Let's Knit Mitts!

Only a few spaces remain in my Smitten with Mittens workshop at Eleganza Yarns this weekend!

Come join me for some mitten knittin' in Frederick, Md. this Saturday (10/9). We'll spend four delightful hours -- with a break for a quick run to Frederick Coffee Co. down the street.

Participants will...
- Learn how to design great looking and well fitting mittens and fingerless mitts
- Explore measuring tips and techniques for unique design features
- Discover the whys-and-hows of different thumb/gusset constructions
- Try out new stitch patterns, cuff ideas, and embellishments for creative, unique mittens

AND, every student will leave with a customized pattern!

Heart in Hand Fingerless Gloves

What you'll need: 200-250 yards of worsted weight yarn for main color, 75-100 yards of several colors of contrasting worsted weight yarn, tapestry needle, sewing needle, colorful scraps of yarn for embellishment

All this for only $60??? What a deal :)

Call the store or sign up online today, and bring a friend!

Smitten with Mittens Workshop
Instructor: Hannah Six
Date: Saturday, October 9, 2010
Time: 12 Noon to 4 p.m.


PS. A special note from me: Please try to purchase your main-color (and contrasting color, if possible) yarn at Eleganza, and do come early to allow enough time for skeins to be wound into center-pull balls.

Let's Knit Mitts!

My Drop-Spindle Workshop: Only a few spaces left!

This Saturday (9/18/10 -- yes, that's tomorrow!), I will be teaching a Beginning Drop-Spindle (spinning) Workshop at Eleganza Yarns in Frederick, Md.

The workshop will run from Noon - 3 p.m., with a break to rest our arms and perhaps grab some refreshments from Frederick Coffee Company, located just down the block.

Participants will learn:

• Drop-spindle mechanics
• Fiber drafting and pre-drafting techniques (including identifying the beginning of a roving/top)
• How to set the twist in your new yarn
• Basics of drop-spindle plying

The workshop price ($35) is amazing -- especially as it includes fiber and color handouts! Drop spindles will be available at a discounted price to participants (or bring your own). We'll have lots of fiber available for you to purchase after the workshop also.

One-on-one teaching is necessary, so the workshop is limited to eight students. Only a few spaces remain, so hurry on over to the Eleganza Yarns website and register now... Hope to see you there!

My Drop-Spindle Workshop: Only a few spaces left!

Freesia Socks: Update about a favorite pattern

Remember the Freesia Socks?

Last year, explaining the inspiration for these socks, I wrote about a little cloister-like courtyard in my high school (in Marin Co., Calif.), where planters were filled with freesias. When the sun shone down mid-day, the entire courtyard would be thick as honey with their intoxicating fragrance. This colorway, Iris, reminds me of those flowers…

Simple as it is, this is one of my favorite designs. The colors in the yarn, the texture of the fiber, and the stitch pattern all came together to create something wonderful. They're scrunchy and squeezable (for those of us who do such things to our socks/yarns).
And they look pretty "on the foot."

I wrote the actual pattern for these socks last fall, for Shalimar Yarns. It takes only one skein of fingering-weight yarn and some US# 1.5/2.5 mm needles to knit up a pair. You can include the ribbon of your choice or opt to leave the picot hem otherwise unadorned.

I say: Enough already with the cold, snow, and ice -- It's time for spring!
So grab your favorite yarn and needles, and let's knit up a little flower power.
Happy stitching!

For more information about this pattern, you can contact Shalimar Yarns or Eleganza Yarns. Currently -- and perhaps for a limited time only -- the pattern is free when you purchase a skein of Shalimar's Zoe Sock or Superwash Sock. You can also check out the Freesia Socks pattern on Ravelry.

Freesia Socks: Update about a favorite pattern

Hannah Six Designs Six Shalimar Yarns Exclusives

Clover Honey Shawlette by Hannah Six

Over the past couple of months, I've designed six patterns for Shalimar Yarns. It's been a whirlwind of creating, swatching, ripping out, revising, writing patterns, and having them test knitted. In other words: It's been a blast!

