Poffertjes Handout

I'll post a picture of Tyler's helmet liner hat and big black socks in the next day or two. I need to take a photo before I send them off to him. He leaves for Afghanistan very soon.

Tonight, however, I was preparing for classes that I'll be teaching at A Knitted Peace. One of the classes, Poffertjes (Dutch Pancakes) by Megan Rogers is planned to start in March next year. You can purchase the pattern here or here.

I made a handout for the knitters so that they can get out their colored pencils and plan their colors. Part of the handout is below:

Clicking on the picture will take you to a larger version. Use your Back button to come back here.
I've been working on a version of this blanket for a while, and will make another one as a sample for the store. I need to pick out the yarn and colors for the blanket for the shop. I've got some of my "pancakes" finished. I'm looking forward to getting back to this project.
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Cruise Websites Are Up

There are now two websites that have information about the knitting cruise. For details and booking, go to:
http://www.mycruiseplanner.us/cs/73547

and for the blog, go to:
http://knitwithcolor.blogspot.com/

Explorer of the Seas is one of Royal Caribbean's mega ships
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Knit With Color Cruise - A Few Details

Plans for the Knit With Color knitting cruise are coming along nicely. Soon the cruise will have its own website, but I thought I'd post some details now.

We will be aboard Royal Caribbean's Explorer of Seas, an amazing and very large ship. The cruise will be 9 days in length, October 14 to October 23, 2010, in time to see the beautiful fall colors on the east coast. We will be leaving from, and returning to, the Cape Liberty Cruise Port, NJ. The ports of call will be: Portland, ME; Bar Harbor, ME; Saint John, NB; Halifax, NS and Boston, MA.

If you go to the Royal Caribbean's website (click here), you will see the day-by-day itinerary.

The prices listed on the website are the ones for non-knitting companions. Yes, you can bring your friend, spouse, significant other, whoever! (whomever?). For knitters, there will $100 added in order to cover classes, teachers, swag bags and their contents, final night party, etc. etc. If you work out the price/day, I think you'll agree that it's very reasonable.

First time cruisers may not realize that the cruise price includes your meals, too.... and if you talk to anyone who has cruised before you know that the food is wonderful and very plentiful. There are also many things you can do on the cruise at no extra cost.

Yes, you can book now. A deposit of $300 is required at booking for knitters, and $250 for non-knitters. Call our expert cruise planner, Patricia Babischkin, to reserve your spot: 1-888-286-9827. Patricia is in the Eastern time zone. By the way, she's a knitter, too, and coming on the cruise with us! Final payment isn't due until July 31, 2010. As with any trip, travel insurance is always encouraged as "life happens" sometimes and unexpectantly.

We are in the process of planning some exciting shore trips and if there are any costs involved, that will be extra, and minimal. One of the stops that's been confirmed is visiting Lucy Neatby's studio when we stop in Halifax. Unfortunately, Lucy will be travelling then, but we will be well taken care of by her staff. I'm working on another stop in Halifax, too, which will excite knitters. I just have to be sure that the logistics work out before I announce it. I'll confirm as soon as I know definitely! How's that for a teaser?

During our trip we will have three at-sea days in which you can take classes if you wish. We are very lucky to have Cindy Fite and Ana Petrova joining us. I have to tell you, I was very excited when they agreed to come along and teach. They are currently working on their classes and I'll list them on the cruise blog when I have more information. You can sign up for these later.


Both are excellent instructors and you will come away with exciting new ideas and skills. Don't worry if you're a beginner or very experienced, there will be something for everyone.

Of course, there will be LOTS of knitting time. The ship has many lounge areas, so all you have to do is sit and relax and knit with others, or have some quiet time to yourself.

I've started an email distribution list so that I can notify everyone when there is something new to learn about the cruise.

If you'd like to be added, email me at: joanne @ jconklin . com

I almost forgot to tell you. If you'd like to arrive a day or two before the cruise starts, we will be arranging a group rate at a nearby hotel. More on that later when the details have been worked out.

