Multi Textured Vest from Fiberwood Studio - Done!

Wow!  

I have to say I really love the way this looks.  Thanks, Fiberwood Studio, I can’t remember being more pleased with a project.  I am truly thankful I expanded the back a bit and opted for a longer length, but since I haven’t blocked it yet, this might be one of those garments you could also block into any alterations you may need.  

The drape of the Feza Alp Natural is wonderful, the texture fascinating, and it makes the perfect backdrop for a stunning shawl pin.  Under a tank or tee on a warm day (as it’s pictured here) or over a shirt or turtleneck in cooler weather, this piece has exactly the versatile, season-less quality I anticipated.  Today I have it paired with an awesome total-bargain outlet mall find of white jeans, and I am strutting around the house insanely pleased with myself.

You may be wondering what that thing is on my left arm.  It’s my favorite health gadget, a BodyMedia FIT.  A friend describes it as “a pedometer on steroids,” for it is essentially a multitasking metabolic transponder.  It tracks my steps, heart rate, how many calories I burn, etc., every day.  Then, when I plug it into my computer and match it with the food I manually track on the BodyMedia website (and my iPhone), it tells me the simple truth about my caloric state: more calories eaten than burned (bad), or more calories burned than eaten (good).  Since I can’t lie to my metabolic system, (and I try not to lie to my food tracker), it keeps me accountable.  The folks at BodyMedia have not given me any free goodies or special favors for this endorsement.  This is a pure, “I love this product” opinion.

Why does it belongs here?  Here’s why:  I’m one of those people whose major passions--knitting, writing, reading--are all sedentary.  With a 50-year-old metabolism (not to mention a fondness for chocolate and cupcakes), I have to fight hard to even hold my weight steady.  I can’t boast of an impressive weight loss (only 8 lbs), but I am healthier, more active, and I haven’t gained any weight in the year I’ve worn it.  For a lady who spends a lot of her best hours sitting down, that’s a victory.  Just in case your lifestyle looks a bit--or a lot--like mine.

Multi Textured Vest from Fiberwood Studio - Day 5

Bigger is better...

Adding those extra rows to the back was definitely the right thing to do.  Sometimes it's easy to forget that certain knitting projects are garments, not just art.  If they fit poorly, all the stitchwork and fiber in the world won’t redeem them.  And I am not among the “just knit it and find someone it will fit” school of knitters. If I like something, I want to like it on me when I’m done.

  

It’s why even if the yarn is the most stunning thing I’ve ever seen on  God’s green earth, if it’s orange or yellow, it’s a no.  I look ill in those colors, no matter what.  Coral, salmon, anything in that warm/bright category.  I’m a card-carying “winter”--cool, bright colors, pastels and neutrals only if used with care.

As I spread out this piece to photograph, I was reminded of knitting’s transformational qualities.  On a flat surface, this is essentially a large rectangle with two holes.  That doesn’t sound especially flattering.  That’s the thing about knitting with a drapey fiber, though, it doesn’t stay flat.  And Barbara at Fiberwood Studio is smart enough to knit this side-to-side to accentuate that quality.  As such, this piece curves when you put it on.  Straight lines become angles, edges become arcs, and the art of fiber art happens.  I never get tired of that, ever.

I never get tired of new things to do with yarn, and today I have a bonus for you!  A young friend of mine with a very clever eye for design has created this pattern called a What's It?.  A quirky little squiggly thing done up in a series of crochet spirals around a circular base, it can be anything from a cat toy to a baby toy to a package decoration or an embellishment. 

I’ve never, ever taken to crochet (despite numerous efforts), but even I had to smile when I made one of these.  Pop on over to Ravelry or click the name above to snag the pattern for yourself.  Show a young fiber friend how DestiKNITters can support!

Multi Textured Vest from Fiberwood Studio - Day 4

The back 52...uh...70

I’m going to admit that this pattern’s continual expansion is making me feel...well, large.  

I do realize I’m not a small gal.  Those tiny, artsy folk--the ones who can wear pixie haircuts and cropped sweaters--make me yearn for a smaller version of my tall-and-ample self.  After 50 years of large-person existence, I have learned the myth of “one size fits all.”  Still, there are days where it stings just a bit.

Here I was, reaching the 52nd row that marked completion on the back of this vest.  I was delighted to get ready for the second armhole, loving the colors and textures, all that stuff.

And then I tried it on.  There is no way those 52 rows will ever reach across my back.  Not without blocking those stitches within an inch of their lives, which sort of defeats the whole purpose of a “free form” vest, don’t you think?

