this chickadee

double batch

2011-08-30T12:31:00.000-04:00

cooling off

2011-08-29T16:21:00.002-04:00

summer is fading and this chickadee is feeling blue...and green...

sunny afternoon...in the summertime

2011-08-11T06:00:00.000-04:00

and in summer space

sunrise/sunset

2011-08-09T15:00:00.002-04:00

here's another take on the neighborhood version of the dipped infinity scarf. this is the purples colorway and it is currently available for purchase online! it is a delicious blend of blushing berries knit in the yummiest superwash merino on the market.

you provide the needles and the knitting power, everything else is included in the kit. you'll get the pattern and eight small skeins of yarn with just enough yardage to finish up with few leftovers.

the sample above was hand-dyed and hand-knit by karida of neighborhood fiber co. what an overachiever! and a brilliantly talented one at that.

love is like falling...

2011-08-08T16:49:00.000-04:00

...and falling is like this:

this is a sample for neighborhood fiber co using eight different colors of their very own studio sock, a 100% superwash merino fingering weight yarn. the pattern is dipped infinity scarf, by cosmicpluto knits. and you can buy the yarn and the pattern as part of a pre-made kit from nfc's big cartel site.

there are three colorways to choose from, previously blogged about here.

the color change kept this knit fun and interesting. it was exciting to start a new section and to see how it finally turned out. the finished product reminded me of fall, which seems so far away amid these sultry summer days.

all in the family

2011-07-18T16:50:00.004-04:00

way back when, my mom and i collaborated on a quilt. it was one of the first that she'd ever made, and my first attempt as well. since then, she's barely let her sewing machine cool down! her skills, which were never anything to sneeze at, have just sharpened like a hot needle. her piecing is super precise and her binding is just beautiful.

since that first faltering attempt, she's gone on to make many a magical quilt. like everything made by hand, they carry a bit of the maker along with them. and all of the quilts that my mom has had hands on are happy, comforting and warm...just like her.

her most recent really is a gem. she embroidered each panel by hand! then pieced the panels together perfectly. it was hand quilted by another woman, who also did an excellent job, and then returned to my mom for her to apply the binding. the finished product is a family heirloom, the kind of thing that should be passed down the generations with loving words about its creator.

way to sew mom!

desafinado

2011-07-07T10:08:00.006-04:00

love is like a never-ending melody
poets have compared it to a symphony
a symphony conducted by the lighting of the moon
but our song of love is slightly out of tune

- from desafinado, by antonio carlos jobim

in the world of this chickadee, music and knitting are very often linked together. patterns will bring songs to mind and those songs are sung or hummed or played or thought of in time to the rhythm of the needles. sometimes musical moods contribute to color combination. in this case, they helped select the name of the next pair of socks.

skew, a sock pattern by lana holden, immediately had me singing desafinado. the song's title means "slightly out of tune" in portuguese. and these socks are slightly off center too. starting at the toe and working their way up on a slant, their construction is a total surprise. every aspect of this sock was something new...from the cast-on, to the kitchenered heel, to the short row spiral of the stocking.

the yarn lent itself rather well to the climbing corkscrew. it was something from the stash, cherrytree hill supersock select, a low micron merino which means that it is softer than the usual sock yarn but still superwash.

if you were around when these were on the needles, apologies for my own more than slightly out of tune rendition of the classic bossa nova. here's a marvelous rendition, by the brazilian master joão gilberto:

jaywalking

2011-06-30T13:26:00.002-04:00

the jaywalker sock pattern by grumperina deserves all the credit for inspiring this chickadee to knit socks. they never looked all that interesting or fun, until this pattern popped up on ravelry. now with a couple of completed pairs under my soles, i've learned that socks are extremely addictive and enjoyable to knit.

a stashed yarn, dream in color smooshy (in ruby river), met up with a stashed pattern with great results! the two go quite well together, don't you think? the smooshy is a super superwash wool which means that it can meet up with the machine when it is time for a touch-up.

can't wait to walk down the street (responsibly, lawfully, obeying all rules and crossing only with the light in crosswalks...of course) in these!

summer stock

2011-06-28T10:32:00.000-04:00

behold the latest bags in space:

that 70's bag

2011-06-27T12:04:00.002-04:00

just when you thought it was safe to click on this chickadee...the bags are back!

brilliant orange

2011-06-22T09:08:00.002-04:00

apparently it is bag week here at the chickablog. here's another!

the wave

2011-06-21T10:40:00.003-04:00

wave is a lovely little ditty by antonio carlos jobim and also a lovely little bag made by this chickadee. in two sizes to fit every project from socks to sweaters.

love is a rose

2011-06-20T11:00:00.003-04:00

coming to a (fibre)space near you, a bunch of bags in different sizes and styles. the pretty little rosebud bag below is available in medium and large drawstring style. both are lined and boast internal slip pockets.

stay tuned. there are more friends to meet coming up this week!

you're my idol

2011-06-12T09:44:00.004-04:00

click the pic above to read the hello craft interview with karida of neighborhood fiber co. she's their craft idol this week. and she's ours all of the time.

shop talk

2011-06-08T09:22:00.003-04:00

the crew at fibre space got some new aprons courtesy of this chickadee! check 'em out:

honey bunny

2011-06-06T13:14:00.002-04:00

here's a custom order that is terribly cute and awfully adorable. bethany found this fancy fabric and wanted to see if it could be made into multiple organizers for her knitting. with under a yard, it was looking a little skimpy...but back at the chickadee fabric patch there was some sweet strawberry gingham on hand that was happy to help out!

we decided that a drawstring project bag and matching zippered pouch would be perfect. both are fully lined and have pockets to tame needles and notions. the zip pouch even fits into one of the pockets in the project bag!

peter rabbit would be proud.

zip pouch

drawstring project bag

apple peaches pumpkin pie

2011-06-03T09:06:00.003-04:00

before:

originally this lovely skein of dragonfly fibers djinni sock was set aside to become a shawl. but the beauty of the yarn was being lost somewhere in the knit/purl sequence. so this chickadee did what any self respecting knitter would do and ripped out rows upon rows of stitching that represented hours and hours of work. and then went on the pattern offensive to find something that would showcase this spectacular yarn.

the charade sock pattern by sandra park was just the thing! the simple stitch pattern was perfect for the yarn and for the newish sock knitter. there was just enough going on to make it interesting but not so much that it was overwhelming...and that combination let the beautiful bouquet of reds and oranges shine.

chalk up another sock! a hand-dyed, hand-knit hug for the feet.

after:

hand-picked!