I hope that you will come along and join in the fun. I'm very excited about this trip. I plan to do everything I can to make it fun for you! Anyone want to go ice skating with me on the ship?!!
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Bob Martin, Fashion Designer

Welcome back. Let me introduce you to Fashion Designer, educator, Bob Martin.


I asked Bob a number of questions, but first, a bit of background:

Bob Martin breaks the mold of the “typical” Fashion Designer ' His unique “country boy” roots and experience in woodworking, leatherworking, and ice sculpting have him an abundance of skills. These ideas and skills are evident in his work which have been on display in London England and can be seen in blockbuster movies such as “Sweeney Todd”.

His passion for design and innovation has led him in a successful career in fashion, and in particularly the area of fashion education. His most recent design work is a capsule collection of shoe accessories called the “Heel Jacket.”

Bob is the creator of How to Fashion Design with Bob Martin can be purchased at major retailers like Best Buy.com, Target.com and Barnes and Noble.com. He is also a featured designer for Bernina of America Inc. I've got this DVD set and it's excellent. I was drawing a fashion figure with the very first lesson. Bob's instructions are very clear and I had success on my first try.

“My vision is to see an upcoming generation of Fashion Talent develop as a result of this program and flourish beyond what has ever been, in ALL Facets of Design."

Here are my questions and Bob's answers:

1. Would you ever consider being a contestant on Project Runway?

I had considered applying for Project Runway earlier on, but now I don’t really feel it is the path leading to where I am going now in my career . This is mainly because my aspirations have changed, now being involved with the How to Fashion Design DVD program, and with the other areas where I want to work. I don’t see Project Runway being a benefit to those goals. I am a competitive person so that aspect of the show excites me, however the project challenges Project Runway presents with a time constraint and the way the challenge are presented to be completed, don’t allow for the design aspect that I like. So the show does not inspire me in the way I like to design, not that this method is wrong but it just isn’t me as a Designer.

2. Do you have any hints for drawing knitwear, that is, pullovers, cardigans, etc.?

Drawing knit wear texture is tough. One of the best tips I can give you for replicating knit wear in your drawings, is one I use. Find an item with a textured surface, like a piece of sand paper . Place the sand paper under your drawing and rub your pencil overtop to create the look. Try using different types of items under your paper depending on the knit you want to simulate. All types of items can have a surface texture to do a rubbing with. Also don’t fill the whole drawing with the texture, just simply add it to the shoulder and select places to communicate it.

What a wonderful idea. I'm going to give it a try.

3. If you had to pick just one, what aspect of the fashion industry would you choose? Designing, teaching, something else?

Teaching design is what I would choose. When you teach design and people are learning then you do not have the pressures of designing to turn a profit, or please a buyer, all that is gone and it is just the discovery process of design happening. I love being inspired and watching others experience it. Watching students learn and discover, as well as, see their interpretation of the project. Everyone, be it a teacher, or student, thinks and sees things differently.


4. Where do you see fashion headed in the next 5 years?

I see fashion in the next 5 years turning to more “green” thinking. It is becoming more important to people, really in the last 10 years, and I think you will continue to see that grow in interest. Typically people who don’t normally consider it will.

The bad economy will also force people to rethink their wardrobe and to be more versatile. I think you will see styling play a big role in what we wear. Simply adding accessories to your wardrobe for example, my brand “Heel Jacket”, where women can dress up an ordinary outfit with a cleverly designed accessory.
Ecommerce also will, and has, had an effected on the way we can buy designer clothing. Some people never had access to buy certain top brand names. Internet has opened the door for people to buy brands and styles they would not have before.

5. Do you have a favorite area of fashion? Theater, vintage, haute couture, ready to wear, for example?

Haute couture is what I really enjoy seeing on the Runway.

6. Do you have a favorite designer, and why?

Aitor Throup is one of my favorites. Garrith Pugh is as well because his designs are off the wall and bizarre, yet exquisitely executed. His garments are far out, but believable at the same time. Most people think, I would never wear that, but this is the type of design that inspires other ready wear designers. I really like those designers that are inspiring other designers.
Some designers look at past designs for inspiration, and there are even designers that look back to their own designs and find new inspirations. You hear some designers say, don’t copy my designs, but in a way it is a compliment to have someone look at your work and be inspired by it. I love to see a design come down the runway that makes you think….. I have seen that before, but I can’t quite put my finger on where it was I saw it. These types of fashions are truly innovative and you will see them filter down through seasons, to other designer’s collections
.

