Betty's Loft

Trip to Fort Ransom

2011-09-25T09:16:00.008-05:00

I've heard about the Sheyenne Valley Arts and Crafts Festival for years. This was finally the year the calendar was open, and I was able to travel to the festival and enjoy exploring it with friends.

Every year the festival is held on the last weekend in September in charming Fort Ransom, North Dakota.

The tiny town is charming and scenic, located in the Sheyenne River valley

While in Fort Ransom, one is constantly reminded of its Scandinavian roots, from the Viking at the top of the hill overlooking town

to the one atop the local grill.

There are Norwegian names

and expressions.

Today, looking back on my photos of the festival, I realize I was totally taken with the quaint environment. While inside the festival, I was so absorbed shopping the 200+ vendors, there was no thought of taking pictures! The juried festival didn't disappoint, and I took home a few little treasures.

After walking the show, it was relaxing to hop on a shuttle with a friendly guide,

and enjoy the beautiful scenic setting. Red patches of sumac on the hillside are an overture to the upcoming fall spectacle.

Plying Handspun

2011-09-05T15:17:00.009-05:00

I loved this holiday weekend! The weather was beautiful: sunny daytime 70's and cool evening 50's. September is my favorite month in South Dakota. We stayed in Aberdeen, and I enjoyed being a domestic goddess: cooking, baking, and spending lots of time at the spinning wheel.

I'm taking two spinning classes at the upcoming North Country Fiber Fair in Watertown, SD, and had eight bobbins of handspun needing to be plied and emptied before class.

To maximize handspun yardage, and keep the full effects of striping, I usually ply my handspun with a mill spun yarn. It's fun to try different color combinations. Here are a few before and after pics from this weekend's projects:

Natural-colored Corriedale from Hoffman's Corriedale's of Rockham, South Dakota, plied with Sandnes Soft Mohair-

My hand-dyed Falkland top, plied with Crystal Palace Kid Merino-

More hand-dyed Falkland top, plied with Madil Kid Seta-

And yet more Falkland top, both skeins from the same dye lot, plied with two different yarns-

After plying all the yarn, I washed it and set the twist. Ten skeins of finished handpun yarn this weekend: what a great feeling of accomplishment!

My Fiber Sandwich Projects

2011-08-28T09:06:00.008-05:00

One of my favorite parts of the annual Roc Day gathering in nearby Groton, South Dakota, is participating in the fiber sandwich. Everyone who wants to participate in the sandwich brings several ounces of spinning fiber (wool, alpaca, mohair, etc.). The fibers are spread out and layered into one giant sandwich. Then the sandwich is divided into sections, and everyone who participated gets a chunk of fiber to spin.

As you'll see from the project photos below, each year's sandwich has its own look, depending on the fiber that was contributed.

This summer I spun up the fibers from the 2010 and 2011 sandwiches. The resulting yarn was heavy-worsted in blocks of color.

I crocheted the 2010 sandwich yarn, using my shawlette pattern, adding a ruffle along the lower edge:

With the 2011 sandwich yarn, I crocheted a scarf in 2 rows single crochet, 1 row treble crochet:

I'm looking forward to attending the 2011 North Country Fiber Fair in mid-September, and participating in the fiber sandwich there. Will also take a couple of spinning classes to brush up and learn some new skills.

Silk Garden Sock Yarn Granny Squares

2011-07-24T20:45:00.010-05:00

I haven't crocheted granny squares since the 70's. Seeing their renewed popularity, I thought it was time to try these classic shapes again. How fun, and how addicting! Once begun, it was hard to stop.

I thoroughly enjoyed putting colors together in even the basic granny square, and decided to make a runner for our table. For this project I wanted a lightweight, washable yarn with interesting colors. I chose three colorways of Noro Silk Garden Sock Yarn:

To create a palette, I wound the Silk Garden Sock into small balls by color.

Putting the colors together was magical work, with wonderfully rich color combinations resulting in happy-looking squares:

To make the colors "pop" even more, I framed each square in the traditional black. Carefully working in all the yarn ends was time-consuming, but I'm thrilled with the finished product.

And I have enough finished squares left to make another runner, or perhaps a shawl.

