Dorset Button Bracelet

As you know by now, knitorious loves Dorset buttons.  The Crosswheel reinvented using worsted weight yarn, and especially variegated yarn, produces a kaleidoscope of patterns and colors.  The original purpose of Dorset buttons were for men’s waistcoats, but knitorious’ vision for the almost lost technique finds its way in adornment.  knitorious will be teaching the Crosswheel technique at the creative craft lounge of  A Work of Heart studio in San Jose, California.  Visit http://www.aworkofheart.com to peruse a plethora of classes and sign-up online.

Vogue Knitting Magazine

knitorious patiently awaits the arrival of Vogue Knitting Winter 2011/2012.  Nestled between the pages of the latest and greatest knitting patterns emerges a skirt with a Missoni-esque look. The chevron pattern speaks to the signature design of a Missoni knit. What a perfect opportunity to knit, replicate and wear a design reminiscent of a classical standard of quality.

(The images are from Vogue Knitting Winter 2011/2012 Magazine)

Knit Interest Clique Fieldtrip #1

knitorious and Knit Interest Clique trekked up to the East Bay to catch a glimpse of an  Estonian Lace exhibit at Lacis Museum of Lace and Textiles in Berkeley, CA.  Pieces of the lace were displayed on a black background hanging from the ceiling of the museum.

In order to re-charge for their next stop, the group had a delectable lunch at Fatapples in Albany.

Driving down the infamous Telegraph Avenue toward Oakland, Article Pract appeared in all its glory.  In the window display, a knitted shawl using Prism yarn sparkles with beads, as it gracefully drapes over the shoulder of the store mannequin. Color and texture decorate the walls from floor to ceiling with soft lighting enhanced by sunlight entering the street window. Yarn, buttons, silk ribbon, books and notions embrace the savvy knitter.  The knitters-in-residence are welcoming and helpful.

Rib and Button Scarf

Fresh off knitorious’ needles, the Rib and Button Scarf  detailed in Interweave Knits Holiday Gifts 2011 designed by Talitha Kuomi became a substrate for dorset buttons.  The dorset buttons accentuated the buttom flaps and collar of this interesting design of short-row shaping and buttonhole making.  The scarf is knit with Dream in Color worsted weight Classy. Cascade 220 Paints for the dorset buttons added just enough interest.

Knit Interest Clique

Online tutorials are interesting, youtube is helpful, Ravelry and Knitty connect knitters in a virtual world where knitting books, magazines and patterns are read using an e-reader.  Why not reach out and touch fellow knitters with knitorious and join knit interest clique?  A social gathering where a common language spoken using knitisms to upcycle the traditional techniques of knitting  brings a collective group together.  Join knit interest clique on Facebook and knit your way through the crafty-side of life, or even better, sign-up for classes with knitorious at A Work of Heart Studio in San Jose, California.

Knitisms 101

Knitorious taught her first class at  A Work of Heart craft lounge last night.  She encountered a determined group of newbie knitters “clicking their sticks” creating a rhythm with knit and purl stitches.  Knitting with yarn would not be complete without the assistance of a cat.  Yes, the resident cat at A Work of Heart made her presence known by gently rubbing herself on the legs of a student.  I must mention, however, Knitorious loves cats! The lounge is spacious, quiet and students are surrounded by walls of crafty-type supplies.  Next Monday, November 14th, the group resumes to discuss their homework swatches knitted in stockinette stitch and garter stitch.  November 21st was the last night of Knitisms 101, and was Knitorious amazed.  Colleen was knitting with ribbon and eyelash, Heidi was knitting a scarf and found another project in One Skein Wonders, Mariann has a holiday wish list for scarves and Cynthia was knitting in the round.  Knitogether to be continued with Knit Interest Clique.

Cowl Neckpiece

Window displays, knitting magazines and store mannequins all have one thing in common this winter  season…the cowl neckpiece.  Many are long and some hug the neck with the  softest embrace.  Some are knit in one flat piece joined by a seam and others are knit on circular needles eliminating the need to seam.  Using minimal technique principles, knitting a cowl creates a plethora of options for stitches, yarn and embellishments.  Knitorious will discuss designing a basic cowl neckpiece in Knitisms 101 scheduled for November 7, 14, and 21.  Visit www.aworkofheart.com online to sign-up for class, and while your at it, check-out the variety of classes at the studio.

Rib and Button Scarf

Knitorious just purchased Interweave Knits Holiday Gifts of 2011.  She is clicking her sticks to Talitha Kuomi’s Rib and Button Scarf.  The Rib and Button Scarf pattern has short-row shaping and button plackets.  The example uses a kettle-dyed yarn (Malabrigo Rios superwash merino; 210 yd).  Knitorious inspired to start this pattern at 10:00 pm, did not have the specified yarn at her fingertips.  What to do?  Stash investigation uncovered a superwash worsted weight handpainted  yarn spun using 100% superfine Australian merino.  Classy in color plum paisley (2009) was handpainted in the US by Dream in Color. 

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