Brian Knits blog has moved!

I am really excited because I have purchased my domain and now own BrianKnits.com!

I have also moved my blog to Wordpress and gave it a facelift - all you have to do now is visit BrianKnits.com!

You'll find all of my posts, photos and musings on my love affair with yarn by simply visiting BrianKnits.com!

Please visit me there...this wonderful journey continues and I really want you to be a part of it!

BrianKnits.com

Creative Quandary

This morning, I found myself in a creative quandary.

I am currently working on a sampler scarf (as seen in my previous posting here) that involves four different stitch patterns on a rotation. In the pattern, the different stitch patterns are separated from the general pattern of the scarf. As a result, this morning I realized there was supposed to be 4 rows of garter stitch between each stitch pattern. So now...it doesn't look like the pattern!

I am about 10" into this project, and have finished the first complete rotation of all four patterns. I have made no technical errors (that I can see) and the stitches are turning out quite nicely. They include basket weave, mesh, seed, and sugar cubes.

My quandary is this: Do I rip back to the conclusion of the first stitch pattern so that I can add the rows of garter stitch between that section and the next (thus aligning with the pattern) or do I carry on as I am now and evolve the pattern to my own liking (albeit by accident)? What would you do?

I am choosing to carry on. I like how each stitch section fades into the next, and in the natural cotswold wool I'm using, it's looking nice. I've also realized I've made each section a bit larger than on the original as well. So, since it appears technically sound and my only crime is leaving out a few rows of garter stitch, I will carry on as rebel fiber artist and not succumb to my initial reaction of having to "make it exactly like the pattern tells me." Who says? Who makes that rule?

Now, don't get me wrong - if this were a sweater and proper fit was of utmost importance, I would certainly rethink this. However, this is a scarf, so my sense is that it will still fit comfortably around someone's neck. But it took the day, as well as an inspiring conversation with my partner, to get to a place of accepting that it is OK to veer from the pattern and make this design my own.

Have you been on a similar journey before? I'd love to hear about it!

Reunited

This has been a tough week for my knitting needles. The daily attention they had grown accustomed to was almost a memory. They sat on my side table, one hinged to the early stitches of a sampler scarf in cotswold wool, one laying alone, nearby.

I was attending a conference all week with a schedule beginning early in the morning and running late into the night. By the time I got home at night, I was not able to think of doing anything but getting to bed.

But after the dust settled, and I had a little time at home once the festivities (and a U2 concert on Friday night after the conference) finished, I was able to return to my needles and my work-in-progress, and felt that familiar comfort of having needles in hand and yarn flowing over fingers.

I realized then that, as the needles missed me, I, too, missed my needles...as they sang to me, "Baby Come Back," I replied with "Reunited, and it feels so good."

First Shawl Completed!

I am very excited because today I completed my first shawl. A few weeks ago, I would see a pattern like this and assume it complicated. Then, after a recent class on Increasing & Decreasing taught by the talented and inspiring Barbara Pfister Fusi at Sip & Knit, I realized that making something like this is really quite simple!

After learning the Yarn Over (yo) technique, I came across a free pattern on the Lion Brand Yarn site for an Easy Triangle Shawl. This pattern was incredibly simple - and after a few rows of repetition, I no longer needed the pattern in front of me, simply remembering to k1 and then yo, k1 at the beginning of every row.

I'm sure this could be knit in other bulkier weight, textured yarns. I had previously purchased 3 skeins of Lion Brand Yarn Homespun in "Prairie" (but it is available in a myriad of beautiful color combinations), so I used what I had in the stash and am very pleased with the results. Despite it being an acrylic/polyester blend, it's very soft and is machine washable and dryable.

This was also my first time making fringe and again, after doing it a few times, I found it to be quite easy with pre-measured strips of yarn and a crochet hook. There are a number of sites with comprehensive instructions on how to make fringe for your finished knitted and crocheted objects.

Let me know your thoughts and suggestions - I'd love to hear from you!

"I could never do that!"

I was recently talking with someone who knows that I am a Knitter. I was showing her a couple of my projects and her immediate response was: "I could NEVER do that!" "Oh, I know - wearing a wool scarf in Florida in August is a bit crazy," I responded. "No, I could never knit!" she clarified.

A frightening exclamation: "I could never knit!"

The reality is that ANYONE can knit.

If I who had NEVER had any experience with knitting whatsoever could buy yarn and a set of needles, read "Knitting for Dummies" and watch some instructional videos on YouTube, and successfully fashion dishcloths, scarves, shawls, hats and even socks (well, that required private tutoring), then, my friends, ANYONE can knit!

During the process of learning how to knit, I've realized a few things...

You have to let go of perfectionism (and doing that is harder than learning how to knit). First of all, after you've put so much time and effort into knitting something by hand, you don't want it to look like it was done by a machine! Hand knits have a unique look to them. Be kind to yourself.

You are not expected to knit lace or Fair Isle on your first visit at Knit Night. As long as you have yarn on two needles, you can find a community of welcoming fiber artists who will welcome you into the fold. Let go of any expectations you have of yourself to be an "instant expert."

Knitting, like anything, requires practice and perseverance. But getting the basics down is easy and in a matter of hours you can be on your way to knitting your first scarf or spa cloth.

But the great thing about knitting is that every project is a new opportunity to learn. You can learn a new stitch or a new technique that takes your knitterly expertise into new directions. It's very exciting!

But if, one year ago, I had told myself, "Oh, I could never do that!" then I wouldn't have discovered what has become my passion. I would not have launched my love affair with yarn. I would not have met other Knitters who have become cherished friends.

If you've thought about knitting but were afraid to try...

