Yes, I have been diagnosed with a serious disease among knitters. All right, I’ve self-diagnosed it. I have startitis. I’ve had this before, and it’s passed fairly quickly. This time, though, it seems to be different.

I trace this episode back to completing the market bag. Finally. I immediately felt the necessity to cast on something new, so I did–a plain old triangular shawl. Then, I got the yarn I ordered for the Athena cardigan, available from the Knit Picks IDP. Well, I couldn’t just let it sit there, so I started it, too. It’s not gotten very far, but it’s started.

The Beginning of Athena

Of course, that isn’t enough.

I have De Quervain’s tenosynovitis in my left hand/wrist, and all the computer work I’ve had to do has caused it to flare. At times, knitting aggravates it, much to my chagrin. I’ve been wanting to knit a blanket, but I’m thinking crocheting one might be a wiser idea. I do, however, have a knitted one started, so I can work on it when able. I haven’t crocheted in a LONG time, so I’m a bit nervous about that, though I’d stick to a really basic pattern.

Then I had another thought. I’ve never owned a quilt. So . . . You got it! I’ve been thinking about a quilt. I want to hand quilt it, and I even have a design idea in mind. Of course, I can’t find the fabric I want. Perhaps that is a sign.

Sooo I finally realized that in less than 2 months is Rhinebeck. oops. I had wanted to start on my sweater earlier this month – but life and the gym got in the way. However, while on vacation this past week, I managed to cast on my sweater, Oranje from Knitty. I’m using Cascade 220 Sport in Cerise, Jet, and Primavera, so I’m dubbing my sweater, Watermelon-je!

Here’s a shot a little after cast on, while working a right leaning braid (not my favorite thing to do in the world):

Here’s a close-up of my favorite kind of stitch marker, made for me by my friend Diane in exchange for some spinning fiber:

And here’s the progress I made last night, I have 13 more inches to go until the underarm:

Now, what is so special about Rhinebeck that I need a sweater for it? Well, first, it can be rather cold. Last year was incredibly cold. Second, what better place to show off your hand-knits than at a WOOL festival?! I love walking around and seeing all the cool sweaters, hats, mittens, and everything else that people have made. My first Rhinebeck (2008) was all abut the February Lady Sweater. I can’t wait to see what this year’s popular pattern will be – I know I won’t be hard to miss in my hot pink fair isle cardigan.

What are your favorite fiber events to attend? I have been to the Garden State Sheep Breeders Festival (aka NJ sheep & wool), Rhinebeck (aka NY Sheep and Wool) and Maryland (aka MD Sheep and Wool) so far. I’m thinking about heading up north for MA, CT, etc the next time those festivals happen. Rhinebeck will always have a soft spot in my heart – it was my first festival. I like Maryland too – for different reasons. So if you are going to Rhinebeck, keep an eye out for me in my hot pink cardi!

P.S. I do think I’m a bit insane, trying to knit and get the stupid thing cut (gah first time with steeks and fair isle… I’m totally insane) by October 15th. Wish me luck!

I love my knitting group. We meet every week either on Tuesday or Wednesday depending on what week it is (if you are in central NJ, find us at Skein Mavens on ravelry!). Knitters, crocheters, spinners, and yes, plastic canvasers (Hi Tammy!) of all levels are in attendance.

We teach people how to knit/crochet/spin, talk about patterns and yarns, plan trips to NYC, and yammer away about our lives.  Some of us test knit, some of use dye yarn, some of us are college students, some of us are stay at home mothers, but we have a great tight knit group and I love every minute of our meetings.

I’ve been knitting since 2005 – and a member of the Skein Mavens since 2008 when I moved to NJ.  I’ve somehow earned the role of being a knitting problem solver. So this leads me to the title of the post – how far would you go to help a knitting/crocheting/fiber arts buddy to fix a problem?

