It all worked. The colors, the stitches, the i-cord, the size, the texture---all of it.
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Showing posts with label Unraveled. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Unraveled. Show all posts
Sunday, June 12, 2016
Linen Stitch Bag from Unraveled - Done!
It all worked. The colors, the stitches, the i-cord, the size, the texture---all of it.
Thursday, June 9, 2016
Linen Stitch Bag from Unraveled - Day 5
A bag is born!
Well, something that rather looks like a bag is born. Right now it resembles a multi-colored blob closed at one end, but that’s to be expected at this stage. When I look at it, the open edge feels wide. Really wide. Made more wide by the two-strands-held-together bind off which adds heft but in my case also seems to add width. The open edge curves outward like a happy rainbow hat-brim.
Now, I am deeply aware that most of this probably won’t matter once the drawstring is implemented (and yes, I’m still living in fear of those endless rounds of i-cord). I do wonder, however, just how tightly you can draw such a big thing closed? Will it end up being practically useful?
The good news is that I don’t much care. I love baskets and textured decorative objects, so if this ends up drawn lightly closed around a plant or just sitting as an object d’art on my office shelves, I will be equally happy as if it’s toting around my latest project. Because it’s that pretty. And making pretty things makes me happy.
If it’s pretty AND useful, well that’s just icing on the cake, yes?
Sunday, June 5, 2016
Linen Stitch Bag from Unraveled - Day 4
I have to say, I’m very pleased with the variety of patterns I’ve assimilated into this bag. And the size is exactly what I was hoping for! It has almost an Indian basket look to it, doesn’t it? I’m generally not a “rainbow” person, but in this case the cavalcade of colors is just plain happy. Not overtime I have ventured off-book for a pattern has it turned out this well, believe me.
Regular knitting—as opposed to linen stitch—feels like a breeze now without all the switching back-to-front-and-back-again of the working yarn. I feel as if I’m zipping through these final rounds. I’m taking time to enjoy this, knowing I have a daunting amount of i-cord looming at the end of this project.
The bag is so sturdy at the linen stitch sides that I think I will take the designer’s advice and fix some felt to the bottom to reinforce it.
I was knitting outside on a lovely day at a concert in the park this afternoon, and after a demanding week of writing work, I relished the pleasure of knitting alfresco! Which reminds me—don’t forget that World Wide Knit in Public Day is June 18! Check here to see where an event is being hosted near you!
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Linen Stitch Bag from Unraveled - Day 3
Bold...or foolish?
So, as it turns out, linen stitch with only one color is rather tedious after you’ve had the experience of knitting it with three colors. Especially if the one color you’re using is cream. Even the other two variegated colors would have been more interesting. I keep wanting to throw a row or two of the color in just to spice things up.
So, as I noticed my cream yarn resources diminishing at concerning speeds (I have crafted a bag slightly bigger than the pattern, after all), I decided something needed a bit of a switching up. The pattern called for a return to multiple colors after 4 inches (which would mean 5 for my bag, taking proportions into account), but I didn’t think 5 inches of cream linen stitch would leave me much yarn to play with. Yet it still felt too early to go back to all the colors.
I chose an alternative that would ease out the full-on cream. Instead of my previous rainbow-pastel-cream sequence, I went for pastel-cream-rainbow-cream for an inch or two. It felt like something in-between the two. The switch in order created something totally different, and I liked it as a bridge between the two. Normally I don’t stray from patterns—especially where color is involved—but I’m happy with the results.
What do you think? Does it work?
Thursday, May 26, 2016
Linen Stitch Bag from Unraveled - Day 2
Learning to love linen stitch...
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| Linen stitch on the wrong side |
While linen stitch is one of the standards in any experienced knitter’s toolbox, I confess that I’ve not done much with it up until now. It’s a sturdy stitch, giving a woven look (especially so on the wrong side, in my opinion), and producing a thicker fabric that seems well-suited for something like a bag.
