The Holiday Rush

I have literally been slammed with knitting - scarves, gnomes, lace and sock classes, and all of that is low on the totem pole compared to my preparations for TNNA. That's right! I am going to my first trade show as a designer! Woot! (not in a booth, mind you, but as a blooming designer aiming at networking and gawking over the rock stars).

A sweater and cardigan have been finished, with two more tops swatched and nearly ready to cast-on.

First, though, I need to get all of these gifts wrapped and mailed. And poor Ayla, my vocal 5 1/2 year old daughter, has been wondering if I am ever going to knit her a sweater. This to-do list? It don't think it will EVER get smaller.

It is time

For a new camera. And perhaps a well-lit place for a photo shoot.

Stunning shawl in lace weight yarn + harsh Colorado light + crappy camera = so-so pictures that do not equate to the beauty that the shawl actual is.

Oh, well. Until I can save up the funds for a great camera, here are the current pics...













I really do love this shawl. Not the 400+ stitches that I bound off in a crochet chain way (bangs ahead against the wall), but the shawl was so worth it.

I am gifting it to a beautiful, amazing friend who shines with the most potent light...  (but, hopefully I can get better pics before I send it off)

Bergmot Shrug

I was thrilled to have a chance to design for Three Irish Girls, which equals to even higher excitement at the release of my pattern: Bergamot Shrug.

A ridiculously easy, fun knit that results in a super cute top that goes with just about everything! Yea! Can't beat that, can you? :)

Not too shabby, huh?

A detailed cable cuff contrasts the delicate, effortless mesh lace that travels the sleeves and body of this shrug. A seasonless knit, it goes from yoga class to an evening out.

Finished Sizes and Measurements
Woman’s XS (S, M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X)
Bust Circumference: 32 (34, 38, 42, 46, 50, 51) inches
Total Arm Length (measured from cuff to cuff): 47 ½ (49, 50, 52, 52 ¾, 54 ¼, 57 ¼) inches
Upper Arm Circumference: 11 (11 1/2, 12 1/4, 13 1/4, 14 3/4, 16 3/4, 18 1/4) inches

Materials
• Beckon Stretch Merino: 2 (2, 2, 3, 3, 3, 3) skeins; shown in Neve.
• US Size 4 (3.5mm) straight and 24” circular needles or size needed to obtain gauge
• US Size 5 (3.75mm) straight needles or size needed to obtain gauge
• Cable needle
• Stitch markers
• Tapestry needle

The shrug is worked flat from cuff to cuff. The sleeves are seamed before the body edgingis knit.

For more information, see: http://www.threeirishgirls.com/product_p/p-bergamotshrug.htm

Stocking Day!

Friends in Fiber event at my Studio Shop!
I have the fabulous pleasure of hosting items crafted by my artistic friends, which of course means that you guys get the buying joy just in time for the holiday rush.


It is going to be awesome with handspun like this from Jess (eee!)

And cool scarves like this (from ME!)


And sooo much more!!
Be there! Nov 18, 8pm EST!

Zen Spinning

Spinning is my meditation, a time to contemplate the wheel of life and my own existence within it. Of course, making beautiful yarn is the other objective!

I'm on a WSK kick these days ...
"Renaissance" Tussah Silk and something else fiber dyed by Heather


"Wise Owl" superfine merino fiber dyed by Kim (SO soft!)

Julia's Lace

Sometimes my brain screams “NO MORE SOCKS!” so I am forced to come up with a new use for the many skeins of fingering-weight yarn lying around. I hold a deep love for lacy shawls, yet I needed something simple and worthy of year-round wear. Thus, Julia’s Lace was conceived - a stylish scarf that merges the cozy essence of triangular shawls with interesting, yet not overwhelming, herringbone lace. 


To knit this scarf, you need to be able (or eager to learn) to read lace charts, follow simultaneous instructions, use the cable cast-on, knit, purl, decrease, and work back and forth in rows. For those interested, I have a quick tutorial video of the Cable Cast-On at my blog.

