Under Cover Club

Squeeeee!!!!

2008-02-17T15:31:00.002-05:00

Oh my goodness! I just almost splurted a mouthful of tea over the screen when I saw that I'd won! That's just fantastic, thank you. :0)

I must say that I've really enjoyed receiving each month's Under Cover Club square. It was a bit of a slog sewing it all together but definitely worth the end result. I've used it non-stop since I made it and it has pride of place on the back of the chair, ready to throw over me when I get chilly (it's been really cold this weekend).

I've also enjoyed seeing how everyone else's covers have come together - I especially like the look of a border around each square.

Thank you so much!

:0)

Finished Cover Drawing...and the winner is....

2008-02-17T14:47:00.006-05:00

Linda - Congratulations!

Thank you to all who participated and congratulatons especially to all who finished their covers.

Pictured below is my cover, which I really love. I Have decided to add a border around the whole thing in the black O'Wool.

Another Beautiful Cover!

2008-02-14T18:07:00.004-05:00

Brenda did this one. I just love the different looks of all these covers. Good Luck in the drawing, Brenda.

Just Beautiful!!

2008-02-14T17:20:00.004-05:00

These pictures are being posted for Joanne. The cover is just beautiful and so is the kitty cat! Thank you Joanne and I wish you good luck in the drawing.

Final Drawing is Finally Here!

2008-02-13T17:10:00.007-05:00

Sorry for the delay with the final drawing. I was sick with pneumonia from Christmas until just about 2 weeks ago so I just wasn't able to follow through on the drawing. But now is the time.

Everyone should have received an email from me telling you the details. The drawing will be held Sunday, February 17. Above is a picture of the prize some lucky Under Cover Club member will win. It consists of an Eco Organic Bag, 1 skein of Pagewood Hand Dyed Sock Yarn, 1 set of Swallow dpns and a bar of Thistle Ridge Soap in Twin Mint.

If you have not finished your cover and have time to do so, post a picture here at the blog so you can be included in the drawing.

Thank you all for being a part of the Under Cover Club. I have enjoyed it very much and I hope you did too!

Question about November's Patterns

2008-01-20T13:27:00.000-05:00

I'm working on November's double shipment & have missplaced one of the pattern pages. I have the page with Clustered Stars & Gingerbread. What are the names of the other two patterns? Maybe with the names, I'll be able to find the pattern.

Octobers Squares Are Done!

2008-01-11T11:49:00.000-05:00

Yes, I'm way behind..... I have been enjoying the Club and miss it now that my little packages are not coming anymore.

I have decided to be a rebel and change the colors a bit, so my October blocks are actually brown! I am off now to wind my hank for November...better late than never!

Day late, but one afghan ahead!

2008-01-02T02:51:00.000-05:00

I actually finished this last Thursday but have been away from email until today. We were enjoying a wonderful long holiday up in the Sierra Nevada. The weather had been good and we went for a long snowshoe ... here's what we found:

So, enough of that, here's proof that the afghan is done!

It took almost 1/2 a day of rearranging and, with some help from Excel, we figured out a pattern that I'm very happy with. The edging is a quick single crochet in Brown Sheep Lambs Pride. It's not organic, but it's what they had at the yarn store near our cabin! I did the edging at Knit Night - and the ladies all loved it.

Thanks to the Yarn Grove for a great afghan - and here's hoping my mom loves it too when it finally gets to Wisconsin.

Happy New Year everyone!

Cheers,

D.

Stick a fork in me ----- I'm done!!!!!

2007-12-24T16:11:00.001-05:00

Yes!!!!!

I was determined I would finish this today. It's taken me all day to sew the squares together (one of them was still slightly wet, but I just couldn't wait for it to dry!) and I finished it about 15 minutes ago. I can't tell you how good it feels to get it done! ;0)

I did a row of single crochet around the edge in Cascade 220, colourway Fern.

Did you receive your E-Mail?

2007-12-08T00:37:00.001-05:00

I hope everyone received their email about how to put their cover together. If you did not receive it let me know at The Yarn Grove and I will send another.

There will be a drawing for a nice prize to include everyone that finishes by the end of December and posts a picture. I can't wait to see everyone's cover and how each of you decided to arrange it and put it together.

How far away are you from finishing?

Finishing Instructions

2007-11-18T20:08:00.000-05:00

I will be posting the joining instructions in just a few days. Just finishing up to make it as simple as possible. How are the last 4 squares going? Anyone done with them yet?

September -- finally

2007-11-09T15:57:00.001-05:00

I know I did not make the deadline, but I did not take my knitting to Italy and was too tired to work on them when I got home (plus I don't like cabling, so I kept procrastinating.........)

I made a major boo boo but it's stayin' I am not frogging it!

DRUM ROLL....September/October Winners

2007-11-09T07:38:00.000-05:00

And the winners for September and October drawings are:

Deborah S - September
Brenda - October

November and December Shipments

2007-11-05T12:43:00.000-05:00

November and December shipments will be mailed this Friday, November 9. That will give everyone time to finish before Christmas. Two new colors!

Joanne's Pictures with Olivia

2007-11-05T12:16:00.001-05:00

Here are Joanne's pictures.

Olivia is helping take the pictures!

Just under the wire ...

2007-10-31T14:49:00.001-04:00

These were finished a few days ago but just getting around to pictures and posting now. Sorry to say that they are not blocked, but given that the rest of my life is in boxes and I'm running around like a crazy person, they're a good reflection of my state of mind!

