b r o o k l y n t w e e d
12.24.2006
Merry Christmas from Brooklyn Tweed
Wooly wishes from all of us here. Thanks for reading and Happy Holidays!
Wooly wishes from all of us here. Thanks for reading and Happy Holidays!
12.21.2006
Staying Afloat?
In a desperate attempt for sanity I started a scarf. Maybe... 3 inches has been produced? Will I touch it for another month? We can hope, but probably not. It's a loosely plied yak/merino blend from School Products that I've been itching to use since I splurged on it last winter. If you've never knit with yak, I say treat yourself to a small project. You'll be glad you did.
I've been shooting a lot of photos lately which has been nice. Winter light is hard to beat in my book (ironically, the photos below are unnaturally lit...sorry. I'm not on top of my game). And because I know you here are the only ones who will dig it, I took some pictures of my roommate's (machine-knit *hissss*) sweater because ... well, you see why. It's a real looker!
click for a better view
I'm flying to Washington in the middle of the night tonight and will be blissfully on holiday for the next 9 days. I couldn't be happier. I'm sure to keep my seatmates warm with a huge blanket-like pile of red wool on the plane. I hope they don't mind. As far as additional knitting, I have yet to do my strategic packing. There's nothing worse than touching down on the opposite coast and realizing you forgot that trusty darning needle or your US 6 dpn's (the ones you need to finish your sweater).
I'll be brandishing a laptop and a nikon and knitting (all my favorite toys). I hope to post from Brooklyn Tweed Headquarters Washington, but for now let me say happy holidays and thanks again for all or your continued support. I really enjoy doing this here with you all. Wooly holidays for everyone!
¶ 1:04 PM 39 comments
I've been shooting a lot of photos lately which has been nice. Winter light is hard to beat in my book (ironically, the photos below are unnaturally lit...sorry. I'm not on top of my game). And because I know you here are the only ones who will dig it, I took some pictures of my roommate's (machine-knit *hissss*) sweater because ... well, you see why. It's a real looker!
click for a better view
I'm flying to Washington in the middle of the night tonight and will be blissfully on holiday for the next 9 days. I couldn't be happier. I'm sure to keep my seatmates warm with a huge blanket-like pile of red wool on the plane. I hope they don't mind. As far as additional knitting, I have yet to do my strategic packing. There's nothing worse than touching down on the opposite coast and realizing you forgot that trusty darning needle or your US 6 dpn's (the ones you need to finish your sweater).
I'll be brandishing a laptop and a nikon and knitting (all my favorite toys). I hope to post from Brooklyn Tweed Headquarters Washington, but for now let me say happy holidays and thanks again for all or your continued support. I really enjoy doing this here with you all. Wooly holidays for everyone!
¶ 1:04 PM 39 comments
12.15.2006
Chuggin'
Not a whole lot going on around here, other than this huge, red, seething pile of wool.
I also got a Sundara fill-up last week, meaning the baby sweater that had been temporarily paralyzed is now free to be finished. Unfortunately, I probably won't touch it for a couple of weeks (at least) (yes, I'm blatantly ignoring the fact that the baby was born 2 weeks ago). Although having the yarn around isn't such a bad thing - my eyes are happy about it.
Damn I love this stuff. I'll definitely be making a sweater out of Sundara's worsted sometime in the coming year. I'm predicting it to be one of those that you rarely take off.
It is now the weekend before Christmas (how?) - I know many a finger will be sacrificed in the name of gift knitting during the coming days. Please, don't kill yourselves. Late hand-knitted gifts are way better than on-time 'regular' gifts after all.
¶ 10:46 AM 33 comments
I also got a Sundara fill-up last week, meaning the baby sweater that had been temporarily paralyzed is now free to be finished. Unfortunately, I probably won't touch it for a couple of weeks (at least) (yes, I'm blatantly ignoring the fact that the baby was born 2 weeks ago). Although having the yarn around isn't such a bad thing - my eyes are happy about it.
Damn I love this stuff. I'll definitely be making a sweater out of Sundara's worsted sometime in the coming year. I'm predicting it to be one of those that you rarely take off.
It is now the weekend before Christmas (how?) - I know many a finger will be sacrificed in the name of gift knitting during the coming days. Please, don't kill yourselves. Late hand-knitted gifts are way better than on-time 'regular' gifts after all.
¶ 10:46 AM 33 comments
12.08.2006
There's a New Tweed in Town...