While making and joining the grannies, I felt one with those before me: choosing color combinations for each square, deciding on a project shape and border design. I also have an appreciation for the skill involved in joining grannies well, so lines and corners are square and even.

While working on the table runner, I took a couple quick detours and made some grannies from solid worsted yarns. They fell short of the color depth and interest in the squares made from Noro yarn. Granny squares are another way to enjoy the color genius of Noro.

Wild Carder: First Attempt

2011-02-26T09:45:00.002-06:00

After an inspirational spinning class at North County Fiber Fair a couple of years ago, I bought an Ashford Wild Carder. I'm embarrassed to say that this week was the first time I've used it. Not being very mechanically adept, I think I was afraid to try it. What prompted the first attempt? Well, seeing the beautiful art batts on Etsy was a motivation. Here are some samples, with Etsy shop names listed below:

Watching several drum carding videos on YouTube also helped build confidence.

To prepare for carding, I needed color inspiration. It's so easy to use the same tried and true color combinations over and over. I decided to look at thrift shop neckties and select one for the color scheme.

The tie took on a life of it's own in this project. First, wanting silk thrums in the scheme colors, I tried putting the tie in a heavy duty paper shredder. Not a good idea. The tie wrapped around the cutting teeth, and my husband ended up taking the shredder apart to repair it.

Then I tried manually cutting the tie into strips to feed into the carder. Maybe I'm not wild enough for the Wild Carder- the results didn't appeal to me, and the silk strips ended up in the trash.

It was a good color challenge to try to dye batches of wool to match the tie. Some were more successful than others. It's freeing to know that yarn thrums, mohair curls, and other bits of fiber can be added to tweak color.

The virgin voyage of the drum carder was too exciting an event not to share! My friend Rose came over with some of her fiber stash. We ordered pizza and started the carding venture. In short, it was so much fun!! The Wild Carder worked wonderfully, and the evening sped by as we played.

And the result? I'm very happy. The Wild Carder's long teeth produced light, lofty batts, ready to spin. The goal of matching the tie's colors was reached pretty well.

This week I'll be shopping for another tie!

Tanya McGuire Trunk Show

2011-02-19T10:03:00.009-06:00

What a treat to have Tanya McGuire here in Aberdeen last weekend! She displayed her beautiful lampwork beads and handmade jewelry at our local bead shop, Gold n Gems.

Here are some samples from Tanya's Etsy store. How can you not feel happy, looking at these lively colors and fun shapes?

Tanya exhibits in Aberdeen at our annual Arts in the Park and Winterfest. She also plans to do another trunk show in the fall.

I've begun my own stash of Tanya's beads:

It's going to be fun to play with the colors. Here's my first (rough) attempt at earrings:

Wouldn't it be fun to knit or crochet something with one of Tanya's buttons as the closure?

It was great to able to shop local and support such a skilled South Dakota artist!

Betty's Crocheted Handwarmers Pattern

2011-02-12T12:37:00.004-06:00

This handwarmer pattern has been in the works for months. As my last blog post was in April, 2010, you can see that life has been busy and the blog has been neglected. The pattern is at last posted to my Etsy shop.

I truly enjoyed making these handwarmers, creating a nice elastic cuff with foundation double crochet and front/back post double crochet ribbing. The foundation row technique was great to learn, and a nice break from working that first row of stitches in to a chain.

The pictured handwarmers are made with Mirosol Chirapa hand dyes. The solid bands are from Misti Alpaca worsted. There are so many options for embellishment. I just went to the button box.

The pattern also works up quite nicely in blocks of color:

Please let me know what color combinations and embellishments you come up with!

Let the Yarn do the Talking

2010-04-25T16:20:00.001-05:00

For a fun, easy project, you can't beat Plymouth Multiplicity! It's a lofty, bulky wool/acrylic blend that works up quickly on size 15 needles.

Just one ball, at 131 yards, makes a soft self-striped scarf.

I follow the texture in the self striping yarn, which is part solid color and part bulkier multi-colored, and let the yarn determine when to change stitches. Here's my recipe:

Multiplicity Scarf:

Yarn: 1 ball Plymouth Multiplicity

Needles: US size 15

Finished size: length, 60 inches/width, 5 inches

Loosely cast on 15 stitches.

