One-Circ Sock Fun

A few years ago I got hooked on the Magic Loop method...Kind of sad, because I loved my DPNs and now I hardly ever use them. Still, stuffing a project in my purse when I'm halfway through a row is a lot easier with one circ than with DPNs.

Then I thought I might like knitting two socks on two circs. After all, it's just knitting around, right? But when I did it, I wasn't having fun. Too fiddly and cumbersome. Just not my thing...though I'm glad a gave it a try.

So imagine my surprise when I tried -- and liked -- knitting two socks on ONE circ last weekend! For some reason, it just makes sense to me. And even though I'm using two skeins at once, and doing twice the knitting, my socks are speeding right along!

I decided to knit these in memory of Momma Monkey (Gigi Silva) who, sadly, lost her battle with Lupus in late January. I'll be thinking of her family -- and her extended family -- as I knit, sending warm wishes their way.

Gigi founded Socktopia, and designed some really fabulous sock patterns, which she generously offered for free. This pattern is called Carolina, Last Queen of Naples, from www.Socktopia.net (the site is no longer available). I'm using Plymouth Yarns' Happy Feet, which I picked up for a song.

It's always sad when we lose someone who contributes so much to the fiber arts community. I strongly feel that one of the best ways we can remember her, like all artists, is to continue to enjoy her work and to try to emulate her generosity of spirit.

One-Circ Sock Fun

Closely Knit...

Photo: 2005 US Formula One Grand Prix, Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Today I am celebrating five years of marriage to the love of my life...and one-time Yarnival Hunk of the Month!

Happy anniversary, Chris! You are...fantastic!

(Non-soccer fans: Click here if you're interested in the reference...)

PS. It's also my husband's birthday today! Happy 3Xth, Chris :-)

Closely Knit...

Destressed, Distressed Neck Warmer: New Knitting Pattern

Now available for download on Ravelry!

This is a simple lacy little cowl that you can pull over your head when there's a chill in the air. And the lovely colors available in laceweight yarns these days means everyone can find a flattering hue! I love this neck warmer/smoke ring/scarf/wimple/what-have-you: It's nostalgic and sweet, yet it imparts an air of intrigue and mystery...

I hope you like it, too!



DESTRESSED, DISTRESSED NECK WARMER
Difficulty level: Easy

Finished measurements: Approx. 17 inches long; 35 inches around.

Yarn: One skein Rowan Kidsilk Haze (70% mohair/30% silk, 229 yds/25g)

Needles: One set 24” US#8 and one set 24” US#10 circular needles

Notions: Yarn/tapestry needle

Gauge: 24 sts x 30 rows = 4 inches (Gauge is not crucial for this project.)

COST: $5.00

You can use PayPal (my account: KnitSix@gmail.com) or send me a check. Once your payment's complete, I'll send you a PDF file. If you don't have means to print the pattern, I will be happy to mail you a paper copy. Thank you!

Destressed, Distressed Neck Warmer: New Knitting Pattern

Malabrigo Lace: Santorini in a Skein

The instant I saw Veronik Avery's Lace Ribbon pattern, I fell in love. Had to knit it. Now!


So I headed up to Y2Knit -- wonderful store, by the way! -- where Susan kindly hooked me up with two skeins of Indigo. All the blues of the deep sea, from navy to violet to cobalt, the color was exactly what I had pictured...Like a trip through the Greek Isles...

When I got home, I carefully wound the skeins into tasty little yarn cakes :-)

After a false start with US#3 Addi Turbos, I switched to the ultra-pointy Knit Picks US#3 circular, and from there on it was smooth sailing.


Lace Ribbon will be a leisurely knit (I figure I'll finish it in time to wear it next fall). But that's OK. Because when you're holding a whisper-soft cloud of Mediterranean paradise in your hands, you want to savor every delicious moment.

Malabrigo Lace: Santorini in a Skein

Knit*Six: Back on Blogger!!! (Plus an LYS review of Eleganza Yarns)

Photo: Christopher Six

Hello! Welcome back to Knit*Six @ Blogspot :-)

If you have any questions about why I chose to come back to Blogger, please visit on my "old" Wordpress Blog. This change will also explain why my entries are out of order now: I transferred a few back from Wordpress (by hand) and didn't do it chronologically!

I don't know. Maybe I'm just getting older and less resilient, but Blogger seems more comfortable and easy somehow, and--importantly--faster! I love to write and share photos, but I don't want to spend half a day getting my blog entries "just so." So, here I am, this time to stay.

Now, on to the meat-and-potatoes...

