Maverick Cowl from Lucky Ewe Yarn - Day 3

Color and shine...

Another reader mentioned the beautiful sheen on this yarn. Merino is a lovely fiber, but when you add the touch of silk this fiber has you get this marvelous shimmer that works beautifully on colors like blue and gray. It makes the blue look more like Caribbean waters and the grey look more like silver. And oh, the softness…

While it’s not apparent on this circular needle right now, this is going to be a cowl of a nice, generous length. Those are always my favorite. The ones that wrap once around never quite seem to fall right around my neck—they always look the wrong size (even though cowls are “one size fits all”).

Having the lacework double back on itself by swapping out the K2TOG to SSK creates a clever chevron pattern that draws attention nicely to the center of the piece. It also adds a nice “halfway” benchmark that lets me know I’m on track to finish in time. 

I think this could make a lovely school or team colors gift for someone. It’s not quite as obvious as straight block stripes, but still makes the bold color combo statement a collegiate or sports fan would appreciate. This one, however, I’m keeping for myself.

Great Prismatic Cowl from Spinnin' Yarns--Done!

It's done!

The blocking took the bumpy texture down a notch or two, perfect to my liking.  It's still on the casual side, but the edges feel a bit neater now. 

It's more decorative than cozy, but with all those colors in play I'm fine with that.

Thanks for a mind- and skill-expanding knitting experience, Spinnin' Yarns!

Next, we travel to Salt Lake City Utah and visit a handful of great shops in ski country!

Great Prismatic Cowl from Spinnin' Yarns--Day 5

The penultimate step...

This was a very long bind off.  

A can’t finish it all in one day my fingers are cramping long bind off. Made even longer by the fact that I chose to use my favorite bind off, Jenny’s Surprisingly Stretchy Bind Off, so each of the nearly 300 stitches had to be worked through three separate steps.  A total of 834 steps, by my count.

I’m always impatient with bind-offs.  I never like the last step of anything.  I don’t mind putting wash in the washing machine or transferring it to the dryer, but I loathe taking it out of the dryer and folding it.  I don’t mind loading the dishwasher (too much) but find it a much more unpleasant task to unload it.  I love to make plans but find the execution wearisome.  I love Mondays but am often frustrated by the unsatisfying closure of a Friday where I didn’t get everything done.  I’m forever leaving cabinet doors open, things on the table, items out instead of neatly put away.  A friend believes this is a peculiar form of ADHD, but I think this is just the unique character of ALLIE.

On the upside, one of my frustrations with bind-offs is that they frequently don’t quite match the cast-on, either in appearance or tension.  Since the one continuous bind-off means it’s all bind-off, that’s not an issue here—everything matches.  I have to admit, that’s nice.

I find the cowl a bit rustic and bumpy at the moment, but it hasn’t been blocked, so that’s not a fair assessment.  There’s the final step to go.  

This could be one last step I really do enjoy.  Stay tuned.

Great Prismatic Cowl from Spinnin' Yarns--Day 4

The thing about a project with all one edge…is that it never stops.  

I hadn’t realized the little burst of achievement that an end of a row gives me.  Big believer in mini-goals that I am, I suppose rows represent mileposts, small “got it done” boxes to tick off in the long process that is knitting any project.  

I’m missing those here.

Yes, there’s a lone stitch marker to signify the beginning of each “round” (which is actually two rounds given the whole one-edge-two-sides thing), but it doesn’t seem to do it for me.  Each time I reach the marker, I don’t feel accomplishment. I only feel how many more rounds there are to go.

I find myself wishing I had gone for the Great Prismatic colorway with all those rainbow color changes.  The blue-to-green-and-back-again is pretty, and much better suited to my wardrobe, but it isn’t as exciting.  Soothing, I suppose, but that’s not the same thing, is it?  Besides, the effort of the linen stitch seems to negate any solace.

Even with my mix of feelings about this project, the bottom line is that it’s still too early to tell.  How a project looks on the needles is only a hint of how it might look and feel once finished and blocked.  I’ve learned, over and over, that it is by no means the complete picture.  Knitting is about faith in the creative process.  I have faith that the challenges of this project will pay off in a lovely accessory.  

