Here is my progress on my ruffled scarf:
I’m a bit past the halfway mark. I’m calling this design “Ruffles and Ridges.” A friend (hi Sharon!) is knitting it along with me as I design it, which makes it extra fun.
Lee asked in the comments “Is it better to wind the yarn before you use it just in case of something like this or is winding it harder on the yarn?”
Yes, that would be an excellent idea. That way there would be no ugly surprises. Note, however, that I did not do that with my new skein of Kauni. I am lazy, and I like to live on the edge. 
I do have two more skeins in this colorway, though, so if I encountered something horrific mid-skein, I have more to fall back on.
fibre space Fibre Explorers Club
Heads up! Have you heard about fibre space’s Fibre Explorers Club?
fibre space is my local LYS and it is a wonderful shop. Danielle (the owner) is always on the look out for the best of the best so there are fabulous things in the shop, both yarn-wise and knitting doodad wise. I always bring visiting knitters to hang out at the shop and I encourage you to stop by there if you are in the Washington DC area. (It’s in Alexandria, VA.)
You can read about the club at the link above. Basically, it is a club where they score stuff that most folks can’t get their hands on (to quote Danielle). Each month’s offering is themed around the origin of the yarn or yarn company and there are always fun extras. And, you can personalize the club to a certain extent — let them know which colors you absolutely do not want and which colors you love. Having been in a fibre space club in the past, I can tell you that the packages are always wonderful!
Book Review
I was recently sent a copy of 10 Secrets of the LaidBack Knitters: A Guide to Holistic Knitting, Yarn, and Life by Vicki Stiefel and Lisa Souza.
It’ a book of patterns and more. The chapters are themed by the 10 secrets and in each chapter there is discussion of the philosophy of the theme of the chapter, some back and forth dialog between the authors, tips and extras, and of course patterns.
You get biographies, interviews, tips, factoids, advice, and lists, and of course patterns by a variety of designers, some of whom you already know.
You can read about the designers, see pictures of the designs, and more at the book’s website.
Actually, Vicki arranged for me to be sent two copies so I could give one away. Who’d like it?
To be entered in the drawing to win a copy of 10 Secrets of the LaidBack Knitters: A Guide to Holistic Knitting, Yarn, and Life, please leave a comment on this blog post by noon Eastern time Thursday, March 29, 2012. A winner will be chosen at random then.
Lucy Sez
Thank you, Spindlecat, for sending me my new favorite mousie!
Have you seen Spindlecat Studio on Etsy? She sells the most awesome handcrafted stitch markers and stitch holders, shawl pins and other doodads. I’m using one of her copper ring stitch markers in my Ruffles and Ridges:
As well as a copper locking removable stitch marker to mark the center point of my piece:
It’s fun having pretty tools!
Love to win the book. Seeing Lucy makes me miss my Tasha.
I would love a copy of that book, but what I really want is that pattern you are knitting. I love everything about it. Hugs to Lucy from Boris and Gabriel, admirers from down south.
I like this colorway better than the other one anyway. Is there a way to make concerns about a yarn product known to the manufacturer? Will you be sharing the pattern for the ruffled shawl? Also, thanks for sharing your books with us.
Barb
love the color(s) in your ruffle scarf. Hope there are no more surprises!
I always turn down offers to wind my yarn for me when I’m at a yarn shop. I prefer to wind it myself for two reasons: 1) If there is a problem with the yarn I want to know it beforehand, rather than discovering it in the midst of my knitting. 2) It’s good upper body aerobic exercise….LOL!
i would love a copy of this book. i browsed spindlecat and absolutely LOVE the little grape/leaves markers!!! plus a lot of others too!!! thank you for the link!
looks like a fun book, maybe I’ll be lucky!!!
I would love a copy. Thanks.
I’m definitely a laid back knitter who want to know other’s secrets.
Your book review is interesting…I want to get that book…
nicole´s last [type] ..here
That looks like a cool book. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
This looks like a fun book to have and thanks for hooking us up with the stitch markers in copper. I love copper and had to make a purchase this morning. thanks for enabling us.
My LYS owner, Pam of Knitting Criations in Somers, Conn, ALWAYS winds our yarn before it leaves her shop so she can return it directly (I presume with comments) if it’s not up to par. Perhaps the manufacturers pay more attention to shop owners’ complaints if they have to issue refunds. Also the elegant simplicity of those copper markers reminds me of the designs of the Shakers. Just so lovely.
Oooh, another new book! I really have to build up my library
I think that book was written for me!! It says how I feel — I need knitting in my life for so many reasons Andrea in Tn
would love to have the book. Your latest project looks like fun.
