DenKnits 2.23 Where I cough animal sounds

I have a lingering cough from the cold I had last time so I did some creative editing :-)

In order to try and get through quickly I mixed the FOs and WIPs together...

• Christmas hats, the Capucine and earflap hats
• Rock Around, cowl design to match the Rock On, inspired by Lorrieu the dyer from North Cabin Fiber Crafts
• Commission hat, knit to resemble a crochet pic I was sent
• Crochet cowl from SW BFL/Banana fiber handspun
• Anne's Imagination Cowl by The Sampler Girl
• Tube Socks transformation
• A Riot of Color Socks
• Poncho design out of Twin Mommy Creations
• Lake Avenue Cowl

I have a little bit of spinning I'm working on...  Two braids from a Got Fiber? Friday sale on Facebook by Phoenix Fiber Co. spun together using a tip from Debcquilts

GIVEAWAYS!!!  It's that time of year for gifts, right?  There are three possibilities for you to win! 

1. Lake Effect set, wrap pattern by KaRi Wymer and hat/mitts set pattern by myself
2. Lake Ave Cowl, pattern by KaRiWymer
3. Noro Spring/Summer 2013 magazine and RainloverKnits snagless stitchmarker set (Sarah also hosts the Raindrop Knits podcast)

Just post in the thread which one (or numerically your most wanted) you like and why for a chance to win!  

DenKnits 2.22 KitM and lots of stuff!

I'm still working through this cold so I'm putting together some quick notes.  If you have any questions, comments, etc. feel free to contact me on Ravelry.  You can comment on the blog but sometimes I miss those for a week :-(

Finished Objects

• Lake Effect wrap and matching hat/mitts
• Fox cowl for commission
• Multidirectional scarf
• Sockhead hat
• Rock on hat
• Morning walk headband

Works in Progress

• A riot of color socks
• Lake Avenue cowl

Spinning

• Two batts carded at KitM from Fiber Addiction undyed Falkland/Silk fiber and banana fiber
• One batt carded at KitM from Uniquely Yours SW BFL braid and banana fiber
• One batt purchased at Michigan Fiber Fest from Beyond the Fleece called Untamed Batt

Knittin' in the Mitten! (begins at 27.6min)

I decided to go with a full review of the event as I experienced it.  Lots of Rav names, conversation summaries and enabling!

DenKnits 2.21 - The grandma I'm kidded I am

Finished Objects:

• Panda Hat made up on my own for my daugher out of Universal Yarns Uptown Bulky
• Asymmetrical Cloche out of Bricolage Studios handspun and a matching cowl of my own design
• Tardis Cowl test knit from ages ago out of stash acrylics
• Haven Memories Socks out of Highland Handmades Sugar Maple Sock
• Simple Hat of my own design out of the Highland Handmades leftovers
• Mickey Mouse hat, earflap knit hat and crochet mouse ears
• Baby blanket (crochet) from the Easy Ripple Afghan pattern and stash acrylics 

Works in Progress:

• Fox hat for a customer out of LBY Wool Ease
• Lake Effect by KaRi of the High Fiber Diet podcast, test knitting out of Shepherd's Wool
• Stored in my bag from MyPinkBoots
• Multidirectional Diagonal Scarf using my Happy Fuzzy Yarn handspun in Forest colorway
• A Riot of Color socks from the sock blank purchased at Stitches East, my usual vanilla socks

Spinning:

• Started the last of the Happy Fuzzy Yarn Dragonfly colorway on...

Acquisitions:

• 3D printed turkish spindle from Turtle Made on Etsy
• KitM swag, a drawstring cotton bag and a t-shirt
• Banana fiber from DGY
• Reclaimed Rubber purse from DGY
• LYS shopping - the panda hat yarns, more Shepherd's Wool and Neon Now by Plymouth Yarn

Spinzilla follow up

Designing for DGY:

• Best Sweater Ever now available!
• Men friendly scarf and Mom & Me cloche style hat in the works!

Shared Projects Drawing!

DenKnits 2.20 STITCHES! but I digress...

I don't know if I've ever digressed so much :-D  This is a long one guys, but the last video was short, making up for it preemptively!

Finished Objects - I finished a Yoda hat for my cousin's toddler, it's a combination of this earflap hat and this Yoda hat.  The fingerless mitts have been received, they're my creation with a touch of a MelTran pattern.  I also got the Bender hat in the mail.  This was all my design and I hope to write up a pattern because there weren't any knit choices on Ravelry already!  The recipient of the Bender  hat (who has also gotten other hats from me) happened to be by the Jagger Spun factory for work and thought to stop in and pick up a skein for me!  Yay!!!