7. Would you ever consider making a DVD for knitting designers? I’d love to see a DVD that specially taught how to draw heavy sweaters, jackets, pullovers, accessories, etc

Yes, I would love to do a lesson on knitting. I myself would like to become more familiar with it as well. Just be watching out for it, sign up to my newsletter at http://www.howtofashiondesign.com/ and I’ll let you know if it goes into production.

8. Can sewing designs be translated into knitting designs successfully?

Yes, anything is possible. I guess I may need to understand what you mean by successful. Obviously the textiles are totally different. But often mistakes can be successful as well, it really depends on what appeals to you as a designer and what you are trying to achieve. For example: I can take a thick piece of leather and a soft fabric and find a way to make them work together in a garment. Whether or not it is appealing to me or “successful” is really a matter of opinion based on what my desired outcome was.

9. Any words of advice for a knitting designer?

My words of advice for a knitting designer are, try to knit anything. One thing that knit designers have over fabric designers are the ability to actually create your textile. Knitwear is very organic because you grow everything. Every time you add a row you can do whatever you want in the design, you can drop stitches, you don’t have to use any seams, you can add yarn, you can take yarn away, and there is no limit. You can literally grow it into anything so let that be your inspiration, to just try anything. Garrith Pugh knitted garbage bags!

10. I have your DVDs, which I like very much. I followed along step-by-step on drawing the human figure and was pleased with my results right away. The idea that a fashion sketch is 9 heads tall is interesting, but is there a formula for drawing people of regular height, 8 heads tall?

There is a formula for drawing the 8 head figure as well. As a fashion designer you will not want to illustrate your designs on a model of 8 heads, for reasons we discuss in the Fashion Drawing DVD. With that said the figure points are as follows for an 8 head figure.

Line 1 – Head Line 2 - Chest line at nipples Line 3 - Waistline, at bellybutton Line 4 - Groin Area Line 5 - Just above the knee Line 6 - Just below knee Line 7 - Mid calf Line 8 - Bottom of feet.

Thanks, Bob, for being a guest blogger. This has been very informative and I'm a fan. I've signed up for your newsletter and bookmarked your website and will be watching for more DVDs, hints and tips in the future. I don't sew, but I appreciate those who do and I find that your DVDs appeal to a broad audience. You have certainly helped and inspired me.

Thanks again and come back again at any time!
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Bob Martin Will Be Here On Sunday

I'm very pleased to have a guest blogger coming to visit Rhythm of the Needles.

Mark your calendars and come back on Sunday to meet Bob Martin. I think that you'll really enjoy his post.
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Snow Day

When you live in Denver, you never know what kind of weather you're going to have from one day to the next. This is what I woke up to this morning. The news says that this part of town has 22 inches of the heavy white stuff already. The kids shouldn't worry, however, as it'll be in the 60s on Saturday for Hallowe'en. As my mother-in-law used to say, "You know what they say about Colorado, don't you? If you don't like the weather, wait 10 minutes."

Tennis anyone?


So, what'a person to do when they have a snow day from work? Well, if it's me, you make a fire in the fireplace, watch the hockey game that you recorded from last night and knit. I'm hoping to finish up the socks and cap for Tyler who is heading off to Afghanistan in a couple of weeks.

And speaking of finishing, I have finished a couple of squares to be added to a group baby blanket project. The blanket is for the owner of Knitch yarn shop in Atlanta, but don't tell her. It's a surprise. Everyone is using Rowan handknit cotton, and since we know that it's a boy, I chose to make a blue square and an off-white one. Each is 6 x 6 inches. As soon as I can get to the post office, probably tomorrow, they'll be in the mail. I look forward to seeing the finished blanket and seeing what everyone else made.