In total, I did six designs for Shalimar Yarns, inspired by their delicious colors, by the scrumptious base yarns, and by Kristi, who owns both Shalimar and Eleganza Yarns, a Frederick, Md.-based store (which is well worth a side trip if you're in the area!).

One of the designs, the Clover Honey Shawlette, was particularly popular, with 20 copies sold in just a few days! Clover Honey is knit from just one skein of Shalimar's Zoe Sock (each skein has an ultra-generous 450 yard put-up!) on US #5 needles.

With a bit of shaping to ensure it hugs your shoulders and a fun beaded cast off, it's both practical and unique. What an amazing (and affordable!) holiday gift this would make! If you're interested in buying the yarn and pattern, just visit the Shalimar Yarns Web site or contact Kristi at Eleganza Yarns.

Swatching for the Shenandoah Capelet

In the coming days, I will post more info about my other patterns, which include:

• The Rotunda Baby Blanket, a Rococco-inspired confection in Honey Worsted, with an intruiguing pattern ever-increasing cables...
• The Shenandoah Capelet, knit in Missy Bulky, with soft and lofty braided cables and unique twisted-I-cord button loops...
• The Freesia Socks, inspired by the glorious Iris colorway and my memories of a freesia-filled garden at my Northern California high school...

I've even created a special pattern, named Schuylkill Punch (in honor of Philadelphia's World Series Championship), for the Shalimar Yarns sock club! So stay tuned for more photos, more pattern information, and more about Shalimar's wonderful yarns and colorways...

And meanwhile? Happy Knitting (of course)!

Hannah Six Designs Six Shalimar Yarns Exclusives

UFOs: Knitting Project Purgatory...

See all those bags on my doorknob? It's a lot, right? But wait--the door has a knob on the back, too. And we have more than one door in our house. Each with its own little assembly of UFO "cocoons." So I guess the question of the day is: Will these butterflies ever emerge?

There's a reason, of course, why I have so many projects going at once. Some may call it an excuse... You see, I design knitting (and crochet!) patterns. Not so good about taking the time to put them in a nice PDF format, but I do create the patterns.

When you're designing, if you're like me, the time it takes to finish a pair of socks, say, can feel uncomfortably unproductive. I've succumbed to the just-knit-one-sock-and-take-a-photo habit lately. Not one of my more admirable traits, but at least it allows me to get more done in a given day, week, or month.

Another aspect of my dilemma is the simple fact that the creative process is self-propelling. In other words, the more I create, the more ideas I get.

So I often cast on while my enthusiasm for the new idea is high, making notes as I go. Then I might get another idea and, if I'm feeling totally crazy, will cast THAT one on, too. A never-ending cycle of creativity-gone-wild.

I'm not complaining about the fact that I have ideas, and certainly I'm not complaining about having the TIME to follow up on my ideas and get them to some form of completion...some day. It's just that these projects add up, and eventually make me feel more than a bit guilty.

There are exceptions, of course. Recently, I cast on the Freesia socks with some gorgeous Shalimar hand-dyed sock yarn from Eleganza Yarns. If you scroll down a little, you'll see a photo -- a blue and yellow puffy, lacy confection with a heel that allows the pattern to continue all the way down to the sole. THESE socks will be completed. I love them, love how they look, how they feel, and how much fun they are to knit.

But the Freesia socks really are an exception. I LOVE all of my patterns and my projects. Time is limited, though, and I can only do so much knitting, crocheting, and spinning (don't get me started on the latter...I've been in fleece heaven lately!).

For every problem, there must be an answer. What will mine be? Rip out some of my older projects (the ones knit from book or magazine patterns that I might be feeling bored with)? Or should I try working with a test knitter?

Ahh....a test knitter. Wouldn't that be marvelous? Writing up the patterns would be a must, obviously, since even the best test knitters are unable to produce exactly the designer intends via mind-reading.

But maybe that's the kick in the ass I need. Cast on, swatch, get it right, write up a draft pattern, and send to test knitter. It's a process I could get used to pretty quickly.

