Moving Day....

So, it is time. Time to say goodbye. 

To Blogger, anyway. :) I'm not going anywhere! Just moving ...

In an effort to expedite my work, maintain a cohesive social media outlet, and continue our conversations, I am moving my blog over to WordPress so that it is connected to my website. All my past posts on piscesknits.blogspot.com will still be here, but when you visit my site at www.tabethahedrick.com and click the 'blog' link, you'll head to the new blog platform. I'll be moving my tutorials over there, as well, so you won't have to go hunting. If you are a follower of my blog, I hope you will continue to do so via WordPress.

The new blog site is: www.tabethahedrick.com/blog

Much more related to who I am, don't you think?

Everything is still in process, so bear with me as we work out any kinks or bugs. But, I am excited about the new realm in which I will be able to share with you.

The Shape of Knitting

I was given the awesome opportunity to review this book by Lynne Barr. Let me just say that it has resulted in a major "wow" from me and I haven't been able to put it down. Barr, author of two other innovative books, has developed a fascinating course in shaping flat knitting into wonderfully dimensional, visual, and almost 3-dimensional pieces with many techniques that we already know: cast-ons, bind-offs, increases and decreases, and short rows. In The Shape of Knitting, she goes into great detail about dividing and combining stitches, resulting in a stunning array of methods that will delight your knitting senses.

22 unique projects will this book, such as the Warm Hands Scarf or the unusual Square Arches Socks. I am dying to try out the Rocking Rib Wrap, which is a beautiful array of adding and subtracting stitches. Oh, and the Ripple Vest and 3D Headbands are awe-inspiring!

The majority of the patterns are fast so that you can master the techniques before quickly moving on to learn more. Socks, scarves, bags, thick sweaters, hats, and stunning shawls will delight knitters of every level, especially intermediate and advanced knitters who think they've seen it all.

The layout is fresh and clean, with bright images, clear text, and lovely colors. Most of the designs utilize very basic stitches, so charts aren't necessary, and really let you dig deep into the shaping methods. Abrams Books absolutely picked a winner here with a trailblazer like Lynne Barr. 

Flare Scarf

I was thrilled when Shalimar Yarn asked me to come up with a design for their 2013 Indulge Me Club - a subscription where you get a monthly mailing of luscious yarn and a coordinating pattern! 

I debated for a while on what to do since the beginning of the year brought a lack of muse inspiration. But, then, the yarn arrived and I was struck by the vibrant glow. Oh, how it makes me crave summer sun. I mean, here it is, May SECOND, and we just had a winter snow storm yesterday. :::head bang::: I just pull out the pictures from my photo shoot and suddenly, I feel so much better. Warmth is coming... and Shalimar Yarns will certainly hasten that warmth with sheer will. 

This solar-infused scarf will heat up your wardrobe with amazing lace that looks like the beaming sun. Fire up your knitting with unique yarn over effects and an amazing colorplay of your multi-colored yarn. 

In the Flare Scarf, you'll find a Kitchener Stitch tutorial, beautiful photos, easy-to-read text, and a clear layout. The stitch pattern is both written and charted for your preference. This pattern is for the intermediate knitter. 

finished measurements 
6 1/2” / 16.5 cm wide, 68” / 173 cm long
needle size
US 4 (3.5mm)
yarn 

375 yd / 343 m Lace Weight CYC #0

Sample shown in: 
Shalimar Breathless Lace (800 yds / 731 m per 4 oz / 113 g skein; 75% superwash merino, 15% cashmere, 10% silk):Embers, 1 skein.

gauge
32 sts and 36 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in Stockinette Stitch

notions 
Stitch holder, tapestry needle

You can buy it now for $6.00! 

Urban Texture Winners!

Congrats to Candace D and Tanya H! I'll be emailing you shortly for your mailing information! YAY!

Winner Announced

Congratulations, Koreakiwi! You've won a copy of Ceili Shawl and Lawsonia! We'll be in touch with you soon!

Urban Texture

Having the opportunity to design a collection for Knit Picks was beyond awesome - what an amazing team and company they are! 

