Quirky Bird Knits Lady's Mantle from Knitter's Mercantile - Done!

Finally Finished!  

Granted, it took twice as long to finish the last ball of this Yarn Hollow Brocade as I planned, but that’s not really the yarn’s fault, is it?

It’s a cozy piece.  Fluffy yet with an elegant drape--you could easily dress this up or down.  I’m very glad I added those extra inches, although I think if I had it to do all over again I’d get a third hank and keep the original neck-to-waist length.  Or close to it.  Too much and this would start to look like a poncho.

This is one of those accessories that calls for a stand-out closure.  I’ve got a few, but a new piece like this might demand some holiday shopping, and I’m ready to take on that challenge.  Maybe one of the JUL closures Knitter's Mercantile showcases, or just a statement pin.  I’ll let my inspiration strike me.

While I do love the colorway, I’m changing my mind about doing this in a solid.  It would be wonderfully versatile in a cream, black, or red, don’t you think?  The stitching would certainly be harder without the color change to help track the yarn-overs, but I expect if I paid enough attention I could pull it off.

Up next, we’ll hear from November’s Author Who Knits, and then you’ll join me for a dash through Denver that scores us some great chocolate and a clever little adorned knit bag.

Quirky Bird Knits Lady's Mantle from Knitter's Mercantile - Day 4

More Art, Less Following Directions...

I’ve gotten to the lovely point in this pattern where I no longer have to look at the instructions.  I can read which row I am on by the stitches on the needles, and I’ve learned where the slipped stitches and yarn overs go in each row.  

I love that point in a project.  Not being much of a cook, I rarely get to the point where I can go without a recipe, but I always feel so smart when I achieve that level of competence.  For me, it is when I become more of an “artist” and less of someone “following directions.”  

I’m at a conference attending lots of informational sessions, so knitting has been my companion.  You’ve heard me say it before: I knit so I can pay attention.  It’s essentially socially acceptable fidgeting.  I can quiet my mind by occupying my hands.  I’m not distracting myself if I’m knitting, I’m focusing myself so I can better hear what you’re saying.  Sometimes people understand this easily, other times I feel like I have to explain myself to keep from the misconception of disrespect or inattention.

I love the way this pattern takes advantage of the color changes in the yarn.  I makes for a stunning piece.  The texture has a lot of substance, and yet still drapes wonderfully.  Yes, it will definitely be narrower (widthwise, since this is knit top to bottom), but I think I’ll like it even better that way--it’s a bit early to say.

Quirky Bird Knits Lady's Mantle from Knitter's Mercantile - Day 3

Sub-goals and color helps...

I’m a big believer in sub-goals.  I love to break down large projects into a series of milestones.  It helps to keep me motivated, and gives me smaller celebrations along the way to my finish line.  And I do love to celebrate, so more celebrations are always better than less.

Some patterns hand you logical milestones.  Before attempting a DestiKNITions segment, I always break down the pattern into what I think will be the six most appropriate segments.  There are times when life loves to mess with my formula, as in the case of the infamous Amnesia Cowl...something I am living down even to this day.  Other times you have to build in your own checkpoints.  

Once you have the basic repeat down, there isn’t much but “full steam ahead” on this mantle.  So, given that I have two skeins of yarn to work with, I wound the skeins into four even balls so I’d have “mile markers” at 1/4, 1/2, and 3/4 the way through the long stretch of similar knitting.  I love the sense of accomplishment I get when I reach the end of a ball and start a new one.

Another trick to this piece--or in this case it's simply a huge help--is the colorway.  Every other row you counting back two stitches to pass the slipped stitch over.  The nice thing about working with this yarn is that in almost all cases the slipped stitch you are passing over is a different color than the other stitches on your needle.  That helps tremendously.  This isn’t an easy pattern to TINK out when you mess up, so it’s important that you can “read” the stitches on your needle--between the different-colored slip stitch and the yarn-overs, you can usually figure out where you are and what your next stitch ought to be.

Notice I said “usually.”  I confess I’ve lost my place twice on this piece already and had to cobble together some quick fixes to keep my pattern on track.  Nobody’s perfect--least of all me.

Quirky Bird Knits Lady's Mantle from Knitter's Mercantile - Day 2

Whirled fleece...

It’s so fleecy! 

