Bag End

Roads go ever ever on,

Over rock and under tree,

By caves where never sun has shone,

By streams that never find the sea;

Over snow by winter sown,

And through the merry flowers of June,

Over grass and over stone,

And under mountains in the moon.

- Tolkien

BAG END
A FELTED MUSHROOM BAG FOR EXCELLENT HOBBITS

Materials:
Unique Sheep Anna’s Yarn
250 yds each: Amber Ale, Fire Thorn, Stout, Golden Ale, Lager
Or equivalent yardage other DK weight yarn
size 8 (US) needles
Gauge: not important

You get a bonus pattern with your Bag End mushroom bag. I have included a second pattern: some fun accessories I designed for the Unique Sheep Retreat. They are a good way to try out the mosaic knitting on a smaller scale, before tackling the large tote.

THERE & BACK AGAIN
FELTED MOSAIC KNITS FOR EXCELLENT HOBBITS

Materials:
100 g Unique Sheep
Green Sheep Sport (or other sport weight yarn) in four contrasting colors
size 6 (US) needles
Gauge: not important for these pieces

Mosaic knitting is a two-color technique. You begin EVERY Right-side row from a NEW color.

• Work first right-side row and wrong-side row with color A.
• Drop Color A and pick up Color B. Work two rows with Color B.
• Drop Color B and pick up Color A. Work two rows with Color A - and so on.

The pattern occurs from the slipped stitches within the pattern. Looks hard, but it's not!

Pattern pieces for all three projects are knit in one main piece and folded to form the finished object. Both patterns include directions for assembly and felting as well as guidelines for color experimentation.

Check over at Unique Sheep for kits; they have kits for the smaller projects as well as the mushroom bag

Bombadil Hat

"Old Tom Bombadil is a merry fellow,
Bright blue his jacket is, and his boots are yellow.
None have ever caught him yet, for Tom, he is the master:
His songs are stronger songs, and his feet are faster."
—The Fellowship of the Ring

Short post today - I am on vacation at the lake, but BB/FM &WB are holding down the fort in Indiana. Our signal booster is on the fritz, so am working from my father's house today. Ah...the joys of modern technology!

Here at last is the third entry in the Fellowship of the Ring subscriber series. If you have subscribed to the $45 series, you should receive an email with a code to unlock the download. If you have not subscribed, the hat pattern is available for individual purchase over on the sidebar or on Ravelry (as soon as I get everything set up)

BOMBADIL HAT
$6


SIZE:
17 (19) inches circumference around ribbed brim
MATERIALS:
fingering weight yarn
220 yds. color A (lt blue)
80 yds. color B (navy)
80 yds. color C (yellow)
SMALL: size 2 (US) double point needles and 24 inch circular needles
LARGE: size 3 (US) double point needles and 24 inch circular needles
cable needle
6 stitch markers
yarn needle
GAUGE( in ribbing) :
7.5 (6.5) stitches = 1 inch
intermediate level pattern
skills needed: cabling & stranded colorwork
written & charted design



The hat features a fair isle band just above the ribbing and a nifty twisted stitch pattern on the top, that forms a medallion when viewed from above.

Check over at String Theory for kits; I have not seen them up yet,
but assume they are waiting for the final pattern to post them on
the website.

I hope you enjoy knitting the hat as much as I and my test knitters did. Thanks to my lovely sister-in law for modeling!

This concludes the work portion of our vacation - back to lying around in the hammock with a good book - ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh...

Random Acts of Knitting

In complex situations, we may rely too heavily on planning and forecasting and underestimate the importance of random factors in the environment. That reliance can also lead to delusions of control.

-Hillel J. Einhorn

My thoughts are scattered today - not good for a writer. I don't know if it is due to the heat which has suddenly struck hard at the midsection of our country, the many patterns I have in the pipeline at the moment, or the push-me-pull-you nature of balancing the demands on my time.

All I know is that I am having difficulty settling down to any one thing right now. I work on Evenstar's beaded border until my eyes and brain give out (which comes sooner on some days than on others) then pick up Dwarrowdelf to finish the second side. When that feels stale, I knit on Strider which is already in test knit and about 10 rows from sample completion.

