My punch list (and Cocoknits in the house!)

July 20, 2021

I've had this way of conceptualizing my knitting queue lately--that it is a punch list. On a construction job, the punch list is the list of tasks that need to be finished before the job is considered complete. How in the world can entire knitting projects be items on a punch list?

It's like this: the goal is for you to come in (or poke around the Yarn Folk website) and find new things to explore on a regular basis. It might be a new yarn, a pattern designer who is new to you, or a color combination in a sample you hadn't considered before. How do we get there? I'm always thinking about what I want to add, and why, and I'm evaluating products from suppliers new and old. I might have a sample ball to swatch, or a color card, Or a video presentation from a trade show, or a visit from a trusted rep.

Then there are decisions to make. (Which are not easy! Because it's impossible to say YES to everything.) Then more decisions: colors, quantities, samples, delivery dates.

And the vision of what happens when the yarn actually arrives includes having a way to communicate what that yarn can grow up to BE, and I've never landed on a better method than having lots of inspiring samples. And that's why I have a punch list. Of knitting projects. So if you stop in, and I'm knitting--it's because FALL IS COMING, and I've got work to do....

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…to learn (and do)

three red and orange skeins of yarn with the words "Yarn Folk talks"

CURRENT CLASSES & EVENTS

Social Stitching via Zoom

Thursday, July 22nd, 4:00-6:00pm

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/981942707?pwd=TExyQlRPWnB3OW40QkFZRCs5aVRtQT09 OR open Zoom and enter 981-942-707 for the meeting ID

PASSWORD IS 330044.

Reminder: we've consolidated to just one Zoom event for now, but if you'd like to share project photos, chat, or share KAL progress, we'd love for you to create an account at yarnfolk.com and participate in the community we're building there. No intent to be yet another social network, but it's an option for sharing that doesn't depend on any outside platform. You can find it here.

Olive Knits 4 Day KAL (Fireworks)

Thursday, July 1st to Saturday, July 31st

Details here; view DK yarn options at Yarn Folk here.

...to anticipate

Sometimes it's the little things...in this case stitch markers, the Maker's Keep, and the Stitch Fixer from Cocoknits. We have the stitch markers in Original, Small, Triangles, and Precious Metals, as well as the Flight of Stitch Markers, which is a mix of types. In the shop, the markers are also available singly for 25¢--if you just need a few, or want to try them out. (It's also a way to let folks see what's inside the sealed containers.)

All of the markers are metal, and work with the Maker's Keep, a silicone slap bracelet with a 1 ½" square brushed steel magnet. In addition to metal markers, the Maker's Keep will keep any metal tool (Stitch Fixer, metal cable needles, tapestry needles) close at hand.

The Stitch Fixer is a double ended crochet hook, with hooks that face opposite directions, which make it ideal for fixing stitch patterns that use knits and purls in alternating rows.

…to inspire

About a year ago, I was able to tune into part of a conversation that Harlem Needle Arts hosted via Zoom with artist Bisa Butler, whose quilted portraits are currently exhibited at the Art Institute of Chicago. I definitely have the right kinds of people in my life, because many of them have reached out to make sure I was aware of her work!

Two short videos on You Tube are a nice introduction to Ms. Butler's art (here and here), the longer Zoom conversation is available on Vimeo, and if you're going to be in Chicago before September 6th, by all means go to the exhibit at the Art Institute! She also has an inspiring Instagram grid, and there is more information about her work at Claire Oliver Gallery.

...to stitch

Fireworks KAL

I haven't quite divided for the sleeves, but I've finished with the majority of the bead placement I'm adding to my Fireworks KAL sweater. I did rethink my original plan for the beading, so I'll be adding a few at the beginning of the Fireworks stitches by sewing them on. I think if I was to start the beaded section again, I would use Super Floss to place the beads onto the New York yarn--because it is a woolen-spun yarn, the Beadle Needle was a bit sharp for it, and that caused breakage a couple of times when a particular bead had an irregular hole. (I was able to stop, unknit a few stitches, repair the break, and continue--but I think that using floss would have eliminated the issue.)

My plan, once I'm past the sleeve divide, is to use two sets of 12" circular needles to work the sleeves in tandem--between the Addi Turbo 12" needles and my Chiaogoo Shorties interchangeable set I'll be able to scare up two needles in the same size. This will give me the benefits of working the sleeves concurrently (ummm, they will be the same length) without the frustration of constantly getting myself tangled in a magic loop with two sleeves attached. (So many of you are so good at this, but I'm like a cartoon of an inept dogwalker with too many dogs, and leashes wrapped around me in all directions.)

Understated

I'm definitely at the point with Understated that I need to place a locking marker in the fabric whenever I pick it up just to prove that I am, in fact, making progress. Only 3 inches to go before the hem ribbing! (This is Berroco Summer Sesame.)