Really, there isn’t another way to describe it.  I work so often with spun, plied yarns that when I get my hands on something fluffy and fleecy like this it feels like I’m knitting clouds.  It’s the closest I’ll get to working with roving without stepping up to a spinning wheel.  And the stitches?  They’re sheer heaven--so much loft and not a hint of “the itchies.”

Despite the very long rows, things go quickly.  I won’t lie to you--it’s a LOT of purling, and when you’re not purling you’ve got to pay attention to your yarn-overs and your slipped stitches.  Still, there’s something to be said for long rows that require some brain power.  This would be downright mind-numbing if there was lots of garter stitch.  And I don’t think I’d care for this in a solid color yarn--you need the color change (more on how MUCH you need the color change later, by the way).

I chose to add a slip-stitch edge because I’m fond of the clean line that creates.  I confess the edges--switching from a two-stitch border to a three-stitch one--baffled me until I got a sense of how the repeats stacked up on top of each other.  It’s possible that my extending the garment is at the heart of that and you won’t have any trouble at all.

Still, I’m very pleased so far.  The texture is quite lovely and the color truly wonderful.  I think this one’s going to be a winner.

Quirky Bird Knits Lady's Mantle from Knitter's Mercantile - Day 1

Cope and Change...

Ah, there’s nothing like the thrill of casting on a new project...even if it’s a very long row of long-tail cast-on.  More stitches is just more chances to smile at the lovely yarn and the promise of a new shawl.

For me, part of the beauty of knitting is the customization.  At six feet, “one size fits all” hardly ever applies--even for accessories.  

As knitters, we get lots of choices once we select a pattern.  The obvious customization open to knitters is color.  If you’re fond of red or know you look ill in coral, you can make the garment of your choice in a color that suits you.  Texture is another element at the knitter’s command.  If you want that shawl to be a slice of silky, drapey heaven, you can make it so.  Or use a tweed and get a homespun look.  The very best patterns can give you completely different results just by swapping out the yarn.

Size is the prize for me.  I need just about everything longer than it comes, even a shawl like this.  Top down sweaters and toe up socks are easy--just keep going.  Even some scarves and shawls are a snap to adapt.  But you do have to be careful.  This shawl is knit end to end, so it wasn’t just a case of knitting more rows like our Multi-Textured Vest.  I had to make sure that I added the correct number of stitches to each row to keep the pattern intact.  And that isn’t always as simple as dividing the row by gage--you need to take the borders into account.  A quick email to the friendly ladies of Quirky Bird Knits informed me that I need to add my stitches in factors of three.  

I also needed to be aware that whatever I added in length would decrease the width if I only had the two skeins of Yarn Hollow Brocade to work with.  Broad-shouldered gal that I am, I added a fair bit of length to my mantle, so I’ll end up with a more narrow rectangle--which means my mantle won't go as far down my body.  I’m fine with that, but I’m glad to go into this with my eyes wide open.

COLUMBUS AND DUBLIN OHIO

One of the more fun aspects of my life is that I find myself in smaller American cities that few people would consider “touristy.”  With a little exploration and the right recommendations, however, I can uncover the treasures hidden in these towns and enjoy them for the mini vacations they are.  Such is true of my recent visit to the cities of Columbus and Dublin Ohio, where I found myself earlier this summer.

We were there for a car show.  My husband is a Z-car enthusiast, and Dublin plays host to a massive car show benefiting the Arthritis Foundation every summer.  Also armed with the information that Columbus plays host to TNNA every year, I suspected there were some fiber goodies to be had and a full-family trip was scheduled.

Dublin and Columbus did not disappoint, hitting all the right notes for a DestiKNITion--two lovely but completely distinct yarn shops, an excellent meal, some great shopping, and one of the best deserts I’ve had this year.  Who could ask for more? Let's get started!

If you know me, you know any day starts with a good cup of coffee, and this is no exception.  Caffeinate you day at:

The Crimson Cup

4541 N High St

Columbus, OH 43214

614-262-6212

www.crimsoncup.com

My sources told me to order the chocolate peppermint (huh?  In July?) and I’m glad I did.  A well-pulled latte is a thing of beauty, and this one was particularly good.  I liked the creative decor of the place as well.

