Tour de Fleece 2011

It's on, honey. Oh yeah it's on.



The real question is do I fork out the $30 to be able to watch the Tour de France streaming online this year? I don't have cable anymore. Tough decisions abound...

It's time! The Tour de France is here! It begins TODAY. I can hardly believe it's been another year but here we are again and I am really excited. Welcome to the sixth annual Tour de Fleece - an online spin-along for people who spin yarn and play with fiber.

The first Tour de Fleece was in 2006. We had 16 spinners and a lot of fun. 2007 was much bigger, with 138 spinners, and even more fun. 2008 was HUGE, with over 400 spinners. 2009 I stopped counting at 1500. I stopped counting in 2010 at 3800. I wonder how many we'll get this year?

The concept is simple, They spin, we spin. A real spinning themed spin-along.



Want to participate?

1. It's all on Ravelry... check out our group. If you're not yet on Ravelry, do yourself a favor and join. It's free of course, just do it already!

2. We also have a Flickr pool here. Join the group and show off your homespun in the pool!

If you want to give it a try, or just follow our progress, or are a fan of the Tour de France, JOIN!

Guidelines (NOT RULES):

1. Spin every day the Tour rides, if possible. Saturday July 2nd through Sunday July 24th. Days of rest: Monday July 11th, Monday July 18st. (Just like the actual tour)

2. Spin something challenging Friday July 22nd. (The Tour’s toughest mountain stage over the Col du Galibier for the second time, and finishing up on Alpe d’Huez.)

3. Take a button if you want one. Then we can use the button on our blogs in show of solidarity. Take it from here or grab a clean one from the flickr pool.

4. Wear yellow on Sunday July 24th to announce victory. Why not wear yellow on any day you feel particularly successful? (Yellow is the color of the race leader in the Tour - but here we are all ‘race leaders’)

5. Other colors if desired: Green (sprinter - think FAST), Polka-dot (climber - as in uphill), and white (rookie)

Teams: Join one, or many, or none. Sign up in the Ravelry group. (I can't stress enough how great the Ravelry group is)

- Peloton (The main group. Everyone is in the peloton at some point)

- Rookies (first years)

- Sprinters (fast and/or high mileage like lace)

- Climbers (conquer mountains, big personal challenges)

- Breakaway (Art yarns)

- Lantern rouge (You will participate as much as possible but you may skip days here and there. Cheerleaders welcome.)

- Wildcards (This is for people who want to form their own team. This includes sponsored teams, like those affiliated with a specific fiber shop or people who live in the same town, etc.)

The teams are inspired by the actual Tour de France.

Prizes:

So far we have some fantastic fiber-related prizes donated... yes we do. To win them you must play along on Ravelry.

On your marks...



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At last check: There are 4287 Tour de Fleece members on Ravelry! (and growing)
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Paris-Roubaix Cuffs and Cowl

Another pattern inspired by cycling? Yes. It was also technically my 50th pattern! I've had two more since then, but clubs throw off linear time cycles.



Beginning in 1896, Paris-Roubaix (Pair-ee Roo-bay) is one of the oldest road cycling races still running. The trek always leaves riders caked in mud and grit from the cobbled paths and rutted tracks of northern France's former coal-mining region.



The best part? The winner gets to keep a cobblestone as a trophy. With this project, you get a smart set of cuffs and matching cowl inspired by the winding tracks and cobbles of this spring cycling classic. Even though this event is nicknamed l'Enfer du Nord, or Hell of the North, this knitting project is more like freewheeling!



Cowl Size: 6.75” long. 20” circumference.

Cuff Size: 6.75” long. Circumference depends on preference.

Yarn: Any Heavy worsted-weight or Aran- weight yarn that gives you proper gauge. Sample shown: Berroco Remix [30% Nylon, 27% Cotton, 24% Acrylic, 10% Silk, 9% Linen; 216yd per 100gr ball]; color: 3930 Smoke: 1 ball.

A note about the yarn - It's made from 100% recycled fibers and is machine washable. Isn't that cool?



Needles: 1 set US #8/4.5mm straight or circular needle (or size to get gauge).

Gauge: 18 sts/25 rows = 4" in Stockinette St.

Notions: Tapestry needle.



Skill level: This advanced-beginner pattern is knit flat and sewn together. You’ll need to know how to cast on, knit, purl, increase, decrease, and bind off.

The pattern is $4.99
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If you'd rather buy a hard copy of the pattern already printed and ready to roll - head over to Twisted.



This pattern was test knitted and modeled by Sorren Kerr. Photographs by Vivian Aubrey. Many thanks!