SKILL LEVEL: Intermediate

SIZE: One size

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Length: approx 85 inches (216 cm)
Width: approx 3 inches (7.5 cm) at the narrowest part and 9.75 inches (24.75 cm) at the widest part
Note: measurements are taken after blocking

YARN
Fingering weight yarn* (435 yds/100 g per skein); 1 skein
* Sample project was completed with Monsoon Designs Dreamy Sock 40% wool, 40% bamboo, 20% nylon; 435yd/398 m per 100g skein; color: Green for Colleen

NEEDLES & NOTIONS
24-inch length US 6 (4.5 mm) circular needle
Tapestry needle
Stitch markers (optional)

GAUGE
Note: Gauge is not critical for this project, though fingering weight yarn is recommended for a nice drape.
Approx 16.5 sts/22.5rows = 4” in chart pattern after washing and blocking

The licensing for “Julia’s Lace” is for personal use, but finished items MAY be sold for profit. You may not sell, copy, or otherwise redistribute the pattern.

$4.50

A Week of Premiers

Fun things are debuting this week, so it is quite exciting around here. Well, for me at least. Mr. Goat smiles appropriately when I tell him to.

First, my Studio Shop Grand Opening is tomorrow! I needed a shopping cart that was simple, flexible, and allowed me the room to display my creativity when... well, when creativity strikes! 8pm EST on Sept 23 - lots of handspun goodies and patterns!

Julia's Lace, a lovely and unique scarf, has been hovering on my desk for eons until she smacked me, saying, "put me out there, woman!" Julia is definitely of the sassy sort. Some of you may not know who she is, but I'll happily share that story another time. In the meantime, look how pretty her scarf is ....

For $4.50, you are getting a fun to knit pattern. I'll list more info and purchasing details tomorrow.

Aaaaaaand, last but not least, the November issue of Creative Knitting Magazine is out! My two patterns make a nice addition to the issue, I [humbly] think (the pictures are courtesy of Creative Knitting Magazine - thanks for the use, guys!)

Cable Cast-On Tutorial

In anticipation of my new pattern, Julia's Lace, (a fabulous scarf), I've created this little bitty video tutorial of the Cable Cast-On. Have fun learning and let me know if you have any questions.



The Cable Cast-On is great for casting-on at the beginning of a piece, enabling you to maintain a pattern motif, choose your own length, and retain shape. The edge is firm, yet elastic, with a great look. It is quite difficult to actually be sloppy with this technique. Ruth, over at Knitting on Impulse, has a very detailed explanation of the advantages, look, and disadvantages of this cast-on.

Don't Be Shy With Navajo Ply

I've been squeezing in spinning between projects (with the hopes of selling it at a later point for some extra cash) and decided to go nuts with Navajo Ply (a fun looped technique to create a 3ply yarn).



I'm spitting out the knitting, though! Project A is nearly done for Knitscene, Project B is 25% for possible self-publishing, and yet my brain still won't slow down with the ideas for some kid's items...

Catasrophic Failure

It was the catastrophe of all catastrophes. The worst nightmare imaginable for a knitwear designer who relies on her computer for professional correspondence, pattern writing, schematic drawing, submission emails, swatch scanning, pattern sale reviews, website maintenance, etc, etc, etc: a laptop that experienced Catastrophic Failure of epically fatal proportions.

My panic wasn't full-fledged because I wisely signed up for Mozy a few months ago when the old gal started giving me serious issue (if you do NOT have it or something similar then get it! Life.Saver.Period.)

But, still. I cried in the shower as I struggled with what to do. Financially, it would be a while before a new one could be had (some seriously wicked dentist bills, car insurance renewal, car registration renewal, and other such delights had arrived in the mail just that week!).

Later that day, a hero arrived. While not in shining armor or on a tall white horse, this hero came forward bearing the Coast Guard emblem on his chest, a Best Buy receipt in his pocket, and a Cheshire-cat grin on his face. My step-dad, loving referred to as 'Pops,' (visiting for my little one’s birthday party) had gone out to get me a new laptop. One that is bigger and better than the old gal from before - I even get a full size keyboard and screen now! Woo Hoo!



My documents are restored, fancy software installed, and fingers are happily working away...

No amount of thanks can be enough for his generous gift. I’m thinking I am going to have to name a pattern after him…

Time flies

It really does fly by - the year is already half over, my little baby just turned three, my oldest is starting kindergarten, and amidst all the holidays, summer gatherings, and school preparations, I don't have any time for personal knitting!

