Hip 2B Sq, 8

Diane felted her lovely, tall basket using about 25 squares.

Cathy knitted her basket with smaller needles which makes it stand beautifully w/o felting.

Bea likes the result of her incomplete scarf better after felting it a 2d time.

Bea also brought in her large and cute halloween bag (the other side says Boo). She shared with us the two mistakes she made while knitting this bag. She says it is too long and shallow because she forgot that yarn felts from top to bottom more than side to side and she used regular graph paper instead of knitter's graph paper when designing the pattern. Good lessons for us to keep in mind.

This Week
Linda went over two patterns this week, the slipper and the two-block hat. She pointed out that there are some typos on the slipper pattern especially regarding the number of stitches to use, so it is important to follow the slipper sizing on the 2d page. Note that this pattern calls for fingering wt yarn, but you can use ww wt yarn if you are willing to gauge for your size. Also note that the slipper pattern starts from baby size and goes all the way to adult size. If you want to felt the slippers, use a size 10 or 10.5 needles and felt carefully checking often to make sure it does not shrink too small. It was mentioned that the slippers are easier to make than the hat, and both patterns will make sense once you start and work each step one at a time. There was a lot mentioned on the slippers pattern regarding size that I am not going to write down here, sorry. Check with a classmate for corrections to pattern.

Sandy already finished this darling pair of slippers for her grandson. She used ww yarn and size 6 needles.

For the two-block hat, Linda recommends making a paper model like the photo below and putting a marker on Sq 1 so you don't forget where the beginning sq is. The two photos show some of the numbers on pg 37 that may not be legible on your copy for the two-block hat. Click on the photo to enlarge.


Next Week: Socks and Food Color Dye
We received the pattern for socks for next week's class. You do not have to use sock wt yarn. WW yarn and size 8 dpns are fine for practice. Linda will show us how to make the smallest size which is for a baby. Make sure to bring an extra copy of this pattern so you can write on it.

Next week, the class will be split into two groups. One group will learn to knit socks while the other group dyes yarn, and then the groups will switch. If you are going to dye yarn, please prepare the yarn by soaking it in vinegar and water for at least 30 minutes. The supplies and preparation guide are on last week's blog which is in the archive on the lefthand side of this blog.

Also don't forget the order form and payment for Hiya Hiya needles are due next Thursday to Louise.

This Weekend
There are several events this weekend. Tin Thimble is having their grand opening. Their new location is at High Hand Nursery in Loomis in the packing shed.

Yolo Wool Mill is having their open house this weekend too. You can watch them process wool and there will be other vendors present. They are located in Woodland. Linda may ask them if they could have a private tour for us someday.

Reminder, there are only four more sessions in this trimester. The last class is Dec 3. The second trimester will begin on Dec 10.

Other News
Have you seen an i-cord maker before? Linda showed us how to use this gadget. It makes a really nice i-cord and saves time. It is best used with sport or DK wt yarn. Auburn Needleworks says they can order it for anyone interested.

Linda and Teri took a natural dye class this past weekend that was really great. Here is a sample of the card they made and the plants used for dying yarn.

Cathy made a pair of fingerless gloves using cables for the first time.

Teri made this cute headband using short rows. She bought the yarn at an alpaca farm.

Thank you
Linda thanks everyone for the birthday party and chocolate shower last week. Her husband is eyeing the chocolate everyday.

Knitters Cruise
This was not announced in class. I stopped by Sierra Knitting Co in Cameron Park this week. The owner asked me to pass along the message that she is sponsoring a 7 Day Mexican Riviera knitters cruise next year, April 25, 2010. If you are interested, I have a flyer for you or you can look her up at sierraknitting.com. A deposit is due in mid-Nov.

Happy knitting!

Hip 2B Sq, 7

It’s Linda’s Birthday this week. We celebrated with desserts and gave Linda a basketful of chocolates.


Laurie made this lovely headband.

Sandy made this mitered purse with a cable edge.

Jesse's flower cap with a rolled edge for a child.

Hiya Hiya Needles
An order form for these mini circular needles was given out to anyone wanting to place a group order. Forms are due in two weeks, Nov 5. However, Louise took an early order and payment in class from anyone wanting to use these needles for the sock project that will start on Nov 5. On Friday, Oct 23, Louise sent us an email stating: "...the first order has been sent for HiyaHiya needles. Two things to note:
1. They were on in-stock short for the 9" #2 but I attached a note and will call them.
2. Price change for 12" size 7, 8, and 9 are $9.00 each rather than the $7.50 as the other sizes."

Handouts
Two new patterns for slippers and a two-square hat were handed out in advance for yarn.

Next Week
Start slippers and two-square hat. Linda will go over both handouts in class.

In Two Weeks, Nov 5
Mini Dye Lesson and Sock Project. Vickie has agreed to teach us how to dye yarn with food colors. This will take place on the same night Linda will teach how to knit socks, so two different groups will be going on at the same time, then we will switch groups.