2011-05-19T16:44:00.004-04:00

handmade mart is this sunday, may 22nd! same sunny silver spring location and some familiar faces. pretty little fings will be there with all sorts of new treats fresh from her making shed. she's been spending lots of time at the local farmers market and from the looks of things, all of that fresh produce has gone to her head...and her hands.

here's a sneak peek:

check out her new stuff at the show sunday! and stop by to see all of the other great vendors there too. looks like it is going to be a great gathering of some crafty and creative folks.

silk stalkings

2011-05-18T13:22:00.005-04:00

neighborhood fiber co's scrumptious new penthouse silk fingering has hit the virtual shelves! you can get yourself a skein (or two...or three...or more...) of this gorgeous stuff from her webstore. 500 yards of 100% silk in a fingering weight, just think of the stunning shawls that can be made from just one skein!

along with the new yarn launch, there are some new colors to consider.

gwynn oak

mount vernon

easterwood

ain't she sweet

2011-05-12T09:37:00.000-04:00

fire on the mountain

2011-05-10T10:00:00.001-04:00

until the eternal question of "how many handknit shawls is too many?" is answered, this chickadee will continue to cast them on. they are perfect projects...challenging lace sections, lazy stockinette, comfortable yardage requirements...what's not to love?

recently, this chickadee's wandering needles happened upon a particularly striking skein of yarn. this single ply manos del uruguay maxima REALLY stood out on the shelves of purl soho. the colorway, speeding ticket, is probably a bit too much to wear in a sweater. but in a shawl it could be stunning.

the pattern needed to be plain enough to let the color do the talking, but interesting enough to maintain the interest of the knitter. kouyou by angela tong (ravelry link only) is just the right combination. there is a swatch of stockinette that lets the color really shine and the prettiest of lace edgings that is a total treat to knit.

this might be the official rainy day shawl. there isn't a black cloud above that it couldn't brighten up.

new kid on the block

2011-05-09T16:28:00.004-04:00

karida has added a new yarn to the neighborhood fiber co. line-up! penthouse silk fingering is, you guessed it, 100% silk in fingering/sock weight. with plenty of yardage (500 to be exact) this is a great choice for all of the lovely lace shawlette patterns out there.

to celebrate, fibre space is hosting a block party this thursday, may 12th from 7-9pm! details are below...

on the double!

2011-04-26T19:55:00.003-04:00

just recently, this chickadee was stuck securely in an unfortunate knitting slump. something as simple as a sweet little baby blanket had me baffled. the cast-on/rip-out cycle was repeated enough to be totally discouraging. the yarn didn't fit the pattern, the pattern didn't seem to fit the yarn, the deadline was looming! desperate times called for desperate but delightful measures.

the original yarn was ditched in favor of a favorite, miss babs yowza! whatta skein. just one huge hank packs a 560+ yard wallop. it is a super soft superwash merino to certainly holds up in the machine...and dries quite quickly on its own. the new patterns picked were also personal favorites. and with a few modifications, they made the most of the entire skein!

for detailed details, click the picture to see the ravelry page. otherwise, look out below!

pattern: heirloom by madelinetosh

pattern: baby chalice blanket by lykkefanten

intergallactic planetary

2011-04-20T10:54:00.003-04:00

new chickadee bags are out of this world! and there are now two sizes to choose from. the large is perfect for sweater-sized projects, and the new medium is great for shawls and socks and anything smaller.

both bags are fully lined and have internal slip pockets to hold needles and notions.

the best part is that you don't have to go to a galaxy far, far away to get them. you can find them right now at fibre space and soon they'll be on the shelves of the little shop of chickadee! stay tuned for more details of their online launch as well as photos of other fabrics.

to infinity!

2011-04-18T15:31:00.005-04:00

the dipped infinity cowl by laura chao of cosmicpluto knits! is a hit in knitting circles worldwide. she describes it as the perfect way to use up leftover bits of sock yarn and that is completely true. but what if you aren't a sock knitter? what if your stash isn't stocked with scraps of the right spectrum?

fear not! neighborhood fiber co. is coming to your rescue with cute little kits all containing just the right amount of yarn to whip up this nifty knit. check out the photo above to see a sample knit with nfc's studio sock yarn.

there are three kits: warms, cools and purples. the kits contain the yarn and the cowl pattern and they are available for purchase through the neighborhood online shop. check out the color combos below and get your kit-knit on:

baby blanket factory

2011-04-14T10:25:00.003-04:00

this spring it is raining babies! this chickadee's needles have been on a tear trying to keep up with the booming bundles of joy population. any time not spent knitting has been dedicated to finding that go-to pattern...something that would be pleasing to the maker and the receiver...and not take ages...but not look like it was thrown together at the last minute.

one contender is brickstreet by steven west. it is in his second collection of patterns, westknits book two (which doesn't seem to be featured on his site at this time). his version is a chunky classic. a large, over-the-back-of-the-couch sort of throw that would be completely overwhelming to a wee one. but one of his test knitters made a smaller version that is stunning.

inspired by her stitches, this chickadee cast-on. here the the results:

yarn choice is an important factor too. softness is of supreme importance, but sometimes that is sacrificed to the machine...the washing machine that is. many of the most luxurious fibers are labor intensive, that means hand washing. and after their own labor, moms are often overwhelmed and pressed for time. so a machine washable wool or wool blend is a thoughtful choice.

the blanket above was made with spud and chlöe sweater, an organic wool and cotton blend. it is machine washable! and still soft and cozy. you get the best of both worlds thanks to the combination of fibers and the baby gets an all-seasons weight blanket to snuggle in.

you can find more details on the project on the chickadee ravelry page.

springing eternal

2011-04-10T22:01:00.000-04:00

more bags!

full spectrum

2011-04-07T13:43:00.001-04:00

get a load of these gorgeous yarns! this is neighborhood fiber co luxury worsted, an incredible merino/cashmere/nylon blend. super soft and ultra vibrant and available for sale online. there's no limit to the lovely things that you can make with this yarn...just one skein could make an awesome accessory, a choose a couple for a scarf or shawl or indulge in a sweater quantity. this chickadee is dreaming of snuggling under a dc neighborhood hued luxury worsted blanket.

