Fable Mitts with yarn from Homestead Wool and Gift Farm - Day 1

Mint-y freshness!

Ah, a nice, quick, cheery project in an energizing green.  What could be more refreshing after miles of chunky brown?

Now, I am no fool.  I know my absurdly short attention span, so I’m doing both of these mitts at once on a long circ rather than the single straight needle called for in the instructions.  

And I’ll admit, I’m more than a bit nervous that I don’t have sufficient yarn.  This may be a nail-biter up until the end--I’ll just think of it as a way to keep the knitting exciting, yes?

I do like how it knits up, with just the tiniest bit of color variation so that the casual observer won’t mistake these for something I picked up at Wal-Mart.  

There’s no avoiding, however, how very green these are.  Almost neon.  I’m thinking I may need to do the wrist-bands and buttons in a different color, not only to make them appropriate for someone my age, but also because I may not have enough yarn.  White?  Pink?  Black?  I think that choice may be dictated by the buttons I get (which I don’t have yet).

For now, I’ll keep knitting.  And go off in search of buttons.  Stay tuned to see what turns up!

May Authors Who Knit: Anna Schmidt

It's time to meet this month's knitting author.  DestiKNITters, say hello to Anna Schmidt.

Anna, what’s on your needles right now? 

An afghan made with a multicolor SOFT blues/greens yarn.

What feels like your favorite/greatest knitting accomplishment? 

Oh, no—I don’t knit to “accomplish”—that’s too much stress. I knit to de-stress!!!

What feels like the worst knitting mistake/foible/wrong choice you’ve ever made? 

Years ago I decided to make a sweater for my husband—it was beyond awful.

Straight or circular needles? 

Straight

Metal or wood needles? 

Wood

White chocolate, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate? 

Dark—milk is okay but white is an oxymoron

Coffee or tea? 

Both

Have you written a knitting character?  

Nope but I did once do a weaver—does that count???

What’s the last thing anyone would suspect about your most recent book? 

Hopefully that I wrote it while surviving my first year as a widow. 

Give a shout out to your favorite local yarn store: 

I’m a backwards knitter in that I buy my yarn at estate and rummage sales and then figure out how I’ll use it. 

If you'd like to learn more about Anna and her books, visit her website here.  If you're interested in Anna's blog about her journey through widowhood, you can find it here.

Squiggle Lace Shawl with yarn from Homestead Wool and Gift Farm - Done

Quick and easy?

This was supposed to be a quick and easy project.  It is, after all, just garter stitch. 

Lots and lots of garter stitch.

So while it was easy, it wasn’t nearly as quick as I’d anticipated.  As a matter of fact, I was really ready to be done with it by the time I reached the third of four balls of the lovely chunky brown.  The combination of thin white and chunky brown fibers made for way too much tangling.  I hadn’t anticipated that this project would make me so frustrated.

There were good parts, though.  As with lots of locally sourced wool, there was a lovely touch of lanolin (the waterproofing substance naturally found in sheep wool) in the brown, and my hands always felt softer for having worked with it.  The switch between fibers at least kept things interesting.  And every time I looked at it, I thought of that cake you make with Famous Chocolate Wafers.

Still, I was worried.  I know enough of squiggle lace to know it changes dramatically once you get it off the needles.  I wasn’t particularly fond of the way it looked on the needles--I kept telling people it looked like something that belonged on Carmen Miranda’s sleeves, an endless stretch of ruffles.  Would it look better or worse once bound off?

Oh, the answer is definitely better.  I like it.  I mean I really like it.  It’s wonderfully stretchy and just the right balance of light and chunky.  It’s fabulous.  I’d have picked it up off a store shelf for its stand-out beauty and versatility.  

The fact that I’ve visited the yarn source and knit it myself?  Well, that makes it just about perfect.

Next up, some brilliant green fingerless mits.

Squiggle Lace Shawl with yarn from Homestead Wool and Gift Farm - Day 1

If at first you don't succeed...

Squiggle lace has not worked for me in the past.  I love it in the photographs--it looks so delicate and textured.  Then I knit it up, and mine looks like seaweed caught up in a poorly made fishing net.

