Summer's Shadow Shawl from Hemstitched Heirlooms - Day 7

Unfinished business...

This weekend I knit for five hours in a car and three hours in a meeting, and I still have over 100 rows to go.

I can’t do it. I can’t make you watch for any more episodes.

Were the fiber not so lovely—it is soft, lush, and vibrant—this would feel endless. There are times when I look at this border and think, “I could have knit a bedspread by now.” But for the most part, the lacework is engaging but not mystifying, the wrong-side rows are simple enough to feel like a breather, and progress happens.

…Just not fast enough to be anything I would consider entertaining.  So, dear DestiKNITters, know that this project will continue behind the scenes while we move on to other adventures.  When it’s done, I’ll make sure and show you.

Should you find yourself with a lot of time to fill—say, congressional hearings, the DMV, bedridden pregnant mothers, trans-pacific steamships—this is an ideal pattern. Even if it is your first foray into lacework, the pattern isn’t too taxing and you’ve got 700+ rows to nail it down, so you’ll be a master by the time you’re done. I should note that there are instructions for a smaller size (which I, of course, ignored), so your shawl need not be the massive undertaking that mine is.  

Will it be worth it in the end? Absolutely.  Will I make you watch? No dearies, I’m kinder than that.

Up next, another foray into Texas Hill Country!

Age of Brass & Steam Kerchief from The Wool Cabin—Day 2

The same, only different...

When you’ve knit as many shawls as I have—they’re my signature accessory, after all—certain themes come into play.  As I stitch my way through the soothing simplicity of the Age of Brass & Steam Kerchief, I’m reminded of the several similar pieces I’ve knit.

First to mind is the Blurred Lines Bandana from my trip to Dallas. Instead of a gentle solid, this one was a riot of pinks and purples, but the same concept of alternating stitch patterns loaded onto a double-increase-down-the-middle, yarn-overs-on-each-side construction.

Next I remembered the much larger scale of the Fog Shawl from Peoria, IL.  This one took the same alternation and construction to a daunting hugeness, but the colors were a charming array of ocean tones.

A version that brought a bit of lacy design to the mix was the Schmetterling shawl from my Chicago North Shore adventures.  More proof that a basic concept can host any number of variations.

How will this one turn out? There’s only one way to reach that answer—-keep stitching.

PEORIA AND MORTON, ILLINOIS - Day 2

Orange you glad you're here?

Orange, because Morton is “the pumpkin capitol of the world.”  Why?  Libby’s pumpkin—choice of pie-makers everywhere, myself included—is canned here.  But this charming midwestern town boasts more than fall gourds (or, technically, fruits).  It boasts some nifty knitting and other adventures.

Leaves N Beans

213 S Main St

Morton, IL 61550

lnbcoffee.com

Start your day at this local roaster’s coffee cafe.  It’s so friendly you can leave your mug hanging on a rack on the wall! Your choice of three omelets (which they’ll make in to burritos at no charge!) or “Eggwiches” give you nice, heartier-than-usual breakfast options.  Wash those down with a wide array of well-brewed coffees, and you’ve got an ideal place to launch your day.

Protein and caffeine acquired, head over to acquire great fiber finds to:

Ewe-Nique Yarns Etc.

110 E Queenwood Rd

Morton, IL 61550

309-266-9398

ewe-niqueyarnsetc.com

I’m especially fond of stores that manage an open, uncluttered floor plan while maintaining a cozy feel.  Owner Debbie Showalter has created an inviting space in this her third Morton location.  A town resident taught to knit by her Bunco partner, Debbie dove into the knit shop business with characteristic passion to create an enterprise that’s lasted eleven years.

“Our customers tend toward smaller projects,” Debbie says, “so we have a particular focus on accessories.  Lots of shawls and lots of socks.”  That’s my kind of store!

Debbie, Yours Truly, and Jenny

Debbie and her daughter Jenny Johnson have created a large store well-stocked with good quality basics.  You’re not likely to find a fad-yarn destined to lead you astray here.

Debbie and her staff will ensure you have a satisfying knitting experience.  Technique and project classes offer instruction while Open Knit Night every Thursday evening ensures you have plenty of camaraderie as you stitch.  

Ewe-Nique also is one of the sponsors of the podcast Knitting Pipeline’s highly popular retreat.  Worth a listen even if you can’t make the event.

Here are some projects to consider:

Hitchhiker Shawl

Martina Behm’s popular shawl pattern calls for fingering weight to a make long, narrow, asymmetrical accessory.  If you want something with a little more heft, Debbie will be happy to teach you the modifications she’s made to the pattern to utilize a chunky yarn like Cascade’s Eco Duo and 10.5 needles.   Who wouldn’t want a bigger, chunkier one of these?