Let go of the reasons why you "can't" knit and find the reasons why you CAN and SHOULD knit! Here are a few suggestions:

• I can make my own clothing and accessories and that's pretty cool.
• I can make beautiful hand-made gifts for friends and family.
• I can make something beautiful out of yarn.
• I can enjoy the stress relief knitting gives me and the meditative state that knitting puts me in.
• I can experience a great sense of accomplishment with each finished piece.
• I can have something to show for watching countless hours of television.
• I can prove myself wrong when I said, "I could never do that."

Friends, I have found so much joy in knitting - and if you have found that same joy, that's awesome - it's up to us to share that joy with others and help others overcome their fear of needles and yarn.

And if you are new to knitting, throw caution to the wind and try it.

Just once.

You'll be hooked for life.

Recent Yarn Acquisitions

This has been a great month for stash enhancements so thought I would take a few minutes to share...and get your thoughts! Perhaps these photos (though some, a bit blurry) may inspire you as well to explore yarn you may not have used before.

During my visit to Purl Soho, I picked up these two beautiful blends by Manos del Uruguay. One is a dramatic display of pinks and purples, the other golds and greens.

Lion Brand Yarn Studio was having a sale on Fishermen's Wool. I've made a scarf before with Fishermen's Wool before and I really like it. I am thinking about creating a patchwork scarf with small squares of alternating one color combination with the other. Still noodling, but intrigued about what I could do with this.

Here's 3 skeins of Cotswold Wool from a farm on the coast of Nova Scotia that I purchased at The Loop Craft Cafe in Halifax. The yarn is not dyed, and reflects the natural color of the sheep it came from. I loved this yarn, too, as I wanted some yarn that was uniquely Canadian.

While visiting the Lion Brand Yarn Studio I also picked up two skeins of Lion Cotton...one in Denim (various shades of blue) and Salt & Pepper (with which I am knitting a ballband dishcloth as seen here).

So, with 15 new skeins of yarn added to the stash, I have a lot of ideas - I know typically one should have a project in mind and buy yarn for it accordingly. But, in this case, I fell in love with what I saw, and will determine the designs based on the yarn.

Regardless, knitting future projects with these yarns will bring back the wonderful memories of my trip - and I hope, will bring joy to those who receive the items I create.

Remembering Grandma (& Grandpa, too)

MILDRED WOOLARD

11/17/1917 - 9/05/2009

A few weeks ago, after a lengthy period of declining health, my only surviving grandmother, Mildred Woolard, passed away. Now, I don't want this post to be a downer - and honestly, it shouldn't be.

My grandma lived to be 92 years old. She had a very full and long life and left a legacy of four daughters and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I was fortunate to be in California with her and all of our family who had traveled from far and wide to celebrate her 90th birthday with her. And, I am fortunate to have many memories of the time I spent with her and my grandfather as I was growing up.

As I read her obituary, one of the lines stuck out more than others:

"Her family said she was a homemaker and enjoyed sewing, knitting, crocheting, embroidering and cooking."

I remember learning when she taught me to crochet very long chains as a youth - and certainly now, I wish I would've spent more time learning crocheting and knitting from her. But regret aside, I realize now that there is a nostalgia to the experience of knitting and crocheting for me. When I enjoy these pursuits, I remember my grandmother and her love of fiber. I remember her uncanny ability to crochet beautiful, elaborate lace doilies WITHOUT a pattern. I remember her willingness to make throw pillows for my college dorm room (which I still have).

My grandfather, who passed away in 1989, played the guitar and belonged to the California Old Time Fiddlers' Association. We would spend warm summer evenings visiting friends, sitting in parlors or on porches of farm houses in California's San Joaquin Valley, as my grandpa played guitar with others who played the fiddle or piano or banjo. It was bluegrass, music that hearkened to the heritage of those assembled - those who had journeyed west from Missouri, Oklahoma and Arkansas in their youth to strike out on their own.

So now, when I sit in my favorite chair, knitting away and listening to bluegrass music, I get a bit sentimental, and remember those summer days with grandma and grandpa...wonderful memories that will, indeed, last my lifetime.

"Fashioning Felt" at the Cooper Hewitt, NYC

I had the fortunate opportunity during my recent trip to New York City to catch the "Fashioning Felt" exhibit at the Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum.

Before experiencing this exhibit, I heard the word "felt" and thought of childhood cut-outs of leaves or trees, or knitted bags or bowls of wool that have been tossed in the washing machine. This display of various design items - all created from felt - truly expanded that definition beyond measure.

There were chairs (that could be sat upon), sofas, rugs, wall dividers (that also reduce noise and echo), three-dimensional sculpture, clothing, jewelry - items that span various design disciplines.

There was also a unique space, set up in the conservatory of the converted mansion in which this museum now operates, draped in large pieces of various patterns of felt. On the day I visited the Cooper-Hewitt Museum, the artist of this particular piece was present to discuss her technique and artistic process. This photo does not remotely capture the level of detail that the actual textile features but you can sense the perspective of just how large the hanging pieces were.

The mansion also features a beautiful garden with small cafe tables to enjoy tea or other beverage. There were also other exhibits at the museum, one of which focused on the use of sustainable materials to create designs for living. The items in that exhibit I found most interesting were a dress and shoes by Isaac Mizrahi made of salmon skin.

I'm not sure if this exhibit will travel, but if you do find yourself presented with the opportunity to see "Fashioning Felt," I would highly recommend!

Tweed Scarf Complete!

With vacation and other activities limiting my knitting time, I am pleased to report that I finally completed the Donegal Tweed scarf in Harris Tweed Stitch. I spray blocked it last night and woke up to a beautifully blossomed finished object.

The texture is compelling, and for a scarf, an appropriate amount of thickness emerges. The flecks of white interspersed with the storm gray foreground creates visual interest as well. I am very pleased.

If you are interested in making a scarf like this, here is the pattern that I used. It is a compilation of a stitch pattern (Harris Tweed) I pulled from a stitch dictionary.