With the concept of cool, fresh, and slightly edgy, Urban Texture wraps cables, form, composition, and lace into a stunning six piece collection. You'll find four garments, each with an alluring impact and suited for a variety of body types, perfect for dressing up or dressing down in addition to two accessories that are ideal layering to keep you warm.

Beginning with a pullover that is sleek and urbane, Vidalia is just right for a night out in the city, while the Charlotte Jacket takes a more cozy and comfortable approach with rich textures and cables. The Salient Vest is wonderfully simple while exploring lace and texture, all while providing infinite layering possibilities. Worked in two easy pieces, Baxley presents a chic batwing silhouette paired with a deep v-neck and subtle texture. The Oakes Scarf and Shiloh Cowl enhance the entire collection to transition from season to season.
Sophisticated and trendy, the Urban Texture collection will thrill knitters of every level with luxe and impressive results. 

• Vidalia

• 
  
• Charlotte Cardigan

• 
  
• Shiloh Cowl

• 
  
• Oakes Scarf

• 
  
• Salient Vest

• 
  
• Baxley

What I especially love is the Knit Picks Kit Builder that automatically selects the quantity of yarn based on the size you input! The patterns are available individually for $4.99, the hard copy of the booklet is $8.99, and the ebooklet is $9.99. An excellent deal, if I may say so myself. 

But, wouldn't you know it? I happen to have TWO copies of the booklet right here on my desk itching to be given away! YeeHAW! All you have to do is leave a comment on THIS post telling me which pattern is your favorite and I'll pick two winners on the 19th of April (Friday).  Be sure to click the "+1" button on the Rafflecopter box below and then click "I commented" - this way I can contact you (ONLY if you've won).  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Ceili Shawl

This one is special. I have no idea why, but this particular shawl speaks to me. Of Spring and Flowers, Light, Sunshine, and Hope. Of course, it helps that the photography emphasizes that, but I digress...

Ceili Shawl is a lovely, soft piece with a stunning panel of lace that surrounds the border, as well as travels up to the back neck. It is worked flat, from the bottom, with a delightful combination of eyelets and cables. The result is almost ethereal, like a beautiful dance of Springtime fairies.

SPECIAL PRICE: To celebrate Ceili Shawl’s grand introduction, get it for only $4.50 (That’s $1.50 off regular price)! No Coupon Code Needed - discount is taken off automatically! Sale ends at midnight Mountain Time on April 13th. 

Just hit this little ol' button to get your copy now ...

My patterns are filled with beautiful photos, easy to read text, eye-catching layout, and everything you need to know in order to complete the project. Ceili Shawl has both written and charted instructions for your own preference!

skill level
Intermediate

finished measurements
72” / 183 cm wide, 21” / 53.5 cm deep

yarn
480 yd / 439 m Fingering Weight CYC #1

Sample shown in:
Shibui Staccato Sock (191 yds / 175 m per 2 oz / 50 g ball; 65% superwash merino, 30% silk, 5% nylon): #104 light blue, 3 skeins. {Just so you know - I LOVE Shibui's Staccato Sock and HIGHLY recommend it!}

needles
Size 6 US (4 mm) 32”/ 80 cm circular needles
Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain correct finished gauge.

notions
(2) Stitch markers, tapestry needle

finished gauge
16 sts and 28 rows = 4” / 10 cm in Stockinette Stitch, heavily stretched during blocking.
Please note that while gauge is not critical to the finished piece, it does affect the finished size of the shawl and amount of yarn used. Adjust this in your planning.

Did you know that Ceili has a sister shawl? Corrina Ferguson of Picnic Knits and I partnered up to bring you two amazing shawls at the same time - she's designed the stunning Lawsonia:

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY!! Leave a comment on this post for your chance to win BOTH Ceili Shawl AND her sister shawl, Lawsonia! And if you head on over to Corrina's blog, you'll find that you have ANOTHER chance to win! Two shawls, two chances to win! Can't get any better than that! :) Winner will be chosen at random on April 16th. Yay!