I would love a copy of “The Laidbavk Knitter”. Sounds like my kind of book.
Would love to be entered!
Love to win!!!
I enjoy your blog and the lovely Lucy’s antics.
I love your new shawl design!
And I would love to win a copy of that book. Thanks for the opportunity.
I would LOVE to get a copy of that book.
I would love to win this giveaway!
Book sounds awesome! I’m going to be in Washington DC in early June. If Fiber Space is open when I can get there, I might just make a trip!
Cindy in un-Happy Valley´s last [type] ..Still classy…
What a great idea for a book!
This looks like a very interesting book. I’d love to learn how to be a more laid-back knitter! Thanks for putting these books out here for us to have a chance to get.
Thanks for the chance to win another great book. And a really great big THANKS for putting me on to Spindlecat. There’s one shawl pin that is just what I’ve been looking for. I haven’t really liked the one I’ve been using. It just didn’t fit what I was seeing in my mind. now I’ve found the perfect pin! THANK YOU!!!
Thanks for your book reviews. Sometimes, I think I enjoy knitting books more than knitting.
Looks like a fun book! Pick me!
This looks like a good read with some great patterns attached. Here is hoping my number comes up.
oh wow; i can’t wait to dig in to this book. More tips are always welcome.
Yippie….another wonderful contest.
I’m in.
Thanks.
The scarf is looking good, despite the early trials.
I love your new shawl.
I’m very laid back and just had a birthday. Please pick me!
I’m usually a laid back knitter. Until I screw up a lace pattern…… it sounds like a nice book to have in one’s library!
You have knit a couple of things recently that I thought I didn’t like…until they were complete and being modeled. You must be better at visualizing than I am. The book looks interesting and, of course, I’d love to win!
Your scarf is coming along nicely, and I love your copper stitch marketrs.
And, of course, my knitting library could use a new acquisition, LOL
I would love to win the book….. Good luck to all!!
I’ll happily put my name in the hat! Looks like a great book.
I’ve read some on this book already and would treasure a copy! Thanks!
I have been eye-balling this book. I would love to have it! Laid back. I need some of that.
Would love to win this book – thank you for my fave knitting blog.
I really love all of your projects and think that it has taken me well over 3 years to 1. become a somewhat proficient knitter (proficient in my world means correcting my own mistakes lol) and 2. stop knitting things for other people and putting myself on a deadline. I use to stress myself out trying to knit a new pattern for a friends babyshower only to run out of time, cry and profess my hatred for knitting!!
I could still use a couple lessons in being a laid back knitter thats for sure but love you concepts and knitting patterns very much!!
Jodie Moore´s last [type] ..Epiphany
Just letting you know I’ll be pinning this on pinterest!
Paula´s last [type] ..On Celestial Music by Rick Moody Giveaway
Love the ruffled shawl…and would <3 to win the book. Thanks.
This book sounds interesting. Thanks for the chance to win it. I love your contests.
Pretty tools are a really nice way to treat yourself, I think! Makes the knitting even more enjoyable.
I would love to receive that book. Thanks for the opportunity.
bcinindy
Love the scarf! Book looks good too!
Thanks for turning me onto SpindleCat – like I need new places to shop!
Vicki and Lisa are awesome. Thanks for the chance to win Wendy. You’re awesome too.
I’m SO in favor of pretty tools! Thanks for all the recommendations.
Knitting books are almost as good as extra yarn. Thanks for the extra hints about finding new things. I have been to fibre space and you describe it well. Wish I were closer but at least I have relatives in the area!
Please — I NEED another knitting book!
I was thrilled to stop by your LYS last January when I was in DC. Such charming people and my first look at Shelter. Some of it came home to Canada with me.
LoriAngela´s last [type] ..It Only Takes One
I would love to own the book. I enjoy reading about the history and the people we learn from.
Thanks,
Terri
Sweet! I’ve got that book on my list of “books I’d like to have someday.”
Hissy Stitch´s last [type] ..FO: It only took two years…
Love the look of your ruffle shawl…and thanks for a chance to win the book!
My knitting students would call me a laid back knitter. I talk about mistakes becoming “design elements” if you catch it late. I tell them knitting should be a relaxing – not a taxing hobby. I encourage newbie knitters to knit without patterns, to go with the flow, and “try it to see if it works for you.”
My daughter is a professional artist. She tells me that technically, knitting someone else’s pattern from the suggested yarn is a craft. By encouraging my students to stray from the norm from the beginning, I’m hoping they will become fiber artists in the truest sense from the get go.