Yarn: 2 skeins of Donegal Tweed Homespun by Tahki Stacy Charles, Inc. (about 366 yards).

Needle: Size 9 / 5.5 mm

Cast on 32 stitches.

R1 - *K2, P2, rep from * to end

R2 - *K2, P2, rep from * to end

R3 - K

R4 - P

R5 - *K2, P2, rep from * to end

R6 - *K2, P2, rep from * to end

R7 - P

R8 - K

Repeat this pattern until you've used all of your yarn, making sure to finish on R8. I also bound off in knit pattern on Row 8 in my very last pattern repetition.

A very simple pattern that creates a beautiful finished object, if you make this particular scarf, send me a photo and your impressions. I'd love to hear from you!

Happy Knitting!

Yarn Store Visit: Purl SoHo, New York City

Shopping in Manhattan's SoHo neighborhood is always one of my favorite things to do each time I visit the city. During my most recent trip to New York City last week, I visited PURL, an adorable yarn oasis at 137 Sullivan Street.

As I approached PURL, the first thing that caught my attention was the front of the shop painted in Robin's Egg blue, making it a notable landmark standing out from its neighboring facades. Entering the intimate work space with floor-to-ceiling bins of beautiful artisanal yarns in every imaginable shade, I quickly smelled the delicious essence of wool.

The center of the shop has a small table with large swatches of different yarn knit up to make choosing the right yarn for one's project much easier. There are also knitted and crocheted projects on the wall around the shop. There's a small worktable in the center of the store where fiber artists gather to pursue their craft.

The staff is very knowledgeable, patient and extremely helpful. In addition to yarn and kits, they also sell really nice canvas tote bags featuring the Purl SoHo logo (I bought a few to share with friends) and offer a variety of classes throughout the year.

I bought my first two skeins of Manos del Uruguay at PURL in May 2009, and knit up a

beautiful scarf in double/reversible moss stitch. This trip, I picked up 3 skeins each of 2 different colorways in Manos del Uruguay to make 2 more scarves that I know will be absolutely beautiful.

PURL has now become a standard stop for me each time I visit New York City and I always enjoy the beautiful choices and friendly service to be found there.

Yarn Store Visit: Lion Brand Yarn Studio, New York City

During my recent trip to New York City, I had the opportunity to visit the Lion Brand Yarn Studio. Located at 34 W. 15th Street, this beautiful retail establishment really lives up to its name as a working "Studio" for fiber artists. The studio is not only a shop, but a comfortable, open space that showcases the wide selection of yarns that Lion Brand offers, including its delicious LB Luxury Fibers. It also has a large worktable where knitters and crocheters learn and gather.

The staff was friendly and helpful, not only to me, but others as well, as I overheard the kind and sincere manner with which one of the staff took with another customer who had a multitude of questions about choosing the right yarn for her project. Patience is certainly a virtue, and those at the Lion Brand Yarn Studio are great examples of this.

Upon entering the store, I was greeted with this beautiful display of fisherman's wool in a myriad of natural hues surrounded by beautiful finished objects completed in the various wools offered. Two particular color combinations of a darker brown/tan caught my eye, as did the sale sign! (Four skeins in the shopping basket!)

Seeing the beautiful scarves and cabled sweaters made me wish I lived in the northeast where the weather warrants wearing knitwear for a longer period throughout the year. I'm sure those who endure 5 months of Winter would disagree, but I was truly inspired by the beautiful projects displayed next to their woolen source fibers.

Another extremely cool feature of this one-of-a-kind shop is their Sampling Wall. Large spindles of different weight Lion Brand yarn are available (as you can see in the photo). Here you can trim off a small length of yarn and at a nearby table, pick-up an available knitting needle or crochet hook to see how the yarn you may be interested in would look when knit or crocheted.

This is one of the features that really made this feel like a working artists studio - its hands-on approach to yarn selection made shopping here truly a unique and enjoyable experience.

Of course, the opposite wall to the displays pictured here features nothing but a wide array of beautiful yarn of various weights that represent the full expanse of the Lion Brand portfolio. From cotton to cashmere, Lion Brand has something for everyone...and in addition to the four skeins of fisherman's wool I purchased here, I also found 2 additional skeins of Lion Brand cotton - one in Denim, one in Salt & Pepper, that I know will make beautiful dishcloths!

The best part of the experience was, as I was checking out at the register, the gentleman working there (Will, I think, was his name) graciously shared information about upcoming classes and also noted there was a monthly Men's Knitting Night offered at the Studio! It was at this moment I truly wished I lived nearby, as a Men's Knitting Night is offered nowhere near where I reside.

After about 45 minutes of exquisite wandering and shopping in this metropolitan fiber oasis, I took my 6 skeins of yarn and a couple of pattern books and reluctantly exited the Studio.

Walking down the street, I took one last look back at this wonderful place, and thought to myself, "I shall return."

Update At Sea

I have not written for a while, as I have been traveling and did not pack my laptop (to make more room for yarn and other purchases)! I'm writing this while at sea somewhere in the Atlantic aboard the Caribbean Princess. If you've been watching my Twitter feed, you'll know that I spent 3 days in New York City, and then boarded the ship for a 7 day cruise through New England and Canada. It has been an absolutely amazing and inspiring trip and I have so much to write about when I get back home tomorrow!

Here are a few previews of things to come...

I have purchased 15 skeins of beautiful yarn...so a stash enhancement update is definitely in order!

I had the opportunity to visit 3 local yarn stores...2 in New York City and 1 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. I have pictures and can't wait to write about my experiences in these establishments!

I really enjoyed the Colonial architecture and am now very inspired to return home and investigate Colonial textiles and patterns that an be interpreted in my knitting. I'll be sharing some of the inspiring sights I saw while on holiday.

