scarf, revisited

I feel like we're taking a trip through the disdressed archives a bit over the last few days. First the mitten ornaments and now the baby scarf, this time made a little bit wider for a bigger kid.


The original scarf still fits her well, but I continued to increase stitches for a few rows this time so it covers a longer neck. I'm thinking maybe I'll make one for myself next--you could really make this to fit anyone!


By the way, here's a little help if you have trouble remembering or trying to decide which stitch increases and decreases to use. I can never remember, and it's nice to have the visual with a description.

in public

Are you still there? Sorry--a little preoccupied over here with Quilt Market preparations and getting the fall patterns out for size grading, etc.. We leave Wednesday morning on our first road trip to Market. I usually ship the booth (very expensive and a lot of hassle to prepare) and fly to save time, but since the show is in Pittsburgh this spring it works out well for us to drive. I'm excited because it's Todd's first trip to Market and we'll have some no-kid driving time together. Poor guy will have to listen to me practice my School House presentations while we travel. I'm fairly certain I won't need the duration of our drive for practicing (it's a six or seven hour trip), but it's a great threat to have in my back pocket, just in case.

Around here, this outdoor installation has been catching my eye recently. I love how artists are appropriating knitting and crochet for their own purposes, and apparently for this show opening even the tops of the fence posts had little knitted caps. I haven't had a chance to pop into the gallery itself to see the rest of the show, but the fence itself is getting lots of interest in our neighborhood. The show draws connections between math and knitting, as well as the theoretical and the tangeable. I think mostly people like it because it's public art involving a set of skills that is generally saved for other purposes. Like sweaters and fractals. And it makes the iron fence look a little more friendly and attractive.

I'll try to check in again sometime during the next week. Maybe with photos? Certainly I'll have lots to share when we return, including funny stories either involving or told by Heather.

No question about that.

stop me

My friend Barbara just sent me this link I have to share with you.

Now I don't think I've been to the movies since Dr. S was about six months old and slept through a matinee of Me and You and Everyone We Know. But I may have to see Coraline in the theater. And no, S can't come along this time; Todd took her to see Despereaux a few months ago and she was terrified, so there's no way she's up for the level of scariness here (and there's obviously no way she would sleep through it anymore, either).

I'm going to see it because of the costumes. Yes, I know it's a stop-action film, which makes the costumes draw seem really weird. I realize I should see it for all the other aspects that make it amazing. For example, the incredible level of detail demonstrated in this fascinating article about the making of the film. Wow.

But read this article about the teeny, tiny sweaters and tell me you're not completely fascinated by the wardrobe aspect, too? Here's the short film about Althea Crome, the woman who knitted the sweaters. Amazing.


Now me, I'm already in love with the yellow raincoat. Which, as it happens, coincides with my starting to think about fall patterns. I desperately want to do a jacket or raincoat, and the rain slicker makes me want to do one even more.

By the way, knitters, did you catch that link to the free sweater pattern download for normal-sized humans? So cute.

New York crafters resources

Periodically I try to update this list of great places to visit when you're in New York. It's been a while since the last update, and the list could still use some additions. But here it is in the meantime. More to come as I find time:

General Fabric
B&J
525 Seventh Avenue between 37th and 38th Streets, 2nd floor
212-354-8150,
Open Monday through Saturday
By far the best fabric resource ever. Be sure to check out the inspiration walls, where the staff has collected tearsheets from fashion magazines and attached similar fabric swatches. B&J carries everything from luxury fabrics (unbelievable silks and embroidered, beaded fabrics) to basic cotton canvas (in a plethora of colors). Also a fantastic selection of Liberty of London Tana Lawn. Schedule a lot of time for this stop; you'll be overwhelmed by the selection.

Mood
225 West 37th Floor, 3rd & 4th floors
212-730-5003
If you're willing to dig, you can find some good deals here. They carry almost everything, including luxury fabrics, and can be very helpful.

Paron West, Paron Annex
206 West 40th Street
212-768-3266
Open Monday to Saturday
I sometimes do very well at these shops and sometimes leave empty handed. You never know.

Ribbons and Trim
So-Good
28 West 38th Street
212-398-0236
The most inexpensive, and perhaps the dustiest.