When all else fails to interest, I work on another design which I have had in mind for Fellowship since it's inception, but had not finalized in time for the initial offering. This one is low on the priority list as it is not part of the original series, but I hope to have it ready for publication in August, just in time for you to complete it before the cold winds of winter strike again.

Evenstar's release has been pushed back from June 1st to the 4th (next Friday) in consideration of the holiday weekend and the many festivities surrounding it. I have learned (to our detriment) the consequences of premature release (now that sounds a lot racier than it should-lol) and want to make sure the final product is thoroughly proofed by several people since it has only been tested in its clue format.

Those errata are sneaky little suckers - they and their ugly cousins: the typos!

Now some random acts of knitting for your enjoyment...

close up shot of back panel of Dwarrowdelf showing the center graft & the pick up along the side edge (the diagonal line) with the side panels knit out from the back.

beauty shot of Dwarrowdelf on the artist's chair

!!SPOILER ALERT!!
Evenstar Pic ahead

Almost done with beaded border - next time you see her, she'll be blocked
so excited!!!


Galadriel's Mirror triangular shawl - mid-way through 3rd chart

close up of center back divide showing mirroring

close up of twisted stitch/bobbled lace pattern

Elven-ish motifs ripple out in mirror fashion from center of shawl before radiating out into an overlapping lattice with half round motifs on the edge. The yarn is the yummiest color - String Theory Blue Stocking in Alexandrite - a real joy to work with! I have almost used up the first skein, but have 2 more if I need them.

And I think that's about it for today. Not up to my usual standards, but as much as I can manage today. My knitting awaits...

Sneaky Peeks

It's tough to make predictions, especially about the future.

-Yogi Berra

It's been a busy week on the Sunflower Farm. Evenstar is nearing completion (WHEW!) with only one clue yet to go. This has given me more time to focus on the other Fellowship of the Ring patterns.

Goldberry is being proofed even as I write: she will be released tomorrow, when I will post all the vital measurements & materials & such. She will retail for $6 like Rivendell, but again I will offer a $2 discount to FotR subscribers. You can either purchase from me on the sidebar, or on RAV, in which case I will refund $2.

But I just couldn't wait to show pics.It was a beautiful day yesterday, so I took her outside...

Just look at that color run!

I found a stand in for an actual live model!

A word about the two add-on patterns: Rivendell & Goldberry: I had wanted to include these patterns in the original $45 offer, but could not find a suitable yarn. Once I found Twisted Fiber Arts, I knew I just had to use their colors, which were perfect for these projects.

I did these 2 patterns first, not to increase my income, but for other reasons:

• They were relatively simple repetitive patterns that I could easily pick up in between working on Evenstar, when my eyes were tired.
• They were portable projects, which Evenstar definitely wasn't.
• They give you a quick alternative to a larger project like Evenstar & Dwarrowdelf.
• The colors & yarns are suitable for warmer weather.
• The yarn is brighter and thus easier to see at night than Dwarrowdelf which is all dark & twisty ( and I wouldn't have it any other way!)
  

Now that my Evenstar knitting is no longer taking up most of my time, I am able to go full bore on Dwarrowdelf. It is past the halfway mark and off to test knitters today. Happy happy! Joy joy!

I blocked out the back panel & one end yesterday to check measurements and to make sure I was happy with the bottom edge design, which did not show to its best advantage before blocking.


I decided to expand the chain motifs that link the arches into a motif reminiscent of the Misty Mountains, before finishing it off with a simple Ktbl rib to match the side panels.

I am ready to pick up the stitches for the second side - YAY! Very happy with this one and looking towards a mid May release.

For those wanting to pre-order yarn:

• Goldberry takes a double ball (560 yds) of Twisted Fiber Arts Kabam! Evolution - Lagoon (or other fingering)
• Dwarrowdelf takes 3 skeins (1185 yds.) of Madelinetosh sock - Thicket (or other fingering)

I ALMOST FORGOT!

