Cutting Back

After 50 years of knitting very steadily i have, you might have guessed, the dreaded carpel tunnel syndrome. I am seeing a physical therapist who is quite optimistic that it can be repaired. I hope he’s right.

He didn’t say to stop, just cut back. So now i time how long i knit for. It’s not long compared to the many hours I usually knit every day.

But here is the problem. What to do instead???

How does one watch tv without knitting? This is a new experience for me and not one i am enjoying.

I am trying to do more things with my left hand. Brushing my teeth is hilarious. Texting is rather slow. Scrolling is challenging too.

I have recently taken up quilting and can do machine work fine but i enjoy hand stitching too and that’s out for the moment. The binding here is half done.

So here i am with no Christmas knitting to do. Wow. That’s different.

I am still working on my log cabin blanket, slowly. I will 3-needle bind off the squares together eventually.

So, here i am stuck in the middle for at least 6 or more weeks, twiddling my thumbs or trying not to.

I will have to knit vicariously through you guys. What are you knitting? I’d love to hear about it. Really i would.

Cheers, Deb

Any Gauge and Gauge-free patterns. https://www.ravelry.com/stores/debgemmellmods

Debgemmell435 on YouTube

Deadline

I really dislike the panic that comes with knitting to a deadline. That would include Christmas, birthdays, and in this case, the disappearance of the writing system I have been using for decades. It disappears Oct. 1. Soooon.

This will be the last pattern I post up on ravelry. An Any Gauge Crewneck Cardigan. I’m almost there.

A little over half a sleeve to go. Everything else is on hold.

Deadlines, a great way to take the joy of knitting away. Not good for me. How about you?

Cheers, Deb

Any Gauge and Gauge-free patterns by Deb https://www.ravelry.com/stores/debgemmellmods

Cabin Fever patterns https://www.ravelry.com/stores/cabin-fever-patterns

Debgemmell435 on youtube

Ouch

I was recently asked how I deal with thumb pain from knitting. I have some pain but it’s not bad considering how much and how long I have been knitting. Mostly I use ice.

I think I have less than I might have because I am a continental knitter. This is me knitting – K4, P4.

I learned this method in university, taught by my friend Ruth who had been taught to knit by her german neighbour. I used to have to use every finger of both hands to finish a stitch! I have refined it over the decades of knitting.

I now have problems with my shoulders. I’m sure it doesn’t have anything to do with knitting for hours without taking a break!!!

My solution is to knit several different ways to give my hands and shoulders a change of position. Every other method of knitting is slower, of course, but I try to keep in mind that it is helping, along with exercises and ice packs.

I am knitting, or actually purling, my log cabin squares.

This is certainly easier on my right thumb because all my right hand is doing is holding yarn threaded through my middle fingers for the tension. I also sit differently and my hand movements are not anything like my regular knitting.

My other project is a sock.

I’m using the Irish Cottage throwing method here. I’m limited because I can’t purl this way yet and only seem able to work it on double pointed needles. But it does work if I am patient with my slow speed. New methods take quite a long time to be comfortable.

I chose a method to go with one project, to keep myself honest. The awkwardness does test my resolve to stick with it.

There are many different ways to knit. I hope that working this way will keep me knitting for many more years, as pain-free as possible.

Cheers, Deb

Any Gauge and Gauge-free knitting patterns by Deb : https://www.ravelry.com/stores/debgemmellmods

Cabin Fever patterns: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/cabin-fevers-ravelry-store

Debgemmell435 on YouTube

September, The Year Begins

Do we ever lose that feeling that September is the beginning of the year? School starts again and here we go. I don’t have anyone going to school, except my grandson, so it’s a false start for me but I still feel like I have to take a look at what I need to be doing as we head into fall.

There are always projects to finish up. Some will take longer than others and I’m trying to give myself reasonable timelines. I’m not too good at this.

This is the Contiguous Drop Shoulder Pullover for my daughter-in-law. She tried it on so I have some idea of what I need to do to finish.

I have finished the cropped body length she wanted but can you believe she has 22″ long arms? Tall people, geez. I will be knitting sleeves for quite some time. I’m giving myself a Christmas deadline. That seems reasonable, right?

Of course, I did cast on another pair of socks (speaking of Christmas, is too early to mention that word?). Toe up socks that I got started on while watching curling over the weekend. Watching curling behind the glass is good practice for knitting while not looking at my work. I only dropped one stitch. Not bad. Of course I only noticed after knitting an inch past it so I just added a new stitch where I needed to and will sew that dropped stitch in. That sort of decided which was the top of the foot and which the bottom.

A small project was important because I have two larger projects on the go.

This is the 4×4 Ribbed Tank for my daughter. I’m knitting in Summer Silk, silk/linen blend, by Shelridge Yarns. It’s lovely and soft.