And that’s what keeps me knitting.

NORTHWEST INDIANA—Day 2: Griffith

Whistle stop...

One of my favorite parts of writing DestiKNITions is when I end up in interesting small towns that would never show up in tourist guides.  Lots of towns like Griffith have fascinating stories.

Evidently Griffith held the record for the most train crossings per capita.  When the multiple rail lines needed to increase the traffic that ran through the mega-crossing in town, they struck a financial partnership that gave Griffith lots of funding to upgrade all kinds of things.  Everybody wins—including you, when you visit.

Like all good DestiKNITions, start with a great cup of coffee at:

Grindhouse Cafe

146 N Broad St

Griffith, IN 46319

219-595-5678

https://www.facebook.com/GrindhouseCoffee/

This is one of those great coffee places where reading the massive chalkboard menu is an entertainment in itself.  Strong, superb brews in a variety of flavors and combinations, often with cheeky names that can’t help but make you smile.  You can grab a satisfying breakfast here for $5.50.  Should you be here for lunch, my sources say the chicken salad sandwich is not to be missed, nor is one with blue cheese with called a “Beef Bomb.”

Properly caffeinated, head 50 feet away to today’s yarn find:

Spinnin’ Yarns

145 Griffith Blvd

Griffith, IN  46319

219-924-7333

www.spinninyarns.com

When the local yarn shop closed, lots of Jamie Gunnink’s friends said, “You should start one!” So in 2010,she did.  She outgrew her home in six months, opening in a freestanding shop a year later.  Spinnin’ Yarns draws from all over the county as well as southern Chicagoland, with customers ranging from kids to knitters in their 90’s.  

“We’re a store that is very patient when you come in saying ‘Oops, I did something interesting,’” says Jamie.  “We try never to call is a mistake, you just did something interesting.”  Help is always free, and the loyal customers who remember what it was like to not have a local shop surely appreciates Spinnin’ Yarns’ friendly, inclusive atmosphere.

Jamie stocks the store with “a mix of things I like plus what I know my customers will wear.”  The store offers a wide rage of “entry level yarns” to artisan fibers. “As knitters increase their skills, they want a better quality yarn,” says Jamie.  Open knitting nights—which often resemble a potluck meal with yarn according to Jamie—happen Monday and Tuesday, with additional sessions on Wednesday morning and Saturdays. Project and technique classes, as well as private knitting lessons and what Jamie calls “urgent care help,” round out the store’s services.

Packed with project samples, you’re sure to find something itching to make its way onto your needles.  Here’s a few to whet your appetite: 

Inspira Cowl

Knit down your stash by combining four unrelated yarns to make this eye-catching accessory.  Or whip up one in school colors for a student home for the holidays.  Or show your team pride.  This cowl has more possible combinations than a Rubix cube, so have fun.

Knit Along:

Great Prismatic Cowl

Taking its name from the famously hued Yellowstone spring, you surely want to knit this up in Cascade Melilla’s colorway that exactly matches the color progression of its famous namesake.  Since most of those colors look dreadful on me, I chose a blue color-scheme, but it will still be lovely.  I’ve always wanted the learn the true mobius cast-on, and knitting linen stitch in the round means no pesky counting!

Berroco Brooklin Vest

A well-draped vest can jazz up almost any outfit.  Berroco’s simple design takes 5-7 skeins of Vintage Chunky and combines great texture for this vest.  The yarn becomes the star—unless you add a stunning shawl pin.  And Spinnin’ Yarns has plenty of those!

Surprise Crochet Baby Sweater

Elizabeth Zimmerman’s famous Baby Surprise Jacket takes a long time to knit.  Indulge your impatient self by making the much quicker (a total of 6 hours if you’re fast, according to Jamie) crochet version using James C. Brett Marble Chunky.  The pattern comes from the book Surprise Crochet Sweaters for Baby. One giant ball will produce a jacket, or any worsted weight yarn will give the garment more of a sweater feel.

