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!

Waiting, waiting, waiting

I have submission proposals out everywhere and here I sit, trying not to think about the possible rejections. lol I am also eagerly anticipating the arrival of this fabulous fiber that I won in the fundraiser from A Time To Dye... (LOVE my dearest Lamar!)

It looks so dreamy, doesn't it?

The "on hold" list also contains my tester feedback from Suore Felice. Only a few of them have begun ripping me apart (lol), while the other half remain mysteriously quiet. Hmmm.... the more ripping I get, the less I have to pay the tech editor, so perhaps I should hound them.

I'm finishing up a couple of proposals for another magazine and a yarn company with hopes in getting them completed by Thursday.

Good news? I had a pullover accepted to Tangled Magazine for their Winter '10 issue. Sweet! Their team looks to be putting together an awesome 'zine with lots of options for everyone. I'm definitely looking forward to their debut!

Suore Felice

I am back from a fabulous vacation in California visiting family, ready to work, work, work... like I don't have enough of that in my life.

Stephanie's fundraiser was AWESOME and I am proud to say that my yarn and three sock slots brought in $276.50! WOOT! I think, overall, we raised over $2500!! The family will still need more help, so keep your ears and eyes open for more fundraisers in a couple of months.

Over the past few weeks, I busted my behind getting two projects completed for a book and yarn company and then I was left with a (fleeting) week of nothing to do! So, I swatched new ideas for a few submissions. But, I was most tickled to think up this new top of my sweet kidlets. Suore Felice (pronounced Soiree Feh-lee-chay) is Italian for "Happy Sisters." Indeed, my little monkeys were thrilled to have me knitting something for them (finally). Tee hee...

Ayla's is on the blocking mat right now, but Sophie has been proudly wearing hers and garnering comments throughout the day. Fear not, the pattern is nearly complete and about to go through testing. I expect to have it ready to debut in about 2 weeks! :) Here are some cutesy pics to whet your appetite.









My photography is getting better, eh? Or, at least, my Photoshop skills are. LOLOL

Spinning

Spinning around and around and around... that's what it feels like in my head some days. LOL But, I've also been spinning yarn! Yea!

This deliciousness was mailed today for Stephanie's Fundraiser.

Not too shabby, huh?

And these little pretties are for the collaboration with Green Strings. Dearest Tina (who didn't *quite* give me permission yet to use the pic, but I am oh so hoping she loves me enough to forgive this transgression) dyed the yarn and I will be knitting the winner beautiful custom socks out of their skein. 

You just got drool on your computer, didn't you? Who can blame you. I'm tempted to bid on our own listing. Seriously, how does she work such magic with colors?!?

Yours Truly...

I am in collaboration with Kim of the Natural Baby Company and the gals over at Western Sky Knits to raise money for our dear friend Stephanie. On top of co-chairing, I am also working with Tina of Green Strings to offer up 3 custom socks with her yarn for the fundraiser! YUM! I can't wait to show off the pics of those (tomorrow). We have AMAZING things coming in for the auction, so start saving and get ready to bid.

We can do no great things, only small things with great love. 

~Mother Teresa 

Stephanie’s day back in January started as a pretty normal day – at home, happily pregnant and raising two other beautiful babies (2 and 4 years old). But something was off and she was soon found unconscious. Long story short, Stephanie was hit by some nasty stuff that resulted in a mom’s nightmare come true… at around 29 weeks, her baby was delivered via emergency c-section as Stephanie herself developed a massive blood clot in her spine that left her paralyzed from the neck down. For over 3 months, Stephanie battled infection after infection in critical care while her new son fought his own fight in the NICU. It was determined that if Stephanie was going to overcome any of the paralysis, then her best hope lay in a specialist hospital in another state.

In mid-April, Stephanie finally kicked the last infection out the door and was able to begin her therapy – weaning off of the ventilator, learning to eat food again, getting the chance to use her voice, and, like a miracle of the highest degree, moved her arm twice. Her sweet baby, back in his home state, is growing, getting stronger, and up to 4lbs now!

When you look at Stephanie, with her fantastic mane of bright red hair, sparkling blue eyes, and a bright charming smile, you can’t help but to feel wrapped up in the love that surrounds her. The light that beckons from her depth is inspiring, stunning in its strength and courage – I don’t know if Stephanie even recognizes that she possesses such power, but as she begins the long road ahead, I have no doubt that she will soon discover it. And she will need it, as well as all that we have to offer.

Who knows what lessons or plans the Universe has for this family, but Stephanie and her family can’t do this alone. They NEED our help – travel expenses (her amazing husband and mom fly back and forth between the two states to make sure Stephanie is never alone), medical bills are piling up, and food is a helpful blessing in their little hospital apartment. Stephanie is surrounded by a remarkable community back home and they have stepped up to the plate caring for the other two kids, supporting her husband, maintaining her home, and boosting her confidence.

Many of you may not know Stephanie, but her story will impact your life in a small way, I am sure. Your donation in this auction benefit, will in turn, impact hers. Thank you SO much for your support, your prayers, and your love.

Get ready for May 14th!

I've been busting my rear working on charts for a beautiful shawl for BBR and now I am annoyed at trying to figure out how to fit them on the pages without making you squint. Groan....

