52 Forms of Fungi || #45

Craterellus fallax, black trumpet.  I find the dark color of these to be striking!  They are widely distributed, but apparently difficult to spot and like to grow beneath oaks through mycorrhizal relationships.  It seems that black trumpet is also very fragrant!  I'm not sure what they smell like, but how strange to spot a mushroom on a walk because of its olfactory properties!
This species was knitted as part of my 52 Forms of Fungi project.  See more forms for the project here.

52 Forms of Fungi || #44

Little nest polypore.  I remember observing some of these on a fallen branch in a natural area a year or so ago, alongside some bitchin' lichen.  They were much smaller than these polypores that I knitted, but the rings of color were pretty distinct.
These polypores were knitted for my project, 52 Forms of Fungi.  You can see more phases from this project here.

Artwork at 108 Contemporary in Tulsa

I am really excited to announce that I now have artwork available for purchase in the gift shop of 108 Contemporary, a gallery in the Brady Arts District of Tulsa, along the perimeter of Guthrie Green.  Some of my individual knitted mushrooms and photo prints of installations are available.  In addition, a couple of small sculptures (pictured above) are in the shop as well.  These are of a concept that I have wanted to develop for quite some time, and I'm really excited about how they turned out.
All of these items are available to gallery visitors, but a couple of my items (namely the above sculptures) are also online for all of you non-Oklahomans!  (Click on my name - Leigh Martin - in the list at the top and it will take you to my section).  Thanks for checking it out and be on the lookout for more one-of-a-kind sculptures as I continue to work on them.

 

52 Forms of Fungi || #43

As I'm beginning to write this, it's occurring to me that I have not knitted very many conks for this project.  I made ganoderma in the beginning, but that was quite a while ago.  I suppose it's only fitting that I squeeze one into the final 10!
This is red belted conk.  I had hoped to post this a week ago, but we've had crap weather as of late (as you can tell from the white remnants of roadway torture substan--- I mean, snow, that's in the background there.  I have attached the little guy to a sad little apple tree in my back yard that had a heck of a fight with fireblight last year, has a pretty gnarly cavity at the base, and served as a nice host for some split gill fungi that I observed all last summer.  We will probably have to remove the tree in the near future, so I wanted to make sure her legacy carried on.... in the form as a host for knitted fungi in a photograph.  With that being said, I don't think this conk actually grows on apple wood, though if I'm wrong about that please correct me.  I have seen it on Juniperus in the past, or at least what I believe to be this species.  Very beautiful.
These mushrooms were knitted for my project, 52 Forms of Fungi.  You can see more phases from this project here.

Off the Needles || Still Light Tunic

Still Light Tunic-- the "third heat" (so to speak) in my Rule of Threes, Veera Valimaki edition.  (First: Whispers, Second: Twenty Ten).  This pattern sat on my queue for a couple of years before I started working on it this past summer.  I'm always hesitant when it comes to straight figured dresses, because they often tend to catch in the wrong places which just leads to annoyance and discomfort.  I'm glad I decided to go ahead and cast on this project though, because despite my initial doubts the fit actually flatters.
Another fingering weight, stockinette project, it takes a while to feel like you're really getting anywhere, but it's also a pretty easy, mindless pattern that doesn't take much concentration.  The deep front pockets are a nice feature that make me reminisce on the days when I lived in hoodies.  The pattern recommends that you stitch them in place, but I decided not to do this and have had no problems with the pockets riding up.
My favorite aspect of the design is the boatneck - I would love to make a normal length sweater with this construction.  Instead of using a button at the top of the keyhole in the center of the back of the neck, I stitched it together.  My only other modification was in needle size.  I had a hard time finding the US 2.5 size of needle when I was about to start the project, so I swatched with a size US 2 instead and based on my swatch determined that I could knit the Small size of the pattern to fit.  After blocking, it turned out just right!
I used Knit Picks Gloss in the Robot colorway.  The yarn is 70% wool, making for a warm and cozy garment, plus 30% silk.  I wore it on Christmas Eve in a room full of my huge family and about burned up!  It's funny looking at the pattern page now, because I somehow unconsciously chose a yarn color and styled my outfit for the photos to look pretty much the same as the model.  It seemed like a good idea to make a neutral colored garment for once, so I can pair my brightly colored accessories with it!  I've been a colored tights girl since college, but don't have much of an opportunity to wear them anymore so I'll embrace it when I can!
So, which designer would you pick for a Rule of Threes?