bring the noise

2011-04-05T09:51:00.003-04:00

a few posts back you saw this chickadee's first forays into the world of two-handed knitting, something that seemed so strange at the beginning of the year but is slowly making sense. the stranded colorwork bug is easy to catch if not a wee bit challenging to master. practice makes (closer to) perfect! so it is best to keep casting on with a couple of colors.

here's a hat project that incorporated that technique, along with a new one for turning a crisp brim.

pattern: noise by tracy rolling
yarn: the sanguine gryphon's QED

sorry for the stagnant shot. models are hard to come by!

up, up and away

2011-04-01T07:00:00.001-04:00

the new neighborhood fiber co website is live. no fooling!

karida's amazing colorways are now just one click away. leading off is the lovely maisonette dk, a 50% tussah silk 50% merino combination. this is the yarn that was used to knit ysolda's scroll lace scarf in the previous post. it is a total treat to work with!

stay tuned for more, as we stock the shelves with soft yarn that is super saturated and sublime!

opening tomorrow

2011-03-31T17:46:00.003-04:00

hi neighbor!

2011-03-29T09:19:00.007-04:00

this week i'll be helping friend and fabulously talented craftswoman karida of neighborhood fiber co. get her webstore off the ground. she's an independent dyer of all yarns bright and beautiful. and she names her super saturated colorways after communities in towns that she's lived in.

nfc is some of my favorite wool to work with...and it pops up in all sorts of chickadee projects. here are a couple of recently stitched pieces made with this sublime stuff:

pattern: kerrera (by gudrun johnston)

yarn: neighborhood fiber co. studio worsted (shaw)

pattern: scroll lace scarf (by ysolda teague)

yarn: neighborhood fiber co. maisonette DK (hampden)

pretty soon you'll be able to snap this stuff up from the comfort of your own couch. stay tuned for webstore updates from the neighborhood. in the meantime, you can see it for yourself on the shelves of fibre space in alexandria.

going to extremes

2011-03-24T13:57:00.004-04:00

this chickadee has declared the knitting year of 2011 to be the year of the extremities. time to tackle those toes, handle the hands and bring flair to all sorts of phalanges. that means that mittens and socks are on the menu. and to spice things up a bit, why not throw in a new technique or two?

so here are two chickadee firsts in two chickadee projects...first pair of mittens and first stranded colorwork. followed quickly by the second pair of mittens and second attempt at stranded colorwork.

many more attempts/failures/successes/otherwise to follow!

fraternal mittwins

pattern: herringbone mittens with poms (elliphantom knits)
yarn: cascade 220

canary in a coal mine

pattern: birdcage mittens (also from elliphantom knits)
yarn: fiberphile hand-dyed super squish worsted (love!)

spring thing

2011-03-22T09:22:00.003-04:00

all quiet

2011-03-17T09:32:00.004-04:00

this chickadee will be participating in a blogger's day of silence tomorrow to honor the people of japan. no posts, but lots of loving thoughts and well wishes for recovery.

if you are a blogger and want to get involved, go here to find out how.

if you are looking for a way to help, you can follow this link to donate to shelter box. they are a UK based non-profit that delivers containers packed with much needed items like tents, blankets and cooking equipment to people who have lost homes, clothing and means of feeding themselves and their families.

dear japan,

2011-03-11T23:05:00.002-05:00

this chickadee loves you.
hope that you are better soon.

xoxoxo

wistful thinking

2011-02-23T09:57:00.003-05:00

these project bags are thinking spring. are you? they'll be landing in space today. the perfect place to put that new seasonal accessory that you are about to cast-on.

truffle shuffle

2011-02-21T20:15:00.006-05:00

for a few delightfully sweet days, it seemed like spring was right around the corner. but overnight, winter snapped back and showed that it still the season in charge. while sad for the sprouting buds, it is perfect timing for one of the newest yarns at fibre space. victorian bulky is a lovely thick and thin yarn dyed by chickadee fave neighborhood fiber co.

it look less than one skein and less than two hours to put together this cuddly cowl. the pattern, neck truffle, is a free ravelry download. it is a simple stitch pattern that shows off the texture and color of the yarn. the piece is pulled together with some perfect ribbon from hanah silk.

stop in at fibre space to see the sample for yourself and to pick up some supplies to make your own late-winter neck and shoulder warmer.

action shots

2011-02-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

here are those large project bags stuffed full of yarn and sitting in the sunny corner of a comfy couch. exactly what they were intended for! they'll cuddle your presently incomplete cabled sweater so that it can be carried to any sunny spot that you choose.

livin' large

2011-02-15T11:37:00.002-05:00

project bags of the large/drawstring/internal pocket variety have already hit the shelves at fibre space. go check 'em out!

pretty little project bags

2011-02-09T20:28:00.001-05:00

thrift store score!

2011-02-04T09:27:00.004-05:00

take a gander at the gorgeous given-away items that this chickadee snatched up on a recent treasure hunt. a cute little container, a hand crocheted 5' x 4' blanket and lots of linens! this isn't even the entire haul. hooray for thrift stores! hooray for giving! hooray for getting!

groundhog day!

2011-02-03T09:30:00.004-05:00

well, technically the day after. but since it is groundhog day, can't it be groundhog day again? sure! let's hope that old rascal punxy phil isn't pulling any fast ones on us. spring in six weeks would be sublime.

in the meantime, here are some hand crafted creations inspired by that crazy critter with a penchant for predicting the weather. punxsutawney's finest marmot must have seen a few of these and decided that they were too cute to run and hide from.

cute groundhog amigurumi
by moonscreations

groundhog day button set
by sugarcookie

bandit groundhog
by viola studio

sweater scrap groundhog 2011
by zfla

all you need is warmth

2011-01-31T10:13:00.003-05:00

this chickadee stumbled upon a heartfelt happening yesterday in dc, just off dupont circle. a small group with a grateful conscious gathered at the gandhi statue on 21st and massachussets ave to remember the life and celebrate the legacy of the peaceful leader....and to warm him up a bit!

they placed pom-pon garland at the base of the monument and laid crochet chains around his feet. he got a scarf for his neck and a hat to keep his head cozy. there was a sweet serenade by a few flautists and soft greetings and giggles from those who gathered.

there was also a spot to make a donation of hand knitted items to help those who are left out in the cold this winter. here's hoping that they made their way to cover cold hands and heads and keep out at least some of the chill.

for more information or to stay in the loop for next year, visit the gandhiwarmer page.

and to read a nice write-up on the event, click over to the 42.

how does your garden grow?