SINCE GOLDBERRY ISN'T AVAILABLE UNTIL TOMORROW, I AM EXTENDING THE SUBSCRIPTION OFFER THROUGH SUNDAY MAY 2ND

THE $2 DISCOUNT ON RIVENDELL & GOLDBERRY IS GOOD WHENEVER YOU PURCHASE, AS LONG AS YOU ARE A SUBSCRIBER

True Colors

I see your true colors
shining through
I see your true colors
and that's why I love you
so don't be afraid to let them show
your true colors
true colors are beautiful
like a rainbow

-Billy Steinberg

My world these days is full of color.

The daffodils have faded, but the lilacs are in bloom and the crabapple is snowing pink blossoms. The woods out back have entered the greening season and the sky is this incredible clear blue - like you could drink it down.

Much as I love Lord of the Rings, there is a certain challenge inherent in putting together this series of patterns:

Color...or the lack thereof.

Many of the plot components are dark in nature: mines, mountains, armor, castle walls...

There is a whole lot of brown, black, green, silver, grey, & white. It can, at first glance, appear to be a monochromatic palette.

So I have done a lot of work hunting down projects & yarns; shapes & patterns that are anything but. I look for ombres & tweeds, handpaints & beads, shades as well as solids.

Another of the "add on" patterns is almost ready for release. I have finished my sample, and am waiting for the final test knitter to complete her work.


This is Goldberry: a 64 by 16 inch lace scarf with a water lily motif.

The yarn is Twisted Fiber Arts Kabam in Lagoon Evolution - 560 yds (double skein) Meg custom dyes it in one continuous color run from silvery sage to brilliant turquoise. It's a fingering weight bamboo blend, so light enough for all season wear.


Although Goldberry's origins are uncertain, Bombadil clearly identifies her as having been found by him in the river and her title "Riverwoman's daughter", strongly suggests that she is not a mortal human being, but rather a spirit of the river. She is most often pictured sitting amongst the waterlilies and wearing a silvery green gown.

The pattern should go on sale sometime next week. Once again, as with Rivendell, price is $6 with a subscriber discount making the price $4 for those of you who have purchased the entire series.

Dwarrowdelf is coming along also. She should be out to test knitters next week, with a release date in early May.


I have completed enough repeats to give a yardage estimate: 1200 yds. (3 skeins) fingering weight. I am doing mine in Madelinetosh sock in Thicket.


After that, the next release will be either the Bombadil hat or the Strider cowl.

Meanwhile, the Evenstar KAL is drawing to a close. Clue 6 goes out tomorrow and then it is onward to the border and...

BEADS!

ADVANCE SUBSCRIPTION DISCOUNT FOR THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RINGS COLLECTION END SOON

$45
FOR SEVEN PATTERNS THROUGH THE END OF APRIL

AFTER THAT, PATTERNS WILL ONLY BE AVAILABLE FOR INDIVIDUAL PURCHASE AS THEY ARE RELEASED AT $6 -$8 EACH

Rivendell

You feel there`s something calling you
You`re wanting to return
To where the misty mountains rise
and friendly fires burn
A place you can escape the world
Where the dark lord cannot go
Peace of mind and sanctuary
by loud water`s flow

- Rivendell by Rush

MEASUREMENTS
22 in circumference, 19 in tall
MATERIALS
300 yds. fingering weight yarn
Sample knit with Twisted Fiber Arts Muse, color: Netherfield Evolution
size 3(US) 24 " circular needles
yarn marker
Gauge: 7 stitches = 1 inch in lace pattern (blocked out)
charted & written directions
intermediate lace knitter

May It Be

"May it be an evening star
Shines down upon you
May it be when darkness falls
Your heart will be true
You walk a lonely road
Oh! How far you are from home"

-Enya

Work on Evenstar seems to be progressing at a fast clip (or as fast as one can go at 560 stitches a round.) Everyone is doing such beautiful work! I am inspired and amazed and so wish I could share mine with all of you...sigh...soon...

I am really pleased with how the Fellowship patterns are coming along. Dwarrowdelf goes out to test knitters next week, and Rivendell is almost ready to release. Test knitters are finishing up, so I will write it up and proof it next week. April 9th at the latest.

Here are some shots of my completed Rivendell.



I am hoping to talk my lovely DIL into modeling it for me on Easter. Pretty please????

