The value of an idea lies in the using of it.
[Thomas A. Edison]

The valuable idea was Heather’s, a friend in Dayton. She suggested stringing stitches onto the filament used in string trimmers (Weed Eaters, etc.). That is the blue which shows at the corners of the knitting in the photo.

These are pillow tops made from an heirloom counterpane pattern I adapted from a lovely old piece (I took out the seams and knit it in the round like a doily). The four sides are live stitches that will be joined with the live stitches of other blocks. In this case, these will become pillows for a class I’m leading this fall. The filament not only holds the stitches nicely but it also acted as a blocking tool when I pinned the blue top out to dry.

Then I finish this project, I’ll post the results and make the pattern available.

Thanks for your idea Heather.

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
These are a few of my favorite things
[lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II]

Another knitting class starts this weekend—we will make warm, woolen mittens. These mittens offer the knitter an opportunity to work twisted-stitch patterns on a small project. Traditional twisted-stitch knitting is worked with all knit stitches twisted (knit in the back of the stitch) although purl stitches are worked as usual. It is also characterized by sumptuous cables that usually cross only one or two stitches at a time.

Additional details include the palm gusset which adds ease into the palm of the hand where it is needed rather than into the thumb as is often done. The mitts are finished with a double-knit technique that creates a smooth edge. The pattern is both charted and described round by round. I’m putting the finishing touches on it now.

These items are knit using
sock or sport weight yarn
and sock needles.
200 yards for the mitts.
350 yards for the mittens.

Leftovers in their less visible form are called memories.
Stored in the refrigerator of the mind and the cupboard of the heart.
[Thomas Fuller]

I love leftovers. That is a good thing since most of my meals are comprised of leftovers. I cook once and eat for several days so I make sure I cook something that is just as good served cold.

Most of my leftovers are yarn and fabric. These always remind me of my grandma. She could find a use for even the smallest snippet of cotton or wool. I loved to watch her make something beautiful out of nothing much. I used to think she was kind of like God in that way.

I’ve posted a photo of the colorful counterpane before but don’t recall posting a photo of what I did with its leftovers. I made a mistake when I ordered yarn for the counterpane and received fingering weight instead of worsted so I knit with two strands. I used up the leftovers by knitting the doll clothes with one strand. I was delighted it was fingering weight for her items. Goes to show you how mistakes can be good events.

(The yarn is Brown Sheep Nature Spun, the doll is a Magic Attic 18″)