Lucy Neatby’s Udderly Divine Bag from Orange Kitten Yarn - DONE!

I came, I saw, I put it in the dryer...

I have felted!  And I’m pleased with the results!

Before felting, next to a file folder for size comparison

I have long avoided felting, fearing the unpredictable outcome.  Thankfully, my guide (or in this case cowherd) to this brand new world was the indomitable Lucy Neatby, who counseled me (via her very detailed pattern instructions and even an online video) to pull the thing out of the dryer every 15 minutes to check on the progress.  That not only made me feel better, it allowed me to pull here, poke there, smooth out this corner, pinch that edge, and generally work this baby into perfection.

Post-felting, next to same folder

It’s deliciously outrageous, this bag.  The shaping, the colors, everything.  My design adaptation to make smaller teats worked out just the way I’d pictured it--how often does that happen?  I loved it so much I couldn’t wait for it to dry before I snapped a photo and sent it to the intended recipient, a dear friend going through a rough patch.  She’s so excited she wants to meet for breakfast tomorrow!  I hope it’s fully dry by then.  Really, how can you not be cheered by a cow bag?  I know I couldn’t.

All in all, while no small challenge, this project had a very satisfying payoff.  It was a lot of work (and I got a lot of stares), but it was worth it.  It’s a perfect token of my time in the Dairy State.  Thanks, Orange Kitten Yarns!

By the way, it seems the esteemed Chicago Tribune has caught on to the glories of Monroe.  Click here for an article from this Sunday's paper that touts a few places DestiKNITters already know!

Next up, DestiKNITions gets "up to date" in Kansas City!

Lucy Neatby’s Udderly Divine Bag from Orange Kitten Yarns - Day 5

As a matter of fact, DO have a cow, ma'am!

I’m glad this will be smaller when felted.  Right now this thing feels as large and loud as a parade float!  I knit much of this on a plane, and I know people were staring.  I mean, how many times do you come across someone knitting a cow?  Complete with pink udder?

As expected, the pink udder is quick and satisfying to finish up.  And it really does “make” the piece.  I’m still on the fence about the “teats,” however. They feel just a bit too outlandish to me (and that’s saying something!).  Still, it feels like some detail--even if it’s not a four inch teat--should go there.  So, I’ve followed the instructions to put in waste yarn and I think I may opt for a small little bump, strawberry-sized, as it were.  It may look just enough. It may look ridiculous.  That’s the beauty of knitting--you can always rip it out.

I’m very impressed with the strap, which gets knitted right into the strap openings by the exceedingly clever strategy of threading your circular needle in place before joining the yarn.  Genius.  Then again, Lucy Neatby is known for the clever touches in her designs as much as she is known for her vibrant colors.

I’ll admit to a fair amount of nervousness over the felting process.  I’m too much of a creative control freak for this to be easy.  My final post should be very entertaining.

Lucy Neatby’s Udderly Divine Bag from Orange Kitten Yarns - Day 4

Ready for Pink...

Yes!  Finally done with all that cow, and on to the quiet inches of pink stockinette that will give this bag its “udder.”  Much as I love black and white, I’m tired of looking at it.

I’m also very tired of getting to the end of a stretch of one color only to realize I haven’t carried the yarn in back and I need to take it all out again.  I can’t tell you how many times this has happened in this project.  I think it’s because of all the color switching.  You get to a stretch of one color, and it’s like a raceway straightaway--you “floor it,” eager for some speed.  Then you realize you’ve left the other poor color hanging lost and un-anchored back at the starting line.  Tink, tink, tink, redo.  Sigh.  It’s annoying because I know better.

Still, like most projects that presented a challenge, when I look back at the completed section I feel a tremendous sense of satisfaction.  The primal “I made this” that drives why we all knit.  The interplay of color and texture that speaks to an inner need--even if that need is to be just a wee bit silly.

Lucy Neatby’s Udderly Divine Bag from Orange Kitten Yarns - Day 3

But wait...there’s moooore...

Okay, that was a weak “moo” pun, but I couldn’t resist.  This is a lot of cow.

Of course, a high volume of cow is a pretty amusing prospect, so it’s a lot of fun cow.   Still, it always seems to take me far longer than I want to finish each row, and each day’s knitting never seems to get me as far as I want. 

The pace may be compounded by the fact that this isn’t a highly portable project.  I can’t just slip it into my handbag and whip it out at a meeting--the four yarn balls, pattern, and all that cow just don’t lend themselves to discreet knitting.  Once I get to the end of all this black-and-white and I’m down the rows of stockinette that comprise the pink udder and strap, that might change.  But I still think pulling a two-foot cow udder out of my knitting bag won’t exactly fade into the sidelines, no matter where I am.

On the upside, I have discovered a trick to help with the tangle factor.  When I sit down to knit, I keep the black yarn to the left of me and the white (well, okay, I believe the technical term is “Natural”) yarn to the right.  Since I hold a color in each hand--colorwork is one of the best reasons to master continental knitting so you can do just that--this placement seems to keep the two colors separate.  It effectively eliminates the tangling I was struggling with earlier.  If you’ve got other tricks for wrangling yarn on multi-color projects, by all means let’s hear them.