Daytona Trimmings Company
251 W 39 At Fashion Ave
New York, NY 10001
212-354-1712
I rarely find what I need/want here, but many other sewers are big fans.

Tinsel Trading
1 West 37th Street
212-730-1030
A treasure trove of trims, both new and vintage. Lots of other fun things as well. Does anyone happen to know if their ribbon shop is still on 38th Street? I'm unsure, since they recently moved.

Hyman Hendler
67 West 38th Street
212-840-8393
Dusty, musty, and messy, but gorgeous ribbons. It's worth digging through the bins, although you may be surprised at how expensive a yarn of ribbon can be.

M&J Trimmings
1008 6th Avenue (between 37th and 38th)
212-391-9072
Mon - Fri : 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday : 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday : 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
You've got to see this place. Now with multiple rooms carrying buttons, beads, ribbons, handbag handles, you name it. You won't believe your eyes. Another place to spend a lot of time. Bring a shopping list or you might be thoroughly overwhelmed.

Tender Buttons
143 East 62nd Street
212-758-7004
Open Monday to Saturday
Like stepping back in time, this tiny shop stocks beautiful vintage and antique buttons. It helps to have a particular project you're shopping for, and don't be surprised if those buttons you love cost more than last month's rent.

Notions
Steinlauf & Stoller
239 West 39th Street
212-869-0321
Open Monday to Friday, 8-5:30
I wrote about this shop previously. An excellend source for whalebone, patternmaking paper, interfacing, grommets, bra hooks, and anything else you might need.

Quilt Shops
Purl Patchwork
147 Sullivan Street (between Houston and Prince Streets)
212-420-8798
Monday to Friday 12-7, Saturday & Sunday 12-6
My favorite quilt shop.

The City Quilter
133 West 25th (between 6th and 7th Avenues)
212-807-0390,
Open Tuesday through Sunday

Knitting

Purl
137 Sullivan Street
(212) 420-8796
Monday through Friday 12-7, Saturday and Sunday 12-6
My favorite yarn store. Close your eyes and pick a yarn; whichever it is, I'll bet it's gorgeous! If you love luxury yarns, natural fibers, and Lorna's Laces you'll be in heaven here.

Downtown Yarns
45 Avenue A
212-995-5991
Cozy, nice selection, great window displays, and really helpful employees. And that screen door just feels so welcoming, like returning home after a long day.

School Products Co Inc
(212) 679-3516
1201 Broadway # 3 (near 30th St. no store front on the third floor)
Monday through Friday 9:30 – 6:30
Saturday 10:00 – 3:30
Sunday Closed
It's been a while since my last visit here, but this shop is usually a good source for affordable yarns. Really the only source in the city for machine knitting yarns (on cones), and they often carry leftover samplemaking yarns from Seventh Avenue.



Japanese Craft Books

Kinokuniya
1073 Ave of the Americas (6 Ave bet 40 and 41 St)
phone: 212-869-1700/ fax: 212-869-1703
Mon-Sat 10am-8pm/Sun 11am-7:30pm
All the books are in Japanese. So what? The photos and styling of Japanese craft books are terrific, and the directions are usually clear enough to follow even if you can't read what they say.

Book Off
Bookoff USA Incorporated
12 E 41st St At 5th Ave
New York, NY 10017
(212) 685-1410

Asahiya
Asahiya Bookstores New York Incorporated
52 Vanderbilt Ave
New York, NY 10017
(212) 883-0011

Brooklyn

Brooklyn General Store
128 Union Street
Brooklyn NY 11231
718-237-7753
I love this shop for it's size and unusual offerings (including some great vintage fabrics). It's always a pleasure to visit.


Inspiration

ABC Home/The Silk Trading Company
888 & 881 Broadway (at about 19th Street)
212-473-3000
M-F: 10-8, Sat: 10-7:00, Sun: 11-6:30
Be prepared to spend hours at this unusual department-store-styled exotic furnishings store. My favorite areas are the children's section (in the back of the shop and up a half-flight of stairs) and the jewelry. But don't miss the bath department, the quilts, or the furniture. Oh never mind; see the whole thing. It's all worthwhile.

