I'm going.
Do you know what I am not buying, though? Sweater quantity of aran weight 2-ply 100% wool tweed yarn. You know what else? Sweater quantity of sport weight 2-ply 100% wool yarn in sheepy heather colors. I spent the last few days organizing/assessing my stash and I discovered pretty quickly after tripping over the umpteenth bag of aran tweed I've got those two covered.
See you there!
5.01.2009
4.21.2009
Jailbird Cardigan
whew.....now where was I?
I am in full gear warming up for Maryland Sheep and Wool (please please let there be good weather) and when thinking about what yarn (if any) I was going to get my grubby little paws on, I remembered I have yet to post any finished images of my Jailbird Cardigan.
I bought the "white" (more of a sheepy ecru) at MDS&W last year from the Seacolors booth with the hopes of knitting an entire sweater out of it, but I was really indecisive about just what kind of sweater to knit. I realized pretty quickly I didnt have enough for a full blown Aran and thought a plain stockinette cardigan was a bit....boring. I have always loved all of the incarnations of the Treeline Striped Cardgian on Ravelry, and knew the technique in the pattern for working one row stripes is simple, perfect genius (I had used it once prior). I grabbed a skein of EcoWool in Black from Rosies and went to town.
My hair is getting out of control.
Like many who have knit this before me, the only thing actually "Treeline" about the pattern is the stripes. I worked the body in 3 pieces (what can I say, I love me a good side seam) worked set-in sleeves instead of a raglan (horizontal stripes + raglan shaping + my linebacker shoulders = no thank you), a much deper V-neck and no shawl collar.
The black anchor buttons were the perfect finish.
My ultimate goal was to have a slightly looser fitting cardigan that I could wear in layers. It is warm, long, wooly and striped -- what's not to love? -- and definitely fits the bill.
Specs: Nanney Kennedy Seacolors (Undyed), 3 skeins (?) and Cascade Ecowool (black), 1 skein.
Pattern: Treeline Striped Cardigan from the Purl Bee
Mods: Different gauge, different construction, different armhole/sleeve cap shaping, different neckline....
Needles: Bamboo size 9.
Gauge: 9.5 sts and 15.5 rows = 4" in Seed St.
Start Date: December 9, 2008
Finished: Feb 16, 2009.
Raveled: Here.
I am in full gear warming up for Maryland Sheep and Wool (please please let there be good weather) and when thinking about what yarn (if any) I was going to get my grubby little paws on, I remembered I have yet to post any finished images of my Jailbird Cardigan.
I bought the "white" (more of a sheepy ecru) at MDS&W last year from the Seacolors booth with the hopes of knitting an entire sweater out of it, but I was really indecisive about just what kind of sweater to knit. I realized pretty quickly I didnt have enough for a full blown Aran and thought a plain stockinette cardigan was a bit....boring. I have always loved all of the incarnations of the Treeline Striped Cardgian on Ravelry, and knew the technique in the pattern for working one row stripes is simple, perfect genius (I had used it once prior). I grabbed a skein of EcoWool in Black from Rosies and went to town.
My hair is getting out of control.Like many who have knit this before me, the only thing actually "Treeline" about the pattern is the stripes. I worked the body in 3 pieces (what can I say, I love me a good side seam) worked set-in sleeves instead of a raglan (horizontal stripes + raglan shaping + my linebacker shoulders = no thank you), a much deper V-neck and no shawl collar.
The black anchor buttons were the perfect finish.
My ultimate goal was to have a slightly looser fitting cardigan that I could wear in layers. It is warm, long, wooly and striped -- what's not to love? -- and definitely fits the bill.
Specs: Nanney Kennedy Seacolors (Undyed), 3 skeins (?) and Cascade Ecowool (black), 1 skein.
Pattern: Treeline Striped Cardigan from the Purl Bee
Mods: Different gauge, different construction, different armhole/sleeve cap shaping, different neckline....
Needles: Bamboo size 9.
Gauge: 9.5 sts and 15.5 rows = 4" in Seed St.
Start Date: December 9, 2008
Finished: Feb 16, 2009.