To prepare for the yarn dying, Vickie would like us to prepare the yarn by doing the following: Bring 100% natural fiber in crème (not tweed) such as Fisherman’s wool, Cascade 200, or Lion Brand wool. Separate skein into hanks by wrapping skein on a chair or knitty knoddy 75 times. Then tie in 5 places to create a loose loop. On Nov 5, bring yarn already presoaked in cold water and ¼ cup of vinegar for at least 30 minutes. Linda will bring a knitty knoddy to class next week for us to make the hanks. By the way, Linda announced that Fisherman's wook is on sale at Michael's right now for $6.99.

Vickie will bring white vinegar and plastic cups for us. We are to bring the following:
Our presoaked yarn
$2 for supplies
1 big garbage bag for covering the counter.
Rags or paper towel for messes.
1 plastic or microwaveable plate for microwaving yarn.
1 pair of disposable glove or baggie for your hands.
1 spray bottle for water and vinegar.
Plastic bags to take yarn home in.
Food color.

Future Classes
A poll was taken if students are interested in the following classes: free form, tea cozy, needle felting, and flower wash cloths.

Linda asked if we wanted one night just to work on Unfinished Projects (UFOs). She will help us on any UFOs that she has taught, but please don’t ask her about a project she has not gone over in class since it will take too long to read the pattern.

Challenge
Challenges are fun and help us sharpen our creativity. It is even more fun when a large number of ladies participate. The completed projects are works of art and an inspiration to us all.

This semester’s challenge is two squares with cords that resemble an Octopus or Jellyfish. Linda handed us a photo as an example. The challenge is to write our own pattern. It is due the last week of this semester, Dec 3. The requirements are the following:

You need to have at least one square in the project.
It needs to be an octopus or jellyfish, but in any form such as a Christmas ornament.
It should be fun. It can be functional but not required.
You do not have to add a face.
It can be big or small. It can be for kids or adults.
It can be felted or unfelted, lined or stuffed.

Other News
Noelle announced that she is bringing the green binder with copies of all projects in case someone needs a pattern from the past.

Second trimester starts on Dec 10 with a two-week break for the winter holidays. The third trimester begins Mar 11 and ends Jun 3.

Linda bought this cute stuffed elephant from a women's cooperative in Africa.

Pat's two plate mats in matching colors.

Nancy's colorful potholder.

Bunny's pretty scarf.

Diane made a mini basket that fits a bead.

Knit on!

Hip 2B Sq, 6

We are already half way through the session. Thinking ahead, tonight some of us asked about a holiday swap, the Christmas exchange, and the next challenge which will all take place during the 2d session that starts on Dec 10.

Incomplete Scarf by Bea, who said that the three colors felt differently and the outcome can be different sizes and textures. The black felts more than the other two colors, and the white felts the least. Linda says the Lion Brand white felts good.

Headbands by Nancy and Cathy. Both ladies said that they would only add one row of squares instead of three in the future. The headband is wide and almost big enough to enclose into a hat.

The potholders can bring out a wonderful combination of colors. Here's one by Pat, actually this one is a "yarn charger" or a plate mat.

Potholder by Sandy

This Week’s Project
Linda showed us a sample of a paper pattern she made for a market tote using the incomplete squares. She suggests using a paper model in coming up with new designs, resizing, or rearranging the patterns.

Handouts
No new handouts this week. We went over the spectator tote and the flower cap patterns. Note that the flower cap pattern calls for sport wt yarn. You can use ww but you need to gauge. A few of the words were cut off on the backside of the cap w/rolled edge pattern.
Row 2: on
Row 6: k4
2d to last line: around


Next Week
Continue the spectator tote and the flower cap projects. To make the spectator bag bigger, you may want to make squares of 4, 8, 8, 4 instead of the 2, 4, 4, 2. You can also make it smaller if you want. The sides are sewn up half the way up instead of all the way up. Patterns for a hat and slippers will be handed out next week.

Future Projects
Here are the results from the Oldies but Goodies poll we took last week.
#1 Socks,
#2 Beaded Mini Pendant,
#3 Moebius knitting,
#4 Mittens & Gloves,
#5 Andean Folk Purse, Fair Isle knitting

Linda will address some of these projects in Nov/Dec especially socks, mittens, and gloves. She is also thinking about including the following projects so we can take a break from squares:
Knitting ganseys (traditional British Isle sweater, mini size)
Things around the house: afghans, pillows, etc.
Toys
Knitting a portrait of your house or garden
Color techniques: Fair Isle, intarsia, mosaic knitting using new techniques
Scandinavian knitting which is a different way of knitting

Also Linda asked us for feedback whether we were happy with the move to ARD. If we were not happy, she would write a proposal for us to move back to Placer School for Adults. However, PSA could not give us the original fees; the cost would be $126 for 12 weeks.

Other News
Denise Needles are now coming out with crochet hooks. A small cable can be attached to the end of the hook for Tunisian crochet. You can buy a set of 12 needles (sizes F-N) or individual ones for $4 each. Sizes 17-19 are $5 each.

Louise showed us mini circulars (9”) called Hiya Hiya that she ordered from theyarngrove.com. The cost is $7.50. She orderd 9" and 12" ones. A group order will be taken next week in class for free shipping.