Works in Progress - The Easy Ripple Afghan is being crocheted for my son's teacher who is expecting a baby boy next month.  I'm also still plugging away on my Highland Handmades socks, just my usual vanilla sock.  My cousin's toddler is also getting a Mickey Mouse hat, I just need to figure out the ears!  I'm also working on a test knit for CoggieTM, KaRi from The High Fiber Diet.

Spinning - Finished the merino from TreLiz, my favorite Greek fiber artist :-)  The fiber spun on the wheel turned out deliciously but not the same weight as the spindle spun fiber.

Spinzilla - Go Team HappyFuzzyYarn!!!  I finished two 4oz braids on the wheel, one was 242yd (presoak)(968yd submittable) and the other 282yd (presoak)(1128yd submittable).  I also spindle spun on the road trip and managed to get through 3oz of another 4oz braid!  I was able to 2-ply 178yd (presoak) and had 68yd of singles (presoak) (for a total of 602yds submittable).  My total Spinzilla contribution was 2,698yds!!!

Stitches East - There was so much... I don't know what really needs to be notated here!  Well, it was amazing to finally meet Darn Good Yarn and just soak it all in.  I'm anxiously waiting for Stitches to post Fashion Show pics so we can all get a better look at our item as well as all the other gorgeous knitwear.  I saw Wendy from Knit1Heart2, I chatted with A Riot of Color and got a sock blank & a button, I picked up a few minis from White Birch Fiber Arts and some fiber from Highland Handmades along with a button for being a podcast fan!

DGY Designing - A sweater I designed is being released soon from DGY, along with a felt ball CaPOWl (it's a cape/cowl type thing) and I have two items in progress and one more to get started!  Expect lots from me through Darn Good Yarn over the next year or so :-)

What am I wearing?

DenKnits 2.19 - I feel like I'm rushing but...

Super quick ep today!  So many secret FOs and WIPs make for a short podcast I guess :-)

Check out DenKnits - My favorite things and tell me what you think!

FO - Iris Goddess of the Rainbow Shawl out of Sheep Dreamery yarn

WIPs - Bender hat design out of Encore worsted

         - Socks out of Highland Handmades Sugar Maple Sock in Haven Colorway

Designing - DGY designs include a cape/cowl out of the felted ball wool, a top out of reclaimed sari silk ribbon and suede and a child's hat out of Yickity yak.

I also worked on some fingerless mitts that are a secret gift not seen by the recipient yet so those will be shown another time.

Spinning - Finally got back to the TreLiz merino in shades of purple that was originally spun on my Cattail Knits turkish spindle.  That was taking too long so I spun the rest on my wheel.  I've got around half done now!  Plan to 3-ply by the chain or Navajo-ply technique.

I received a birthday skein of yarn that I think I forgot to show on the podcast.  It's an indie dyed skein from Twin Mommy Creations purchased at Four Purls in FL.  She does also have an Etsy shop, but I can't find this Peruvian Highlands wool in it, what weight yarn do you think it is???

Since there wasn't much to show I talked a bit about upcoming events, including Stitches East and Knittin in the Mitten.  I'll be at both, will you?  Make sure you find me and say 'Hi!'

DenKnits 2.18 Design Feature!

Welcome to DenKnits, where I finally remember to share all the places I am virtually!

Here to talk about the first Finished Object with me is my son, Ethan, for whom is was created...  This is the Easy Crochet Soccer Ball that I crocheted in Red and White for the Man U fan.  The crochet part was easy, piecing together was not, until I found this project with a schematic photo!  I used some leftover Hobby Lobby yarn and G & H hooks.

I also Finished one other item, the KISSy the sheep pattern from Kari, coggietm, of the High Fiber Diet.  I knit mine up in Jojoland Tonic so I had to adjust gauge and needle size down to a US4.  This will be my first finished entry into the KitM KAL using a pattern from an attendee designer!  

The Iris Goddess of Rainbow Shawl is still a Work in Progress.  I am knitting on Clue 3 with my Sheep Dreamery yarn and know I will love my shawl when finished, just wish it were already finished!  This will be a KitM KAL entry as well since the yarn was purchased there last year.

I've also put some Work into the Bender inspired hat that has been ordered from me.  It just looks like a regular hat now but soon will take shape into the Futurama character!

Needing something simple to take with me, I cast on some socks again!  These are my usual sock formula, usual sock needle and Highland Handmades Sugar Maple Sock yarn.  It is a colorway called Haven which was created for the KitM retreat last year, so it's another entry into the KAL :-)

In BIG designing news... I will be attending, however briefly, STITCHES EAST!  The ladies at Darn Good Yarn were invited to come with a fashion show item and they extended that to me :-)  I am excited to not only have a MODEL wear an item I knit, on a runway, in front of lots of people... I also get to FINALLY meet Nicole and Maggie in person!  Having worked with them virtually for over a year I am looking forward to spending a bit of time with them.

