Caterpillar to Butterfly Scarf from Sheep's Clothing--Day 5

Opened up...

I wasn’t sure if all that unraveling would be tedious or wondrous.  

Turns out, it’s a little of both.

It’s a lot of yarn-wrangling.  The thing feels like it’s one giant ball of loose ends, even though it isn’t.  It’s so open.  I think it might feel less challenging in a bright color, but the neutral colors of this yarn seemed to fade into everything as I was trying to unleash those stitches.  In reality, there are no loose ends to tangle, but it continued to feel as though it were twisting on itself even though it can’t. It’s not tangled, it can’t really tangle, but it feels as if it is on the verge of tangling every time I pick it up.

While I wasn’t quite sure why it would need blocking, I think that “verge of tangling” feeling is exactly why it needs to be blocked.  After being bent up in stitches for a long time, the yarn won’t lie flat.  That contributes to the “tangling” effect.  Once I block it, I’m hoping the long “slots” of open fiber will lay out more smoothly.

Lengthwise, it’s considerably longer now that the stitches are opened up, but it still isn’t an especially long scarf.  That suits the piece, though, as you would loose a lot of the open effect if you had it looped or knotted.  It’s really one of those scarves to show off flat against a highly contrasting shirt or sweater.  Oodles of texture!

This transformation was indeed fun to create!  Now I’m anxious to view the final product.

Caterpillar to Butterfly Scarf from Sheep's Clothing--Day 4

Fringe benefits...

The transformation begins!

This stage of the scarf is all about unraveling—a strange and foreign process to the knitter.  Purposely undoing all our stitching is an odd feeling, to be sure.  Still, as the twelve stitches on either end of the scarf unravel themselves to become a loopy fringe, it is a fun process to behold.  The scarf has felt too short this whole time—I like my scarves on the long side—but after watching how the loopy fringe is much longer than the knitted stitches, I’m less worried.

After unraveling each set of two rows (yarn to the edge and back), you tie a knot to secure it.  Part of me wants to cut the loop in half so it looks like traditional fringe, but another part of me is sure the fiber will split and get messy.  I could tie another knot at the end of the fringe, but that feels like a lot of knots.  I’ll leave it for now, but reserve the right to change my mind after blocking.

Now that the two edges are done, I begin the process of unraveling the multiple panels within the scarf.  That should change the look of the piece considerably.  Our caterpillar is on its way to butterfly life.

Caterpillar to Butterfly Scarf from Sheep's Clothing

Animal antics...

“That can’t be long enough.”

I stare at this scarf, now cast on my needles exactly as instructed, and I can’t see how this short swath of stitches is going to transform itself into a full length scarf.  

I understand the concept, and I recognize the truth that dropped stitches take up more space than knitted ones, but I can’t envision how this is going to stretch out as much as it seems to need to.

Then again, I understand the concept of metamorphosis that turns a caterpillar into a butterfly, I’ve seen it work, but I still can’t quite get my brain around how it happens.  So the name suits, don't you think?

I made an interesting choice in provisional cast on yarn here.  I was staring it it for a while, thinking the whole thing looked vaguely familiar, and then it hit me:  sock monkey.  

The colors of the yarn (in it’s current length—it changes several times throughout the ball) are just like the red-brown-and-white sock monkeys we all know and love.  I know that reaction will go away once the other hues come into play, but it is rather amusing to feel like I’m knitting a sock monkey.

A too-short sock monkey that turns into a caterpillar that turns into a long-enough butterfly.  Is knitting an amazing thing or what??

NORTHWEST INDIANA - Day One: Valparaiso

Surprising Valparaiso...

Each “Reader Who Knits" (or in this case, Crochets) has the opportunity to give a shout out to their favorite local yarn store.  Last November when Anaida Morales cited Sheep’s Clothing in a city not too far from me, I filed it away for future use.  Now, I get the delight of introducing you to this nifty store in a town I confess I’ve driven past countless times and never stopped to visit.  My loss, I tell you, because “Valpo” has a surprising lot to offer!