Raveled: Here.
4.08.2009
Zeitgeist Yarns Patterns: A Simple Request
Over the last year there have been ongoing issues with my patterns and the clarity of how I would like them to be used in the public realm. I thought I was clear, but it has been made obvious to me that this is not the case. I would like to clear that up. (I am not talking about Kelbourne, totally separate thing, with totally different guidelines. Please email me at info@kelbournewoolens.com or give us a call at 215.687.5534 if you want to learn more about that line of patterns -- we would be happy to answer any questions you may have and help you in any way possible in understanding how they can benefit you as a knitter or stockist of the Fibre Company yarns or Local Yarn Store!)
*****
So....where to begin.
I started self-publishing free Zeitgeist Yarns (again, totally separate from KW) knitting patterns for a variety of reasons. I had the tools (computer, software and technical ability), desperately needed an outlet for my desire to plaster fonts I adored all over the internet, just discovered I actually enjoyed web design and Ai, and needed an additional positive outlet after making the transition in concentration in grad school. I wanted to see if it was something that people were interested in and if actually writing down what I was doing as I was doing it was worthwhile. So far, so good.
And there I was, with 6 fans and no real care in the world (besides that infernal grad program).
Then came Selbu Modern.
I am still really proud of that pattern and am continually impressed with all the finished versions out there. I love that many people have used it for their first Fair Isle project, and it has made others love that shape and style of hat. I love all of the different color combinations and yarns that have been used. And while in no way is it the most popular knitting pattern out there, I could have made a few student loan payments (officially more per month than our mortgage, thankyouverymuch) off of the sales, I still am very happy I made it available for free.
Since then, though, in an effort to be as clear as possible (and succinct! -- not a strong point!), I have constantly re-worded and updated the one-line copyright that I put on the bottom of my patterns.
In a perfect world, it would say something like this:
-Print my pattern as much as you want, but remember the trees. Knit as many as you want, but remember all the other great patterns out there.
-If you are a shop, please feel free to provide copies of the patterns to your customer for free (within reason -- create your own pattern support already -- you work in a yarn shop!)
-And, please, don't teach this pattern in a class (remember, I did all the work -- and its free!) and fergawds sake, do not knit this up and sell it. Think about that for a second. Not cool.
or, the less verbose:
Please, Don't be a jerk.
But, that is ridiculous, and potentially offensive, so they all say something along the lines of "Not to be reproduced, re-knit or taught for profit". I never wanted too have to get very "legal" with the patterns, (because, admittedly, I am not a lawyer and know very little about copyright and licensing law) and really believed that what was there was enough to motivate people to be respectful of my wishes. Unfortunately, the statement either worked to the extent that people have asked if it is okay to even knit one and wear it in their shop/booth/home (Of course! Knit away! Knit 4,000 of them! Wallpaper your bathroom with the pages! Use them to line your litterbox!), or has no effect whatsoever and they teach it in a class that they charge a fee with no mention whatsoever of my name as the designer and/or without checking with me first. This is something I am really not comfortable with.
So. I am now taking the time to re-word the copyright again and all of the Zeitgeist Yarns patterns. Over the last few weeks since initially posting this, I have made slight changes for clarification, and now have decided to remove all references to copyright law, and just really put this out as a request for respect. (I initially thought Creative Commons was the way to go, but it seems the "attribution" issue was perfectly taken care of, the "teaching" issue -- although I firmly believe, a "commercial use" of my patterns, not so much).
In lieu of paying for my patterns, all I ask is that people do not re-knit them for sale or teach them in classes unless given express written permission from me, and if permission is granted, it is necessary to identify me as the designer. (Consider that attribution my "adware", for lack of a better term). By downloading my patterns you agree to this simple request. If you do not agree, don't download the pattern(s). If you don't get it, just ask. Simple.
To reiterate: this means you have to get in touch with me if you want to use this pattern for teaching a class and you must put my name on the page/blog/newsletter advertising the class. A pm on ravelry (my name is a zeitgeistyarns) -- is perfect. If you're not on ravelry, send me an email at zeitgeistyarns@gmail.com.