However... sadly I realized that Stitches coincides with Spinzilla.  As a member of the Happy Fuzzy Yarn team I not only got a discount for the fiber I purchased at Michigan Fiber Fest, I also get to use the discount until Spinzilla... so I ordered a few more braids :-)  I plan to spin up one braid on my wheel, hopefully finishing at least singles over Mon and Tues.  Then I'll have to work out some spinning time on the road using my Turkish and work up at least one more braid.  You can still join in the fun on this or any other team with openings until Sept 22 or go as a Rogue spinner until Oct 3.

Since it's a new month and I've noticed an increase in the number of shared projects, I think you like this prize drawing method!  Everyone who shares a finished object gets their name put in the draw and if you have more than 5 items shared you'll get another entry!  This month's winner is sehepworth!  Congrats Sarah, love seeing all the socks you've been making :-)

DenKnits 2.17 I loved it so much I needed to cast on

Two of my most recent spinning projects quickly turned into knitting projects this time around!

Works in Progress - WIPs

• Iris Shawl out of Sheep Dreamery yarn for the KitM KAL
• Special order - Hat that looks like Bender

Finished Objects - FOs

• Harvest Sweater by Tin Can Knits for the Autumnal Equinox Sweater along in the High Fiber Diet podcast group
• Storm Cloud Shawlette out of prize winning handspun from FiberNymph Dyeworks

Spinning/FOs

• Showl? Shawl-Cowl? made up out of Fiber Addiction handspun
• Cast on shortly after finishing spinning a worsted navajo ply
• Not sure if I like it as is so haven't made a project page yet
• Simple mesh cowl made up out of Lucky Cat Craft handspun
• Cast on shortly after finishing spinning a thick 'n' thin bulky 2-ply

Spinning

• (2) 1oz samples from Linden Lane Farms
• Different fiber content but not sure what exactly
• Spun one up into a thicker 2-ply
• Spun the other up into a 4-ply chain style (I believe?)

Spinning DVDs - DriveBy Review

• Building Blocks of Spinning with Sarah Anderson presented by Spin-off
• A great set for a beginner, covers everything you need to know from start to finish
• Covers different fibers and fiber prep
• Includes some info on plying and novelty yarns
• The Gentle Art of Plying with Judith MacKenzie presented by Interweave
• For someone who knows how to spin, covers what to do with singles
• Talks about how many plies, different kinds of singles plied together
• How to change your wheel set up to make the yarn you want

Bergere de France - Yarn sample book

• Get your own free catalouge that includes
• Images of their patterns
• Tools and notions
• Images of their yarns and some pages have real yarn samples!
• If you like to be inspired or see what's hot next check this great freebie out!

Acquisitions

• A better late than never birthday box from Karen aka stashless aka havfaith
• Dryer balls with lavender scented sachet - 7 balls keep my super full loads of laundry static free and smelling faintly of lavender (so I can enjoy but the boys won't complain!)
• Hand sewn bag perfect for a one skein or small skein(s) project as well as sock knitting with cute two colored pull strings
• Cast on Bind Off by Leslie Ann Bestor this book is great!  There are images of every cast-on and bind-off from different angles so you can pick one that looks just how you want, either to match or for a design element... And if you think you know all the cast-on or bind-offs you need, it's still useful because of the images!
• Cable Print bag ordered from SilviSherr of My Pink Boots
• Larger bag, can hold 3-4 worsted skeins easily and I fit a half sweater in too!  It has a draw string and toggle to keep it closed and excellent craftsmanship.
• More crochet 'squares' that aren't really square at all from yarnballkiki7, Akhila.  Love them all as usual but one is more intriguing to the novice crocheter in me :-)

Designing - Darn Good Yarn

• New design on the needles may be a big one!  Out of reclaimed sari silk ribbon, this garment is working up fairly quickly on size 15 needles but I can't share too much yet :-)  
• I also received several skeins of other yarns that will become designs for Darn Good Yarn very soon!

Thanks for watching and joining me on the Ravelry group and/or subscribing on YouTube!  While I usually try to make the podcast shorter (30 mins or less) I've noticed that my longer eps are being watched by just as many.  So I did not overly edit this one in the hopes that it is enjoyable as it is, even though it's over 30 mins.  I get too much done in two weeks time to consistently be under 30 I guess :-) 

DenKnits 2.16 Fun to be judged

FOs (Finished Objects)

• 3 comfort blankets from bulky/super bulky yarn held double and knit with size 36 needles, take about 2 evenings to finish a blanket (sorry no pics and already gifted)
• Leaf Lace Scarf from Darn Good Yarn Silk Cloud, my own design
• Bonny by Tin Can Knits out of Dragonfly Fibers lace weight

WIPs (Works in Progress)

• Harvest by Tin Can Knits out of Plymouth Encore Tweed for the Autumnal Equinox SAL
• Iris Goddess of the Rainbow Shawl out of Sheep Dreamery sock yarn for the KitM KAL

Went a Courtin' Cowl Giveaway!

