Nelkin Designs Blog

Your Help... and a giveaway!

2012-01-25T14:38:00.001-05:00

I'm working on a new design for an exciting new project, and I could really use your help! I can't decide which bead combination I like best! The design needs both the small (size 8) beads, and the large (size 6) beads. As in the swatch above, the small beads will be on yarnovers, and the large beads will be placed on stitches. (If you are wondering, the swatch above is the stitch used in Kinetik and the yarn is Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sport in Midway)

Online Surveys & Market Research

As a thanks for your help, how about a giveway? When I was in NYC at Vogue Knitting Live Ysolda gave me TWO copies of her new book Whimsical Little Knits 3... this book hasn't even shipped yet, so I know you don't have a copy! Want to win one? It is AWESOME! I particularly love the Narwhal Mittens AND I think that Sherilyn would be lovely with beads!

All you have to do is answer the survey above and leave a comment here. Please remember to leave a way for me to get in touch with you! The giveaway will be open until Tuesday January 31st at 12 noon EST. I'll pick a random winner AND let you know which beads I'll be using. Feel free to share this giveaway with your friends... the more opinions the better!

I'm off to Minden, Nevada tomorrow to teach at the Pioneer Yarn Company and enjoy Lake Tahoe... I'm sure to have some great pics and stories next week!

A Bed for Cat!

2012-01-23T08:23:00.001-05:00

I can't believe I have a blog and I've never posted a picture of my Cat! What kind of blogger am I?

Well, meet Cat! Sixteen years ago she came to us nameless, a wild ferocious beast. We lived in a log cabin, which meant the boundary between inside and outside was vague, and we needed killing machine. Needless to say, she killed 12 mice her first night with us and has earned her keep ever since. Her wild temperament kept us from fully bonding with her for quite some time, which is how she ended up with the creative name of "Cat".

Fast forward many years, lots of memories, and a house move... she is still going strong and has become the sweetest thing ever. Kidney failure has just set in and so she sleeps and sheds ALOT more than she used to. She has developed a frustrating penchant for sleeping on my blocking wool and I realized she needed a woolly retreat of her very own!

It is made from a old huge Woolrich Sweater that my hubby and I stopped wearing years ago, I felted it in the washing machine, followed these directions, and then felted the heck out of it one more time!
Hint: I discovered it dries really quickly if you put it on a cookie rack over a heat vent!

A second hint? She was not sleeping on it for quite a bit... offended I vented to Maya, who quickly urged me to sprinkle the bed with catnip, you know what? It worked, and now she LOVES it!

Vogue Knitting Live: A photo-recap

2012-01-18T14:20:00.001-05:00

This weekend I journeyed down to NYC for a weekend full of knitting, friends and food at Vogue Knitting Live. The conference was incredibly well organized and chock full of events...if you ever have the chance to attend one, i say: GO FOR IT!

Early am coffee outing!

With Connie and Melissa at Connie's Book Signing!

I went just a wee bit fan girl on Anna of MochiMochiLand... how could I not?

There aren't really words to tell you how much I LOVED hanging with Cal and Jill (and Jill's yarn!)

I took a class on Brioche Lace with Nancy Merchant,
to say that my mind was blown is an understatement!

One of Nancy's examples, this is a simple leaf motif in
brioche lace, done in two colors which makes it reversible!

Can you believe this is feather and fan? I ADORE it!

My swatch... I got 3 inches done in 3 hours, that's an inch an hour people! Not my fastest knitting, but I learned a TON!

Panel on When Knitting Becomes a Career
Left to Right: Melanie Falick, Debbie Stoller, Norah Gaughan, Kristy McGowan, Erin Slonaker, Betsy Perry, Trisha Malcolm, Kirsten Kapur, Laura Zander

My haul! NEW books from Ysolda, a kit from MochiMochiLand, tattoos from Soak, and GORGEOUS yarn from Jill Draper Makes Stuff, Tanis Fiber Arts, & Mocha's Fibers

A "ladies" lunch in the basement of the Plaza with Kirsten... oh my, I think she and I could talk for HOURS and we'd still have more to say : )!

Some mandatory clothes shopping at Uniqlo for my family and Kate!

Want to hear who/what is missing in these photos?
*My phenomenal roommates Kellen, Ellen and Kelly... I think we were having too much fun to remember about pictures, WHOOPS!
*My dinner at Griffou (insanely good locavore restaurant with a Spanish flare) on Sat night with Cal and Jill!
*A trip to one of my fav restaurants in the world, Maya, with Ysolda, Cookie, and my roomies!
*My trip with Kirsten to the MOMA for an exhibition of Diego Rivera's Murals.

All and all, it was one of those weekends that will go down in history... though yesterday when I got home I kinda felt like one of these guys:

Pretty Yarn Shots: A "sorta" tutorial

2012-01-12T08:34:00.004-05:00

I've never really come clean about how I feel about photography, are you ready? For me it's a necessary evil... the reality is that 99% of the time when someone chooses to knit one of my patterns it's not because they saw the finished garment and loved it, they saw the photo of it, right? This means that if I have a sucky photo no one knits my design... which is sad, and not the point!