Azel Pullover

It’s hard to get more adorable than a chunky sweater on a little one.  This simple pullover by Velvet Acorn Design also has a crochet version named Aura.  Of course, if you want one, they come in adult sizes, too.

A unique gadget recommendation:

Most of us have a collection of circular needles tangling in a drawer, but Jamie has a unique solution to this problem from a source you’d never expect:  Bass Pro Shops.  Their soft sided tackle binder makes the perfect tote for all those circs & dpn’s that refuse to stay sorted.   Worth an inclusion on your holiday gift list for the guy who’d never darken the door of a yarn shop!

Yarn purchases in hand, let's explore some of the rest of the town.  Start with:

Charcuterie

128 N. Broad Street

Griffith IN  46319

219-902-2037

charcuterienwi.com

Nothing makes me happier than learning new words.  On this trip I learned “charcuterie.”  It’s a neither butcher shop nor deli; it’s a French (of course) term for a shop specializing in salted, smoked and cured meats, artisan cheeses, wine, and other specialty food items.  Translation: high quality yum. Oh, and the bread.  It’s enough to make this newly gluten-free girl go rogue.  They’ll prepare a meat and cheese board that’s pure edible bliss for your next gathering.

American Natural Resources

120 N. Broad Street

Griffith IN  46319

219-922-6444

americannaturalresources.com

Even if you’re absolutely sure you’ll never need a vignette of stuffed raccoons in canoes (which seem to be a house specialty here), this establishment is worth a trip inside.  While I’ve always found taxidermy an…unusual art form, it’s clear these guys are the top of their game (pun intended).  You’ll encounter giraffes, bears, big and small game, humongous moose, things you didn’t know could be made from antlers, and some impressive rustic furniture.  Your hunting friends will be impressed, your PETA buddies not so much. Still, for sheer “I’ve never seen that before” value, this store is hard to beat.

Lady’s Gourmet Popcorn

118 N. Broad Street

Griffith IN  46319

219-743-7858

ladysgourmetpopcorn.com

Chicagoland seems to have a love affair with gourmet popcorn. Only we never stop at the cheddar/caramel combo (known in this shop as Central Park and really good)—we take it to extremes.  Cinnamon Roll flavored popcorn?  Sign me up.  Spend some time tasting whatever flavors are available that day (they take special orders as well), and pick three or four to munch on the drive home.

Ready for lunch?  Head to Jamie’s recommendation:

Asada Mexican Restaurant

216 South Broad Street

Griffith, IN 46319

219-934-0400

A recommendation for a good Mexican restaurant is a treasure.  You often can’t tell the quality from the outside and it’s not always wise to “wing it.”  The really good places?  They’re always really good, and this is one of those.  Reasonable prices and friendly service, too.  The owner is likely to come by and check to see if you’re satisfied, and that doesn’t happen often anymore. The Carne Asada seems to be a favorite of many I spoke with, but Jamie says “everything is good.” They offer the traditional fried ice cream dessert, but save room for your next stop:

Butterfingers

Brumm’s Plaza

2552 45th Street

Highland, IN  46322

219-924-6464
butterfingersbakery.com

You’ve heard me say it before: where there’s yarn, there’s cupcakes.  While this is just a small drive away in the next town of Highland, these goodies were worth hunting down.  Moist, several with decadent fillings, and not piled high with frosting as so many are lately. The bars and brownies were excellent as well.  And the cakes! Frosted or bundt, tall layers or luscious cheesecake—one glance at the display case will have you drooling.  You’ve earned a slice of whatever you want, so give in to that glycemic finale to your trip.

There you have it—two delectable, surprising towns tucked away in Northwest Indiana that are worth your time to visit.  The perfect one-day adventure for any yarn fan.

Next up, we cast on the transformative Caterpillar to Butterfly Scarf and watch the magic happen.

Willow Cowl from Sin City Knit Shop - Done!

Now that I've bound off the top edge of the Willow Cowl, I'm impressed with how light it is.  The ripples do exactly what they were designed to do, allowing the fabric to lay nicely against the neck.  It's a perfect spring or fall accessory--more style than warmth, but plenty of sparkle.