I firmly believe this is not a lot to ask. I don't want to regret my choice to continue make them available for free.
Bottom line: Think about the way you want your work to be valued, then do the same to mine, even if I don't have the common sense to value it more myself and charge you for it (or if you don't give a flying monkey if someone treats your intellectual property differently. Treat me how I ask to be treated).
And read the fine print, even if it is in a slightly quirky font.
Thank you.
*****
So....where to begin.
I started self-publishing free Zeitgeist Yarns (again, totally separate from KW) knitting patterns for a variety of reasons. I had the tools (computer, software and technical ability), desperately needed an outlet for my desire to plaster fonts I adored all over the internet, just discovered I actually enjoyed web design and Ai, and needed an additional positive outlet after making the transition in concentration in grad school. I wanted to see if it was something that people were interested in and if actually writing down what I was doing as I was doing it was worthwhile. So far, so good.
And there I was, with 6 fans and no real care in the world (besides that infernal grad program).
Then came Selbu Modern.
I am still really proud of that pattern and am continually impressed with all the finished versions out there. I love that many people have used it for their first Fair Isle project, and it has made others love that shape and style of hat. I love all of the different color combinations and yarns that have been used. And while in no way is it the most popular knitting pattern out there, I could have made a few student loan payments (officially more per month than our mortgage, thankyouverymuch) off of the sales, I still am very happy I made it available for free.
Since then, though, in an effort to be as clear as possible (and succinct! -- not a strong point!), I have constantly re-worded and updated the one-line copyright that I put on the bottom of my patterns.
In a perfect world, it would say something like this:
-Print my pattern as much as you want, but remember the trees. Knit as many as you want, but remember all the other great patterns out there.
-If you are a shop, please feel free to provide copies of the patterns to your customer for free (within reason -- create your own pattern support already -- you work in a yarn shop!)
-And, please, don't teach this pattern in a class (remember, I did all the work -- and its free!) and fergawds sake, do not knit this up and sell it. Think about that for a second. Not cool.
or, the less verbose:
Please, Don't be a jerk.
But, that is ridiculous, and potentially offensive, so they all say something along the lines of "Not to be reproduced, re-knit or taught for profit". I never wanted too have to get very "legal" with the patterns, (because, admittedly, I am not a lawyer and know very little about copyright and licensing law) and really believed that what was there was enough to motivate people to be respectful of my wishes. Unfortunately, the statement either worked to the extent that people have asked if it is okay to even knit one and wear it in their shop/booth/home (Of course! Knit away! Knit 4,000 of them! Wallpaper your bathroom with the pages! Use them to line your litterbox!), or has no effect whatsoever and they teach it in a class that they charge a fee with no mention whatsoever of my name as the designer and/or without checking with me first. This is something I am really not comfortable with.
So. I am now taking the time to re-word the copyright again and all of the Zeitgeist Yarns patterns. Over the last few weeks since initially posting this, I have made slight changes for clarification, and now have decided to remove all references to copyright law, and just really put this out as a request for respect. (I initially thought Creative Commons was the way to go, but it seems the "attribution" issue was perfectly taken care of, the "teaching" issue -- although I firmly believe, a "commercial use" of my patterns, not so much).
In lieu of paying for my patterns, all I ask is that people do not re-knit them for sale or teach them in classes unless given express written permission from me, and if permission is granted, it is necessary to identify me as the designer. (Consider that attribution my "adware", for lack of a better term). By downloading my patterns you agree to this simple request. If you do not agree, don't download the pattern(s). If you don't get it, just ask. Simple.
To reiterate: this means you have to get in touch with me if you want to use this pattern for teaching a class and you must put my name on the page/blog/newsletter advertising the class. A pm on ravelry (my name is a zeitgeistyarns) -- is perfect. If you're not on ravelry, send me an email at zeitgeistyarns@gmail.com.
I firmly believe this is not a lot to ask. I don't want to regret my choice to continue make them available for free.