Over the past few months I’ve been helping my friend J with her Haruni shawl. I’ve knit three separate haruni shawls. I love this pattern, and I know a few of my friends are also obsessed with it – but J has been having major issues on her first true lace project. I am her Haruni’s fairy god knitter.

How does one become a fairy god knitter? One simply assists whenever needed, much like Cinderella’s fairy godmother. I have ripped this shawl back twice so far, the first time was a complete rip and restart before I handed it back to J. This past time was only 10 rows, but she is back on track and starting Chart B today. I debated and even polled on twitter to figure out what to do – there were only 28 rows until the bind off. Should I just finish the silly thing so that J would have a complete shawl? A resounding NO! was the answer and I completely agree with that! J needs to finish her shawl – she needs to have a complete lace experience – learning to count every row when you aren’t sure of what you are doing, learning how to read her past knitting to make sure she is on the right row, that her repeats are correct, that she hasn’t missed a yarn over, etc.

The shawl was returned to her at our meeting last night – she thanked me for helping her on this journey – and I couldn’t be more pleased with her growth as a knitter! She said that she needs to know that I have faith in her ability to finish – and I absolutely do – she is a persistent woman and will not give up and I know she can finish her Haruni and wear it with pride.

So, dear readers, how far would you go in helping a friend struggling with a fiber project?

It’s true. I’ve completed a knitting project. Here’s proof.

Yes, it’s that market bag I’ve been working on for what seems like years. Literally years. It’s not even that it was a complicated knit–I just kept getting interrupted. I designed it, and it kind of re-enforces the idea that designing probably isn’t my thing. I used Knit Picks’s Cot-Lin. I really like that yarn, and the color is pretty. It’ll be the perfect bag to carry my garden bounty.

Just as soon as I finished this, I started a new project. Sure, I could have picked up something I’d already started, but really, what’s the fun in that. I’ve been wanting to knit a shawl, so I’m doing a basic triangular shawl. Something simple–i.e., mindless. I’m using Red Heart yarn. Yeh, I know, but I like it for some projects, and I had it on hand. I’m trying to be more frugal. You know–that farm and truck/van wish. I’m using size 17 needles, so it will be very open and airy. Hopefully it won’t take me as long to knit that as it did this market bag.
Ida

First, I have to apologize for basically being AWOL from Crafty Detour (and my own blogs). And from knitting for that matter. My current workload is full, and I have taken on several new projects for another publisher. I’ll be writing a lot and editing and coordinating others. They will all be a part of Grow It! Know It!(tm), my project.

Bountiful Spirit Farm is also taking up a lot of time, and I’m loving every minute of it. In fact, it’s a major inspiration for this post. As a fluffy knitter, I’ve been inclined to knit things I’ll be wearing in darker colors. I didn’t always like the colors, but hey, I had been taught that large people should wear dark colors–the darker the better.

I’ve had enough. I finally decided that if I wear dark clothing or dark accessories, I only look like a large person wearing dark colors. So, I’ve gone on a color kick. I know a lot of people who make the same decision have difficulty knowing how to put colors together. Of course, you can always look in magazines, but it’s easier than that. Just look at nature. If nature puts colors together, they go together. At least that’s my philosophy.

Even though I can’t seem to finish a simple bag handle, I want to knit a sweater for this fall. Yes, I realize I should have started last fall, but oh well . . . Anyway, when I was at my garden this morning, I found the perfect color. One of the other plot holders had planted something that is now growing big (really big) blossoms. I don’t know what it is, but I’m thinking pumpkin or some other squash. The blossoms are an orangish-yellow (technical term) color. Even though it may be considered more of a spring/summer color, I would wear it any time of year. Why not? It’s a happy color. The problem is trying to find the color in yarn. I don’t recall seeing anything like it, but it has sent me on a new quest. I’m thinking DK weight, so it might be a lengthy quest. Sure, I could try and dye it myself, but I think that would be a really bad decision–at least for the immediate future.

