Queen Bee Knits

Knitting, Living, Loving, Baking, Tips, Tools and Idle Chatter

Always On My Mind … a gift for Rita

Posted on September 14, 2013 by Queen Bee Knits

“Misty Garden” by Jo Sharp from the book Scarf Style

I have posted about my “new” big brother before in my blogging. The wonderful cousin who shared the fact of his existence is getter older and lives in New York City where it gets mighty cold. The last time we were in the city for my daughter’s engagement party, I saw a lady on the subway with a hat and scarf on and I thought about Rita.

Yesterday I cast on a project that will be a gift for Rita. A scarf and probably a hat, too. I am knitting the scarf from a beautiful (Reynolds Odyssey 100% Merino Wool) yarn in shades of blue. I have four skeins (415+ yards) of this great yarn for the scarf. The hat will have to be in a coordinating yarn. Maybe I’ll make some gloves or mittens too. I just want her to know how much I love her.

The pattern that I am using is from the book Scarf Style by Pam Allen. And is called “Misty Garden” by Jo Sharp. It was meant to be for a mohair blend yarn (thus the “misty” part) but my merino is knitting up really well … and the colors will compliment Rita’s blue eyes!

It’s a feather and fan pattern, basically and it’s easy to remember so I don’t have to carry the book with me. Makes my project much more portable! And I hope it will tell Rita just how special she is to our family and that she’s always in my thoughts.

Gone knitting!

I’ll have photos as this new project progresses.

For now, though, I’ve … gone knitting!

All my Yarn is Packed?

Posted on May 28, 2013 by Queen Bee Knits

Cascade 220 and Colinette Jitterbug

When we head north to Maine for vacation in the summer, we’ve always driven. And I’ve been able to take a bunch of yarn (often more yarn than clothes) so that I can pick and choose my knitting projects.

This year, however, I’ve been working and wasn’t able to leave when N. decided it was time for him to go. So, I kissed him and our big brown dog goodbye and off they drove. What I didn’t realize is that I would have to be really choosy about what yarn I bring because I haven’t got a big plastic box to fill … I have one suitcase (which will fly free, thank you Jet Blue!) to fill with clothes, N’s birthday gifts and yarn, needles, patterns and all the notions that I need to do what I do! Yikes!

So, here’s what I am planning …

1) I have four skeins of Cascade 220 in a multi-colored colorway that will be knitted into slippers for N. Part of his Happy Birthday. The pattern will be Fiber Trends Felt Clogs (design by Bev Galeskas).They may get leather soles so that they last longer. To be added when we get home and they’re felted.

2) I have four skeins of Cascade 220 in a turquoise colorway that will be knitted into slippers for me. I’ve been waiting to use the pattern by French Press Knits, French Press Felted Slippers (by Melynda Bernardi). I’ve been coveting this pattern for ages and it’s time to give it a try!

3) The beautiful blue Colinette merino is going to be made into a vest from the book, Swing Swagger and Drape (by Jane Slicer-Smith). A vest because I live in Florida. I can always add sleeves if needed later on. I saw the pattern, Boxes Drape, at the Maine Fiber Frolic and it was love at first sight.

4) I’m taking the Purl Bee cowl to fix and finish.

5) I’m taking my brothers 50th birthday socks to finish.

Fiber Frolic 2012 Yarn … frogged Boxy Cardigan

6) I’m taking my yarn from the Maine Fiber Frolic … the frogged Boxy Cardigan … hoping to find some inspiration and get it knit up into a wearable piece of Maine to bring back to Florida in the fall.

7) The cotton tank tunic is also going along unless it’s finished before I can leave.

8) Lasts but not least, N took his “boyfriend” sweater up in the truck. It has been closeted away (literally) for at least a year because I can’t bear to look at it. All the work and expensive yarn … and it doesn’t fit. Not even close. Another do-over opportunity.

9) I have to add to this list that I will be teaching myself to crochet this summer too, in addition to the knitting projects that I have on my list. I’ve wanted to learn and am making this promise to myself. I will be able to crochet (at least be a beginner)!

I’m so grateful for the opportunity to spend some time in Maine again this summer. I am also grateful for the opportunity to work for the school that I’ve worked for for the last 50 days. I have loved the experience, the students, the teachers, the administration … it’s been great to be part of the Woodlands family.

Gone knitting!

Twin Baby Socks

Posted on February 13, 2013 by Queen Bee Knits

One of each is a real blessing. I’ve decided to knit something for the babies and started with my favorite baby wash cloths … baby feet. I found some wonderful cotton yarn in Maine last summer. Ta! Da!

Lov this green!

And this salmon is fabulous!

To go with the wash cloths, I decided to make a couple pairs of booties but the pattern annoyed me (not sure if it was the pattern or me but it simply wasn’t working for me) so I went with the basic sock in baby size. I love the gray Cascade Eco Alpaca (100% baby alpaca) yarn. It’s a little bit “splitty” but so soft and will be so warm on those baby toes!