LYS REVIEW: Eleganza Yarns, Frederick, MD

Located in "Shab Row," a funky, upcoming little neighborhood in this historic town, Eleganza is housed in a 19th Century building with more than a little charm. The low ceilings and upstairs-downstairs layout add a bohemian appeal, and make browsing feel more like a treasure hunt than usual. Plus, there's plenty of free parking, a coffeehouse one block away, and an outside patio where non-knitting companions can chill when the weather's nice ;-)

Since we moved to this part of the world, I've visited Eleganza three or four times. Every time, I've found the staff friendly and helpful--even the owner, who invited me to join her as she opened a delivery of new yarn that arrived while I, the only customer at the time, was nearby.

Eleganza's yarn selection is lovely, and includes: Jo Sharp, Debbie Bliss, tons of Ella Rae classic, Dale of Norway, Noro, and even some locally spun/dyed yarns. You'll also find plenty of needles and gadgets, and a slew of books to tempt you if you're looking for some inspiration.

They do offer classes, which range from beginner to advanced levels, focusing on socks, sweaters, designing, spinning, etc. Perhaps best of all are the Sunday Sojourns and (new) Thursday night knitting groups. I'll definitely be checking those out soon!

I heartily recommend stopping in at Eleganza, whether you need something specific, crave a yarn fix now, or just happen to be in the area.

NEXT UP: I'll review Y2Knit, located in Funkstown, MD (and owned by one of the authors of YNotKnit: Step-by-Step Instructions for Continental Knitting and Knitting Basics).

Hope you all have a fantastic weekend...Happy knitting!

Knit*Six: Back on Blogger!!! (Plus an LYS review of Eleganza Yarns)

Drop Spindle Tutorial: Spinning step-by-step

Do you dream of learning to spin your own yarn? Of knitting socks or a shawl from lovely fibers you've designed and created yourself? Well, do I have a gift for you: An illustrated drop spindle tutorial!

Here's a little taste of what's to come... Enjoy!

Spinning Step by Step: How to use a drop spindle

Calming. Centering. Relaxing. These are just a few of the words spinners use to describe how they feel as fiber passes through their fingers, miraculously turning into yarn through the alchemy of hand spinning. Soon, you’ll enjoy the same creative sensations…AND you’ll be knitting with yarn you made yourself!

Getting Ready
Always remember: there’s a reason it’s called a “drop spindle.” That’s right: You will drop your spindle while you’re learning, and even afterward. So make sure you have a nice cup of tea (or glass of wine!) by your side, and try to be patient with yourself. Spinning is an ancient art form—you can learn the basics in a short time, yet spend years mastering the craft and creating new types of yarn.

What else do you need?

• Your drop spindle


• Some fiber (wool is usually easiest to learn with)


• A comfortable, supportive chair (not a cushy one…a wooden kitchen chair will work nicely)

Click here for the full PDF version of the Drop Spindle Tutorial

If the link doesn't work, please feel free to e-mail me if you'd like me to send you a PDF.

NOTE: The gorgeous spindle in the tutorial was made by Jonathan Bosworth.

Drop Spindle Tutorial: Spinning step-by-step

Dearest Friend

Darling Maggie, sweetest and smartest of all kitties.



Constant companion, closest friend.



We will miss you with all our hearts.



And you'll be with us, always.

Dearest Friend

What's new?

Wow. With all that's been going on lately, January fairly flew by. Now it's nearly Valentine's Day. Five years ago on Feb. 14, my darling husband proposed to me. Hard to believe it was that long ago!

I've posted a few "new house" photos since we moved, so I'm sure you're all rather sick of looking at the same landscape. But when I saw the sun making the distant hills rosy this morning, with twilight still in the foreground, I had to snap a few. Check it out here: Sunrise

Finally, lest you think I've been letting my knitting slide, here are a couple of photos. First, the "Frozen Feet" socks, made out of 100 percent alpaca. These suckers are going to be W.A.R.M.



Next, a quick pair of "Fetching" gloves:



I designed a neck warmer to go with them, but haven't taken photos of it yet. I'll try to be good about writing it up, because it turned out to be quite cute!

Hey, did you notice the fab Fiesta Ware sugar and creamer set in the Fetching photo? LOVE the color!!! And the price...I found the set for $15 at an antique store in Cape May, NJ last fall. Fun ;-)

Well, back to work. Duty calls, and all that. Until later, happy knitting!

What's new?

Sunrise in Western Maryland

Sunrise in Brunswick, originally uploaded by knitsixdesigns.

Here's the photo I linked to in my last post. Isn't it pretty? The contrast between the cold gray foreground and the rosy hills was striking. BTW: The Applalachian Trail runs along the top of the glowing ridge.

Sunrise in Western Maryland