When the yarn is solid colored- knit every row

When the yarn is multi-colored- *knit 1, purl 1* across, ending with a knit 1

Cast off loosely in stitch you're using at the time (either all knit, or knit 1, purl 1).

There you have it- no counting, no fuss!

When in Doubt, Add Sock Yarn

2010-02-28T20:35:00.008-06:00

When Priscilla and Glynnis from Pierre visit the Loft, they bring wonderfully colorful mittens, made by holding two strands of sock yarn together. I enjoy the variety of colorways available in sock yarn, but have never made the time commitment to knit socks. I decided to try holding sock yarn with worsted weight for some new color combinations.

All samples shown are variations on the Baktus scarf by Strikkelise, knit on size 11 needles. The first was knit with one strand of Freedom Wool held with one strand of On Your Toes sock yarn. I've worn this scarf over and over these past winter months, and it's one of my favorites: lightweight, warm, and a comfortable length to tie.

The scarf below is knit with one strand of my (Betty's Colours) hand-dyed wool, held with one strand of Regia 4-ply sock yarn.

And if Noro Kureyon isn't interesting in color enough, this Baktus is knit combining Kureyon with a strand of On Your Toes.

Want to add a bit of color punch to your next project? Try adding sock yarn!

Roc Day Fiber Sandwich

2010-01-16T16:33:00.004-06:00

Never mind that the overnight temperature was 30 degrees below zero. On Saturday, January 9, Roc Day at Groton's Community Center went on as scheduled. 29 fiber artists from North and South Dakota and Minnesota gathered at the Groton Community Center for a day of spinning, great eats, and visiting.

I've always wanted to be part of a "fiber sandwich" creation, and this was my opportunity. Thirteen of us brought fiber in roving, batts, and spinners web to be layered into the sandwich. Here Jessica and company layer the many colors of fiber.

After the sandwich was complete, it was layered into 13 sections. Each contributor brought home 5 colorful ounces. Can't wait to spin mine!

A highlight of Roc Day was a side trip to Kelly Knispel's Dakota Carding and Wool. Kelly has a fabulous new building on her farm to house her commercial carder and provide space for scouring and dyeing natural fibers. Kelly has a wonderful eye for color, demonstrated in her house blends of spinning webs and handspun yarns. We are fortunate to have such a great business close by.

Making Zipper Brooches

2010-01-03T20:02:00.005-06:00

Inspired by those on Etsy, my hand-sewn zipper brooches were an immediate sell-out at Winterfest. Since then friends, relatives and I have been on the lookout for vintage metal zippers. On Thanksgiving vacation, the family put an extra 40 miles on the car, driving to thrift shops between Aberdeen, SD and Waseca, MN. I'm learning that some colors, like reds and black, are hard to come by. There's an abundance of zippers in 70's oranges and golds. I love making these brooches, especially picking out the color combinations for each.

The brooches are all hand-sewn- no hot glue involved. The downside is that I get very sore fingers from pushing and pulling a needle through the zippers. Have never used a thimble, but may have to give it a try. These made wonderful Christmas gifts!

Aberdeen Winterfest 2009

2009-11-22T10:07:00.007-06:00

Our holiday arts and crafts show, Winterfest, takes places every year the weekend before Thanksgiving. This is the one show I participate in. It's fun to be part of the annual event, enjoy the music and food, and visit with friends and neighbors.

I so enjoy looking on my work of the past year with a feeling of accomplishment. I'm grateful for the opportunities to be creative and do what I love to do.

I've worked at trying new, original designs this year. The display is beginning to have it's own "Betty" look, and I've gotten great comments and sales on the new designs.

This year we "bit the bullet" and purchased a canopy and lighting for the display. My husband, Skip, adds the expert lighting and set-up touches.

Urban Meets Prairie

2009-11-01T19:45:00.004-06:00

Taking photos of the Prairie Muffler with my youngest son, Ryan, as a model was great fun. We drove around Aberdeen, in search of the perfect background.

These shots were taken in front of an old brick warehouse along the central railroad tracks. You can see part of the stenciled lettering of "FLOUR".

The best part of the photo shoot was seeing what a handsome young man my son has grown into!

