ink n paper, hooks and needles

I finally finished the Brickless shawlette on October 15th and it's time to block it! As I was working on this pattern, I was concerned about the effect of the different tensions of the different stitch patterns (netting, ribbing, and garter).  The netting tried to be open and the garter on the one side helped but the ribbing on the other side pulled in and caused the netting to pucker up.  I didn't like it, but felt pretty certain that a good wet block would clear it up.  I didn't want to use individual pins along the edge like I have in the past, so I purchased a blocking wire set.   I used them for the first time last night to lay out this shawlette for blocking.  It was more difficult than I expected to weave the wires along the edges and not as quick as I had hoped.  Still, I think it was quicker than just using T-pins.  I mis-judged the size, or rather the length, of this shawlette.  I should not have blocked it on my bedroom f...

It seems that fall has arrived in Oregon.  I'm always amused by the way our weather changes around here.  We have some beautiful, hot sunny days, then three days later, it's dark, windy and pouring rain.  I'm not complaining, by August I'm usually looking for the cooler days to appear.  I love the Pacific Northwest, quirky weather and all. Hopefully, the fall weather is inspiring you to pick up needles, hooks or looms and work with some yarn.  If so, please come to the next Jefferson Knit Crochet meeting this Saturday from 10 am to 11:30 am.  We meet the third Saturday of every month at Jefferson Baptist Church on Highway 99E in Jefferson, Oregon (click  here  for a map).  We're open to all skill levels and have supplies available to share if you're new to the hobby and aren't sure what you need. In case you can't join us but are in the mood for some inspiring fall designs, here are a few free patterns for you to try. Knitted ...

I hope everyone's Fall season is off to a great start and that you're finding time to work on some yarn projects. I'm busy working on a scarf for my Mom's birthday - which was last week.  I sent her a snapshot of the ball of yarn as a hint.  She understands.  After all, she's known me my whole life! I've also got another  golf club cover  (the link will take you to the first one) started for her and I'm working on a crocheted  afghan  for my oldest. In the midst of this, my sister told me that she loved the  wrist warmers  I made her for her birthday.  She wants some for Christmas.  She thinks maybe black.  And brown.  And pink.  I guess I'd better get those needles clicking! Speaking of crochet, apparently,  today was National Crochet Day!   I only found out because a yarn store in Salem posted a note on their Facebook page.  Thanks,  Tangled Purls!   If you've never...