Song I woke up singing

"Harvest Moon" by Neil Young

Come a little bit closer
Hear what I have to say
Just like children sleepin'
We could dream this night away.

But there's a full moon risin'
Let's go dancin' in the light
We know where the music's playin'
Let's go out and feel the night.

Because I'm still in love with you
I want to see you dance again
Because I'm still in love with you
On this harvest moon.

When we were strangers
I watched you from afar
When we were lovers
I loved you with all my heart.

But now it's gettin' late
And the moon is climbin' high
I want to celebrate
See it shinin' in your eye.

Because I'm still in love with you
I want to see you dance again
Because I'm still in love with you
On this harvest moon.

Here it is later in the day and I'm still singing it. So I am also sharing it.

Oh yes, photo by Chris Heald appearing here thanks to creative commons :)

Bunnies

I found this video on the Twisted blog today and had to post it here. Do NOT click on this link if you have a problem with cuteness!

Angora Rabbits from Patrick Russell on Vimeo.

They don't mention it in the video because fiber people know this but angora rabbits produce angora fiber. Angora goats produce mohair. I love both fibers but not in full force.

I have an angora sweater that I plan on recycling into yarn but it's a little itchy. Maybe I should hold one strand with something else together? Anyone have angora thoughts they want to share?

In conclusion, Bunnies are cute. Also, you need to see Desdemona, the cookie stealing rabbit if you agree.

Lantern Socks

So now that we are getting caught up again, it occurs to me that there was a missing something...

Have you actually seen the final pattern in the Socks For All Seasons collection?



Lantern Festival is celebrated on the last day of Chinese New Year. Traditionally, thousands of colorful lanterns are hung or paraded around during the full moon at the beginning of a new year. At this time, people try to solve puzzles written on lanterns, eat yuanxiao (元宵) (glutinous rice ball) and enjoy a family reunion.



Knit your own beaded lantern socks today, and solve the riddles at the end of the pattern for fun.



Size: This pattern is written for 3 sizes: Small (Medium, Large)

Foot circumference: 7 (8, 9) inches 17.5 (20, 23 cm) unstretched. Will stretch to fit 8 (9, 10) inches 20 (23, 25.5 cm).

Yarn: Fingering-weight sock yarn that gives you proper gauge, 350 - 425 yards; Sample shown: Hazel Knits Artisan Sock [90% SUPERWASH Wool, 10% Nylon; 400yd per 120 gram skein]; color: Wheatberry: 1 skein.



Needles: 1 set of US 1 (2.25 mm) 32” circular needles (magic loop), 2 sets of 24” circulars or double pointed needles OR size to get gauge.

Gauge: 32 sts/48 rows = 4” in Stockinette Stitch.

Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle, tiny crochet hook (I used a steel 10 – 1.25 mm), 28 size 6 seed beads.



The pattern is $3.99
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The Socks For All Seasons Club is $14.99 and provides you with a year's worth of sock patterns:
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I am still here

Hi world, knitters, friends, you!

It's been a weird, difficult six months but I am looking forward to returning to the world of sharing (or over-sharing) my life and design stuff... starting today. Hi!

I'll catch you up on the last few patterns in the Socks for All Seasons club, the recent publications I've been wanting to share, and the status of the Socks For all Seasons e-book (drumroll... delayed!)...

AND did you think I would forget the 2011 Tour de Fleece? Sock Summit? Of course you did. I mean didn't.

To ease us back into hanging out together and again, today's post will have some photographic teases of posts to come.












This last one - Model: Sorren Puddlefish. Photo by: Vivian Aubrey. Many thanks.

Chirality, part 3

It's here! Clue 3 of the mystery sock knit-along.

Click here to download both clue 1, clue 2 and clue 3:

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Chirality in progress

Hobbit Cakes

New pattern!



Having recently read “The Hobbit” I was intrigued by life in the Shire and the luxuries hobbits afford themselves on a daily basis. They love cake! These socks are meant as a celebration to honor the January 3rd, 1892 birth of J. R. R. Tolkien, creator of all things Hobbit.



There is a bonus crossword puzzle at the end of this pattern to commemorate Tolkien in an unconventional way. You cut out the puzzle and twist it into a möbius strip before solving, like an infinity ring.

Come, let’s sit and enjoy the Hobbit Cakes together, shall we?



Size: This pattern is written for 4 sizes: Small (Medium, Large, XL)

Foot circumference: 7 (8, 9, 10) inches 17.5 (20, 23, 25.5 cm) unstretched. Will stretch to fit 8 (9, 10, 11) inches 20 (23, 25.5, 28 cm).