Both patterns went *very* fast and were great fun to knit. Looking forward to next month's kit!

September & October Blocks

2007-10-28T13:33:00.000-04:00

I just realized that I never posted my September blocks. They were my favorite color until I got October's yarn. Now, October's color is my favorite. I had many problems knitting the double swag pattern. Once I had knit 10 inches before I realized I was pulling the wif too tight & so I frogged it. I am happy with the square now though.

Just on another note, I recently bought some Moo cards. If you aren't familar with Moo cards, they are smaller than business cards & have pictures on them. My email, blog & Ravelry name is printed with a picture of my knitting. Out of the 7 pictures I have, 5 of them are under cover squares. The textures of the squares made for interesting pictures. Thanks again for creating this club.

Will there be other clubs as well?

October Squares

2007-10-25T12:55:00.000-04:00

These were really quick to knit. :0) I finished them about a week ago but have only just blocked them. Can't wait for the next ones. :0)

2 Drawings

2007-10-18T21:15:00.000-04:00

September and October each need to have a drawing (uh, bribe). There will be 2 drawings for the following:

1 skein of Kona Bay Cotton Yarn (super soft)
2 sets of Swallow Needles (Love these needles)

Post your September and/or October squares and get into the drawing.

What would everyone think about sending November and December squares together, around November 10? That would give everyone plenty of time to finish for a holiday gift. Tell me what you think?

Debby

October Blocks

2007-10-16T14:49:00.000-04:00

Finished! I loved the Broken Rib block, but didn't like the Scalloped Swag as well. I added an additional stitch on each side and had to knit it very loosely in order for it to come out the right size. I do like it better now that it is finished!
DebS

Finished this months blocks...

2007-10-12T17:12:00.001-04:00

beautiful color and nice patterns...it feels good to have it done!

October Blocks

2007-10-11T18:44:00.000-04:00

What a great color we got this month! My yarn arrived on Tuesday, and by Wednesday I had completed the Double Broken Rib block. I then started the Scalloped Swag, but it is knitting up very narrow. Even with gentle pressing with my hands, it is only 10" wide. I can't imagine that it will block to 12". Is anyone else having this problem?

DebS

Good News!

2007-10-03T23:03:00.000-04:00

Good News! OWool is here and will be on it's way to you tomorrow (Thursday). You can expect a brand new color, not even on the website yet. Will tell you more tomorrow and let you know what my bribe is for this month (and make up for last month's no bribe)

Debby

September Squares

2007-09-30T09:52:00.000-04:00

What a wonderful warm shade of red you sent us this month. It was a pleasure to work. The squares were interesting to knit and knit up quickly. Thanks.

Another speedy finish

2007-09-25T14:53:00.001-04:00

I finished these today while off work feeling flu-ey. I think I'm going to add a Twisted Sisters square to my aunty's afghan, I really like the finished look of that one. :0)

I just want to say thanks again for the sock yarn and bag I won in last month's prize draw - the colour is beautiful and the bag is cute! :0) I think I'll be casting on a pair of socks tomorrow. :0)

yeah! got them done!

2007-09-24T11:17:00.000-04:00

I love this color! so beautiful and really enjoyed these patterns!

On it's way

2007-09-20T11:04:00.000-04:00

Yes, finally, the Shipments are on their way. The Owool arrived Tuesday evening and all the packages were mailed on Wednesday, September 20. So be looking in your mailboxes, the squares-to-be are on their way to you!

Everyone is getting the same color this time and WOW is it beautiful. Let me know what you think.

Happy Knitting (you know the socks won't be happy about this)

Debby

I had almost forgotten....

2007-09-12T17:44:00.000-04:00

Will the O-Wool be coming soon? If not I think I can squeeze more little projects in!

Apologies

2007-09-07T08:14:00.000-04:00

I am so sorry my holiday slideshow appeared here! I haven't done a slideshow before and was playing but I lost it, now I know where it went!!!!!!!

I went to Tunisia Debby, and lovely it was too. But I'm sorry for the error.

DRUM ROLL.........

2007-09-04T15:22:00.001-04:00

And the winner for August is.....

LINDA

Thank you to all who participated in displaying your squares. Stay tuned for September's Bribe!

Debby

While You Are Waiting

2007-09-02T12:36:00.000-04:00

While waiting for the OWool to arrive I would like to show some items I am working on or have finished. Finishing can sometimes be hard for me.

Anyone else have this problem?

I have recently finished (YEAH) a pair of fingerless gloves out of Miss Hawklet Handspun yarn in Ocean Spray. I also finished (YEAH!) a pair of slippers in the Miss Hawklet Handspun. It's wonderful yarn and I love the thick and thin look.

I am working on a stuffed animal made from Woolly Boully sock yarn. It is striping nicely and the animal (bear, cat, dog?) is going to look so cute. Maybe I will make a pair of matching socks for the little person who will receive this gift. The pattern for the stuffed animal is from Knittingdaily.com. The picture shown here is the body and head, just so you can get an idea of what it will look like. Of course both these yarns can be found at my favorite yarn store, TheYarnGrove.com.

OK, enough from me...what are you working on? I have read some of your blogs and I see the UnderCover Club Members are very talented. Please brag here, you are among friends!

PS: The drawing for the yarn and bag will be on Tuesday, September 4, so there is still time to post your squares if you have not done so.

Debby

August Squares

2007-09-01T22:13:00.000-04:00

Thanks to the comments on this blog, I finished my August squares. Almost exactly halfway up my Quilted Lattice, I messed up and have chevrons instead. It's more noticable in the picture than when you see the entire square. I'm going to call it a design element! I think my favorite pattern is which ever square I just finished. Now, I'm just waiting for September's package.