Sigh.  Back to my relational equations I go, telling me I’d better expand my 52 rows to 70 if this vest is going to have any hopes of fitting someone like me.  Funny thing is, the front 88 rows look just fine.  Still, it’s quite clear I need a bit more room in back, so I’ll see you in another 18 rows.

Yippee, numbers (if “sarcastic meh” had a font, I’d have used it here). Bathroom scales have numbers, too, so you can guess how delighted I am with numbers lately.

I will be knitting those 18 additional rows in the company of electricity, however.  And AC.  And after nearly 5 days above 100 degrees (more sinister numbers, I tell you!), I’m choosing gratitude.

Multi Textured Vest from Fiberwood Studio - Day 3

Armhole Achieved!

It’s funny how projects align.  My last project, the Brady Scarf, created little Swiss cheese holes by binding off and casting on.  Now, for this Multi Textured Vest, I’m creating a great big armhole by exactly the same method.  That’s part of the wonder of knitting--you can get such diverse results from the same skill set.  I hadn’t thought of these projects as so closely related, but they are indeed:  blocks of garter set off by specific bind off/cast on openings.

  

After all this time, knitting can still surprise me.  I love that.

We in the Chicago area had massive storms over the weekend, which means our family has been without electricity for three days.  Knitting, blissfully, is a non-electric activity!  Provided I could find enough light--and hopefully a bit of a breeze as the days have topped 100 the entire stretch--I could knit.  This was a tricky week before the power went out, and I found myself ever-so-thankful for the calming quality of knitting.  When I say it is “my drug of choice,” I’m only half-kidding.  Music and knitting are my favorite calming agents, and when Pandora can’t be charged up, I’m down to only knitting to soothe my spirits.  I’m so very grateful it worked.  Give me enough fascinating knitting, and I can cope with just about anything.

The fact that my darling husband plugged my beloved Keurig coffee machine into the generator this morning...well that helped, too!  

Feza--or Multi Textured Vest-- from Fiberwood Studio--Day 2

Oh, by the way, it's not called the Feza Vest, it's called the Multi Textured Vest.


Today explains why people of my creative nature should--or perhaps should not--marry engineers. 


No sooner had I boasted about the clarity of the mathematical explanation in my last post, than my husband peered at my pristine calculation with narrowed eyes and informed me that those were not, in fact, quadratic equations. 


"But they have four parts," I defended. "That's what a quadratic equation is, [insert pause of mounting doubt here] isn't it?" He made one of the sighs, the ones I recognize from days where I have left too many kitchen cabinet doors open (which would be every day), and told me what a quadratic equation really was. 


I have absolutely no idea what he said. It might as well have been Swahili. I should stick to yarn and words. 


Ah, but I can't, can I? I promised to give you the rest of the alteration math, non-quadratic as it may be. Of course, if you are always modifying patterns down in size, this won't really be an issue. But if you always end up making things longer or wider--if you're of the "more of me to love" sisterhood, then you need this in your toolbox. 


It's the exact same equation we used to calculate our stitches-to-inches ratio. Only now, we're calculating how much more yarn it will take to make what is essentially a fatter rectangle. Not all shapes work like this--scarves and non-triangular shawls are fine, or you might get a rough estimate for a very boxy sweater, but that's about it.

This pattern calls for a 60 stitch row and uses two skeins, or 460 yards. We need to know how many yards an 80 stitch row will require. Solving for x (feel free to feel smart when you say that), we discover we need 613 yards, so we definitely need another skein. 


It's SO much better to know that up front, don't you think? See? Math can save you grief. 


Of course if you're fishing for an excuse to go back to the yarn store, where you might see a few more things you simply can't live without, feel free to ditch these equations with glee. I'll back you up completely.

Feza Vest from Fiberwood Studio - Day 1

Well begun is half done...

I am so looking forward to this project.  I’ve always been a fan of vests--convinced they, like their scarf cousins, can upgrade a simple jeans and top to “outfit” status.  They fell out of fashion for a while, but are back.  A seasonless, artsy piece like this is going to become a wardrobe staple for me, I can tell.

The trouble with vests, however, is that they often come in “one size fits all.”  I’m six feet tall, and I’m here to tell you one size often doesn’t fit all of me.  Ah, but that’s the wonderful thing about knitting--it puts you in control.

This means, however, that you have to do....math.

Stop trembling, dear DestiKNITters, I’ll walk you through it.  Even the mathophobes among you can handle a simple quadratic equation.  If it can be tackled by a sixth grader, chances are you stand a shot a success.