I have had a wonderful time and am also looking forward to my return home, back to my routine, and back to spending time with my knitterly folk about town. I'm also looking forward to sharing my photos, impressions and inspiration from my trip in the hope that you, too, may discover some inspiration for future projects or yarn purchases!

Happy Knitting!

Vacation Preview: Yarn Store Visits

With packing nearly complete, my anticipation is growing for my early morning departure on Wednesday morning for New York City. I am to spend 3 days in Manhattan, and then board the Caribbean Princess in Brooklyn and take in the sights of Newport, Boston, Bar Harbor, Halifax and St. John. We have theater tickets, museum visits planned, and our favorite stops in neighborhoods such as SoHo and Greenwich Village all lined up. As I review the details of our sojourn, I am excited about many things - but high on that list of anticipated diversions are the local yarn store visits on my list!

In Manhattan, I will visit Purl SoHo, at 137 Sullivan Street. My first visit to Purl was this past May, where I purchased two skeins of beautiful hand-spun, kettle-dyed Manos del Uruguay which I knit into a beautiful scarf in double moss stitch. I'm looking forward to my upcoming visit in search of the perfect yarn to make hand-knit holiday gifts.

Next on my list is also in Manhattan - The Lion Brand Yarn Studio, at 34 W. 15th Street. I was just perusing its website and seeing all of the fun, interactive elements of this unique retail establishment. I have enjoyed knitting a few other projects with Lion Brand and look forward to seeing what they offer at their Manhattan studio.

And, based on the brevity of our walking tour of Halifax, Nova Scotia, I'm also looking forward to having time to visit to LK Yarns at the historic Hydrostone Market. Their website is intriguing, and I'm hoping to find something unique to bring back to the US.

I am quickly realizing that some of the joy I get from knitting certain projects has to do with the story about where I purchased the yarn. What city did I visit? What unique shop did I stumble upon? What kind yarn store owner took the time to show me a brand new shipment of cashmere?

I'm looking forward to new experiences, new memories on which to reflect, and, most certainly, more yarn for my stash!

Happy Knitting!

INTERVIEW: Anne Jones, Shop Owner & Yarn Enthusiast

We always remember firsts. Our first finished object. Our first touch of camel. And, the first yarn store we ever visited. My first yarn store was The Black Sheep located on Mills Avenue in Orlando, and recently I had the

opportunity to talk with the shop's owner, Anne Jones, about her shop and my favorite topic - yarn!

"The Black Sheep has been in business for 35 years, and I am the 3rd owner," said Anne. "It started out as a needlepoint and cross-stitch store - which is how I first became a customer. Three years ago, I became the owner."

This charming shop that feels more like a home than a retail establishment features an open front room with a welcoming work table and walls banked with sprays of color in thread and hand-painted needlepoint canvases. The secret oasis for which I visit most is toward the back of the shop, a room with black shelving and nooks holding a variety of yarns from near and far.

I asked Anne how she goes about selecting the yarns she offers to her customers. "First, I listen to customer comments. It's important for me to know what they are looking for and what interests them. I also have to consider the amount of investment required by the manufacturer. I have to make sure I have the display space for the yarn I buy. And then, of course, it also comes down to what I like!"

Anne shared that just after taking ownership of the shop, her first foray into buying yarn was a learning experience. Because Bouton D'Or spent a great deal of time sharing information and expertise about yarn, Anne offers a notable sampling of Bouton D'Or at The Black Sheep. "I also like Fiesta Cottonista, Cashmere - the soft stuff. Being a new great grandmother to twins, I'm into baby yarns so you'll see a good selection of those in the shop these days."

Anne explained that many yarn manufacturers are changing their policies around minimum orders so that local yarn storeowners are able to feature unique designer yarns without having to make sizable, and sometimes risky, investments.

I wondered how the current economy has impacted the fiber arts. "The economy has actually helped this industry, I think," Anne reflected. "You can put in a small amount of work and yield a great end product, it's something you can do to keep sane, and since people aren't traveling as much - they have something productive to do with their time."

Anne pointed out the challenge the Internet has posed for small retailers, immense selections of yarn can be found there and sometimes prices are cheaper because of the volumes they can afford. The Black Sheep continues to do well because Anne and her staff provide great service and take the time to build relationships with their customers. I was encouraged as I browsed the store waiting for my conversation with Anne to begin, noting a constant stream of folks in search of fiber coming into the shop.

With her many responsibilities as shop owner, I wondered what creative outlet Anne is enjoying these days. "My crafting history is heavy on needlepoint and stained glass - but I am working on my knitting. I recently knit hats for my great grandchildren out of Tilli Tomas Beaded Merino and I also made some other hat-shaped items that I'm going to felt and turn into coasters or containers. I also want to make baby sweaters - for obvious reasons!"

Anne admitted that even though she may not have as much time to devote to her crafty pursuits as she would like, she gets a great deal of energy and inspiration when her creative customers find products in her store that get them sparked and excited about their next needlepoint, crochet or knitting project.

Anne offered some valuable tips for those new to the fiber arts scene. "Pick small projects to start with. Your investment in yarn is not great, small projects are often fairly easy to do, and you can finish quickly. Finishing your first few projects in a reasonable time period gives you confidence to keep going. It's energizing and inspiring and leads you on to more challenging projects."

My last question to Anne is something we should all be thinking about: "Why is it important to buy quality yarn?"

"You can actually end up spending more on cheaper yarn," Anne said. "Many bargain yarns do not wear well - and they actually get stiff and unwearable with age. For example, if the acrylic you are using has a noise to it, a sort of squeak, it probably is not going to be as enjoyable to knit with and its wearability may be questionable. But there are quality acrylics you can buy that are more user friendly and don't feel anything like what you would expect. Berroco acrylic has no squeak and is quite soft."

"Quality yarn gives you so many unique options, is more fun to knit with, is easier to knit with, and you are able to create items that wear well and last for years to come."