If any of you are on Ravelry, you can see all of my squares. My user name is Needles.

August Blocks Complete

2007-09-01T17:05:00.000-04:00

I am finished! Had a slow start due to the prickly things in my first ball and had to rip out, but now all is well! I really liked both patterns. This has been a great club and I can't wait to see the new fall colors!

Squares for August

2007-09-01T01:29:00.001-04:00

Here are squares from Joanne which I would say look lovely.

Quoting Joanne " I have to tell you I'm thoroughly enjoying this club. You've done a great job and I'm really looking forward to the new colors that are coming out for fall."

I thank her for the very nice comments.
Debby

August Squares Finished!

2007-08-29T14:05:00.000-04:00

I'm so glad I finally found the blog...I am really enjoying these squares...and got August finished...Here is my photo...and in UT Longhorn Colors no doubt! :)

One of Two Down

2007-08-25T20:12:00.000-04:00

I finished one of the two squares yesterday. I like this square. I am having trouble with the second square though. I must be doing something wrong. My loose yarn keeps getting twisting around the stitch on row 4. The completed squares don't seem to have a twist. Any suggestions to help me complete rows 4 and 8?

August Squares

2007-08-25T00:28:00.000-04:00

Here are August's squares.

Unfortunately, these are rubbish photos - you can blame the poor photography on camera shake or the G&Ts. I know which one I'd blame! ;0) - but the squares IRL are gorgeous! ;0)

I'm now looking forward to September's.

Needing a Nudging

2007-08-22T14:13:00.000-04:00

Nudging definition: to touch or push gently (as with elbow)

NEW Definition: To bribe or push gently (as with prizes)

Post your August squares by the end of the month and be in a drawing for 1 skein of J. Knits sock yarn and a striped bag.

If you are having trouble posting to this blog, just send me your pictures and I will post them for you.

Hope everyone is enjoying the August Squares and staying out of the heat. If it is cool where you are I am sooo envious.

Debby

Done with August!

2007-08-20T18:25:00.000-04:00

Though they didn't come with me to China, the squares were just what I needed when I arrived home on Saturday. I managed to catch an awful head cold (on the flight over, very likely) so I wasn't up for much of anything. I settled in on the couch, tuned in to some good soccer and knitted away. By mid-afternoon, I was done.

I love the green color (willow, I think) and the patterns were great! I'll update the post with pix when I get home from work and re-up on the decongestants. :-)

Updated 8/23 with pix of the blocks. Closeups on my blog

In the Know.....O-Wool™

2007-08-17T11:21:00.000-04:00

The O-Wool™ mark represents the highest standard available for certified organic wool products. O-Wool™ sets the industry standard by distinguishing itself from other products made with wool and organic wool. O-Wool™ yarns and fabrics are made only from wool certified by USDA accredited Organic Certification Agencies and are processed using the most sustainable methods commercially available.

Low-impact fiber-reactive dyes. Fiber-reactive dyes are a synthetic dye that chemically bonds directly to the clothing fiber molecules. They were first used commercially in 1956. The fixation or absorption rate of low-impact dyes is at least 70%, creating less waste water runoff and therefore a lower impact on the environment. Recent advances have created fiber-reactive dyes with colors that are brighter and richer, and they provide excellent colorfast properties. They contain no heavy metals or other known toxic substances, and they meet all European Union criteria for being an eco-friendly pigment. But, the actual dyes in almost all low-impact fiber-reactive dyes are still made from synthetic petrochemicals.

Have Squares Will Travel

2007-08-10T21:43:00.000-04:00

Have your squares been traveling this summer? Mine have. They first went to Utah to see my 4 grandchildren. That was a great trip and the squares really liked the mountains. Next, the squares went to TNNA (The National Needlearts Association) where Jane and I saw and bought lots of yarn for The Yarn Grove. The last trip was to Tennessee for a family reunion...and was it ever hot! The heat index that day was 109 so you know my squares were sweating it out.

Where have your squares traveled....out of the country, to the beach, to the mountains or someplace in between? My squares want to know if your squares have been having more fun than them....

Hope it is cool where you are....we are melting here in Georgia.

PS: TNNA was in Columbus Ohio where the squares did not like the food.

August Squares

2007-08-09T10:14:00.000-04:00

I love the August patterns! Thanks also for the point protectors. How cute! My patterns and yarn arrived on Saturday afternoon. Sunday morning I wound the yarn and knit both squares. Of course, it took until yesterday to block them and then today to take the pictures. Here they are.

Debbie

Yarn has arrived!

2007-08-07T14:06:00.000-04:00

I came home yesterday to a skein of the beautiful green yarn sitting on my porch. I also love the point protectors that came along with the package! I've got a couple of things on the needles that I need to finish up this week but expect to start either over the weekend or next week.

The new patterns look lovely - I'm excited to see how they turn out!

Having Problems........

2007-08-05T00:32:00.001-04:00

So far I have had taupe, green, and blue yarn -- no problems. I recieved my new yarn yesterday- pumpkin -- and woven into the yarn are these prickly burrs like you see with cotton plants. They are very sharp and I am having to pick them out or cut/slice the yarn. Has anyone else had the same problem?

Thanks So Much!

2007-08-03T17:30:00.000-04:00

If this doesn't give you incentive to get those squares finished, then nothing will.....