"B" is for Baktus

2009-10-25T18:27:00.004-05:00

One of the blogs I enjoy reading on a regular basis is, "The Nerd and the Needles" by Strikkelise, from Norway. Her Baktus scarf pattern has really caught on, with hundreds of photos of finished Baktus' (should I say, "Backti"?) on Flickr and Ravelry.

Not being the speediest knitter, I made the Baktus using a yarn over (drop stitch) on round 3.

The Baktus in these photos was knit on US size 11 needles, with 2 different colorways of Katia Jamaica, yarn held double throughout. I like the interesting neutral-colored stripes that resulted.

Once again, credit goes to sisters Heidi and Mari for the beautiful photos.

New Fashion Cowl: Betty's Prairie Muffler

2009-10-18T19:26:00.011-05:00

Missoni, 2009

Oversized cowls, like these in the Missoni collection, have made such a strong fall fashion statement this year.

I wanted to put my own stamp on a cowl design:

-one that buttons, rather than pulls over the head;

-that is long enough to be wrapped once, twice or thrice;

-that is sturdily crocheted to maintain shape.

The result is Betty's Prairie Muffler!

Here are some wonderful photos of the Prairie Muffler, taken by Heidi for my Etsy shop. The model is her sister, Mari. The photos are taken on their family farm in Frederick, South Dakota. Isn't the rural setting a perfect backdrop to show off this new accessory!

The top three cowls are crocheted in Cascade 128 Tweed. The bottom two are in Kertzer's Northern Chunky. Watch for the Prairie Muffler pattern in my Etsy shop after the holidays.

Summer Accessories

2009-08-01T23:12:00.005-05:00

When I think of the perfect summer accessory, I think of a white shawl- something that can be dressy or casual, something to provide a bit of warmth in air conditioning.

I crocheted this shawl from Freedom Cotton, using the "My Blue Jeans Shawl" pattern and adding a scallop edging. The shawl was originally intended for my Etsy shop, but I just couldn't give it up!

I've been wanting to find a project for Louisa Harding Fauve yarn. It's soft and slightly stretchy. Knit this garter stitch cowl- a quick and easy project that suited the yarn perfectly. The flower is knit from Harding's Kimono ribbon.

Color Inspiration

2009-07-11T10:48:00.008-05:00

On July 4 both sons were out of town and my husband spent the day in outdoor activities. I had nothing on the calendar, and, so, it was my own little "Independence Day". Decided to spend several hours dyeing roving, and completed four batches.

So how do I decide what colors to dye? Reading magazines, I tear out and save images with color combinations that catch my eye. When it's dyeing day, I pull out the color inspiration folder and select color combinations for the day. These are just the starting point for dyeing project. I always try to add a bit of a surprise, or unexpected color, to each. Here are examples from July 4 dyeing:

Color inspiration: DNKY magazine ad

Color inspiration: Jayson Home & Garden magazine ad

Color inspiration: Di Alberta Ferretti magazine ad

Color inspiration: Liz Claiborne magazine ad

Every Yarn Has a Story

2009-06-21T08:51:00.011-05:00

Several bobbins of handspun full were full, waiting for me, ready to be plied and have the twist set. That was a project for this past week. As I worked on each skein, I looked back on where the fiber came from and the creative dyeing process. I imagined forward on what each yarn might want to become.

Close-up images of the yarns are almost organic, like furrows in fields.

These beautiful autumn tones are in wool from a colored fleece I purchased several years ago from a farm in Prior Lake, Minnesota. The fleece was divided into sections, with each being dyed a different fall color. The wool was then carded into spinner's web by Georgia at Quail Hill Carding. As I spun the fiber, I added in dyed mohair locks. The mohair is from Margaret Steffens, in my hometown of Waseca, Minnesota. Think of all the hands that had a part in this skein of yarn!

I love the heights and depths in this photo. They say, "grey is the new black". I could see this yarn in a warm scarf or hat and mitten set to wear with a grey wool coat. The fiber was purchased at the Natural Colored Wool Studio in Groton, South Dakota. I wanted a bit more color contrast in the finished yarn; so again, added in some of Margaret's mohair.

Cool colors, here- inspired by images of the sea so far away from this prairie, and favorite flowers like irises and lupines. The fiber is Falkland top that I dyed, such a dream to spin! It's plied with Crystal Palace Kid Merino.