A completely unrelated note:  I saw THE LONE RANGER last night, and there’s a fun little knitting bit--tiny but clever--in the movie.

Lucy Neatby’s Udderly Divine Bag from Orange Kitten Yarns - Day 2

Fun and tangles...

I have to admit, the cow pattern is a great deal of fun.  It’s just now starting to be clearly recognizable--up until about three inches in, it just looked like random black and white.  Now, it’s clearly bovine.  I love it! 

Despite the large needles, this doesn’t feel like it goes fast.  It is a lot of complicated knitting.Two color work is hard enough, but two-stranded two color work?  The tangle factor is huge!  At the end of every row I have to take ten minutes to untangle the four balls.  I’m wondering if I need to buy three more yarn bowls and line them up on my coffee table.


After about three rows on my larger Denise needles, I went online and ordered KnitPicks Harmony needles (my current set stops at 11).  No matter what I do, I cannot get the Denise needles to stay connected, and the results of that break are no fun at all.

Lucy Neatby’s Udderly Divine Bag from Orange Kitten Yarns - Day 1

Have a cow, ma'am...

“The yarn always knows.”

It was a line I gave the character Lindy in my novel “My So-Called Love Life”--my first fictional knitting character, but it’s a truth that’s played out in my life.  The right projects always seem to find their way onto my needles at the right time.

And so it is now.  I often cope with stress--and lately grief--by doing the outrageous.  I’m sporting neon pink nail polish this week and have worn lots of bright colors because they speak life to me after weeks filled with death and dying.  What could be more perfect that the wild and wacky “Udderly Divine” bag by the equally vibrant and colorful designer Lucy Neatby?

Silliness feels wonderful after so much somber seriousness.  I’m soaking up the fact that my teenage son has told me he won’t come within 20 feet of me if I’m carrying this whimsical bag.  I’m enjoying the big bold nature of this project.  Even though it is two-color black and white knitting just like the Selbucozy I just finished, it couldn’t be more different.  Knitting can be that diverse, can’t it?

There’s a reason Neatby is famous for her ingenious designs.  The top edge of this bag features a strong, scalloped strap-holder feature that is downright clever to behold.  You need to pay attention for these initial rows.  She gives you a choice of black or white for your top edge, and I chose black, thinking it would hide the inevitable dirt better.  That’s good, but I found myself wishing for lighter yarn in the complicated parts--two stranded knitting is hard enough without adding black yarn to the mix.

I’ll check back in with you partway through the bovine pattern.

MONROE, WI

Small town charm...

This was one of those years when I headed north and south in alternating waves.  It has made for some interesting comparisons in fiber culture.  While art is art no matter what the thermometer says, there’s just something about how a northern state takes to knitting.  The appreciation goes so much farther than the aesthetic--it’s survival to be able to cuddle up in warmth when the snow drifts deep.  So, when life afforded me the chance to head back into Wisconsin and find some more yarn destiKNITions, I went.

Last time we centered around Milwaukee.  This time we’ll be visiting three smaller towns--Monroe on one day, Verona and New Glarius the next.  You could do all these in a single long day from Chicago, but I wouldn’t recommend it...you want time to explore and enjoy, right?

One of my favorite aspects of midwestern living is the “circle the square” small town.  It’s the quintessential plaines states set up--a small town whose center is a square of commerce set up around either a park or the town hall.  There’s just something so friendly and connected about it that appeals to this urban techie girl.

Today we’ll be visiting Monroe.  First stop for me is always coffee, and in Monroe that means: 

Chocolate Temptation

1004 17th  Avenue

Monroe WI  53556

608-328-2462

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chocolate-Temptation/125278597522921

Sure, it’s a dessert place, but all destiKNITTers know the value of dessert for breakfast! (don’t worry, I’ll make sure you have something more traditional for lunch).  They have loads of delectable ice cream flavors, but I opted for an excellent latte (remember to stir--they serve it to you in layers!) and red velvet cheesecake.  There’s a reason the place has been going strong for 18 years--the chocolate here is outstanding.  Start here, and it’s nearly impossible to have a bad day.

Duly caffeinated, spend an hour or two wandering around the rest of the square.  On my visit, I found 

an indoor farmer’s market on Wednesdays and Saturdays (a rare treat in winter months)

a collection of antique boutiques at the Monroe Antiques Mall

At 1117 16th Avenue, I found some seriously good pastries and a local specialty called the Lindberger Roll (ideal for brats, sandwiches, or eating straight out of the bag) at the Boomerang Bakery

But there’s way more to explore here so grab all the info from a brochure or click here to see everything.  

When you’re ready to get your yarn on, head just a bit off the square to:

Orange Kitten Yarns

1209 17th Avenue

Monroe WI  53556

608-328-4140

http://www.orangekittenyarns.com/

Don’t let the small size fool you--this is a fun little shop with lots to offer.  If you want a taste of the fiber world’s wonderful connectivity, this is where you’ll find it.  Owner Jocelyn Kline is an enthusiastic Monroe ambassador, introducing you to the town community at every opportunity.  You just know a shop with a full-size cutout of Elvis in the bathroom and a weekly Wednesday “show and tell” session is a friendly place to knit.  

