Knit Along: Pimpelliese Shawlette from Grinny Possum - DONE!

FINALLY!

Well, I went with the most expedient choice, which was to hunt down a skein at a local yarn shop and hope for the best. God smiled down on my knitting this time, and I actually matched the dye lot (yippee!).  I had to laugh when literally, I only needed to do the last inch of this shawlette.  I waited days to do the last ten minutes of knitting--this project has not been my finest hour of needlework expediency.  

I do love the non-knitting reader who thought outside the box and asked if there was a way I could un-knit the first inch of the beginning edge to make them match.  Very creative (but I had my doubts as to how possible).

I really do like the way it came out.  I admit to some trepidation, however, as I let it soak to block.  The fiber smelled very...farmy.  I mean really animals-right-next-to-you-farmy even after soaking in a little bit of Dawn blue (my personal favorite yarn soak and the fave of many knitters I know).  I’m no stranger to the odor of wet wool, but this one was quite strong.  However, the garment was also wonderfully soft, so I’m willing to give it the benefit of the doubt until it’s done blocking. No jokes about how this particular photo makes it look as if I've knitted myself a sea horse, please.

The shawlette is slated to make it’s debut appearance at church tomorrow.  I’ll let you know how it all turns out.

Up next...a return visit to New York City with a little Hollywood thrown in!

Knit Along: Pimpelliese Shawlette from Grinny Possum - Day 6

Houston, we have a problem...

My worst fears have been realized.  I am twelve tiny rows from the end of this shawlette, and as you can see from the photograph, I do not have twelve (even tiny) rows worth of yarn left.  What I feared when I switched to my third ball has transpired:  I'm short yarn.  I need only about four more yards, but it might as well be 400 yards.  Eeek!  Now what?

As I see it, I’ve got three options:

1. End the shawl here and hope nobody notices one end is slightly thicker than the other--I guess it to be about half an inch of width and one “sawtooth”
2. Go find the yarn on the internet and attempt to match the dye lot
3. Find the yarn locally, and forget any dyelot matching

Chime in with your advice!

Knit Along: Pimpelliese Shawlette from Grinny Possum - Day 4

Ever have one of those weeks?  

Yep, it’s been a doozy of a week over here, which is why you haven’t heard from me until today.  I don’t mind stress, but wind it up enough that I don’t even have time to knit, and things get ugly.  

Creative deadlines are the worst, because I don’t know about you, but my brain will not create under pressure.  I am not the person who can lock themselves up in a cabin in the woods and crank out those last four chapters if my book due Monday.  So, even though the manuscript isn’t due until August, I’m already feeling the heat.  Pack on kids-out-of-school-and-whining-underfoot, and, well, you understand why there’s no more ice cream left in my house.

Still, it felt enormously satisfying to get to the midsection of this shawlette.  Finally, it’s downhill from here.  With one frustrating caveat:  I am four rows short of the actual middle when I had to start my third ball of yarn.  This means I run the very real risk of being four rows short when I run out of my fourth (and final) ball of yarn.  We might shave this one as close as my market bag.  Fabulous, because what I really need this week is another reason to get nervous.

Knit Along: Pimpelliese Shawlette from Grinny Possum - Day 3

The trouble with triangles...

The trouble with triangle shawls is that they get wider.

Actually, the trouble with me is that I get wider, but we won't get into that just now.

In a triangle shawl, the rows take longer and longer as you work toward the middle.  Middles are hard enough to muddle through--in knitting and in novels--without them getting more tedious with inches and inches of green garter stitch.   Any number of creative processes drag in the middle, knitting isn’t exempt.  I’m choosing to remember here, how garter stitch can be quieting and meditative in its simplicity. I’m choosing to look forward to when the rows get smaller, to how it will feel like I’m speeding up as I garter-stich toward the decreasing rows of this shawl's other end.   Won't that be nice! 

This shawl is the total opposite of my last sock.  It never ceases to amaze me how the diversity of DestiKNITions projects works so beautifully without my planning it.  After a brain-bending sock, the simple nature of this shawl is the perfect next effort.  Knitting takes so many different shapes, forms, and complexities--that’s why it’s a lifetime’s worth of hobby.  There’s always something new to learn, something new to try.

Knit Along: Pimpelliese Shawlette from Grinny Possum - Day 2

So is that a good thing or a bad thing?

There’s so much garter stitch in this pattern that I’ve forced myself to learn how to yarn-over and K2tog in continental style so that I can whip through it.  Especially with this size needles, it really does speed things up.  

The other pattern alteration I did was to add a slip stitch or selvedge edge at the neckline.  I tend to find regular garter stitch ends bumpy and uncomfortable against my neck, and I like the smooth look of thisedging.  The yarn texture is fabulous, though--soft and smooth and springy--so you’d be fine without it.