I am not a photographer, and for a long time I didn't enjoy the process of styling shots and taking photos, but over the last year I decided that if I threw some money at the problem, and spent some time reading and learning, that I could end up with a photographic style I could love. I have worked with professional photographers, and adored it, but I find it SO much easier to not have to juggle their schedules with mine and my models. I will say, that if I am the subject I am happy to hire someone to take the shots!!!!

One of my biggest challenges was taking pics at home of yarn and beads for giveaways, cover pages, projects etc. I've seen GORGEOUS photos of yarn and wanted to be able to recreate that. Last year Mercedes posted a link on twitter to this great tutorial for studio photography. I got out my tracing paper, aluminum foil, and some sunshine and got a few great pics though I did find I had to do ALOT of Photoshopping to get the photos just right. I ended up with tracing paper covering the windows in my studio for days on end... and pieces of aluminum foil everywhere as I tried to "hang" them to reflect the light... I definitely needed more hands to make it work! (I wish I had a photo of one of these set ups!)

For the holidays I asked my inlaws for this... and OH MY GOODNESS, why did I wait so long? On a sunny day, in five minutes, a shot was set up in the dining room by the sliding glass door, see? Kinda ghetto, right?

The inside of the reflector comes out of the cover and is the PERFECT light diffuser. Then I hung the cover's reflective side to catch light and throw it back on the subject filling in the shadows. Time to start snapping pictures! I played with the aperture, letting in more and less light to see what would kill the shadows and highlight the yarn best... in the end, a shot I took by mistake with my flash on, in automatic mode, ended up being the ONE. See? I did NO retouching to this photo besides cropping....

Doesn't this shot make you want to knit with some green yarn and beads?

So, grab your camera, spend $14 on a 5-in-1 reflector... and take some pretty yarn shots!

Kinetik Mystery KAL- A FAQ and a winner!

2012-01-10T12:20:00.002-05:00

Wow! Can I just say I ADORED your comments on the Kinetik Mystery KAL Giveaway post? They made me laugh, want to reach out and give you a hug, and inspired me to think about other commitments I could make for the future... thank you so much for sharing!

As we get closer to Friday the 13th and the release of Clue #1 I thought you might want to know what to do to be ready:

1. Sign up for the KAL on Ravelry or on my website.
2. Gather your materials listed on the pattern.
3. Wind your yarn in to a ball… if you plan on working with beads do not make this a center pull ball! It does not work to have lots of pre-strung beads and center pull balls… trust me!
4. Do a gauge swatch, the pattern lists the gauge you should be getting with your yarn on Size 5 needles in stockinette stitch. Adjust needle size if necessary.
5. If you have done items 1 - 4 and you want to practice working with beads I would suggest practicing the stitch used in Beaded Eye Glass Cord. There is a video if you get stuck on it!
6. Add your project to your Ravelry library! There might just be some contests.. and you’ll have to have your project added to be eligible! You can add the tag Kinetik Mystery if you’d like!

If you have more questions, please head over to my Ravelry group... the level of excitement over there is growing, and the yarn and bead combinations people are choosing are amazing!
I've gotten the "wants" a few times this week : )!

I bet you want to know who the winner of the giveaway is!
Congrats go to: Nancy DeMaio
Get in touch with your address so I can get your yarn and beads out to you!

New Release: Ribband Kits

2012-01-05T09:45:00.000-05:00

I've been waiting for the new year to release my latest kit!

One of my most popular patterns from Adorn, customers and store owners have been asking me to make them a kit for Ribband since last spring. I spent a long time pondering the perfect yarn and bead combinations for it and finally came up with a combination I adore. The kit uses Alpaca with a Twist Fino (an alpaca/silk laceweight) with a combination of size 8 glass seed beads, gorgeous Czech glass crystal beads, a simple s-hook clasp.

Ribband, a versatile knitted jewelry piece, is a 32 inch long beaded strand that can be worn as both a multi-looped bracelet or a necklace. Based on 4 stitches of knitting and a 2-row repeat this is knitted beaded jewelry at it’s easiest!

The kit is packaged in a perfectly sized organza drawstring pouch that can be used as gift packaging once you finish your necklace and it contains everything you need to make Ribband except the needles.

You can read more about it's details and get one for yourself here or at your Local Yarn Shop. Kits have been shipping out to stores around the country since Monday... this week has definitely started out with a bang!

Starting 2012 with a BANG! (and a giveaway!)

2012-01-03T11:33:00.000-05:00

In years past I have done a recap of my year in knitting and this year I sat down to start that list once or twice and got TOTALLY overwhelmed. TONS got done in 2011, and the number of projects that are already in the works for 2012 is too exciting... SO, I am not doing a recap but a look ahead and I've decided to do that with a GIVEAWAY and a little peek into a few things I am thinking about "attacking" this year!

