Finished: Campside Shawl

Even if you haven’t had a productive year, blogging makes it feel like you did when you wait almost 365 full days to talk about it.

That’s what happened with this Campside shawl that I finished last April after having a doozy of a winter.

Let me explain. For those of you not in the know, I’m going through a divorce. My soon-to-be-ex-husband and I officially separated in May of 2018. I spent the next six months reveling in my newfound freedom and loving on my amazing friends - it was a great time. Last winter, however, reality hit; it was really hard for me because even though I know it’s all for the best, it’s still a major life adjustment. Although I won’t get into details here, I will say it’s tough feeling like you’re alone, or that divorce is shameful. It’s not something people talk about for those reasons and everyone’s “pick yourself up by your bootstraps” mentality doesn’t help, either.

(Here’s some unsolicited advice for those of you with friends or family members going through divorce: don’t treat them like they just need to pick themselves up by the bootstraps. Because they will want to strangle you with said bootstraps.)

Anyway, I wouldn’t say I’m “fine” now but I’m much happier. Great things are happening and I firmly believe you can’t experience true happiness without acknowledging the bad, versus shoving it aside (in fact, if you’re interested, there are several articles citing the positivity movement as being… well… negative). Sometimes, you’ve gotta wallow in your crap if you ever hope to get out of it.

As a result of being happier, I’m back to being a ferociously obsessed knitter who updates her blog. Which means there’s a lot of catch-up coming my way.

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One of my finished projects that’s been longing for its own blog post is the aforementioned Campside shawl by Alicia Plummer. The pattern isn’t new at all and had been sitting around in my Ravelry queue for ages. Toward the end of last February, and while I was going through all the emotions, I decided to throw myself into the fire and finally get it done.

Details

Pattern: Campside by Alicia Plummer
Yarn: Knit Picks Capra, Magnolia Heather

Click here to view the project on Ravelry

The pattern is written clearly and easy to follow. If you’re new to shawls and basic lace, this would be a good project to practice your increases and yarn-overs. For us pros, it’s fantastic potato chip knitting. I barely had to reference the pattern after awhile so it was perfect for working on in the background during work meetings (what - it helps me concentrate) or if I wanted to escape my life through garbage TV.

I also have to talk about how fantastic this yarn is. For years, I’ve had a love/hate relationship with Knit Picks. For example, I love Felici and have used it for more socks than I can shake my fists at, but I hate that it doesn’t hold up to wear and tear. In this case, however, Capra has been soft and durable. It was dreamy to knit with and blocked beautifully. You don’t get a lot of yarn in the ball and I think I ended up using six or seven for the shawl but it’s sold at a reasonable price point and is worth the investment.

I legit wear this thing all the time. The yarn used isn’t super warm but because Campside is so big, you won’t be cold. Which also makes it perfect for springtime or early fall wearing, as well, if and when you need an actual wrap.

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So in case it’s not obvious, I’m back with a vengeance. I’m connecting with old friends in the industry and continue meeting new ones along the way. I’ve been knitting or crocheting almost every day for the past few months, completely the opposite of last winter when I hoped I’d just get zapped into outer space. I took a lot of people, including myself, on a wild and whacky ride for over a year so I hope everyone involved can forgive whatever the heck that was.

PS: I’ll be rebooting my Beer Knits podcast by recording my first show since 2017 next weekend. I’ve received so many encouraging messages from my Instagram followers since getting back into the swing of things and I’ve missed waffling about yarn for 20-30 minutes on a regular basis. Stay tuned!

Read My Article in Knitability!

It turns out I’m absolute trash at updating my blog these days. Part of that is because I wasn’t knitting for the longest time (my life doesn’t just explode; it goes nuclear) and the other part is that I’ve been more taken with Instagram. There’s instant interaction over there and a greater sense of community than on my own blog (and blogging about the things I make makes me feel a little self-involved, as if anyone would care to read what I have to say about… well… literally anything).

But it turns out I still have the writing bug and from time to time, I whip out the occasional article or two - when prompted. Earlier in the year, Dan from the Bakery Bears podcast reached out and asked if I’d like to contribute to his and Kay’s Patreon-only digital publication, Knitability. I couldn’t say no.

I wrote about my experience as a younger knitter in the fiber world. Although I don’t feel so young anymore, I clearly remember what life was like when I’d try to knit in public or purchase designer yarn while practically looking like a high-functioning infant and the correlating judgment thrown my way. To some degree, I still battle that now, although most people will come up to me and ask what I’m making or tell me my hobby is cool.

Still, it’s been interesting to “grow up” during a time where a once-stereotypical woman’s hobby is now either generally accepted or I’m so jaded by the universe that I simply don’t care what others think when I’m knitting at the bar.

Regardless, you should check out the latest issue of Knitability for articles that are written better than mine by more worthy people, for sure.

Don’t forget: Knitability is for patrons only so you’ll have to subscribe (you’ll thank me later).

$1 Crochet Pattern: Swish Swish Hat

This pattern was originally featured in the Design Create Repeat August 2019 blog hop! See all patterns featured here.

If, like me, you’re always on the hunt for a chunky beanie that can serve you fall to spring, my Swish Swish Hat is perfect for your library. Its simple construction is interesting enough to stand on its own or you can spruce it up with buttons, pins, or your favorite crochet appliqué.

