A charcoal vest.

Posted on May 13, 2021 by Jen

jenjoycedesign© charcoal-vest4

I have been working through unfinished projects since the beginning of the year and finally committed to this long hibernating one. I bought the tweed yarn for it two and a half years ago when we were living in the tiny house in the charcoal forest , and at that particular time I felt urgency in knitting the same Calidez Cardigan to replace my lost original . Everything was freshly burned, practically still smoking, loggers gone through and the landscape languishing. I had knit 14″ of the sweater body before squirreling it away to hibernate while I worked on other things, as I shifted into Spring and new designs. But March of this year, when I started it up again I found that I might not have enough yarn to finish the sweater, realizing that either I didn’t buy enough, or used a ball of it on something along the way, and too much time had passed for me to remember. So it was an easy decision to go ahead and knit the Calidez Vest instead, and then I rattled it off quick! I am so glad I got this finished because I really am ready to mentally close the gate on that dreadful time. Oh, but I couldn’t help myself finishing off the vest this morning with six “burned wood” buttons I found on Etsy . . . : laughs :

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A totally off season finish as well,

I will fold this vest up and store it in the woolens dresser for at least 6 months if not longer.

Did I say yet how happy I am to be finished with this project?

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♣ ♣ ♣

Pattern: Calidez Vest (with high v-neck)

Yarn: Studio Donegal Aran Tweed in color 4801 “charcoal”

Project details on Ravelry

jenjoycedesign© charcoal-vest1

I got a new bag!

Posted on April 15, 2021 by Jen

jenjoycedesign© felted Maiya'kma large bag 2

Well, you know what I mean, I made a new bag.

Knitted, then felted.

jenjoycedesign© felted Maiya'kma large bag 3

Just a perky large bag, big enough for me to put a whole sweater project into perhaps while I knit-walk for a little while, while knitting a body section . . . or whatever.

jenjoycedesign© felted Maiya'kma large bag 5

Shown on Abelene, a life-sized “woman thing”, this actually is the first prototype of three yarns held together, of three different colors, which in fact give even more of a texture visually, as well as a supremely thick and gorgeously rich color depth of felted fabric.

jenjoycedesign© felted Maiya'kma large bag 7

Just two hot washes in the washer machine made this great thick plush wool bag from a big floppy giant one (( and wouldn’t you know, how dumb was I to forget the before photo )) having shrunk at least 25% and weighing a little over 500g. I cast on 100 sts and very gradually and randomly decreased throughout the body, attempting an improvised wedge shape, with the turned-edge of the shaped bottom being only 80 sts. I must say, I couldn’t be more pleased.

jenjoycedesign© felted Maiya'kma large bag 4

Pattern: Maiya’kma

Yarn: Wool Of The Andes worsted : colors garnet, brass, and amber for the rust, and varying changing shades of blues and greys for the blue.

Project Details: on Ravelry here.

A sock novelty.

Posted on March 30, 2021 by Jen

The socks mentioned in my last post are at last finished, and just in time for Jeff’s birthday, although that is purely by accident.

I am seriously pleased with the plush fabric made from holding two fine merino soft sock yarns together, and using my usual 2.5mm needles. Its like the two yarns balance each other and fill all the stitch together so that it is nearly like thick chamois. I really love the aesthetic of of these socks, and all basic simple knits.

Getting to know Jeff through the years, a man of an extraordinary and somewhat intimidating physical work ethic, (not hard to guess is only three generations from Amish roots), and yet he can not stand scratchy itchy wool, nay, but as said before, this merino chamois is something I am sure will stand the test. And these are very much mens boot socks, even too big for the large sized sock blockers, and they did not take forever because of the two yarns held together.

Jeff’s first impressions on me, the Amish ” plain & simple ” aesthetic, was at first a novelty, but over the years has seeped and settled into me, and become a quiet smile of contentment, void of the superfluous. If this could be expressed in socks , it would be in this very pair, only enough ribbing to hold the socks on through the boot tongue, to get the work done of staying on the leg and no unnecessary immodest fancy work beyond that.

What I am saying technically, is the rib/cables are worked through until the gusset is finished decreasing, then continue to knit the rest of the sock in stockinette. I have not paused for a minute, as soon as Jeff’s socks were laid out to dry, I cast on another!

♥ ♥ ♥

Pattern: Walking With Emma (above shown in chart D)

Yarn: Knit Picks Stroll, colors Granite and Midnight Heather

Project details on Ravelry Walking with Emma & Her Dad.