In addition to The Black Sheep being the first local yarn store I visited, my conversation with Anne is also the first interview I've conducted for my blog, Brian Knits! - One man's love affair with yarn. I thoroughly enjoyed my chat with Anne Jones and look forward to capturing the stories of other yarn lovers in the future.

A Further Look at Tweed

As I've been knitting with Irish Tweed wool these past few weeks, and am knitting a scarf using a Harris Tweed stitch, I thought I would do a little research to learn more about Tweed and its esteemed origins. Here are a few things I have discovered:

• Tweed is a rough, coarse, unfinished woolen fabric of a soft, open, flexible texture resembling cheviot or homespun but more closely woven.

• It is made in either plain or twill weave and may also feature a check or herringbone pattern.

• In Ireland, Tweed manufacturing is most associated with world-famous Magee of Donegal, based in County Donegal in the Province of Ulster

• In his memoir, "Windsor Revisited," HRH The Duke of Windsor recounted a story alluding to the origin of how Tweed got its name. About 1830, a London merchant received a letter about some tweels. Said London merchant misread the handwriting, thinking the name was taken from River Tweed that flows through the Scottish Border textile areas. These goods were marketed as Tweed and remain so to this day.

There are three basic types of Tweed:

Harris Tweed (whence my current stitch got its name): Harris tweed is a luxury fabric handwoven by select islanders residing in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. It may also be hand woven and hand dyed using local natural dyes.

Donegal Tweed: This is a handwoven tweed manufacted in County Donegal, Ireland. For centuries, this tweed has been produced using local materials. The dyes used originate with local materials such as blackberries, fuchsia and moss.

Silk Tweed: Fabric made of raw silk with flecks of color, giving it a tweed-like texture.

So, there you have it - some interesting insight into the world of Tweed. I can say the Donegal Tweed yarn I'm using now is wonderful and knitting up beautifully - and I recently discovered a two-color tweed pattern that you might be seeing infused into one of my upcoming projects!

Happy Knitting!

Boss tweed, man!

I have made some wonderful discoveries about the tweed wool I'm using in a Harris Tweed stitch patterned scarf.

This chunkier stitch, coupled with a larger needle size (I'm using size 9 birchwood needles by Brittany), has created a piece that appears to be knitting up rather quickly.

I started this last Thursday evening and am about 2/3 through my first of two skeins of this Donegal Tweed Homespun, made in the republic of Ireland for Tahki Stacy Charles, Inc.

While traveling on business this past June, I happened upon this beautiful tweed in a fiber oasis nestled in the charming Castro neighborhood of San Francisco. ImagiKnit was almost overwhelming because of its size (rather large compared to what I was accustomed to) and also the massive range of offerings.

Back to the scarf...what I'm also enjoying about the scarf is the texture this stitch pattern and needle collaboration has yielded.

I have also discovered, as the scarf progresses, that it is a reversible pattern - so either side looks as equally as full and luxurious.

I hope to have this completed by week's end. I purchased some beautiful cotton at Sip & Knit in Maitland, Florida yesterday, so am taking that on my New England & Canada cruise week after next. I'm already having visions of me sitting on my private stateroom verandah, looking out at the open sea, wooden needles and cotton fiber forming a beautiful hand-knit creation (with my own craftsmanship added into the mix, of course) as the world floats by! I can't wait!

Although I won't be blogging from the ship, I will be Tweeting while in ports such as Newport, Boston and Bar Harbour. I'm also spending 3 days in New York City before the cruise and look forward to visiting at least one, if not more, yarn stores there.

More on tweed later this week - and please comment on this and other posts! I really want to see what my readers think and what you might find interesting.

Happy Knitting!

Experimenting with Tweed

Last night was a night of experimentation. At least, that's how I rationalize that I spent 3 hours of quality knitting time and only ended up with about 16 rows completed (noting my 3 do-overs).

I'm working with a beautiful grey speckled with white Donegal Tweed Homespun.

Experiment #1: Cabling

I had very grandiose visions of constructing a beautiful, complicated Celtic cable design in the heart of the scarf I wanted to make. I found one I liked in a stitch dictionary, wrote a pattern in which it was flanked by a border of seed stitch and I was ready to go.

It was TEDIOUS. I was on row 10 and already thinking to myself, "This isn't fun."

All I needed was a slipped stitch and a ladder "situation" down three rows to convince me to frog the whole thing and start anew.

Experiment #2: Woven Rib

I liked another stitch in the dictionary, Woven Rib, but when I did about 16-20 rows in my Tweed wool, it wasn't showing up well (because of the dark grey) and it wasn't bulky/plushy as, I think, a scarf should be.

Frog, once again.

Experiment #3: Harris Tweed Stitch

The one I landed on is actually pretty simple and also has a great texture to it that I think will work nicely for a scarf. It's a Harris Tweed Stitch. It fills in nicely and makes a great, hearty fabric. Not only did I change stitch patterns at this point, I also increased my needle size from 8 to 9.

What I learned today:

If you're designing your own patterns, mixing stitches and such, you have to be ready to experiment. The equation is a balance of project + yarn type + needle size and variations in each of those elements makes a uniquely different finished piece.

Of course if you are using a pattern, you won't necessarily have these unexpected surprises. But, if you venture off into designing something of your own, mixing and matching these elements can be a fun and educational experience - which ultimately leads you to a great finished object you can be pleased with and proud of!

Yarn. It's all about yarn!

Yesterday, I saw the movie "Julie and Julia," and it made me think about how to connect my love of writing with something else that I have become very passionate about - yarn! In the film, a modern day woman decides to blog for a year about making the 500+ recipes from Julia Child's "Mastering the Art of French Cooking." That movie was very inspiring to me.