Betty's Ribbed KnitCol Hat

2009-06-06T08:23:00.005-05:00

I enjoy the Adriafil yarns. KnitCol is a self-striping, DK weight superwash wool, in colors named after artists: Michelangelo, De'gas, Monet, Gauguin, Picasso, Raffaello, Giotto, Leonardo, Kandinsky, VanGogh.

Here's a simple one-ball project, easy to keep in the purse for a few free minutes. These would make great stocking stuffers.
Enjoy!

Betty's Ribbed KnitCol Hat

Yarn: 1 ball Adriafil KnitCol (or 120 yards DK weight)
Needles: Size 7-16"circular; size 7 double points
Additional supplies: ring markers, tapestry needle

Knitting Instructions: (for ladies' medium hat)
Using the circular needle, cast on 96 stitches
Join into a continuous circle, place a marker to mark beginning of round
Knit around in knit 2 purl 2 ribbing for 4 1/2 inches
Knit even around for 1 round
Purl even around for 2 rounds
On second purl round, place a marker every 16 stitches

Decrease rounds:
Decrease round 1: *Knit to 2 before marker, knit 2 together* around
Decrease round 2: Knit even around

Repeat the 2 decrease rounds until there are 10 stitches between each marker
Now decrease every round (that is, knit 2 together before markers on every round), switching to double-pointed needles when needed

When there are 6 stitches left, cut yarn, leaving about 8 inches
Place yarn end on a tapestry needle
Weave through remaining 6 stitches, pull tight, weave in end on inside of hat
Also weave in yarn end from initial cast on

To make larger or smaller add, adjust initial cast on in multiples of 12
For example:
For smaller hat: Cast on 84 stitches, knit ribbing for 4 inches, and place markers every 14 stitches for decrease rounds
For larger hat: cast on 108 stitches, knit ribbing for 5 inches, and place markers every 18 stitches for decrease rounds

For a smoother, blocked finish, I wet the top only, formed over a bowl, and let dry naturally.

Betty's Crocheted Shawlette

2009-05-03T09:22:00.004-05:00

I've had many requests for this pattern, and it's now available in bettysloft Etsy shop

Is it a shawl? Is it a scarf? Who cares! Whether you drape it over your shoulders or wrap it around your neck, you’ll look great in this fun, flexible accessory.

There are so many ways to wear the shawlette, and it's tough to find one that's not flattering! Dress up a casual T-shirt day, or get it out for a wedding.

The shawlette's finished size is 80 inches by 6 inches, not including fringe. The crocheting level is fairly easy -- the pattern calls for only chain, slip, double- and single-crochet stitches.

Once you make one of these, you'll want to make more!

Betty's Crocheted Felted Mittens

2009-04-23T22:10:00.009-05:00

We enjoyed a family trip to Minnesota for Easter, and that provided about 12 hours in the car to crochet! I made a couple of pair of mittens to felt, and they turned out so lofty and warm. The pair shown is made from one strand of baby alpaca and a strand of alpaca/wool- yummy soft!

Before felting, the mittens are about 12 inches long.

After 20 minutes of felting they fit my hand, and are approximately 10 inches long. The slight decrease between the cuff and hand provides a snug fit.

My crocheted felted mitten pattern is for sale in Betty's Loft Etsy shop. This is an easy, portable project. The mittens are wonderful to have on hand for spontaneous gifts, or to make for holiday giving.

Spring Dreams

2009-03-29T21:47:00.005-05:00

As yet another foot of snow is forecast over the next few days, I find myself gravitating away from wool and toward cotton. Perhaps it's my heart's wish for this long winter to come to a close.

Last fall I purchased a long, narrow crocheted scarf/shawl at H&M. It became my inspiration and pattern for these spring projects.

The yarn is Ester Bitran's Antuco, hand-dyed cotton, which was a joy to crochet. The scarves are available in my Etsy shop.

Knitters, Etc., January 2009

2009-01-12T08:12:00.006-06:00

Neither snow nor rain nor sleet. . . can keep the knitters from gathering in Aberdeen! Despite slick roads across the Dakota prairie, we had a wonderful turnout for our January get-together at the Red Rooster.