Hat and Mitts

When you’ve got a great fiber like Dye For Me Baby Llama Glow, you want the yarn to take centerstage.  This hat and mitt set, a Ewe-Nique exclusive pattern, takes only 2 skeins to knit up the set.  The feel is second to none, and the bit of sparkle is a terrific touch.

Three-Color Cashmere Cowl

Cowls can be basic, or they can make a real style statement.  This Joji Locatelli design has a snappy attitude with a trio of colors you choose and a bit of lacework.  I love the extra long length.  Choose 1 hank each of three Cascade Heritage colors (or any sock yarn) and stitch up this light but cozy piece to warm your neck or just add a snazzy pop of color for those cool spring days.

Pumpkin Hats—in All Sizes

Hey, what would you expect from the pumpkin capitol of the world?  Pumpkin hats for everyone, of course!    Jenny’s store-exclusive pattern knits up the iconic pumpkin topper in toddler, child, and adult sizes.  Super fast in Encore Mega, you could whip up a family patch in no time.

Knit A Long:  Clincher Bandana Scarf

I own a lot of scarves and shawls, but I love the clever closure in this pattern by Ash Kearns.  Lacing through a series of loops not only provides for a memorable detail, but or an eye-catching dash of color as well.  Grab a skein of a fingerling yarn like High Prairie Fibers Prairie Spun Journey 100% wool, then pair it with a contrasting High Prairie Fibers “little bits” mini-skein for those lively loops. I’m looking forward to making this unique piece.

Don’t forget to take a peek at the collection of supplies for tatting.  It’s a lost art that seems to be making a fortunate comeback!

Now for some more Morton adventures...

Desserts Unlimited, Inc.

108 E Queenwood Road

Morton, IL 61550

309-263-3510

http://dessertsunlimited.webs.com/

Not that it takes a lot to twist my arm for dessert before lunch, but you’d be foolish not to avail yourself of the amazing cheesecakes mere feet away.   Choose from Desserts Unlimited's wide range of delicious flavors—or you can get a “cake” made from slices of several flavors so you don’t have to choose.  We sampled raspberry swirl and chocolate turtle.  Seriously yummy.

Eli’s Coffee

205 W Jefferson St

Morton, IL 61550

309-263-0507

http://www.eliscoffee.com/

Here’s a one-of-a-kind independent coffee shop that not only serves up great coffee but also a nice menu of wraps and salads. Set up in an old house, you feel right at home here grabbing a spot of lunch.  The staff and atmosphere are wonderfully friendly. I had the Parisian Melt, a sophisticated yet homey blend of excellent bread, turkey, apples, and just-on-the-right-verge-of-gooey brie.  Save some room for their legendary scotcharoos!

The Rustic Junktion

201 Jefferson Street

Morton, IL 61550

309-264-9716

https://therusticjunktion.com/

Just two doors down the street is an appealing little boutique.  They were closed for moving during our visit, but the raves we heard tell me it was our loss.  Featuring “shabby, rustic, vintage, and retro treasures,” the place looks like one of those places great for poking around to find something truly unique.  We peeked in the windows, and even the decorated front porch told us this would be a terrific store.

Lulu’s on Main

142 S. Main 

Morton, IL  61550

309-263-6180

More fun shopping to be had here—and some great sale bargains, too.  Artisan gifts combine with some spiffy clothes and accessories.  There’s a little bit of everything in this stylish local business. I scored a whimsical pair of Christmas owls to sit on my kitchen windowsill next winter, and at a super price to boot.  Or is that to hoot?

Great American Popcorn Co.

126 S Main St

Morton, IL 61550

309-263-4272

http://greatpopcorn.com/

This isn’t just a store, it’s a taste adventure!  Hit up the enthusiastic staff for a few tastes of some of the craziest, yummiest popcorn flavors like “Pure Evil,” and “Ridiculicious,” not to mention Chocolate Shop Ice Cream flavors like “Zoreo,” and “This $&@!* Just Got Serious.”  It’s as much entertainment as it is snacking.

There you have it—a pair of Peoria-area adventures with enough food, fun, finds, and fiber to make any DestiKNITter happy!

Up next, I cast on the Fog shawl and see how a “knitting recipe” cooks up.

PEORIA AND MORTON, ILLINOIS - Day 1

Pleasantly Surprising Peoria...