Fluid Coffeebar

159 W Lincolnway

Valparaiso, IN 46383

219-510-1000

projectfluid.com

DestiKNITTers know coffee is always Job One on a yarn adventure.  Forget the franchise java and make your first stop this engaging and funky family-run coffee bar.  Truly good brew here, folks, delivered with tons of character.  They serve Intellegentsia coffee—top notch beans, and the folks who served as my resource when I wrote The Perfect Blend—so you know quality is a priority.  Ask the good baristas behind the counter to tell you the story of this place, right down to the handmade furniture.  Don’t forget to include a visit to the chalkboard-walled washrooms, filled with “entertaining” messages from patrons.

On to the main event: the fiber:

Sheep’s Clothing Knitting Supply

60 West Lincolnway

Valparaiso, IN  46383

219-462-1700

www.knitdoctor.com

Owner Paula Strietelmeier started with a small section of yarn in a friend’s quilt shop and never looked back.  Earning its own retail space in 2001 and growing to its present wonderful location in 2008, the store boasts three classroom spaces, perfect lighting, airy high ceilings, and warm textures like wood and brick.  The whole place just feels creative.

“I love good yarn and helping people come up with a project,” says Paula.  Her stock shifts slightly with the seasons and product innovations, and is displayed with a loosely organized style meant to encourage browsing.  

A friendly staff of many long-time employees stands ready to help you.  Paula makes great use of that loyal talent.  “Each of our employees has a specialty,” she says, “Including especially strong beginners classes like "First Time Sweaters.”  As Anaida will attest, crocheters will find a home here, too.  Just want to hang out?  Open knitting is on Wednesday mornings, Thursday evenings, and the first and third Saturdays.  Check out a chock-full monthly newsletter to see all that’s being offered.

The store is packed with enticing samples, and here are a few of my favorites:

Enter Sweater

Norah Gaughn’s versatile design takes on the characteristics of whatever lighter worsted weight yarn you use.  This is one pattern you’ll want to make multiple times!  Perfect for the layering Chicagoland’s tricky weather can demand.  Depending on size, you’ll need approximately 7 skeins.

Big and Cuddly Cable Cowl

And when those Lake Michigan winds blow, you’ll want to knit up this to keep you warm.  Any purchase of chainette yarn such as Classic  Elite’s Chalet, Chateau, or Palace earns you a copy of the exclusive shop pattern.  Vary the length to your taste, and stay warm and stylish this winter.

Yoked Cardigan Baby Sweater

What sweet little one wouldn’t look cuddly in this stylish sweater?  For that matter, what human?  Good thing Hanna Fettig of Knitbot lists this pattern in a variety of sizes so you can indulge everyone.  Go cheery and bright or neutral and elegant—any worsted weight yarn will do.  Make sure to grab a pair of artful buttons for the perfect finishing touch.

Knit A Long: Caterpillar to Butterfly Scarf

Our hands-on project from this store is all about the transformation!  Using two balls of Tahki Filatura Di Crosa Fancy Tempo or Minitempo, this store exclusive pattern works a post-stitching magic I can’t wait to watch.  Lots of “dropped stitch” scarves like this are worked widthwise, but this clever design is worked lengthwise.  I’m excited to see this inventive technique in action.

Yarn in hand, it’s time to indulge in the surprisingly great shopping this little town has to offer.

Ivy Boutique

64 Lincolnway

Valparaiso, IN 46383

219-299-2442

shopivyboutique.com

Just yards away from Sheep’s Clothing! Little boutiques like this are my favorite place to shop—personalized service, and you never come away looking like everyone else.  If you like Free People clothes, this place is for you.  Accessories, home and bath finds, and gift items round out the inventive stock.

Bangles Clothing Gifts and Accessories

15 Lincolnway

Valparaiso, IN 46383

219-462-8462

Duck around the corner from Sheep’s Clothing to this small store packed with charm.  I found a great pair of earrings, but Owner Paulette Domke also stocks unique handbags, apparel, and accessories.

