Fiber Fool

I’m taking a break from fit Friday this week. Not because I haven’t been doing stuff this week, but there isn’t much to report and I have no photos. So, today I’m going to share with you what I gave you a glimpse of in Tuesday’s post - a finished knit object! Yes, I finished knitting something. It is a minor miracle!

I received a somewhat last minute invitation to a birthday party for a one year old. I had limited funds and limited time, but wanted to bring something to mark the occasion. I happened to have three balls of Austermann Bambou Soft in the stash in boy-appropriate colors - one ball of camo-inspired variegated and one ball of coordinating tan. At first I thought I’d do an inverted version of Amanda’s riff on my Sundog pattern, Sunpup. But with it being May, she pointed out it was likely to get forgotten by the time the weather was appropriate. Plus I had no clue what size this boy was for his age as I hadn’t seen him since Halloween. So a softie seemed like a better option.

I’m so glad I went that route as most all of the presents given were hard plastic toys and several made lots of noise. The softie stood out amongst the crowd of gifts and was well received by the birthday boy, his parents, and several of the party goers too!

Pattern: Knit Hedgehogs by Purl Soho
Yarn: Austermann Bambou Soft, 65% superwash wool, 35% bamboo - I used a single strand of the tan for the face, ears and belly and doubled the variegated for the body/back portion.
Needles: The called for US 4 and US 8

The pattern was pretty straight forward, especially since Purl Soho always includes a lot of step-out photos along the way. I think it took me about 3-4 hours total of knitting. I suspect if I knit another one in the semi-near future it would go even faster. I did like doubling the variegated yarn for the body as I knew the face and body were compatible and since I drew the yarn from different ends of each ball and made sure colors didn’t line up when I started I had no pooling. I think the result is adorable, even though I was a little dubious about the camo colors in the softie in the beginning.

I’ll definitely keep this pattern in mind for any future children’s gift knitting I’m wishing to do. It isn’t a huge investment of time or yarn and is a fun knit.

Looks like I kind of jumped the gun on this topic last week :-/ But here they are again, in some cases perhaps a bit more concrete and in some cases another bullet point added to the list :-)

1. Continue working towards a more healthful and active lifestyle. I’d like to say loose another 30-40 pounds, but it has really slowed down a lot so I don’t know that it is realistic. I managed only half of 2011’s weight loss in 2012. In some ways all of the rest of these all play into this one.
2. Become more comfortable cooking and baking with a wider variety of whole grains. Each one has a unique nutrient profile and in general I think we’d all be healthier not cutting out entire food groups or specific foods unless there is a true medical condition and instead consuming a wider variety so everything is eaten in more moderation.
3. Make creativity a higher priority. Between exercise and work I don’t feel like I have a lot more energy to spare, but I wonder if I didn’t put more into creativity if there would be more too? As odd as it sounds if you haven’t experienced it, it really is how it works with exercise once you get over the initial hump.
4. Learn some new skill each month, be it how to cook or bake something new or formulate a new natural skin/body care product at home or maybe even just a new yoga pose. Try my hand a new sewing technique (there is tons of possibility in that one). Maybe even to learn a new game. But they say learning and stretching your mind keeps you young!
5. Get some organization into my reading. I’m going to try for a few months doing a bit of advance planning for the reading ahead so when I finish one book I don’t spend hours trolling my Kindle archives and looking up reviews trying to figure out what to read next. That said, I already amended January’s plans and we’re only a week in, LOL!
6. Knitting is much, much slower these days as computing takes as much of a toll on my body as knitting. But I’d like to design at least 3 new patterns in 2013. I think that is a modest enough goal to be attainable and the first design is well on its way. Though I already know I’ll want a second version, if not several in different weights for that one.
7. Explore making my own fermented foods. We’ve done yogurt. DH is doing kefir and I’m working on my first batch of kombucha. But I’d like to try sauerkraut and fermented pickles this year and perhaps some other things as well.
8. Take more photos with my good camera instead of always falling back on my iPhone. Ideally I’d like to make sure I pull out the dSLR at least once a week.
9. Reduce, reuse and recycle - donate what I don’t need and can’t repurpose and make progress on actually make use of the things I’ve held back from donating.
10. Take some *me* time. I went from having 9-10 hours most days home alone with the dogs to never having any wakeful hours at home alone. It all happened overnight and I’ve kept it up for 9 months and I’m going to loose my mind. While it seems it is now impossible for me to have any wakeful hours home alone (well, this summer will be a different story) during the school year I have to figure out a way to have some alone time, even if it is out of the house. I suppose it is my “pleaser” side, but even when DH gives me the space to do my own thing I’m haunted by guilt or something and it isn’t productive in restoring me. Perhaps it is time to revist the artist date idea?

