Virginia Woolf...

Some of you make get a daily newsletter from knittingdaily. Today there was a post about Virginia Woolf being a knitter.  I know many of us at the shop are voracious readers as well as knitters and crocheters.  I thought I'd post this tribute to Virginia Woolf in honor of our eclectic tastes in knitting as well as literature.

Did you know Virginia Woolf was a knitter?

(NPG 5933. Virginia Woolf (née Stephen) by Vanessa Bell (née Stephen), 1912. Oil on board, 15 3⁄4 x 13 3⁄8 inches (400 x 340 mm). National Portrait Gallery, London)

The one I'm featuring here, about Virginia Woolf's portrait by her sister, Vanessa Bell, really struck me. I'm a big reader, and judging from the number of comments on the August 23 newsletter about needlework in literature, so are you!

I had no idea Virginia was a knitter; knowing that makes me admire her even more. And her quote below about knitting being the saving of life is so poignant, especially considering her ultimate suicide.

I have to think that Virginia was able to lose herself in her knitting, in the feeling of the yarn slipping through her fingers and the needles gently clicking against each other. I hope she found the peace that she sought as she spent time with her knitting.

And I hope you'll enjoy this insight into Vanessa's portrait of her sister.

Virginia Woolf (née Stephen)

In 1911 or 1912, when Vanessa Bell (1879-1961) painted this small portrait of Virginia Woolf (1882-1941), Virginia was working on the draft of what would be her first book, The Voyage Out, published in 1915.

The writer hated to pose and be looked at. The indistinctness of Virginia's features—the eyes and mouth are smudges—might suggest that Vanessa accommodated her sister's dislike of being scrutinized by neglecting to clearly delineate those features.

In fact, the simplified forms and strong colors typified Vanessa's style at the time. All elements of the painting are reduced to flat planes of color outlined in black, with virtually no modeling to suggest three-dimensionality. The colors are bold but not pure—mauves, greens, and blues, orange, turquoise, and gray-green—against which the pink of the knitting is shocking. It is likely that Vanessa experimented with these flat, strong colors after seeing paintings by Vincent van Gogh, Paul Gauguin, and Paul Cézanne in a small exhibition organized in 1910 by her then-lover, Roger Fry. Vanessa characterized her response to the exhibit as "a sudden liberation and encouragement to feel for oneself which were absolutely overwhelming."

It was well-known among her friends that Virginia was a knitter. After Virginia's death Dame Edith Sitwell reminisced: "I enjoyed talking to her, but thought nothing of her writing. I considered her 'a beautiful little knitter.'"

Virginia thought of knitting as therapy. Early in 1912 she reported to Leonard Woolf, before they were married and shortly after she had been in a rest home, that "Knitting is the saving of life." That salvation worked until 1941, when Virginia took her life.
—Fronia E. Wissman

Autumn Projects...

Ocean Serenade by Christiane Burkhard.  Christiane designed and knit this gorgeous shawl out Woole Yarn Creations Color Changing Cotton.  There will be a class on this project coming up in September.   This shawl looks just  like the ocean water. It is in the shop for you to enjoy.

Barbara W. knit this Nora Gaughan sweater called Quarzo...in Book #7.  She  used Berroco Ultra Alpaca Light.
Notes from her project:
Pattern called for 8 skeins (I took 9) I only used 7.  The last skein I rolled and then divided in half.  I would recommend purchasing required number of skeins.  The knitter can then make their own decision on whether they will need the last skein or not at the end.

Pattern calls for Size11 circular in 16" and 29".  I had a pair of 11-24" and they worked just fine for the entire pattern.  I also used the  Size 11 dpn for the sleeves and Size 8 (pattern calls for circular, I used dpns) for the collar.  Pattern, as written, does not say the size 9's are used for the collar.

Sweater does tend to roll at the bottom when knitting.  When I blocked it came out and sweater lays flat.

The decreases for the raglan sleeve as written are very confusing.  They are worked simultaneously.  I suggest writing them out instead of tryig to follow the pattern.

Even after all the confusion with the sleeves, this was a very easy, very quick knit.  I began Thursday, August 26th and completed on Sunday, September. 5th.

Ellyn knit this Striped Graduated Scarf out of 60 Quick Knits.  She used Cascade 220 and Ellyn Cooper's Highland Wool.

Sandee knit this same scarf out of Cascade 220 and Ellyn Cooper's Highland Wool.  This scarf is quick and easy and fun to do.  Ohhh hang on ....they say...you actually have to concentrate a little bit with this project!

Barbara W. knit these mittens out of Cascade 220 and Ellyn Cooper's Highland Wool...we showed this earlier and now here is the complete pair.  These are beautiful mittens.  We'll be having a class in this project coming in October.