I've also been listening to "The Martha Rules: 10 Essentials for Achieving Success As You Start or Manage a Business," by Martha Stewart - someone else who is an absolute inspiration to me. Those who know me well know that Martha and her team always provide me with inspiration - particularly when it comes to communication, marketing, promotions, etc.

This morning, the epiphany arrived. I took pen to notebook and scribbled pages of notes - a wide variety of ideas to bring this blog to life - an editorial focus with unlimited possibility - a focus on yarn.

I'll focus on three specific content areas:

Learn: Fundamentals of yarn, yarn making, finding the right yarn for your project, etc.

Be inspired: Interviews with other yarn lovers (spinners, dyers, LYS owners and other folks who are crazy about yarn like me), yarn reviews and analyses, creative ideas and inspiration.

Experience: Stepping out into the yarn/fiber arts community (reflections, updates and reviews on shows, festivals, knit-ups, workshops, gatherings, etc.).

I'm also working on an integrated communication strategy that editorially links the exciting and interesting content you'll discover at Brian Knits! - The Blog with my Twitter page, Ravelry profile and other social media outlets.

This is just the beginning, friends! I've also added podcasts and books to the longer-term plan - but having an editorial focus for my blog is very exciting to me - and I hope to you as well!

Brian Knits! - The Blog will serve as a definitive reference point for anyone interested in learning more about yarn in its myriad forms - what it is and how it is made - and find inspiration to take yarn and create something beautiful for themselves or others.

I want this blog and my other media platforms to be a creative oasis where visitors can find useful information and creative inspiration. I also want my projects to reflect an inclusive philosophy of fiber arts - offering insight and ideas for an audience of men and women of all ages, backgrounds and experiences, knowing that playing with yarn can be fun for ANYONE.

A Meditation on My Mission

Sitting in the cafe at a local Borders with two friends, knitting away on a dishcloth, while one friend knitted a baby blanket and her daughter embroidered cherry blossoms onto a gown, I looked around and in my periphery, I could see people take notice.

Not in that kind of welcoming, accepting way as if to say, "That's cool that those people are spending time working on their art, developing their craft." It was staring, more as if to say, "What's with the dude knitting?" Is it really that shocking?

The reality stared at me brazenly: people still find it odd to see a man knitting.

While I knit these days (finishing up a double seed stitch reversible scarf in Manos del Uruguay), I've been thinking more about my purpose, my mission. I have to believe there is a reason I have discovered knitting, and there have been statements or conversations over the last few months that have made me think there's a bigger reason why I have learned to knit.

How do I take my love of writing, my passion for knitting, my admiration for yarn, and my commitment to giving EVERYONE the opportunity to learn to knit and make beautiful things and put them together into a meaningful package?

This has been my meditation of late - considering the possibilities, pondering my pet peeves already experienced since my first foray into the knitting community, and figuring out how to be revolutionary.

I don't want to be known for anything mediocre - and were I to find a unique way to bring these talents and interests together, I would ensure it is with the highest of quality, greatest of commitment, and, in many cases, fearless action to make a contribution to the fiber arts in a manner that will be remembered for generations.

These are lofty thoughts, but visionary. They are a target to move toward...and so the meditation continues, knowing the answer will come to me soon.

What defines a personal passion?

I have historically been one to go through "phases" of interest. I get intrigued by a topic or activity or concept and I will buy books, watch videos, do other research to take a quick dive into details on the topic. And then, after a few weeks (to up to two months) the topic changes, the interests evolve and I'm typically off to the next "phase."

That was, until I discovered knitting.

I first started knitting in October of 2008, and seriously since January 2009. That was 8 months ago - and I'm still here. I'm still buying yarn. I'm still making projects. I'm still learning something new every time I pick up needles. And, in the past 8 months, I've determined that there are a few things that can illuminate what one's true passions are, what differentiates a "phase" from a committed pursuit to a particular craft.

Losing track of time

I know knitting is a passion of mine because I lose all track of time when I'm doing it. Yesterday alone I spent over 8 hours knitting. I was at one of my local yarn stores (with fabulous people like Barbara and Karen and Karen's daughter, Kristen, who does amazing embroidery work) from 11.30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. I had lost all concept of time - and in fact, didn't care what time it was. I was doing something I enjoy. I was learning. I was spending time with fun people. Which leads me to the next identifier of a person's passion - community.

Not simply an act, but also a community

I've never been involved in something before for which such an incredible community exists to support the pursuit. From the great sense of community I've discovered online at Ravelry.com to the knit nights and budding friendships I have come to look forward to every week, having a community of fellow knitters and fiber artists has helped me learn and has continued to make knitting interesting for me each and every day.

Our human need to create and to give

I think one other thing that really gives me a lot of energy with knitting is that, in a fairly reasonable amount of time (depending on the project), I am able to take yarn and sticks and make something beautiful. From something simple like a waffle-patterned dishcloth to something more complex like a sock or even a Christmas stocking, I get a kick out of seeing what I end up. I find entertainment in seeing how unique yarns end up looking when they are knit into a fabric. I love the act of being able to create something with my own hands.

That joy doesn't stop with the act of creating those items but also when I make those items and give them to others. Some have yet to receive knitted items because they are going to be holiday gifts. Others have enjoyed little "just because" gifts along my knitting learning journey.

It not only gives me enjoyment to make something, I also enjoy seeing the joy those items can bring to other people.

Whatever you may find yourself doing, you might also discover that these criteria match your definition of what makes something a personal passion...and I hope that everyone has the opportunity to discover what that is for themselves at some point in their lives.

The Power of Our Knitting Stories

I am always fascinated by the stories knitters I meet in person or online have to tell about why they knit, how they came to knit, and the people for whom they knit.

Sitting at a knitting circle, I hear that a shawl-in-progress is for someone's Mom (in a color that makes it nearly impossible for the knitter to see the stitches, but that's what Mom wanted), a baby blanket for a family member's newborn, or simply the desire to finished an unfinished object that's been taking up space (to make room for new cast-on projects).