Ready for some yarn?  Travel a bit farther down the street to our first fiber find:

Knitter’s Mercantile

214 Graceland Blvd

Columbus OH 43214

614-888-8551

www.knittersmercantile.com

Owner Jan Emerick--who seems to know everyone in the fiber world--started Knitter’s Mercantile as an online shop after a retail career in wholesale.  Her move to a brick-and-mortar establishment makes sense once you get a feel for Jan’s engaging personality.  She wants everyone to feel welcome into the craft, and enjoys connecting knitters as much as stitching yarn.  

Her bright, open space of a store lets you know there’s room for you no matter what your skill level.  Since the Ohio state bus line happily deposits lots of co-eds at her doorstep, you’re likely to find all ages of knitters inside the store.  Her classes run a whole host of subjects, from a monthly Sunday Masters class to yoga exercises for knitters.  If you’re ever in town for TNNA, Jan hosts her annual “Knitters Connection,” a “mini version of the STITCHES events” for three days adjoining the fiber trade show.

You could easily loose yourself for a couple of hours in the aisles of Knitters Mercantile, and here are a few projects I’d recommend:

The Bermuda Scarf

Done up in Noro Sock Taiyo, this lovely scarf designed by ILGA LEJA utilizes short rows cued by the fiber’s gentle color changes.  I just love how it takes a basic shape and turns it into eye-catching art--I really want to knit this up as soon as I can find the right yarn and enough time.

Want a switch-hitter (or is that "stitch-hitter") of a piece?  Try

Kauni's Wiggle Wrap
If you employ a handful of JUL pedestal buttons--on sale at the shop--this wavy wrap can become a shoulder shrug in no time flat.  Kauni's trademark slow-motion colorway comes especially alive in this piece.  I love the idea of shoulder shrugs, but they look goofy on my tall frame, so go ahead and wear one and I'll live vicariously through you!


Felted Festival Bag

Like all my favorite yarn shops, Knitter’s Mercantile likes to showcase local talent.  Local design collective Quirky Bird Knits fashioned this clever bag that caught my eye right away. I've sworn to steer clear of felting, but this one's simple but ingenious styling may tempt me. Again, the JUL Pedestal buttons add the perfect finishing touch.

Our Knit along:

A Lady’s Mantle from Quirky Bird Knits

Another design from Quirky Bird Knits, this wrap takes the soft feel of Yarn Hollow Worsted (definitely a fondle-worthy fiber) and gives it a nice drape. Make sure you go home with one of the store’s nice collection of clever fasteners to finish off this airy, seasonless wrap.

Now that you’ve filled your fiber quotient for the morning, I’d suggest wandering down to Columbus’ German Village for food, shopping, and The Book Loft (because all good DestiKNITters support their local independent book stores, right?).

Once your ready to head back up north, it’s time for a treat of a different kind.  Don’t miss:

Jeni’s Ice Cream

714 N. High Street

Columbus, OH 43215

614-294-5364

www.jenis.com

Hands down one of the best treats of this year, and assuredly the finest ice cream sandwich of my life.  No kidding.  My husband followed the recommendation of one of the KM staff and went for the “cherry lambick” Beer flavored ice cream?  Believe it or not, it works.  Very well.  Me, I had the Salted Caramel with Smoked Almonds Ice Cream Sandwich.  Oh, my.  Oh my really my goodness oh my.  If they have it in stock, you simply MUST.  Enough said.  I can’t remember when anything without chocolate in it has made me this delirious.

Properly sweetened, head up into Dublin for our next fiber find:

Knitting Temptations

35 South High Street

Dublin OH  43017

614-734-0618

www.knittingtemptations.com

You know that fantasy where you discover that your favorite aunt really is a master knitter and she’s left you a charming cottage full of luscious yarn? That’s what I think of when I walk into Knitting Temptations. Owner Karen Wilkins has created a shop that is one amazing room after another--wandering through the nooks and crannies is like an adventure.  

It’s no surprise that many customers become staff--who wouldn’t want to spend all the time you can in here?  Friendships form around the amiable knitting tables during multiple weekly gatherings.  The home shop of well-known knitting personality Michelle Hunter, this shop’s theme of “exquisite yarn, expert instruction” runs true, right down to the nurturing community atmosphere and the large annual event in a tent out back.

