Progress on Marina continues. It is such a relaxing knit since the motifs continue across the rows instead of many charts across like the Sweaters from Camp sweater. I absolutely love the colors. Yesterday, we went into the shopping part of Freeport and found out the button shop was closing this Saturday. The shop is the first floor of an old house and absolutely stuffed with every button you can imagine. Picked up three different possible buttons for Marina, one purple, one blue and one kind of a mix. I'll miss that shop as you were always able to find just what you need. Taking mother in law, the button collector, in today and will pick up some wooden buttons for the stash.

SFC - Short row sleeve cap. This was NOT fun but it was educational. First you pick up all stitches from around the sleeve except for those held on a holder for the underarm. Then, starting at the top of the shoulder cap, you work back and forth in pattern, decreasing by wrapping a stitch as the pattern rows turn. Hours of trying that - no way so I finally just "cheated" by knitting one of the rows over to the decrease and purling back in pattern for the next row. Break the yarn and move the next row's added stitches over to the needle. Repeat until cap is done knitting two together instead of short row wrap. Maybe one day I'll sit with a knitter who has done this before and see how it is really supposed to be done. BUT - the cap is done, ready to start the sleeve pattern, top down and decrease as usual along the way. I've learned so very much from this sweater especially the fact that it takes a long time to knit a Fair Isle.

No wonder I like the colors in Marina so much. They echo the colors in my gardens. The blue/green of the junipers, the light colors of the ornamental grass stems, the purples of the phlox and blues of the bachelor buttons. However, this knit is easier than the weeding.
Up to row 28 and very happy with the ease of the design, colors and the way the Jamieson and Smith yarn is acting on the 3.25mm Inox circular needle. And yes, I know my arrows are pointing different than in the photo but who is going to know unless we have a room full of Marinas?

The white cord at the bottom of the corrugated ribbing is simply to keep the rib from curling. Didn't want to steam the ribbing to flatten it out so just sewed it shut for now.

Have to get a 20" circular in 3.25mm to keep going on the Shirt Tail Hemmed sweater. NO WAY am I ever going to knit Fair Isle sleeves on double points. Hmmmm.... road trip up to Camden and Unique One Knit shop and an overnight camp stay on the ocean edge? Great time of year for it as the leaves are starting to turn and the leaf peeper crowds aren't here yet.

(First photo is with the corrected color - Jamieson #598 Mulberry)
Economy doesn't always pay off. Thought I could use a Jamieson "Bramble" in place of the J&S "Crowberry" in Marina. Cold rainy day yesterday so happily spent time starting the ribbing. By end of day I was up to start of the body of the sweater. Not a happy camper with Bramble as it is too light in contrast to the other darks it is near. Friend Shirley said Crowberry is more a grape color and of the same color value as the Indigo and Dark Green surrounding it. So..... ribbit, ribbit back to the Bramble. Might just ladder down to the Bramble for about 8 stitches and try knitting it in to see if I like it better. Won't matter since the Bramble has to come out anyway. I found some Jamieson Mulberry Color 598 which I'll preview. It's much closer in value. If it doesn't work, might try the only LYS with J&S nearby to see if there is a dark grapey color. I think it would be easier to color design your own entire sweater than to substitute one or two colors into a Starmore.

Steeks!! Steeks!!! Don't we all love Steeks!! Not but they sure solve a lot of problems with Fair Isle sweaters. They eliminate purling back across a row with two colors and trying to read the charts backwards. They let you spit splice colors in the center of the steek and eliminate all those ends to sew in. And lastly, once your online guru knitter friends and a bunch of books help you out, you learn how to neatly crochet the steek center, cut and end up with a perfectly secured edge with no raveling.

Next steek will be planned a bit better for contrast of color in the center rows. this steek was 12 stitches wide with the center two the same color, pattern in this case with the outside two rows in background and the ones in between speckled. . Next time I think I would do the two center in darkest color and the one on each side in the lighter color. Would make finding the edges of the steek a lot easier.

One shoulder is three needle bound off, the other is next. Then on to pick up for neck ribbing and then for sleeves. The end is not in sight but it's a lot further along now that the steek cutting is done.