I’m really not a fan of long introductions to these type of posts so let’s get right to it:

Terminology

Pattern is written using English crochet terminology (not UK)

• ch: chain

• dc: double crochet

• FPdc: front post double crochet

• BPhdc: back post half double crochet

• hdc: half double crochet

• st(s): stitch(es)

Supplies

• Worsted Weight Yarn (for the sample, I used I Love This Yarn from Hobby Lobby)

• Size I/5.5mm crochet hook

• Sewing scissors (for cutting yarn when done)

• Tapestry needle (for weaving in ends)

Pattern

Download Pattern

I hope you all enjoy this pattern! If you have any photos, definitely post them on Ravelry because I'd love to see everything you make. Thanks for taking the time to drop by and check it out.

For more knit and crochet patterns, make sure to visit my Patterns page!

Shawl Mashup Class with Stephen West

This past Saturday, I finally did something for me. I know a lot of people think I’m already selfish because I tend to disappear and not talk to anyone for entire weeks at a time - fine. My work life is going bonkers and if I don’t sit and stare at a wall sometimes or turn my phone off/ignore all my incoming texts, I would probably jump off a cliff. That’s just self care. But this was actually investing in myself.

No, I wanted to look forward to something that would feed my soul (if I even have one left) so I booked a shawl design class with one of my favorite knitwear designers, Stephen West.

Yes. That Stephen West.

Back in December, I received an email from one of my LYSes, Conversational Threads, that he’d be hosting a couple classes over a weekend in February. I debated whether I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and show up to a knitting class by myself with one of the most modern, talented, and prolific designers of my time. Spoiler: I did. Once registration opened, I spent 30 minutes trying to get around the perpetual busy signal and reserve a spot (space was limited and the classes were popular) and lucked out. I feel like someone, somewhere knew I needed this.

The class itself was great. I’ve always been too terrified to knit with yarn and no intention. I think it’s because I might single-handedly support the hand-dyed fiber industry with my income so I felt like I’d be wasting my money if I screwed up my own design. But it turns out that’s nearly impossible to do. As long as you know the basic shapes and understand how to get there, you can make anything a design feature - even unintentional holes (ask me how I know).

It also helps that Stephen West might be one of the loveliest people I’ve ever met. It’s rare to run into someone who’s passionate about their chosen field so everything about the class was refreshing, probably contributing to the calming loveliness of the day. But he also has the patience of a saint and that’s not common, either. I’m a terrible teacher, which is why it’s almost comical that I’m a consultant who occasionally travels to speak about how to do stuff, so I always 100% appreciate anyone who can take a step back and instill knowledge in another human being without getting riled.

I also walked away with a few new friends and realized I need to start meeting more of “my people” at knit nights. Knitters are an interesting breed and I love surrounding myself with the uncommon and unboring. It’s kind of cool how I never leave a yarn shop without a good conversation or connection with someone else, all because we fell in love with textiles or a certain colorway, and I need more of that mojo in my life.

Suffice it to say that this was one of the greatest experiences I’ve had in a long while and I felt 100% happy and in my element. If you ever have a chance to chill with Stephen West in a fortress of yarn, do not hesitate.

Anyway, I’m off to keep working on my shawl design and probably watch a terrible true crime documentary of some sort. If you’re interested in seeing more, check out the rest of my fangirl-squee pictures below.

More Photos from Stephen West at Conversational Threads:

In Progress: 2019 Temperature Blanket [01]

Update: 2022-05-08: I’ve started a new blanket for 2022 (kinda?) that you can read about here, featuring temperatures throughout our first year of marriage rather than working January-December. It’s really fun!

Ask me about my least favorite projects to knit or crochet and I’ll return you a list that looks like this:

• Blankets

• Amigurumi

• Baby stuff

Now ask me about all the projects I’m currently knitting or crocheting and I’ll return you a list that looks like this:

• Blankets

• Amigurumi

• Baby stuff

The weird thing is, I’m not even thinking about running into traffic - yet. I’m enjoying working on all three (yes, three) of the blankets I started over the holidays and chomping at the bit to tear apart my “My Little Pony” and “Disney Princess” amigurumi kits I bought with Christmas money (for those of you asking, yes, I’m a child).

One of those blankets is my Temperature Blanket. What the heck is that? Basically, each day, I record the temperature at 12PM and crochet a row in a color I’ve pre-selected that coordinates with that number. The row takes only about 10 minutes for me to complete so it’s perfect for a quick lunch break recharge OR is really easy to catch up on over a weekend. It’s classic potato-chip crocheting.

This whole concept isn’t new and loads of people over the years have made their own so I feel like I’m late to the party - BUT I’ve been getting back into the instant gratification and thick, cozy texture of crochet lately so I was jonesing to pick up something that could be ongoing.

I’m using the Granny Stripe pattern from Lucy over at Attic 24 except I didn’t chain to start - I did a foundation single crochet because I just really hate chaining, especially on blankets where that means your foundation won’t stretch. I think part of the reason I hate crocheting blankets is because the first row always seems wonky for me. So far, my edit looks good and I actually got the math right so kudos to the art major over here.

At-A-Glance: The Details

Yarn: Hobby Lobby <> I Love This Yarn
Pattern: Granny Stripes from Attic 24
Methodology: See image below for the temperature tiers I’m using

I still can’t believe I’ve got three blankets on the go and a commission on the way that I’m unnaturally excited to start. This is the “new year, new me” I wasn’t anticipating. But every amazing thing in my life has been unexpected so I’m rolling with it.

Hope you all are having a great start to 2019 :)