Two new Heidi's joined us, one driving in from Eureka and one from Ipswich. Kathleen Taylor also made the trip from outside Redfield, 40 miles away.

At our December meeting, Sheryl put out the call for Special Olympics scarves. Our group knit and crochet 16 scarves for the cause. How fun to see the variety of designs!

We always enjoy Susie's creative contributions. On Friday morning she decided to craft something to bring that afternoon. Here she is with her recycled sweater creature/creation. Gotta love those eyes! Suzie is wearing a freeform crochet vest she's working on.

Susie also shared some of her hand painted heart creations.

As I looked around our circle on Friday, and saw all the laughter, conversation, and idea-sharing, I felt truly grateful to be part of this extraordinary group of creative women.

Betty's "New Shale" Kureyon Scarf

2009-01-06T20:28:00.017-06:00

I enjoy knitting chevron scarves with Koigu KPPPM, but for this average knitter it's slow-going. For more immediate satisfaction, I decided to try using Noro Kureyon and larger needles (free pattern at end of post).

Here's the first attempt. I chose 3 skeins of Kureyon in different colorways, then wound each into 3 balls. I knit the scarf selecting balls randomly.

This version uses two skeins of Kureyon, alternating every 2 rows.
Here's the detail:

Watching the colors unwind and interact is mesmerizing!

Here's the pattern, if you'd like to give this project a try:

Betty's "New Shale" Kureyon Scarf

Yarn: 2 skeins Noro Kureyon, different colorways, (Call one color A, the other color B)

Needles: U.S. size 10

Scarf size after blocking: 5 inches wide, 80 inches long

With color A, loosely cast on 24 stitches

Rows 1 and 2: Knit

Drop color A, with color B:

Row 3: Knit 2 tog twice,

*Knit 1, yarn over* 4 times,

*Knit 2 tog* 4 times,

*Knit 1, yarn over* 4 times,

Knit 2 tog twice

Row 4: Knit

Drop color B, with color A:

Row 5: Knit

Row 6: Purl

Repeat rows 3 through 6 for length of scarf, ending with row 4 and saving enough of color A for two more rows. As you knit, you'll be carrying the color of yarn not used along the side of the scarf. Make sure to keep tension even along each side.

Last two rows: Knit with color A

Cast off loosely and block scarf.

Enjoy!

Knitters Gather in Aberdeen

2008-12-16T07:38:00.012-06:00

The "Knitters, Etc" group has been meeting monthly in Aberdeen for close to 10 years. We're grateful to have a wonderful place to gather: the Red Rooster Coffee House on Main Street. Owned by Dan and Kileen Cleberg, the Red Rooster is a sponsor of art and creativity in Aberdeen, a place where all can gather and be welcomed.

Here's Dan, ready to put out some more fresh fair-trade coffee.

It seems there's always a special spirit of community and joy when we gather at Christmas. Every eye got a bit misty when Kathi Taylor shared that her newest book would be dedicated to our group. It's been inspiring to see Kathi's creativity and productivity as she prepares her felting and knitting books for publication.

Kathy modeled this beautiful hand-knit sweater, all made from her handspun. What fabulous colors!

LaRheta and Cassie worked together for years and retired together. Their minds are still on the same wavelength:

We had a good laugh when we heard how they downloaded the same embroidery pattern and made these sweatshirts without the other one knowing!

At every "Knitters, Etc." meeting we have Show and Tell,to share recent projects and ideas. Here, Jean and Karen admire Roberta's work on a prayer shawl.

Spinning with Tiny Tim

2008-12-07T09:24:00.013-06:00

My two spinning wheels are both by Majacraft: the Pollyanna and the Tiny Tim. Both are discontinued models, but continue to serve me well with their compact size, next-to-nothing maintenance, and effortless spinning.

Here's the Tiny Tim. It folds over
and has a handle at the top for easy carrying.

Last night was a "finish-up" night for some spinning projects:
plying and setting the twist.
For plying, I use the jumbo plying bobbin and "Wild Flyer"on the left.

Here are the 5 skeins plied last night,
rinsed and weighed down with towels to set the twist.

The yarns are spun from hand-dyed Falkland top.

The two skeins on the left
are plied with variegated quilting thread,

the other three with Crystal Palace Kid Merino.