Brindle Beret & Gloves

Posted on February 17, 2021 by Jen

This rustic tweedy ensemble tells a story of morning walks in the country, just come in from the cold foggy damp, and flung on to the nearest post as one urgently makes their way to the kitchen to put the kettle on!

My latest glove and beret set, a satisfying contribution to my drawer full of wintery woolens I have been busy making.

Basic beret & gloves are rather easy to knit if I may say so myself.

Oh, and a nifty way to attach a felted toorie (pom pom)

. . . just tie it on!

Both gloves and beret are featured in my latest pattern collection of basic & essential wintery accessories:

A Drawer Full of Winter

Details of these projects; yarns, sizes, all of that, can be found on Ravelry here and here.

g(love)

Posted on January 29, 2021 by Jen

I have just finished another pair of gloves from my new pattern collection and let me tell you, these are completely addictive ( and I must cast on for another immediately! ) This pattern collection is great for using up stash of many weights (gauge substitution for gloves from light worsted to very fine fingering weight) , this short cuffed pair was knit from dk weight, and used less than 40g of yarn. It was once a sock that never had its sock-mate knit, what they call “second sock syndrome” . . . so I put the lonely sock out of its misery.

Pattern: Drawer Full of Winter.

Yarn: Rowan Felted Tweed dk – color “Watery”

Ravelry details: HERE

All posts in this series

A drawer full of Winter.

Posted on January 20, 2021 by Jen

In recent months I decided to make myself a drawer spilling over, full of knitted winter woolens for the cold days ahead, mostly in Isager Tweed (of which I happen to have recently hoarded). I explain at length in the previous post about the meaning behind this particular collection and introduced a pattern overhaul as I designed a few cowls, a plain & simple sock to add to my existing pattern set of hats & mitts. In its most recent overhauled form it is a five pattern collection of essential items, and I’ve named A Drawer Full Of Winter . After the last post I was about to let it go for a while, but as January was just getting started, the coldest month of the year, I knew I wasn’t finished, especially as I still didn’t own a pair of gloves. As I promised to update the collection whenever I wrote a new design to add to it, I have just this very minute have done. A new essential wardrobe item ~~ full fingered gloves~~ now added, done & dusted!

I am fascinated by gloves recently. I am in fact, smitten by the concept of a well knitted glove, how a truly good fitting glove allows one’s hand to articulate as if it had no glove on at all. I labored over the New Year while designing such a glove, which reflects every difference of each finger, and let me tell you, by taking such close study of my own fingers I never realized how each one is quite unique. I have observed that not all fingers are alike, thus not all knitted fingers should be alike, nor placed alike on the hand. The little finger is in fact knitted first, independent of the other three, more of the ‘ upper hand ‘ knitted, then the other three. And that is not even to mention the thumb! Oh the thumb, and its relation to its four counterparts, and the very relationship which creates a right and left essential fit. Oh , but the ring finger , middle finger, and index finger, are equally as different. I am telling you now, no finger is identical to the other of the hand, nor is it of the glove, this glove, my labor of love. Perhaps the biggest labor of knitterly love I have designed to date, and for such a simple thing. I find that I am quite absorbed into the simple essential things lately.

I’m feeling the long shadows of January, and my cozy winter woolens packing into their drawer, is a sight of comfort. Actually today is feeling quite lovely, on inauguration day, sunny and quiet after a couple of days of very strong gusting wind, and now I am letting my sails down for a short while, to let creative ideas build again, and let myself be kissed by a hopeful future.

Sweater Success!

Posted on December 26, 2020 by Jen

Today we met at the castle for Autumn Sweaters 2020.

They are wearing my latest sweater design Sol Inca,

the “afterthought” pullover.

The sweaters were so long in the making . . .

jenjoycedesign© sol inca at castle 16

and in the waiting even longer to get together . . .

then with so many tourists milling about the castle, we just made it quick.

Although fewer photos were taken, as usual my nieces were fabulous!

In closing, SOL INCA design came from a well spring of curiosity, where from I researched culture and made many relevant posts in series “Gifts From The Sun”.

(click 1st image & see entire slideshow)

out of autumn . . .

Posted on December 18, 2020 by Jen

jenjoycedesign© birthday socks 5 (2)

I am not doing holiday knitting this year. . .

jenjoycedesign© birthday socks
but these are for a birthday coming up next week, my oldest niece will be 21!
I will give these lovely pair of Walking With Emma socks to her when I give both nieces their sweaters some time before the year is over, when we will meet at the castle for a spontaneous photo shoot.