2011-01-27T10:28:00.004-05:00

with super chunky yarn and great big needles, the modern garden cardigan grows faster than you can say 'sugar snap.' the pattern, another lovely one from designer veera välimäki, is worked from bottom hem to collar all in one piece. sleeves are first worked separately and then added along to the body. the shaping of the sweater comes from the curved lines of the leaves.

no increasing or decreasing. no seams. no sweat. a quick and happy knit that will call fibre space home for a while. it was knit as a shop sample to show off some spectacular yarn. mirasol ushya is perfect for this project and all sorts of other winter accessories. it is a big and bulky yarn that somehow manages to stay lightweight and still be warm.

more to adore

2011-01-25T07:04:00.000-05:00

a little bird told me that fibre space has a nice little stash of spaciously-sized chickadee project bags. 13" x 14". lined. with pockets! and a drawstring up top to keep that unruly yarn from rolling away.

pass, punt and purl

2011-01-23T11:33:00.002-05:00

the nfl playoffs kick off this afternoon. the outcome of today's games sets the stage for the super bowl in two weeks. gridiron fans are giddy with excitement, and knitters out there are putting their game plans together to pass the time between touchdowns.

if you have something special to tote between playoff parties and the super bowl showdown look no further than the chickadee large project bags. at 13" x 14" they can tackle shrugs and sweaters and catch just about anything that you can throw their way.

find them now at fibre space! can't make it to the commonwealth? you can special order one and have it shipped directly to your end-zone.

holy cowl!

2011-01-21T11:05:00.007-05:00

meet the chickadee interpretation of polar bear wear. super soft and snuggly like the furry coat of the arctic animal, it manages to be warm without being overwhelming and functionally fit for the elements. the pattern is idlewood (ravelry download) from cecily glowik macdonald and it jumped to the top of my knitting queue the moment it came out.

of course, it had to wait a bit before it was actually cast-on. and in the meantime there was plenty of wandering the worsted yarn section at work to find an appropriate yarn. berroco vintage chunky hit the shelves at just the right time and worked out perfectly for the pattern. it is 50% acrylic/40% wool/10% nylon which makes it machine wash and dry. certainly a factor for a white sweater. and forget what you know about acrylic yarns, this stuff is soft and super easy to work with.

does that cowl look gigantic? that's because it is. it is almost the entire length of the body of the sweater! but it drapes beautifully below the neck when you need it to be out of the way. and when you get suited up to brave the winter winds, just wrap it around your neck and you don't need to bring along a scarf. it is built in!

this was a quick, fun knit that has gotten a lot of wear this season. it makes the winter bearable. polar bearable.

a toast to totes!

2011-01-19T10:19:00.004-05:00

welcome the first fibre space tote of 2011!

they are the same old two handle style that you know and love. this one is just tied up at the top to keep all of the yarn from spilling out onto the sofa. stashes seem to have somehow grown over the interim...santa must love knitters.

back in the saddle

2011-01-17T09:32:00.003-05:00

howdy partners! it has been a little while. that winter break turned into quite a blogcation. nary a seam was pressed or a stitch sewn in the interim...although travel time did allow for some serious knitting sessions. you'll be caught up on all of that soon.

in the meantime, here's a work-in-progress shot to keep me honest. now stand back! the iron is getting hot and the machine is about to get fired up for a new year.

hope that you turned a lovely hem on 2010 and that your 2011 will be filled with all glorious things fiber and stitch.

merry and bright

2010-12-22T11:47:00.003-05:00

thank you for being a friend in 2010
hope to see you back here in the new year!

xo, chickadee

uke can squeeze this

2010-12-17T10:59:00.005-05:00

this little number was cast on while waiting in the wings for victoria vox to strum some tunes on her magical ukulele. not only does she play the world's cutest stringed instrument, she also hails from wisconsin and currently resides in baltimore...two places near and dear to this chickadee's tiny heart. if those three things aren't enough to make her awesome already, add in her ability to play a mad mouth trumpet and pen sweet songs.

you can get yourself yuletide cheer ukulele style in the form of her holiday card ep, available on her website along with her other releases (that's also where you'll find screenprinted unders with "uke can squeeze this" on the bum). check her out when she comes to your town! tell her the chickadee sent you.

by the chimney with care

2010-12-14T20:37:00.003-05:00

the chickadee contribution to the holiday edition of the fiercegrrl fund is on the auction block! don't miss your chance to bid on a 100% handknit stocking to hang on your mantle. the sweet striped super-sock comes unstuffed so that you can fill it full of cookies or coal.

empty as it may be of goodies and gumdrops, it does come to you full of love and gratitude for your support of nicole in this difficult time.

go! bid! win!

butternut squish

2010-12-09T09:49:00.004-05:00

there's a no-more-new-yarn mandate here at chickadee central. after finally filing things down a wee bit, it seems silly to already be stocking more. so at least until the end of this year, all new projects will be knit with old yarn.

but don't cry for me chickadees, there is still some spectacular stuff that's been packed away and been waiting oh so patiently. like this squooshy skein that reminds me of a certain winter vegetable that is delicious roasted and delightful in soup form.

another quick and fun knit, this is the honey cowl from madelinetosh. it is knit in malabrigo worsted, which is always a nice thing to have on hand (the hat posted earlier this week is also made from the same yarn). the pattern is easily customizable and as such, a great way to go though single skeins that you might have lying about.

neon pom-pon

2010-12-06T10:06:00.008-05:00

after working on projects that take quite a long time to complete, it is a treat to be able to turn one around in two days. and also a treat to adorn one's head on drab, dreary winter days with such a delightful, brightful topper. plus, everyone should own at least one hat with a pom-pon.

make your own! go to erica knits blog. there you will find a sweet celebration of simple pleasures, like knitting and reading and eating things yummy. plus, she shares some knitting patterns for free! one of which is this hat, you'll see it in the sidebar. it is the piksi hat. it is made of fun.