This is lovely! You guys are the best -- thanks again!

Jill

Congratulations to.....

2007-08-02T16:37:00.000-04:00

Our winner for the July drawing is ..... drum roll....Jill.

Congratulations Jill. Your beautiful skein of JKnits sock yarn is on the way to you. And to everyone else, your August shipment is on the way....the August patterns are my favorites so far. I really love these and I think you will to.

Happy Knitting All
Debby

My July Squares

2007-07-31T12:59:00.000-04:00

I managed to finish my July squares at the weekend, but didn't manage to get pictures until now.

First up was Adam's Rib, which I worked on while visiting my father. I love cables, and like the meandering look of this one.

Next up was Woven Delight. I had to put this down for a couple of weeks, and when I came back to it, I realised that I'd made a mistake about 4 inches down. I frogged it, and then managed to finish the square in just over a day. Whew!

Now I'm all set to see what the postman brings next month. :)

Whew!

2007-07-29T22:52:00.000-04:00

My sock class had taken away from my squares, but I was bound-and-determined not get behind. So far so good. If you'd like to see what distracted me, my check out my blog:

http://360.yahoo.com/jgl61@sbcglobal.net

Can't wait to see what August brings!

Jill

Photos at last!

2007-07-29T07:59:00.000-04:00

I've finally taken a photo of my July squares which I blocked this morning and are drying at the moment. Again, some lovely designs.

I knit these at the beginning of the month but, lazy mare that I am, didn't block them straight away. The thought of that lovely sock yarn, though, spurred me on! :0)

Now I'm looking forward to getting August's. ;0)

Getting in under the wire!

2007-07-28T01:00:00.000-04:00

I'm off on vacation for the rest of the month, so I'm hurriedly posting my finished June squares. Wouldn't want to miss out on that wonderful yarn! So, without further ado, I present you with Adam's Rib:

Followed immediately by, um, the other one ...

and because I thought it was so cool, here's a close-up of "the other one" (gosh, Debby, I should remember the names but it's late and I'm tired ...)

Finally, here's how much yarn I had left over.

Needless to say, though I'll say it anyway, I was a bit *nervous* toward the end. Yup, that is, indeed, a nickel for scale. I'm off to the mountains (with knitting) and I look forward to finding a package in the mail when we get back!

6 Finished Blocks

2007-07-25T18:06:00.001-04:00

I haven't posted any of my Under Cover Blocks because I was having an unbelieveably hard time with 2 of the patterns, the only two patterns I attempted. I started again July 3 and had all 6 squares finished July 9th. I'm not sure why it took 4 attempts to get Diamond Brocade and Lucky Bamboo correct. Here you can see my finished Dimpled Delight and Basket of Yarn. Now, that I have gotten my square mojo, I loving working with O-wool and knitting these squares!

I had a Dream

2007-07-23T17:47:00.001-04:00

I had a dream last night. All around my bed were skeins of O-Wool, crying and sniffling. They said they had been put in bags, behind sofas and in the closet and were feeling very down and out. They also said the socks have been laughing at them and calling them losers. This was a very sad dream.

Now, may I offer you a bribe to get out the O'Wool and make a square or two. We are having a drawing for July. Everyone who posts a picture of their finished July squares will be included in a drawing for a skein of J. Knits Super Wash Me Light sock yarn. The color is Reno and it is beautiful.

So if you have been thinking about those squares, now is the time to finish up, post your picture, and get ready for August.

Don't let me have that nightmare again!

Debby

July's squares done!

2007-07-19T19:47:00.001-04:00

Here they are:

The woven fun gave me some trouble as i thought it looked messy when knitting it, but it ended up being right after all!

Oh!! And when I finished, I had less than 2 yards of yarn leftover - whew!!!!

Woven Fun Right Side/Wrong Side

2007-07-13T11:24:00.000-04:00

This picture is the Right Side of your Woven Fun pattern. Row 1 should read Row 1(WS)and Row 2 starts the right side.

The purl side of your Woven Fun is the WRONG Side. I go over and over these patterns to be sure they are correct and I do apologize for this mistake. I will send a corrected version with your next shipment.

Could I blame this on the socks? Do you think they took over my computer late one night, giggling and laughing, put the purl side as the right side? They would think that was funny.....

Woven Fun trouble?

2007-07-12T20:26:00.000-04:00

I'm doing the Woven Fun square and something just doesn't seem right. The RIGHT side of the work is looking like just plain purl stitch while the WRONG side has the strand of yarn in front of the slipped knit stitches.

Did I misunderstand something in the instructions or will this 'improve' as I proceed? I have about 2 inches of work done.

BTW: The cabled pattern square is done and blocked; it looks great!

Thank you for any advice that anyone can offer on Woven Fun.

No joy in Mudville, CA ...

2007-07-10T14:37:00.000-04:00

still no package!

Last month it showed up on the doorstep SPOT ON the first day of the month. I think I must be doing penance for knitting up so many socks and burning through last month's squares to quickly. :-( Yarn Grove ladies - did all the packages already go out? Fellow club members - am I the only one still waiting for the package? (ok, so maybe it'll come today ...)

D.

July blocks finished

2007-07-09T18:51:00.000-04:00

But not blocked and not photographed either, sorry. ;0) The patterns look great knitted up. I'll try and get some pics taken tomorrow. It's a good job I finished them early this month otherwise they'd never have got started - I've taken on the mammoth task of knitting 4 adult size 36" sweaters as quickly as I possibly can because they're needed ASAP. I'm hoping to finish one a week. It's gonna get boring, I know that, because they will all be the same pattern but at least I've got 2 different colours to brighten things up. I started the first one today and have justed finished the back - now I know that might seem quick but it *is* chunky yarn. (Am I mad? Chunky yarn in the "summer" time?!)