Peoria is one of those cities you hear named frequently, but rarely visit.  I’ve driven by or through it multiple times, but when work afforded me the chance of a short visit, I decided to see what fiber adventures Peoria had in store.  

I wasn’t disappointed.  Peoria and its neighbor to the east, Morton, had some great yarn finds I’m happy to share with you.

If you're one of those people who just needs coffee in the morning, launch your adventure from:

Thirty-Thirty Coffee

734 Main St

Peoria, IL 61602

309-713-2983

thirty-thirtycoffee.com

The unique triangular building can’t be missed—even if you’re under-cafeinated!  Great coffee expertly brewed in the hip-efficient atmosphere you’d expect from a good java joint.

If you need to start your day with a meal, however (and I usually do), head to:

Cyd's

5901 N. Prospect Road

Peoria, IL  60614

309-685-1100

cyds.biz

Bakeries—ones so large and diverse they’re really restaurants—are one of my favorite places to have breakfast.   And not just because I can indulge in the “Better Than Brad Pitt” brownie and the salted caramel cheesecake alongside my quiche for my morning meal.  Service is quick, the food is exquisite, and the place is filled with clever cookware and other giftable goodies I can peruse while my food is on its way. A day started this way must turn out great, don’t you think?

My next stop ensures that outcome—it’s today’s fiber find:

The Fiber Universe

305 SW Water St

Peoria, IL 61602

309-673-5659

thefiberuniverse.com

Tucked just inside the Contemporary Arts Center along the river you’ll find The Fiber Universe. It’s easy to find; owner Erin Strehlo planned it that way when she opened the store 4 years ago after selling knitwear at a farmer’s market with a friend.  With art studios all around the Center, there’s a great, young-feeling creative vibe to the space.

“Whimsy is important,” says  Erin, and you feel it echo from all corners of the store—including the large-scale pink-and-blue knitted squid smiling at you from atop a fixture.  

Erin prides herself on individualized customer service, remembering customer’s names and preferences.  “I want to appreciate each of my customers and make that personal connection.”  It’s not unusual to find Erin sitting and knitting alongside her patrons.

Fibers are arranged by weight, and there is a very nice selection of finished knitted goods for sale—I found to be a unique touch.  Fibers from local farms and local designers get well-deserved attention.   Sock yarns?  Tons of ‘em.  Spinning fibers?  They’ve got some great ones.

If you’re looking for a project, here are a few to inspire you:

World War G{loves}

Nicole Montgomery’s clever design takes a basic accessory and gives it a bit of flair.  Two balls of HiKoo Llamor (the fiber that was once Frog Tree Llambrosia) whip up into these clever mitts that boast ridges on the outside but remain smooth and comfortable on the inside.

Ombre Cowl Hood

Hillary Carr’s free Ravelry pattern uses two strands of lace-weight held together.  The dual strands in three different colors of your choice enable you to design your own gradual ombre color progression.  Erin suggests Lotus' Tibetan Cloud Yak in fingering weight for warmth and loft.  Scrunch it around your neck or pull it up over your head to keep those ears cozy.

Our Knit a Long from Fiber Universe: The Fog Shawl

Dallas Ann Prentice writes more of a “recipe” than a pattern, giving you lots of free rein to make the accessory in your own style.  Two skeins of Dream in Color’s lushly hued Jilly pair with one ball of Plymouth Revel lace weight to make this large, nicely draped wrap.  The magic of this piece?  It nearly doubles in size when blocked!

Fiber Universe hosts not one, but two Knit Nights on Wednesday and Thursday from 6-8.  You’ll find this inventive little shop big on creativity and customer service.

When you’re ready for lunch, if you don’t want to stay right there and take in the New Orleans vibe of the Rhythm Kitchen Cafe, Erin suggests you head to:

One World Cafe

1245 W Main St

Peoria, IL 61606

309-672-1522

oneworld-cafe.com

This corner restaurant has a fun, bohemian feel—right down to the murals all over the walls and the eclectic, diverse menu.  If you’re there for dinner, the King Creole Shrimp is the way to go, but as we were there for lunch, we followed Erin’s suggestions and went for the appetizer sampler to try One World’s famous spinach dip.   Very good!  

The coffee was first-rate and the flourless chocolate cake was one of the best gluten-free desserts I’ve ever had.

After lunch, I’m always in the mood for a bit of shopping, so we went to:

I Know You Like a Book

4707 N Prospect Rd

Peoria Heights, IL 61616

309-685-2665

Independent book stores deserve our patronage, and this one makes that job easy.  It feels just the right size—not too big to overwhelm, but not too small that you can’t find something to tickle your reading fancy.  The little wooden bar serving wine and beer is a great touch.