Whoops

Did I leave you hanging? The suspense was unintentional; it's just been so busy over here with all our preparations for Quilt Market and the fall collection. In all the bustle I left you sitting there wondering what happened to me! Sorry. Here are a few updates:

Thank you for the Saturday Market Bag pattern info. Yes, it's now posted Jodi's blog as well as on Ravelry (which, if you're a knitter in any way, shape or form, you should absolutely sign up for--it looks great. And the waiting list moves very quickly, so don't let that dissuade you). Knit away! My alterations to the original pattern (results above) are still located here.

And speaking of knitting, my two little cardigans are being knitted up by one lovely Leila. Thanks for all the help, everyone!


Regarding our little flood situation, the studio is cleaned up and back in working condition again. But the patterns are now located on higher ground (i.e., in Tsia's bedroom at our apartment) while we find time to look for a new space. I love my studio because it's just two blocks from our apartment, but the same pipe has now sprayed boiling hot water on two separate locations. And we can't have leaks near paper patterns, can we? Not to mention the fact that the water is coming from above, not from the floor, so there's no easy way to protect the space from future leaks. I'm hoping to find a new space in the neighborhood sometime in the next few months, but certainly not before we leave for Market. Ah, the joys of Manhattan real estate.


In the meantime, our apartment complex is busy with some spring planting and landscaping, and the root balls of these 20-plus-foot-high trees are reminding me of knitting or macrame or weaving. Aren't they lovely? I wonder who has the job of making creating all those woven support systems for the roots of our new neighbors. The grounds will almost certainly be spectacular when all is planted, based solely on the number of plants outside awaiting their new homes.

Knitters, I need your help!

Two quick items before we get back to book week:

1. Does anyone recall who wrote the pattern for the Saturday Market Bag on Magknits? I've had a number of queries for the original pattern (I had done some modifications to the pattern for my version) over the past few days; apparently the Magknits site is down (gone?) and it's no longer available. I don't have the pattern and can't give it out without permission.

Update: Thanks, everyone! Jodi has re-posted the pattern on her blog, and you can find it via this link.



2. Knitters wanted: I have two lovely bundles of yarn, a pattern, and an idea. I'm looking for an expert knitter (or maybe two) who can make a couple of kid-sized cardigans before Quilt Market on May 16 (I'll need them before I leave on the 13th). Any takers? I want to do it myself soooo badly but just don't have the time these days. Besides, I have sizing issues when I knit.

Ok, back to our regularly scheduled programming.

These are officially amazing

Sorry if you've seen this before, but it's new to me. My sister just send this link. Don't the knitted marzipan look real? Gorgeous work, Lolo.

P.S. Did you see this article?

Last week there was a wonderful article in the New York Times about needlecrafts and their increase in popularity. Who knew we might actually be a cool bunch instead of dorky DIY-ers?

(The dress is from Marc by Marc Jacobs. Of course I love it.)

My so-called sweater

There is a very simple reason why you're not seeing a glamorous photo (it's all relative, really) of me wearing this fabulous sweater right now. But I don't want to tell you what that reason is. Because I can't quite believe it. And the reason is not because I haven't quite finished it.

First of all, I have to tell you that I really enjoyed knitting it. The pattern is the Hourglass Sweater from Joelle's book, and it's knit in the round. Once you've knitted the torso and the sleeves you join them together to finish the yoke, and it's a pleasure to watch the sweater literally come together on your needles. Plus, I can't think of a more relaxing project to knit: you just go around and around and around until it's time for an increase or decrease, which couldn't be easier to do.


And I love the yarn. It's a 100% alpaca that I purchased quite a few years ago, started another sweater that fell by the wayside, and began this sweater last winter instead. If I were to start all over buying yarn I would probably choose something with a little more color, but as far as fibers go, I really like the alpaca.

Yes, it took me a year (or so) to finish this sweater. But no mind. It was fun!


I didn't even mind sewing down the live stitches at the neckline, which was easier than I led myself to believe. Don't you just love it when you psych yourself out about a task and then discover, when you finally sit down to accomplish it, that it was waaaaaay easier than you imagined?

Well, it's a good thing I enjoyed making this sweater so much, because I'll be making it again. No, I don't mean that I'm going to rush out and buy more yarn to start another sweater just like this one. I mean I'll be making this sweater again. Because the sweater I just finished is too tight! I can hardly believe it, and I can't bring myself to rip it apart just yet. But I will, and I'll make it again in the next size up, and this time it will fit. And I'll enjoy knitting it.