On My Needles || Twenty Ten

Twenty Ten is a short sleeved, asymmetrical cardigan designed by Veera Valimaki.  Project number three that I have knitted in the past year from her designs.  I'm going to call this my "knitting rule of threes".  First, my obsession with Hannah Fettig's knitwear wonders, now Veera.  I wonder who will be next?
In any case, I began this project as an early summer knit - actually, I'm pretty sure I cast on for the flight to see my niece graduate from high school in Denver last May.  Sadly, Featherweight took priority over it after my return and I didn't pick it up again until this fall.  That's okay, since the turmeric colorway of Knit Picks' Billow yarn really put me in the autumn mood.  I had been starry-eyed over this smooshy-looking, bulky cotton since they debuted it - was that last year?  And for the record, it's just as smooshy as it looks.  They have a way with product photos, those Knit Picks people.  If you haven't seen the recent release of kettle dyed Hawthorne, prepare to lust.
When I first saw this pattern, I was really drawn in by the asymmetrical button band, again by the moss stitch texture, and the cowl neck really did me in.  The model is shown wearing it over a long sleeve top, and looks about as comfortable in it as I look curled up on the couch in my fluffy robe watching Gilmore Girls on Saturdays (while knitting, of course).
I finished it over Christmas and it's been blocked already.  I think it might end up fitting a little bit large, but I'm waiting to attach some buttons before I determine that for sure.  It's possible that I may sew the buttons on further onto the front panel from the hem than they are meant to go, partly to add a little fabric to restrict airflow, and partly for a more snug fit.  I'll let you know how that goes.
Moss stitch is my new jam, folks.  I've been using it on other small projects since finishing this one, just because I enjoyed looking at it so much.
Happy Friday!  I'm going to mope around because the weather is supposed to be gross AGAIN, but March begins next week so I know I have something to look forward to.  :)

52 Forms of Fungi || #42

Flat-topped club coral.  I love the shapes of these little guys.  Apparently they are edible, and actually have a somewhat sweet flavor.  Dessert mushrooms?  That's a new one to me.  Have any of you tried these before?
These mushrooms were knitted for my project, 52 Forms of Fungi.  You can see more phases from this project here.

North Cascades Fungi || Part 1

Back in October, J and I visited a couple of dear friends in Seattle for a few days.  While on our trip, we drove into the North Cascades and hiked the Lake 22 trail in the Mt. Baker - Snoqualmie National Forest.  This day was really one of the highlights of my year, and I'm still feeding off of the inspiration and beauty that we beheld in the Pacific Northwest.  I know I say this a lot, but I really can't believe things like this exist.  It's mind blowing, really!  The hike up the mountain took about 3 times longer than the trek down, because of constant stops to observe and gawk (and photograph) about once every 20 feet or so.  I know it's excessive, but when the opportunity arises you just need to take these things in, you know?  Here is a sampling of the fungi I observed that day.  This will be a two part post, since it's pretty photo heavy - and there's part two to look forward to next week!  Can't wait to go back...

52 Forms of Fungi || #41

We're at the countdown, folks.  I'm now twelve phases from finishing the 52 Forms of Fungi project.  Last week, I sat down and planned out exactly which species to include and am really excited to share them with you, starting with bleeding hydnellum!  When young, this fungus appears to be "beaded" with red droplets, almost blood-like.  As it grows, the flesh will envelope surrounding objects - twigs, leaves, cones, PLANTS (whoa!), etc.  According to my trusty field guide that I bought in Oregon a few months back, this is also a great dye mushroom and (surprisingly) produces hues of blue and green.  Another common name for this species is "Strawberries and Cream".  Yum, right?  I'm glad to finally add this little guy to my fungi index, and now I'm off to keep working on future phases for the countdown.  For those of you with the day off today, I hope you enjoy your holiday!

Warby Parker Half Decade Collection

I've been a fan of Warby Parker eyewear for a few years now.  Stylish, affordable prescription frames from a company that gives a pair of eyewear to someone in need for each pair purchased?  Can't beat that.  When I updated my prescription recently, I excitedly settled on the Holcomb style.  I went back and forth a few times between some more conservative styles and decided that I liked these sassy frames the best.  For the most part I wear them for computer use and desk work at my day job, but I like that I can style them in my off time to give my wardrobe a little more personality.  Personality is good, don't you think?!  With all that said, I was excited when Warby Parker asked me to help them launch their new collection!  It just so happens that they are celebrating their five year anniversary, and in honor of this milestone they just released a special collection of frames.

Here is what they have to say about this event:

The past five years have been busy— we’re not complaining—and we’re just getting started.

Since February 2010, we’ve grown out of five offices and set up a second hub in Nashville, expanded to 500-and-counting employees, rode across the country in a refurbished school bus, opened 10 stores (with more to come) throughout the U.S., and distributed glasses to over one million people in need worldwide.

We’re celebrating the occasion with the Half-Decade Collection, a group of five and a half shapes from our first-ever collection, re-released in a limited-edition spectrum of our signature hue, blue, and engraved with a 5 on the temple tip. Each pair arrives packaged in a specially designed box inscribed with all our frame names to date.