When I saw the lush, thick, undulating chocolate brown of the yarn from Homestead farm, I knew I had to give it another try.  It’s spring, after all, and I wasn’t willing to relegate this wool to a thick winter cowl.  I wanted to give it some chance to hang out with a lighter texture.

Normally, squiggle lace utilizes a single, non-turning row of thicker yarn intersperced with several rows of a much thinner yarn. 

I wasn’t happy with the results of a single row, so I used two rows (up and back, as it were).  This means I ended up with more of a ridge than a squiggle, but I liked it that way.

As I thicken the piece with more rows, I think the space between the thick brown ridges will lengthen.  Blocking will do the same.  The only thing I don’t know is how the piece will lengthen out once I get it off the needles. 

I’ll just have to wait and see.

NEW GLARUS AND VERONA, WI

I have my husband well-trained.

When he knew he needed to dry-run some back-roads driving excursions for his Windy City Z Club, he knew the best way to lure me along was, “Hey, here’s a list of the yarn stores in the area.”  Smart, guy, my spouse.

This meant that after a pleasant afternoon navigating Green County’s backroads in search of automotive paradise, we pulled into the charming town of New Glarus.

New Glarus pretty much transplants a bit of Switzerland right down in Wisconsin.  It’s a genuine community--not a Swiss theme park or Epcot version, but a grounded, culturally strong community that feels very nice to visit.

After settling in at The Chalet Landhaus Inn (our friendly lodgings for the night) , we wandered over in search of dinner at:

Glarner Stube

518 1st St

New Glarus, WI 53574

(608) 527-2216

http://www.glarnerstube.com/

I can’t even remember what my husband had, I was so immersed in our wonderful fondue and my French onion soup.  Cheese heaven.  The place was packed, so make sure to get here early, as they don’t do reservations on the weekends.

The next morning I had an early appointment at our yarn fix--good thing they serve coffee as well at:

The Sow’s Ear

125 S. Main St.

Verona, WI 53593
608-848-2755
http://www.knitandsip.com/

A warm, friendly place that’s as much about the coffee as it is about the yarn.  This is the only yarn shop I’ve ever seen where people don’t just come for the fiber!  Owner Debra Wheeler, who began here as a high school employee and bought it from the owners in 2000, has done a remarkable job of crafting a perfect mix of fiber and coffee community.  “As a suburb of Madison, we have a huge espresso scene here,” Debra says, and she delivers to both audiences.  You know an owner is loved when her customers secretly yarn bomb the shop with knitted hearts for Valentine’s Day!

Boasting several classroom areas and a twelve-page list of available classes (most with wait lists!),  Debra is committed to moving people up the skill chain. “Scarf to hat to mittens and beyond.”  The store is packed with inspiration in the form of diverse finished projects and lots of great yarn in each weight.  Like the other places we’ve been, Sow’s Ear actively connects to the local fiber arts community.

Here are some projects to consider:

Selbucozy

Designed by Debra’s beloved late father David Helgesen, this artful can and bottle cozy utilizes Dale of Norway yarn (Sow’s Ear is the only area shop to carry this iconic yarn!) to create a colorwork piece that will cuddle your Wisconsin brew in style.

Sipsey’s Folly Sweater

The whimsical squirrel yolk on this sweater would be a huge hit with women from my Alpha Gamma Delta college sorrority days (the squirrel is AGD’s mascot).  Done up in Brown Sheep Company's Nature Spun sport weight, this design by Amy Detjen welcomes the fall weather in artsy style.

Balm to the Soul Shawl

Some of you may know Knitcircus’ Jaala Spiro--I met her for the first time at Chicago’s recent YarnCon--from her wonderful podcast.  Her marvelous handpainted yarn and this Ravelry pattern combine for a lovely shawl that any shoulder would love to display.

Owl Sweater

Sporting another artful neckline and some really lovely shaping, this Ravelry pattern wields Lamb's Pride bulky to fantastic results.  Thanks to the cable-crafted owls, this one looks as good in a neutral as it would in a bright color to catch the eye.