(( I can’t imagine being with them and not smothering them in hugs! ))

jenjoycedesign© birthday socks 4

So close to the winter solstice, I go stepping out of autumn, walking with tender foot steps so I am careful not to wake nature from its much needed wintery slumber. Waiting, waiting, waiting . . . and staying creatively immersed and thoughtful while we get through another shelter-in-place for the remainder of the year.
Everybody, please stay home and stay well!
xx

two done . . .

Posted on December 2, 2020 by Jen

Beyond a shadow of a doubt, I am finally finished Autumn Sweaters 2020, two Sol Inca “after-thought” pullovers. Admittedly, I have struggled getting these finished this year, no question these are the most involved Autumn Sweaters I have knit for my nieces to date, but at last a celebratory end to all deadline knitting! I finished the first one last September, and its taken me this long to wait for yarn and knit the second. Next time you see these sweaters my nieces will be wearing them, and it likely wont be until later this month at the soonest. It is just as well because it is still a mild 50’s to 60’s in the December days, the real cold doesn’t come around until January and February in this part of the world, when it will get as cold as an average in the 40’s and 50’s , and sometimes in the 30’s in the day. With those temperatures, the grape vines are going into dormancy and Napa Valley is having a short nap, and by then my nieces might be happier to slip on these very heavy weight sweaters. And, if my nieces are more comfortable and cozy and not breaking out in a sweat, I shall be a happier auntie photographer . So maybe even better to wait until January.

I found a lovely detail was to over-dye some of the light grey with Yorkshire Tea, and it made a lovely tone of dark gold in the middle of the suns in the light grey sweater, and I must say I’m very pleased with with the ease of tea over-dye. And hey, do you notice the labels? I ordered labels some time in the summer, and I really like them, and what a simple polish it gives a finished sweater. Makes me dream a little, about selling a few hand-knits right from my blog here. What do you think? That about wraps it up for my deadline knitting, and as I am just working on new ideas for the rest of the weeks, I am going to brace myself for some cozy sheltering in while I get immersed into the next projects I have had on the back burner while I finished these colossal labors of love.

SOL INCA design came from a well spring of curiosity, where from I researched culture and made many relevant posts in series “Gifts From The Sun”.

good-bye summer

Posted on September 21, 2020 by Jen

jenjoycedesign© good-bye summer 5

Walking along my trails, going a little further up the ridge now, making my way around, over and under so many falling blackened trees, carrying the weight of that time almost three years ago, wishing to outgrow the sadness that lingers in the landscape, however robust and magical is the resilience of nature! Goodbye summer.

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jenjoycedesign© good-bye summer 6

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Tomorrow is the Autumnal equinox, and finally I will be walking into Autumn, a season which seems to be more forgiving of endings, fresh and open for verdant return of moss, of life renewed from rain. And on my bare feet I’ll be wearing the comfort of the season, new verdant green mossy boot socks, plush and double thick, two yarns held together merino socks that I cast on at the June Solstice, and knit slowly & purposefully all summer long, while oppressed by sweltering heat and choking smoke. Soon the air will clear and crisp and be again glorious!

(Click 1st image below and see slideshow my walk from the afternoon. )

jenjoycedesignc2a9-socks-1

Fresh off the needles, a very simple boot sock, for hiking . . .

Pattern: Walking With Emma socks

Yarn: Knit Picks Stroll, charcoal and bamboo, held together throughout.

Project Details: Solstice Socks

Sol Inca: The Pattern

Posted on August 3, 2020 by Jen

jenjoycedesign© Sol Inca folded -
It finally came. The moment that happens when months of work completes after the last task. Then one is merely finished!
jenjoycedesign© Sol Inca trio 2
In previous post Sol Inca: The Inspiration Rosanna models two cardigans, the size 3 and size 4, and even pours herself into the size 2 pullover. What I’m thinking is, there are 8 more sizes still yet to be knit, but I am too worn out. Was I really intending to knit them all? I will leave it up to all of the knitters of the world who pass through to get them knit.

Sol Inca is a top-down knitted cardigan with an option to convert to a pullover! I call it an After-thought Pullover. So much energy, knitting, ripping out, and all the cleverness I could manage, went into the convertibility of Sol Inca, and I must admit that I am quite pleased about it. However, presently I am having a bit of withdrawal in my brain for it really was a hard struggle involving lots of thinking! Now I’ve got a mess of yarn bits, stitch markers, needles to put away in their drawers, and go for a walk, if I can manage without collapse. I will close all of the recent series of posts, with a simple favor to ask , and that is to please go see the pattern live on Ravelry, with all the technical information ~~~ HERE.