Friday Finale...

Our customers are fabulous knitters and crocheters! We don't always get to see their finished projects. But, I figured out a way to post some of their projects for you to enjoy....Ravelry!

Lynda B. knit this Midnight Shawl using Noro Kureyon.

Sam H. knit this fantastic phone cover for her iphone. 

Sam H. also knit this great market bag using Berrocco Suede.

Sam's first pair of socks! She has since gone on to learn the Queen Kahuna method of sock design.

And..here they are! She says she prefers this sock method as it creates a perfect cutstom fit.

Lastly, here is a sweet Princess Caroline Coat that Sam knit.

Margaret knit this Baby Surprise Sweater using Berrocco Comfort DK.

I'm so pleased to be able to share some of these projects that have escaped our camera

New in the shop...

We have lots of new things in the shop.  We have some beautiful new yarns, patterns, bags and needles.  Here is a sampling of some of them.  We hope you'll come by to see everything and visit with us to plan your next project.

Barbara Williams knit up this gorgeous mitten with Ellyn Cooper's yarn.  The pattern is from 60 Quick Knits and is called Spotted Fair Isle Mittens.  Barb will be teaching a class in this coming up in the Fall.
We'll have this posted soon for you to sign up.

Sandee knit this gorgeous Mariposa Shawl using Southwest Trading Bamboo yarn.  In the lower border there are little beads that glisten and set the shawl off perfectly.  This shawl was knit as a commission piece.

We have a shop model in of Plymouth Yarn Company's Unisex Cabled Pullover.  There is also a cardigan knit in this same pattern.  The yarn used is Worsted Merino Superwash.  We have many new colors in of this deep, rich yarn.  Here are a sampling of some of them...

Closeup of cabled pattern...

Conjoined Creations has this new pattern out called... Year 'Round Jacket. The yarn used for this project is called Surf's Up and is made of soysilk and polyester.

Just in are Bryson Rosewood needles made in India.  These are very pretty needles.  This is a nice addition to your collection if you love to collect beautiful tools.

Schoppel Wolle made in Germany has come out with this new Flying Saucer yarn.  This is a unique colorway.  This skein is wound 2 strands at a time so when its dyed both strands match...so, when you actually knit with it you get matching socks or mittens.

We have a selection of Urban Silk is that is made of silk and cotton.

A basketful of Plymouth Yarn Linen Isle made of cotton, rayon and linen.

Skacel Collection has this Urban Silk Lacy Wrap designed by Jackie Erickson-Schwietzer.

We also have some new Laurel Birch bags for your knitting.  

We hope to see you soon for all your new fall projects!

Yarn Winder...

We have beautiful new Yarn Winders in. They are handmade from NH.  They come in a variety of woods from dark to light.  They make knitting or crocheting so much more organized and relaxed because your yarn ball stays put.

We are still gearing up in the shop with our classes.  Christiane has been away in Germany for a few weeks so we've been awaiting her return to get everything ironed our as far as our schedule goes.  We have some new yarns in as well as some beautiful new needles that we'll get posted for you shortly.  In the meantime here are some photos of project ideas out of Linda's stash of books.  Are you thinking about gift giving?

Linda is working on a Bob Blankie.  This simple blanket is knit from Mission Falls cotton.  It comes in many vibrant colors and is also washable.  The only trouble with this blanket is deciding if you want to follow a color sequence.  Linda is just knitting colors randomly.  If all goes well this blanket will be in the shop in a bit for you to check out.  This is a great Thursday knit-in project to work on...you get to chat as well as knit!

Here are a few other ideas of gift giving that I came across looking through some books we've either had in the shop in the past or currently have.

This sweet teddy bear is from...




Handknit Holidays has a wide variety of projects to create....from gift bags,a  sweater, hats, tree skirt to toys. Here are a couple of projects...

Two Cats...the color possibilities are endless.


Beautiful woolen stockings...

A pretty gift bag or tote...

Lastly, we know that many of you do charity knitting of one sort or another....

Knitting into the Mystery is for those of you that like to do Prayer Shawls.  Knitting for Peace has all sorts of projects.  Lastly, Knitting for Good is another great resource for charity knitting.  

Friday Finale...

Casey B. knit these gorgeous socks.  I must apologize as I was so taken with this project that I forgot to ask her the name of the pattern as well as the yarn that she used.  This photo does not show off the vibrant green that they are.  If anyone is interested in more details about this project we can find out more for you if you'd like.

Sheila knit this beauty designed by herself, called...Simple Seed Stitch T Shirt.  This sweater looks like a Monet painting in person. The yarn used is a hand-dyed bamboo yarn by Ellyn Cooper called Mosa.  The simple lines of this sweater looks beautiful with its fluid drape.  Many types of yarn would suit this project.

you knit this for us....