For me, the problem is always, always length.  I am longer than the standard female (if such a thing even exists), so I have to adapt.  The pattern tells me the finished vest will measure approximately 18” from the back neck.  If I reach into my closet and measure the back length of a vest I know fits me well, I find it is 23” long.  As this vest is knitted sideways (left edge to right edge, if you will), I know this means I need to calculate how many more stitches I must cast on than the pattern’s stated 60.  Enter the glories of Algebra:

If I know 60 stitches gets me 18 inches, then I want to know how many stitches get me 23 inches.  That’s X.  Come on, reach back into those gray cells and remember how to solve for X (or find the nearest 6th grader--that works, too).

X is a bit over 76, so I round up for safety’s sake and cast on 80 stitches.  See, that’s not so hard.  It works in the other direction, too, if you need to shorten something.

My next step is to figure out if the standard two skeins of Feza Alp Natural I got from Fiberwood Studio has enough yarn for the larger vest.  This is an important consideration, and I’ll walk you through that calculation in our next installment.

MILWAUKEE, WI - Day 2: Around Wauwatosa

The locals call it "'Tosa," and today we're going to explore like a local.

Start your day with a caffein boost at the nearby location of Milwaukee’s spot-on small chain of coffee shops:

Alterra 

9125 W. North Avenue

Wauwatosa, WI  53226

414-259-7948

www.alterracoffee.com

As my contact puts it, “this is what a coffeeshop should be.”  Just the right funky, non-corporate vibe, an atmosphere that makes it fine to stay an hour and chat or work, and really good coffee.  I love that you order the sizes in simple numbers (“1,2,3,or 4”) rather than having to mouth off in a foreign language when your brain is already fuzzy. I gotta admit, however, I’m not sure even I could handle a three-shot extra large.  I had the minty-chocolate “Bull Frog,” and it was awesome.  Rumor has it the curried chicken salad is truly yummy, if you end up here for lunch instead of your morning kick-off.

Travel a few blocks north to this morning’s fiber fix:

Fiberwood Studio

2709 92nd Street

Milwaukee, WI  53222

414-302-1849

fiberwoodstudio.com

Designer/weaver Barbara Chappell has created a true arts studio for “fiber aficionados” in this clean-lined, full-of-style store.  One of those people just born to teach, Barbara utilizes her masters degree in textiles and clothing not only to serve on the faculty of a nearby college, but to inspire her customers.  “I want my customers to move beyond merely following a pattern to becoming fiber artists.”  Hearing her talk, you want to do just that.  

A first for DestiKNITions, this store clearly focuses on the weaving craft, but you’ll find fibers here you won’t anywhere else.  Barbara’s on a mission to help ball-and-hank-minded knitters to make friends with the “cone,” and you’ll see enough yarn on cones here to pull you in.  

“I buy what I like,” and I like her style, to be sure.  Machine knitters, this store has special goodies for you, as well as roving in yummy colors for the felters among us.  I found this to be a truly unique store that expanded my fiber horizons.  Here are a few projects to consider:

Knit Necklace

Stainless steel fine wire and beads create this stunning piece that reminded me of pussy willows.  Talk about work that demands a closer look!  If you want to wear a conversation starter, this is just the ticket, especially on days too hot for scarves or shawls.

Wet Felting pieces

I’m not a big fan of felting, but even I loved the lush artistry of these pieces.  You’d be best served by taking the class rather than tackling these on your own, but what results!  The mittens felt surprisingly soft and lush on, and the bowl is a unique piece that would make a most welcome gift.  Barbara has a set of slippers in her felting repertoire, too.

Knit Along:

The Feza Vest

This pattern, exclusive to Fiberwood Studio, knits up two hanks of Feza Alp Natural into a free-form yet drapey vest that’s just perfect for summer wear.  This is one of those brilliant patterns that lets the fiber do the talking--simple garter stitches combine into an artsy, versatile accessory.

One of the niftiest things I’ve seen yet is Barbara’s favorite gadget:

LeClerc Fringe Twister

Does exactly what it says it does.  How?  I'm not so sure but it's amazing to watch.  Ask her for a demonstration of this simple yet ingenious little machine.

Once you’ve scored your fiber finds for the day, travel back down 92nd Street to pick up the picturesque Menomenee River Parkway.  This scenic road winds along the river until it deposits you out in the charming town of Wauwatosa, known as “‘Tosa” to locals.  Straight out of a postcard and highly walkable, this town has everything I look for in an afternoon escape.  While http://villageofwauwatosa.com can list the dozens of choices to tempt you, here are the spots I most enjoyed:

I admit, too often I find that where boutiques are concerned, artsy and friendly don’t often combine.  Ah, so not the case here:

Salamander

7532 West State Street

Wauwatosa, WI  53213

414-259-0970

The staff here was as friendly as could be, making me feel like I could manage the artisan style showcased in the window.  The clothes--really unique stuff--were actually reasonable even before the great sale I found.  The top I bought here has become an instant favorite and garnered me many compliments.