Anyway, thanks again for 2 lovely block patterns this month - and the cable needle was much appreciated. :0)

Just so I have this straight...

2007-07-05T16:17:00.001-04:00

On the pattern "Woven Fun" when we slip stitch it is slip a stitch purlwise. Correct? I'm off to drag out my swift and winder!

Carrie

I just can't wait!!!

2007-07-03T19:09:00.000-04:00

Given that I have tomorrow off of work, and it is *after* July 1st, maybe the July shipment will make it to my doorstep today! I just finished off two very short projects and am ready for another one to boost my sense of accomplishment. Can you imagine? Three projects in one week!?! Wouldn't that be something.

Am I the only one that's so gosh durned excited?

And The Winner Is.......

2007-07-01T17:15:00.001-04:00

The winner in the June drawing is Kathryn from the UK. Congratulations! Kathryn won "The Yarn Girls" Guide To All Seasons Knitting.

Thanks to everyone who posted pictures of their squares. Your new shipment is on the way, so get ready to put away the socks.

Debby

June Undercover Squares

2007-06-30T18:58:00.001-04:00

I finally finished and blocked June's squares!!

I wasn't crazy about the long purled sections at the sides of the yarn basket square, so I did the complete pattern repeat from edge to edge.

The bamboo square was knitted as written. Quick and easy!

And here are May's and June's hanging out together:

Now I'm looking forward to July's patterns and color!

June Under Cover

2007-06-29T16:55:00.000-04:00

Well I am ready for July! Now these squares are not blocked, but I am not worried about the size. I had a tangerine-size ball left over as well....

Here they are in their entirety and I think the size will be fine once I block. I have decided to block them all together at the end.

Finished June squares

2007-06-29T09:57:00.000-04:00

I thought that I'd post a couple of pictures of my June squares - knitted in the saffron colourway.

First up is Lucky Bamboo which was started on Worldwide Knit in Public Day. It isn't particularly square at the moment, but I'm hoping that it will be ok once it's been blocked.

Next up we have the Basketweave. I think this is my favourite so far, but that might just be because it was the last one I knit!

Now I'm going to comfort my socks for a few days - until the next parcel arrives.

Back to the Drawing Board - June's Blocks

2007-06-26T11:34:00.000-04:00

Here are June's blocks - and this Basket Weave block was my favourite one otn so far and also in also in finished appearance. It looked bigger than either of May's blocks otn, but I carried on anyway till it measured 11.5 inches.

I am going to be very honest here and say I do not like this Lucky Bamboo block - it HAS been blocked; I had been hoping it's appearance would improve post-blocking but it hasn't.

And now to my dilemma. My June blocks have not shrunk post blocking like my May ones did. The Basket Weave one is huge and completety out of proportion to all my other blocks. I have no idea what I have done wrong, but I am going to have to frog both of June's blocks and start again. No problem, I just want them "right" - but I did want to share them with you. Oh, and the yarn by the side of Lucky Bamboo is all I have left from knitting both blocks.

Any constructive tips/comments would be very welcome, both June blocks were blocked simoultaneously in the same way using the same method as may's blocks. The Lucky Bamboo block paradoxically, the one I really don't like, is the only blocked square I have that actually measures at 12" x 12"!

Please don't misunderstand this post - I'm not complaining, I'm perplexed, and any help would be very gratefully received.

Joy's May Blocks

2007-06-26T11:24:00.000-04:00

Here very belatedly are my May Blocks - the light on the photo does not show the colour to it's true potential, but I have found it difficult to obtain a good photo as light has been a problem recently.

They were both blocked to 12" x 12" but like Linda's have shrunk a little. I wet blocked them with blocking wires, and blocked them on a pre-marked 12" square on the back of an old cork notice board.

New Look for The Yarn Grove

2007-06-25T16:15:00.000-04:00

Check out our new look!

http://www.theyarngrove.com/

Also visit our blog, let us know what you think of the new look and get into a drawing for a great prize.

http://www.theyarngrove.blogspot.com/

Hope you are working on those squares. Not long till the next shipment.

Happy Knitting to All
Debby

I know this is OT, but I am hoping that someone knows if there are

2007-06-20T21:29:00.000-04:00

ANY yarn stores in Puerto Rico? I have heard there is not and I have been googling my fingers to a nub trying to find one. I will be done with the squares by then and will most likely have the next square on the needles, but I really would like something to do while I am sitting in a hammock on the beach (more than likely elbow deep in pina coladas). I thought about taking socks, but I do like to enhance my stash from every place I have been.

Can anyone help? :-)

Carrie

Introduction

2007-06-20T16:51:00.000-04:00

Hello! My name is Carrie. I had forgotten about the invite, so I had to ask for another before I could post. I am really enjoying this club. The patterns are utilizing some things I have not done (still kind of a baby knitter) but am picking it up fast and on my own. I am behind in my squares, as I had a blankie--a lacy pattern-- and booties to finish for a niece that is due to put in her appearance tomorrow! I am liking the O wool--I do not mind, especially after a go 'round with cotton and some angora I like to get back to wool. And these patterns, while very lovely, are not too complicated to do at night before bed while I am watching TV--the squares have become my "settle down for the evening," like....comfort knitting! (I am off to give socks a whirl this eve at my LYS.......does the Yarn Grove do a sock club at any time Debby?)

