Despite how hectic life has become as of late, small moments of peace and perfection seem to present themselves each day. Yesterday the light was so perfect in our normally dark apartment that I decided to snap a few photos of one of my favorite thrifted pieces. A simple linen dress with patch pockets.

Linen Stitch Preview

Just wanted to share a peak at something I'm working on. A pincushion pattern for my blunt ended needles.
There is no shortage of pincushions in my sewing stash but when I have to weave the ends into a knitting project and I'm using a thick, blunt needle, like a tapestry needle I simply cannot seem to coax it into a regular pincushion of tightly woven fabric and end up storing it between the stitches in my lap blanket or sweater....where, of course, I always, without fail, loose the needle every time.
Hence, the linen stitch top to this design. Porous enough to insert thick needles easily, tight enough to hold them securely while you get up refill your wine glass or tea cup between loose ends! Full project instructions coming soon...

Icelandic Overblouse Parade

Sometimes I see a pattern and no matter how many projects are already in progress and how many more are in the queue, I just can't help but dream of knitting it. Elizabeth Zimmermann's Icelandic Overblouse pattern from her posthumous book Knit One Knit All  has been knocking around inside the "To Knit Someday Soon" box in my brain for a while now and I wanted to send out some appreciations to the Ravelry knitters whose creativity is part of what makes this pattern so intriguing to me.

Ravelry credits: (Clockwise from upper left) Iwheldrake, erinjd, darkaknits, Mari73 

I love that everyone seems to knit this in a different palate of color and proportion. The combinations are both beautiful and endless. Plus I am a sucker for garter stitch and a Zimmermann lover!

Perhaps once I get through more of my backlog of projects I will have the time to cast this one on but until then I will just troll the Ravelry posts and marvel at the amazing creativity of the knitting community!

Ravelry credits: (Clockwise from upper left) shumes, NigellaL, Pengwenn, OldRaptorFarm

When I first heard of Ravelry my major draw to it was having access to all of those free patterns, which, of course is wonderful, but now I love it for the amazing reference tool that it is. If I want to look up how a particular yarn knits up or a specific pattern I have access to hundreds of examples and reviews by knitters and crocheters of all skill levels! It's amazing and I cannot say enough good things about it. If you are a needler, or would like to learn, and you aren't a part of this tremendous online community yet, get your butt onto Ravelry!

Day off today.
Most of the day was spent cleaning and finishing projects around the house but Nick and I did get out for a lazy afternoon of book shop loafing and fresh falafel.
Ps. My vintage suede jacket has sleeves that zip off to make it into a vest. such a weird and unnecessary feature but it always makes me laugh.

I also got a chance to wear my new Argaman and Defiance raw silk scarf.
I was so thrilled to see A&D at Renegade the year!
Always wonderful to meet talented artists based here in Chicago and this scarf is so soft and lovely, it is already in heavy wardrobe rotation for me.

Grey Day

Wednesday night walk to my knitting group.
The cold, wet weather gave me an excuse to break out some of my favorite vintage pieces.
A heavy wool blanket shawl
A hand-knit fisherman sweater with wildly long ribbing at the cuffs and hem.
And a pair of leather ankle boots.

And a photo of my cat Luccas, who likes to help with all of my needlework projects.
Speaking of...
I am almost finished knitting my husband's birthday socks, and not a minute too soon, now that the boots are out of storage again. I am using Jenny Gordy's pattern from Made by Hand, Lena Corwin's latest book and ode to craft. The book features a wide variety of projects to try and skills to practice all taught by a roster of impressive makers and beautifully photographed. I have been imagining plans for most of the suggested projects in the book but so far I have just knit this sock pattern, twice.
Like all of Gordy's patterns, both knit and sewn, the socks are simple and elegant. No frills and simply perfect.

Sneak peak of the LSNW chambray and linen Drawstring Project Bag....

Had to pick up another skein of Vista to finish my beret. I am always so eager to cast on (or chain on, as the case my be) that I don't always make sure I have enough yarn to finish the project. A habit that has been the downfall of at least one Almost finished sweater. Oh well...

And very few treats beat a fresh cinnamon vegan donut and cup of coffee @dollop

Olivia Cowl

With the first chills of Autumn weather in the air, I wanted to share one of my projects from our trip to Michigan last fall.

The Olivia Cowl.

A simple bias basket weave infinity scarf. As simple as it was, I did find myself having to rip out rows here and there on account of the bias pattern. I am prone to miscounting. But in the end it turned out nicely. Although, if I knit this again I think I will make it both wider and longer so that it has a bit more yardage to drape.

Ravelry links:

Pattern Design:Michele Rose Orne

Published: Swans Island Company

Knit with: Cascade Yarns Ecological Wool

Fiber: 100% Peruvian Highland wool

Needles: size 8 circular

Weekend

These last few weeks have been a bit chaotic. Nick and I are in the all-consuming process of buying a Coop and that has left very little creative time over the last few weeks. 

I did find a little time...

 to put into my crochet baret pattern,

(hopefully posted here as a free project very soon)

and attend the Summer Renegade Craft Fair here in Chicago,

(the center photo are the beautiful 'wall nests' by ceramicist Jo Boyer .)

Always so many incredibly talented and creative souls to talk to about their work and beautiful goods to peruse. Lots of ideas flowing for decorating our new space!

I also found a little time for a walk around my neighborhood.