While I admit our Sunday morning visit didn’t allow us to sample the local business fare, peering in the windows did allow us to take confidence in Debra’s local suggestions:

Purple Goose Boutique

400 W. Verona Ave

Verona, Wisconsin

608-845-2368

Shopthepurplegoose.com

I was really sorry this shop wasn’t open--but my husband and my checkbook sighed with relief.  This looks like the place to find wonderfully unique, artistic clothing--the socks alone made me drool with envy. With nifty jewelry, cards made by local artists, artisan bath products (my personal indulgence of choice!), I could have spent happy hours--and hoards of dollars--in here.

Edelweiss Cheese Shop

202 West Verona Ave.

Verona, WI 53953

http://www.edelweisscheeseshop.com/

608-845-9005

This is Wisconsin, after all.  You’ve got to shop for cheese.  According to Debra, this is the go-to spot in Verona.  They’ve got cheese, cheese accessories, cow items, utensils, fondue pots...the whole dairy done up right.  And--also because this is Wisconsin--beer (more on that later).

If you’re ready to eat, Debra suggests:

Jordanal Farms Cookhouse

600 West Verona Ave 

Verona, WI 53953

608-848-3298

http://jordandalfarms.com/the-cookhouse-take-out

It’s not often I get to recommend a take-out place, but this one seems exceptional.  Locally sourced meat (from the nearby Jordanal Farm), this place boasts “good, wholesome, affordable, homecooked local food fast!!”  They even make their own pickles!  Personally, I found myself craving the sweet potato bacon salad, while my husband found the Friday night BBQ pork ribs quite compelling.

With Chicago calling us back home, we had time for one more stop to honor the one Wisconsin product we’ve not yet showcased:  beer.

New Glarus Brewing Company

2400 State Hwy 69

New Glarus, WI 53574

608-527-5850

http://www.newglarusbrewing.com/

Even I, who do not drink beer, was fascinated and entertained by our tour of the brewery and the wide selection of brews.  Okay, yes, it also had a lovely gift shop.  As beer destinations go, I was impressed.  You get a strong sense of a creative, innovative company that went far beyond the bottle of brew.  After all, craft people recognize fine craft in all kinds of endeavors, don’t we?  Based on the number of awards I saw, these people know their stuff.  I had to have something to fill my Sow’s Ear cozy, right?

All in all, these three adventures made for a fun, memorable time in Wisconsin that can suit your appetites no matter what the season--warm or cold.

Next up, we play with all that spiffy sheep yarn for a trio of quick projects.

MORE MONROE, WI

"Feed my sheep..."

For someone who knits as much as I do, I don’t spend much time around sheep.  That all changed on my recent trip to Wisconsin.

After spending a lovely morning in Monroe, my husband and I drove out to a farm.  Along the way, Jocelyn of Orange Kitten Yarns had advised us to keep an eye out for barn quilts which are quilt squares painted onto the sides of barns. I’d never heard of this, and was delighted how it added to our driving experience.  It felt like an artistic grown-up scavenger hunt.

After a short drive, we arrived at 

Homestead Wool and Gift Farm

http://www.homesteadwoolandgiftfarm.com/

Jim and Sandy Ryan were delighted to share their farm with us, telling us about the marvelous fibers Sandy makes.  No one was more excited when Sandy asked, “would you like to feed the sheep?” nor was anyone more surprised when Jim produced a box of Nabisco Nilla Wafers!  Evidently I have more things in common with sheep than I realized!

Wellies on (it was a muddy, muddy day!), we trudged out to where Sandy’s flocks of sheep, llamas, and dogs have their happy home.  One shake of a cookie box and we had company:

What a great, memorable experience.  I look at the yarn Sandy gave me to knit, and it has a special quality to it now.  I’ve seen the sheep.  I've shared cookies with them.  We’re connected.

I was surprised how distinct each sheep was.  In the short time I met them, it was easy to spot unique personalities.  There is something meaningful about a sheep’s eyes.  They look at you like they know great secrets.  I was unsettled to know how many of Sandy’s happy sheep are “rescue” sheep.  She’s good at her mission; they all look quite contented now to me.

Sheep get a bad rap for being “not too smart.”  Their emotional bonds--to owners, their offspring, and each other--shows that for the lie that it is.  Sheep form strong relationships and even have “best friends.”  Life has taught me that is the very best kind of smart, astute choice of snack foods aside.

