The Moebius Basket Update, and a new Patchwork Triangles Capelet

In my last post, I talked about the Cat Bordhi workshop I had attended, and showed a picture of my basket so far. I had inadvertently put an extra twist in the handle, and thought I would have to frog it and start over. But I decided to go ahead with it and see what happened. Here's the result; actually not bad.

 I also finished a new version of my Patchwork Triangles Capelet, this time using only 3 different yarns, and 2 stitch patterns in the body, and 3 stitch patterns in the border. The idea is to write up the pattern, and possibly put it up for sale.

 And this is the Shaw Pin I created for it.

I have been playing around with a number of ideas for shawl pins. Watch my ArtFire Studio for them in the coming days.

A Workshop or 2 with Cat Bordhi

Last weekend I attended 2 workshops with Cat Bordhi, a knit designer and teacher who sparked the current Moebius trend. Her innovative Moebius Cast On (MCO) makes it easy to knit a moebius in the round. At this point I can't even remember how I first was made aware of moebii and Cat Bordhi, but once I discovered them, I became obsessed. Her books: "A Treasury if Magical Knitting", and "A Second Treasury of Magical Knitting" started me off on a series of moebii, including at least 1 that I crocheted. She also has written a number of books on sock knitting, in which I have no interest.

So when I heard that one of our local yarn shops was hosting a series of workshops with Cat, I immediately called and signed up for the moebius workshop, as well as one which focused on creativity and design. The third workshop was on socks, and as I've said: just not my cup of tea.

At the moebius class, I opted for a basket, which I had never done before.  I finished the top, which is comprised of the handle (the moebius part), and the rim, from which you then pick up stitches to form the bowl. After I picked up the stitches, I realized that I had inadvertently made an extra twist. Cat said it might make an interesting effect, but once I got home, I decided that I didn't really like the extra twist. So I took it off the needles, planning on redoing it.

 But now I'm not so sure; maybe I'll have a try at it the way it is.

More on the 2nd workshop in another post.

Desert Autumn Poncho

I finished my Desert Autumn Poncho for the Branches & Dunes KAL, and I'm really happy with it. I even got to wear it last night; warm enough for a cool evening out, without being too heavy.

 

As you can see, the front and back are slightly different; it can be worn either way. And it can also be worn sideways, giving it yet another look.

It's Been a While

It's been quite a while since I last posted, which was right after I returned from Petoskey. The Workshop/Retreat was a real pick-me-up and did a lot for my morale.  But the Pneumonia and Valley Fever have not completely left my system yet, and I still feel kind of punk part of the time. Which is why I haven't felt much like engaging my brain and taking the time to post here.  

But I did finish the Forest Flow Vest that I started at Knitting Under a Mango Moon II, and I'm really happy with it.

 And I've since been working on a new Branches & Dunes project for the latest Jane Thornley KAL  I kept changing my mind about this piece; first it was going to be another, but shorter, vest. then I thought I'd try a cardigan/jacket. But after seeing this on Dancing with the Stars:

 I decided on a sort of poncho, but with armholes and side seams. This is the first half:

 Based loosely on the colors in this Autumn in the Desert photo

I've started the second half, but can't decide whether to just duplicate the first half, or make it different, so I can have 2 different looks. The deadline for the KAL is November 15th, so I'd better make a decision and get working on it.