The October Festival is coming up this weekend at the Auburn park & rec on Racetrack St. Linda’s husband will be selling handmade brooms. He will also be teaching a half day broom making class with ARD soon. The brooms he will teach are the cobwebbier, hand brush, valet brush, and the pot scrubber. Check the ARD schedule.

Linda is taking a natural dye class on Oct 24 (Sat) from 9:30 to 4 pm in El Dorado Hills. Students will receive packets of recipes and a sampler card of yarn, learn about plants and natural dye, and other good things. The cost is $55 with all materials included. There are only two spots left, and Linda is willing to drive from Auburn. If you are interested, contact Linda asap. This was not announced in class, so, blog readers, you have the advantage.

Linda L will email us with the final phone/email list this week. Jesse’s phone number has been added.

Louise sent a $100 donation to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation for us.

Darling little holiday hats by Louise

Vickie's kool aid dyed felted bag.

Vickie also hand dyed these skeins of yarn using food color.

Some agree that this is the best class seating arrangement so far. Linda's table switched from the door side to the long narrow side making the area feel more spacious and less cramped.

Happy Knitting!

Hip 2B Sq, 5

We had a wonderful presentation on everything we should know about alpacas by three local alpaca farm owners. Bonnie, Kerry, and Joan shared with us their love and experience of owning alpacas and answered the many questions we had regarding alpacas, the business, and fiber. At the end of their presentation, we all had a better understanding about having an alpaca ranch and how yarn is produced.



Two kinds of fiber is produced depending on the breed. Soft and Warm Fiber

Stringy and Cold Fiber

They showed us how to make roving, use a spindle, and a little weaving.



They also brought samples of fiber, yarn, and products made from alpacas for us to purchase. They will be holding a Holiday Boutique on Dec. 12-13 at one of the ranches in Grass Valley. For more information about our guests, see their website, http://alpacasolutions.org.


This Week’s Project
We are continuing the incomplete square scarf.

Handouts
Two patterns were given to us so we could look for yarn: The Spectator Purse/Tote and the Flower Cap.

Next Week
Linda will go over the two handouts mentioned above.

Other News
Pat typed up a sheet of projects from the past so we can vote on the projects we would like to work on again during the spring semester.

The class agreed to give $100 to the breast cancer association from the money we earned from the sale of the bra note cards and calendars.

Laurie felted a matching basket and two potholders.

Vickie also felted a basket and potholders.


Irene put a plastic container cut from a water bottle to shape this basket.

She turned four incomplete squares at an angle for this necklace.

Sarah made this nice sweater in one of Linda's classes.

She also felted a basket and this cute purse.

Cindy finished a pair of beautiful red socks that she started this summer.

Happy Knitting!

Hip 2B Sq, 4

First of all, Happy Birthday October ladies! Thursday was a very special class. We had a surprise party for Noelle to restock her stash with yarn and books.

Where is everyone? Only four ladies were in the room; the rest were hiding.

Noelle’s expression when finding out the party was for her.

Presents!

Looking through the binder of class handouts from the past, a special gift from Diane.

Excellent cake by Cathy, a chocolate Oreo mocha mousse. Mmmmmm!

Handouts
Several patterns were given to us:
Bea’s Mouse and Alligator Scarf, Georgia’s Mitered Bag, and Linda’s personal sentiment, the Christmas Pickle, a German tradition. By the way, Linda mentioned that Knit Picks is having a contest in their catalog: count how many pickles are in the catalog by Oct 5. You will be put into a drawing if you are correct for a shopping spree.


This Week and Next Week’s Project: Incomplete Square Scarf
Linda went over this pattern and drew a diagram on the “board” which made it much easier to understand. Each "L" shaped piece of the scarf is considered a square on your pattern. One row lengthwise is panel 1, and the other row is panel 2. The tabs on one side of the outer rim and the top/bottom of the scarf were attached separately. This is hard to explain since the scarf is laying side ways; for example, looking at the photo above bottom right, you would make orange sq 1 panel 1 first, add sq 2 yellow on top (it looks like it is to the left of orange in the photo but it is really on top when knitting), then make yellow sq 1 panel 2 (it looks like it is on top of orange but it is really to the side of sq 1 orange), last do green sq 2, panel 2.

She suggests laying out your design on paper to plan out your colors. You can have as many colors as you like, and it can be felted or not felted. Even if you do not want to make this scarf, it is good practice making a few to get the technique. She would like us to think of other ways to use this pattern. For example, she would like to make a market bag with this pattern. We will continue this scarf next week to help us catch up on projects, and we will receive more patterns for future projects.

Guests Next Thursday
Also, we will have guest speakers on Thursday, Oct 8. The ladies from Alpaca Solutions, who own alpaca farms, will give a 1-hour presentation on alpacas and yarn. They will start their presentation at 6:30.

We have potholders and a basket!






Sandy completed her basket using Size 1 needles to keep it firm.

More Photos
Bunny made this shawl with a Lion Brand pattern using about 2 skeins of their cotton yarn. She also shared that she bought Stiffy at Beverly’s for $3 to use on her basket.

Nora's sweater with hood.

Georgia's hat.