daisy chain

2010-12-03T09:15:00.001-05:00

find them at fibre space.

it's all about the buttons

2010-12-01T11:12:00.005-05:00

this next chickadee knit was totally driven by the need to match buttons to yarn. they sat apart for quite a while...buttons displayed on the wall not far from where the skeins of yarn sat in wait for someone to take them home. and day after work day at fibre space i'd pass them and think about what a pretty pair they would be. until one day...

if no one else was going to find a way to get these two together, then the task would fall to this chickadee. after spying the hay cardigan pattern (from a favorite designer, veera välimäki) the vision of neon green buttons placed playfully atop purple yarn became perfectly clear. and throwing caution to the wind, the sweater was cast-on in no time.

pity though, about the time...because usually that time is utilized quite well. there's research in picking patterns, and thanks to ravelry there are lessons to be learned from those that went before. with no errata posted for the pattern, it seemed from the outset to be smooth sailing. but then it took a turn for the wicked and things did like david byrne said and stopped making sense.

there were times when it seemed like this sweater's destiny lie in the scrap bin. but thanks to the helpful hints from other knitters on ravelry, some perseverance and waaaaay to many ends woven in (hooray for hand-dyes and alternating skeins!) somehow it all came together. fingers crossed that it doesn't now fall apart....

for more information on this project, errata and corrections made please see the ravelry post.

(and for those of you out there who notice these things: a. you know who you are, b. i know too ,and c. yes, it is a wee bit snug)

new x2!

2010-11-29T16:10:00.003-05:00

one piece of fabric with two choices of print! mostly matched but there are a few that mixed and mingled together quite nicely. check them out below as they model both their easy, breezy tote style and their stay put, tied tight option.

these bags arrived just before the great fibre space black friday sale of 2010...so the current selection might be a bit limited.

a few of my favourite things

2010-11-22T11:02:00.003-05:00

1. spelling the word favorite "favourite".

2. knitting.

3. knitting shawls.

4. pink, purple and gray. preferably in combination with each other.

5. this:

more specifically, this is the chickadee version of kirsten kapur's pattern, snow drops and snap peas (pattern available via ravelry). and it is made even more chickadee thanks to the pretty and perfectly named chickadee yarn from quince and co.

it isn't just the name of the yarn that is lovable, the yarn itself is some of the most delightful stuff to work with. it is springy, squishy and soft...everything a yarn should be! and it comes in quite a generous palette. these three were the ones that chirped the loudest to me.

in the bag

2010-11-19T07:00:00.000-05:00

just landed in space...and already flying off the shelves

stocking stuff

2010-11-17T07:56:00.000-05:00

this over-sized sock is on its way to join the ornaments in the fiercegrrl fund ornament shop. done up in wide stripes that feature nicole's favorite hue, hot pink, this stocking will brighten up your holiday and hold whatever treats santa decides to throw in it. unlike the auctions, the ornament shop is first come first serve and this giant knee-hi is the only one of its kind.

lightening the load

2010-11-15T19:44:00.006-05:00

the possibility that there was someone or some organization out there that could make good use of some good yarn got this chickadee motivated. no corner, cubbyhole or crate went without investigation. and when the dust bunnies settled, these three boxes were packed full of skeins of yarn, supplies and the hopes that they'd find loving homes where they could inspire, soothe and entertain women in need...the way that only knitting can.

anyone out there with a craft or hobby probably also has an abundance of materials. there's that yarn that you save for years waiting for just the right project to come along. or the fabric scraps that you just can't bear to send to the circular file. a quick search online reveals that for every reason you can think of to hold on, there are equally as many organizations out there hoping that you'll let a little bit go.

it is pretty easy to take a look around and see that there is enough to share. but sometimes the hard part is finding the right place for it to go. here are two sites that were super helpful for me.

interweave knits: a nice list of knitting charities including organizations that are requesting supplies and/or finished products. short descriptions of the organizations and web/contact information available.
lion brand charity connection: search by supply/project and location and find someone in your area who is looking for just what you have. descriptions/contact information also listed.

next on the list, unused finished objects and fabric!

if you know a group in need or if you are a group with needs, feel free to leave a footnote in the comments below.

the fiercegrrl ornament shop

2010-11-12T09:59:00.003-05:00

it is up! and already filling up with affordable and totally adorable ornaments that would make great holiday gifts...or look great on your very own tree. all proceeds from the ornament sales go directly to benefit nicole. so now there are two ways to help out (the auction continues on the blog as well).

the chickadee contribution is coming soon! so keep your eyes out for that. of course, it isn't exactly an ornament...but it fits with the theme....

the tools of the trade

2010-11-08T10:12:00.002-05:00

in case you were wondering...

on the craft exchange, one custom sewn camera case can be traded for an absolutely gorgeous hank of hand dyed yarn, like this one from dragonfly fibers! pictured above is one skein of dragonfly djinni sock in the most amazing peach melba colorway. the djinni base is 80% merino, 10% cashmere and 10% nylon and 100% awesome.

thank you kate for the trade! the original intent was to actually use this sock yarn to make socks...but now that we've become acquainted it seems a shame to hide something so lovely in a shoe.

you can own your own piece of hand-dyed paradise by visiting dragonfly fibers on etsy. you can also catch up with kate on her blog or get up close and personal with her yarns at fibre space.

someone in baltimore loves me

2010-11-05T07:00:00.001-04:00

this chickadee project bags were recently featured in the urbanite! awesome.

smile for the birdie

2010-11-04T09:53:00.003-04:00

say cheese! here's another custom camera case from the chickadee central workshop. it is both sturdy and soft thanks to the combination of batting and fusible fleece. a velcro closure keeps the camera contained. there's a single slip pocket around the back for low profile photo excursions. and even a wrist strap that, when not in use, can tuck away into the a fore mentioned pocket.

this case was a special treat to make because of who it went to. more on that soon!

i heard it through the grapevine

2010-11-02T08:48:00.003-04:00

the hawthorne pattern was added immediately to the knitting queue as soon as it was released in the fall 2010 twist collective issue. in the photos, it looked totally scrumptious and seemed like something new and different to knit.

hawthorne is a scharf...somewhere in between a scarf and a shawl. the construction is interesting too. it is worked from the bottom up (which calls for casting on a couple hundred stitches) and the garter section employs short rows.