I'll enjoy every single stitch.

Really.

[grits teeth with unhealthy determination]

Whatever it takes

I think this may go down in the books as the Endless Week. No idea why, but it feels like it's been at least a month since last Friday. I keep sitting down with the intention of blogging and just can't put words together coherently. Must try going to bed at a reasonable hour sometime.

I'm so glad you like the bags! I promise to show you my Timtex trick soon, maybe next week. In the meantime, thanks for all your comments and requests, and I'll give the bag patterns some thought.


I realized the other day that it's March, which means that all winter knitting should really be wrapping up if it's to be worn yet. So in a mad rush, my Hourglass Sweater (started last winter, mind you) is finally off the needles and awaiting finishing and blocking. And I wore my newly finished hat yesterday while running errands.

This must be almost the fastest and simplest hat you could possibly knit, since it's just a tube that's sewn together at the top, with a pom-pom added to each corner. Initially I wanted to make a pointy hat a la the Meathead (I bought the pattern and am saving it for next year), but all of a sudden this shape seemed more appropriate.

And, hey! Something must have been right about it, because the cashier at the wine store asked me for identification when I dropped in. I can't remember the last time that happened. I took her request as a compliment: my hat must make me look younger!

Oh, but maybe she asked me because I look a bit silly? After all, I would question the sanity of anyone I saw standing on the sidewalk, trying to take a decent photo of her head. I certainly got some interesting looks, believe me. I'd be particularly wary of her if she was taking those photos while wearing an orange hat with pom-pom ears. And were any of those resulting photos presentable? I'll let you decide.

Maybe this is why I sew more than I knit

I'm a bit disappointed with Debbie Bliss right now. It was bad enough that I had to knit this cardigan in a larger size than I wanted: the pattern was written for every size excepts the Kiddo's (The size options were 9-12 months, 12-18 months, or 24-36 months. Where's the 18-24 month size?). But then, despite adding extra length to the sleeves, they'll clearly be too short when the rest of the sweater finally fits.

Plus, the shaping just seems sloppy. It's nearly wide enough for me to wear: chest measurement on the 24-36 month size, according to the pattern, is 30 inches. That's huge! I should have trusted my instinct and made a smaller size. Perhaps it will fit when she's ten years old?

But to top it all off, I substituted the recommended yarn (Debbie Bliss wool-cotton, which is no longer available) and used Debbie Bliss Cathay (50% cotton/35% viscose/15% silk). I really like the yarn, and converting the gauge was easy. But despite carefully following the care instructions, the red color ran into the pale blue at the hem when I washed and blocked it.

Yes, I'm officially annoyed. The pattern and the yarn have both disappointed me.


I made numerous changes to this pattern, but I clearly should have made many more alterations. I knit the body and sleeves on circular needles to eliminate most of the seams, and I replaced the ruffles at the sleeves (can't you just see them dragging through everything she eats?) with a simple garter stitch. The garter stitch at the hem became this cute little eyelet trim from a Nicky Epstein book.


I think that I can probably rip out and add more length to the sleeves someday without too much trouble, but I can't really do much about the other fit problems or that bleeding color.

Fortunately, the Kiddo seems perfectly happy with her new sweater, but that might also be attributed to the fact that she was eating her absolute favorite food, Pirate's Booty ("Ah Boo-dee!"), when I took the photos.

New York crafters' resources

See the updated version here.

So you're coming to New York and want to check out the crafty shops. This is a short list of my favorite places. It's not a complete list of all available shops in New York City, but if you have other favorites to add to the list, please leave a comment.

Fabric Shops
B&J
525 Seventh Avenue,
between 37th and 38th Streets, 2nd floor
212.354.8150,
http://www.bandjfabrics.com/
Open Monday through Saturday
By far the best resource ever. Be sure to check out the inspiration walls, where the staff has collected tearsheets from fashion magazines and attached similar fabric swatches. B&J carries everything from luxury fabrics (unbelievable silks and embroidered, beaded fabrics) to basic cotton canvas (in a plethora of colors). Also a fantastic selection of Liberty of London voiles.

Rosen and Chadick
561 Seventh Avenue, 2nd floor
212.869.0142
www.rosenandchadickfabrics.com
Open Monday through Saturday
Great selection, great prices, helpful and friendly staff. This is usually my first stop in the garment district.