How did I come to the craft of knitting?

I was seeking a way to release stress, and have always generally been on the crafty side. I grew up visiting my Grandma who was a master crocheter so there's a nostalgia that I connect with when I knit as well. As I've knit more and tried some different projects, I have also found great satisfaction in the challenge of knitting - of taking on knitting my first hat on DPNs or completing my first pair of hand knit socks. The reasons evolve - but my love of the act of knitting stays constant and passionate.

Who taught me how to knit?

I taught myself for the most part. Using a variety of books and videos online, I was able to figure out most of the basic stitches, reading patterns, cabling, and the like. When I decided I wanted to knit socks, I sought professional help (and some would argue I sought the wrong kind of professional help and that a psychologist was more in order) and found a wonderful teacher, Julie, who taught me the art of sock knitting. I've taken other classes with another great teacher, Barbara, and from other knitters I have learned tips along the way, too. But, for the most part, I would consider myself self-taught.

For whom do I knit?

I knit for my partner. I knit for my family (holiday gifts are already in progress). I knit for friends. I knit for myself. I'm excited about the holiday season coming up and being able to use that as an opportunity to share a number of my knitted items with those who are special to me.

So, each of us has knitting stories - and when we join in community with each other, we share those stories, we find strength when we might be down a bit, we find hope that what we're working on really can be completed because someone else did it, too - and, we realize that just as knitting is a technical art, it is an emotional, sentimental art.

There's truly a special connection knitters have to their craft.

A New Community

I have commented previously on how knitting or the fiber arts in general have the power to bring people of varied backgrounds together. The act of knitting or crocheting is common ground that helps people connect - and then, as conversation starts and ideas are exchanged, we begin to realize all of the other ways we are more similar than different.

Such was the case for me over the past couple of weeks, having met some wonderful people at one of my LYS, Sip & Knit, in Maitland, FL. Taking a Christmas Stocking class, I was introduced to Barbara, Karen and Chris - and what I love is that we are of different backgrounds, different life experiences, and yet we can talk about music of the 80s, classic films (we had an extended dialogue about "Imitation of Life" and acknowledged the campiness of "The Valley of the Dolls"). We talked about theater and we talked about BBC America and how Karen hearts "Cranford" and I just bought the DVDs. Barbara talked about the rock bands she got to know in her NYC club days. Chris lamented on family frustrations, but also laughed along with the rest of us.

The class was scheduled from 12-2 p.m. I got there early, just to settle in and catch up with everyone. We started knitting and we started talking and suddenly it's four o'clock and we all acknowledge the other responsibilities of life that will require us to leave the sanctuary of this yarn shop, the sacred work table, and the comfort of gentle people who understand and appreciate and - yes, even encourage! - our passion for yarn and for creating beautiful things.

This is the power of knitting - had I not learned to knit, and had I not ventured out to my local LYS, I may never have met these wonderful people who, very different in their own right, have made me feel like part of the family.

The Nostalgia of Knitting

I've been thinking this week, in the moments I am knitting at home, that there is a nostalgic appeal to the craft.

Growing up, I would spend time during the summer with my grandparents. Originally from Missouri, my grandfather played the guitar and we would often go to farm houses of their friends or Grange Halls in Central California to listen to live country/bluegrass music. There we would find people playing guitars, fiddles, piano, etc. My grandmother was a master crocheter back then - and although I was only doing very long chains, and I am a Knitter now, I still equate yarn arts and bluegrass with those summers spent with my grandparents. I remember sitting in my chair back then, listening to their old country albums on a record player, while Grandma crocheted, and Grandpa napped. They are fond memories.

Today, my most calming, comforting moments where I feel most in my "sanctuary," I create when I'm in my chair knitting, and listening to SIRIUS Bluegrass Junction on satellite radio. The whole experience together connects me with those days that have passed, while at the same time creating new memories in this moment.

Perhaps one of the reasons why I knit is to stay connected to my family and my history. And I'm always interested in hearing why other people knit or crochet, too.

The things people say

As I speak more openly about my knitting exploits, and as I get a bit farther along in my journey as a Knitter, I have become more aware of what people say about those of us pursuing the fiber arts.

At two separate dinners with different sets of friends, when I told tales of the community I have found amongst knitters at the Knit Night I attend, or the sense of accomplishment I have at the conclusion of a sock knitting lesson, I have received similar responses: "Why?" "How much does it cost?" "Have you factored in the time you spend?"

After I fail to provide them with a convincing response to their inquiries, they simply nod, shrug their shoulders, and, in no certain terms, file me away on their list of loonies.

Last night, I was waiting at a bar to pay my tab when I tuned in to a conversation between two people standing next to me. The conversation, at the point I tuned in, went something like:

A: Well, you should take up knitting.

B: Are you serious? I'm not freakin' old yet. Knitting's for old biddies.

Now, part of me thought of this as an opportunity to interject, to be the spirited messenger of the Kingdom of Knits, to tell her she's missing out on so much by ignoring the Call of the Fiber Arts.

But, part of me didn't want to get involved - they didn't seem like fence-sitters who could have been swayed, and with two blackberry cosmos under my belt, I was not in the right frame of mind to counter their illogical thoughts on knitting.

This all has simply served as a reminder to me that there are still many opportunities for us to speak up, when appropriate, and encourage people. The only way stereotypes about us knitterly folk will change is to speak out and to share our activities and our projects with others.

Some will maintain their limited view, and that's fine. But there will be those beautiful moments when you speak up, as I regretfully did not last night, and say, "That's funny, because I knit - and in fact, people of all genders, races and ages enjoy knitting."

I promise to speak up next time, my friends, and I hope you will, too.