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| Right side--with that pesky white line |
While it’s repetitive, you do have to pay attention because a slip-up can be very tricky if not impossible to fix. Not that I know or anything (see photo—I’m pretty sure that white line isn’t supposed to be there…)
Linen stitch with one color is one thing. Alternating with three colors? That takes things up a notch. Honestly, when I looked at these three cakes of yarn together, I couldn’t quite see how the rainbow one was going to play nicely with the purplish one. I know the cream was in there to balance things out, but as I said before, color combos aren’t my strength. In fact, it works. I’m not sure how, but it does.
Despite the large needles, this isn’t fast stitching—all that switching from back to front. I’m betting it goes through yarn at a greater rate than knit or purl, too—this is a dense fabric with lots of yarn inside it. The place where the rounds join and I switch colors isn’t as neat as I’d like, but with the riot of colors going on I don’t think it matters much.
The next section is linen stitch with only one color. I like that this project has several twists to keep things interesting.
Wednesday, May 11, 2016
SAN ANTONIO, TX--Day One
I’m happy every time a conference I attend gets booked into San Antonio—whether I’m escaping Chicago’s nasty winters or braving the dog days of a Texas summer. No doubt, the city offers loads of touristy gems, but I also discovered a pair of great local yarn shops as well. If you find yourself in the Alamo City, here’s where to launch your yarn adventures:
The Pearl
Bordered by Avenue B, Isleta, Grayson and Newell Streets
San Antonio TX
(210) 212-7200
What once was the Pearl Brewery has now become an charming selection of restaurants, shops, residences, and outdoor space. Even the old stable has become an event venue. Spend your morning wandering around the place, making sure you take in:
Bakery Lorraine
306 Pearl Pkwy
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 862-5582
Desert for breakfast is a DestiKNITions tradition, and the Snickers Tart or croissant paired with an excellent coffee and a few splendid French macarons was the perfect way to launch my day. The Turtle Tart is just as yummy—and I won’t tell if you get both.
Properly inspired to culinary greatness, head to:
Melissa Guerra Latin Kitchen Market
303 Pearl Pkwy Ste 104
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 293-3983
All manner of creative cookware and gift items await you, most with a distinctive ethnic flare. For some unusual fun, ask to see the Big Chill retro refrigerator and fantasizing about out which of the fun selection of custom colors you’d order for your own kitchen.
The Twig Book Shop
306 Pearl Pkwy Ste 106
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 826-6411
Be a loyal destiKNITter and patronize the cozy little book shop for a thoughtful selection of local authors, local interest books, children’s literature, and an impressive schedule of events. “Yea Local!”—I heartily agree.
Hotel Emma
136 E Grayson
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 448-8300
I love to walk around gorgeous hotels, and this one is not only stunning, it’s an outstanding repurposing of a “neo-industrialized” space. The library made me drool (but it’s only open to guests, so I just pressed my nose against the glass). The bar, with its tables tucked inside old brewery tanks, offers an inventive place to share a cocktail. I probably could only afford to stay five minutes in a swanky place like this, but it sure is fun to visit.
When you’re hungry, head here:
Boiler House Texas Grill and Wine Garden
312 Pearl Pkwy
Bldg. 3
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 354-4644
Another gorgeously re-purposed building! They’re known for great burgers, but I was in the mood for something different, so my friendly server talked me into the Hudspeth Ranch Lamb & Wild Boar Bolognese. Really, how could I turn down a chance like that? (No “knitter eating lamb” jabs, please). It was delicious—a perfect taste combination for the unusual meats.
Chef Jeff White also sent over his signature house chicharones & hot sauce when I mentioned I’d never had such a thing. Yummy, but WAY too spicy for my weak northern tastebuds. A great place for lunch or dinner, or a stand-out Sunday brunch.