The arches remind me of Rivendell's glorious architecture.

This pattern was not included in the original Fellowship of the Ring patterns. I had a glimmering of the idea, but had not located the proper yarn.

Tolkien used color so prominently in his writing. In this case, he used autumnal hues to communicate the elegiac nature of the Elven civilization. This is a race which is nearing the end of its time in middle earth.

When I saw the colors of the Netherfield Evolution from Twisted Fiber Arts, I knew I had to use it. The base yarn is Muse, a lovely sport weight combo of silk & wool - light, soft, elegant, and it drapes beautifully. One ball is all you need. I used maybe 275 yds. of mine.

Rivendell will be a $6 pattern, but I will put an additional button on the sidebar just for FotR subscribers - your price will be $4. Please do not use this if you are not a subscriber - I will check.

Here is a sneaky peek at another add on, this time in Twisted Fiber Arts Kabam - a fingering weight bamboo blend.

This is my Goldberry scarf. And it shades from silvery green to turquoise blue. More about it in later posts.

I have to run now. I hope all of you have a blessed Easter Weekend.

May it be...

Taliesin

I shall be until the day of doom on the face of the earth;
And it is not known if my body is flesh or fish.
Then I was for nine months
In the womb of the hag Caridwen;
I was originally little Gwion,
And at length I am Taliesin.

from the "Hanes Taliesin"

TALIESIN SCARF
a magical shapeshifter for multicolored yarn
$4

MATERIALS
Fingering: 800 yds / Sport: 700 yds / DK: 600 yds / Worsted: 500 yds.
(estimation only – yardage will vary depending upon your preference as to gauge)
Size 7 up to size 11 (US) needles, depending upon individual preference

I have designed a 60 inch long scarf with buttons on one end. You can wear it many different ways, You can wear it open like a traditional scarf, or looped like an infinity scarf. You can wind it twice around and wear it like a cowl. Try the buttons in the front or in the back.
And it’s reversible.

One side displays a rounded fluted rib, while the other looks like a deep twisted stitch rib on a purled background. It doesn’t curl, needs no blocking, and does a wonderful job of blending multicolored yarn with no pooling.

It’s easy. Two row, 4 stitch repeat. Knit, purl, & slip.

You could do this piece in any weight from fingering to worsted. Just do a swatch, measure your gauge, run your figures and go from there.

Have fun with it! I know I did. I can't wait to make another one!

I'll get modeled shots up as soon as I can get one of my darling DIL/GIL's to model...

Christmas in the Country

At Christmas time I believe the things that children do.

I believe with English children that holly placed in windows will protect our homes from evil.

I believe with Swiss children that the touch of edelweiss will charm a person with love.

I believe with Italian children that La Befana is not an ugly doll but a good fairy who will gladden the heart of all.

I believe with Greek children that coins concealed in freshly baked loaves of bread will bring good luck to anyone who finds them.

I believe with German children that the sight of a Christmas tree will lessen hostility among adults.

I believe with French children that lentils soaked and planted in a bowl will rekindle life in people who have lost hope.

I believe with Dutch children that the horse Sleipner will fly through the sky and fill the earth with joy.

I believe with Swedish children that Jultomte will come and deliver gifts to the poor as well as to the rich.

I believe with Finnish children that parties held on St.Stephen's Day will erase sorrow.

I believe with Danish children that the music of a band playing from a church tower will strengthen humankind.

I believe with Bulgarian children that sparks from a Christmas log will create warmth in human souls.

I believe with American children that the sending of Christmas cards will build friendships.

I believe with all children that there will be peace on earth.

Daniel Roselle

I was on line this morning when I came across this wonderful Credo. It has absolutely nothing to do with Christmas in the country, but I just loved it so much, it made its way onto the top of this post anyway!

Thank you for your many generous offers to help me spread the scarf/cowl pattern I shared yesterday. I'll be writing up the pattern asap and will email it out to all of you who have agreed to test knit.

*****************

Every year on the 27th we pack up our winter coats and our galoshes, our presents & our packages, some warm socks and a good book to snuggle up by the fire with...

And turn both our car and our hearts northward, towards Leland, Michigan.