Screenshot

The 4×4 rib does take some concentration because it’s not automatic the way 2×2 ribbing is for me. Another longer deadline. I may need another small project that I can finish. I’m not setting myself up very well here.

One last sweater, because where would I be without several sweaters to knit!

This will be an Any Gauge Crew Neck cardigan that I will publish as soon a I get it finished. Maybe this jumps to the top of the priority list?

What I really want to knit is log cabin squares of my handspun. This is calling to me constantly. I must be strong and not listen too often. Maybe if I tossed it in the furnace room I wouldn’t be able to hear it. Does this ever work?!

So here we are. Summer is closing out and knitting weather is coming. Are you ready?

I did a video: https://youtu.be/cze6PXTof84?si=gduO9cJuq9MplqyE

Cheers, Deb

Any Gauge and Gauge-Free patterns by Deb

Cabin Fever patterns

Debgemmell435 on youtube

deb.gemmell on instagram

Summers Over

It’s time to say goodbye to Northern Ontario for this summer.

Time to head home.

First we’re visiting friends. So a long drive but I’m totally looking forward to it. I’m currently working on two projects which are good travelling companions.

I have started the sleeves of my Contiguous Drop Shoulder.

It did take some figuring out to get the helical stripes going in the proper sequence. Two tries later, and several rounds where I didn’t quite believe it, it’s worked out. Yay.

I cast on my log cabin blanket. I am using my handspun wool. The red square, in Lichen and Lace Rustic Heather sport, is tradition for quilts. I think it’s going to look great.

My handspun wool is very thick and thin but that’s where I am right now with my apinning. I might make one of those frames with 4 posts for the corners, to pile up the squares so they can be blocked to somewhat the same size.

This square needs two more sections of grey and then one square down and many more to go, LOL.

I’ve been thinking of fall projects. Nothing firm yet but fun to ponder. How about you? Thoughts about knitting fun coming up?

Cheers, Deb

Any Gauge and Gauge-free patterns

Cabin Fever patterns

Debgemmell435 on YouTube

Five Days Of Fibre Camp

Last July I was introduced to spinning at the Elliot Lake Summer Fibre Camp. I didn’t know if it would take. I always said I wouldn’t learn because knitting is a big part of my life and who needs anything else?!

I borrowed a spinning wheel but was too scared to try it out until October. I watched a ton of spinning videos and then got busy. I spun and spun and spun. I love it.

This year I signed up again.

I was the only person who returned. There were 11 people new to spinning who were all struggling as I was last year. After 2 days it was amazing how many really got going and improved greatly after the first day.

I was able to help a couple people out with some tips that helped me get started. Next year I will be an official teacher. Yikes! That’s a big step.

After two days spinning outside we hit the Elliot Lake Arts Club‘s studio for a dyeing class with Lyn of Shelridge Yarns.

They dyed their spinning and some fibre with chemical dyes. I stayed for a bit but had promised to take my grandson fishing so only did a little bit.

On Day 4 we did natural dyeing which was greatly expanded from last year. We dyed with Logwood (purple), red onion skins (orange) and black eyed susan flowers (green/gray).

Can you see all the variation in colour we got? Natural dyeing is always a surprise. Skeins in the bottom of the pot were darker (we didn’t stir too much since there were other things to do).

Friday we plied up what we had done and it was all over. A great 5 days of fibre, fibre, fibre. Can’t wait until next year.

Cheers, Deb

Gauge-Free and Any Gauge patterns by Deb

Cabin Fever patterns

Deb.gemmell on instagram

Debgemmell435 on youtube

Steek, Yikes

Cutting will commence shortly.

To set up the steek, at the top of the shoulder I cast on an extra 5 sts where the armhole will go. Then I continued knitting round and round for 8.5″, the length of the armhole, cast off those 5 sts and continued to knit round and round for the body.

So here we are. I’m ready with the scissors. But first, I ran a length of grey yarn down on either side of the 5 steek sts.

Then with cream coloured yarn I crocheted a slip stitch through the two legs of a column of sts, inside the grey line.

Now I cut.

Now that both armholes are open my DIL can try it on for some final measurements.

Just a couple more inches needed on the body for a cropped sweater. Then the rest of the summer will be sleeve knitting.

She likes it so I’m happy.

Cheers, Deb

Any Gauge and Gauge-free patterns by Deb https://www.ravelry.com/stores/debgemmellmods

Cabinfever patterns https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/cabin-fevers-ravelry-store

Debgemmell435 on youtube

Deb.gemmell on instagram

A New Cast On

I’m afraid that monogamous knitting is not for me. I have knit a couple more inches on my Contiguous Drop Shoulder …

… but found myself wanting to try something else. So I cast on the 4 x 4 Rib Tank.

This is a Cabin Fever pattern designed by me, which I am happy to knit again.

I am, of course, not using the correct yarn. I’m using a sports weight yarn, Summer Silk by Shelridge Yarns: 65% silk and 35% linen.