The new Harbor Blue, Striped Indigo, and Atlas Blue round out a crew of perennial favorite colors Eastern Bluebird Fade, Blue Slate Fade, and Blue Sapphire. They give the frames—Huxley, Roosevelt, Nedwin, Wiloughby, Fillmore, and our Colonel monocle—a fresh look.

As always, for every pair sold, a pair is distributed to someone in need.

I like the sassiness of my Holcomb frames because of the shape, but color is an area I have not ventured into with my eyewear.  Talk about personality!  I think my favorite pair from the new collection is the Roosevelt in Blue Slate Fade.  Here is a sneak peek at the Still Light Tunic that I just finished (a hint at what is to come on the blog soon).  Normally, as you may have noticed if you follow my knitwear posts, I like to make with (and wear) a lot of color.  As a result, my accessories are a little toned down or nonexistent.  However, with a neutral outfit like this one, little pops of color really bring it to life.  Paired with some frames in that Blue Slate Fade hue or the Harbor Blue for a bolder touch, some brightly colored tights... good to go.
Or... I suppose we could get a little matchy-matchy.  This Ruckle tunic I finished over the summer would look great with any of the frames in the Half Decade collection, but I especially like these Huxleys in Eastern Bluebird Fade.  Still mostly neutral, with just a little colorful accent.  Discreet, just right.
Those blues, can't get enough.  I'm seriously tempted to spring for some!  You can check out the full collection here.
Warby Parker provided images and information for this post.  However, interpretations and opinions are my own, in supporting a great company that I am fond of!

Off the Needles || Whispers

The lack of On My Needles/Off The Needles posts would lead one to assume that I have abandoned knitwear as of late, but it's quite the contrary... Aside from a recent need to disconnect a little bit and center myself, it's just been a little hard lately to get in knitwear photoshoots for a number of circumstances. This project has been bound off, finished and blocked for a couple of months now, and draped over the back of my studio chair along with a couple of other FOs.  The bad part about this habit is that I never wear a piece until after I've gotten photos (to hell with wrinkles!) and given that it's the middle of January I'm not really in the best season for this sort of top, now am I?  It's the perfect piece to break out as soon as spring arrives, though, so I will eagerly await that moment --- just as I eagerly await seeing daylight after 7:30 PM.
This is Whispers, my first Veera Valimaki project.  Oddly enough, the two other FOs hanging out in my studio at the moment were both also designed by her... both of which will have posts coming up in the next couple of weeks.  I find that this garment is very flattering and comfortable to wear, especially with the length that I added to it.  Although, it's been so long since I made this and I did not make note of it in the previous post, I cannot remember exactly how much I added on! (Sorry to you prospective knitters, if that's something you were wondering about).  The split sleeves are a fun and interesting touch.
I wrote about the gradient yarn in my previous post about this project -- Black Trillium Lilt Sock Gradient kit in plum.  I do want to reiterate that the brilliant idea of using an ombre yarn for this particular pattern was not my own.  Cassy of Knitthehellout did it first, and truth be told her project is what sold me on this pattern in the end.  Kudos, Cassy!  If you're a fan of knitting blogs I highly suggest checking hers out.

Resurfacing

Here we are, a month into the New Year and I've been resisting the pull to write a compelling "end of year" or "beginning of year" post, inevitably putting it off until, well, February.  My inner voice just keeps quieting the noise and telling me to take my time.

2014 was a year like no other.  It was full of direction and realization.  At times it moved too fast and other times slowed way down.  It allowed me to dream, create, and bring plans to fruition.  It allowed me to grow and nurture a space, raising my own wild and learning to care and create habitat for creatures far more complex than I ever dreamed.  I formed ideas that still need a path to be realized along.  I expanded my knowledge and became equipped to pursue another, parallel path.  I experienced love and heartache with my family, and stillness.

As I identify my ambitions for the coming year, one word seems to form on my lips over and over... Intention.  Setting an intention for every day or every action guides a more present existence.  I vow to exist more in the moment, taking time to nurture what needs to be nurtured.  Through this, all other aspects are affected in a positive light.

So now I will begin to resurface, find my footing and use my voice.  I hope this New Year finds you well and seeking your own truths.