Have a good day, everyone, and if you're in Denver. Stay warm!
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Rob Thomas

Last night I went to the Magness Arena in Denver to see Rob Thomas. This advertising sign was at the top of the section that my seat was in. Obviously, I was going to be with "my people"!!!

The opening acts were Carolina Liar and One Republic. It really wasn't my kind of music. I think I'm too old. I am a cruisin' oldie, afterall, and these bands aren't.

I took lots of pictures of Rob Thomas. Here are just a few (click on each to make it bigger - use your Back button to come back here). The concert was good, not my favorite, but good just the same. I would have liked a few more energetic, fast songs, but there is no denying what a good voice Rob Thomas has. I was glad to hear a couple of songs from when he was the singer for Matchbox 20 (Matchbox 20 fans...they will be regrouping to make a new album new year). I was very happy that he sang "Smooth", one of my favorite songs, that he wrote. (My favorite version is this one that got a lot of radio play, with Santana).

Next week, Playing for Change at the Paramount in Denver. Have I ever mentioned that I love to listen to live music? I'll bet you guessed that already.

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Tonight...

"Ever the Same" - Rob Thomas

Tonight at Magness Arena, Denver

Looking foward to it.
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Color By Kristin

I'm afraid that I haven't been blogging much in the last week or so (obviously) as I've been very busy: new job, planning the knitting cruise (it's going to be so much fun), and knitting plain black socks (boring to photograph and blog about).

I'm now settled into my new job (love it!), the socks are almost finished and the plans for the cruise are coming along very nicely, indeed (details will be forthcoming).

Also....watch, soon, for a post by an exciting guest blogger!

I've just received a new book, Color by Kristin, by Kristin Nicholas:

This is a beautiful book that appeals to my love of color, containing inspirations for color combinations, projects to make and information on designing - pure eye candy for the color lovers among us and a must have in any knitting library.

Rating: 5 out of 5 balls of yarn

Canadian Police Chase

This cracks me up. Enjoy!


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Magazine Overload

I was looking at my bookshelf and realized that I have more than 20 years of knitting magazines that I no longer look at. Rather than continue to dust them, I decided to get rid of them. I know that some knitters would find that to be almost sacrilege, but I'm feeling like a load is lifting from my shoulders. This sizable pile (about 2-feet high) is just some the Knitters and Vogue Knitting. There are more, plus a pile of Interweave Knits and various other titles.

I know that knitters love their stashes, be it yarn or books or magazines. I do, too, but I'm very uncomfortable when it gets too large, as it is now. I kept about a dozen magazines to look at again. I may keep them. I may get rid of those too, later.

For tonight it's been out with the old. Ahhh......

Note to Sue Gordon: Please email me.
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It Feels So Good To Be Bad

I was working at the store tonight and I planned to buy a ball of yarn while I was there. That's it. A single ball of Cascade 220 Superwash to work on a sample for a class I want to teach this fall. But, I was bad. Very, very, very bad. Look what else followed me home. It's the Addi Click set. It's beautiful. I do wish that there were more cables in the set, or at least a 16" cable. There are also no stoppers that you can put at the end of a cable. Otherwise, it's excellent. The joins are smooth and tight. The set comes in a nice leather (I think) case and holds US sizes 4 to 15 (except 10.5, which I don't remember ever needing before). I immediately printed out a label with my name on it. We were bonding! This is coming with me when I travel. Very compact.

I was so good to me and once again I proved that I can resist anything ...... except temptation! Eye Candy Friday? Indeed.
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Dutch Pancakes

It's been very satisfying to finish up projects. Up next will be to complete the Poffertjes (Dutch Pancakes) afghan. It will be a much smaller one than the Lizard Ridge.

[Click on picture to enlarge it. Use Back button to return here.]
I'm changing the pattern, slightly. Instead of making the afghan with 6 rows of 5 circles, I'm going to use 5 rows. This way there will be a center circle. I'm also using a worsted weight yarn instead of sportweight.

The center circle is completed. It's knit in a variegated yarn. Around that center will be ecru-colored circles. Five of the eight are complete. Then, around that will be 16 outer circles, which I plan to do in a sand color.

I'm also going to do a smaller afghan as a class sample as I hope to teach this at the store this winter.