Crazy for Cowls

2008-12-02T20:24:00.025-06:00

I just wanted simple, mindless, big-needle knitting for our Thanksgiving drives to and from Minnesota.

Erica- Knits Chunky Knit Cowl Pattern got me going. It was fun to try different yarns and combinations. With each project, I made a few tweaks to the pattern, adding some ribbing and making the cowl a bit snugger around the neck. My version of the pattern is below, following photos of several cowls. Enjoy!

Yum! Baby alpaca and angora

Betty's handspun with mohair curls

Arucania Lumari: wool, alpaca, silk

Laines du Nord Giglio: Wool, viscose, acrylic

Black Forest Naturwolle Handspun

Rowan Cashsoft and Crystal Palace Kid Merino

Betty’s Bulky Knit Cowl

(based on Erica-Knits Chunky Knit Cowl Pattern)

Yarn: 115 yards of super-bulky yarn, or combination of yarns to attain gauge

Needles: size 17, 24-inch circular

Gauge: 2 stitches/inch

Loosely cast on 60 stitches, join.

Rows 1-2: Knit even

Row 3: For an edge with minimal rolling, purl around; otherwise knit even around

Rows 4-10: Knit even

Row 11: *Knit 3, knit 2 together* around

Rows 12-20: Knit even

Row 21: *Knit 3, knit 2 together* around, ending knit 3

Row 22: Knit 2 together, purl 1, then *knit 1, purl 1* around

Rows 23-32: *Knit 1, purl 1* around

Rows 33- 48: Knit even (adjust length with more or less rows, as desired)

Cast off loosely.

Cowl may be worn as a neckwarmer or pulled up over head as a hood.

Aberdeen Winterfest 2008

2008-11-23T09:47:00.014-06:00

It's been great to be back at this year's Winterfest, a once-a-year opportunity to connect with so many in our community. We had a few inches of snow the evening before, to set the stage for this holiday event. Here are photos of just a few of the artists:

Tammy Weber of Aberdeen, holding one of felted bags
in the booth she shared
with Dana Locken and Carolyn Eaton.

Carolyn (right) knit the wonderful dress that Dana is wearing!
They're taking a healthy snack break with apples.

Here are some of their Nuno felt pieces and Dana's hand-dyed yarns.

Kelly Knispel of Groton holding roving from her handspinner's flock,
in the Prairie Fiber Arts booth. Kelly and her mother, Marie McClintic,
own Natural Colored Wool Studio in Groton.

Annikki Martilla of Frederick, SD displays samples her traditional Finnish weaving.
Annikki's weavings and handknits are available in her Etsy shop.

Andrea Wagner knitting two socks on one needle.
Andrea knits and spins on a drop spindle as she walks through Winterfest!

Every year Bernard Fishbach of Mellete, SD
bring his wooden "Twiddlers" for children.

Bernard is a master wood-turner.
He makes the wonderful wooden knitting needles
that I sell in Betty's Loft,
and drop spindles sold by Kelly and Marie.

Here are Monica Seaton (left) and Marcy Fritz
with some of their purses. Marcy's 90-year old grandmother,
Ione Green, lines the wool purses, sews the fabric ones,
and embellishes with embroidery.

Nancy Oliver is back with her stained glass artwork.
Nancy and I shared several years together as Scout Leaders.
Now, with one in medical school, two in college,
and one in high school, Nancy has a bit more time on her hands!

And here I am. Thanks to my husband, Skip, and son, Ryan,
for helping set up the booth. I couldn't do it without them!

Getting Ready for Winterfest!

2008-11-18T18:32:00.017-06:00

For most of our 20 years in Aberdeen, I've participated in Winterfest the weekend before Thanksgiving. Winterfest is a juried art show with fine art, folk art and crafts, sponsored by our Arts Council and Recreation and Cultural Center.

Today I took the an afternoon of vacation from work and started organizing yarns and finished projects to display and sell. Here are some samples:

Handspun yarn

Hand-Dyed Yarn

Bulky Knit Hats with Crocheted Flowers

Lyra Hat

Koigu Panta

Crocheted Scarves

And "scrap" scarves from yarn leftovers and samples.

Let's hope for good weather and lots of traffic at Winterfest!