Knitting transcends our differences

I sat at the table with 8 women and, being more of an introvert, I did a lot more listening than lobbing in with my own view on things. What I learned, as I sat there, was that knitting really has the power to bring people together.

To look around that table there was a mix of genders, races, interests and life experiences, perspectives and politics - and yet, despite those differences, everyone was still sitting at that table, talking about different stitches, helping each other to wind yarn or measure the length of a project (while keeping the adorable and persistent shop dog from getting tangled in yarn). I, myself, have benefited from the helpful nature of those gathered, and it makes me think of the greater possibilities.

If we were able to get more people knitting, and then gather initially because of our love of knitting, we may also have the opportunity to get to know others in a way that we may never otherwise. They may differ in politics from the person sitting next to them, yet they both may be working in double moss stitch. One may live on the opposite side of town, and still we trade stories of shopping in LYSs in the cities to which we've traveled.

I think just as knitters have a responsibility to keep knitting, to hone their craft, and to share their hand knit treasures with others - I also believe knitters have a responsibility to teach others to knit, so they, too, may enjoy the beauty of community that comes along with the craft of knitting.

Resolving the mystery of socks

I am currently working on my first pair of socks - and they are surprisingly much simpler than I had expected. But I didn't get to this point of awareness by simply reading a sock pattern.

In fact, I bought a book on sock knitting, and watched videos about sock knitting online - and still, it all seemed a bit strange. I also struggled because I was seeing socks being knit with double-point needles (DPNs) and also with circular needles. I also, being young in my knitting journey, was not yet familiar with knitting with circular needles in general.

Above all of these challenges, however, I knew deep in my heart that I wanted to knit socks. I reminded myself that if they were truly THAT difficult, so many thousands of others would not be knitting them today.

So, I ended up taking some sock knitting lessons at a local LYS - The Black Sheep - with a wonderful instructor named Julie. She gave me step by step instructions written like a human is speaking (versus a seasoned knitter using jargon-laden paragraphs often found in books), and I am now in the process of going through the construction of my first pair of socks.

Using Opal's Harry Potter-branded sock yarn in "Dumbledore," I made a 2x2 ribbing, then simple stockinette stitch for the leg - I've created the heel and am picking up stitches now. My next lesson in July 11 to continue, so in the meantime, I've started my 2nd sock (using a 2nd ball of and 2nd set of needles) just so that I can get a head start on the second sock.

There are very clear sections of a sock and, from what I am gathering, despite the patterns and stitches used, they are constructed in a very similar fashion from sock to sock.

Living in Florida, I don't have the luxury of wearing scarves and other winter wear for too long of a time in a given year - but to be able to wear socks that I hand knit would be nice. I love their compact size (versus toting a blanket-in-progress around) and I like that they are fairly short projects, not taking more than couple of weeks (if you know what you are doing and are able to make time to devote to the project).

I'll post photos of my first completed pair as soon as they are done - and I've already ordered handmade sock blockers online so they'll be here when I'm ready to block my first finished pair of hand knitted socks.

What do you love most about sock knitting?

Construction Alert

It's interesting to see that when we learn something new, our awareness broadens and our focus goes where it didn't go before. Lately, as I've become more aware of knits, knitted apparel, and things made of yarn, I am looking more closely at what people are wearing.

Now, this must be done delicately. My gaze could zoom in to inappropriate locations or veer at inopportune times - taking away from the conversation in progress and creating a rather awkward exchange.

FO construction is interesting because it makes me realize what can happen when different shaped pieces and parts come together to create something more grandiose, something beautiful. A front sweater panel by itself is uneventful and would make a good placemat at best. But bring it together with another front, a back, a couple of sleeves - and you've got a beautiful, useful piece of clothing!

A small square swatch of knitted fabric is either helpful in determining gauge or as a coaster under a drippy beverage. But, if you piece together 40 or 50 of those swatches, it becomes a dramatic blanket, a family heirloom.

Today, I will pay more careful attention to how things are constructed, stitches that are used, yarn that is employed and the role that yarn and its dyed colors plays in the overall look of a finished object.

And, I'll try not to let my attention veer too much due to a fibrous distraction or a cacophony of knitted color.

A Knitting Revolution!

I think it's time for a revolution - yes, a knitting revolution!

Now, granted, I am fairly new to the knitting community - but I am also finding that I can't have a conversation with someone without mentioning it. In the last two days I've made three offers to teach people how to knit. Some look at me like I'm crazy. Some think it's not something they can learn how to do. I reassure them that I am a self-taught yarn-hound, and if I can teach myself, surely they can learn as well.

I mention some of the benefits of people learning how to knit in the welcome paragraph of this blog - and I really believe that knitting makes the world a better place for many - and could do even more.

Knitting is good for the ones who knit - it helps us relax, it gives us creative outlets, it creates a reason for us to gather with our knitting tribes and talk about patterns and yarn and last night's reality show.

Knitting is good for those for whom we knit - they get really cool, beautiful things made out of a wide array of incredible fibers. It also builds their patience with us - as they as understand and give us space to pursue our knit-mania.

I think knitting has a lot of potential as well. I was at a Knit Night this past Tuesday and looked around and saw such a wonderful mix of diversity. There was a mix of genders (well, six women and me), races, ages, and there appeared to be a variety of opinions and perspectives represented in the group as well. But when the many differences that under other circumstances would have separated people were put aside, everyone has a passion and sincere love for knitting and all that entails (yarn, notions, patterns, books, gatherings, ravelry.com, etc.).

I think I've found my platform - I want to teach the world to knit. Imagine what we could accomplish! We could be better acquainted with our neighbors. We would have bigger collections of delicious cookie recipes. We can break through assumptions we make about others because we start out on common ground. If we spend our time knitting, we have less time to argue, to hurt others, to build bombs.

I want to teach the world to knit. I want to start a Knitting Revolution! Please join me.