I just wanted to take a little time to write a post about how I approach test knitting – it seems to be a topic of discussion a lot at my knitting group, on plurk, on twitter, on ravelry, … well, everywhere there are knitters/crocheters!

I’ve been test knitting since… oh, 2008? My first test knit was Cairdeas by Yarnissima. I’ve been one of Marjan’s test knitters ever since – she has an army of test knitters for each sock pattern she designs – multiple sizes call for multiple knitters!  Here’s usually how the process goes for a Yarnissima test knit:

• We’re given a yarn recommendation and gauge, along with a google document to keep our notes/corrections/etc, along with a pdf version of the pattern
• We share notes and corrections as we come to them – I’m usually at the back of the pack (I’m a fast knitter but the other knitters are faster!), so I see it as an opportunity to check what others have suggested as a fix.
• A final version of the pattern is given out so we can all give a final check.

I’m also fortunate to have been able to test knit for our Heather here on CraftyDetour. I’ve test knit the Strawberry shawlette, and the CSI: Most Wanted collection. I was thrilled to have been a part of Heather’s creative process!

Again, notes were given, yarn recommendations, gauge, etc.  I would often knit one sock of the pair if the pattern wasn’t mirrored / different for the second sock. I’d give Heather feedback on wording, directions, flow, everything.

Advances in technology have made it so easy to be a test knitter – you can be in constant contact with your designer with any thoughts/questions/concerns – email, google documents, and ravelry have streamlined the process immensely.

If you are thinking about being a test knitter here are some things to keep in mind:

• Be honest with yourself and your designer about your time contraints: If you don’t have time to complete the test knit by the deadline, speak up.  This is why most designers use more than one test knitter.  I was unable to completely knit some of the patterns for the CSI e-book – I kept Heather up to speed on my time but did manage to proof and give feedback on the patterns themselves. See if there is anything else you can help you with it you are unable to actually complete the project – your designer may take you up on your offer!
• Test knitting is about actually knitting the pattern. Gauge is immensely important here – you are testing the directions to see if they work – test knitting and tech editing often go hand in hand – an error in the pattern forces a technical edit and vice versa.

Things have slowed down enough for me to finally sit down and write a real post. My life has been hectic.

The beginning of the year was crazy busy with deadline knitting…secrets that have started to become public. My job with The Alpaca Yarn Company has kept me on my toes as well. I’ve redesigned the website, though I’m still in the process of adding content; this is an on-going project. The big rush was trying to get a majority of it completed and live for TNNA. Speaking of which was a huge thing in itself! I redesigned the booth signs, yarn labels, designed some patterns and worked the show floor. It was a crazy whirlwind of fiber, friends,  food, and fun.

Now I am in a little lull while I wait for more patterns to become published, submit designs for next years publications, and catch up on everything I neglected for the first six months of the year. The pile of laundry I tackled the other day was HUGE!

And now things I’m thankful for:

• I’m so glad that Sarah has agreed to join our family here! She has been a big part of what motivates me to join a gym and take Les Mills classes like BodyJam and BodyPump. She dyes amazing fiber and yarn and is always there for me whether I need to celebrate or rant.
• I’m thankful that Ida posts about gardening and food stuffs. Because of her I have joined a local CSA and am looking forward to fresh veggies all summer. With more free time I have been attempting to cook more “real” food at home and having fresh ingredients makes it fun and healthy.
• Quitting my full time job has led to many opportunities for me. I have released more patterns this year than I would have ever thought possible – with more yet to come! I was also able to take on two part time jobs that are rewarding, fun, and fiber related.
• I love that people are donating to the CSI: Most Wanted KAL prize cache! So far we have The Alpaca Yarn Company, Stitches N’ Rows, Jellyfish Knits, Flying Fibers, and myself. If you would like to donate a prize please feel free to contact me at: heather AT craftydetour DOT com
• Last but not least, I am thankful to Steven of Dramatic Knits for promoting the Crafty Detour CSI: Most Wanted e-book on his awesome video cast. He is running a contest right now for a free copy! Please check out his review and contest.