I must confess, however, to some misgivings about my choice of color.  Now that I look at it, the sawtooth trim edge reminds me entirely too much of a dragon’s tail (I realize this may be a plus for some readers).  Well, either that, or Kermit the Frog’s neck--again a function of this particular color.   I love Kermit, I wore a Kermit watch until I was 26, and I own The Muppet Show on DVD, but I am a bit worried this will prove too much even for me.  

Still, I soldier on in the hopes that the other side of the triangle will redeem my imagination’s attachment to these unfortunate metaphors.  Occupational hazard of authors I suppose--we’re always thinking “that looks like....”.

Knit Along: Pimpelliese Shawlette from Grinny Possum - Day 1

It's easy being green...

While I love an intricate, brain-taxing pattern for its “I did it!” results, there’s a special place in my heart for simple patterns that manage to pull off some panache.  This shawlette is mostly garter stitch in nice, decent-sized needles and fiber that make a lovely change from all the intricate sock knitting from my last project.  Larger size needles make for satisfyingly fast progress, too.  I’m happy to put down my size 2 needles for a while, believe me.

The sawtooth edging, accomplished mostly with a wax and wane of yarn-over increases and binding off of stitches, is fancy without being fussy.  Some shawls make you look like you don’t belong anywhere in the 20th century (not necessarily a bad thing if you’re a romance author, but it does tend to draw stares in the grocery store).  This design, combined with the near-funky lime green color I chose, feels just hip enough to loose the frilly-factor.  

While the pattern isn’t simple enough to be memorized (at least for my aging brain cells), its 12-row repeat fits easily on an index card for transportable knitting.  Will it get unwieldy as I make my way down to the thick tip of this triangular shawlette?  Stick around, I’ll let you know.

JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA

Sometimes, it just pays to cross the river.

I’d done an episode on Louisville late last this year, but on my way to the Southern Kentucky Book Fest in Bowling Green this spring I discovered the tiny but charming town of Jeffersonville Indiana.  This is one of the reasons I love DestiKNITions; I find little gems like this, and I get to share them with you.

My reason for discovering this southernmost exit off Indiana’s I-65 is, of course, the yarn store:

Grinny Possum Fiber Arts

326 Spring Street

Jeffersonville, IN  

www.grinnypossum.com

812-284-9400

This store’s large, coffee-colored open space is bathed in natural light and has that “gathering space” feel I love in great yarn stores.  Curious creature that I am, my first question had to be about the store’s name.  “It’s my husband Jerry’s nickname,” said owner Ann Merriman with a smile.  Born from her spinning background, the store as a nurturing feel and a resident golden retriever with his own Facebook page.  The back terrace is just begging for knitting alfresco, too.  

I think it’s clever how the right side of the store stocks delicate hand-wash fibers while the left side hosts sturdy washables.  I think it’s brilliant that she has the instructions for the Kitcher stitch--which I can never memorize--printed on the back of her business cards.  

I spotted loads of socks and a wide selection of cool gadgets (the way to my gadget-girl heart, surely!), including Hot Off the Lathe’s splendid crochet hooks and the irresistable Puppy Snips by Hiya Hiya.  

Some projects to consider are:

Lariat from Knitters Magazine

Ann took this published design and worked it with a host of different colors for a dazzling project.  I don’t wear necklaces--I wear scarves--but this could make me change my mind.

Crochet Cowl

Done up in one ball of Fibre Company’s merino/silk/alpaca blend Organik, this will coddle the neck of anyone you love.  Here in Chicago, the winter winds motivate us to take our cowl’s seriously, and I like the herringbone-ish, ribbing-ish texture of this piece.  Good Christmas gift knitting, don’t you think (and it’s not to early have such thoughts!)?

Waterfall Beaded Scarf

I’m a pushover for beaded knitting--it’s like wearing scarf and jewelry in one accessory.  The lush colors of Soysilk by Southwest Trading Company make the perfect counterpart to the shiny beads.

Our Knit Along from Grinny Possum comes from Ravelry.  Pimpelliese is a free pattern that can be done up in either Terra or Organik from Fibre Company.  It’s my first shawlette, and I’m looking forward to casting it on in the lovely lime green I choose from her vast selection.  Sure, I wish I could post my knit-along installments from her lovely back door terrace “suitable for parties,” but remote will have to do.

Wandering a small midwestern town is one of life’s perfect pleasures, especially when you’ve got hints on where the goodies are.   And believe me, goodies abound within easy walking distance.