Those of you who have been reading for a while, know that my grandparents built a home on the lake there during the war. You know my father & step-mother, my sister and her family make their homes in this quiet pastoral corner of the state. You know DH & I are eagerly awaiting January 8th when we close the deal on our own little corner of paradise - 9 wooded acres on a ridge overlooking the lake. You know how much I love it there.

And now, those who are new to this blog know it also.

I was raised a city girl, but was lucky enough each summer to spend glorious weeks at a time, enjoying what the country has to offer. The peace and quiet, the simple evenings spent playing cards, the quiet afternoons reading or knitting on the porch, the Sunday night community sings.

I am blessed beyond belief to have this place in my family, in my heart. And every summer I make my way to the little cemetery on the point where my grandparents are buried and say a simple "thank you."

This last summer, I took Conner for the first time. He is 5th generation and I hope he will come to love it as much as I do. As much as his father does.

So when I needed a name for my latest free cowl design, my heart reached out to the windy snowy reaches of the land where we will eventually came to ground and make our home. I pictured putting on this warm and comfy neckwarmer under my jeans jacket and heading out for a winter hike through the snow.

What else could I name it but Christmas in the Country?

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY COWL

size: 6 in. tall by 22 in. around
materials: dk weight yarn MC: 85 yds. CC1: 75 yds. CC2: 33 yds. model done in Berroco Ultra Alpaca Light: MC: steel cut oats CC1: redwood mix CC2: fern Size 5 (US) 24 in. circular needles
gauge: 5 ½ st. = 1 in.

Here is a shot of the back of the cowl, showing the stranding.

You will have a little jog at the beginning of each round, but just put it to the back of the cowl and no one will be the wiser.

DIRECTIONS

Notes: This cowl is knit in Fair isle style by stranding the three different colors across the back of your work. For an excellent tutorial in this method, go here.

With CC1, cast on 154 stitches. Join, taking care not to twist stitches. Place marker at beginning and work in round.

Rounds 1-4: With MC, K1, P1; rep to end of round. You may carry CC1 loosely up back of cowl or may choose to cut cast on yarn and begin anew on round 5.

Round 5: Begin Chart, working in stockinette stitch.. Work right to left in 14 stitch repeats, carrying unused colors loosely across back.

When you have completed all 36 rows of chart, repeat rounds 1 through 4. Join in CC1 and bind off loosely in rib. Weave ends in.

Pattern is also available as a free Ravelry download.

It is my heartfelt hope this holiday season that you will enjoy Christmas in the Country as much as I do...

From my house to yours, blessings & happy knitting always!

Just to spread the joy around, I will be giving away a free pattern (of your choice - Spruce excluded) to one commenter a day through Christmas, randomly chosen by Mrs. Claus (just me - don't get too excited).

I'll announce the previous day's winner in each post this month, If you are the winner, email me your preference at susanpandorf@comcast.net and I'll email your pattern right out to you.

Doesn't that sound like a lot of fun?

Yesterday's winner is: A 30-something femme createrix Email me, girl...

Now aren't you glad you left a comment?

Two-fer

"Unity can only be manifested by the Binary. Unity itself and the idea of Unity are already two."
-Buddha

I know, I know...I said one a week...but this time of year time is of the essence. And since the second pattern was finished up so quickly - a couple hours folks, seriously! - I decided to give you both this week.

First up...

a unisex pattern that reminds me of old English stone walls, hence the name.

STONEHENGE

size: 6 in. tall by 20 in. around
materials:150 yds. worsted weight yarn
model done in Rowan Lima: peru
Size 8 (US) 24 in. round needles, stitch marker
gauge: 6 st = 1 in.

DIRECTIONS

Cast on 144 stitches. Join, taking care not to twist stitches. Place marker at beginning and work in round.

Purl 2 rounds.

