Coming Soon

Coming Soon.... my own attempt at a self-published e-booklet collection (and possibly via MagCloud for print distribution). Sometimes, I get myself into these things and the only way out is to see yourself though. Exciting, terrifying... but, best of all, an amazing collection that I am SURE you are going to love. I'll keep you up to date on the release date. Not too long now!

Twist Collective, Winter Issue!

I haven't posted in eons, but for a good reason, I promise! Lots of fun projects in the works, including a collection that you will want to get your hands on... wink.


While you eagerly await said news (I know you ARE eager, aren't you?), check out the latest issue of Twist Collective! You are going to be awed by the amazing talent that shines through the pages. Jaina by Thayer Preece? Consider me awed. Zosia by Marnie MacClean reduces me to a puddle of envy.

Can you believe I get to be a part of this collection?
Blush.
I hope you enjoy Okame as much as I do!

Okame

Photo by Jamie Dixon - Courtesy of Twist Collective

Finished measurements:
Bust, buttoned: 31 ¼ (35, 39 ¾, 43, 46 ¾, 52 ½, 53)" / 79.5 (89, 101, 109, 118.5, 133.5, 134.5) cm
Shown in size 35" / 89 cm
Intended to fit with 1–2" / 2.5–5 cm positive ease.

Yarn:
8 (8, 9, 10, 11, 12) skeins Kollage Yarns Lofty (117 yds / 107 m per 3 ½ oz / 100 g skein; 100% Merino Wool) in #8005 Seaport

Needles & Notions:
Size 10 US / 6 mm needles
Size 10 US / 6 mm circular needle, 32" / 80 cm long

Size J-10 US / 6 mm crochet hook, cable needle, tapestry needle, two toggle buttons 1 5/8" / 41 mm long

Gauge:
14 sts and 22 rows = 4" / 10 cm in Stockinette stitch
 15 sts and 28 rows = 4" / 10 cm in garter stitch

Construction Notes: This fitted cardigan is worked in pieces from the bottom up and sewn together. It features a wide cabled panel on the body and the sleeves, which is give in chart form only. The broad garter stitch collar is worked from stitches picked up along the front and neck edges.

For the Photographers!

I don't stalk many people (TOO many, at least), but this one photographer, Christina Greve, is just too amazing to ignore.

 

www.divasanddreams-academy.com

If you get the chance and want to hone your skills, sign up for her boot camp. I'm going to try to WIN! Whheeee!

The Joys and Woes of Fisherman's Rib

The Fisherman's Rib is an interesting stitch that provides a unique challenge to many intermediate knitters. Knitting into the stitch below the one already on the needle seems a wee bit counter-intuitive. The worst part, though, is that tinking, or undoing the Fisherman's Rib can easily be a nightmare. Trust me. Been there and done aaaaaaall that. But, it is totally worth it - this particular stitch pattern creates a beautiful lofty fabric that suits a large variety of projects.

I just wrapped up a class at Recycled Lamb teaching my design, Elderberry Cardigan, and the students all clamored for instruction on tinking the fisherman's rib. Seeing the need, I decided to make a quick video showing how to work and how to un-do that stitch. Enjoy!

Tour de Fleece Day 7

I've been keeping myself pretty dang busy lately, including stripping down and re-painting a new desk!

Doesn't it look lovely? Almost like a real designer's work studio.
But, of course, I've been spinning yarn like there is no tomorrow. I'm especially proud of how Ellie's Rainbow turned out (Dyed by Kim of WSK)

Tomorrow, Day 8 of the Tour de Fleece 2011 will be spent working on a little WSK beauty called 'Cabo.' Check back for pics tomorrow.

TdF Day 5

I got a stunning yarn in the mail today for secret project #2! Seriously drooling. I can't share any more than that, but at least you can drool over the results of today's TdF.

TdF Day 4

Day 4 was spent doing too much eating (not a bad thing, mind you) and getting lots of knitting done. But, I managed to squeeze in a bit of spinning, too. By far, the best challenge I have ever participated in! :)

TdF Day 3

I didn't spin as much as I would have liked today, but I DO have one finished yarn in hand.
Here's a better view of that yummy-ness!

Not too shabby, eh?

Tour de Fleece Day 2

On to Day 2 - I took that yummy fiber and started 2-plying it today....

