Steeking with Ann Budd

Last Friday I took a class with Ann Budd

Let me start by introducing Ann to you.
Here is a fun interview with Ann Budd for those of you who are not quite familiar with her work.
This was just earlier this year.  The interview starts at about 45 minutes into the podcast and is approximately 20 minutes long.  She talks a little about her knitting path, books, sweater constructions, illusion knitting (! remember my Illusion Knitting last year: the "Don't Blink" hat) and knitting workshops.

The workshop took place at The Perfect Blend Yarn shop in Saugerties, NY

I have always been intrigued by steeking  which is the vertical cutting of a knitted garment (between your stitches, not between your rows).  This is often done in a fair isle pattern as it is easier to knit multiple colors in the round and the result is a more even gauge.  I have just not been brave enough to try it on my own.  So, when I saw the class advertised I had to jump at the opportunity.

The project to practice with was a simple coffee cozy  

First there was homework

There was a little "Show and Tell":

One of the participants brought her hobby horses

made from a pattern from Ann's book

The sweater Ann is wearing is "Lulu" and the cardigan she is holding up is "Quick Sand"

The set up for the nine participant class was very good.  Everyone could see Ann's life demonstrations on the big TV screen.

And she came around the room checking on everyone, giving an encouraging "atta girl" to anyone who needed it.

.

.

In no time at all we secured our stitches

CUT!!!

And inserted a zipper

The three hour class left everyone inspired and happy (the snacks and wine Mary provided probably helped with that, too ;)

I would definitely like to take more classes with her.  Her instructions are clear and given with patience and a good dose of humor.  Thank you, Ann Budd, and thank you, Mary Ebel, for bringing her to your shop in Saugerties!

Ann also took time to sign books :)

 

SUMMER TOPS

With the warmer weather finally here, I could do one of my favorite things to greet the Summer:
Put my heavier Winter sweaters away and bring out the cotton and linen tops.
There are a few tops I am especially looking forward to wearing as I only finished them towards the end of last Summer or earlier this Spring.
Who says knitting is a cold day activity?
There is plenty of Summer knitting to be done.
Just to wet your appetite here are a few of my favorite patterns:

For the beginner

Two raglan constructed tops; both knitted in a DK weight yarn:

Free on ravelry: Brenda

Free on ravelry: Summer Top

Two simple tank tops; also both knitted up in a DK weight yarn:

Free on ravelry: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/100-34-top-knitted-in-moss-stitch

Purchase on ravelry:  Sommer

 

For the more adventurous knitter:

Purchase on ravelry:  Caesura Tuck

Purchase on ravelry:  Spring Garden Tee

 

And for those who live close to Rhinebeck:  If you need help getting started or at any point you can contact me  formbyd8@gmail.com

 

Socks, Slippers and Friendships

I have a nice array of colorful washcloths/ dishcloths for Charity and as gifts.  As I was knitting them up, I thought that it would be lovely to make cotton slippers for the family.  So, my dear husband suggested to make pairs for his sister and sister-in-laws.  Well, that seems doable, but which pattern to use???
 Luckily I remembered that Julibeth (one of the knitters extraordinaire at The Knitting Garage in Rhinebeck and whom I am lucky to call my friend) has been knitting slippers as gifts and she has three favorite patterns:

• Simple Garter Stitch Slippers
• Simple House Slippers
• Family Slippers- by Churchmouse 

It is so nice to pick someone else's brain and to have knitterly friends. For the cotton I have been using (Lili Sugarn' Cream ), the Simple Garter Stitch Slippers pattern seems to be the best fit and so I started.  The first one is done (it really is a very simple pattern; so clever!!).  I love the pattern and the finished slipper.  It is nice and sturdy and looks so cute on my foot, that Tony thinks I ought to keep the first pair.  I also learned a new British saying "Bless your little Cotton Socks" ( a term of endearment) and I got a foot-massage :)!

.

.

I also finished Tony's Anniversary Socks 

I had some help finishing the socks

 Yarn:  CoBaSi by Hikoo
Pattern:  Tom and Ethel Socks (free)

My friend's dog feels right at home with my knitting

One pair done , one more to do

I started on my socks which will be reversed in color:  Brown with Blue stripes