You only have to meander across the street to discover why Ann relocated Grinny Possim in 2004 “to be closer to the candy.”  You’ll agree the minute you step into:

Schimpff’s Confectionery

347 Spring Street

Jeffersonville IN  47130

www.schimpffs.com

812-283-8367

Your sweet tooth has found its heaven in a whole bunch of ways, the most surprising of which is the Chocolate Coke.  How can you resist something owners Jill and Warren Schimpff describe as “a liquid Tootsie Roll”?--a dead on description, by the way.  My skepticism dissolved in the first delightful sip, and I’ve craved another ever since.  Family owned for no less than four generations, the store makes their own everything.  The redhots come from a 120 year old recipe--I liked them and I don’t even like redhots.  The Modjeska, a caramel dipped marshmallow named for the famous 19th-century actress, is simple yet divine.  You can feed your brain, too, as the store hosts a Candy Museum packed to the gills--or is that wrappers--with facts and artifacts.

Quick, before all that sugar wrecks havoc with your waistline, duck into:

Petunia’s Boutique

420 Spring Street

Jeffersonville, IN  47130

812-725-7208

www.petuniasboutique.com

An inventive selection and a fun atmosphere ensure you’ll find something nifty to bring home.  I was visiting just before the Kentucky Derby, so the hat selection was unlike anywhere else in the world.

No DestiKNITions trip would be complete without coffee, and we’re fortunate there some awesome caffein nearby at:

Perkfections

359 Spring St 

Jeffersonville, IN 47130

(812) 218-0611

The lovely spot recognizes we like a little desert with our java, and I had several people name a diverse list of favorites including the carrot cake, a blueberry bar, and lots of tasty sandwiches.  Some nights feature live music, too.

If you need a gift, head to the very unique

Lavender Hill

360 Spring Street

Jeffersonville IN

812-288-2388

www.lavenderhillflorals.com

The Derby hats in here made me drool, as did the lovely gifts and artistic floral arrangements.  This felt like the kind of place that would do the most original, inventive things for your wedding--I got a peek at owner Carolyn Minutello working with a bride and was quite impressed.  I haven’t yet needed a Derby Hat, but if I did....

Two other shops recommended that I did not have the opportunity to visit but seemed great from peeking in the windows:

Choices

437 Spring Street

812-283-6008

Jeffersonville IN  47130

“Local memorabilia, art, jewelry, purses, home accessories, beautiful greeting cards and many more Choices.”

CCF & Crafts

249 Spring Street

812-285-9785

Jeffersonville IN  47130

“Fresh flowers, gifts and collectibles, balloons, home decor, and specialty gift baskets.”

Any day would do, but MOST ESPECIALLY if it’s a Thursday, there’s no question where you need to end your day.  It’s at:

Adrienne & Co Bakery and Cafe

129 W. Court Avenue

Jeffersonville IN  47130

812-282-2665

www.cakestoday.com

Don’t you dare set foot inside a fast food joint with this restaurant in town--even if your budget is so tight it squeaks.  Thanks to the jaw-dropping $.09 Spaghetti Thursdays--yes, you read correctly, nine cents--there’s no reason to eat anywhere else in the zip code.  I had a plate of very good spaghetti, meatballs, caesar salad, and iced tea for $5. And the crowd is as pleasing as the price-tag.  

Top off your meal with massive cupcakes and you’re sure to go home happy.  I know I did.

I enjoyed my afternoon in Jeffersonville immensely, and I suspect you’re experience will be the same.  Next up?  This girl from the City of Big Shoulders cast on the charming Pimpelliese shawlette.

Knit Along: Arched Gusset Sock from FiberWild - DONE!

Stand back, I have needles and I know how to use them...

I have knit these socks, and I have teenagers.  

I am certifiably fearless.  

The are indeed awesome, too spiffy to hide inside shoes or underneath a pant leg.  It would be a crime to tuck these into boots.  I’m bursting with pride.  The only downside of such an accomplishment?  You guessed it--I have to do it all over again for the other foot.  Sigh.  Such is the nature of socks in the biped world. 

These socks are consuming in the best sense of the word.  They’d made an excellent project for a long trip, bed-rest, a broken leg (if you aren’t on really strong painkillers), or anywhere you need something to occupy you for, oh, say a fortnight.  

They are far more comfortable than you’d think, although I’m not sure if they’d be winter-warm with all those holes.  These have spring and summer written all over them, especially in this color.  

These are fiber-hot-shot socks, baby.  If you’ve got time and someone you need to impress with a hand-knitted masterpiece, this is the project for you.

It’s been a lovely trip through Galena.  Next we travel to Jeffersonville, Indiana and meet the charming folks of Grinny Possum Fiber Arts.