I find myself wondering how it would behave in a sturdier fiber such as a nice sensible wool DK.  I wouldn't want it in a solid, but some of the hand-dyed or self-striping yarns might make for a lovely piece if I knit it again.

Well done, Sin City Knit Shop--I definitely left Vegas a winner!

Next up, we hop to the other side of the country and return to Raleigh, NC.

Willow Cowl from Sin City Knit Shop - Day 3

Bi-Partisan Yarn-overs?

Now we get into the alternating patterns that enable this cowl to stack up so nicely.  I’ve accomplished one of each.  Actually, I found it rather ironic that I did one during the Republican National Convention, and the other during the Democratic National Convention.  There’s a metaphor in there somewhere, but I’m not quite sure what it is (or perhaps am better off not saying).  In any case, this year I made an effort to watch both conventions and scan a fact-checking site for review of each of the acceptance speeches.   So the only political cry you’ll hear from me is this: inform yourselves, and get your info from somewhere other than Facebook.

Maybe the best lesson in all this is that it takes BOTH patterns to let this cowl show all its beauty.  And that it takes lots of individual stitches (and voters, and candidates, and issues) to make up the whole.  And how one knitter can embrace many different stitches.

NeslisHandcrafts photo

Sure, it’s a cantankerous election year here in the U.S.  But knitters of all kinds can agree that our love of fiber knits us together, yes?

Willow Cowl from Sin City Knit Shop - Day 2

Going for the gold...

Well, you know, that didn’t turn out too badly.  It was tedious going, picking up that cast on edge, and I’m not quite sure I lined everything up perfectly.  In hindsight, I think it would have been smart to pin it in quarters like a hem. As it was, things didn’t quite match up at the end and I think the two sides were a little slanted on either side of the fold for the last inch.

Still, the edge has that lovely scalloped look that we all want from a picot edging. It also has a sturdy quality that will help it lay nicely.  As I mentioned, the way this cowl is structured impresses me.  It’s built to ripple nicely into almost concentric circles, thanks to an alternation of yarn-over lace and stockinette.

I’m using the first rows of yarn-over lace to build my continental yarn-over skills.  Often, when facing KTOG or YO, I default to my usual English throw style, but I’ve decided it’s time to improve my continental toolbox beyond the knit stitch.

I find I’m enjoying the little bit of sparkle in this fiber.  Normally I don’t go for the shiny stuff.  I don’t even use frosted lipstick or nail polish.  But this hint of gold somehow works, and it doesn’t feel like it will end up itchy.

LAS VEGAS, NV

When you think of Las Vegas, yarn isn’t what comes to mind first.  But where people are, knitters are, and there are fiber finds even in Sin City.  So when a book event called me to Vegas this spring, I went. Okay, the chance to see Penn & Teller may have added a bit of motivation, but hey, can you blame me?  

Lots of people I know go to Vegas frequently, but I’m not a casino person.  Still, I can appreciate the drama and theater that the strip offers.  So while you’ll see a bit of casino attractions that are my favorites listed, this post is like every other DestiKNITions adventure: just fun things to do, eat, and knit.

We always start with the coffee, so head down off the strip for a little local java fix:

Grouchy John’s

8520 S Maryland Pkwy

Las Vegas, NV 89123

702-778-7553

grouchyjohns.com

Most of us can find the chain establishments in many large hotels, but I always seek out the indie spots.  This place serves up good coffee with a funky, geeky vibe that I really enjoyed.  Let’s face it, we’re living in the golden age of the geek—why shouldn’t our coffee come along for the ride? Lots of art decorates the wall, with most of it for sale.  If you’re a StarWars fan, this is definitely the spot to grab your java (or should I say Java the Hut??—sorry, couldn’t resist).

Onto the fiber:

Sin City Knit Shop

2165 E Windmill Ln

Ste 200

Las Vegas, NV 89123

702-641-0210

SinCityKnitShop.com

Debbi McCarty and yours truly

Owner Debbi McCarty is a tiny woman with a king-size personality.  She opened the store four years ago in another location, shifting here after two years to accommodate “the crowd that packed in from day one.”  