Don’t forget to join the KAL! We are knitting the socks from the e-book and there will be prizes at the end…more details on this later!

I think that’s all I have for right now. Take care, and enjoy the weekend!

-Heather

As Heather so wonderfully mentioned in the last post, I’m Sarah, a.k.a Sairy, one of the test knitters (or detectives) from the CSI: Most Wanted collection!  I’ve come to know Heather and Ida thanks to Plurk and Ravelry and Twitter – the wonders of social networking!  I figured I’d do a little post to let you all get to know me a little better

I currently live in NJ with my husband and our fat cat (really, 14 lbs!) Haley.  I spend my days analyzing data for a big stock indexing firm – not really knitting related huh? I learned to knit during Thanksgiving break of my first year of grad school in 2005.  Then I learned how to spin in 2008 – shortly before getting married. I went to my first Rhinebeck and came home with a Schacht Ladybug and I’ve loved spinning ever since.  I’m currently lusting after a Schacht Matchless or even one day, a Schacht-Reeves wheel.  I also learned how to dye fiber and have a small etsy shop with my dear friend Sharon where we sell fiber and yarn that we dye up in really saturated colors.

My knitting preferences really lean to socks and lace anymore – I have a ton of sock yarn in my stash and I tend to spin sock weight yarn.  I’ve been trying to get into knitting some sweaters and have several planned for the rest of 2011 – oranje, february fitted pullover, and the blackberry cardigan are just a few I’m looking forward to sharing my current projects and ideas with everyone – maybe I’ll even tackle designing something!

If there’s anything else I’ve forgotten or that you’d like to know about me or my knitting, let me know in the comments!

Ida and I have agreed that the blog needs a little enlivening, and so we begged asked Sarah if she would help us out and join Crafty Detour. Luckily for us, and you, she said yes! Sarah will become a regular contributor to the site. She was one of the fabulous detectives that helped us out with the CSI: Most Wanted collection. Sarah dedicated many hours to test knitting and tech editing each pattern in the collection.

I’m sure she will stop by soon and introduce herself. Please join me in welcoming her to our little family.

Hi Heather!
It’s been a while, hasn’t it? I know what you’ve been up to, especially since I’ve followed your blog tour. You’ve certainly been busy.

I kind of wish I had a lot of knitting to report, but that’s not to be. I’ve been working on a market bag, but even that has taken a backseat. I’m kind of designing it as I go along, and I’m not sure that was the wisest decision. We’ll see,

Planting a garden has been taking up a lot of time. Good food is one of my passions, and I’ve decided growing my own is one of the ways to go. Grow It! Know It!(tm) I have a plot in our community garden, and Sunday, I picked my first crop from it.

Yep, it’s spinach. I’ve also planted beans, red and gold beets, and lots of peppers. Oh yeh, radishes, scallions, and onions, too. I also have 3 AeroGardens “planted” inside. Here’s the basil from one of them.

I have salad greens in another and a mixture of chili peppers in the third. I have another AG, but I can’t decide what to plant in it. I planted my EarthBOX with spinach, carrots, radishes, and scallions on Monday. One of them has already sprouted. The problem: I can’t recall what it is.Guess it will be a surprise. I’m also hoping to plant my garden here at home this weekend. It seems as though whenever I have time, it’s raining.

On another note, I met with a former client yesterday afternoon. She contacted me a few weeks ago about collaborating with her on some projects. She wants to do something that focuses in on my gardening and food philosophies and similar titles. This project is still in the developmental stage. She also presented me with the opportunity to do some writing about subjects I actually enjoy writing about. My first book is about the US Constitution and the Bill of Rights. I’ll also be writing a book about the civil rights movement. These books are for young readers. After the book list for her current imprints is beefed up, she wants to expand into romance, hobbies/crafts, and other topics. This could be a fun collaboration (though a lot of work), but I’m inclined to take it slowly.

And I’m still hoping for time to knit.