Acquisition - Spin to Knit by Shannon Okey, package deal for hardcopy of the older version, e-copy of the update when available and entry into a drawing all for $10!

Michigan Fiber Fest!!!

• Handspun Skein Competition
• I'd never done or watched anything like this before so I went whole hog and entered as many categories as I could, which was 5 out of the 8 available.  Because I learned to spin fairly recently I was in the novice level, there were also intermediate and advanced levels.  I watched the whole judging process, which may be different for every event, but I've reviewed it all for you.  I'd never really seen anyone go into detail on how it works before so I thought it could be helpful for someone and perhaps interesting to others.  I ended up with four ribbons, three 1st place and one 3rd place!
• Emily of Fiber Addiction had my designs and sample knitting at her booth, I also got to meet her in person officially
• Emily from Bricolage Studios was in the same tent so I stopped by to say hi and let her know I submitted a skein I spun from her batt into the competition
• Meet up with KaRi and Lorrie, ran into Dena and Jill and hung out in Jenna's booth, Uniquely Yours
• Made my own batt using Jenna's drum carder out of Alpaca, BFL, Firestar and Silk Noil, this was probably the most fun!!!
• Also found Bethany and her daughters and got to see my Tulip Top design 'in the wild' as her daughter was wearing the version she had test knit for me :-)  
• Acquisitions - This year's plan was FIBER!
• Beyond the Fleece - Untamed batt
• Linden Lane Farm - 2 1oz mixed fiber balls
• 4 1oz balls from a booth whose name has been forgotten and does not tag their items
• 2oz braid from Lucky Cat Craft who was a fun gal to chat with too 
• My first purchase was from Winding Wool Creek Fiber Mill, many beautiful batts to choose from, I went with a merino/silk blend
• My Uniquely Yours Batt
• Happy Fuzzy Yarn, sock  yarn and fiber braid
• Spinzilla Team!  I decided to join and give it a try, I have until October to prepare
• Fiber Addiction barter items include 2 fiber braids and 2 skeins of worsted yarn on different bases

2.15 Distracted

Welcome to August!  Hope you were able to take advantage of the free patterns, they're back as paid patterns.  The Scrappy Stripes will now come with matching mitts and Asymmetricowl is still on Ravelry but will also be available as a kit in my store soon!

Finished Objects - DGY Chiffon Ribbon Vest, my own design and I haven't even made a project page!                            - Comfort Blanket ASAP also my own design but there is a project page :-)

Works in Progress - Bonny and Harvest by TinCanKnits are still going
                              - Leaf Lace Scarf I'm designing out of DGY Silk Cloud

Crochet - Granny squares and some other experiments

You can find the story behind the new wheel here.  I spun up some DGY Alpaca Roving and a batt from Joanna of KnitSpinFarm.  Next up I'm going to finish the TreLiz fiber!

Designing - My work for Emily of FiberAddication was at Wool and Wine (or Wine and Wool?) last weekend and the new hat pattern, 'Rock On!' is available now on Ravelry!

Shared Objects Drawing - Another random drawing from group members who shared their finished objects with us!  I had to cut some out and turn the volume down when I was drawing because my dog was barking but I did do it honestly!

Went a Courtin' Cowl Drawing - CoggieTM from The High Fiber Diet has generously offered up her new pattern to one lucky winner!  See the thread in the Ravelry group for the prompt.

My Wheel Fairy

When I began knitting I didn't feel like I needed a group and didn't seek anything out.  Eventually I did appreciate the virtual ways knitters get together, either via podcasts or board chatting on Ravelry.  As I became more involved in the virtual I also started seeking out groups that met near me.  My local library had a nice group that met twice monthly but it slowly feel apart when it lost it's library support.  

The greatest way I've met knitters has been through Instagram.  Not too long after I joined, mostly to use the pic editing options, I thought to look for knitting pics.  Soon it seemed to me that knitters (crochet and spinning too!) had taken over!  Now I was chatting with names in the craft that were big!  

I finally took a step outside my comfort zone and went to a knitting retreat, Knitting in the Mitten (KitM).  I'd talked virtually with people who would be there so I felt like I knew them.  I only went for one day but that was enough to get to know some great people.  

One of the people I'd been lucky enough to met was KaRi.  She occasionally held a knit group at her house.  It was a little drive for me but I decided to go, then she let me in on some news.  She wouldn't be able to use her spinning wheel for several months and wanted to loan it to me!  What a dream!  A ladybug wheel with all the accessories I could ever imagine.  So I put spinning at the top of my to do and now at about 3 mos in I've finished 10 skeins.  

I'm always saving and trying to get to a point where a wheel I liked could be purchased.  Checking craigslist and eBay, finally thinking maybe a new wheel would be necessary.  