The Little Read Book

7603 West State Street

Wauwatosa, WI 53213

414-774-2665

littlereadbook.com

“Dedicated to the fine art of browsing,” this little store is full of character on and off the page.  The staff made some very good recommendations, and a well-stocked children’s section pairs with just the right amount of giftware make for a pleasant shopping experience.  You know how I feel on this subject: independent bookstores deserve our business!

Ready for lunch?  Head over to:

Pizzeria Piccola

7606 West State Street

Wauwatosa, WI  53213

414-443-0800

www.pizzeriapiccola.com

Since visiting Naples, Italy, the thin-crust Neopolitain pizza style has become my ‘za of choice.  Order up the Piccola (provolone, fennel sausage, red onions, mushrooms and black olives) or the classic Margherita (my fav with mozzarella and fresh basil) and you can’t go wrong.  All of their pizzas are available with traditional dough, wheat dough, or gluten free dough.  Dine outside if it’s a lovely day, but don’t get desert because we’ve got somewhere lined up for that.

Blue Lapin Home and Garden

7600 Harwood Avenue

Wauwatosa, WI

414-443-0977

Looking for a hummingbird feeder?  A whimsical tin pig?  Moss pots?  All those decorative touches and more can be found in this store.  I especially liked the candles and other bath products.

After you’re done shopping, it’s time to for a break at:

Le Reve

Patisserie & Cafe

7010 Harwood Avenue

Wauwatosa, WI  53213

414-778-3333

lerevecafe.com

Yes, the food is good here, but I confess I never got farther than the bakery counter.  A friend recently introduced me to macarons--the rich little French cookie--and I bought one of every flavor they had and sat down to pure bliss.  An inventive menu and a full bar give you a wide variety of options here, not to mention the oh-so-French atmosphere.  

Now that you’ve had your sugar fix, it’s time for another yarn fix.  A little bit of a drive takes you to:

Cream City Yarn

15565 W. North Avenue

Brookfield, WI 

262-923-7014

creamcityyarn.com

Lisa Ruesch and her partner Kristine Porrit opened this innovative store just over a year ago, but don’t let their yearling status fool you:  these two know their stuff.  

While you can easily see the building’s one-room-schoolhouse origins, this is what the world would look like if IKEA opened a yarn store.  Fine quality basics, an array of exclusive patterns, and a technology-friendly atmosphere caters to a young but adventurous customer base.  Ravelry comes out of cyberspace to be put into full action here.  Chock full of projects to inspire you, you’ll also find a friendly staff ready to help you expand your skills.  Here are some of the projects I found particularly inspiring:

Suzanne Vest

This pattern by Jennifer Donze vest uses a smart cable detail to take a basic piece up a notch.  If you follow the recommendation and knit this up in 4 hanks of Madelinetosh DK superwash merino wool, you’ll have just enough left over to make a matching cowl.

Pont Neuf Cowl

This Kollage Yarn pattern works fine in Madelinetosh DK, or the favored basic Cascade 220. I like the balance between cozy and lacy on this piece--its slightly airy nature could take you farther into spring than most cowls.

Celtic Flower Mittens

Designer Jennifer D works one skein of Madelinetosh Worsted Weight Vintage into these retro-feel mittens.  I’m especially fond of the cuff edge--not too fussy, but just enough tailoring to feel special.

Honey Cowl

Our knit-along from Cream City is this inventive basic that wields a simple slip stitch pattern to create a dense but drapey waffle-like texture.  One or two hanks of Madelinetosh superwash merino DK knits up into this excellent gift (or self-splurge).  Good in a neutral basic, or opt instead for bright splash of color to send winter’s bleary skies on the run.

Amy Miller’s LeFleur Clutch

A new customer favorite is this piece from Interweave’s Spring 2102 issue.  Who could resist the eye-catching graphic on this practical pouch?  The color combination options set my mind blooming with possibilities.

How do you end such an amazing day?  With an amazing iconic Wisconsin dish, that’s how.

Take yourself across the street to:

Parkside 23

2300 Pilgrim Square Drive  

Brookfield, WI 53005

262-784-7275

www.parkside23.com

Yes, they grow much of their own produce, but you’re here for one thing:  macaroni and cheese.  Leave the blue box behind forever and step into the world of mac n’ cheese like you’ve never had it before.  I was doubtful that a dish so basic could live up to the hype, but whoa, I was wrong:  this is superb.  Take my advice and do not leave the state without eating this dish.

I know I’ve only dipped my toes into the depths of the Wisconsin fiber world, but these two days were as richly satisfying as the best dark chocolate.  A true perfect adventure!

Up next, a “swiss cheese” of a scarf from Ruhama’s.