the perfect yarn happened to be just steps away in the stash. manos del uruguay rittenhouse merino sold me upon first squeeze. it is a super fine, kettle dyed merino. it was gorgeous in the skein and worked up dreamily too. two skeins turned out to be more than enough to finish the project.

i'm sticking to the union

2010-10-29T10:43:00.003-04:00

the chickadee craft apron has been retooled and refashioned to be fit for work in a retail environment. a few posts back you saw my own personal shop apron. it is the same basic design as the craft apron with longer pockets and squared off corners. perfect for a day stocking shelves, saving dropped stitches, showing off yarns and helping customers amass a stash.

karen, a fellow fiber arts worker, visited the store a couple of weeks ago and agreed. she fell in love with the fabric and the function and ordered her very own shop apron. here's hoping that the chickadee shop apron is adopted as the official uniform for united yarn workers of the universe!

firefly

2010-10-26T09:11:00.002-04:00

the marvelous oh meaghan asked this little chickadee to craft a creation for her aunt, who is about to be married. it was such an exciting request that many hours were immediately lost to ravelry looking for just the right pattern...and then many circles were walked around the shop looking for just the right yarn. meaghan specified that she'd like a shawl and for color choice had mentioned perhaps a swiss red, as her aunt resides in that lovely little land.

achtung bitte:

here's what happened. the summer flies shawl was the first pattern that came to mind. of course, that thought was then replaced by a million others, but in the end it finally won out. it is a sweet semi-circular shape with several different lace motifs. the changes kept the knitting interesting and fun. the soft flounce at the bottom adds a nice finish. the chickadee version has a bit of an extended flounce due to the extended amount of yarn on hand.

why so much yarn?

because the yarn that seemed perfect for this project was miss babs yowza whatta skein and whatta skein indeed. 560 yard of hand dyed goodness, and it surely is goodness. every shawl that i've encountered that is made with this yarn looks lovely. it has a pleasant drape, a soft hand and is delightfully dyed by an equally delightful woman in mountain city, tennassee.

auf wiedersehen kleines schal, grüß gott. hope meaghan's tante likes it sehr viel!

think HOT pink

2010-10-26T09:05:00.003-04:00

fiercegrrl auctions are back up and running. on the block this week is a beautiful brooch from baltimore's own broken plate pendant company. go bid!

gimme shelter

2010-10-20T10:18:00.003-04:00

knitwear designer jared flood of brooklyn tweed fame recently took the sheep by the shears and released his very own yarn, shelter. it certainly speaks to the rustic, traditional stitching that so define his patterns. and the palette is a perfect complement, he's circled the spectrum and selected colors with richness and depth as well as much needed neutrals.

you are talking to a very lucky little chickadee who actually works at one of the few flagship stores that sell skeins of the lovely stuff. that's right, fibre space has it! and it has been a real hit.

to celebrate our celebrity yarn status, we were privy to previews of his new patterns and yarn. and yours truly got to stitch up a sample...the terra shawl in the sap colorway. here she is, big and beautiful!

if you are in the dc area, stop by space to see this and other samples that staff members knit out of shelter. it is delightfully sheepy and oh so very squishy. and warm, is it ever warm! the chill is coming. get yourself some shelter. even sir mick sang of needing some.

ain't she sweet

2010-10-18T11:04:00.000-04:00

new fibre space project totes!

no more fumbles

2010-10-15T10:33:00.002-04:00

more chickadee mega-project bags to keep your yarn in the field of play! super sized for sweaters, shawls and throws and stuffed with slip pockets to organize your notions. score one at fibre space.

holidays already?

2010-10-14T09:13:00.005-04:00

yep. and this year they are going to be fierce!

as you may remember, this chickadee participated in the fiercegrrl fund online auction to raise funds for a fellow crafter who is fighting ovarian cancer. nicole's courage is inspirational. she's endured multiple surgeries and experimental treatments that take their toll both emotionally and financially.

oh ginger is again sounding the call to those of us in the crafty community and asking for donations. see the flyer below for more details and please donate if you can. if you can't, please stay tuned to this space for information on when you can purchase an ornament and help fuel the fire of nicole's fight.

for more information, see the fiercegrrl fund website.

by candlelight

2010-10-12T09:31:00.003-04:00

the chickadee central coffers aren't terribly choosy. in fact, chickadee accounts are often paid off with various forms of currency...yarn being but one example. a skein of yarn like the one my friend annobananos (ravelry link) tendered is worth way more than its weight in gold in these parts.

this skein of squoosh fiber arts silky sock (50% merino, 50% silk) was socked away in a safe place for a while, waiting for just the right project to come along. enter the candlelight shawl pattern (ravelry link only) by saccade elyse and then enter your moth to flame references here. this knit was made even sweeter knowing that proceeds from the sale of her pattern go directly to the epilepsy foundation of northern california.

a great pattern for a great cause made with a great yarn given by a great friend.

go bold

2010-09-30T10:10:00.003-04:00

big. bold. floral. project bags.
now appearing at a fibre space store near you!

masterpiece mystery

2010-09-29T17:26:00.003-04:00

this shawl started out a troublesome mystery. aptly named agatha, it was a script that ms. christie could have written...one that might fittingly feature miss jane marple, quite the knitter herself. it took some clever detective work to decipher the chart and plenty of fits, starts and restarts before any progress was made. but it was well worth it to persevere.

with berroco pure merino dk on the case and its excellent stitch definition, the design of the shawl became clearer and easier to follow. there are whispers that this yarn might be discontinued and it would certainly be a shame. the spring and twist is like no other. it shows off cables as well as lace in lovely fashion.

with a little patience and pluck, agatha transformed from a mystery to a masterpiece!

half credit

2010-09-22T08:50:00.005-04:00

there was a kid in my high school calculus class who would get all of the right answers to questions, but was never able to explain how he did it. the teacher would make him write out his work on the board and he could certainly transcribe the entire sequence that lead him from problem to solution. but there was always a step or two, a leap you might say, that made sense only to him. for not being able to totally prove his theory yet still coming up with the right answer, he got half credit.

in clothing construction class, i too would receive half credit. my attempt at making the amy butler anna tunic seems to be complete...but don't look too closely or you'll be able to poke many holes in the theory and there will be no explanations to offer. just the fact that it came out sort of right, but who knows how it got there.

half credit.

oh, and that kid, he's now a mathematician working for nasa.

sacked!