Thank you, and I’ll see you on the flip-side! xx

SOL INCA design came from a well spring of curiosity, where from I researched culture and made many relevant posts in series “Gifts From The Sun”.

changing direction

Posted on April 7, 2020 by Jen

I have come to a screeching halt with the Swedish Wool. I started to cast on and the wool did not feel right for the design I’ve been working on… so… I put all the lovely yarn in a zippered tote and put in the closet to totally rethink it at a later date. Mildly frustrating because I wanted to go forward with the Peruvian style design and I wanted the colors I had sketched out. So that is on hold for a while too, which is fine, but I felt immediately restless afterward, creatively pacing, going over forgotten unfinished hibernating projects. I remembered I had a lace project on the needles that I put away over a year ago, after having cast on & worked a couple of repeats, I put it down for one forgotten reason or another. Well, now back to a clean slate and defrag’ing. This morning I see a dense fog in the valley, and the sun is making its way up into the sky along with crystal clear and glistening day. Life is just charming sometimes, even if I have to disrupt things and keep changing direction, I must allow myself to do so occasionally. So here is a Fishwives Stole since picking it up and knitting another repeat….

Why did I ever put this lace project down? Last night I spent some time figuring out where I was on the chart so I could continue confidently, and this morning I am now resuming a super fun knit, just what I am in the mood for. Good knitting, morning sun streaming in along with knitting podcasts, and fresh cups of coffee too, my kind of bliss.

Pattern: Fishwives Shoal

Yarn: Sweet Georgia Merino Silk Lace in color ” slate “

yet another . . .

Posted on March 26, 2020 by Jen

I’ve just finished yet another Maiya’ kma felted wool basket, and with two short handles it is like a market bag. I can’t believe how much fun they are to make and I can’t seem to stop myself. It is truly amazing that such a stiff and rugged wool basket was transformed in two hot wash cycles from this . . .

I really love this colorway by the way . . .

Here it is paired with the one in the previous post, and now they are a nesting pair!

They are ready for the post now for a birthday next week, and I so do hope the postal service is on time!

Pattern: Maiya’kma
Yarn: Knit Picks Wool Of The Andes Worsted(two-held-together)
Details: For larger here, For smaller here.

And another.

Posted on March 20, 2020 by Jen

Second post of the day, I’m sheltering in and getting lots done. Barely two days of knitting, and two hot wash cycles, and I’ve got another perky little knitting bag! Felted bags which I am in need of because I keep giving them away. Crisp and damp just out of the spin cycle, I’ve got nothing stuffed inside, the stiffness of the thick fabric is holding its own because the two cycles of hot wash felting creates that much dense structure! I love this chart in the pattern, and did two repeats. Beautifully rich textured colors with two colors held together for background, as well as two for the motif, and the colors diffused into each other almost completely in the felting.

Pattern: Maiya’ kma felted wool bag collection
Yarn: Knit Picks Wool Of The Andes Worsted

Another

Posted on March 6, 2020 by Jen

jenjoycedesign© after felting bag
I am quite pleased that I’ve updated the Maiya’kma pattern to include a nice conventional square shaped flap . Here shown is the largest sizes tested and with the shaped bottom, and two straps.
jenjoycedesign© bag detail 2
Before felting, with a girth of 44″ and nearly 400 grams of wool, having no particular shape, transformed dramatically with two hot wash cycles from floppy into a compact, crisp, thick sturdy bag of 30″ around . . . and is a bit amazing !
jenjoycedesign© before felting bag
Edged in i-cord all around, and with the floats in back of the color-work adding to the thickness of the felted fabric, it has made quite a dandy satchel, and with a gorgeous tweedy affect resulting from two yarns of different shades held together. I will go more in depth on this ” tweedy ” affect in another post.
jenjoycedesign© bag detail 1
Detail of the button holes which are made by the i-cord edging simply free & detached for a few stitches. Nearly the whole collection; four sizes of bag, with two of the smallest size baskets . . .
jenjoycedesign© Maiya' kma collection
There’s a quite a hoard o’ wool still left; a lot of blue, some reds, pinks, and greens left in my Wool Of The Andes stash. I’m thinking next will be a few bags for spring perhaps in the colors of native wildflowers. Indian Paintbrush, Clover , Lupine, Brodea, the flowers that the native tribes of the mountain would have enjoyed every spring. ( Please see Genius Of The Place)