Tour de Fleece Day 1

It's the start off line of the Tour de Fleece and I'm hitting the road running. LOL

And all the while, working on secret design projects!

Elinor Dashwood

I love this design and I am excited to be able to share it with you! While originally published in Tangled this past Winter, I think it makes a fabulous spring/summer project. Classic Elite Princess and Lacy Alpaca combine beautifully together, resulting in a feminine piece that compliments any figure. I hope you enjoy it!

With a subtle herringbone lace panel traveling up the front body and delicate waist shaping, this pullover exudes a lovely ethereal feel. To enhance the softness, the cuffs and neckline are highlighted with a beautiful alpaca lace fiber. This sweater will delight your knitting hands, as well as your eye for fashion.

SKILL LEVEL: Intermediate
SIZES
Woman’s x-small (small, medium, large, extra large). Instructions are given for the smallest size with larger sizes in parenthesis. When only 1 number is given, it applies to all sizes. When a zero is used, no stitches are worked for that size.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
This is a close-fitting sweater, so choose the size that is within 3/4” - 1” larger than actual bust measurement.
Bust circumference: 33 (35, 39, 43, 47) inches
Length: 23 (23.25, 24.25, 25, 26) inches
Sweater shown measures 33” with an ease of 1” in circumference

YARN
Classic Elite Princess (40% merino wool, 28% rayon, 15% nylon, 10% cashmere, 7% angora; 150 yd [137]/1.75 [50 gm]; CYCA 3): #3403 Genteel Gray 5 (5, 6, 6, 7) balls (MC)
Classic Elite Silky Alpaca Lace (70% Alpaca, 30% Silk; 460 yd [420.5m]/1.75oz [50 gm]; CYCA 1): #2403, Cloud Gray, 1 ball (CC)

NEEDLES & NOTIONS
• Body and sleeves - US 6 (4mm) needle OR SIZE NEEDED TO OBTAIN GAUGE
• Trim – US Size 3 (3.25mm) needle
• Stitch holders (m)
• Tapestry Needle


$6.50


Thanks to Brittany Tyler for the beautiful photographs, to Classic Elite for the yarn support, and Tangled Magazine for the support and work!

The Tour de Fleece

The Tour de Fleece is fast approaching and I am totally signing up this year. Finally, my husband will take solace in the idea that biking and fiber CAN be united in solidarity. Won't he be thrilled?

I'll post shortly the fiber plans that I have in mind, so keep an eye out and join in!

I should be doing dishes...

But, I just have to show off my design inside Kristi Porter's new book "More Knitting in the Sun: 32 Patterns to Knit for Kids." Kristi was awesome to work with - she's sweet, imaginative, and wonderfully creative. The total compilation is fantastic!

My design, Lucy, is a fun, simple, and perfect to wear year round.

I hope you get a chance to explore the book!

Elderberry Cardigan - Public Release!

It's the official release of my ...

Elderberry Cardigan

 $6.50 

Elderberry Cardigan combines ‘classic’ and ‘simplicity’ into a definitive, lovely piece that will be a favorite year after year.

SKILL LEVEL: Intermediate

SIZES
Women’s size XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL) – 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 standard fitting cardigan, so choose the size that is 2 to 3 inches larger than actual bust measurement
Bust: 35.5 (38.5, 41.75, 46, 49, 54, 55)”
Length below armhole: 15.5 (15.5, 15.5, 16.5, 17, 17, 18)”
Cardigan shown measures 38.5” with an ease of 3” in circumference

WORKING GAUGE w/SAMPLE YARN
20.25 sts and 29 rows in 1x1 Rib, moderately stretched, with size 6 needles = 4 inches/10 cm

FINISHED GAUGE
19.25 sts and 30 rows in 1x1 Rib, moderately stretched, with size 6 needles = 4 inches/10 cm


To be able to knit this cardigan, you should be able (or ready to learn) to knit, purl, knit one stitch below (fisherman’s rib), follow simultaneous shaping instructions, decrease, measure armhole depth, pick up stitches, and seam pieces together.

 

My patterns include detailed instructions on gauge (both working and finished), the cable cast on, and a 5-st One-Row Buttonhole.

I think you will really enjoy the look, the feel, and the work up of this cardigan. I know *I* did!! I loved it so much that I am now making a mini-version for my (almost) 4yr old, so keep an eye out for the "Younger Berry Cardigan." (haha!)