The Neck Steek is started!!! The Shirt Tail Hemmed Fair Isle from "Sweaters from Camp" by Meg Swansen is finally done up to the neck. I've started the steek and the decreasing for the neck. I have learned so much making this sweater. It is a long knit, over 82,000 stitches plus the ribbing so far. If we ever think of sweaters as how many stitches there are, we would probably never make one!
I start short rows for the first time in 12 more rows. I'm really glad the online knit groups exist since there is always someone, somewhere who has done short rows before and are willing to help. Cloudy, rainy day today so might even make it up to the short rows. Weeding is done for the day and housework doesn't interest me as usual so knit on.

I've joined another online Knit Along, this time to make Jade Starmore's "Beadwork". The KAL is at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BeadworkKAL/ We're all in the middle of chosing fiber for this beautiful cardigan which is one color and uses purl stitches to make the sweater appear to be beaded.

I'm very lucky and live about a half hour from Halcyon Yarns in Bath, Maine. This is a huge yarn shop originally set up for weavers but knitters now have as much space. Always fun to drive up and visit the shop plus see all the yarns in person. I took all the Beadwork swatches and talked with staff and other knitters. We all agreed the only one that really worked was the Harrisville Shetland. Sat in the store and knitted a small swatch with their in house Jagger 2/8 yarn and fell in love. Home now with two cones of color #9, pewter, and now will knit and post a larger swatch. This is right on gauge and also has a nice sheen to it. Ruth, the store knitting guru and teacher, told me she knits it right off the cone as it is already washed unlike the Harrisville Shetland. I'm going to knit a swatch off the cone and also knit a swatch with some pre washed to see the difference.

Photo is of all the swatches done to date plus the cone of pewter Jagger. Amazing how many yarns just did not work for a small gauge that needs to be firm and show stitches well.

Anne

Would useJagger Spun Maine Line Wool 2/8's

http://www.halcyonyarn.com/Yarn_pages/yarn022.html

Fiber Content: wool fingering weight 2 plyGauge (stitches/in...needle size): 6.5 to 7 on size 2 to 3 Good color range

Price in Size: 1 lb cone, approx 2240 yds Price: $31.95

Price in Size: 275 yd mini-cone Price: $7.50

Nice tight twist and has a sheen to it

Stitches popped very well, fabric is firm but still soft (if that makes any sense)

Halycon Web site says "These versatile, high quality worsted spun yarns have become staples of commercial and recreational knitters, weavers, and others. Made in Maine of soft, medium grade wool, these yarns will easily make a way into clothing and other products. As a worsted spun yarn, it is smoother and shinier than woolen spun yarns, such as Harrisville. They also won't full as much when washed/finished, so plan on a closer set or tighter gauge (finish your swatch to determine if you like the finished piece). JaggerSpun is dyed with the finest dyes possible and mothproofed for a long life. Excess dyes may be present in some colors so sample first. If excess dye is present, skein the yarn and rinse until the water runs clear. Deep purples may not be colorfast when exposed to sun, so avoid prolonged exposure to bright light."

How much better can it get? Photo says it all, RV trip, mountain lake in the mountains of NH, sitting to knit by the lake. Started the day at a county fair in Skowhegan, then a cross country trek to the Rangeley Lakes for lunch, through the mountains to NH. Tomorrow we go to Saint Gaudens National Historic Site (home of a sculptor) to tour the gardens and see the garden sculptures. Other reason is to pick up Joe's Golden Age National Parks pass since he just turned 62!

Just back from another short RV trip, this time up to Greenville and Kokadjo, Maine and then over to St. Andrews, New Brunswick. We cut west to east through an amazing expanse of unoccupied forests, broken occasionally by old farms. Never did see any moose but Canada geese are not in any danger of becoming extinct. They are everywhere. Stayed at a campsite at Northern Pride Lodge right on First Roach Pond at Kokadjo. Sat by the lake and knit and read after taking a very long hike. No noise, not many people, just a night sky almost white with stars. Moosehead Lake is still unspoiled and worth the trip. Town of Greenville is not the quaint logging town it used to be, it's two blocks of stores now being mostly tourist shops.

We returned to St.Andrews, New Brunswick, Canada for another visit to Kingsbrae Gardens, 27 acres of every perennial and ornamental tree you can imagine, all in full bloom. We spent several hours just walking around enjoying the color and variety and then had lunch at the tea room, a sampler of salmon and fruit and pastries - not very calorie wise but delicious. Walking through St. Andrews, I was again drawn to the Cottage Crafts knit shop and couldn't resist some light weight off white wool yarn. This should be perfect for "Beadwork", a Jade Starmore design. I liked the colors of the one ply yarns though there is no where near the variety and depth of color of Jamieson and Smith.