Isabel's grandaughter wrote this beautiful poem for her.  All of us who loved her so...found these words so grace filled.  This poem was posted on her friends blog and a link to it is below.

AUGUST 17, 2010

you knit this for us

from guest blogger corinne teed
for her grandma, isabel mosher teed

my grandma
who lived in a tiny cottage
built around a tree
two rooms two hallways
each with a window
looking in on the trunk of the shaggy bark hickory nut
each nook piled in with knickknacks
glass birds, ceramic vases
a palette of navies, grays and taupes
the austere faces of Royal Daulton mugs
a crossword balanced on the armrest

you
who had bells beneath your voice
they rang tones beneath your words
louder with your laughter

grandma
who could never spank me enough
even as an adult
three good whacks to a cheek
whenever you got the chance

a sanctuary
in my young twenties
of full acceptance and love
the first family member
I came out to
at nineteen
when I said “grandma
I think I’m gay
I mean, I think I like girls
I mean, I think I more than like girls”
and you said
in a way that made time stop
and all your wisdom pour forth
“It may be a hard life my dear
but what is most important
is that you will be happy
and you will be you.”

my grandma

your love died too young
at 54 his heart gave up
and you nestled yourself comfortably in his memory
a heart full of longing
keeping you romantic company
never to love again
orrin, the only star in your sky

I was in the air when you took your final breath
the first flight I could get home
once we knew it had turned for the worse
you had asked me to come sooner
saying “where are you?”
“get over here”
each time we spoke
and I used all the energy I had
to get to you
as fast as possible
but I realized too late
that you needed me to come sooner

since I missed the final goodbye
that gathering around the hospital bed
all five of your children present
I went to see you after
a private viewing
the funeral home
the heavy draped curtains
a somber haze around your body
but you were gone from there
I heard you laugh
as I searched in the wrong place
this body
that was giving up on you
you let go of
you are free from

grandma
the wind is rustling the corn fields
the young tobacco plants and their cloths
the smooth surface of the connecticut river
I wonder if you are there
how will you speak to us now?
what voice will you use?

you are within so many of us
your daughters’ smiles
your sons’ stubborn independence
a legacy of crafting hands
yearning to be as unstoppable as yours

and as we age
that your grace settle upon us
your charm live through us
your wisdom gather up in us

these are threads you left behind
it is no coincidence
you knit this for us
a strand tucked securely around your pinky
the English style
the pattern planned
each stitch full of intention
generations piling on top of each other
community grafted into the cloth
the grace you wove into us

the acorns are falling from the oaks
your grandchildren
and great grandchildren
are at play
their voices rising through the humidity
the sun rising determinedly in the sky

and you Isabel
are here.This poem can be found at frantelope

This poem can be found at frantelope

Here is Isabel with a selection of her beautiful handknits at a show she did with her daughter Nancy in the fall of 2009. 


Please watch for new class listing the end of next week.  

Friday Frolic....

Dave knit up his first little baby sweater and it came out beautifully!  He knit this out of one skein of Cotton Kisses Plymouth Yarn Co. Dave says he is now ready to take on an adult sweater.  Beautfiul job Dave!

A customer was in yesterday working on finishing up an afghan for her mother.  She got everything back on track with her pattern.  Then, she showed us this shawl that she has made and was thinking of making another one.  It's beautiful and would be a great project for the fall.  

Whimsical knits....Ysolda's blog.  I love these flags!

Knitty has this beautiful pattern for the Coquille Shawl. We were thinking that it would be beautiful out of Svale which is cotton, viscose and silk. We have several lovely colors for this.

Tribute to Isabel "Izzy" Teed

Isabel Mosher Teed September 3, 1927- August 11, 2010

Our dear beloved Isabel left this world on August 11...she has left us with so much...and all with her beautiful grace. 

A  Tribute to Izzy...

"We Love you, miss you and will always keep you in our hearts...for that is where you belong.  We celebrate your life because it was a special one and it touched all of us in one form or another.  We will never forget your smile or patience or love of life.  We can only hope to do so well as you at that point in our lives.  You have taught us to knit socks, as well as about the web of life which is strong and full of courage and love for one another.  We will carry these lessons forward in our own lives as a marker of excellence and courage because that's what you would want us to do now. Your wisdom sits quietly with each us in its own special way...in the ways that touched each of us uniquely.  So, let us sign your name to the skies and stars and never forget the love we hold between us.  

Inventory with Izzy!

Izzy wearing a scarf she made

Laughing so hard!

Dinner out...

Happy Times

'Til We Meet Again...