Inspiration

My first Opal sock is done! I ended up using #2 needles for an 8st/10row per inch gauge.

This made a very nice, firm fabric. I'm not sure about the patterns - I used 64sts for the body of the sock. Some of the patterning looks a little funky. Any body out there have a tried and true stitch count at this gauge to get the best pattern repeat?

This was Opal Inspiration #5022 and I have some more in the Inspiration #5024 colorway.

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a ChicKnits Runway Presentation

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courtesy of Gedifra Yarns

Find the patterns by clicking HERE

These patterns are provided as PDF files in German.

Just run them through your favorite translator page and save to your computer for some extra springtime fun!

I especially like the striped pullover on the right and WOW! what an excelllent Boy Sweater!

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Multilingual Knitting Terms

Monday Morning Mirth

Even though he's as Irish as Paddy's pig (and about as faithful), did you know that CF was a Texas-style Line Dancing teacher in Ireland for several months before he hit the big time. This boy loves to dance! (Which is what probably contributes to his alledged irresitability).

It is said that even then, women came from miles around to sit on his back porch...

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Can ya smell Whawt ChicKnits is cookin'?

Green Eggs and Ham! Naw, I'm in training.

I am making the Paulina Bias Rib Shell from Berroco's Free Pattern Library to pump up my knitting muscles to make THIS...

Actually, the talented Claudia made me do it - she wondered where this pattern was from and I went and found it and then HAD to make it. What you don't see too well in their picture is the interesting eyelet pattern that is present outlining the bias effect. I really am CHARMED...

I'm using #5 needles and a wonderful yellow-green cotton shiny skinny ribbon yarn. It was from some overstock eBay seller Arkyn had last summer. She often has some very interesting things for sale which end up somehow in my house...

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Someone's in the Kitchen with ChicKnits

NOT just another Bonnie come lately,
I've joined in on a BNS KnitAlong over at .

I started this last year with some sale yarn - I went through quite a few contortions to arrive at this version. I only had enough olive yarn to knit up to the armholes. This final version uses some black ribbon yarn to knit a rather slutsky fishnet bodice.

Coming to a screen near you - the BNS Knitalong Shells hit the finish line...

HERE's the pattern we used!

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Someone Please tell the SUN
it's OK to come out in Chicago...

gotta love that collar with its Short Row Wraps

It has been so dreary here, even finishing this sweater holds no interest for me. All I have to do is sew in the sleeves and wet block it. VOILA! 2 snaps chic!

The color is so Summer that I would look like I was coated with Kryptonite if I wore it now. And believe me when I say, it's Sweater Weather here. In fact, it is Winter Coat weather here:( Or at least Leather.

See, all I had to do is write a few lines and I found something to be happy about. I love wearing leather almost as much as I love wearing sweaters. So do most Chicagoans, so I predict today you'll see most of the people who have it in it. BUT, I'll be in my Black Ribbie, which is only 2 wearings old, because when that surprise rain falls, all I have to do is throw on a windbreaker...

Yesterday we all believed the weather forecast of 70 degrees by noon and froze our Bs off in the wind. People were not prepared! There was low-lying fog that covered the downtown high-rises so it was 55 degrees with about 85% humidity. That is cold. That is why wool is the antidote.


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ROAD TRIP!

my only Shepard's Sock stash - Gold Hill

Tomorrow I get to do something I've been talking about for ages. Since my love affair with handpainted yarn began a couple of years ago, I've wanted to go behind the scenes at a place where these types of yarns are made.

Ask and ye shall receive!!!

Saturday, the Windy City Knitting Guild gets to visit to Lorna's Laces Studio, now in Chicago. :P California!!!

I am beside myself with excitement because I am going to see how it's done! Industry on Parade!

AND then I'm going to do some pocket diving an' get some SOCK YARN! I want to make the Broadripple Socks by Rob Matyska out of some Shepard's Sock. He's adapting the pattern for wool sock yarn even as you read this. GO ROB GO!!!

Rob and his partner Matt Waldrop are the charming owners of Threadbear Fiber Arts Studio down in beautiful Bloomington, Indiana. I wish I lived right around the corner from them because these guys are always doing something FUN!

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