Then someone posted a wheel available on a Ravelry board and KaRi brought it to my attention.  Little did I know she did more than that.

I got in touch with the person destashing the wheel.  I saw pics and knew what it was worth with all the accessories.  It was going to be a squeeze getting that amount together on short notice but I thought I'd come up with a plan.  We talked on the phone for what I thought was arranging for me to try the wheel.  First, she told me this lovely story of how she came to have this wheel.  I might have some details a bit off because I may have gone into a bit of a shock during this call but I want to record the great story behind this so here it goes...

G knew a woman who had a farm with alpaca (? Sheep?) and she came up with the amazing idea to spin a fleece and knit her a sweater.  But she'd never spun and didn't have a wheel.  She went forward anyway, getting a fleece from the husband and processing it herself.  Then she took the fiber and went to an LYS and said I want to spin this, do you have a wheel I can borrow?  She had no intentions of becoming a spinner...  She spoke with Jo and she said she'd arrange it.  But when G went to pick up the wheel to borrow she got a note saying it was hers to keep.  She never intended to keep it but got to work spinning, planning to return it when she finished.  During the time she was spinning, her daughter had to see a doctor whom she recognized to be Jo's husband.  She brought up the kind act briefly and they went on to the matter at hand.  Months later, G heard that Jo had sadly passed away unexpectedly.  She started trying to get in touch with the family, thinking they'd surely want this piece of Jo back.  Getting no responses, G kept spinning and thinking of ways to get in touch with them, finally trying the husband's number.  A daughter answered and after introductions G told her she felt she needed to return this wheel as she only meant to borrow it.  The daughter told her, no, Jo put the wheel right where she wanted it to be.  Enjoy it, use it once a year and think of Jo as you spin.  Besides, Jo had 7 wheels and it would crush dad to bring back another!  

At some point G and KaRi spoke about me, my love for spinning and the struggle to save enough for this expensive equipment, as a mom with three growing kids.  That's when G became my Wheel Fairy.  Knowing she wouldn't spin, she wanted the wheel to go to a good home.  Somewhere it would be used, appreciated and not sold.  She wanted to just give it to me!  Absolutely refusing any sort of repayment.  

Just like magic, my Wheel Fairy arrived to drop off my (!) wheel.  Thoughtful as she is, she even brought cookies for my kids, who had to put off plans for me to receive this gift.  We chatted a bit and she again told me beautiful tidbits of info about this wheel's story.  We will surely cross paths again!

One of the last stipulations for taking this wheel was that Jo be thought of...  I know people often name their wheels, so it seemed to me the best way I could honor Jo and think of her often was to name my wheel Jo!

So here is Jo, my Ashford Traditional, on her inaugural spin!

The connections we make as knitters, spinners and such, even virtually, can become a community where we share, not just the love for the craft, but the tools as well.

I know when this story started it was perhaps a little difficult to see where it was going, but I hope it makes sense now.

I must also speak a bit about paying it forward.  Lately I've been trying to share the knitting love more.  I finally knit a blanket for charity, I began swapping items with others and giving away prizes on my podcast.  I gave away some of my designs for free and sent yarn & patterns to an amazing woman who knits chemo caps. Now, I know these things aren't necessary connected to my good fortune of having something gifted to me, but it certainly makes it feel more significant.  There are still parts of life that don't seem fair and no matter how much you pay it forward, you just don't feel the return.  But when you're least expecting it, I think it's most likely to happen. 

DenKnits 2.14 Hooked!

http://youtu.be/RxHC6NhiXc0

Celebrate my birthday with a FREE pattern or two...  Scrappy Stripes and Asymmetricowl are both free until the end of July.  Scrappy Stripes will come back with a matching mitts pattern included and Asymmetricowl will be available for paid download on Ravelry or as a kit at my Square Market shop!

Finished Objects - Log Cabin Blanket is completely finished!

Works in Progress - Bonny; Harvest; Leaf lace scarf of my design out of Darn Good Yarn Silk Cloud yarn

Hooked - I finally learned crochet!  Stashless podcast is having a New Discoveries Craft along so I was trying to learn this and debcquilts realized I might be left handed!  She sent me YouTube links to naztazia's channel for left hand crochet and I learned immediately.  I also used a link from ewecreekcottage for Granny Squares from iknitwithcatfur's YouTube channel.  My cousin also told me of a great channel for learning crochet, CrochetGeek on YouTube, who has videos for left and right hand crochet.  thehighfiberdiet was my back up for an in person lesson should I need it but I was successful with videos.  Thanks also to jadee666 and someryarns for cheering me on via Instagram :-)

Spinning - Finished the remaining ~2oz green fiber ball from the LYS, got presoak yardage of over 200yds in a 2-ply; Onto the last color of the Lunabud gradient batt, hoping to learn navajo ply for a 3-ply keeping the colors together

Designing - Working on items for FiberAddiction for upcoming fiber events.  Wool and Wine is at the end of July and Michigan Fiber Fest in August.  My free Twisted Rib Fingerless Mitts pattern is being extended and a shop sample was knit up in the Therapy base.  My Owl Netbook Pattern and Formulas has been revised to include iPad dimensions and a heavy worsted weight yarn, Emily's Medicated base.  This will also be a booth sample for her and she will have the pattern for sale.  Currently working through a hat design new for her in her sock base.

