It truly is all about the finishing

Although most people love the knitting and don't care for the time and attention it takes to FINISH (as in block and weave), this final step can make all the difference in the world.  

Think of it as how a garment looks when pressed or not pressed.

Blocking the Date Night Wrap www.ExpressionFiberArts.com

After the piece was blocked my daughter asked if I could make the wrap longer.   She 5'8" , so yes of course.   I purchased 3 additional skeins of the Sublime Cashmere Silk Merino DK and added approximately 7 more rows.   Lovely pattern, delicious yarn

As a back-up, if the temperature really dropped-- GGH  Husky -wool
High Fructose Shawl  by Tunney Wool Company

 She wore both!!!!! yeah

Minions

September 2015- I know a little man who loves Minion's.  After checking on-line for patterns for an afghan and mittens, I created my own. (sorry I just crocheted and didn't write anything down)  

I found this little poster at the craft store to use as a model to follow... I'm not up on all the features of these lovable little guys

The Afghan--child size

Knitting down South- Biltmore and a train ride through the Smoky Mountains

The Biltmore Estates is a wondrous place.  Visited at the end of May (2016) and found myself in a truly beautiful part of the United States.  The amazing structure, gorgeous landscapes and beautiful gardens..

Biltmore Green House

Biltmore House Gardens

Smokey Mountain Railway Ride

We took a train ride through the Smokey Mountains, stopped to enjoy the river...and sat to knit a bit. 

Adding the finishing touch to bands--Ribbon

Grosgrain ribbon adds a finishing touch to sewing on a zipper in knitted items.   It not only adds a nice look to the inside but it adds to the durability and security of the stitches in the garment.
That ribbon hides yarn ends and any hand stitches that may not be perfect.

What you need:
1. Grosgrain ribbon - measure twice the length of the band Plus 5 "

2. Matching thread to the ribbon...  Perhaps your sweater is blue but you are using a white ribbon.   You will need the ribbon color thread.  

3.  Needle, pins (long quilting pins are best) and scissors.   Thimble if you use one is helpful, especially sewing through ribbon.


Step 1 Pinning-
A. Cut the ribbon in half.

B. Position the ribbon so that you have enough on either end (top and bottom) to fold over to the zipper top and bottom.

The ribbon should be positioned to cover the hand stitches on the zipper and can overlap the knitted surface.  

Pin the remaining ribbon down, covering the hand stitches.

Step 2 Sewing-

Using a whip small stitch, stitch the the ribbon to the zipper band and the sweater.   Your stitches should not be visible on the ribbon.