Here’s only a sample of the products and patterns that caught my eye:

Michelle Hunter’s Newborn Hat

Here you’ll find it in Ohio State’s scarlet and grey, but you could stitch this cutie up in whatever school colors your little scholar will grow up to cheer.  If you’ve been meaning to learn the Magic Loop method, this is an excellent starter project.

Our Knit Along:
Building Blocks from Michelle Hunter

HiKoo's Simply Worsted is your companion-of-choice through the many skill-building blocks in Michelle Hunter’s book.  Form them into a host of pillows or stitch them all together to make an afghan.  We’ll be tackling one of these for our Knit Along from this store.

Many Moods Cowl

Probably among the most versatile pieces I’ve seen this year, this pattern by master technician Ruth Ann Holt can be worn as a scarf, cowl or shawl depending on how long you make it and what closures you opt to use.  Select a simple fiber like Rowan Pure Life Revive in a light color to show off the precise stitchwork of this lovely pattern.

Lo-Lo Bar moisturizer bar

Now, hands are key to knitting, to it’s not much of a stretch to feature this versatile balm--which can soothe you "head to toe"--as a favorite gadget from the store.  Bar-Maids makes a variety of products to soften hands, lips, faces, cuticles, and all sorts of things--each with quality ingredients and exquisite scents. After all, shouldn’t the hands that pamper yarn get pampering of their own?

Once you’ve feasted your fiber fantasies, spend an afternoon wandering up and down High Street taking in the many shops in walking distance.  Here are a few of my favorites:  

Boho72 Boutique
72 North High Street
Dublin OH  43107
614-398-9587
www.boho72.com

Our Cup Cakery

16 North High Street

Dublin OH

614-659-1555

www.ourcupcakery.com

TehKu Tea Company

55 S. High Street

Dublin OH  43017

614-761-3808

www.tehku.com

Ha’penny Bridge Imports

75 South High Street

Dublin OH  43017

614-889-9615

www.hapennybridgeimports.com 

What’s the Point Needlepoint
126 South High Street
Dublin OH  43017
614-717-9008
www.whatsthepoint.biz

Thalia & Dahlia

113 South High Street

Dublin OH 43017

614-336-8582

                      

After you're all shopped out, you'll need a great dinner.  Follow Karen’s recommendation and visit: 

Oscar’s

84 N High St

Dublin, OH 43017

(614) 792-3424

www.hdrestaurants.com

No flash and hype here, just really good food really well done.  To call the pork chops massive is an understatement.  Four of us dined here and everything we had was outstanding.  Following the server’s recommendation, I had the sauteed walleye, and it was easy to see why it’s considered a house speciality.  As for desert?  You can’t go wrong with a dish named Chocolate Silk explosion.  Yum.

I spent last summer in Spain and Italy, but I still maintain that small and midsized American cities are just as worthy of taking the time to explore as any major tourist mecca.  I’d be willing to bet I can have as much fun in Dublin Ohio as Dublin Ireland.  Here’s hoping life affords me the opportunity to test my theory someday!

Stay tuned, we tackle Michelle Hunter’s Buildling Block (the pillow version) next.

Honey Cowl from Cream City Yarn - Day 3

The progress panacea...

Nothing soothes like progress.  It feels lovely to be halfway done with this cowl as life settles down a bit.  I never cease to be amazed at how life hands me the knitting project I need exactly when I need it.  Some of my more demanding projects would have given me fits right now, and this is perfect.  Interesting, but not taxing.  Blissful to touch, easy to work with, pleasing to look at...everything I want in “therapy knitting.”

I have one spot where I’m wondering if I’ve done it right, or if it’s an unavoidable fact of knitting patterns in the round.  While there’s no technical seam, it’s clearly visible where my rounds end.  My guess is that given the stitch pattern alternates every row, there’s no way to avoid this line.  Have any of you had this experience?

A short detour for a little promotion:

If you’ll be attending the upcoming Stitches Midwest, the lovely folks at Ohio’s Knitter’s Mercantile (you’ll be meeting them in a future episode) will be hosting a giveaway of my World War I knitting novel, HOMEFRONT HERO.  Free copies of the book will be available at noon Saturday August 11 to the first 50 guests at the Knitter’s Mercantile booth.  Free books at a yarn show?  Sounds like heaven to me.  Come by and say hello.