June Blocks

2007-06-20T07:55:00.000-04:00

I love the blue that I received as my June color, and found the blocks interesting and quick to knit. Here are my photos. I can't wait to see the yarn and patterns for July!
Debbie

Basket of Yarn

2007-06-11T17:08:00.000-04:00

Finished and blocked today.

A strange thing happened when I got the three other squares out to try them on the bed - I know, I need to get a life!! ;0) All three squares, which were blocked using wires to a perfect 12" square (checked and re-checked), have all shrunk to a perfect 11" square. How can this happen? There were completely dry when I stored them. I'll be checking on this block tomorrow to see if the same thing has happened. Who knows, maybe that extra inch will have returned to the others?! Very strange .....

Done with June Squares

2007-06-10T17:11:00.001-04:00

I said it in my post yesterday - thanks to the Yarn Grove folks for sending me just the right thing. Both patterns were so fun and quick that once I started I just couldn't stop. The squares are on the blocking board drying out and here are my pictures for you:

First is the bamboo stitch. It also took me a little bit of thought before starting - I kept reading the stitch as a decrease. Then I just did it and it all makes sense. I think I have a sock pattern somewhere that uses this stitch to give a "scale" effect on the sock. Pretty cool. No problem with blocking the pattern to size - it even opened up nicely to show the wrapped stitches.

Next is the basket stitch - this one came out wonderfully but it's really stretchy! I had to "nudge" the edges back in to the 12" square. I may end up reblocking this square at some point, but I suspect it'll be fine in the end. I've got a few ounces of the yarn leftover and am thinking about what I'll do at the end with all the remnants ... maybe some kind of scarf or a pair of fingerless mitts. Any suggestions?

Ok, that's it! Time to figure out what's next and enjoy the hiatus until next month.

Cheers!

June Package ... and sock revenge!

2007-06-09T12:50:00.000-04:00

My June package showed up on Thursday (my gift is blue - and it matches my yarn!) but I left the beautiful Cornflower skein on the shelf since I needed to finish off a pair of socks first.

I think the socks knew something was up because they got their revenge. A mistake in the pattern had me cutting too-short of a sewn bind-off thread and after binding off the first sock I could barely put them on! I managed to hold off the urge to frog them both back down to their humble beginnings (did 2x2 circs so both are in the same state) and I've started the June squares to give me some solace.

I love the color I got this month - it's a very soft but pure blue - and I'm looking forward to how this pattern plays out. Time to enjoy my coffee and knit a few rows. I expect pix of the first square w/in the next day or so!

Thanks Yarn Grove for sending me the perfect thing at the perfect time.

Lucky Bamboo FO

2007-06-08T18:01:00.000-04:00

Finished last night and blocked this morning, this was such a quick knit and I really enjoyed it.

I'm loving the look of Basket of Yarn too, which I started late last night, but the socks "put their foot down" this morning and demanded I pay them some attention today! ;0)

June's Package

2007-06-07T18:52:00.001-04:00

Mine arrived the other day - just in time, too, since I was wanting to knit something, but didn't want to start something new that I'd have to set aside (although it would've been good company for my other WIPs), so all was good.

My May squares are a darkish blue and my newest squares will be Willow. I started the Bamboo pattern and really like it. I'm even impressed with the 'wrong' side - the texture is quite interesting - I may do something with this pattern in another project which would show off both sides (a mobius 'something' perhaps or maybe a scarf where i could make sections of 'right' and 'wrong' sides or......).

I will plan to post pics of all four squares toward the end of the month.

The gift with the June shipment is always appreciated - I like to keep one with each of my projects and needed just one more. I wonder what other colors are out there - mine is orange - Cool!!

Last Month's Blocks - pics

2007-06-07T08:44:00.000-04:00

Thought I'd get some pics in of last month's blocks before I make a start on this month's. ;0)

Lucky Bamboo pattern

2007-06-06T17:03:00.000-04:00

Can I just check before I start knitting - is it "yo, k2" or "yo, k2tog"? Thanks. :0)

Drawing for signed copy of Yarn Girls new book

2007-06-06T12:09:00.000-04:00

Have you received your June Shipment? Have you started yet?

This month we would like to offer you a special incentive to finish and post pictures of your June squares.

Everyone who posts a picture of their June squares on this blog will be entered into a drawing for a signed copy of "the yarn girls' guide to knits for all seasons." Forty new patterns with knits for all seasons. Some included are a vest for fall, a Chanel-inspired cardigan for winter, an open stitch shawl that knits quickly and even a beach tote. This is a book I would love to have myself but one lucky member of the Under Cover Club will be the owner. So knit away!

You have all month to finish and post. The drawing will be on July 1.

Did you socks complain in May? Mine jumped right off the needle and tried to get away but I caught it and gave it some attention.

The Next Installment

2007-06-06T05:04:00.000-04:00

My lovely parcel has arrived this morning with a beautiful skein of oatmeal yarn and a lovely little surprise too.

Sadly I am going to have to iron my patterns later - they have got somewhat bent and creased in the post, and are currently flattening under a heavy pile of books. Maybe a length of card around them would protect them for next time?

Anyway, lovely lovely wool, thank you! And how did you know that I am ALWAYS looking for my tape measure ;) !

My first 2 squares

2007-06-05T14:38:00.000-04:00

While I'm waiting for the postman to deliver my next skein of yarn, I thought I'd post a quick picture of my first two squares.