The sweater at the top of this post (excuse the work bathroom mirror shot, the best I could do right now) is my “Christmas sweater.” Unlike all of my previous attempts since Wisteria, it was actually done in time for our holiday journey to Colorado Springs. However, I wasn’t liking the fit of the yoke. It needed some time out and advice from the ever-wise knitting group last night. The verdict was to wear it a few times and then decide. So, not one to shirk orders that is what I’m doing today. Once final decisions about it are made and a proper photoshoot figured out I’ll write more about it. It is a heavily modified (but not the yoke) version of DROPS Mirabell. I do have details on Ravelry on the modifications if you can’t wait.

There are two three things that make today special. It is the birthday of two wonderful women, one historical and one contemporary. It is also the kick off the Nourishing Knits blog tour! The first stop on the tour is at one of the members of my Monday night knitting group - Kathryn aka Alpacamundo. Coming up, Nourishing Knits will also be found at Twisted Knitter, Mrs. Pao, The Independent Stitch, and PoMo Golightly!

As I mentioned on Wednesday, I had the privilege of having three designs published in Interweave Press’ first special issue of Jane Austen Knits (Ravelry).

The smallest of the patterns, but probably the most challenging to write was the Pemberly Slippers. The model size was not my size so I’m kind of itching to knit myself a pair soon. I’m looking forward to it even more since I wore through my last knit slippers. Knitting new ones are more fun than darning old ones :-) I just don’t know what color I want… Hmm….

I’m not certain which sweater was more knitting. This one, the Elinor Tunic, was a larger gauge but larger surface area. I was inspired by the empire waisted dresses of the time, but shortened them to a tunic that can be worn over a long skirt for a classic look or worn over leggings or skinny jeans for a more modern flare.

Barton Cottage Shrug I think was my favorite to knit. There was something magical about carrying an entire sweater project around in a sock knitting project bag :-) All the stockinette stitch meant it was a great choice to work on while traveling too. It is another one I really, really want to knit in my size. This one fit my mom quite nicely, but I have a much more prominent chest than she so I’m not certain if this sample would ever fit me, even at my target goal weight.

I was especially honored when the editor of Jane Austen Knits, Amy Clark Moore, asked if she could borrow my sample shrug to wear to a birthday tea in Jane Austen’s honor. I was flattered and only asked that she share a couple pics.

Amy posted today at Spinning Daily about attending the tea. If you were not aware that there was a Jane Austen Knits group on Ravelry, check it out.

Now, onto the important bits - the birthdays! Today is Jane Austen’s birthday, but it is also my friend and editor, Amanda’s birthday! Both seem like a great reason to have a giveaway, don’t you think?

I knit on both the Barton Cottage Shrug and the Pemberly Slippers while I was in Minnesota this past May and grandma ooo’d and ahhh’d over them. I knew I’d want to send her a copy to peruse even though she hasn’t knit in many years. But then I heard they had sold out of the first print run and was worried I wouldn’t be able to get an extra copy. So, when Amanda was in a local store with some in stock she picked me up a copy. Then I got my package from Interweave and they sent me a copy per pattern! So, I now have two more copies of Jane Austen Knits than I need so it is time to give them away!