For sale, swap or barter - Still have items available for sale, swap or barter.  Some items are gone but they can be re-knit and current items can be requested in different colors and so on.  I've received many crochet squares from Akhila that are all amazing!  I look forward to a couple more packages of squares and would love to have more!

Thanks to everyone that shares their finished objects with the group!  Since I'm not doing a KAL and we are celebrating, I did a drawing from all the shared items so far (excluding people who are no longer group members).  If you shared more than 5 items you're name was put in the bag twice!  The two winners are chikwithyarn who is Donna from Wichita and KristiRose, Kristi from Louisiana.  Congrats!  Your options are either a $5 or less Ravelry download or a package of something fun we can decide on.  I look forward to doing this again in August.

I forgot to mention, and how could I?, that the Asymmetricowl was at the top of the "Hot Right Now" patterns on Ravelry!  Thanks to woolsundae for bringing it to my attention :-)

Sara Pomegranate from the Yarns at Yin Hoo podcast is having a craft along for all things asymmetrical!  My cowl is perfect for this so I let her know and she shared it with her listeners :-). Thanks Sara!  Love her idea of using handspun for this cowl!

DenKnits 2.13 - Birthday Month!

Are you on Instagram?  Do you want a little inspiration for the pictures you post?  Join the #trelizgoesdenmoma #trelizpadc !  This is a challenge to post a picture a day based on a prompt that you choose from a list of over 30 that is a collaboration between myself and Lise, who also has a birthday this month :-)

Designing - Scrappy stripes, hats made with less than 50g of different scrap yarns; Asymmetricowls, simple knit cowls with bulky yarns and a button; these will both be available for FREE in July!  Scrappy stripes is up now!  Scrappy stripes will come back with an accessory to go with the hat and Asymmetricowls will be back on the Square market shop as a kit

Finished Objects - Besides the hats and cowls I made a chemo cap for a virtual friend's friend

Works in Progress (still?!?) - Bonny by Tincanknits out of Dragonfly Fibers Squishy Lace; Blanket from log cabin squares; new cast-on Harvest by Tincanknits out of Encore Worsted Tweed for The High Fiber Diet's Autumnal Equinox KAL

Giveaway coming!  CoggieTM has offered up her soon to be released cowl pattern which I test knit for a podcast giveaway

Acquisitions - LYS final closing sale, 7 skeins of Encore Worsted Tweed for the Harvest sweater, 2 Tshirt cakes, 3 skeins of Encore Worsted Colorspun, 3 Jojoland Tonic for KISSy the sheep by CoggieTM, a locally made skein and an over 8oz ball of 80% wool/20% silk green fiber

Spinning - Set aside the Lunabud batt to begin the newly acquired green fiber as a possible gift for a (perhaps not capital 'K'?) knitter MIL whose birthday was in less than a week!  I finished singles of over half the ball and 2-plied until one bobbin was clean and the 2nd had less than half.  The skein has been soaked, thwacked and dried, to be gifted today if I can part with it!

Summer top KAL winner (by default) is Orange-Maid!  Congrats to Helen, we will work out a prize for you :-)

Available for swap or sale - Blog post has all my currently available to ship finished items that are available for sale, barter or swap.  I'm still collecting squares, preferrably crochet but I would love knit also, to put together for a fun blanket.  I am also trying to par down my current stock to make room for some more 'boutique' style items as I move from Etsy to Square Market.

Share with the DenKnits group - Project pages on Ravelry give you the option to share with groups you are a member of, share with the DenKnits group because I love seeing the finished objects!  Besides being inspiring to myself and others, they might win you a little something as part of my sharing the birthday love!

Available for sale or swap

In an effort to quickly and easily offload some of my finished knit items, I am creating this post.  I would be able to avoid some extra fees put on listing items at traditional sites which will help me raise more money to get my new shop properly set up.  All the items pictures below are available for purchase or for trade.  I am listing as much info as I have regarding the material and wash directions as well as a suggested price which does include shipping.  If you are interested in anything, email me denknits (at) gmail (dot) com and we can make arrangements.  Once items have sold I will remove them from this post.

Lets start out with HATS!  All of these hats should fit most adults as well as older children.