I haven't blocked these yet, as I'm planning to block them all together so I can get them all the same size.

I'm looking forward to seeing the new patterns, and discovering another colour of this lovely yarn.

Thanks to The Yarn Grove for organising this - it's great fun. :)

Dye "fastness"?

2007-06-04T10:46:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone!

I finally got around to blocking my May squares (ok, so it's June already, but they were on the blocking board by 5/31) and as I was putting them in water I noticed that a bit of the orange dye bled out. Has anyone else had this issue? I'm trying to decide what, if anything, I want to do here (vinegar soak, put in microwave) but I'd first love to know if I'm the only one that had this issue.

I'd also love to know if this is limited to the orange wool or if the other colors also are susceptible to bleeding.

Regardless - this wool was quite nice to work with. But - my dimpled delight isn't very "dimpled"! :-)

Thanks,

D.

2007-05-31T19:29:00.000-04:00

Well, I will post mine. It seriously needs to be blocked. I did buy my styrofoam, I just need to take the time and do it. I have been working on my socks so they won't feel left out when my box comes. Can't wait! Jill

New Shipments on the way

2007-05-31T09:56:00.000-04:00

Hi all, have you finished your first 2 blocks? Which one did you like the best? Jill posted a picture of her Diamond Brocade in the willow. Who has the Dimpled Delight pictures? Did you find them both to be easy to knit?

Your next shipment is on is way so start checking the mailbox. You might want to put your socks away so they are not out when the Under Cover Club package arrives. Why, I had my socks climb right off the needles when I put them down beside a block from the Under Cover Club. The new patterns are easy enough to carry with you on vacation. I think you will love the finished look.

Have you taught anyone to knit lately? I taught my granddaughter, Kalley, who is 8 years old. She was so excited about learning how to knit, she picked it up quickly. She wants to knit hats and scarves. She will probably being knitting herself a cover soon!.

Feel free to add your blog buttons to this site. As you can see we are buttonless, so start adding yours. If you can come up with a good one for the Under Cover Club, I invite you to post it here.

Ok, folks, (drum roll) get out those straight needles and get ready to knit.

Jill's First Block

2007-05-20T20:02:00.000-04:00

Here is my first block using what I think is willow. I love this pattern and I think it will be more symetrical when I block it.

I am really enjoying this club!

Undercover Club

2007-05-18T19:40:00.000-04:00

Greetings from Wisconsin. I'm thoroughly convinced that some of you knitters do not sleep. Our kids are grown & gone, DH works nights, one would think that I have plenty of time for knitting. Sure doesn't seem that way. My 2 squares are completed but only because the weather hasn't been favorable for alot of outside work.

Yarn Grove, I love the yarn. As I live in a rural area there is not much for yarn shops so usually use yarns available at places like Wal-Mart. Now you might think I went into a panic when I received my yarn and had to wind into a ball! Not to worry, the yarn brought back childhood memories of holding the yarn, as my Mom (knitting teacher) would wind. Love the yarn and look forward to the upcoming months.

Photos

2007-05-16T21:13:00.000-04:00

Are we allowed to post photos of the squares we've done so far? I finished Dimpled Delight earlier and both of mine have now been blocked and are drying as we speak. DH complained because I've got them pinned to the sofa in our conservatory. *rolls eyes* !! It's just that the fabric is nice and grippy and doesn't leave pin marks - he should be glad I didn't pin them to the leather sofa in the lounge! *LOL*

Hello from New York State

2007-05-16T19:49:00.000-04:00

I live just outside Albany with my husband of 21 years and our two children: son is in high school and daughter is in elementary school. I learned to knit in my late teens and have loved it ever since although I took somewhat of a break when the children were real little - no time!!

I'm loving the Under Cover Club - the first 'monthly' club i've ever joined. I finished the dimpled square within three days of receiving the kit, but haven't done more than a couple of rows of the other square. I'm also participating in the Sockamania KAL, so I'm doing that right now. However, I'll get the square done by the time I get the June package.

I just love the O-Wool - I've always been afraid of wools because I was given a wool sweater as a child that made me itch to no end. However, I've since discovered that some wools are much softer (or just plain better quality) than others. i guess my aunt (God rest her soul) just went for the 'whatever' wool, maybe she concentrated on color because it was a very nice color (just not wearable!!). Now, all I want to use for my knitting are natural fibers, whether they be wool, alpaca, cotton - well, I suppose a blend with acrylic would be ok too. Anyway, I digress. I am just loving this whole experience and look forward to working toward the finished product - it will certainly be a favorite of mine next winter!!

Hi There!

2007-05-14T13:02:00.000-04:00

My name is Diane and I'm one of the many Californian's in the club - though I'm originally from the Midwest (Milwaukee, WI). I live just south of San Francisco on the peninsula with my DH and our two cats. I've become addicted to knitting after a lifetime of crochet, cross stitch, and other fine needlework - in particular, I love socks! I will admit, however, that going back to big needles after so much time with 0's and 1's has been both a delight and quite a mind-shift.

Both of my blocks are knitted but I've not gotten around to blocking them. I'll likely do so over the long holiday weekend in between bouts of raking, burning and waste hauling at our cabin in the mountains.

Thanks to the Yarn Grove for putting this together! I'm looking forward to my next skein and next set of patterns.

Cheers,

D.