Relics

1219 West Glen Ave

Peoria, IL 61614

309-681-9588

I love stores that defy categorization, and this is one of them,  Clever gift items, some unique jewelry—I purchased a ring with a flip-able, dual colored center stone—scarves, cards, all kinds of things.  The  owner is very friendly and has a great sense of style.

When you’re ready for an afternoon respite, drive the short trip to Dunap IL for this one-of-a-kind place:

Her Majesty’s English Tea Room at Fairchild’s

211 N 2nd St

Dunlap, IL 61525

309-243-8322

It’s a tea-room, complete with beautiful and delicate china serving ware.  It’s a shop jam-packed with all things Anglo, right down to the full size London taxi in one back room.  It’s a gift shop with adorable little girl stuff, luscious soap (I’m a total soap snob and I took home two bars).  It’s…well, it’s just about the most unique retail experience I’ve run across.  Great fun, delicious, and relaxing—all at the same time.

By the end of this day my companion and I were too stuffed to think of dinner.  As such, I can’t offer you any first-hand advice.  If you need a place to take your evening meal, however, take Erin’s advice and hit one of Travis Mohlenbrink’s restaurants:

Sugar Wood-Fired Bistro for gourmet pizzas dishes

Salt for American Food

I found Peoria to be a pleasant surprise—fun, a little bit funky, and delightfully friendly.  What more could a DestiKNITter ask for?

Next post, we head slightly east to visit Morton IL.

Metalouse Shawl from Knit Nirvana - Day 1

Clever, colorful, cuddly...

Stephen West is a big name in knitting these days.  A larger than life character to be sure, he’s earned his reputation with some of the most ingenious designs to be found anywhere.  In a sea of needlework, you can almost always pick out a West design for it’s modern style and graphic punch.  I’ve been hankering to make one of his shawls and not gotten the chance...until now.

Thanks to the fine folks at Knit Nirvana, I’ll get my chance with the Metalouse Shawl.  Packed with the famous West eye for stunning graphics, this shawl makes good use of Noro’s exceptional colorways by stacking ridges of color in a triangle form.

The shawl is begun at the top center (I know, I know, another project where the rows only get longer….) with a tricky bit of casting on and turning.  No worries, though, West points us to a nice, clear photo tutorial to get us up and running with ease. 

The best part of this shawl so far?  I finally get my hands on a SOFT Noro yarn!  While I’ve always been a huge fan of their luscious colors, I have never liked the texture…until now.  This Shiraito cashmere/angora/wool blend is a soft as you’d think given the fiber content.  A Noro that’s the best of both worlds—gorgeous color and ahh-soft feel.  I couldn’t ask for a better knitting experience.

Rose Garden Shawl From Knit N Purl - Done!

Done!

As expected, blocking brings out the true beauty of this shawl.  I found I had to pin each scalloped edge three times to keep the curve the way I wanted it.  No blocking wires for this job—just lots and lots of pins and patience.  

This is a lovely pattern—delicate but not so much that you can’t wear it with a casual outfit.  Some of that owes to the cotton Pima Quatro, but it’s also in the design.

I do like it, with two exceptions that are purely based on personal opinion:

1) I think I’d prefer this pattern in a solid, rather than the color quartet that is this particular yarn.  Quatro comes in solids, so you can still use this fiber.  Like most lace patterns, I’d stick with a bright or light solid.  Given the leaf motif, a spring green might suit perfectly.  It’s not that the one I have isn’t pretty, it’s just that the beauty of the pattern gets lost in all those purples.

2) I’ve decided I’m not a big fan of the shawlette.  I like full-size shawls, even if they are a bigger fiber and time commitment.  At nearly six feet tall, the scale of a shawlette or a small shawl like this always feels off.  I prefer a shawl to reach my elbows when I wear it, not just skim my shoulders.  Looking at these photos compared to others I find on the web, it's possible I missed a repeat in the lace pattern which would have made it wider, so the size may be be entirely my fault.  And for someone with a petite frame, this may be the perfect size.  Still, even for me, this would be perfectly suitable over a sundress in an overly air-conditioned restaurant,. 

I wore the Rose Garden Shawl to church this morning and received many compliments.  My worries over the few mistakes in those first rows were completely groundless—no one noticed a thing except how nicely it matched my dress.  

Over a lighter top like you see here, the design shows off even more.  And I must say, I do like the feel of cotton (cue the “fabric of our lives” theme song here…) against my neck or over bare shoulders.

Thanks for a challenging yet satisfying knitting experience, Knit N Purl!