One of my dream magazines actually wants me and accepted a design last month! Yippee! So, I am working fiendishly on that particular project. [I'm mentally inserting a HUGE cheesy grin right here]

I've received some fabulous installments to my fiber stash recently
WSK (dyed by Leidy)


Becoming Art


Laines Magnifiques


100% Bamboo from Colorbomb Creations (give to me by my fabulous WH Secret Girlfriend)


And I am in the midst of spinning this WSK "Turtle Bay" up with plans to navajo ply it!


Now, enough playing on the computer! I have chores to do before my mommy comes for a fab weekend visit!

The joy of giving

Do you remember this beauty that I spun up?


It recently turned into this!!






Pretty snazzy, eh? Simplicity in its absolute finest form. It leaves today for a new home and I sure hope the recipient is pleasantly surprised by the gift. =)

Introducing Cerelia

It's been a fab week in the world of design for Tabetha! Cerelia, designed for Bijou Basin Ranch, has been officially released! Yippee!

Photo Courtesy of Bijou Basin Ranch (2010)

And here is their sweet write up of it:

"Detailed, lacy, and unique, this shawl will be one of your most prized possessions. Designed by Tabetha Hedrick using Bijou Spun’s 100% Yak, Fingering Weight yarn, the stitches in the pattern keep it interesting and fun from start to finish. A beautiful, soft and almost weightless piece at the end is sure to become a classic."

Makes me feel all professional and whatnot. Hehe. I hope you take the chance to knit this fabulous shawl, available for immediate download at the BBR Website.

Micro Knitting

I am floored at the skill in these knits. Seriously. Be prepared to be floored.

http://www.bugknits.com/garments.htm

WOW!!!!!

Leaf Trim V-Neck

Yippee! The September issue of Creative Knitting Magazine is finally out and do you know what is in it (as a web bonus pattern)?

(Photo is courtesy of DRG/Creative Knitting)

Tee hee! That's my design! I'm pretty psyched out it, though my perfectionist mind is at work... as I look back to that (it was knit almost a year ago), I realize I have learned SO much more since then! My knitting has improved exponentially, as well as my concepts, ideas, and construction techniques. Every day is a new chance of growing, eh? 

Anyways, it has been placed as a web bonus feature so it isn't in the actual magazine, but SOON my designs will be .. I can't wait to show you the two designs in their upcoming November issue. In the meantime, if you subscribe or purchase the current issue, you can check it out online. 

Glutton for Punishment

I asked for it. I did. And while I love it, I'm a little freaked out by it.

3 designs accepted and less than 5 weeks to get them all done.

YIKES!

But, I can totally do it (is what I told myself last night).

I have a history of some insanity. It comes into play right about ...
now.

Moving on up

I'm moving up in the world - technologically. My newest fun gadget is the fabulous, awesome, magnificent Kindle! And I am in love. Can you tell?
And the first book I purchased for it?

Okey has quite the reputation of being a top-notch authority in the knitting world, so this should indeed be a great read. I'll be sure to give you a review when I am done.

A Fiber Day!

I thought you'd enjoy seeing the recent additions to my fiber stash! Yum!

Western Sky Knits FOTM Club - "Ellie's Rainbow" on Merino/Tussah Silk (this one is super special to me...)


Mosaic Moon - "Morning Dew" on 80s Superfine Merino


Mosaic Moon - "Ravensong" on 80s Superfine Merino


Traci Bunkers - "Cranberry" in Tencel/Merino

Which is turning into this...


You'll have to be satisfied with the pictures today as I can't mention the super secret project that I am working on in collaboration with my lovely friend Jill. But, it'll be good.

Oopsie!

Sorelle Felici

That is CORRECT spelling for my new pattern. LOL An Italian Raveler was fabulous to point out the error and so, since the pattern is so new, I went ahead and changed it. Feel free to laugh away. =)

New link: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sorelle-felici

Sorelle Felici

s officially for sale now! Woot!! Rigorous testing from some of my favorite knitters and detailed screening by my tech editor have resulted in a (in my humble opinion) fabulous child's tank top pattern.

$4.75

This sweet little tank was designed with my charming daughters in mind, two happy sisters who love playing together in the bright sun of summer. “Sorelle Felici” is pronounced ‘sor-rehl-lay feh-lee-chee,’ which is Italian for… you guessed it, Happy Sisters.

The tank skirt is worked in the round and then divided to work the front and back in rows. To be able to knit this top, you should be able to knit, purl, follow simultaneous shaping instructions, decrease, measure armhole depth, seam shoulders together, and know (or be able to learn) Twist 2 Front (a cable stitch).