Knitting in Coral Gables

2007-05-13T09:26:00.000-04:00

Hi, Everyone! I'm Debbie, and I live in Coral Gables, Florida. My grandmother taught me to crochet when I was about 5, and then to knit when I was 6 or 7. My only grandchild, an adorable 4-year-old little girl who lives in Portland, Oregon, loves to watch me knit, and I have already started teaching her how to crochet using her fingers. I just finished knitting her a pair of socks in hot pink with purple, her two favorite colors.

I have two children, a daughter who lives in New Jersey and a son who lives in Oregon. My husband and I are retired and we spend a lot of time traveling - visiting New Jersey and Oregon, and cruising. My biggest problem in packing for cruises is what knitting projects, and how many, I should take with me. My favorite colors are blues, pinks, and purples, with a little green and red thrown into the mix. I love starting new projects and sometimes have to use real will power to finish a few before starting anything new. I couldn't wait to make the first 2 squares and finished them quickly. Now I am looking forward to receiving the next patterns and yarn.

Debbie

Where are You?

2007-05-12T09:31:00.000-04:00

Since we are going to be "knitting together" for 7 more months, I would like to know where everyone is from. Maybe a little bit about yourself.

My name is Debby and I live in Duluth GA and am co-owner of The Yarn Grove. I love all kinds of fiber, yarn, fabric, papers, etc. I get bored easily so projects like the Under Cover Club are just right for me. Just as I am getting bored it is time to start a new square. I have 3 grown daughters and 11 grandchildren. Going to Utah Monday to see 4 of those wonderful grandchildren.

How about you? What makes you tick? What do you like to do for fun? Children? Grandchildren? Pets?

You can answer in the comments section or just start a new posting on the blog. Let's get to know each other.

Debby

Tip for Blocking

2007-05-10T09:04:00.000-04:00

Here is a tip for blocking O-Wool. I get is completely wet, wring it out gently and then place it on a blocking board or large piece of styrofoam. My styrofoan board has a 12"x12" sqaure drawn on it with permanent ink. I pin to this and let it dry. The O-Wool blocks best if you get it completely wet before blocking. I tried putting it on the board and then spraying with water but I did not get the best results. How do you do your blocking and is it working well with the O-Wool?

Debby

Button, button, who's got the button?

2007-05-09T10:17:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone,

I hope you are happily knitting squares or have finished and waiting on your next shipment.

Under Cover Club Button coming very soon! Does anyone have an Under Cover Club button they would like to put here? You may also put your buttons to your blogs if you like. This is your site and I would like to see what everyone does with it.

Now about the colors....Everyone will eventually receive 8 skeins of 8 different colors for a total of 16 squares. We sent the first shipment out in groups of 4. And there are 4 more colors to be sent out in the last four months, some you do not see on our website (surprises). It is interesting to see how each color looks in the different patterns. Instructions will be given for putting the blocks together in groups of four that will be pleasing to the eye. But of course, you can use your own ideas for putting together the final cover.

Let me know if you have more questions

Debby

Hello - and where's the button?

2007-05-09T00:33:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone - from sunny California!

Special hello to Ann K. who was kind enough to stop by my blog and also because she's a fellow Midwesterner (I grew up in Milwaukee ...).

I've finished my first block and had just gotten through the first four rows of the second when I saw the note about casting on additional stitches. I was actually a bit worried about how dense this block would be so I'll definitely rip out the bit I have and start again.

Good luck to everyone with their knitting!

That said - two small questions:

1. Where's the button for my blog? *grin*
2. What are the other three colors that are out there and will I be in the same color throughout?

Cheers,

D.

Hello from the Midwest!!

2007-05-08T19:47:00.000-04:00

Hello Everyone!

I'm pleased to be here and am so happy to be a part of this club.. it looks like it's going to be a lot of fun!

I have yet to cast on and knit both of my blocks but will soon.. I'm just trying to get a few WIPs completed first! I have so many, it never ends!! LOL!

I look forward to getting to know all of you and your knitting... Drop by my blog to say Hi!

Happy knitting!

Ann K.

PS to Too Narrow

2007-05-07T15:14:00.000-04:00

I have recommended casting on 44 stitches and looking at the pattern and the amount of yarn and I see that you can cast on 46 stitches and still have enough yarn left to join the squares later. Sorry for the confusion, but I have tested and tested these squares for the right size but to keep anyone else from having a problem, I say just go ahead and cast on 46 stitches. That will give you a nice large square to work with when you block.

Debby

Too Narrow

2007-05-06T22:56:00.000-04:00

If you have not done the dimpled pattern yet I would suggest casting on 44 stitches instead of 42 to avoid the possibility of it being too narrow. If you have done the pattern already and feel it is too narrow, try blocking it to 11 3/4". I found that a few of mine were blocking just under 12" but all joined together very nicely.

Debby

Dimpled Delight Too Narrow?

2007-05-06T16:52:00.000-04:00

I love both of these patterns. The Diamond Brocade pattern worked out well and came out to be 12" wide. Using the same needles and the same tension, the Dimpled Delight block came out to be only 10-1/2" wide. Blocking it out to be 12" wide seems to be a lot. Has anyone else had this problem?

This is your Site

2007-05-05T12:43:00.000-04:00

This will be your site to show off your squares, ask for help and just talk about the Under Cover Club, if you like. I have sent invitations to all and you will need to sign in at the right top to create a post. You may need to sign up for a google account but that is a simple matter.

OK, Let's Knit.

The Yarn Grove is going Under Cover

2007-04-06T14:19:00.000-04:00

This new blog will be for the Under Cover Club.

This will be the space where pictures and comments will be posted from the members of the Under Cover Club.

Have a ball...