Afterwards,  Sandy took us to her workroom to show us how fleece gets from sheep to needles.  I’ve tried very hard (and mostly succeeded) to keep out of the whole spinning thing, but that doesn’t squelch my appreciation for those who do.  Look at this carding drum!  Don’t you just yearn to touch all that artful fluffiness?

Sandy gave me three different yarns.  It’s not often I get to pick my own project, so I loved the opportunity to match these very different fibers with Ravelry searches for projects.  

First was a lush, chocolate brown in ungulating widths.  I decided not to relegate this to a purely winter project (it’s rather chunky), but to pair it with some creamy lace-weight for a squiggle lace shawl I could wear year round.

Then came a cheery hank of high-voltage green.  A Ravelry search for projects using 50g of yarn yielded a smart set of fingerless gloves.  This is perhaps one of Ravelry’s best features--you can wander through pictures of possibilities based on whatever yarn you’ve got.

And finally, two hanks of very sheepy art yarn, complete with curly-cues that feel like they’re right off a sheep’s back (but cleaner, of course).  While this would serve as a dramatic trim to just about anything, I’m going to knit them into a stunning scarf to keep those Chicago winds at bay.

While the farm is a charming place to visit, there is no shop here--you’ll need to catch up with the sheep’s fleecy output at local yarnshops like Orange Kitten or online.  If you find yourself driving near Monroe, however, look them up and tell them DestiKNITions sent you.  

Don’t forget to bring them some Nilla Wafers--you’ll make instant friends.

Next, we wander north to Verona and New Glarus.

MONROE, WI

Small town charm...

This was one of those years when I headed north and south in alternating waves.  It has made for some interesting comparisons in fiber culture.  While art is art no matter what the thermometer says, there’s just something about how a northern state takes to knitting.  The appreciation goes so much farther than the aesthetic--it’s survival to be able to cuddle up in warmth when the snow drifts deep.  So, when life afforded me the chance to head back into Wisconsin and find some more yarn destiKNITions, I went.

Last time we centered around Milwaukee.  This time we’ll be visiting three smaller towns--Monroe on one day, Verona and New Glarius the next.  You could do all these in a single long day from Chicago, but I wouldn’t recommend it...you want time to explore and enjoy, right?

One of my favorite aspects of midwestern living is the “circle the square” small town.  It’s the quintessential plaines states set up--a small town whose center is a square of commerce set up around either a park or the town hall.  There’s just something so friendly and connected about it that appeals to this urban techie girl.

Today we’ll be visiting Monroe.  First stop for me is always coffee, and in Monroe that means: 

Chocolate Temptation

1004 17th  Avenue

Monroe WI  53556

608-328-2462

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chocolate-Temptation/125278597522921

Sure, it’s a dessert place, but all destiKNITTers know the value of dessert for breakfast! (don’t worry, I’ll make sure you have something more traditional for lunch).  They have loads of delectable ice cream flavors, but I opted for an excellent latte (remember to stir--they serve it to you in layers!) and red velvet cheesecake.  There’s a reason the place has been going strong for 18 years--the chocolate here is outstanding.  Start here, and it’s nearly impossible to have a bad day.

Duly caffeinated, spend an hour or two wandering around the rest of the square.  On my visit, I found 

an indoor farmer’s market on Wednesdays and Saturdays (a rare treat in winter months)

a collection of antique boutiques at the Monroe Antiques Mall

At 1117 16th Avenue, I found some seriously good pastries and a local specialty called the Lindberger Roll (ideal for brats, sandwiches, or eating straight out of the bag) at the Boomerang Bakery

But there’s way more to explore here so grab all the info from a brochure or click here to see everything.  

When you’re ready to get your yarn on, head just a bit off the square to:

Orange Kitten Yarns

1209 17th Avenue

Monroe WI  53556

608-328-4140

http://www.orangekittenyarns.com/

Don’t let the small size fool you--this is a fun little shop with lots to offer.  If you want a taste of the fiber world’s wonderful connectivity, this is where you’ll find it.  Owner Jocelyn Kline is an enthusiastic Monroe ambassador, introducing you to the town community at every opportunity.  You just know a shop with a full-size cutout of Elvis in the bathroom and a weekly Wednesday “show and tell” session is a friendly place to knit.  