52 Forms of Fungi || #40

Last fall, Berroco so kindly provided some yarn for me to use on this project.  The majority of it was varying gauges of Ultra Alpaca (a personal favorite), but also in that box was a new yarn that was about to be released.  A super soft, shiny, beautifully draping yarn.  Now that I'm nearing the end of my project, I'm finishing up my Berroco yarn stash as well.  The two shades of this lovely mystery yarn triggered an epiphany in my brain the other day as I realized the perfect species to use them for: oyster mushrooms.
This is a timely post, as I've been seeing oysters all over my feed lately from local wild crafters.  Apparently, this is a really great year for them in Oklahoma.  I'll bet more will be popping up over the weekend, with all the slow, drizzly rain we've been getting this week.  You may be noticing this from the photos, but no, I did not detail the gills this time, mostly due to time constraints.  Please don't hate me.  If you like to see stitching for gills though, check out Lactarius indigo, another species that I knitted with Berroco yarn.
And now that you're fully wondering what that mystery yarn is (I know you are), I suppose I'll tell you... it's Folio!  The caps were knitted with the Peaks colorway, and the cream shade is called Orr.  These are by far the smooshiest (not a word, but go with it) mushrooms I've made to date.  This yarn has some serious drape.  I'm really considering ordering more to make a sweater or a wrap with; so lovely.
Well, it's been a busy week of knitting/posting about fungi!  I will be working on more over the weekend, and now we're at a countdown!  12 phases left! Hard to believe.  I wish you a very happy Friday!
These mushrooms were knitted for my project, 52 Forms of Fungi.  You can see more phases from this project here.

52 Forms of Fungi || #39

Orange peel fungus!  Named because... well, orange peels... As I mentioned yesterday, I had some issues this week with getting photos for the project due to weather and being so close to the solstice.  It was getting a little dark out by the time I got to shoot this phase, and the clearest photos were a little darker than I usually go for.  The resulting mood was true to the nature of the day, however, and I like how much the pieces stand out in the gloomy setting.  So, rather than correct the brightness I decided to leave the photos as they were.
This was knitted for my 52 Forms of Fungi project.  See more phases from this project here.

 

52 Forms of Fungi || #38

The odds seem to be against me this week in getting photos of the phases I've been working on.  I made it to a favorite photo spot just as the sun was going down yesterday to capture this species and another that will be posted tomorrow, only to realize that I left my SD card at home (At least I had tacos to look forward to afterward).  This morning before work, it was still too dark by the time I had to leave.  This afternoon--- steady rain and dim outside.  This leads me to realize that every phase to date has been shot in clear weather, so why not get a couple when it's damp?  It's a nice contrast.  In any case after a little while of crawling around in the back yard in my raincoat...

Western amethyst laccaria.  Not found in my area, but I would love to run across it one day.  I don't know what it is, but the purple fungi grab my attention the most.  My favorite about this species was the variegation in color of the stalk.  I knitted with two strands of different shades to achieve that effect.

This installation was created for my 52 Forms of Fungi project.  Check out more phases from this project, here.

 

52 Forms of Fungi || #37

I've knitted a lot of mushrooms (including boletes) over the past couple of years, and this is by far the largest one.  King bolete is an impressive specimen, and I would love to make another that's even closer to the large end of the scale.  How exciting it must be for the mushroom forager to come across one of these out in nature!
This species was knitted as part of my 52 Forms of Fungi project.  See more forms for the project here.
For the holiday shoppers - I have prints and knitted fungi available in my shop!

52 Forms of Fungi || #36

I made a bunch of these for an art event at a local park that I was going to be a part of last month, but I ended up unable to participate at the last minute due to some things happening in my family.  This is the first chanterelle I've done -- cinnabar-red chanterelle, to be exact.  I enjoy doing the stitch detailing for the gills such as with Lactarius indigo.  It wasn't quite as pronounced on these since they are so much smaller, but I like how they turned out.
It's been a productive weekend on the knitted fungi front - as I'm trying to wrap up this series, I have about 3 others ready to post and one that will be ready in the next couple of days.  The shorter days reduce the amount of time I have to get out and shoot photos of these after I get home from work (or before work, for that matter), but I will do my best!  I would like to complete the series shortly after the New Year, if not before, so efforts will be amped up a little... which means more to see here on the blog until then!  A holiday surprise...
Thanks to everyone for following along!  Check out more posts from this series here.

Life Happens

You may have noticed it's been a little quiet around here lately -- I've had a lot going on with family in the past month or so, and sometimes you just need to take a step back for a little while, you know? On the Sunday before Thanksgiving, my grandmother, the center of our family, passed away.  She was a fun, strong-willed, loving lady, and family was everything to her.  We will miss her immensely!
I'm starting to get back in the swing of things and will get back to posting regularly soon.  We still have a lot of fungi to get through!
I hope you are all having a great holiday season.

52 Forms of Fungi || #35

Dung bell, a charming name, isn't it?  These cute little guys are often associated with cow manure and grow in masses.  I thought about throwing some dog poo in the photos for effect, but when I realized that meant I would be crawling around in the grass with my camera next to dog poo, I decided against it.  These were fun and simple to make.  I might churn out some more for a small piece, which I've been working on a collection of.  Just in time for the holidays!
This structure was knitted as part of my 52 Forms of Fungi project. Check out more of the forms from this project.