I love Books

 I love getting new books and I think you'll enjoy these too.

More Knitting in the Sun: 32 Patterns to Knit for Kids

By Kristi Porter 

If you happen to glance at page 113 to the Lucy Top, you'll notice... ahem... my name! I'm quite honored to have a design included in the collection! 

Product Description

32 warm-weather knitting projects to make for kids

As a knitter and teacher in Southern California, author Kristi Porter knows well what warm-weather knitters want. Based on the success of her previous book, Knitting in the Sun: 32 Projects for Warm Weather, it's evident that patterns for warmer weather and warmer climate knitting are in demand.

This time Kristi focuses her knitting needles on warm weather patterns for children, bringing you a stunningly designed collection of projects and the same beautiful photography you enjoyed in Knitting in the Sun.

• 32 warm weather patterns for children sized 2-12
• Garments are designed to be comfortable to both knit and wear during warm weather
• Other title by Porter: Knitting in the Sun: 32 Projects for Warm Weather

If you enjoy knitting in the summer or live in a climate that is warm year-round, More Knitting in the Sun will keep your needles clicking until the wee hours of morning.

Curvy Crochet By Marlaina Bird and Jill Wright

I am SO not a crocheter, but I'm so psyched for two of my fabulous friends, Jill Wright (who happens to be my mentor, sounding board, devilish partner in some secret knitting adventures, and generally my wonderful gal pal), and Marlaina Bird (the energetic firestorm that is Marly is probably one of the cutest designers I know). They've partnered up to author this awesome booklet of crochet patterns!

Product Description

A collection of fashions designed in lightweight yarn specifically for full-figured women. The lighter yarn gives each garment a feminine, easy-wearing drape that is so flattering to generous curves. Also included are an elegant stole and a felted handbag. 8 projects for crochet: Cowl Neck Tunic, Peasant Top, Stole, Motif Bolero, Felted Handbag, A-Line Vest, Ribbed Waist Tunic, and Tie Back Tunic. Sizes large to 4X.

The Perfect Pillow! By Mary Beth Temple
And, another crochet book (a topic I really know nothing about) by my other mentor, Mary Beth Temple (she tolerates my constant harassment and is adorable to boot). If I DID crochet, I would definitely enjoy these beautiful projects.... hmmm... my mom knows how to crochet....

Product Description

The Perfect Pillow! (Leisure Arts #5243) is a collection of 10 stylish crochet pillows by Mary Beth Temple. The designs offer plenty of variety. Go for bold color or original texture. Try a lacy, vintage bolster or add buttons to a two-toned, contemporary look. Mary Beth shares her insights and inspirations on how she created each of the designs, and provides clear instructions so you can finish these fun projects beautifully. 10 pillows to crochet: 9 in light or medium weight yarns (Loop-De-Loop, Fresh Idea, Art Deco, Buttoned Up, All-A-Whirl, Bachelor's Buttons, Alfresco, Happy Patches, and Tempting Texture) and one in bedspread weight cotton thread (A Little Luxury bolster).

Coming Soon

The Elderberry Cardigan is going to be released in just a few days! I'm finishing up some pattern touch ups & such, but not much else to do. So, keep a look out this Thursday - it really is a great pattern that comes in 7 sizes.

I am also working on a mini version (The Youngerberry Cardigan AHAHAHA!) for girls, most likely sized for 18 months to 12.

And, coming up this Friday, Knit Night at the Recycled Lamb. Be there!

First Cover!

It sure has been a while, but you can't blame a girl who has been swamped with tons of knitting work. TNNA proved to be a fabulously good business decision. I imagine you will be seeing me, or rather my designs, in quite a few places this year!
On to something that I CAN share.....

I MADE MY FIRST COVER!!!

EEeeeee! I'm beyond giddy (truly, I think this level of giddiness is bad for my health).

I MADE MY FIRST COVER!!!
In the debut summer issue of Knitscene Magazine, you will find my Genesee Cardigan. It's so soft and comfy. So, go grab it! Quick! Quick!

© Knitscene

© Knitscene

My sweet husband has been so tolerate of my excitement. :)

Oh, if you happen to be near the Recycled Lamb Friday, April 15th, come knit with us and grab your copy. I'll be there from 6-8pm.

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…