I'm doing a bit of Designing with a capital D. A capital D that also stands for DEADLINE. Personal knitting has been temporarily compromised. I'm swimming around in this, though, so I can't complain:
What a red! I don't foresee myself becoming sick of having this wool between my fingers any time soon. Not that I have an excessive amount of time to work with it... but no matter.
It's freezing. Literally. Stay warm this weekend (Wool is recommended). ¶ 12:12 PM 32 comments
Rowan Scottish Tweed Chunky in 'Lobster' (017)
What a red! I don't foresee myself becoming sick of having this wool between my fingers any time soon. Not that I have an excessive amount of time to work with it... but no matter.
It's freezing. Literally. Stay warm this weekend (Wool is recommended). ¶ 12:12 PM 32 comments
12.06.2006
Red Light Special Pattern
Pattern: Red Light Special
Size: to fit an average adult head (21-23")
Gauge: 24 sts and 26 rows = 4 in/10 cm
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Needles*:
- One 16" circular needle in size necessary to get you gauge.
- One set of DPN's of the same size.
- One 16" circular needle two sizes smaller than your main needle (for lining)
* Circular needles with cables longer than 16" can be used with Magic Loop Method with similar results. Suggested needle sizes are US 4-6 to get gauge. Your results may vary.
Materials: KnitPicks 'Telemark' (100% Wool, Sport Weight.)
- 1 skein MC (Chestnut)
- 1 skein CC1 (Aubergine)
- 1 skein CC2 (Bayberry)
- 1 skein CC3 (Poppy)
- Lining Yarn; a partial skein of sport weight cotton or merino (something soft to satisfy the ears of the wearer)
Techniques Employed: knit and purl; provisional cast on; turned hem; directional decreasing (ssk and k2tog); stranded knitting with 4 colors (never more than 2 colors on one row);
Summary: This hat is worked in basic Norwegian style beginning with the cotton/merino lining, followed by a turning row of purl stitches, the main body chart of the hat (knit with 4 colors) and ending with a rapid decrease crown (decrease 8 sts ever round). The chart provided below repeats itself 4 times around the circumference of the hat, dividing it into four sections with four faux seams that shape the crown decreases cleanly towards the center.
If you have never worked a hat in this style, I recommend reading the complete pattern at least one time through before you begin to best familiarize yourself with the construction techniques.
D I R E C T I O N S:
Lining: With smaller circular needle and Lining Yarn provisionally cast on 128 sts. Join stitches and place marker to indicate beginning of round. Work in stockinette (k all sts) until lining measures 3".
Next Row: Switching to Larger circular needle and MC (Chestnut), knit one round.
Next Row: purl all sts (this is considered the 'turning row')
Main Body: With CC1 (Aubergine), knitting all sts, begin working chart. Please see 'Special Notes' below in regard to carrying colors. NOTE: When you have worked 3" of main hat pattern, you will be joining the lining
After 3" of the main chart have been worked (or when the length of the lining is exactly equal to the length of the main body), you will join the hem. This process is worked over one entire row of knit stitches.
Joining the Hem: Fold lining along turning row so that WS of lining and WS of body are facing one another. You should have the same number of sts along your provisional cast-on as you do live stitches (128). Feed all provisionally casted on loops onto the length of your smaller circular needle, ending at the beginning of the round. Making sure that all stitches are lined up begin joining the hem by knitting first body stitch together with first hem stitch (as a k2tog). Repeat k2tog for every pair of stitches all the way around [in essence you will be doing 128 k2togs and seaming the lining onto the main body as you knit. This method yields a clean and professional hem with no finishing required!]
When you complete this round, resume working chart as before until you reach your first decrease round.
Shaping the Crown: Decreases are included in the chart. Decrease 1 st on each side of every 'seam' on every round. Switch to Double Pointed Needles when the number of stitches becomes too small for your circular. You will be decreasing at a rate of 8 stitches per row, yielding a rather flat crown. Because of the length of the main chart, a flat crown is necessary to get correct sizing.
When you complete the chart, you will have 16 stitches remaining on the needles. Cut a 10" tail of MC, thread through a tapestry needle and draw through 16 remaining sts. Pull tail to tighten opening and weave into fabric to secure. Weave in all remaining ends. Block hat (see below).