It was packed the day I got there, too, with lots of lively conversation and yarny friendship.  Debbi recognizes her tourism-based clientele with lots of different kinds of yarn and  a big selection of chairs to sit down and make new friends.  “Pilots even come here to knit on layovers,” Debbi says.  She specializes in one- or two-skein projects that make excellent gifts or prime travel knitting.  

Like most great yarn shops, Sin City boasts several elements beyond just retail.  I love that they keep a “Knit Doctor” on site several days a week to help you with your problems. Got a group of 10 knitters or more?  Debbi will host a “field trip” for you, with meals and discounts to make your visit a full-scale event. The shop produced an anniversary pattern book with some of their staff and customer favorites. Best of all, you don’t just get a discount on your birthday, you get a discount your whole birthday month!  It’s worth noting that fiber became a family affair as Debbi’s daughter Laci launched TINK hand-dyed yarns.

Here are a few projects worth your exploration:

Maria’s Bracelet Class

Ideal for gift-giving, this lovely loop combines yarn, beads, and a button in any variety of ways.  This Christmas you could make a dozen different bracelets a dozen different ways.  I thought it would make a clever personalized bridesmaid gift as well (if any upcoming bride actually has time to knit…or just needs time to knit to calm down.)

Christmas Machine & Hand-Knit Scarves

Speaking of Christmas, here’s one of the most unique holiday items I’ve come across.  Sin City has an on-site knitting machine that can help you get a leg up on your holiday project.  Save your fingers for the decorative elements and get all that stockinette mechanized by booking time on the knitting machine.  Ingenious.  Plus, how adorable are these for the kiddo in your life (or someone who just acts like one)?

Double Down Hat and Cowl

This store exclusive pattern takes 2 skeins of Cascade Pure Alpaca and swaps base and trim colors to create a pair of hats and cowls.  “Double down” is a gambling term for a Black Jack player’s chance to increase their odds of winning on a hand by doubling their bet in exchange for one additional card.  So this pattern set is thematic:  You double your bliss by getting two items with a variety of style choices to get just the pieces you want.

Knit A Long:  Willow Cowl

This well-designed Ravelry pattern by Amelia Lyon tackles one of my pet peeves of cowls:  how they flop aimlessly around your neck.  Clever edging and ridges enable this accessory to lie in elegant rings around your neck and shoulders.  I’ll be using merino-nylon-stellina glam sock yarn by local firm Downtown Dye Works, but 350-420 yards of any sock yarn will do the trick.  With just a bit of sparkle in my “Red Rock” colorway, this one promises to be a pleasure to stitch.

If you’re ready for lunch, here’s a local favorite you won’t find in any guide book:

Boulevard Bar and Grille

9860 Las Vegas Blvd S

Las Vegas, NV 89183

(702) 939-2583

boulevardbarandgrille.com

The gaming restaurant is a Vegas staple.  This unassuming eatery is a favorite of Sin City locals, boasting super-friendly servers and a huge, diverse menu.  Not much snazzy decor or bright lights here, just good food served up nice 24 hours a day.  They’re famous for their eggplant parmigiana appetizer and “real” New York style (i.e. super thin) pizza.  I opted for a spinach salad with truly splendid dressing while watching the Chicago cubs play baseball on the huge wall of televisions that lines one side of the restaurant.  Tons of homemade desserts can round out your meal, including huge chocolate and carrot cakes, but I can also recommend the Kahlua cheesecake.

For dinner, here’s another place that locals favor:

Sicilian Ristorante

3520 E Tropicana Ave

Las Vegas, NV 89121

702-458-2004

sicilianristorante.com

There’s something so engaging about “old school” Italian restaurants.  Our server, Louie—really, that was his name—struck me as what Al Pacino would be like waiting on your table.  A total character who made our meal a memorable experience complete with running commentary and wise-cracks.  I kept waiting for Dean Martin to hoist a cocktail from the next table.  My dining companion, who really knew her Italian cuisine, said the food was top notch, and my bruschetta bore that out.  Photos of Italian scenes fill the walls.  This is as authentic as it gets!  The desserts are good, but save yourself for one of our next stops.