The weather dropped about 30 degrees (Fahrenheit) since yesterday. It's definitely a good day to knit, which I'm now off to do.

More pancakes, please!

Cat Bordhi is a Nut

And I mean that in the very best possible way. Check out this video:



Yorkshire Yarns is a very nice and welcoming shop. I went there with friends last year when we went to the Madrona Fiber Arts Retreat. Gee, I didn't know that Sonya was a singer. Listening to her rendition of Georgia gives me goosebumps. I'd pay to see her perform. Or...maybe a return trip to Washington State is in order!

***Added later: Good news. Cat Bordhi is coming to the shop where I work part time, A Knitted Peace. It's going to be an exciting few days when she's there, I'm sure. Here is what she'll be teaching:

Personal Footprints for Insouciant Sock Knitters
Friday, April 30, 2010, 9 am - 4 pm

Engineering New Stitch Patterns
Saturday, May 1, 2010, 9 am - 4 pm

New Pathways for Sock Knitters -- Advanced
Sunday, May 2, 2010, 9 am - 4 pm

For more information go to the shop's website or give the store a call: 303-730-0366
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The Lizard Has Landed

Finally, after 6 months, I've finished my Lizard Ridge afghan in Noro Kureyon. I have another one in Noro Silk Garden to complete, but I'm in no hurry to finish it. There are other projects ahead of it in the queue. I'm enjoying this flurry of finishing and this was a big project to cross off the list. Now....let's see, what's next?


PROJECT DETAILS

Pattern: Lizard Ridge Afghan by Laura Aylor
Knitty - Fall 2006
Based on a Barbara Walker short row pattern

Yarns: Noro Kureyon 100% wool
24 balls, all different colors, for the squares
1-1/2 balls in #226 for the garter stitch border
Some colors are now discontinued.

Colors Used (left to right):
Top Row - 134, 194, 88, 184
Row 2 - 180, 95, 199, 229
Row 3 - 157, 220, 124, 138
Row 4 - 182, 74, 153, 165
Row 5 - 240, 102, 170, 188
Bottom Row - 209, 219, 226, 128

Needles: U.S. #7/4.5mm
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More Mommy Snug

Here is Mommy Jessica wearing her Mommy Snug sweater. I like to see garments on real people, especially when my daughter wears them! I'm very happy that she likes it.

Clicking on the picture makes it bigger. Use the Back button to return here.
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Mommy Snug

One of the reasons that I haven't been blogging much lately is because I've been knitting a secret sweater. It's the Mommy Snug by Kate Gilbert in the Summer 2006 issue of Interweave Knits Magazine (scroll down the page if you follow the link). It's for my daughter, Jessica, who is expecting a baby boy in late January. She reads this blog, so I couldn't write about it sooner. She now has her sweater so I can post about it. Hi Jess!!

PROJECT DETAILS

Pattern: Mommy Snug by Kate Gilbert
Interweave Knits Magazine, Summer 2004

Size: Small

Yarn: Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool
Color #70, Medium Blue
7 skeins plus a few yards of the 8th skein

Needles: U.S. #5/3.75mm
Notes: This was a very enjoyable knit, especially given the reason for making this sweater in the first place! I made a change to the pattern, leaving off the buttons on the sleeves. I like the subtle short rowing just below the bust line. I also like the fact that the sweater is knit in ribbing, allowing for expansion as needed, and the mock cable detailing on the bottom, the cuffs and neckline. The buttons on the side will also give the sweater more room for her growing belly. If the ribbing relaxes later, it's possible that this could be a sweater that could be worn post-pregnancy. Some knitters loved the low neckline, and some have stitched up the "V" to make it more modest. It's nice to have this option so that the wearer can choose what's most comfortable to her. When I sent this sweater off to my daughter, I also sent a maternity t-shirt if she'd like to wear it under the sweater. She'll be able to wear this sweater more than one way. Jessica's choice.
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Baby Knitting

I'm going to be a Grandma in January and I'm so excited. You'll likely see lots of baby knitting here in the future. My daughter isn't a knitter (although she does know how) since she's so busy with other interests. However, I'm very lucky in that she likes knitted gifts. We, as knitters, like appreciative recipients, don't we?