Bottom line: Think about the way you want your work to be valued, then do the same to mine, even if I don't have the common sense to value it more myself and charge you for it (or if you don't give a flying monkey if someone treats your intellectual property differently. Treat me how I ask to be treated).
And read the fine print, even if it is in a slightly quirky font.
Thank you.
4.05.2009
Blue.
A (apparently very dim, but glowing nonetheless) light bulb went off yesterday when I realized every single thing I am knitting right now is blue. Blue is not my favorite color -- it is safe to say it doesn't even make it into top 3. Grey or a whacked out shade of green always wins out, or pink if I am feeling especially crazy.
Our wedding colors are charcoal, Martha Stewart Mint Gelato (still not over it) and papaya, not a speck of blue in sight (Except, the sky...I hope. I am determined not to be a crazy bride, because it is just one flipping day in the 2,555 we have already spent together, nevermind the future, which is supposed to be the whole point. But if it rains...oh lord...)
Despite all this, I am totally in love with blue right now.
I am knitting two Fibre Company related sweaters and a hat, all in shades of blue. Both sweaters are destined to be Kelbourne Woolens patterns, and the knitting has been pure pleasure. (Really people, I am not just saying this because of the distributorship, get your hands on a skein of Fibre Company yarn -- any of the 4 -- because they are all a treat to knit with).
The hat is for a super exciting project...I'll let you know more when I get the go-ahead.
Even a sweater I thought was white actually has a million little tweedy flecks of blue in it. The tweed is Kathmandu Aran (not an aran in the same way Scottish Tweed DK is not a DK...sigh) and I am making the too-stinkin-cute Owls sweater. My gauge is totally different than the original pattern, so I am using my custom plug-in and go sweater numbers and knitting on it when I reach a point in the other projects that require more thought or math or daylight or swatching than I have the time or brain for. I have one sleeve done in under a week, sharing about equal time with the other three projects. Either my brain works far less than I thought, or I have had a bunch of knitting time lately.
I plan on steeking it and doing more traditional side shaping on the sweater, too. All of these modifications have nothing to do with the quality of the original pattern -- the yarn was recently acquired in a fit of desperation (the color is discontinued and so stinkin pretty) and seemed like a perfect match for some owls (Snowy Owls! Hah!) and I own 1 pullover and about 50 cardigans, so a cardigan was an obvious choice....And I already had about 6 or 7 sweaters worth of worsted-aran weight tweed in my stash so there may have been a little bit of guilt involved in the casting on.
I am on a clear sweater kick (Of course. Just in time for spring) and happy to be back in the game. And it is nice to have a little change of scenery color-wise and find a place in my heart for blue. Especially when working with something so beautiful.
Our wedding colors are charcoal, Martha Stewart Mint Gelato (still not over it) and papaya, not a speck of blue in sight (Except, the sky...I hope. I am determined not to be a crazy bride, because it is just one flipping day in the 2,555 we have already spent together, nevermind the future, which is supposed to be the whole point. But if it rains...oh lord...)
Despite all this, I am totally in love with blue right now.
I am knitting two Fibre Company related sweaters and a hat, all in shades of blue. Both sweaters are destined to be Kelbourne Woolens patterns, and the knitting has been pure pleasure. (Really people, I am not just saying this because of the distributorship, get your hands on a skein of Fibre Company yarn -- any of the 4 -- because they are all a treat to knit with).
The hat is for a super exciting project...I'll let you know more when I get the go-ahead.
Even a sweater I thought was white actually has a million little tweedy flecks of blue in it. The tweed is Kathmandu Aran (not an aran in the same way Scottish Tweed DK is not a DK...sigh) and I am making the too-stinkin-cute Owls sweater. My gauge is totally different than the original pattern, so I am using my custom plug-in and go sweater numbers and knitting on it when I reach a point in the other projects that require more thought or math or daylight or swatching than I have the time or brain for. I have one sleeve done in under a week, sharing about equal time with the other three projects. Either my brain works far less than I thought, or I have had a bunch of knitting time lately.