Save room for desert, because we’re off to:
Lick Honest Ice Creams
312 Pearl Pkwy
Ste 2101
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 314-8166
Artisan ice creams are always a fun place for adventure, and this shop is the perfect place to find a one-of-a-kind treat. My sources sent me in for the “goat cheese and candied nut” flavor, but I confess it wasn’t really my thing. The server let me taste a bunch of suggestions until we hit on “grapefruit with champagne marshmallows”—fabulous! An inventive combination of sweet and tang. The menu of available flavors rotates constantly, so who knows what new favorite you’ll discover?
Ready for yarn? Make the drive to:
Unraveled - The Chic Yarn Boutique
815 E Rector Suite 104
San Antonio, TX 78216
(210) 951-4891
Husband-and-wife owner Kellie Lewis and Rob Thompson—both knitters—let their passion for the craft launch this newest addition to the Texas yarn shop scene.
“We only carry fibers we’re 100% passionate about,” says Kellie. Rob’s big on alpaca, Kellie’s a fan of cottons, so you can imagine that their selection of both (as well as linen, silk, and other warm-weather fibers) is outstanding. Their fun, inventive style comes through all over the store and extends to the friendly, go-the-extra-mile staff as well.
The store offers a strong selection of stock displayed by weight, and as Rob and Kellie love gift-giving projects, there are tons of great samples all over the store to inspire your generosity (or self-indulgence).
Open form classes—where you can come with any project and any skill level—are kept to a nice, intimate size. Open knitting night happens each Thursday from 6-8. Unraveled offers a few technique classes as well, and has joined the growing number of stores offering tatting instruction. It’s gratifying to see this once-dying art form enjoying such a resurgence.
The shop is just the right size to be both comfy and still provide a robust selection. With a warm atmosphere and friendly staff—as well as friendly customers—you’re sure to make new yarn buddies on your visit.
Here are a few projects I wouldn't mind casting on:
Alma Lou Shawl
All you need is one ball of self-striping yarn such as Noro Taiyo Sock or Manos De Uruguay sock to whip up this colorful wrap. Not too lacy, not too basic, the interplay of garter and eyelet lets the yarn do most of the talking here. The picot border adds a touch of delicacy. A great choice for your first shawl.
Summer Escape Wrap
Crave something with a contemporary, dramatic touch that still won’t tax your summer brain cells? Stitch up this color-blocked shawl with three balls of Berroco Modern Cotton in the colors of your choice. If you’re like me, you’ll need some guidance for color combos, but the staff will surely lend a hand. Perfect to keep any blasting AC from ruining your evening.
Bob’s Extra Large Stockings
Talk about unique! Who wouldn't enjoy stuffing a stocking this size? The photo doesn’t do justice to the fact that they’re several feet long (no pun intended)! Felting chunky weight yarn sounds like a hefty task, but the results are clearly worth it. You’ll need 4 balls of Borroco Peruvia Quick or 4-5 Balls of Debbie Bliss Roma and some king-size needles if you take on Bob's super-sized design.
Linen Stitch Bag
True to Unraveled’s gift-knitting specialty, our knit-along from this shop is a bag designed by Rob. Three skeins of chunky yarn—in this case Araucania Huasco Chunky merino hand dyed—combine to make this colorful drawstring carry-all. I’m looking forward to a quick, clever, and useful project.
When you’re done for the day, I recommend for dinner:
Beto’s Alt-Mex
8142 Broadway
San Antonio, TX 78209
(210) 930-9393
Featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, this place offers “Alt-Mex,” a self-proclaimed fusion of Mexican street food and Latin American Soul Food.
Guy favors the Chalupa Cabra, but I went for the duo of a grilled fish and grilled veggie taco and didn’t regret it. The real star of the evening was the amazing sweet empanadas in a variety of mouthwatering flavors.
All in all, a great day in San Antonio. Next post I’ll give you a shorter day visiting another SA store—so you’ll still have time to get in all your sightseeing.
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