Not only does she like knitted garments, she sent me some gorgeous yarn and asked me to make something for the new baby. Well, of course, you know that I said yes!! With pleasure. She chose beautiful yarn: Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino in cream and seafoam. We know the baby is a little boy.

Jessica likes surprises, so she doesn't want to know what I am knitting, but she does read this blog. She wants to follow along as I put up pictures and details to see what it will be, little by little. If you know what this pattern is, don't spill the beans, okay?

I will tell you that this is the back, not quite finished, but getting close. I'm making size 6 to 9 months.

Not only am I knitting with the yarn that she sent me, I'm knitting this project with my Mom's knitting needles that are probably quite a bit more than 40 years old. They are straight aluminum needles, Canadian size 10. That's US size 3 or 3.25mm. I like the symmetry of the three generations going into the making of this garment.
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Hello Goodbye

The new hockey season started last night with a goodbye.

Super Joe Sakic has retired and he was honored with a very nice ceremony in which the Colorado Avalanche retired his number, 19, and a banner was raised to the rafters of the Pepsi Center. It hangs next to ones for Patrick Roy (33) and Ray Bourque (77).

His family was with him, his wife, 3 children and his parents. The adults looked on proudly and judging from the look on his kids' faces, they were awestruck by everything going on. (My pictures are still in my camera, so I 'borrowed' these, by the way.)

One man in the crowd loudly shouted out, "one more year". Joe heard it and quipped, "I don't know if I can do that". The Sakics were given a huge painting of the Rocky Mountains and someone behind me said, "I hope he's got a big house to put it in." His buddy replied, "he can probably hang it in his bathroom."

Joe is one of the most gentlemanly and humble of all hockey players. There were video clips showing highlights from his 20-year career, his service to the community and his family life. When they showed one in which he was fighting during a game the crowd cheered loudly. It was probably one of the very few fights he'd ever been in...and he won that one!

All of the Avalanche players wore sweaters with SAKIC on the back, the number 19 and their own name below that. They were signed later by Joe and the player who wore the sweater and will be auctioned off.

After a break, it was time to get the new hockey season underway. The team was introduced and I have to admit that I only recognized a very few names. The Avalanche are in a rebuilding phase this year, but some of the rookies did themselves proud. When the coaching staff was introduced the crowd cheered loudly for a favorite former player, Adam Deadmarsh.

The Avs won the game, 5 to 2, against the San Jose Sharks. All in all, it was a wonderful evening and I'm happy that I was able to be there.
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Knit With Color 2010

It's official. I'm planning a knitting cruise for 9 days, from October 14th to October 23rd, 2010. I've got the wheels in motion and have reserved 55 staterooms for a FALL .COLORS cruise on the US east coast and into Canada's maritime provinces. I checked various websites and the leaves should be at their peak during this time frame.

The ship is Royal Caribbean's "Explorer of the Seas". Here's their description of the ship:

"There's never been a cruise ship like this. Enjoy one-of-a-kind features like an ice-skating rink, the Royal Promenade and a rock-climbing wall. There was only one way to accommodate all of these innovative ideas. We built a bigger cruise ship. The 138,000-ton, 3,114-guest Explorer of the Seas offers more space for every guest - plus enhanced staterooms, expanded dining options and exceptional recreational facilities. This cruise ship is so high-tech, it even features the University of Miami Ocean Lab, a state-of-the-art oceanographic and atmospheric science lab."

Of course, that description only barely scratches the surface of the things available on a cruise. If you've been on one before, you know what I'm talking about. If you haven't, you'll be in for a huge treat.

Here's one picture that I found of the inside of ship, and of course, there is SO much more:


This is the Crown and Kettle Pub:

Added to this are knitting classes, shore trips to yarn shops (and more that I think you'll like!) and wonderful swag bags. I hope to have details within two weeks. There will also be a blog that you can visit for this very special trip.

If you're interested in being added to the mailing list please send me your full name and email address. My email address is: joanne @ jconklin . com (remove the spaces).
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