Since I’ve had my nose to the grindstone working on Nourishing Knits I haven’t read my own copy of JAK yet. So, to enter the giveaway, post in the comments which pattern you would cast on first (or have already cast on) to get one entry. Be sure to leave a valid e-mail address so I can contact you if you’ve won.

If you’d like more entries, you can post once per day to Twitter, just be sure to include “@fiberfool” in your tweet so I’m certain to see it and link to this post. You can also “like” the Designedly, Kristi group on Facebook for another entry, just leave a separate comment saying you have liked the page. You have until next Thursday, 12/21/2011 at midnight MST to enter. As a bonus, I’m giving away a copy of Nourishing Knits when the likes reach 150, 200, 250 and so on to a random follower there.

I’ll assign a number to each comment, and then each Twitter post in the order they are received and will use Random.org to choose two numbers. I’ll announce the two winners on Friday, 12/22/2011. Best of luck to you all!

While I was making sugar scrub and had my essential oils out and at the ready I decided to whip up some bath salts as well. It had been much, much too long since I had done so. Like the sugar scrub, it is pretty darn simple and I have no excuse as to why I haven’t mixed any up in several years. I routinely have Epsom salts around and take soaks with it unadorned, but there is just something extra special about sinking into a bath that is gently scented just for you.

Like the sugar scrub, I opted for a citrus-based scent. Since I tend to seek refuge from high pain days or that in the tub I wanted to go with a scent that would lighten my mood and energize me to get through the remainder of my day. I tend to take my baths later in the day so I went with real essential oils and will just be careful to not expose myself to the sun after soaking in a bath using them. I used a blend of grapefruit, lime and bergamont which I grounded with a tad bit of geranium and ginger.

Uplifting and Energizing Bath Salts

Makes ~8 cups

• Food Coloring (optional, 10 drop blue and 4 drops yellow shown here)
• 45 drops Grapefruit Essential Oil
• 26 drops Lime Essential Oil
• 20 drops Bergamont Essential Oil
• 14 drops Geranium Essential Oil
• 14 drops Ginger Essential Oil
• 1 C Sel Gris (gray salt, my local Food Co-op has it in the bulk section for a reasonable price)
• 1 C Table or Kosher Salt
• 5 C Epsom Salt
• 1 C Baking Soda
• 1 C Pink Himalayan Salt (again available in bulk from the co-op)*

Mix the oils and food coloring with the sel gris and table salt in a large bowl dedicated to non-food purposes. The sel gris and table salts more readily soak up the oils and coloring, helping to keep your salts from clumping. Then add the baking soda and stir again. Lastly, add the remaining salts and mix until evenly combined. I recommend you let the salts age at least a few days so the oils blend and become more uniform throughout the batch.

To use, sprinkle 1/2-1 C of salts under running warm water and let dissolve. Lock kids, pets and husbands out of bathroom and soak as long as desired!

I put a portion of my salts in a pretty apothecary jar and use a sea shell as a scoop. The remainder I keep in an air-tight canister under the bathroom sink. I have packaged the salts up with a nice little wooden scoop and given it as a gift. I’ve even saved some juice bottles that are shaped like old fashioned milk bottles that I want to give as gifts sometime with a variant that includes fat free powdered milk for a milk bath!

* I would leave it out next time though as it doesn’t dissolve very readily, but it sure looks pretty in the mix!

You can of course use any combination of essential oils you would like. A popular mix for calming and relaxation is chamomile and lavender. I am planning on mixing up another batch with rosemary, peppermint, and ginger to promote increased circulation and healing.