Blocking: Blocking is a NECESSITY with stranded knitting. It will also even out tension issues in an incredible way. Fill a sink with lukewarm water and half a capful of wool wash (I prefer non-rinse wool washes like Eucalan). Immerse hat in water, gently squeezing out any air that's caught up in your stranding. Let that hat soak for 5-10 minutes. Remove from water, gently squeeze out all excess water. DO NOT WRING OR TWIST FABRIC. Roll inside a dry towel and stomp on it to get out all moisture possible. Shape hat over a 'head-shaped' object (I prefer a medium size cereal bowl place upside down on top of a paper towel roll). Air dry.
Special Notes:
* Carrying colors: You may choose to carry all three Contrasting Colors up the inside of the hat along the seam. I did this and it worked relatively well, although it does add a bit of bulk. If you wish to cut your ends at the conclusion of each color section, this will work fine. Beware, however, that you will have a whole bunch of ends to weave in during finishing.
* Jody has an informative post about turning a hem here that may help you visualize the process.
If you find any mistakes in the pattern, please feel free to send me an e-mail at brooklyntweed@gmail.com and I will amend the pattern to help future knitters. Also, I encourage you to e-mail me with pictures of your finished hats - I do so love seeing your work.
I'm happy to share this pattern with you, fair readers - thank you for supporting what I do here!
All content and photos are ©brooklyntweed. All rights reserved. This pattern is for personal and non-profit use ONLY. You may print this pattern only if copyright information stays intact. You may not sell items made from this pattern for profit or distribute these patterns in a retail environment to promote yarn sales.
¶ 9:18 AM 52 comments
Pattern: Red Light SpecialSize: to fit an average adult head (21-23")
Gauge: 24 sts and 26 rows = 4 in/10 cm
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Needles*:
- One 16" circular needle in size necessary to get you gauge.
- One set of DPN's of the same size.
- One 16" circular needle two sizes smaller than your main needle (for lining)
* Circular needles with cables longer than 16" can be used with Magic Loop Method with similar results. Suggested needle sizes are US 4-6 to get gauge. Your results may vary.
Materials: KnitPicks 'Telemark' (100% Wool, Sport Weight.)
- 1 skein MC (Chestnut)
- 1 skein CC1 (Aubergine)
- 1 skein CC2 (Bayberry)
- 1 skein CC3 (Poppy)
- Lining Yarn; a partial skein of sport weight cotton or merino (something soft to satisfy the ears of the wearer)
Techniques Employed: knit and purl; provisional cast on; turned hem; directional decreasing (ssk and k2tog); stranded knitting with 4 colors (never more than 2 colors on one row);
Summary: This hat is worked in basic Norwegian style beginning with the cotton/merino lining, followed by a turning row of purl stitches, the main body chart of the hat (knit with 4 colors) and ending with a rapid decrease crown (decrease 8 sts ever round). The chart provided below repeats itself 4 times around the circumference of the hat, dividing it into four sections with four faux seams that shape the crown decreases cleanly towards the center.
If you have never worked a hat in this style, I recommend reading the complete pattern at least one time through before you begin to best familiarize yourself with the construction techniques.
D I R E C T I O N S:
Lining: With smaller circular needle and Lining Yarn provisionally cast on 128 sts. Join stitches and place marker to indicate beginning of round. Work in stockinette (k all sts) until lining measures 3".
Next Row: Switching to Larger circular needle and MC (Chestnut), knit one round.
Next Row: purl all sts (this is considered the 'turning row')
Main Body: With CC1 (Aubergine), knitting all sts, begin working chart. Please see 'Special Notes' below in regard to carrying colors. NOTE: When you have worked 3" of main hat pattern, you will be joining the lining
After 3" of the main chart have been worked (or when the length of the lining is exactly equal to the length of the main body), you will join the hem. This process is worked over one entire row of knit stitches.
Joining the Hem: Fold lining along turning row so that WS of lining and WS of body are facing one another. You should have the same number of sts along your provisional cast-on as you do live stitches (128). Feed all provisionally casted on loops onto the length of your smaller circular needle, ending at the beginning of the round. Making sure that all stitches are lined up begin joining the hem by knitting first body stitch together with first hem stitch (as a k2tog). Repeat k2tog for every pair of stitches all the way around [in essence you will be doing 128 k2togs and seaming the lining onto the main body as you knit. This method yields a clean and professional hem with no finishing required!]
When you complete this round, resume working chart as before until you reach your first decrease round.
Shaping the Crown: Decreases are included in the chart. Decrease 1 st on each side of every 'seam' on every round. Switch to Double Pointed Needles when the number of stitches becomes too small for your circular. You will be decreasing at a rate of 8 stitches per row, yielding a rather flat crown. Because of the length of the main chart, a flat crown is necessary to get correct sizing.