Somehow just happened to stop in Harvey, NB at Briggs and Little yarn store and another sweater worth of yarn made it into the truck. Bought "Knits from the North Country" a truly wonderful design/pattern book by all Canadian designers. Link is here to more details on the patterns - http://www.briggsandlittle.com/wool/knitsfromthenorth/gallery.htm. I go the suggested yarn and colors for the "Prairie Sunset" sweater http://www.briggsandlittle.com/wool/knitsfromthenorth/PrairieSunset.htm. Good gift for mother in law for Christmas.

Since the line at US customs to get out of Canada was hours long, we drove up to Vanceboro to cross back in. Good move as we were the only one at the border! Customs went into the camper to look around but they said they enter all campers. The border patrol people don't even blink at the amount of yarn in the truck. I think they are used to it since Vanceboro is so close to Harvey. Truck camper worked flawlessly again. Mileage is now up to 12.1 mpg fully loaded. This rig has been perfect for us, letting us get into small areas without the worry of trying to move or park a big rig. Time to plan the next trip!

Marina is a sweater design by Alice Starmore. This fall I'll be joining an online KAL (knit along) for making this sweater. I'll be using the Workbasket version and the original colors. In online discussions, some thought the colors were very muted. I think the opposite and think they are a bit bright for this woman who likes mostly blues and greens. Photos show the yarns for the ribbing and then all the yarns. These are all the original colors except for one of the purple heathers. I had a Jamieson yarn called Bramble that was too close not to use up. Trying hard not to start it early as I'm still working and enjoying the Shirt Tail Hemmed Fair Isle.

Remaking a quilt can be fun - especially if you still have the original fabrics. "Paramount Stars" a pattern designed by Mary K. Ryan of VT is a beautiful quilt. I made the 96" square quilt for my brother and sister in law for their wedding present 15 years ago. It has been on their bed ever since and is just about worn out. The colors are faded so it is hard to see the colors or pattern. It's been washed so much it is fragile and torn in places with batting coming out in others. It is actually so good to know something I made has been loved and used so much. SIL asked if I could repair the quilt. After discussions with local friend quilters the decision is basically no way. However - I loved the fabrics used in it obviously since I still have some! My sewing room is bright but gets no direct sun and the fabrics are sorted in large light proof tubs. The colors are bright and look new. I've already remade the center star and working on the first feathered border. I won't be making the whole quilt again but a laptop size. My hand quilting days are gone, so this will be machine quilted and hopefully good for another 15 years. Photos show old faded quilt and new center pieced but not quilted yet.

The talk of knit project storage containers on KBTH (Knitting Beyond the Hebrides), an online knitting group reminded me of a recent goodie bought for "Marina". This nice canvas collapsing box with a handle and an outside net storage pouch was $3.99 at Christmas Tree Shops. The box is 13" long 8" deep and 8" wide with a divider in the middle. I got two (of course).

It's so muggy today it is like a steam bath. Cleaned up a large BBQ grill, weeded a tiny bit and now going up to the FROG (finished room over garage) turn on the AC and play with sticks and string.

Wendy 5 ply Guernsey wool in shade 674, the lighter of the traditional blues, was used for this sweater started quite some time ago. The pattern is an old Plymouth Yarn Company aran pullover #IN34. I was trying to use the Wendy in place of an alpaca and and just adjust the size knit to fit me instead of a man. Well...... even though I swatched and the swatch was perfect, the sweater was less than. Ended up at 9 stitches to an inch on size #3 US circular. Sweater measures 36" around - not in this lifetime!!

So as pretty as the pattern is, it will get ripped, re-swatched and hopefully used for the KAL "Beadwork" to start this fall. I HAVE to learn to remeasure as I go along more often. At least the cable patterns really pop with a tight gague and this yarn.

Since the FLAK is done and the SFC Shirt Tail is a long, slow knit, I knew there would be no way to keep something new off the needles. Playing with starting a FLAK for hubby or joining in with the Marina Fair Isle knit. I'll be looking this cold, rainy day at what I have in the stash that will work for Marina and what I would need. Here is a spread sheet you can copy for your planning needs. When you print this, set your printer to landscape mode to get all the columns. It will print out darker than it appears on the screen and you will be able to read all the info.

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h288/TwoMaineiacs2/Knitting/Marinaspreadsheet.jpg

It is always hard chosing the next project since you live with it a long time!

