The Inclinations Shawl: a great start to Make Nine 2023

A "yarn stash" project looks to be my Make Nine stash-buster project this year. Last week, I started knitting the Inclinations Shawl.

Starting the Inclinations Shawl for Make Nine 2023. 

Why I like the Inclinations Shawl for a stash buster knit

I was researching a portable project that was mindful and relaxing. It needed to be something interesting, but not involving a lot of complex brain power—like having to follow a pattern line by line and row by row. The Inclinations Shawl by Andrea Mowry, Drea Renee Knits, was the solution.

The Inclinations Shawl from the Drea Renee Knits web page.

This knit is "perfect in every way" for a portable project that uses leftovers—a stash buster. It's a project that's easy to pick up or put down and work when you have a few minutes here or there. (I actually knit a few rows while waiting in the parking lot for my carry-out this week.) 

This shawl's attributes include:

• colorwork,
• I-cord edges,
• a half Fisherman's rib stitch that elevates the knitting beyond garter stitch,
• an asymmetrical triangular shape,
• a non-critical gauge,
• colorwork that can be customized,
• flexible sizing—make it smaller or larger, as desired (or bind off when you're out of yarn),
• an easy-to-remember pattern in which you can "read the knitting."

With luck, I had several single and partial balls of variegated yarn in my stash that were the same weight and compatible fiber content that could be used—and used up!

This project ticks all the boxes for a Make Nine stash-buster!

Using leftover yarns from the stash

I'm using leftover and partial skeins of worsted weight Poems [100% wool] and Classic Shades [70% / 30% dralon/wool] from Universal Yarn. I've made projects with these variegated yarns in the past and the yarns are easy to work with and feel good in your hands. 

With several lonesome skeins of different colorways, it will be interesting to watch the interchange between the colors as the knitting progresses. I'm anxious to finish off the first skein and join another colorway.

Day 8 progress on the Inclinations Shawl stash buster project.

A plan for a quick finish

As January and February still have colder temps in store for us, I'm planning a fast finish for this shawl—so I can wrap up in this soft, wooly, squishy accessory. 

You know it's cold when there is a 2 or 3 kitty pile-up in the kitty beds.
Stan Leigh and Sox are snuggling together.

An added perk to using these yarns is there will be no tails to weave in. Because of the wool fiber content, the yarn tails can be felted together (or "spit spliced," as knitters affectionately call it) when joining a new skein. Splice... spit... felt... keep on knitting.

What could be faster... and easier??

Whaddaya think, Teach' ?

Shalom Cardi got a Thumbs Up!

I love—LOVE—getting pics of projects that my students have completed. These are not class projects, but things they have seen or found in other resources (patterns, magazines, on-line), and have decided to make on their own. How exciting it is (and very gratifying for me) to see them venture out with the skills they have developed in class and create these pieces with amazing results!

Here are a few things that my knitting students have whipped up in the past 2 weeks. Left: this is Lois' first Shalom Cardigan [pattern by Meghan of Involving the Senses (her blog)]. It went to a granddaughter for Christmas and, as you can see, got a much deserved 'Thumbs Up.'

Shalom Cardi by Lois

Since knitting this piece was so much fun, Lois made one for herself (right). She added a button closure at the neckline and incorporated two different yarns—very attractive. I wore my version of the Shalom Cardigan to class a few times and Lois asked about the pattern.

Sharon made this baby sweater and cap ensemble (below) for a friend's grandson. Sharon used the stranded colorwork technique and added Swiss darning for more embellishment. Details include a placket, buttons and button holes and don't you just think the ear flaps on the little cap are adorable?? This is one lucky little boy (and a lucky friend and mom, too) to receive this beautiful and thoughtful gift.

Stranded colorwork matching baby sweater and cap.

Stranded knitting baby hat

Here is a fun little one-ball quick-knit—a cable knit ear muff (headband).

Cabled ear muff.

 Pat made several of these ear muffs for Christmas gifts. A cabled band is knit and then stitches are picked up on one side so there is a double thickness of fabric. Soft, warm and a great stash buster. You could experiment with different cable patterns, background stitches (all purl or maybe a seed stitch?) and make one in every color.

I would be remiss if I didn't include a nod to a fabulous, funny and inspiring teacher with whom I was fortunate to take a workshop this fall, Sally Melville. This project, the Cardilero (cool name, eh?), is from her book, Warm Knits, Cool Gifts.

Cardilero pattern from Warm Knits, Cool Gifts by Sally Melville.

I picked up the Rio de la Plata kettle dyed hand spun wool at the Knaughty Knitter and was inspired by Sally, her workshop and her designs. So, here is my Cardilero, with an extended left front and a shawl stick by Shaune Bazner.

"Cardilero" pattern from Warm Knits, Cool Gifts by Sally Melville.

Other books by Sally with a laundry list of projects I want to make are:

• Mother-Daughter Knits: 30 Designs to Flatter and Fit
• Warm Knits, Cool Gifts: Celebrate the Love of Knitting and Family with more than 35 Charming Designs
• The Knitting Experience Book 1: The Knit Stitch, Inspiration & Instruction

Her famous Einstein Coat is in the "The Knitting Experience."

I also like the cute vest Sally is wearing in the picture below. I'm sure it's one of hers. Anyone recognize the pattern?

Sally Melville (left) and I at her workshop.

And, to teachers everywhere, Thank You for your inspiration, patience, encouragement and the creative inquisitive spark you ignite within us.

"No Fuss Color Knitting" class starts October 6

Autumn is officially here and the season is emerging in golds, topaz, crimson and forest greens against the cerulean blue sky. Don't you just want to incorporate this COLOR magnificence into your knitting? Join me for my class, No Fuss Color Knitting, starting next Thursday, October 6.

Class project: the Deana Wrap
No Fuss Color Knitting class.

In No Fuss Color Knitting,  there are so many two- and multi-color techniques you will learn. And, you'll be surprised how simple they are to master but the results look sooooo intricate! Information about choosing colors and basic color theory is also provided. We'll be working on small projects that are quick to complete and can be used for holiday gift-giving (or keep them for yourself).

Come and join me for class! Call Chattanooga State Continuing Education at 697-3100 this week to register.

Deana Wrap back view

If you took my Beginning Knitting I or Knitting II class, or are a confident beginner or intermediate level knitter (knit, purl, cast-on, read a simple pattern) you have all the skills you need for the No Fuss Color Knitting class.