Sabine 2013 Collection

I was so excited when I opened the mailbox to discover my copy of the Sabine 2013 booklet that I worked SO hard on last year! The yarn by Juniper Moon Farm is a fantastic blend of royal llama, merino, and cotton which results in a wonderful warmth, drape, and texture. The 8 pieces I designed are quite versatile and perfect for all levels of knitters.

 All of the patterns come with charts and written instructions for the stitch patterns, as well as detailed explanations on special techniques, clear photos, and a stunning booklet layout. Susan Gibbs did such a great job with the photography and my heart is filled with adoration for the sample knitters. I hope you get your copy today!

Tempest Shawlette

I'm thrilled to have the chance to offer up a new design for you! I hope you love it as much as I do.

TEMPEST SHAWLETTE

A Special Introductory Sale is offered for my new shawl design! Until March 23rd, take $1.50 off the price of the Tempest Shawlette pattern. No coupon code needed! The regular price of $6.00 begins on March 24th, so snag it at the discount while you can! 

Tempest Shawlette is beautifully simple, rich with texture and depth. This one skein project is pure joy to work up and exciting to wear. The best part, though, is that the shawlette is stunning in it’s reversible nature.

As always, my patterns are filled with beautifully clear photos, easy to read text, eye-catching layout, and everything you need to know in order to complete the project. The Tempest Shawlette pattern contains the special bind off tutorial.

finished measurements: 43” / 109 cm wide, 17” / 43 cm deep

needles:
Size 5 US (3.75 mm) needles
Size 7 US (4.5 mm) 24-inch circular needles
Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain correct finished gauge.

notions: tapestry needle

finished gauge
17 sts and 29 rows = 4” / 10 cm in Stockinette Stitch with larger needles, stretched moderately.
27 sts and 36 rows = 4” / 10 cm in Tempest Stitch with smaller needles, stretched moderately.
Please note that while gauge is not critical to the finished piece, it does affect the finished size of the shawl and amount of yarn used. Adjust this in your planning.

pattern notes: The stitch pattern is both written and charted for your preference.

Russian Bind-Off Tutorial

I use the Russian Bind-Off (at least, that's what I'm calling it) in my newest design, Tempest Shawlette, and thought you'd appreciate a brief photo tutorial on how it is done....

Step 1: With the right side facing, purl 2 stitches together through the back loop (p2tog-tbl).
Step 2: That leaves one stitch on the right needle.
Step 3: Slip the last stitch back over to the left needle.
Repeat Steps 1-3! Easy!
When you get to the last two stitches, purl them together through the back loop. Then, cut your yarn and pull the tail of your yarn through the stitch.

You end up with a lovely, stretchy bind-off with a hint of eyelets. Enjoy!

Vogue Knitting.

That's right. I said it. VOGUE KNITTING MAGAZINE. In addition to it being one of the top knitting magazines published today, it is also a publication that many designers dream of being part of. I admit, quite honestly, that it was my bucket list magazine. And this month, I get to cross it off the list. Grin.

I am honored to be included in Vogue Knitting's stunning Spring/Summer 2013 issue. The pieces featured and designers included are awe-inspiring! I am especially fond of the Optical Illusions (which my best friend, Jill Wright, is included in) and Parlor Pastels stories. I think you'll enjoy the excellent tutorial by Deborah Newton on seaming with fine yarns, too!

So, without further ado, I hope you enjoy my design, "Butterfly Sleeve Top."

Photography by Rose Callahan 

Photography by Rose Callahan

Catching my breath....

It has been a crazy couple of months and I am still trying to catch my breath from it all! Massive deadlines, problems with contract knitters, moving into a new house, problems with the new house, taking on a new job, traveling to TNNA, etc, etc, etc. It's a lot that I need to detail out for you over the next few days. In the meantime, how about I show you the new designs that have been released since I last blogged? 

Hihira Pullover with Sweet Georiga Yarns 

This is such a fun, cozy piece and I adore the cables!

Rising Sun with Classic Elite Yarns 

The yarn was perfect for this tank, with a soft, comfortable feel and a perfect item for Spring. 

Butterfly with Classic Elite Yarns 

I LOVE this piece! The Soft Linen yarn has such a great texture; it really makes the lace pop!