I wanted to have a little bit of “color” for the socks so I used an eyelet row to embellish the plain socks and allow me to add a bit of ribbon for the color (I went traditional this time but the new mom can change out ribbons if she wants). The eyelet row was simply a purl row, a row with a few yarn over, K2togs as evenly spaced as I could get it, and then another purl row. I’m really happy with the way that they turned out.

They’re all wrapped and ready to be sent! I can’t wait to see pictures of the little ones wearing these socks!

Gone knitting!

Queen Bee WIPs

Posted on January 20, 2013 by Queen Bee Knits

Downton Abbey KAL with Jimmy Beans Wool – Lady Violet’s Dinner Gauntlets

This KAL is my first and I am really enjoying it. We’re knitting “Lady Violet’s Dinner Gauntlets” with Lorna’s Laces Sportmate yarn. I love the yarn, although, because we were away for Christmas, I decided to postpone buying the Christmas at Downton colorway and I don’t like my substitute (Spats) as well. I fixed that last week, though, by ordering a new skein of the Downton color way and it should be arriving soon. When the first gauntlets are done, I will happily knit up a second pair! The gauntlets (as you may or may not be able to see) have a violet pattern made up of little yarn overs and they have a pair of eyelets up the inside of the arm. I’m guessing that they’ll be laced at the end. We shall see. Today’s clue will finish the hand and thumb and next week’s clue will tell us why we cast on with a provisional cast on. I must be a real knitting geek/nerd!

Churchmouse Yarns & Teas – Turkish Bed Socks

These adorable bed socks are the third pair I’ve knitted. The first pair were too big (and I’ve tried to felt them (sort of) to make them fit better. They still fall off my heels but I wear them anyway. They’re wonderful with my clogs!

Pair #2 was frogged. Totally too small because I didn’t swatch with a different sock yarn which turned out to be significantly “thinner” than the Koigu KPPPM that the pattern was written for. That won’t discourage me from trying again because my bee stripe yarn really wants to be a pair of bed socks!

This, obviously is pair #3. The yarn is a hand-dyed colorway that I bought in Maine last summer called “Maine Lobstah” (if my memory serves.) I love it. I did have to go up a needle size to get gauge!

This pattern is a different way to construct socks and it’s fun to do something different for a change. I’ve just completed the heel and joined the flat first part to knit the foot in the round. I should be able to complete this pair with a few hours of knitting time.

Cantaloupe Baby Feet Wash Cloth

Two Baby Feet wash cloths are finished and off the needles but for weaving in the ends and blocking. I now need to knit a couple of pairs of booties for said baby feet. A sweet friend of mine (a much younger friend) is having twins in February. I thought it appropriate to send her a little something hand knit from me. I really loved knowing her and they’re going to have such an exciting time with two little bundles of joy!

Salmon Baby Feet Wash Cloth

Vintage Velvet scarf from Scarf Style by Pam Allen

And last but certainly not least, my Vintage Velvet scarf. This pattern is from the book Scarf Style by Pam Allen. I’ve had this book for years. Maybe even for a decade. All because I saw this scarf, made by a college friend, way back when and I loved it. When I saw the price of the yarn, however, (Meunch Touch Me), I decided it was too much at that time to “fork over” for a scarf. No matter how much I wanted the scarf. So, I’ve been waiting and watching for an opportunity to buy the yarn on sale. And lo and behold, I got my chance at a yarn shop that was closing (sadly) where the yarn was 50% off! So, for half price, I got my yarn and I’m knitting the scarf.

I wish there were “feel-a-vision” … like smell-a-vision only for those of us who like to feel stuff instead of smell or watch! It is the softest yarn I’ve ever knitted with. And it will be interesting to see how it changes when it’s felted. Yes, you heard me right, I’m going to have to felt it – chenille. Felted. Doesn’t seem right, does it?

So, there you have it. The Queen Bee’s WIPs! Now that I’ve told you all about them, I’m signing off and …

Gone knitting!

Leg Warmers in Process

Posted on November 29, 2012 by Queen Bee Knits

My daughter the actor wants a pair of leg warmers for Christmas. I love that she asked me to make them for her! Love it! And so, I got on Ravelry and found several patterns for her to give me an idea of what she had in her mind. This child knows what she wants!

The pattern that she liked is by Drops Designs and can be found here. They’re considered leg warmers or yoga socks. Yoga socks don’t have toes or heels. Leg warmers are over the knee length. So, when I was in New York visiting her (and seeing her show on Broadway) we went to Soho and visited Purl Soho. Oh. My. God! Talk about a little piece of heaven! I didn’t get nearly enough time to browse adequately … and I probably could have spent a couple of hours in the store. The colors, the fibers, the light wood and tea and it was so busy!

The Queen Bee at Purl Soho

I was so enthralled with the shop that I forgot to take photos inside! Sorry!