2010-09-20T10:04:00.005-04:00

photos of the finished chickadee project bags:

they are just the right size for those bigger projects that get cast on this time of year like sweaters, wraps and throws. fully lined with internal slip pockets to keep needles and notions organized. kind to your knitting and to the environment because they are made from repurposed linens. landing in fibre space today!

more to love

2010-09-17T10:17:00.002-04:00

another batch of big old project bags is currently baking in the oven. they'll be fresh and ready for delivery next week!

tying one on at work

2010-09-14T09:15:00.004-04:00

a new apron to wear around the shop! same old style as the craft apron with a little updating so that it can better perform its function. still backed with denim for sturdiness but now sporting a contrasting fabric front. and a little length added to the pockets to accommodate the tools of the trade like pens, calculators, scissors, measuring tape, crochet hooks, etc...yarn shop employee essentials. made in a cute retro print with bright colors to match the vibe of the store. she fits right in.

bunting bundle of joy

2010-09-10T09:13:00.006-04:00

you were warned about the baby sack addiction. there's more to tell. this time it involves super large needles, dreadlocks of yarn and ears!

meet the buga baby bunting, designed by susan b. anderson for spud and chlöe. when this pattern came into the shop, it was love at first sight. when the time to cast on finally rolled around, fibre space had just gotten a shipment the newest malabrigo yarn, rasta. the super huge, super soft single ply merino seemed to beg for substitution.

talk about warm, this is polar bear and igloo type of warm. perfect for the new baby coming to live in an old drafty house. and if we have another winter like last year, not to worry. the cub is gonna be cozy and content in its bulky bundle.

since the intended recipient is still in the incubator, here's the official pattern publicity shot:

photo from: spud & chlöe

who's your daddy?

2010-09-09T10:11:00.003-04:00

babies beware...this chickadee has sworn off the seemingly endless stitching that is a baby blanket and has converted to the bag! why? because it is terribly cute, absolutely ridiculous and looks incredibly cuddly.

plus it is the perfect way to pamper a freshly hatchling without breaking the piggy bank. the pattern says that 150-200 yards of worsted weight wool will get you this soft and squishy owlie sleep sack designed by teresa cole.

this itsy bitty bunting bag was made with less than one skein of malabrigo worsted (colorway: emerald). it is knit in the round so none of those pesky seams to worry about. and even if you've never cabled before you are capable of constructing the feathered friends that circle round the top. after the owls, it is smooth stockinette sailing!

** owl model made by pretty little fings! **

crimson and clover

2010-09-07T09:47:00.001-04:00

new for space!

pretty fings in the panhandle

2010-09-03T16:27:00.005-04:00

not sure what to do this labor day weekend? why not head out to scenic western maryland for a spectacular show at the washington county arts council (hagerstown, md). our friend pang of pretty little fings and fellow plush maker katie paul of keighty crochet will have their little stuffed lovelies on display. here's a sneak peek of their set-up:

photo slurped from: pretty little fings

if you can't make the opening don't despair! the show will be up for the month of september. stop by and see their terribly cute, terrifically creative and top-notch crafted works of art.

hemp-hemp-hooray!

2010-09-02T11:18:00.003-04:00

another sweater is off the needles and on the shelf, stashed away for cooler weather. fingers crossed that it won't be too much longer now, because this one is a triumph! the knitting was fun and interesting, the seaming was scary...and the reason why this languished unfinished for so long.

(here's where i admit that i'm shamefully afraid to seam things. but this project was a confidence builder. not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but encouraging enough to continue to practice.)

pattern: pinnate cardigan by amy christoffers (ravelry link only)
yarn: elsebeth lavold hempathy
needles: us 2 and 4

you gotta know when to hold 'em

2010-09-01T11:23:00.003-04:00

chickadee project totes have been going over great at fibre space. they are perfect for portable projects like socks, scarves and shawls...but what about when sweater knitting strikes your fancy? or you've bought balls of yarn for a blanket?

if a knitter casts-on for a cardigan in the forest, here is proof that the chickadee hears:

weighing in at a generous 13" x 14" and able to pack quite a punch are the sweet new drawstring sweater bags. all large projects are welcome so go ahead and bring them your tired tweeds and your huddled houndstooth.

and look inside! there are plenty of pockets to pack along the essentials...a few skinny ones for needles and larger ones for notions.

these are available right now at fibre space and right here by custom order.

little bag blue

2010-08-27T11:47:00.006-04:00

the latest and greatest in the long line of fibre space project bags have arrived. today's model is tangled up in totally retro turquoise.

might you be concerned about your cute little project spilling out the top? no need to worry, these totes are fit to be tied! just knot the handles and your stitches are safe and secure. they make a charming container for everything from socks to shawls.

instead of seashells...

2010-08-25T12:13:00.003-04:00

on the way home from this knit-cation, the chickadee cases were with stuffed souvenirs spun of wool and silk! there were several great yarn stores to visit and it was impossible to come away empty handed. here's a look at the haul:

quince & co.
chickadee (made just for me!)
100% wool. 100% awesome.

purchased at: cozycute knitwit

manos del uruguay
rittenhouse merino 5-ply

100% extrafine merino wool.
kettle dyed and delightful.

purchased at: cozycute knitwit

jaggerspun
4/8 wool/silk dk
50% wool. 50% silk.
and an entire cone of it!

purchased at: halcyon (house of amazing) yarn

there was also a stop at purl diva in brunswick that was fabulous if not fruitful. maybe next time...

and so concludes this chickadee's yarn inspired tour of the maritimes. many happy returns expected!

boothbay beach memoirs

2010-08-24T08:46:00.002-04:00

here's the final bit of vacation knitting, begun on a front porch far far away...

stay tuned, blocking and weaving currently underway. she'll be finished up by the end of the week.

sea of love

2010-08-18T18:47:00.005-04:00

sometimes it is hard to find the time to sit and knit...even when you are on vacation with a pretty little front porch to perch on. with so much yarn and so little time, what's a knitter on the move to do? become a professional passenger! a passive car ride becomes an absolute pleasure when you take your yarn for a ride.