Jocelyn (left) and Benita (right)

Still brand new--just over a year old and barely nudging up to a full-open schedule--Jocelyn has found a niche as the hub and showcase for many local artisans.  No, you won’t find a wall full of every color here--although Jocelyn has a respectable stock of the basic commercial lines given the size of the shop.  What you will find are delightfully unique yarns from the thriving local community of fiber-producers, other locally sourced products like goatsmilk soaps, and eight new friends the moment you walk in.  Benita Miller was in making socks while I was there, and I felt like we were all related before I left (and, in a fiber sense, aren’t we?).  

This is a shop where you can “do knitting any way you want it--art, distraction, or community,” says Jocelyn, who sees her shop as more community service as commerce.  I feel as if should I ever move here, Jocelyn would have me plugged into the community before I unpacked my kitchen (maybe even before I unpacked my suitcase!).

This is the dairy state, and folks in Monroe take their cheese seriously.  Very seriously.  Every other year, they go all out for “Cheese Days”--the area’s biggest festival.  The next event--the 100th anniversary, mind you--is September 2014 and I plan to be there.  

I’ll be appropriately accessorized with our first knit-along from this shop:

Lucy Neatby’s Utterly Divine Bag

So bold and quirky I couldn’t resist!  I’ve avoided felting up until now, but this bag was just outrageous enough to break down my reluctance.  As with every Neatby creation, the fun colors also sport some very clever design tactics.  Who could say no?

If you’re looking for something more local and low-key, opt for:

Ewe n’ Me Enterprises Thrummed Mitten Kit

Inside a cozy knitted mitten are tufts of roving that will custom-felt to your hands as you wear them.  Hands-down the warmest mittens you can find, and in a rainbow of cheery colors.  Packaged into kits by the Winnebago IL company, they’re as pretty as they are practical--especially for those of us who lack the skill to artfully combine colors.

If you want a project that embodies Jocelyn’s connective philosophy, I’d suggest:

Sandy’s Art Yarn Hat

Art Yarn--fiber that’s tricked out with all kinds of goodies so that the strands are as much  a work of art as the final product--always adds extra pizzaz to basics like hats and scarves.  This kit is no exception.  A great way for a new knitter to get some high-power punch out of simple stitching, this kit creates a one-of-a-kind hat children or teens would adore.  You’ll hear more about Sandy and her happy sheep in our next post, by the way.

When you’re ready for lunch, you’ve got quite a few choices, but here’s the two we tried:

Cafe Claudeen

1014 17th Avenue

Monroe WI 53556

608-329-5899

http://www.cafeclaudeen.com/

This place is to food what Orange Kitten is to Yarn--a showcase for local products.  Friendly service, an inventive menu, and a casually elegant atmosphere make this an ideal place for lunch.  I had a lovely quiche while my companion had a hefty sandwich.  Had I not already indulged, the dessert case had several great options.  If you think small midwestern towns can’t deliver foodie-level noshing, this place will prove you wrong.

Want something a little less delicate but loaded with fun?  Try:

Baumgartner’s Cheese Store and Tavern

1301 15th Avenue

Monroe, WI  53556

608-325-6157

https://baumgartnercheese.com/

The line to sit down is your first clue this is a local favorite.  Filled with murals, dozens of cheese selections, and a basic tavern-style menu, this place oozes character.  With simple fare done to perfection, this place can handle a rowdy boys’ night out as easily as it hosts a kids’ lunch with grandpa.  As a matter of fact, our server asked if we’d mind sharing a table with an older couple out for a Sunday drive, and we ended up having one of the most entertaining lunch with strangers-turned-friends I’ve ever experienced.  The world is losing such places, so I’m glad this one still stands.  Hand your server a dollar and watch him tack it to the ceiling in the most original and entertaining charity drive I’ve ever seen!

Tune in next time to find out the wonderful farm adventure that finished our day in Monroe.  You won’t want to miss it!