Jocelyn (left) and Benita (right)

Still brand new--just over a year old and barely nudging up to a full-open schedule--Jocelyn has found a niche as the hub and showcase for many local artisans.  No, you won’t find a wall full of every color here--although Jocelyn has a respectable stock of the basic commercial lines given the size of the shop.  What you will find are delightfully unique yarns from the thriving local community of fiber-producers, other locally sourced products like goatsmilk soaps, and eight new friends the moment you walk in.  Benita Miller was in making socks while I was there, and I felt like we were all related before I left (and, in a fiber sense, aren’t we?).  

This is a shop where you can “do knitting any way you want it--art, distraction, or community,” says Jocelyn, who sees her shop as more community service as commerce.  I feel as if should I ever move here, Jocelyn would have me plugged into the community before I unpacked my kitchen (maybe even before I unpacked my suitcase!).

This is the dairy state, and folks in Monroe take their cheese seriously.  Very seriously.  Every other year, they go all out for “Cheese Days”--the area’s biggest festival.  The next event--the 100th anniversary, mind you--is September 2014 and I plan to be there.  

I’ll be appropriately accessorized with our first knit-along from this shop:

Lucy Neatby’s Utterly Divine Bag

So bold and quirky I couldn’t resist!  I’ve avoided felting up until now, but this bag was just outrageous enough to break down my reluctance.  As with every Neatby creation, the fun colors also sport some very clever design tactics.  Who could say no?

If you’re looking for something more local and low-key, opt for:

Ewe n’ Me Enterprises Thrummed Mitten Kit

Inside a cozy knitted mitten are tufts of roving that will custom-felt to your hands as you wear them.  Hands-down the warmest mittens you can find, and in a rainbow of cheery colors.  Packaged into kits by the Winnebago IL company, they’re as pretty as they are practical--especially for those of us who lack the skill to artfully combine colors.

If you want a project that embodies Jocelyn’s connective philosophy, I’d suggest:

Sandy’s Art Yarn Hat

Art Yarn--fiber that’s tricked out with all kinds of goodies so that the strands are as much  a work of art as the final product--always adds extra pizzaz to basics like hats and scarves.  This kit is no exception.  A great way for a new knitter to get some high-power punch out of simple stitching, this kit creates a one-of-a-kind hat children or teens would adore.  You’ll hear more about Sandy and her happy sheep in our next post, by the way.

When you’re ready for lunch, you’ve got quite a few choices, but here’s the two we tried:

Cafe Claudeen

1014 17th Avenue

Monroe WI 53556

608-329-5899

http://www.cafeclaudeen.com/

This place is to food what Orange Kitten is to Yarn--a showcase for local products.  Friendly service, an inventive menu, and a casually elegant atmosphere make this an ideal place for lunch.  I had a lovely quiche while my companion had a hefty sandwich.  Had I not already indulged, the dessert case had several great options.  If you think small midwestern towns can’t deliver foodie-level noshing, this place will prove you wrong.

Want something a little less delicate but loaded with fun?  Try:

Baumgartner’s Cheese Store and Tavern

1301 15th Avenue

Monroe, WI  53556

608-325-6157

https://baumgartnercheese.com/

The line to sit down is your first clue this is a local favorite.  Filled with murals, dozens of cheese selections, and a basic tavern-style menu, this place oozes character.  With simple fare done to perfection, this place can handle a rowdy boys’ night out as easily as it hosts a kids’ lunch with grandpa.  As a matter of fact, our server asked if we’d mind sharing a table with an older couple out for a Sunday drive, and we ended up having one of the most entertaining lunch with strangers-turned-friends I’ve ever experienced.  The world is losing such places, so I’m glad this one still stands.  Hand your server a dollar and watch him tack it to the ceiling in the most original and entertaining charity drive I’ve ever seen!

Tune in next time to find out the wonderful farm adventure that finished our day in Monroe.  You won’t want to miss it!

Spiral Pouch from A Knitted Peace - Day 4

Holy Moses, it worked!

Right up until the last minute, I was reading the instructions and shaking my head, unable to see how this joining was going to work.  Even when I started the stitching (which took reading the directions no less than three times), I continued to doubt.  I wasn’t even convinced the ridges would line up--it seemed like I’d end up with double hills or double valleys, not the nicely rippling spiral that gives this pouch its character.

Slowly, as I stitched, I began to see how the graft would take place.  As I worked my way up the piece, a portion of the turquoise began to disappear under a new row of purple/pink yarn.

It wasn’t until I turned the piece right side out that I saw the magic.  A perfectly situated valley between two hills, and the two strips of waste yarn clearly ready to be cut away.  No kidding, I actually giggled with delight as I cut away the turquoise.  I had that moment all knitters know:  where you show your spouse something truly amazing about your knitting, and he looks at you as if you’ve become too easily amused by completely unimpressive events.

Unimpressive my foot!  This is downright masterful.  Lucy Neatby, I apologize for ever doubting your brilliance.  This is absolutely a great graft.