This simple looking chocolate brown hat can be worn slouchy or fold the brim and it is more fitted.  It is machine washable and dryable as it is 100% acrylic yarn, so you should have no allergy issues! $15.00

This bright watermelon pink hat is made to be slouchy.  It is knit with a cable and ribbing pattern all the way around.  It is machine washable and dryable as it is 100% acrylic yarn, so you should have no allergy issues!  $16.00

This sage green hat is knit with a cable and ribbing pattern all the way around and made to be slouchy.  It is machine washable and dryable as it is 100% acrylic yarn, so you should have no allergy issues!  $16.00

This bright grape purple hat is made to be slouchy.  It is knit with a cable and ribbing pattern all the way around.  It is machine washable and dryable as it is 100% acrylic yarn, so you should have no allergy issues!  $16.00



This chocolate brown hat is knit with a cable and ribbing pattern all the way around and fits snuggly like a cap.  It is machine washable and dryable as it is 100% acrylic yarn, so you should have no allergy issues!  $16.00

This bright watermelon pink hat is knit with a seed and ribbing pattern all the way around and is a little bit slouchy.  It is machine washable and dryable as it is 100% acrylic yarn, so you should have no allergy issues!  $15.00

This chocolate brown hat is made to be slouchy.  It is knit with a seed and ribbing pattern all the way around.  It is machine washable and dryable as it is 100% acrylic yarn, so you should have no allergy issues!  $15.00

This sage green hat is knit with a seed and ribbing pattern all the way around and fits snuggly like a cap.  It is machine washable and dryable as it is 100% acrylic yarn, so you should have no allergy issues!  $15.00

This cherry red hat is knit with a simple twist pattern all the way around which gives it some stretch.  It is also made to be worn slouchy.  It is machine washable and dryable as it is 100% acrylic yarn, so you should have no allergy issues!  $15.00

This is a fun hat that can be worn to look like cat ears or like a mohawk!  It is oranges, grays and creams in color and a style called jacquard.  There is some ribbing at the brim for a nice fit.  It is made out of 75% wool and 25% nylon but can be machine washed and dried! $13.00

This light chocolate brown hat has alternating simple twists in the ribbing, giving it a little style along with the extra stretch.  It is made from 60% acrylic and 40% nylon yarn that can be machine washed and dried!  $15.00

Some other types of headwear for older children and adults...

Braided headband in purple, green and blue that has an elastic band at the back for a nice fit.  It is made from 85% acrylic and 15% wool yarn and is machine washable and dryable!  $12.00

I call this a 'button back band'.  It is like a headband, but thicker so as to keep your ears warm in the winter.  It has a button in the back to secure it.  This is made with wine and grass colored yarns that are 80% acrylic and 20% wool which can be machine washed and dried!  $14.00



This 'button back band' is a rich chocolate brown in a seed stitch pattern with some fun buttons on the front!  It is made with an acrylic/polyester/nylon blend yarn that can be machine washed and dried!  $14.00




This is a more simple version of the 'button back band' made with a dark charcoal gray yarn that is 85% wool and 15% mohair.  This one does need to be hand washed and laid flat to dry but will keep your ears super warm!  $12.00




I also have a few hats for babies!

This sage green hat is knit with a basketweave pattern and ribbing at the brim.  It is machine washable and dryable as it is 100% acrylic yarn, so you should have no allergy issues!  I've photographed it next to my styrofoam head for scale.  $10.00

This bright watermelon pink hat is knit with a simple twist pattern and ribbing at the brim.  It is machine washable and dryable as it is 100% acrylic yarn, so you should have no allergy issues!  I've photographed it next to my styrofoam head for scale.  $10.00


This dark aqua blue hat is knit in ribbing so it can fit many sizes.  It is machine washable and dryable as it is 100% acrylic yarn, so you should have no allergy issues!  I've photographed it next to my styrofoam head for scale.  $10.00


This peapod green hat has a distinctive brim and simple knitting on the body.  It is machine washable and dryable as it is made with 100% acrylic yarn, so you should have no allergy issues!  I've photographed it next to my styrofoam head for scale.  $10.00

And now onto neckwear!

This sequined scarf goes from dark grey to light grey and back again.  It is knit in a lace pattern so it is light and airy!  This acrylic/polyester/nylon blend yarn is machine washable and dryable!  $17.00

This item is a scarf but I thought it would be fun to wear it as a headband too!  It is variegated in shades of mushroom brown and cream and knit in ribbing to give it some stretch.  The 50% acyrlic and 50% nylon yarn is machine washable and dryable.  $15.00






This pale lilac (a bit more purple than my screen is showing) scarf has a feather and fan lace stitch that helps keep it light and airy, along with the 54% cotton and 46% viscose that the yarn is made from.  Directions say to hand wash and lay flat but it could probably be washed on gentle.  $17.00