The FLAK is done!!! I've not had a sweater fit me so well before and it isn't even blocked yet! The photo makes it look a bit out of square but it isn't really. I learned a lot making this sweater and look forward to making another one with different cables. I added cables down the side where a seam would have been under the arms if this hadn't been knitted in the round.

I've been skimming Janet's new Aran design book and an anxious to start a new Aran. However I WILL wait until I have finished the SFC Fair Isle. This FLAK took 8 skeins of 220 yard skeins of Cascade 220 in a royal blue type color. I would use this yarn again for an Aran as it does show the cables well.

80 degrees today in Maine so won't be using this sweater for awhile. Will get it blocked and ready for fall. Thanks for all the encouragement and participation from the FLAK group.

We're back from our RV trek down south to visit my mom and test out the new truck camper. Mom is physically much better in the two months she has been in the assisted living center. It is amazing what nutritious food prepared for you and served with no work on your part will do. She's gained some weight, is more stable and doesn't need the walker anymore. She's miserable being there but it is currently the best place for her. We took her out for most of 5-6 days doing fun tourist things and lots of family time.

See the RV trip at http://otrafrommaine.blogspot.com/. I'm having problems posting photos to that site but will keep trying. Not a lot of knitting was done on the trip as we stayed so busy outside. Basically we ate supper and slept! I was able to get about six inches done on the body of FLAK and am pretty pleased on how it is coming. Don't like my bind off row on the neckline but didn't sew in the yarn tail so will get another chance at it. It just seems to roll too much - course it isn't blocked yet either. I added a braid and two side honeycombs down the center on each side under the underarm. It's so much fun just playing with design on this FLAK. I cannot wait until I start the next one after I work my way through Janet's new book. Took the book on the trip also but it's a heavy book and I hit myself in the face a couple of times going to sleep while trying to read it - snooze!

I took the SFC Fair Isle Shirt Tail Hem sweater with me also but never got but about 5 rows done. No way could I knit that one, watch the scenery and follow a chart at the same time. I could knit on FLAK as the cables are easy to memorize. Now that we are home and there is a week of rain coming that will keep us out of the perennial garden cleanup, I should get back to both projects. Poor Spring Forward sweater is a distant third at the moment, but will be finished.

Back to working on the Shirt Tail Hemmed sweater from Sweaters From Camp. It is so pleasurable to see this sweater grow. It is VERY slow since I've been unable to memorize this long a pattern. I've done three repeats now as well as finished off the hem. I'm very pleased with the colors and how they are playing against each other. It was curling so badly I took a wet washcloth, laid it over the hem and steamed it with a pretty hot steam iron. Didn't felt or mat the yarn and now it lays flat and is so much easier to work on. I still alternate the SFC and the FLAK since I could memorize that chart.

Terri asked what I don't like about the Spring Forward cardigan front. Please understand I think Janet's design sense is awe inspiring and she is helping so many new knitters make very complicated sweaters. However, for my personal taste there is too much moss stitch on the front near the button bands. I decided to add cables to this area which was a bit tricky on where to start the cable as you are increasing stitches for the V neck. As you can see from the photo (hard to see), I chose to start the cable AFTER the increases were done over where the cable was going. Now that I've done it, I'm not happy with it because it looks like what it is - just stuck in there!!! Do you think that is why Janet didn't add cables to the front? (smile) I think I'm going to frog and try to start a little cleaner and add the two twist cable on each side of the rope. This is all after FLAK is finished and SFC is a bit further along. The SFC is going to be a long, long knit and I don't mind having another project and switch between the two.

SFC Knit along continues. I get 4-6 rows a night done lately. I figure when we take off on our first RV trip it will be the only knitting project to go for the ride- enforced finishing! Took the RV to mother in laws Wednesday, picked up salads and had lunch on Kennebunkport Beach. The photo is of the truck by the jetty leading to Kennebunkport's tiny harbor, open Atlantic ocean in the background. I LOVE Maine.

Sweater photo is the neck of FLAK with the large neck, decreased down to good size for me. I KNEW it was too big - sigh... but worked around it. Sleeves are down to ribbing on one and two inches to ribbing on the other. The neck is tighter than it looks when the body is pulled around correctly.

Truck is our new toy, used F350 pickup with a Lance 1121 truck camper body. Having mom in the assisted living center just increased the urge to travel before we can't! I don't want to be in a health care home myself regretting not seeing the places in the USA I've always longed to see. Besides there are cubby holes for knit and quilt projects all over the truck.