I plan on steeking it and doing more traditional side shaping on the sweater, too. All of these modifications have nothing to do with the quality of the original pattern -- the yarn was recently acquired in a fit of desperation (the color is discontinued and so stinkin pretty) and seemed like a perfect match for some owls (Snowy Owls! Hah!) and I own 1 pullover and about 50 cardigans, so a cardigan was an obvious choice....And I already had about 6 or 7 sweaters worth of worsted-aran weight tweed in my stash so there may have been a little bit of guilt involved in the casting on.I am on a clear sweater kick (Of course. Just in time for spring) and happy to be back in the game. And it is nice to have a little change of scenery color-wise and find a place in my heart for blue. Especially when working with something so beautiful.
3.16.2009
Sweater for a Spore
There is a new baby boy about to grace us with his presence. The mother is a smart, talented hilarious lady and the father smart and kind so I think he is going to be a good one.
The sweater started out as the classic placket pullover from Last Minute Knitted gifts, but the gauge was different so I had to re-do all the math and just used the schematic as a template. I added stripes and somehow along the way the placket wasn't knit and it turned into a straight pullover. The end result is more like a raglan pullover of generic design now than the original sweater. The yarn, All-Season's Cotton, was a first for me, and while I probably wouldn't knit myself an entire sweater out of it, I do think it is a perfect yarn for the wee ones.
The shower was Saturday and loads of fun. I hadn't left the house since the previous Sunday as I was hit with the trifecta of doom -- flu, sinus infection and bad bad cold and was home all week last week. I am now convinced that it was what has festering and holding me down for most of February and now that I am almost better -- at least no more fever! -- I am looking ahead again. Rollie also managed to eat the remote (again. heffer.) on Saturday while I was at the shower, so even if I wanted to stay home and watch t.v. this week, I cannot. I think it was his little terrier way of telling me to get off the couch already and take him for a walk.
***
Thanks for your kind words regarding the Springtime Bandit! I have worn it a bunch since finishing it (even while home wallowing in self-pity on the couch) and it is definitely a new favorite. I also finished the Jailbird Cardi while home -- after being too sick to knit the first few days (I know. Horrible. What is the good of being home sick if you can't even knit ?!) -- I tried to make up for it later in the week -- and just need to take some modeled shots.
Happy (early) St. Patrick's Day! Ireland and I go way back so there will definitely be some Corned Beef in my near future. Yum.
The sweater started out as the classic placket pullover from Last Minute Knitted gifts, but the gauge was different so I had to re-do all the math and just used the schematic as a template. I added stripes and somehow along the way the placket wasn't knit and it turned into a straight pullover. The end result is more like a raglan pullover of generic design now than the original sweater. The yarn, All-Season's Cotton, was a first for me, and while I probably wouldn't knit myself an entire sweater out of it, I do think it is a perfect yarn for the wee ones.
The shower was Saturday and loads of fun. I hadn't left the house since the previous Sunday as I was hit with the trifecta of doom -- flu, sinus infection and bad bad cold and was home all week last week. I am now convinced that it was what has festering and holding me down for most of February and now that I am almost better -- at least no more fever! -- I am looking ahead again. Rollie also managed to eat the remote (again. heffer.) on Saturday while I was at the shower, so even if I wanted to stay home and watch t.v. this week, I cannot. I think it was his little terrier way of telling me to get off the couch already and take him for a walk.
***
Thanks for your kind words regarding the Springtime Bandit! I have worn it a bunch since finishing it (even while home wallowing in self-pity on the couch) and it is definitely a new favorite. I also finished the Jailbird Cardi while home -- after being too sick to knit the first few days (I know. Horrible. What is the good of being home sick if you can't even knit ?!) -- I tried to make up for it later in the week -- and just need to take some modeled shots.
Happy (early) St. Patrick's Day! Ireland and I go way back so there will definitely be some Corned Beef in my near future. Yum.
3.09.2009
3.04.2009
Looking Up.
Springtime in Philadelphia - Now with more scarf!I do believe it is safe to say that the first 4 days of March have vastly outshone most of February. Over the last four days, I planned a trip to Chicago to visit a dear friend, finished a project I am quite pleased with, and (re)found some balance in life.
Whew.
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