Thoughts from Down in the Country

From our perspective, way back in the outdoor area where we set up our blue tent, attendance was down; those who did brave the high cost of getting there were just-browsing-thank-you. The trip was worthwhile for us and many left new proud owners of a Rakestraw spinner or plying paddle, but there were some totally unexpected high spots.

First, (and this will wander a bit) the next time you’re in a book store, and you’re drawn to a book, pick it up, and flip through its pages, stop to think a moment about (and perhaps pay a little respect to) the person who designed the cover that attracted your attention, who designed the way the pages look, who produced a book you felt comfortable with and wanted to own. On Sunday, we had the pleasure of meeting a very talented artist (who has probably never designed a book, but stay tuned) named Carol Lew who produces the most marvelous Old World Animal Portraits; they’ll most likely get a giggle from way down deep when you see them. Take a look at http://kentlew.com/carol/.

Now, for the real surprise. Her husband, Kent. He’s a book designer; but even more, he has designed an absolutely marvelous typeface called Whitman which I will license immediately for a next book we do—probably our upcoming book of short stories entitled The Black Whole. Although Kent and I beebled away for perhaps a half hour, he never told me of his world of books, and I never told him I was a trade typesetter and book designer beginning way back in the early 70s. Browse around http://kentlew.com/ to see what I’m talking about, particularly the 3 book designs sampled there.

And, as if meeting Carol and Kent weren’t enough, we also had a long and gentle chat with Barbara Sheehy who invited us to Spain to work with the local crafts folk to use the Rakestraw Spinner (see the project’s Web site).

Jackie and I are both in recovery mode, but it was a fine aFAIR.

This is the Goddess Knits Shawl KAL, done in some wonderful wool, handknit, and blocked on our own wooden Lace Blocker. I have changed the design somewhat, but I believe it came out very well. I have removed it from sale. Even though the design has been changed, it is still basically a design by Renee.

The Lace Blocker does a wonderful job! Check it out onsite

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As many of you know, we are republishing “Complete Guide to Modern Knitting and Crocheting,” by Alice Carroll. This popular book, originally published in 1942, deserves new readership and an up-to-date appearance.

Syllables Press, the publisher of this new edition, is searching for a unique design for the book’s cover. The publisher is looking for a theme which is fresh and modern, while at the same time suggestive of the roots of its content.

The new edition will have a trim size of 8.268 x 11.693. The cover will be in full color; the book will be soft cover, perfect bound. This larger size is intended to make the book more easily read and more enjoyable for knitters and crocheters.

So, we’re having a contest! We’re looking for the best design to be used on the cover. The winner will be profiled in the book’s “About the Cover,” and will receive a gorgeous rosewood Rakestraw Spinner and rosewood Plying Paddle (the Spinner’s Kit) from Down In the Country Fibers.

Material submitted should be illustrative (i.e., no text) and at a minimum of 300 DPI. It should be full 24-bit color. Initially, we prefer PDF’s, and the design that best snags our sweater will be developed in concert with the publisher and the illustrator. If you come up with a dynamite design and can’t figure out how to convert it to a PDF, send it along as a JPG, and we’ll work with you.

Deadline for final entries will be March 15 (beware the Ides of March!). However, we would be more than happy to work with you as you develop your concept.

Send entries or questions to Jackie@DownInTheCountry.com

Here’s the original cover, MUCH in need of updating!!!

Have fun with the contest, and GOOD LUCK!!!

After many months of putting it down and picking it up again, I’ve finally finished the Swan Lake Stole from the MS3 knit along. I’m delighted with how it turned out! I made it with handspun cashmere yarn and beaded it with seed pearls and crystals. It’s gossamer, it’s gorgeous, and it fits through a ring, just like the Orenburg lace shawls! That tickled me.

I have two brides coming into my family life. One will receive it, but only if she really wants it. Here’s some pictures. The beads are very hard to see:

This is the wing of the swan. The stole is quite long.

A portion of the opposite end of the stole.

In this photo, there is more detail. You might be able to see some of the crystal beads in the lace.

I’m pleased with it, my very first finished lace!

I sent out a newsletter in which the pictures were broken. …duh… and at the same time, forgot to add the URL for the site. …double duh…

But here’s the main points: From today (October 29) until the day after daylight savings time around here ends (November 5) there is a 10% off discount on the Rakestraw Spinner, the Plying Paddle, and the Student Triloom. We also have a pre-order special on the Complete Guide to Modern Knitting and Crocheting, which will be published for the Christmas season. Order now to save!

Ok, then I put in two patterns from the book:

Helmet (Great idea for teens!)

2 oz. Knitting worsted
1 pair single point needles, #5
1 #2 crochet hook

Cast on 126 sts. Start pattern.

Row 1 – *Slip 1, K1, repeat from * across row.
Row 2 - Purl

Work even for 2 1 / 2 inches, ending on purl row. Bind off first 15 sts., work across next 26 sts. in pattern to correspond with pervious work, keeping the slip 1, knit 1 ribs uniform,. Slip sts. off on to a double pointed needle, and slip elastic band over ends of needle to hold sts. (Or point protectors.) Bind off center 44 sts. Work across next 26 sts. same as first group and laeave on needle. Bind off remaining 15 sts., breaking yarn about 18 ins. from last bound-off stitch. (Use this end for sewing up back seam of helmet.) Tie in yarn on purl side of work in first st. on #5 needle.

EAR FLAPS. Purl across the 26 sts., turn, work back in pattern of row 1 *P2, P2 tog., Purl to within last 4 sts., P2 tog., P2, turn, work in slip 1, K1, pattern, knitting first 2 and last 2 stitches. Repeat from * until 12 sts. on needle.

Next row–K2 tog. across row.

Next row–Slip 1, K 2 tog., pass the slip st. over, K 2 tog., pass stitch over, etc., across to end of row, bind off and break yarn. Work second flap in same way.

Sew up back seam of helmet. Then work 1 row single crochet around lower edge, shaping this edge with crocheting. Mark center front of upper edge of helmet with yarn. Single crochet 7 sts. across center front of helmet, having center of 7 sts. come at yarn marker. Single crochet on 7 sts. back and forth until band measures 9 inches. Break yarn, leaving end long enough to sew to center of back and sew in place. Mark center of band. Single Crochet 13 sts. across side edge of band, having seventh stitch come at yarn marker. Single crochet back across 13 sts. Decrease 1 stitch on beginning and end of every row until 7 stitches remain. Work even on 7 stitches until band measures same as center to helmet edge. Break yarn and sew. Work second side directly over center of ear flap to correspond.

VISOR HAT (for those who asked for Crochet patterns!)

Materials:

4 oz. Boucle Yarn
1 #2 Steel Crochet Hook
! / 4 Yard Buckram

Size:
22 inch head size

CROWN: Ch. 3, Join in ring. Work 6 S.C. in ring. Inc. in every st. on next round. Continue to inc. 6 sts. in round, or sufficiently to keep work perfectly flat until 12 ins. in diameter. Fasten off.

VISOR: Work in same manner as crown until 6 ins. in diameter. Fasten off.

BUTTON: Work in same manner as crown until 1 inch in diameter. Dec. 1 st. in each st. Insert button and fasten off.

FINISHING: Make 6 pleats about 1 inch each for front of hat, thus allowing 22 inches or size desired for head size in circumference of hat when finished. For visor, cuat a piece of buckram in oval piece 10 inches long by 3 1 / 2 inches at center or widest part. Stretch visor piece over this and stitch open side. Sew in head band. Sew button on top of hat.