this sapphire shawl was stitched together over multiple miles. the pattern is herbivore by the talented stephen west. this chickadee has now knit three westknits designs and they've all been stellar, very well written with interesting shapes and stitches. this one incorporates tons of twisted knits and purls that create pronounced ridges that contrast with a sea of stockinette.

even the yarn, trekking hand art, is well traveled. it was picked up on a trip to germany over a year ago and has been sitting in the stash waiting for the right project to come along. it seemed a little stiff while working with it, but became quite soft after being blocked. and the blending of the blue shades will be a reminder of the bright skies, clear waters and relaxing times spent on vacation.

everything that glitters

2010-08-17T08:18:00.003-04:00

on a mission to actually use some yarn that's been around for a while, the chickadee suitcases were packed with several skeins from the stash. dream in color starry was singled out for the prized position of carry-on yarn. armed with size 6 bamboo needles that the tsa dare not take away and a sweet shawl pattern, we were cleared for take off and cast-on before we hit cruising altitude.

by the end of the trip, the shaelyn shawl (ravelry link) was completely knit. it was a great pattern for vacation, with a mix of stockinette and an easy to memorize lace pattern. rows were clear enough to count and keep track of. starry has quite a bit more yardage than called for, so one additional repeat was added. final verdict, a well written pattern that was a pleasure to knit.

starry was a bit tough to photograph, the actual color is more saturated and the silver strand throughout is more visible. as with the other dream in color yarns that i've worked with in the past, this softens considerably in the bath. it is a fun yarn to work with...something a little different while still maintaining the subtle color changes that makes hand dyed yarns so lovely.

for more on this project, see the ravelry page.

summer lovin'

2010-08-15T15:08:00.006-04:00

this chickadee took a little break from the day to day and disappeared for a wee bit. but don't despair! i'm back with plenty to share.

first, let's catch up with with the freshest fibre space project bags:

and coming up later this week, find out how much yarn one little chickadee can cram into a suitcase!

hot to trot

2010-08-04T10:05:00.004-04:00

the traveling woman by liz abinante has graced this here blog a few times in the past. it is a testament to the greatness of the pattern that it keeps getting made to be gifted. this lady really is a special shawl, somewhere in between a scarf and a wrap. giving them away has been joyful, but also a bit sad as they always sit so nicely on the shoulders or cozy up to the neck and seem to want to stay right here.

in a knitting slump and struggling to manage an unruly stash, i decided to travel by staying close to home and pulled out the pattern yet again. paired with some mystery yarn that had been left here by a friend on her way out of town chasing down new adventures, and the circle was unbroken. the yarn is probably alchemy silk purse...but that is a best guess. it was unlabeled and already wound when it got here, as if it had started down one road and then decided to to turn back. it is bright as the day!

the three little balls did their best to manage the pattern with an additional repeat of the first chart, but they ran out of steam just stitches away from the end of a row. luckily no yarn is ever squandered in these parts, and there were still remnants remaining from the first ever chickadee traveling woman. the leftover malabrigo silky merino lent itself lovingly to the edge of another far wandering femme.

shame, boatloads of shame

2010-07-31T15:58:00.006-04:00

it is shameful and sad that the couch located just steps from this here chickadee computer portal was in desperate need of pillows for such a long time. the old ones were tattered and torn and truly unwelcoming. a rare free friday afternoon came along and it was time to take action!

dear couch, languish no more! you finally have new friends:

(this project has been in the making for quite a while and the fabric for it was purchased so long ago that i can't even recall the name of the collection. will research if anyone is interested. shame!)

look ma, matched corners!

a clean slate

2010-07-27T10:08:00.004-04:00

here's to good old fashioned summer knitting! simplicity that allows the mind to unwind but still yields delightful results. with the heat bearing down on you and your needles, it is sometimes sublime to relax with stockinette stitch. those complex cables can come back in the fall.

the boneyard shawl from westknits was just the thing to weather the latest heat wave. it is a small, portable project that won't take up too much room in your tote. and its straightforward construction was easy to follow without getting lost. sections of stockinette are offset with a tidy purl ridge that keep things interesting without having to maintain strict attention.

another great part of the pattern is that almost any yarn will do. this one is made from the super squishy, soft and luxurious neighborhood fiber co. capitol luxury sock (merino/cashmere/nylon). you can easily customize the size of the shawl to fit your yarn or your pretty little neck. the chickadee version has nine purl ridges and is finished off with an inch and a half of garter stitch. that used up almost all 375 yards and made a cute little kerchief. it is the grooviest slate grey and goes well with most everything.

chickadee: 1 cute kerchief / heat wave: 101º

birthday bags!

2010-07-22T12:01:00.004-04:00

fibre space turns one today!

pattern and pic from crazy dazy knits

congratulations to danielle and the gang

and high hopes for continued stitching success!

to celebrate, this chickadee is dropping off some more shop bags. (see pic below). and be sure to stop by space and take advantage of their super sale that lasts through the weekend.

attention dc area artists and crafters!

2010-07-20T12:13:00.004-04:00

here's a copy and paste lifted (with permission, of course) from oh meaghan about a new local art/craft happening. arts on n will be held the first two weekends of august in dc's shaw neighborhood. it is hosted by area awesome beth baldwin of tigerflight.

contact beth at the email listed above for more info!

after midnight

2010-07-15T11:32:00.003-04:00

some more fancy florals for fibre space

a summertime flourish

2010-07-13T10:28:00.004-04:00

greetings friends and patient friendly readers! thanks for sticking around while this chickadee enjoys summertime a little bit too much. hope that you are all doing the same. with no shows on the horizon for the season, there isn't too much production in the sewing department. but there always seems to be something going on in the division of pointy sticks and yarn.

meet the newest addition to the incredibly huge chickadee collection of triangular shawls. she's a beauty! the pattern is flourish by rose beck (available on ravelry). it was a delightful knit and a well written pattern. those of you new to lace knitting and looking for a challenge, look no further!

the suggested yarn is worsted weight, which makes it easy (easier) to read your stitches and follow the pattern. this version made good use of some madelinetosh dk that had been lying sadly in the stash for a while. the colorway, vermilion, is even prettier in person.

as with most hand-dyed yarns, it is a good idea to alternate skeins while you are working because colors can vary quite a bit.

now off to knit more polygons...