Bringing Back the Past

There was a time in my career when I was pressed upon to do some antique garment restoration work for the Frederick’s of Hollywood Lingerie Museum in Los Angeles, Ca.
This was long before the internet was a part of everyone’s daily life and I could find very little “how to” information on restoring antique garments in my local library.
I muddled through and did the best I could, tea staining and ageing fabrics by hand, using bridal tulle to support disintegrating lace, and essentially doing the most invisible stitchery that I was able.

In retrospect, I think I did a fine job. Below are some of the pieces that I either repaired or made from scratch for that project(click on the image to see the full photo).

True conservators of antique garments would likely look down their noses at the methods that I employed.
This fascinating article tells about the methods of restoration of the fabulous garment below, once worn by theatrical diva Ellen Terry in the late 1800′s. It was made of fine crochet, and was decorated with the iridescent wings of the Jewel Beetle. If you’re a fashion geek like I am, this is an article you’ll enjoy.

Update:
Here are a couple more photos of this amazing gown taken after the restoration was completed.

Book Signing Party-Workshop in Portland, OR Sept 16-17,2011

I am so happy for any excuse to go to Portland. The weather there suits me far better than points South and I love the knitterly atmosphere there.

So, I was delighted when Larissa Brown invited me to come to her book release party for “My Grandmother’s Knitting”.
I, along with several other designers like Chrissy Gardiner, Teva Durham, Jared Flood and Leigh Radford, contributed designs and stories to the book and it has turned out to be a beautiful, mouth watering production.

The book launch will take place at Anderson Fiber Works in Gresham, OR, Friday Sept 16th at 6:30 pm. There will be wine, food, Karaoke and a load of fun.
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Since I can’t sing Karaoke and run, I’ve also set up a day of classes at Pico-Accuardi Dyeworks the next day, Sept 17th.

We’ll be doing my very popular Whip Your Knits Into Shape class and you’ll come away with a complete set of your very own measurements and the know-how to apply them to your knits.

Then we’ll use all our newfound knowledge to segue right into Konquering Krista, wherein we’ll begin a lovely lace tee that will also be a perfect fit.

Classes are $55 each and the whole day runs from 9:30 am to 4 pm. Call or email the dyeworks to register.

Pico Accuardi Dyeworks
14739 SE Arista Dr.
Portland, OR 97267
(503) 679-4634
orders@picoaccuardi.com

Unraveling Short Rows

I was recently asked a question about adding short row shaping for the bust to allover patterns. I have three methods that I like to use to give the girls more room when normal short row techniques (like those used in plain stockinette stitch) just won’t work.

The first method is to simply knit your front longer than the back and ease the extra fabric in at the bust when joining the front to the back. Spread the easing out over a space of about 3” to keep the fabric from bunching too much. Any unavoidable bunching can be steamed out.

Another method which is particularly useful with cabled or Aran type sweaters, is to leave a panel of seed or stockinette stitch (sometimes as little as 5 sts will do) along the armhole edge of the front to facilitate the wrapping and turning of short rows.

Also, there are usually purl panels between cables to help the cables pop. I will wrap and turn in those panels. Even though the wraps won’t be right next to one another, you’re still lengthening the center of the fabric without adding length to the sides which is your overall goal when making room for a generous bosom.

In the photo of my Ruby cardigan below, you can see what I’m talking about. There are no side panels of stockinette at the underarms, but there are purl panels to work within even if they’re only 1 stitch wide. So as you can see, I’ve got at least 5 places to wrap and turn on Ruby which will yield at least 10 short rows per set. This may give me as much as 1 3/4” additional length in the front which is about enough for a C or small D cup. For a larger cup size, I’d simply work another set of the 10 short rows after the first set is completed.

Now, let me just say that this pattern was not written specifically for the addition of short rows but since I know what they are and what I’m trying to acheive with them, I can figure out how and where to squeak them in. Anyone with a bust size larger than a B cup should add this technique knowledge to their bag of tricks as something to keep in mind when choosing a pattern.

Ease on in to Fall….Please?

It has been a hellacious Summer for those of us in the US and the strange weather continues on.

Personally, I just melt in the heat. I like to park myself in front of the air conditioner with a new project and let my mind wander somewhere other than the thermometer.
Knitting up the model for Oletta was the perfect place for it to go.

She’s made in a cool, cotton and Modal blend so wasn’t hot in my lap. The bodice shaping gave me something to think about, but when I became tired of thinking the simple lace pattern was so easy to memorize I didn’t have to even look at the directions again until almost finished. Before I knew it she was done and I had this beautiful top to show for my time. Sometimes you just need the perfect blend of mindful and mindless knitting (a peach margarita doesn’t hurt either) and the promise of a cool evening yet to come. Oletta will be there for you to wear when it does.

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The Bed Jacket

This is the lovely Bed Jacket from my book Knitting Lingerie Style, which of course can be worn everywhere, not just to bed!

Until now the pattern has only been available in the book itself, but until June 15th 2011, we are offering a single copy of this pattern free with the purchase of the yarnpack. We’ve also added three new colors to choose from.

If that hasn’t got you inspired, check out all the finished renditions on Ravelry!

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I’ll bet you didn’t know…

…that we have patterns available for download on Ravelry and we’re having a sale on them!

Until friday the 13th of May, 2011, buy any two or more downloads and get 33% off the entire purchase. Enter 33% as your coupon code.

Tell ‘em Jason sent you.

Something Springy…

It was just a few weeks ago that there was still rain in the forecast every day and the electric blanket was in use every night.

But suddenly Spring is here, and for once I am glad to store away the warm clothes. It’s time to put on something pretty, find a park bench to sit on and soak up some sunny goodness.

What to wear? Stephanie, of course.

Knit her up in Cascade Cotton Rich DK, a fine blend of cotton and nylon that keeps it’s shape and color, and is also easy on the wrists while knitting.

Pop Stephanie on over your jeans, a solid skirt or a pair of shorts and enjoy the beautiful weather wherever you are.

If the Winter weather is starting to get to you…

…and you know it is, maybe it’s time to look forward to Spring.

The Adrienne Cardi made her debut in the 25th Anniversary issue of Cast On Magazine this past Fall, but she’s since been re-knit in a cotton blend and is now ready for things to warm up.

She’s now the perfect thing to wear in the early days of Spring when it’s cold in the morning on the way to work/school and then warms up by noontime.

I’m crazy about the pretty 3/4 length sleeves which are knit directionally, and those yummy lace panels down the fronts.

She’ll be my go-to cardi to wear with my new wide legged jeans.

Madeline at OFFF

In spite of some intermittent rain, we had an excellent time at the Oregon Flock and Fiber Festival last weekend!  There was so much fiber to be had,  I’m glad I’m not yet a spinner as I’d have wanted to bring it all home!

One of the folks who came through our booth was the lovely Debbie Weigard wearing her Madeline shawl/jacket, whose kit she purchased from us last year.  Great job, Debbie!

Oregon Flock and Fiber Festival, 2010 !

We’ll be at the Oregon Flock and Fiber Festival  (OFFF for those in the know) September 25th and 26th, with our booth outside on the lawn.

If you’ve never been to this show and are in or around Canby, Oregon on this weekend, do try to stop by as it’s a fun show with all kinds of animals to see, a great variety of foods to try and of course, fibery goodness of all types to browse and collect.

 Workshops take place the 24th through the 26th, and I will be teaching Beading for Knits and Crochet for Knitters on Friday the 24th.  Both are worthwhile classes if you’d like to explore adding depth to your knitting with some new techniques.

Browse and sign up for classes here.