Needless to say, at this point, I can't afford to pay anyone, except by offering free versions of my final patterns. But maybe there are people willing to knit new patterns just for the challenge (read: finding mistakes) and enjoyment of knitting. One would have to be a process knitter to be a test knitter, don't you think?

Let's get back to the bags-o-knitting above, though. In my next post, I'm going to list my UFOs, with photos when possible. Anyone interested in joining me, talking about your own unfinished projects?

I know, many of us already list them on Ravelry. But here in blog-land, we can TALK about our WIPs (and WNIPs...works NOT in progress) in-depth, explore their nuances, and share new ideas.

And, who knows, maybe we'll even find a way to lighten our doorknob loads along the way...

UFOs: Knitting Project Purgatory...

More Coming Attractions: New Pattern Sneak Peeks

Coral Reef Cuff

I know. One of these days I need to actually transfer my patterns from notes to nice, clean PDF files--complete with photos and helpful how-tos. Until then, though, I think its fair to offer you a sneak peek of a few things I've been working on...

Barn-Door Socks

First, the Barn-Door Socks, knitted in Noro Kureyon Sock on US#1 needles. I love the way the subtle lace pattern looks in the rugged, slubby Noro yarn. I also love the woolly feel of the yarn when I knit with it...Is it just me, or does it leave a soft lanolin-type feel on your fingers?

The colors are simply beautiful. I've never spent a summer on the shores of Maine, but these colors evoke what I imagine it would be like: a silvery-brownish tone, like weathered-wood shingles; pale muted purple, like the twilight sky and the mist that rises over the ocean; aqua and turquoise, with flecks of white, like clear waves crashing on jagged rocks.

A surprise is in store for the heel and toe shaping--they'll be fun to make! The fit is great, the yarn isn't rough on your feet (despite the slightly scratchy feel as you knit it), and the colors and quiet stitch pattern could make for a unisex sock--depending on tastes, of course.


Next is a currently-nameless tea cozy. I knitted this swatch in Peace Fleece worsted-weight, a wool and mohair yarn with a decidedly sheepy feel. I absolutely adore this yarn and am entranced by the Peace Fleece story.

Tea cozies have enjoyed a renaissance during the past couple of years, and it's easy to see why...Sure, we enjoy our coffee--really enjoy it!--in the U.S. But most people I know also enjoy a cozy cup of tea from time to time.

In fact, during the colder months, when the air seems to crackle and snap and make the inside of your nose burn, knitters and crocheters dream of settling in on a deep, cushiony sofa with a hot cuppa and their current project (fireplace optional). For non-needleworkers, the scenario is the same, but usually includes a much-beloved book instead of a scarf-, sweater-, or sock-in-progress.

Either way, once you settle in on the sofa, the last thing you want to do is get up for more hot tea every half hour. Thus, the tea cozy. This pattern will be an easy, quick knit, with an eclectic twist, making it a great idea for Christmas and other holiday gifts.

Freesia Socks

Finally, more information about this sweet pair of socks knitted in Shalimar Sock Yarn. Shalimar is hand-dyed by Kristi, who owns Eleganza Yarns in Frederick. This pattern's name, "Freesia," was inspired by the azure blues and creamy yellows in the ultra-soft merino yarn.

In my sophomore year we moved to Marin County, and I had to change to a new high school (Tamalpais H.S., in Mill Valley, CA). Tam has a gorgeous campus, built on a hill, with lots of grass and trees. One building encompassed a courtyard, with four tree-planters surrounded by a sort of colonade.

Beneath the trees, the planters were filled with Freesias. When the sun shone down mid-day, the entire courtyard would be thick as honey with their scent. Though I didn't know what the flowers' name at the time, I fell in love with their dizzying perfume. I can almost smell them when I look at this yarn…

The heel and toe in this pattern are a bit unusual, as I've been feeling a little bored with the ubiquitous short-row heel and wedge toe. The details will make for a feminine sock that looks pretty from every angle.

I know you'll just put them in shoes and probably hide them under a pair of blue jeans, but that's OK. Think of these socks like delicate Parisian underwear--even though no one else sees them, you'll know they're there!

More Coming Attractions: New Pattern Sneak Peeks

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)