Yarn: Fingering-weight sock yarn that gives you proper gauge, 350 - 425 yards; 20 yards each of 4 colors of Contrasting Colors; Sample shown: Size Large. (MC) Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks that Rock Lightweight [100% SUPERWASH Wool; 360yd per 127 gram skein]; color: Rose Quartz: 1 skein.



Needles: 1 set of US 1 (2.25 mm) 32” circular needles (magic loop), 2 sets of 24” circulars or double pointed needles OR size to get gauge.

Gauge: 32 sts/48 rows = 4” in Stockinette Stitch.

Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle.

Special thanks to Lorna for test knitting and Grant Law for the photos and the crossword puzzle.



The pattern is $3.99
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The Socks For All Seasons Club is $14.99 and provides you with a year's worth of sock patterns:
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Chirality, part 2

It's here! Clue 2 of the mystery sock knit-along.

Click here to download both clue 1 and clue 2:

download now

Chirality

Happy New Year! To get the year started right I am doing a free mystery sock knit-along. I'll release the first clue today and each subsequent clue once per week until the end of the month.

Wha? Yes!

The technique is mosaic knitting which I am quite fond of. No pictures yet, because that would spoil the surprise.

Sizes: Women’s Medium (Large)

Foot circumference:
7 (9) inches (17.5, 23 cm) unstretched. Will stretch to fit 9 (11) inches (23, 28 cm).

Yarn: Fingering-weight sock yarn that gives you proper gauge. Sample shown: Barking Dog Yarns Opposites Attract [100% SUPERWASH Merino Wool; 200yd per 50 gram skein]; 1 skein each color.

Needles: 1 set US #1/2.25mm 32” circular needles or double pointed needles, or size to get gauge.

Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle.

Gauge: 32 sts/48 rows = 4" in st st

NOTES: This pattern is worked from the cuff down with two colors. It includes mosaic knitting, a heel flap, and a grafted toe. The slipped stitches create a fabric that is slightly less stretchy than standard stockinette st. Keep this in mind when choosing yarn and sock size.

What is mosaic knitting? Describing mosaic knitting is harder than actually doing it. Barbara Walker named the process of slipping stitches while alternating rows of color “mosaic knitting” because it naturally lends itself to geometric design. Unlike stranded knitting, you only work with one color at a time. You will slip stitches to give the illusion of colorwork. In this pattern, you will work 2 rows of one color across the round, slipping the stitches that are indicated as the second color, then work 2 rows of the other color, slipping the other stitches. In the charts, The MC is represented with white and the CC is shaded.

Download the first clue now

Redd Soxx

Seeing as how January is right around the corner and I have yet to share with you December's offering from the Socks for all Seasons club, today seemed like the perfect day to do just that.



This month is a funny one for me. It combines a couple of guilty pleasures: gorgeous yarn and filthy comedy. My coworkers will tell you when the boxes of Malabrigo yarn show up, I start singing the Sanford and Son theme song, using the word "Malabrigo" for the melody. Aaaand guess who has a birthday in December? Redd Foxx! Just one day after mine in fact. So, Redd Soxx are here, and they are knee socks, even.



Comedian Redd Foxx is an unlikely inspiration for for a pair of knee socks, sure. In his autobiography Malcom X called Foxx "Chicago Red, the funniest dishwasher on this earth." He was one of the first black comics to play Vegas. And when things in my own life get tough, I can hear him saying “I’m coming Elizabeth!” Which was his character’s recurring statement when a situation turned stressful on Sanford and Son. Check out the coloring book page at the end of this pattern to see this moment, ready for coloring.



Sizes: Women’s Small (Women’s Large)

Foot circumference:
7 (8) inches 17.5 (20 cm) unstretched. Will stretch to fit 8 (9) inches 20 (23 cm).

Yarn: Fingering-weight yarn that gives you proper gauge. Sample shown: Malabrigo Sock
[100% SUPERWASH Wool; 440yd per 100 gram skein]; color: Ravelry Red: 2 skeins.



Needles: 1 set of US 1 (2.25 mm) AND US 1.5 (2.5 mm) 32” circular needles (magic
loop), or 2 sets of 24” circulars or double pointed needles in size to get gauge.

Notions: Stitch markers, cable needle, tapestry needle.

Gauge: 32 sts/48 rows = 4” in Stockinette Stitch



Special thanks to Lorna for test knitting, Shawn X for the sample knitting, and Grant Law for the coloring book page.

The pattern is $3.99
add to cart
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buy now

The Socks For All Seasons Club is $14.99 and provides you with a year's worth of sock patterns:
add to cart
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buy now