My Nana’s Handkerchief

Posted on June 4, 2015 by osethney

I was cleaning out and organizing a few boxes the other day and found some of my Nana’s handkerchiefs. Yes, the real ones, the ones that had to be laundered. And if you were of a certain era, the first thing you learned to iron.

For me, the memories of so many things came to mind. The smell of my mother’s cologne on her hanky. It was Chanel No. 5. Then the famous nana spitting on the hanky to wipe your face so you were presentable for church.

With that said, I knew I wanted to do something special to remember those moments, and a sweater design was born. It is a simple top down, A-line that is light and airy. A slit instead of a pocket to hold that special hanky. The hanky is fixed to the slit so it will not be ruined. It can be removed or changed out if you have a few to show off. Or simply omitted if you do not want to use a hanky.

For me it is a precious memory that I can now carry with me and share my delightful moments with others. So pull out your Nana’s handkerchief, show it off a little, and share those special stories of laughter and joy ……..of times gone by.

Some details: It is intended to have a positive ease of 1 – 2 inches. Model is shown with a 1in positive ease. Actual chest sizes are 30 1/2 (33, 36, 38 1/2) inches.

Yarn is Berroco Weekend Aran 4 (4, 5, 6) skeins 205 yards each in Tea Rose.

Gauge is 16 sts and 20 rows over 4inches in Stockinette stitch on a US 10 1/2 needles

For more details and to purchase go to Ravelry.

The Stripe Addiction

Posted on May 3, 2015 by osethney

Just somebody please stop me…… I could blame Churchmouse and say it started with a new group of Spring Stripes Knitalong 2015. However, if I look back at my projects I believe the stripes were already beginning to gain control of my knitting long before I would admit my addiction.

It began slowly with the Stripe Study Shawl. I loved the contemporary look of the stripes and the black and grey is so me.

Then there was a bit of a breather before the stripes called to me again. A striped Bias B efore & After Scarf in Rowen Fine Art for himself.

But is was the Color Affection that really grabbed me. Merino wool, silk, and yak. And the colors were just yummy. I now jumped beyond the greys and blacks.

I left the grey zone only for a moment as I did the Mix No 20 in grey and white with a hint of purple. Soft light as a feather. Very warm.

Spring was coming and this is where the stripes started gaining control of my knitting. Stripes were showing up everywhere in the stores. For first time in a long time I found myself buying striped tee shirts. And then……the Churchmouse posting happened and the group choice was the pattern Drafechenfels. This time I jumped into spring with full color. Peach, green, and cream.

Frankly it scared some of my knit nite buddy’s as it was such a big color leap out of my normal black and grey. As I explained to all at the table, I looked at all my summer shirts, squinted my eyes, and the colors I selected would coordinate with everything I had. You can see how well the scarf goes with my shirt.

A little road trip to a spring knitting retreat was the next stripe moment. Shifted Shades done in some very bold colors. Again small, light perfect for summer.

I next did a little clean up in my stash zone and was reminded of the beautiful brown yarn from a recent road trip that himself helped me select. That is correct another stripe shawl is in the works. Noctillo…… another stunner…. and yes more stripes.

And then….. just when I thought I had it under control……. Squirrel…….. This pattern shows up Dubro. Yup, it is striped and yes I have the perfect yarn Plucky in green and brown.

I am now officially addicted to stripes………… Perhaps a glass of wine will help.

Road Trip

Posted on March 18, 2015 by osethney

It was one of those Saturday mornings. Himself and I were drinking coffee and reading our on-line papers…with a little Facebook and Ravelry tossed in the mix. The sun was out it was just another normal summer day in the Pacific Northwest. But wait… it is winter and the SUN is out. Himself comments that we should “get out and do a little something”. And magically this appears on my Facebook.

Yup, a yarn trunk show, yarn with a black cat on the label, and it is a fun drive from our house. I show himself the Facebook post, “We could do that” he replies. And there you have it …..ROAD TRIP.

It is amazing how a slow Saturday became a fast shower, pack it up, and go! Sunshine and YARN get out of my way people.

Apparently I ran himself out of the door so fast he lacked the coffee necessary to make the one hour drive. So about 30 minutes into our trip a stop was required. No complaints from me as it was at one of my favorite little towns, Port Gamble, WA. Did I mention they have an incredible yarn shop, The Artful Ewe. While himself headed to the General Store, I headed to the yarn shop. A full review will be posted shortly, but lets just say “charming”. Himself found me outside holding two skeins of yarn, trying to decide which one I like better….”I thought you were going to put them together…they look good that way”

I left with this

I am seeing a beautiful scarf in my future.

And we are back on the road….O wait, I guess I did not tell you our final destination. That would be Port Townsend, WA. A Victorian seacoast village. The downtown is one of our favorite walking destinations. Fun interesting shops and of course a yarn shop, Bazaar Girls. This is where the trunk show is today. Himself takes off for a walk and I get to touch yarn and talk to the designer, Kerry Graber of Jorstad Creek. She is most interesting as she sources fiber from local farmers and blends them to create yarn that is soft and springy. Her dye work is beautiful. A little more yarn is purchased. I have a sweater in mind for this.