Gray Line Linen
260 West 39th Street
212.391.4130
www.graylinelinen.com
Open Monday through Saturday
All linen, all well-priced and beautiful.

Ribbons and Trim
So-Good
28 West 38th Street
212.398.0236
http://www.so-goodinc.com
The most inexpensive and maybe the dustiest.

Tinsel Trading
47 West 38th Street
212.730.1030
http://www.tinseltrading.com/
A treasure trove of trims, both new and vintage. Lots of other fun things as well. Give yourself lots of time to browse, and be sure to ask questions since the history of the shop is fascinating. This is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon.

Hyman Hendler
67 West 38th Street
212.840.8393
http://www.hymanhendler.com/
Dusty, musty, and messy. But gorgeous ribbons. It's worth digging through the bins, although you may be surprised at how expensive a yarn of ribbon can be.

M&J Trimmings
1008 6th Avenue (between 37th and 38th)
212.391.9072
http://www.mjtrim.com/
Open Monday to Saturday
You've got to see this place. Now with multiple rooms carrying buttons, beads, ribbons, bag handles, you name it. You won't believe your eyes.

Tender Buttons
143 East 62nd Street
212.758.7004
Open Monday to Saturday
Like stepping back in time someplace in Paris, this tiny shop stocks beautiful vintage and antique buttons. It helps to have a particular project you're shopping for, or you may get your wallet into trouble here.

Notions
Steinlauf & Stoller
239 West 39th Street
212.869.0321
http://www.steinlaufandstoller.com/,
Open Monday to Friday, 8-5:30
I wrote about this place last week.

Pacific Trimming
218 West 38th Street
212.279.9310
http://pacifictrimming.com/
The displays aren't as appealing, but the prices are much better than the competition. Selection varies, and don't let the disorganized chaos of the place turn you off.

Quilt Shops
Purl Patchwork
147 Sullivan Street (between Houston and Prince Streets)
212.420.8798
www.purlsoho.com/purl/purlpatchwork
Monday to Friday 12-7, Saturday & Sunday 12-6
My favorite quilt shop.

The City Quilter
133 West 25th (between 6th and 7th Avenues)
212-807-0390,
http://www.cityquilter.com/
Open Tuesday through Sunday (yeah, don't go on Monday like I always seem to do)

Knitting

Purl
137 Sullivan Street
212.420.8796
purlsoho.com
Monday through Friday 12-7, Saturday and Sunday 12-6
My favorite yarn store. Close your eyes and pick a yarn; whichever it is, I'll bet it's gorgeous!

Downtown Yarns
45 Avenue A
212.995.5991
downtownyarns.com
Cozy, nice selection, great window displays, and really helpful employees. And that screen door just feels so welcoming, like returning home after a long day.

Japanese Craft Books
Kinokuniya
1073 Avenue of the Americas (near 40th Street, across from Bryant Park)
212.765.7766
kinokuniya.com/ny/
Their brand new location, which I haven't had time to visit yet! At the Rockefeller Center location all the books were in Japanese. So what? The photos and styling of Japanese craft books are terrific, and the directions are usually clear enough to follow even if you can't read what they say. I could personally spend hours browsing the craft books, so watch out!

Inspiration

Anthropologie Rockefeller Center
50 Rockefeller Center
New York, NY 10020
212.246.0386
Anthropologie.com
Any Anthropologie store will do, but especially the flagship is a fantasy of beautiful displays and inspiring ideas. Have someone you love hold your wallet while you browse, and tell them not to let you have it until after you leave, no matter how much you plead. Really.

ABC Carpets
888 & 881 Broadway New York, NY 10003
212.473.3000
abchome.com
Wander the floors of the home store and you'll find all sorts of treasures. Be sure to check out the children's mezzanine if you have kids.

Takashimaya
693 5th Ave
New York, NY 10022
212.350.0100
www.ny-takashimaya.com
Be sure to browse the floral shop at the front of the first floor. This entire store is curated to feature beautiful and unusual items.

Outside Manhattan

Brooklyn General
128 Union Street
718.237.7753
www.brooklyngeneral.com
Yarn, fabric, books, wool felt, milk paint, vintage buttons, and kids. Only the kids aren't for sale. A nice selection of vintage fabrics as well.