This bright pink scarf is made from a feather-like yarn that is 100% polyester.  It is recommended that you hand wash and lay flat but it could probably be washed on gentle.  It is a thicker feeling scarf that will keep you warm and stylish with a bit of fringe at the ends!  $15.00




This bright pink and black scarf is extra long and rather skinny, the perfect fashion scarf!  Each stripe has contrasting fringe at the end.  The yarn is 58% rayon and 42% cotton and can be machine washed but should lay flat to dry.  $15.00

This cowl is made mostly from the feather-like bright pink yarn with a bit of shades of pink ruffle on one edge.  It is 100% polyester yarns suggested to hand wash and lay flat but could probably be washed on gentle.  $14.00






This shade of pink scarf is made with a ruffle-type yarn that is 97% acrylic and 3% polyester.  It is suggested to hand wash and lay flat but you could probably wash on gentle.  It is a warm fashion scarf!  $15.00




This cowl is a purple-wine color and knit at a loose gauge to keep it light and airy.  It is long enough to wear multiple ways.  Made from a mohair/wool blend hand wash and lay flat is best.  $14.00

This is fun fashion item!  An arm knit cowl!  In shades of brown, yellow and pops of pink, the nature of arm knitting gives it a loose gauge but it is a rather chunky item to wear.  A fun winter fashion item!  $14.00



This chunky cowl in a grass shade of green is perfect for keeping warm in winter!  There are different types of cables running throughout which help it keep you extra warm.  It is made from 80% acrylic 20% wool yarn that is machine washable and dryable.  $16.00



This chunky cowl in a wine shade of purple is perfect for keeping warm in winter!  There are different types of cables running vertically which help it keep you extra warm but also a little drapey.  It is made from 80% acrylic 20% wool yarn that is machine washable and dryable.  $16.00


This is a fun fashion scarf in purple and orange, not quite so bright, a little fall feeling.  The purple is kind of hairy, sticking out all over the place and the orange is a little suede or ribbon like.  It is a nice length scarf with fringe at the ends.  Made from 100% polyester yarn it can be machine washed and dried.  $15.00

This is a fun skinny scarf!  In shade of purple and blues it is knit on a little bias that gives the ends a slant and curls the knitting onto itself.  Made from 60% nylon 20% wool and 20% acrylic hand wash and lay flat is suggested but machine wash on gentle is probably ok too.  The first picture is showing the color most accurately on my screen. $15.00

This watermelon pink scarf has been knit with lace awareness ribbons on it.  It is a nice length and made from 40% cotton and 60% nylon so it's not too warm and heavy.  It can be machine washed on cool and should be laid flat to dry.  $17.00




This item has been woven, not knit!  It is a fun black and white checked cowl with a little fringe on one side.  It is made from 100% wool so does need to be hand washed and laid flat to dry.$15.00



The next two scarves as fun and fluffy!  Made from a feather-like yarn you can choose from light pink or light blue in this 50% wool 45% acrylic 5% nylon yarn.  The color is best represented (on my screen) in the pictures with the styrofoam head.  These scarves can be machine washed on cool and should lay flat to dry.  $15.00







A fun item for the neck or the head, this mustard yellow bandana!  It can be a bandana to keep your hair back or a bandana scarf.  It has a button to close.  Made from 93% wool 7% polyamide it should be hand washed and laid flat to dry.  $14.00

I have a couple pairs of mitts available!  These should fit adults and older children.

These bright watermelon pink mitts have alternating twists and plain ribbing to give them some stretch.  They are just enough to cover your wrists and knuckles.  The yarn is 100% acrylic so you can machine wash and dry and have no allergy fears!  $10.00

These chocolate brown mitts have plain ribbing to give them some stretch.  They are just enough to cover your wrists and knuckles.  The yarn is 100% acrylic so you can machine wash and dry and have no allergy fears!  $10.00



There are a couple of purses available!  They are both made with 100% acrylic yarns in shades of green and bright blue with some black on one.  They should still be hand washed and laid flat to dry to help keep them nice and in shape.

First up is the beachside hipbag.  The long strap can be worn over the shoulder or across the body.  You can knot the strap to adjust the length.  It is a rectangular shaped woven piece that is perfect for a wallet, phone and keys!  $15.00




The beachside handbag has two short handles to carry the purse by.  It is a somewhat oval shape knit mostly in the blue-green boucle style yarn.  It is a little more roomy but the top opening is kept a little smaller so everything stays in nicely.$13.00

Lastly, I have one cup cozy left.  This is knit in a wool blend with some cable details.  It protects your hand from hot or cold when put on a cup.  It can also soak up the 'sweat'.  I am offering this item free with any other purchase!

I hope you have enjoyed browsing through these items!  Remember feel free to contact me at denknits (at) gmail (dot) com for any questions, purchases or trade proposals!  These are just items I currently have available to ship, however I am always open to making something specific just for you!  I look forward to working with you :-)