When you complete the chart, you will have 16 stitches remaining on the needles. Cut a 10" tail of MC, thread through a tapestry needle and draw through 16 remaining sts. Pull tail to tighten opening and weave into fabric to secure. Weave in all remaining ends. Block hat (see below).
Blocking: Blocking is a NECESSITY with stranded knitting. It will also even out tension issues in an incredible way. Fill a sink with lukewarm water and half a capful of wool wash (I prefer non-rinse wool washes like Eucalan). Immerse hat in water, gently squeezing out any air that's caught up in your stranding. Let that hat soak for 5-10 minutes. Remove from water, gently squeeze out all excess water. DO NOT WRING OR TWIST FABRIC. Roll inside a dry towel and stomp on it to get out all moisture possible. Shape hat over a 'head-shaped' object (I prefer a medium size cereal bowl place upside down on top of a paper towel roll). Air dry.
Special Notes:
* Carrying colors: You may choose to carry all three Contrasting Colors up the inside of the hat along the seam. I did this and it worked relatively well, although it does add a bit of bulk. If you wish to cut your ends at the conclusion of each color section, this will work fine. Beware, however, that you will have a whole bunch of ends to weave in during finishing.
* Jody has an informative post about turning a hem here that may help you visualize the process.
If you find any mistakes in the pattern, please feel free to send me an e-mail at brooklyntweed@gmail.com and I will amend the pattern to help future knitters. Also, I encourage you to e-mail me with pictures of your finished hats - I do so love seeing your work.
I'm happy to share this pattern with you, fair readers - thank you for supporting what I do here!
All content and photos are ©brooklyntweed. All rights reserved. This pattern is for personal and non-profit use ONLY. You may print this pattern only if copyright information stays intact. You may not sell items made from this pattern for profit or distribute these patterns in a retail environment to promote yarn sales.
¶ 9:18 AM 52 comments
12.04.2006
Red Light Special
Sorry I've been MIA. Turns out there is life outside of knitting...... who knew? I was teasing you before with a little taste of my hat - I guess after 11 days you deserve a little bit more information.
I used a pretty basic Norwegian Hat Template, chose colors I liked and did my best to fit in the motif of my choosing and size it for XL noggin. Nothing much sophisticated about it, but I love how it turned out, and the fit is virtually perfect. The hat is lined with a bit of Aurora 8 - this was trickery to get the numbers to match up, Aurora 8 is considerably heavier than Telemark. But I had it in my stash, and it's too soft not to use for a purpose such as this. I will recommend using a similar weight lining-yarn for simplicity's sake, but this worked for me. I included a shot of the innards, just for all the knitters out there (you can see the merino lining around the base).
I'm putting together a pattern write-up for this because many of you have expressed interest. I'll be tweaking it a little from the hat you see here. Both to get the bugs out and also resize it for a normal head (My roommate tried it on and was swimming).
It keeps my ears warm, thank god - NYC is frigid today. ¶ 9:40 AM 67 comments
Pattern: My Own
Materials: KnitPicks 'Telemark' (1 of each - Chestnut, Aubergine, Bayberry and Poppy)
Needles: US 7 Addi Turbo Circs
Total Cost: $7.96 + SH
start Date Mid October 2006 | finish Date Mid November 2006
Materials: KnitPicks 'Telemark' (1 of each - Chestnut, Aubergine, Bayberry and Poppy)
Needles: US 7 Addi Turbo Circs
Total Cost: $7.96 + SH
start Date Mid October 2006 | finish Date Mid November 2006
I used a pretty basic Norwegian Hat Template, chose colors I liked and did my best to fit in the motif of my choosing and size it for XL noggin. Nothing much sophisticated about it, but I love how it turned out, and the fit is virtually perfect. The hat is lined with a bit of Aurora 8 - this was trickery to get the numbers to match up, Aurora 8 is considerably heavier than Telemark. But I had it in my stash, and it's too soft not to use for a purpose such as this. I will recommend using a similar weight lining-yarn for simplicity's sake, but this worked for me. I included a shot of the innards, just for all the knitters out there (you can see the merino lining around the base).
I'm putting together a pattern write-up for this because many of you have expressed interest. I'll be tweaking it a little from the hat you see here. Both to get the bugs out and also resize it for a normal head (My roommate tried it on and was swimming).
It keeps my ears warm, thank god - NYC is frigid today. ¶ 9:40 AM 67 comments