Now we’ll default to the strip.  I like early evening—dark enough to let the lights work their magic, early enough that the crowd’s most colorful elements aren’t quite in play.  If you’re not staying at one of the strip properties, then the good (and free) parking at here makes it an excellent launching point:

Talking Statues at Caesars Palace Forum Shops

3570 Las Vegas Boulevard South

Las Vegas, NV 89109

866-227-5938

The walk through the Forum Shops shopping mall to get to the fountain is entertainment enough (the overhead painted sky changes!), but the over-the-top drama of “The Fall of Atlantis” played out by the 9-foot animatronic statues is not to be missed.  Is it cheesy?  Absolutely, but that’s part of the charm.  Plus, there’s a 20-foot winged dragon, so there’s that.  The show plays every hour on the hour, but get there a few minutes early before the crowds thicken and have your camera ready.

Erupting Volcano at The Mirage

3400 Las Vegas Blvd S

Las Vegas, NV 89109

702-791-7111

mirage.com

I give credit to the guy who can make lights and water look like erupting lava.  This outside show sends fireballs and “lava” so high into the sky you can feel the heat even if you’re standing at a good distance (so stand at a good distance, okay?).  While spectacular to watch, the event’s mesmerizing score takes everything to the next level. If you want to get up close and feel everything, sources say the best spot is right in front of the hotel.  Eruptions take place at 8pm and 9pm nightly, with a 10pm addition on weekends.  Seriously, you’ll be tempted to bring your marshmallows.

Fountains at the Bellagio

3600 S Las Vegas Blvd

Las Vegas, NV 89109

702-693-7111

bellagio.com

I’m torn if this attraction is better at sundown or full night.  Both are surprisingly peaceful and entrancing.  The shows start at 3pm and run every 30 minutes until midnight, with different songs for each presentation.  The sheer numbers are impressive:  8.5 acres of lake, over 1,200 jets shooting up to 24 feet high maintained by a staff of 30 working 24/7 to keep the aquatic ballet going.  This, in my view, is a can’t-miss.  While you’re at the Bellagio, however, walk through the exquisitely decorated Conservatory as well.

For me, there’s only one place to end the night (and you’ll be back near your car if you parked at Caesar’s Palace):

Serendipity 3

3570 Las Vegas Boulevard South

Las Vegas, NV 89109

Yes, you can eat actual food here, and I’ve heard it’s good, but for me, this place is all about the dessert.  No, DESSERT—this selection deserves all caps.  My mom took me to the original Serendipity in New York City as a child, and I have fond memories of the place.  I’ll tell you, I loved it just as much as a grown-up. There are a selection of I-dare-you-to-finish-it size sundaes in decadent flavors, but the signature sweet is their frozen hot chocolate. Nothing else tastes like it in the world.  Go ahead, you’ve maxed out your FitBit pedometer steps today anyway.  And it is the perfect—if sinfully hypoglycemic—end to a fun day in Sin City.

Next up, we’ll cast on the Willow Cowl.

Pine Tree Cowl from Flying Fingers - Day 5

A cloudy pine tree...

I was nervous binding this off.  My usual go-to bind-off for this sort of thing, Jenny’s Surprisingly Stretchy Bind Off, didn’t have the right look.  Another standard bind off (2tog, return stitch to left needle, 2tog, etc) had the right look, but isn’t especially stretchy.  Every time I do that one, it’s either too loose and gets ruffly and sloppy, or too tight and doesn’t match the cast-on edge.  I really like this piece and didn’t want to mess it up.  

I’m delighted to report that I didn’t botch it—by going slowly, carefully, and loosely, I managed to give the edge just the right amount of tension.  Or so I hope.  You never really know with something like this until you block it.

I’m rather fond of the ripply, puffy nature of this cowl right now.  Half of me wants to forgo blocking so that it keeps the current look that reminds me of clouds. Altocumulus, clouds to be exact (I looked it up for you).  Only we don’t truly see the lovely stitch pattern in its current state.  And I don’t like the way the edges look at the moment.  So into the blocking bath it goes.

How does it emerge?  You’ll have to wait and see.