She picked a Madeline Tosh yarn in two colors and wants me to do the pattern design. (The Drops pattern was in a self-patterning yarn and much more .) The yarn is Madeline Tosh’s Tosh Sport (100% superwash merino wool; 270 yards; 5-6 sts = 1 inch) The colors that she chose are warm mushroom, a lovely neutral that is warm and the color of mushrooms – aptly named. The second color is fig. A deep, rich, reddish-brown that is a lovely contrast with the warm mushroom.

My swatch (yes, I made a swatch for this project!) was perfect! On the money – 26 stitches and 13 rows!

Swatched Stitches!

The yarn is yummy to knit with – and I am moving right along! As I’m knitting and designing at the same time, I am never sure if I’ll love the pattern. But I am pleased with it. The sample shown in the pattern is much more pattern-y so I had to make sure she was liking the direction I was taking. (I texted Kate a picture today for the stamp of approval and she liked it.) This is the picture that I texted to her …

Leg Warmer #1 … is on the needles!

So far, so good! Only about 36 inches left to knit. (Oh, yeah, and did I mention that I still have to knit two Christmas stockings?) Did I tell you before that I love knitting? Well, I do! I just hope that they fit her legs!

Gone Knitting!

i(have a new)Phone

Posted on May 9, 2012 by Queen Bee Knits

I got an early Birthday gift from my sweetie and as a result, I’ve lost a day (and a half if I’m really being honest) of work with play … well, it’s sort of play and sort of brain exercise. 🙂

I have a new iPhone and I’m trying to figure out how to connect to the Cloud and get my emails to work and putting the calendar on it and all that good stuff.

Long story short, if you call me … I know I can answer the phone!

I feel like such a techie!

Gone knitting!

Today’s Completed Projects

Posted on April 14, 2012 by Queen Bee Knits

I wrapped up a couple of projects today and it feels good to get things finished. No pressure, for sure, but good to finish none the less. Here’s my story about one – or at least it’s a partial story!

I’ve made a twelve inch square for a group gift that my group will be assembling for a special member. I’ll explain more after it’s been presented but here is my square …

"The Candle Tree"

I didn’t want to do just a plain square. Tried a couple of stitches that I was unfamiliar with and then found this one in one of my stitch books – Barbara G. Walker’s A Treasury of Knitting Patterns (if you want to buy a book of stitches, this is one of the ones to buy. Clear concise directions and a ton of different patterns. The only “problem” is that there are more than one treasury … so start your library!)

The pattern (on p. 290) is called “The Candle Tree” and it’s a panel of 35 stitches. I liked the idea of the candles as a memorial – I’ve explained my love of the Jewish tradition of Yarzeit candles before in my blog and that’s part of why I love the pattern. The tree is a symbol of family (think “family tree”) and strength (think “mighty oak”) and perhaps also a bit of the natural circle of life. and the tree as a symbol of family and strength. When I can tell you more about the gift that we’re giving, you’ll understand why this patch or square is significant!

I didn’t get the tree perfectly centered but it’s now blocked and ready to go to the assembly team (of one?) I am excited to see the end result – and if I do say so myself, it’s a really thoughtful gift – and see how its recipient likes it. I think she’ll be very touched.

I also did some baking today. Needed to attach my feet to the ground. I love this recipe which I found on the Internet … Levain Bakery’s Oatmeal Scones. I have been making this recipe for quite some time and my brother once said they were the best scones he’d ever eaten. I use a gluten-free flour and craisins in lieu of all-purpose flour and raisins. Today I even threw a few currants in because I didn’t have quite enough craisins. They are so delicious. You really should try them! And it’s easy to make scones – I mixed all the ingredients together and then added the diced butter and mix it all together with my hands until crumbly and then add the milk/cream/buttermilk and quickly mix it together with my mixer. Rather than mess up my counter, I use an ice cream scoop and have perfectly shaped, similarly sized scones that freeze really well … and we can warm up one or two each morning! I love Turbinado Sugar as a sweet and crunchy sprinkle on top! You could also make a little “frosting” with confectioners sugar and milk or orange juice and drizzle on top. Try it out!

Gone knitting (well, walking first and then knitting!)

Happy Valentine’s Tree

Posted on February 14, 2012 by Queen Bee Knits

For Valentine’s Day, my sweetheart bought me a tree. It’s a very special tree. One that I’ve been coveting since I moved to Florida.

When you grow up in the Northeast, you become accustomed to picking apples in the fall. That’s about the only fruit tree that thrives in the cooler climes of New England. The same can be said for Ohio, where I raised my children.

Florida is different. They grow citrus here. In December the fruit begins to ripen and oranges and grapefruit with their sunshiny colors cover the trees. It’s totally foreign to me but I’ve enjoyed the difference. Now I have my own citrus tree right in my own backyard.

It even has baby limes on it already … how did it know? When they grow up, they’ll be in my cocktail! Lucky limes … and lemons … and oranges!

Gone knitting!