Now work in sixteen round repeat as follows:

Rounds 1, 3, & 5: *K6, (K1tbl, P1) twice, K1tbl, K1; rep from * to end of round.
Rounds 2 & 4: *P6, (SL1, P1) three times; rep from * to end of round.
Round 6: *K6, (SL1, P1) twice, SL1, K1; rep from * to end of round.
Round 7: * (K1tbl, P1) twice, K1tbl, K1; rep from * to end of round.
Round 8: * (SL1, P1) twice, SL1, K1; rep from * to end of round.
Rounds 9, 11, & 13: *(K1tbl, P1) twice, K1tbl, K7; rep from * to end of round.
Rounds 10 & 12: *(SL1, P1) twice, SL1, P7; rep from * to end of round.
Round 14: *(SL1, P1) twice, SL1, K7; rep from * to end of round.
Rounds 15 & 16: As rounds 7 & 8.

Repeat 16 rounds four times (64 rounds of pattern / 66 rounds total.)

Purl 2 rounds.

Bind off loosely and weave ends in. Do not block.

K – knit
P-purl
Ktbl – knit through back loop
SL – slip stitch purlwise

Next?

You gotta LOVE this one! Only took a couple hours. the yarn is yummy and I can get at least two of them out of a single skein, maybe even three!

I googled synonyms for beauty and seriously considered naming her “Pulchritudenous!” LOL!

COMELY

size: 4½ in. tall by 18 in. around
materials: 75 yds. worsted weight yarn
model done in Madelinetosh worsted: lepidoptera
Size 6 (US) 24 in. round needles, cable needle, stitch marker
Gauge: cable = ¾ in.

DIRECTIONS

Cast on 99 stitches. Join, taking care not to twist stitches. Place marker at beginning and work in round.

Round 1: Knit.
Round 2: Purl.

Now work in twelve row repeat as follows:

Rounds 1 & 9: *Cable 4 right, P1, YO, SSK, K1, K2tog, YO, P1; rep from * to end of round.
Round 2 and all even rounds: *K4, P1, K5, P1; rep from * to end of round.
Rounds 3, 7, & 11: * K4, P1, YO, K1, SK2P, K1, YO, P1; rep from * to end of round.
Round 5: *K4, P1, YO, SSK, K1, K2tog, YO, P1; rep from * to end of round.

Repeat 12 rounds twice. On third repeat, end with round 9 ( 33 rounds of pattern / 35 rounds total.)

Round 36: Purl.
Round 37: Knit.

Bind off loosely and weave ends in.

K – knit
P-purl YO-yarnover SSK – slip, slip, knit
K2tog-knit 2 together
SK2P – slip 1, knit 2 tog, pass slipped stitches over.
Cable 4 right – place 2 stitches on cable needle and drop to back. Knit next 2 stitches, then stitches from cable needle

Turn your face to the sun, share the joy, & tell your friends.

I'll put another batch of Christmas cookies in the oven...

Chrysanthemum

"Drink dew from the magnolia in the morning and take autumn chrysanthemum's falling petals as food in the evening."

- Li Sao

CHRYSANTHEMUM SHAWL
the garden variety collection
$8
a beaded lace shawl
from the needles of Susan Pandorf


SIZE:
70 inches wide by 32 inches long

MATERIALS:
700 yds. Handmaiden Sea Silk or Mini Maiden in color: Origin
3000 size 8 Miyuke seed beads
#2422 silver lined topaz
34 accent beads (optional)
Size 5 (US) needles
Size 12 Crochet Hook, Large Eye Beading Needle, stitch markers


GAUGE:
one pattern repeat in wave pattern = 2.5 inches (blocked)

charted pattern; advanced intermediate level

Here is a link for the accent beads I used:

leaf beads

This full-sized shawl features a wavy pattern reminiscent of Chrysanthemum flowers

divided by panels of wine glass lace.

The open section in the middle mimics the rounded lines of the waves

and segues into a larger leafy pattern with ribbed points.

Mums are thought by the Chinese to grant longevity and strength. Don’t know about that, but I do agree with the Japanese who celebrate a festival of happiness to commemorate the flower.

May the pattern bring happiness to both the knitter in the making of it and the recipient in the wearing of it!

Pattern is available here on the blog, on Ravelry as a direct download, and at Knitty Noddy, where Evelyn gives you $1 off the pattern price with the purchase of the yarn to complete the project.

Thank you for your patience!

Off to email the pattern to all subscribers...