I am also swatching like a mad woman for some upcoming submissions and have also swatched a sample for an independent design for a child's top. Should be fun stuff! 

While you wait impatiently for pictures that I hope to someday provide you, how about saving up your money for an upcoming auction benefit? The details will be forth coming, but go ahead and save the date: May 14th. There will be some amazing (REALLY amazing!!!!) items to help raise money for my friend Stephanie. She got slammed with some nasty stuff while pregnant which kept her in critical care for nearly 4 months. Long story short, her sweet baby was born at around 29 weeks gestation and she suffered a clot in her spine that left her paralyzed from the neck down. She was flown to a specialty rehab hospital over 8 hours from her own home and began her rehabilitation 2ish weeks ago. Stephanie is amazing, her family is so supportive, and her new baby is a trooper....  I can't imagine the nightmare that she and her family have gone through, but this is the perfect time to show that it really does take a village. We can rally together to help them with their medical bills, their travel expenses (because husband and kids still have to work and go to school back home), food, and the like. So get ready, my friends. We have the opportunity to take some of the boulders off their shoulders... "A Whole Latte Love" MAY 14th!!

Hesitation

When you are faced with decision, especially when one choice will get in the way of the other choice, hesitation often results. And when THAT happens, very little actually gets done! It's a vicious paradox to be stuck in and I fear that I have such a choice ahead of me.

Now, don't laugh.

But, I need to deep spring clean. NEED to. Along with the massive re-organization that my home must undergo. It's affecting my sleep, even. Sigh. But, I have so much knitting work to do and pattern writing, that taking the "time off" to clean will impeded my ability to "stay ahead."

LOL ok, I am laughing at myself. Ahhh... if only most life choices could be so ... mundane.
So, I will sit down with paper and pen today to map out the chores and organization plans, as well as schedule in the work time to finish such things as:
Coriolis sock to show off to my upcoming class in May
Prep a design submission for Knit Scene
Prep a design submission for Creative Knitting submission
Prep a design submission for independent publishing
Prep a design submission for GIAN publishing
A pair of socks for a friend's father
Sew up a child's top for a book (as well as finish up the pattern)
Finish up the pattern for a shawl

yegads.

A horse is a horse of course...

or rather, in this case, a yak is a yak, of course! This lusciousness arrived yesterday...


I'm excited to have the chance to design for Bijou Basin Ranch yarns, especially when I get the chance to play with their fabulous yak yarn! Eee! The task has already met with complications, namely my perfectionist friend who sits on my shoulder constantly critiquing my every movement. Graphing out the shawl, while making me want to pull my hair out for the past week, has finally (we hope) reached a stage of satisfaction.

The lovely feeling of completion

It comes at random moments, but when I have completed something, it is a fabulous sensation - a sense of calm, contentment, and glee all rounded up into a happy sigh. Ahhh...

On Monday, my two cardigans for Creative Knitting were mailed off complete with schematics, charts, and all the goodies necessary for a good pattern. They looked fabulous, if I may say so myself, and once again, I shout out amazing thanks to South West Trading Company and Plymouth Yarns for their inspirational support. I wish I could show you pictures, but, you can see them in all their glory this November.

I also completed the unthinkable. Yes. I actually cleaned my desk. GASP! I will not embarrass myself with pictures of the "before," but will proudly show off the after...





It's not ideal as have dreams of an actual office (this is squeezed into the corner of my bedroom), but I think it satisfies considering the size of our town home. You know your desk was a site of disaster when your husband stands in awe at the new look.

The pink yarn on top of the table is delicious. A soft, summery yarn perfect for the design I have going into a book! SERIOUSLY! I get to be in a book! :)

My sock knitting class is nearing the end of their sessions and are cranking out fantastic socks! But, I'm gearing up for a new summer session at Recycled Lamb with these two classes:

• New Pathways for Socks - we will be learning the Coriolis Sock (toe-up version) from Cat Bordhi's book on Monday nights (5/3-5/24) at 6pm. 
• Socks for Newbies - because I am determined to have handknit socks take over the world... learn the basics (and ALL the tips and tricks that will last you a life time) on Mondays (7/5 to 7/26) at 6p

Swing by the shop if you are interested in signing up.

It's My Birthday

and I will knit if I want to...
     knit if I want to...
          knit if I want tooooo.....

Thanks for all of the birthday wishes. =)

The creative minds of some...

I am not quite ... um ... creative enough to come up with fancy art yarn like this

But, I did try my hand at art yarn this week. I used a merino/tencel blend in "Mallard" by Tina (Sugarbubby). About 73 yards in a worsted to bulky weight. I spun silk flowers (attached to fingering weight sock yarn) and beaded wedding ribbon (which wants to be obstinate and some have started to wiggle themselves out).

Taking it easy...

If that is even a possibility for me. :)
I spent some time spinning up a gift of fiber into this:


Worsted weight (12 wpi), approx 118 yards, and the perfect colors to treat a beach friend this x-mas.

I've also been finishing up a sock order. Nothing fancy, but the colors are cheerful


And I am determined to turn this into a stunning work of art for a TLC "Green for Colleen" stocking next week. I think she'd be pleased... the fiber is soft as a baby's bum (and I should know)