Modifications are happening:

  1. Sports weight yarn, not DK as suggested in the pattern.
  2. Very small size. I’m going to knit a 31″ chest size. That’s much smaller than the smallest size in the pattern.
  3. Much tighter gauge. Using a 2.75mm needle I get a gauge of 6.5sts/1″ (26sts=4″).

Because I will be knitting at a much tighter gauge I can use the stitch numbers for the smallest size in the pattern. Instead of a 36″ tank top I will have a 31″ top for my daughter.

Here’s how the math works using the stitch count for the smallest size. There is a little extra chest circumference for the ribbing:

208 sts at gauge of 5.5sts=1″ (22sts=4″) for DK yarn: 37″ chest

208 sts at gauge 6.5sts=1″ (26sts=4″) for sports weight yarn: 32″ chest

I don’t expect that the silk will be able to hold the ribbing. It will flatten out when worn so I’ve done my calculations based on a flat fabric.

All these modifications make this an exciting knit for me. I know this sort of idea, with all these changes, is not for everyone but it’s definitely got me going.

I hope your summer knitting is exciting you. Cheers, Deb

Gauge-free and Any Gauge patterns by Deb on ravelry: Debgemmellmods

Cabin Fever patterns on ravelry

Debgemmell435 on YouTube

Deb.gemmell on instagram

Summertime and the knitting is slow

Heat and humidity is slowing me down and maybe you too?

But I have to admit it’s mostly a sore shoulder. I overdid it! I know, shocking!!! Too much knitting for too long at a time. Take a break, there’s a new thought. Note to self – TAKE A BREAK.

I took 3 days off. It was painful in several ways. No knitting, sore shoulder, but really, no knitting. Sigh.

I’m back at it now but trying to work for less at a time. It’s still hard to take a break.

The Contiguous Drop Shoulder is the one I’m drawn to knit on. I’m really enjoying the knitting.

Waxwing Cedre fingering weight wool

I have hit the spot that is so exciting, the bottom of the armhole. Yay.

The 5 steek stitches at the bottom of the armhole have been cast off. I know it doesn’t make much difference to the number of stitches or anything but it’s a milestone in the length. At least for me it is.

Nothing else is appealing to me knitwise so I’m just going with knitting this one sweater at present. Something different for me but it’s hot and humid so there we are.

I am also spinning in the Tour de Fleece. I’ve been spinning for about 7 months and I’m totally hooked. I’ve added Tour de Fleece videos to my youtube channel: debgemmell435. If you’re also spinning I’d love to hear about it.

Cheers, Deb

Any Gauge and Gauge-Free patterns by Deb

Cabinfever patterns by Deb & Lyn and the cabinfever crew

https://youtube.com/@debgemmell435Debgemmell435 on youtube

Deb.gemmell on instagram which I am not using too much.

Teaching Again

It’s been a while but I’m going to get in front of a classroom and teach a couple of knitting classes at the Elliot Lake Arts Club in July. I’m really looking forward to it.

First up will be a Top Down V-Neck class . We’re going to knit a Baby Cardigan Vest with short rows to form the V. I have written out an option for long sleeves too. There will be lots of chat about adding this neckline to any top down raglan pattern and how to make your top down fit your unique body shape. That’s all information I have been working on for quite a long time and am really happy to pay forward.

Screenshot

Elliot Lake Arts Club – Baby V-Neck Vest Knitting Workshop over Two Sundays July 5 & 12, 1 – 4pm. You might notice that the little sweaters showing are not V-necks. This is the photo that will shortly be showing.

I just finished the DK weight sample for the class. It’s drying outside. I need some buttons and then it will be finished.

It’s so relaxing to be knitting tiny sweaters!

The second class will be: Knitting Mosaic Cowl Workshop. I love this technique. Colourwork without the stranding! What’s not to like. The class will also be over two Sundays, July 19 & 26, 1-4pm.

We will knit a strip of mosaic knitting in chunky weight yarn, working first in stockinette stitch, then in garter stitch (my favourite) and then a combination of the two. This is a photo from my class notes. Can you see the mosaic stockinette stitch at the bottom, garter stitch in the middle and the combo at the top?

I will provide both written instructions and charts. I’m going to explain how the charts work because I think they are a much superior way to work mosaic knitting and once you get used to them they are really helpful in working the design. We’ll have lots of time to get the hang of them.

If you are a northern person and within driving distance, I hope you will join me on these Sunday afternoons. I am really looking forward to teaching these classes.

I am going to be a studen too. I’ve signed up for the T-shirt into Bowl crochet class in June and the Fibre Camp in August. A fun filled fibre summer!

Summer time and the knitting is easy! Cheers, Deb

Any Gauge and Gauge-Free knitting patterns by Deb

Cabin Fever patterns by Deb & Lyn and the cabinfever crew

Debgemmell435 on youtube

deb.gemmell on instagram