If you are unfamiliar with the properties of the various essential oils most manufacturer’s assign a descriptive word or brief phrase to each oil which can point you in the proper direction. Some say to follow your nose, that your body knows what you need and I have found that to be pretty true. When I first started using essential oils I lacked confidence in combining scents though. I found The Encyclopedia of Aromatherapy by Chrissie Wildwood to be quite helpful. It gives you information on how to combine scents as well as more in depth coverage of the therapeutic properties of the essentials oils. There are even recipes for various types of ailments that are a great place to start exploring.

What is your preferred scent combo for a soak in the tub?

I’ve been working with some really fine fibers lately. I’ve also been doing a fair bit of dishwashing and gardening. Those three do not go together very well. I find my fingertips to be just rough enough to slightly snag. Not only does that degrade the fiber, but it takes away from the enjoyment of working with it. There are a ton of great moisturizers out there, but it can be hard to find one that is usable when you are to be knitting or spinning shortly after application. Even then, the best lotion may not reduce snagging because it doesn’t help remove the rough skin.

I was first turned onto using sugar scrub a few years ago when I was complaining about spinning silk and some of the extruded silk-like fibers. The idea is to mix sugar (I like the grain size of brown sugar) with oil(s) and in some cases citrus juice and rub on your hands, paying particular attention to any rough spots. It isn’t just for hands either. You can use it on your feet, elbows, knees and anywhere else you may need some extra exfoliation help. The sugar exfoliates while the oil rehydrates. If you use lemon juice that also aids in the exfoliation process, just be extra certain you don’t have any small cuts or cracks and do not use before being exposed to the sun.

My new facecloths got me thinking that I hadn’t made any homemade bath products in a while. When I make sugar scrub on the fly in the palm of my hand I tend to end up wasting oil by accidentally over-pouring. So, I decided to treat myself and make some bath products to go with my facecloths. They proved useful for photostyling and are serving me well.

Homemade Sugar Scrub

1 1/4 - 1 1/2 C Brown Sugar (or mix of sugars for a range of grain size)
1/3 C Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/3 C Jojoba Oil
1/3 C Grape Seed Oil
Essential or Fragrance Oils to Suit

Mix all ingredients together in a wide mouth, resealable container. If using essential oils it is a good idea to let it sit for a day or three to fully blend the scents and distribute themselves evenly through out the mixture.

On the sugar front I find the brown sugar is just the right size for my exfoliation needs. If you plan to use it mostly on calloused feet you may prefer a larger grain of regular white sugar or even raw sugar. You can also use a mix of sugars like I did with the oils. For the consistency I prefer the key is to have a bit more sugar than oil so you get a nice paste (I started with equal amounts of oil and sugar which is what is photographed, but found I preferred it to be a bit thicker consistency so added an extra 1/2 C later).

I use a blend of oils because they each have a slightly different moisturizing profile. Jojoba oil is much more shelf-stable than many oils so it is always a good choice for something you want to keep around for a while. It also closely matches the profile of our natural oils in the skin. Grapeseed oil is a frequent ingredient in cosmetics, especially those for damaged or stressed skin, as it reportedly controls skin moisturization. The olive oil is also moisturizing (and what I use if I make sugar scrub on the fly in the palm of my hand) but it also less expensive than the jojoba and grapeseed oils so it helps keep the scrub economical.

In my sugar scrub I used a blend of several citrus fragrance oils. Normally I would use essential oils, but I was wanting a mood lifting citrus scent. Citrus essential oils (and their juice as well) can be photosensitizing to your skin. Since you are going to the trouble of using a sugar scrub I imagine you want to take care of your skin so if you will be using the sugar scrub before being in the sun I recommend not using citrus essential oils or their juice in your scrub. In my case I expect to use the scrub in the shower in the morning and I live a mile high in a location with 300+ days of sunshine so I erred on the side of safety. Be sure to check your essential oils to see if they warn about sun exposure if applied to the skin before using them in the scrub.

If you make a scrub I’d love to hear what scents you chose to add!

While I think making a scrub is one of the simplest homemade bath products one can start with, there are plenty of people on Etsy and ArtFire who sell it if you don’t care to make your own.