribbons flying above the skull fabric are Shibori silk in drop dead colors. Select a crystal pendant from MAD Designs' bead collection and you've got yourself an incredible necklace in no time. More to come on the ribbons soon!

Foyers & Fall

noreply@blogger.com (swellknits) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:45:00 +0000

When you walk into the home of an artist, there's usually a dead give away right inside the door! And so it is at my friend's house. She needle-felted the dresser scarf on hand-dyed silk creating wonderful whimsical birds and flowering trees:

And she always has seasonal vignettes around her lovely home. Halloween is one of her favorite holidays which makes sense because she is all about orange!
On this tray she has a needle felted pumpkin, a decorated orange take-out carton holding knitting needles, and screaming paper poppies. At a time when most of us are feeling financial pressure, it is wonderful to be reminded that you don't have to spend a lot of money to decorate. Gathering the small things you love and arranging them artfully will just make you happy. Right now, I am going to gather orange yarn from my stash in a big salad bowl on the dining room table. Ah, it's the simple things, isn't it?

On the Waterfront

noreply@blogger.com (swellknits) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 18:25:00 +0000

When we saw this fishing boat pull up to the pier this morning, we thought for sure we were going to see fisherman offloading their catch. For all the times we've walked the waterfront, we've only had the pleasure of witnessing that once. Judy and I stood there, while guys stopped to join us, watching the workin' men hoist their catch out of the boat on winches. I just wanted to spit and jangle change in my pocket and make comments like... can you imagine pulling that baby out? Hah! Ya know, be one of the boys. Well, that didn't happen this morning. No catch. Disappointing!

We did, however, spot other wild life along the way.

It took us a little while to figure out what we were looking at when we saw this woman.

An alien, perhaps? What on earth is sticking out of her chest?

Ah, it's Pepper, a 9-month-old Jack Russell terrier going for a morning ride. Well, in her defense, there was a chill in the air.

Thanks to Pepper's mom for being kind enough to stop and pose for these pictures!

Walkabout Stars!

noreply@blogger.com (swellknits) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 14:39:00 +0000

Man, was it happenin' at the Grove last night! We always look forward to the Harvest Walkabout which is usually our second busiest night out of the year (topped only by the Winter Walkabout in December).

This is Haley. It was her first Walkabout. Is she not the cutest little peanut?

And this pup, who gets the cutest-dog-in-the-whole-world award of the evening, is Jolie. When her owner put her on top of the table to get her picture, she spun around barking, looking just like a wind-up toy.

And last but not least, is J.C.(Jeffrey Craig...for real) of Junc Boutique, one of the most creative and talented people I've ever met. His theme for the evening was the 7 deadliest sins, which explains his lust t-shirt. Now about the barbed wire crown, well, like I said - he is one of the most creative people you will ever meet!

Seashells

noreply@blogger.com (swellknits) — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 19:01:00 +0000

Yesterday, we took Scout to run free at the beach in Del Mar where she first experienced the ocean as a puppy. While David and Scout played ball at the ocean's edge, I walked barefoot and automatically began looking for seashells, which is something I have done all my life. I saw three perfectly shaped sand dollars that were still alive. To a shell seeker, sand dollars are quite a find. The one pictured here is probably 20 years old. I found it in Del Mar when I first arrived in San Diego. Then, I realized that most of the shells pictured here, I have had my whole life. That means some of them could be over 40 years old! My father's beautiful hand picked some of these. They are from Cape Cod, Misquamicut Beach, Kittery, Old Saybrook, and a secluded beach on the Sea of Cortez. How amazing that every time I've moved (and I've moved a fair amount!), I have always brought them with me. They are my jewels, each one reminding me of where I have come from and where I have been.