SKILL LEVEL: Adventurous Beginner to Intermediate

SIZES
Child’s 18mo (2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12)yr – Instructions are given in the smallest size, with larger sizes in parentheses. When only one number is given, it applies to all sizes.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
This is a close-fitting tank, so choose the chest size that is ¾ to 1 inch larger than actual body measurement.
Chest: 19 ¾ (21 ¾, 23 ¾, 25 ¾, 27 ¾, 28 ¾, 30 ¾) inches
Length: 12 ¾ (13 ½, 14 ¼, 14 ¾, 17, 18 ½, 19 ½) inches

YARN
MC Green Strings by Sugarbubbie Invigorate Superwash Merino DK (100% superwash merino; 280yd/256m per 4oz/56g skein) in Chrysalis; 1 (1, 1, 1, 1, 2, 2) skeins
CC Green Strings by Sugarbubbie Invigorate Superwash Merino DK (100% superwash merino; 140yd/128m per 2oz/113g skein) in Pink; 1 skein

NEEDLES & NOTIONS
24 length-inch length US 5 (3.75mm) circular needle
US F (3.75mm) crochet hook
Tapestry Needle

GAUGE
24 ¼ sts and 32 rows in stockinette stitch = 4 inches/10 cm
26 sts and 28 rows in twisted rib pattern = 4 inches/10cm
Take time to block and measure gauge swatch to ensure a perfect fit.

Please be aware that the licensing for ‘Suore Felice’ is for personal, private use only.

Playtime is Nice

It is so nice to be able to play, play, play and the final result be awesome.



The fiber, BFL Superwash dyed by A Time To Dye in "World of Illusion" was nice to spin. Lamar did a fantastic job, I think. The yarn is so squishy as thick & thin singles. Remind me to come back tomorrow with pics of the fiber and yarn I snapped up at Estes Park!

A Trial Run

I'm not cool enough to head to TNNA yet, but I am planning on it in January (assuming all goes according to plan). In the meantime, I thought I'd give myself a trial run at self-promotion this weekend at the Estes Park Wool Market. The worst that could possibly happen is that I spend lots of money on yummy fiber (shhhhh..... let's surprise the hubs, ok?).

So, I went nuts knitting up a tank to prove I can actually knit. Not my proudest achievement by any means, but alas, it is what happens when you go into a project with zero planning time. But, I DID get it done like I said I would. With time to spare, even!! The malabrigo is luscious and soft, yet it is nicely lightweight enough for the tank. Layer is in order as I went a little too wide in the back...







I even made myself some fancy cards to hand out. tee hee. Now, if only I had a wingman to push me towards the booth. lolol

I'm a wee bit crazy

Most likely, my insane decision yesterday is what led to the very first real gray hair that I discovered this morning... alas.

Yesterday, is a dawning of desperate realization, I decided to design and knit a tank top for myself to be completed by Friday afternoon at the latest. Why the insanity? Estes Park Wool Festival is this weekend, something I have been planning to attend for the past year. It will be my practice run before TNNA (in January), where I will woo the yarn companies with my charm, my style, and hopefully my design skills.

At least, that's what I tell myself will happen.

Tee hee.

But, I can't do that unless I am wearing something I have designed!!!

Hence the craziness.

So, I hopped in the car and headed to the Fancy Tiger. Mostly because I have never been there. Funky, cute, full of style. They have some super yummy yarns and, thus, I picked up this Malabrigo for the tank



Oh yes! It is indeed as squishy and soft as it looks! My swatch is drying as we speak, so now I need to go work on my numbers. All else will have to wait until it is completed.

Wish me luck!

I took a break from the clicking of knitting needles today to get a much needed hair cut. I look pretty, cute, I think!

But, these socks (Koto w/o Pink) are rocking the beauty boat the most. Nicki, the winner from Stephanie's fundraiser will be thrilled!

 My poor husband was sad to not have them for himself. I told him that if he didn't have such freakishly large feet, I would be happy to knit him some. Since I don't see that changing any time soon... well, he'll just continue to be sad. Mwahaha

We took a trip out to Gunnison for the hub's mountain bike race. He's not the happiest with the outcome, but I thought he was fabulous. And we got to see pretty scenery. So, a great weekend. It also gave me the chance to play with photoshop. SO not good at it, but I am having too much fun to care

Now, on to more knitting!