Always enjoy reading your blog. Lucy looks very pleased! I have been thinking of buying this book. Hope I win! Thanks for a chance!
I am raising my laidback hand to let you know I want to win this.
Mary Lee´s last [type] ..Packing It In?
Thank you so much for the link for the stitch markers, I am going to buy myself a set with my birthday money. Now, winning this book would be the icing on the cake, so to speak. Love that Lucy, she’s such a gorgeous girl (that’s what I call my Blue Point Siamese ZuuZuu).
Sounds like an interesting book! Thanks for the giveaway!
I would love to knit the patterns in that book! I just finished Lintilla as well. Fun Knit. I enjoy seeing your sweet kitty.
This looks like an interesting book, and I would love to give it a good home
Yea for giveaways!
Molly by Golly´s last [type] ..Like an Adult
Your shawl is looking quite lovely. I can’t wait to see it finished and modeled. Please include me in the book giveaway. Thanks much.
I would love to have that book. Thanks for your generousity!
I’ve always wanted to be a laid back rather than a slightly crazed knitter. I think I need this book!
I’m always up for a new knitting book. The new scarf is lovely too.
Love your scarf & love the book! Thanks for your generosity!!!
Love to Lucy
from
Roxy, Cleo, Samson, and Roswell
Glad your yarn is more cooperative this time!
Would really enjoy this book, thanks for the giveaway!
Lisa Souza also has fantasic dyed yarns. Hers were the first sock yarns I ever knit with and the socks are still going strong. Her booth is also one of my “must hit” stops at Stitches!
Pretty scarf! …. and a another drawing too. Love the title.
I would love to add that book to my knitting library! thanks.
Any secrets to being more laidback and escaping into knitting would be welcome!
This looks like a nice book to win – thanks for offering a chance!
Good enabling with SpindleCat – I have some stitch markers in my cart as we speak!
MicheleinMaine´s last [type] ..Tasty Tempura Project Bag by ThreeBagsFullStudio
Love to get the book. Love Spindlecat too, I’ve been using her lovely markers for years and even a very pretty orifice hook for my spinning wheel. I call it jewelry for my knitting.
Chris Reeske´s last [type] ..Finished quilts
I just started reading your blog. Very enjoyable, thank you!
I would love the book. Thanks to you and Vicki for offering us all a chance to win one.
I should could use a book about laidback knitting, since I get pretty tense…. Love the ruffled scarf.
I would love to win this book. Thanks for the chance.
Love the stitch markers, and the shawl. I have been eyeballing that book on the web recently too
I’ll have to check out the fibre space club. I enjoyed my trip to DC last year. I got to go to both a bead shop and fibre space when we visited Alexandria.
Seanna Lea´s last [type] ..[10 Tuesday] laaa la la la la la la, la la la la la la laaa
Great contest! I would love to win this book!
Great scarf! I never picture you as a ruffles person yet I love the scarf. Now we just need you to model it!
Love it, Want it, Thank You. :>)
would love to have the book. gotta go check out spindlecat
southparknitter´s last [type] ..Destination Eyelet Cardi, Day 9
That book sounds so in tune with some of the changes I am making in my life right now!
Annastasia´s last [type] ..medicinalink: Keep quiet by the Protomen is my jam today. Fuck yes.
Beautiful design and color of yarn.
I believe that doing the right thing generally refers to doing what is right morally and ethically. This gets a bit difficult to do when people begin to argue about what is right and what is not. There seems to be more and more of a melting of black and white into grey and if you haven’t noticed it appears that this world is decidedly becoming more confused between right and wrong because of differing opinions. In an effort to do right by listening to a person’s opinion, sometimes another person forgoes his beliefs in right and wrong to satisfy another.
Renea´s last [type] ..Copywriting Devon
I would love a copy of the book. The shawl is beautiful!
Wow this is really a great idea you have shared here for us…Thanks anyway for this!
Rossalie´s last [type] ..wheelchair cars
Thanks for another great give-away!
Emily´s last [type] ..Decisions and Distractions
Me please!
Rebecca´s last [type] ..Two Weddings and a Frog Pond
I’d like to think I’m a laid back knitter. It’s all just yarn.
Oh yes please!! I would love the book as I can’t join the club in New Zealand. My job on “The Hobbit” finishes soon so will have time to read and knit at home again!
Cheers
Wow! A lot of comments. I have a feeling this book is on a bunch of Amazon wishlists. But I’d prefer to win it. Thanks.