Silcott’s City Gear Shoes

18 Washington St

Valparaiso, IN 46383

219-462-7178

 Business websitesilcotts.com

Yelp photo

There’s always something nice about a quality independent shoe store that puts the mall and big box outlets to shame.  The variety of the stock is impressive!  Everyone talked about owner Brent’s fabulous customer service.  Any place with this many enthusiastic regulars deserves a look.

Seasons on the Square

1 Lincolnway

Valparaiso, IN 46383

219-465-0165

seasonsonthesquare.com

Beautiful high quality clothes and Brighton bags make this a great shopping experience. If you’re looking for a statement jacket to let you stand out at work or elsewhere, chances are you’ll find it here.

Ready for lunch?  Head to:

Blackbird Cafe

114 Lincolnway

Valparaiso, IN 46383

219-548-2811

blackbirdcafevalparaiso.com

Admittedly, this is as good a choice for breakfast as it is for lunch.  The quiche is outstanding, as is the soup and salad selections.  Casual enough for moms and tots but trendy enough to make you feel like you’re someplace special (the cupcakes, and pecan pie help with that, too). 

I’m especially fond of places where eating alone doesn’t feel weird—and I saw many lone diners (I brought a friend to help me “taste” all the goodies that weren’t on my very restrictive diet program).  Valparaiso University is nearby, and this spot has that artsy, casually elegant college-town feel.  Succumb to the “homemade oreos" if you must, but we have other dessert plans so save room!

Designer Desserts Cupcakes

56 Lincoln Way

Valparaiso, IN 46383

219-465-0008

designerdessertsbakery.com

I have a thing for cupcake places.  They always have an inventive and whimsical vibe, a place where you don’t have to take life so seriously.  I love to see if someone has come up with a flavor I’ve never heard of before.  This place had large, moist cupcakes with delicious frosting.  Seasonal flavors that sounded intriguing included Watermelon Fizz and Eggnog, but our super-helpful server recommended the Big Texan (seriously chocolate) the Creme Brulee, and the Pink Champagne.  I counted 101 flavors on the menu! I’m coming back when I can have more than a forkful!

Lifestyles Unique Gifts

122 Lincolnway

Valparaiso, IN 46383

219-464-9167

This is one of those “little bit of everything” gift stores that I especially love to frequent.  I found a clever Joseph Joseph counting water bottle to help me stay hydrated on my program, as well as some very lovely soaps (I’m a total soap snob, if you haven’t yet figured that out).  There was home decor, jewelry, garden and kitchen goodies, accessories, and even toys—truly a bit of everything.  The sales staff was exceptionally friendly, offering to gift wrap my purchases even though they were just for me.   Don’t miss the upstairs gallery, too.

Old World Market

76 S Washington St

Valparaiso, IN 46383

219-476-0700

oldworldmarketonline.com

I didn’t know quite what to think when Paula suggested we stop here.  Wine and cheese foodie shops aren’t usually my thing, but I adored this place even if my diet kept me off cheese while I was here.  Don’t you dare call this a deli—your grocery store can’t hope to compete with the intriguing collection of meats and cheeses in this oh-so-friendly market.  You can easily walk in here clueless about wine and come away with a purchase sure to make you look clever at next week’s dinner party.  A serious display of local brews rounds out the fare.  My friend and I packed ourselves a lovely little set of snacks for the drive home—you should, too!

I feel bad that I hadn’t given Valparaiso much thought beyond an 1-65 exit before my visit. I couldn’t have been more wrong.  My friend and I left thinking, “My hometown should feel like this—can we move here?”  Valpo has all the spiff of a elegant suburb with all the warmth of a small town.  Perfect!  Next time you drive by, don’t just drive by—stop and enjoy all this town has to offer.

Next up, we travel a little further west to Griffith to sample more Northwest Indiana hidden treasures.