For one, I've signed up for this Craftsy course... it's free and I'm thinking I can handle making one quilt square a month... by the end of the year that means I'll have a quilt, right? I know how to sew, but I've never quilted more than a super simple top, so it should be a great skill builder! And, if I'm a good blogger it means I'll have a square a month to show you too, right?

Another thing is that I'm going to Vinyasa Yoga TWICE a week, instead of once. If I write it on my blog then it must be true! Let's just see how long I can keep it up... I already made it once this week!

I've already cast on for a sweater for me, I need to add another one to my arsenal... I'm making SkyIsle by Candace Joggerst in Donegal Tweed, but as a pullover not a cardigan. It is going to be SUPER wearable. It's been all lace all the time over here and I needed some stockinette stitch to start the year off right!

Professionally there are a few VERY exciting things in the works, but they are all too new to divulge yet, so you'll just have to be patient... what a tease, I know!

Giveaway:
1 skein Sweet Georgia Tough Love Sock in English Ivy & 100 grams Matsuno Size 8 beads

Wondering about that giveaway? Do you want to win the same yarn and beads I used for my version of the Kinetik Mystery KAL? The KAL starts Jan 13th and I will leave comments open until Jan 10th at 12 noon, which means I'll be able to choose a winner and get their yarn to them before the KAL starts! Just leave a comment below letting me know what you are hoping to accomplish in this new year! The sky is the limit... I can't wait to hear your ideas!

Warm Holiday Wishes!

2011-12-22T11:56:00.001-05:00

Wishing you all a warm and wonderful Holiday Season!

I'm taking a wee break to be with family and friends, I'll be back after the New Year!

For those of you participating in the Kinetik Kal: No worries, I'll be checking in on my Ravelry group often... it is TOO fun helping you choose yarn and beads!

Beaded Eye-Glass Cord: Tutorial

2011-12-19T08:23:00.000-05:00

Need a last minute gifting idea? I shared this easy eye glass cord tutorial on over on whip up and I want to make sure you saw it too! Video tutorials are included for the tricksy beading steps so anyone who knows how to knit can tackle this project and get it done in a night!

Beaded Eye Glass Cord

Materials

Approx. 20 yards of fingering weight yarn
Two Size 1 (2.25mm) double-pointed needles or size needed to obtain gauge
Approx. 6 grams of Size 8 glass seed beads
Dental Floss Threader
Tapestry needle
Eyeglass Grips (I got mine here)

Notes:

Finished length: 27 inches (69 cm) long
Skill Level: Easy
If you want to lengthen or shorten your bracelet or necklace it is easy! There are approx 9 beads used per inch of i-cord, (3 reps of stitch pattern.) So, if you want your finished piece an inch longer add 9 beads, or if you want it shorter, subtract 9 beads.

Set Up:
Thread 225 beads onto yarn with dental floss threader.
(Wondering how to thread on the beads? There is a great video tutorial here)

Cast on 3 sts as follows:
Hold yarn ready to work a long tail cast on with at least a 8” tail.
*With rh needle or a crochet hook reach through center of one eyeglass grip grab long end of yarn and pull through, then cast on one st with long tail cast on (2 sts on rh ndl), lift first st over second st; rpt from * two more times. [3 sts on ndl]

Slide sts to other end of ndl.

You will now be working beaded I-cord on these 3 sts as follows:
K1, k1 w/ bead, k1. Slide sts to other end of ndl.
K1 w/ bead, k2. Slide sts to other end of ndl.
K2, k1 w/ bead. Slide sts to other end of ndl.

Rep these 3 rows until all beads have been used.
(Need help with this beaded I-cord? There is a video tutorial here)

Knit one row.

Bind off as follows:
K1, then pull yarn through loop on second eyeglass grip and place onto rh ndl.
Take first st on rh ndl and slip over the second st. [1 st on rh ndl]
Bind off 1 st.
Pull yarn through loop on eyeglass grip again and place onto rh ndl.
Take first st on rh ndl and slip over the second st. [1 st on rh ndl]
Bind off last st.
Cut yarn leaving a 6 inch tail, pull end through last stitch.

Weave in ends. Block if desired.

Korknisse in my Haus!

2011-12-14T13:59:00.001-05:00

Over the weekend I took a break from deadlines to knit a wee decoration for the kitchen table. As much as I've been talking about the holidays I realized we still had ghosts up from Halloween... whoops?

These Korknisse have had a special place in my heart for some time and I saved a few wine corks this fall so I could finally make them! As you can see on Ravelry... I am not the first to be afflicted by the Korknisse addiction!

A special thankyou to Maya who let me invade her home at an ungodly early hour to use her yule log tray, I see one of these in my future!

Shaved Brussel Sprouts

2011-12-13T11:19:00.001-05:00

Well now, we've been making candy all weekend (this and this, if you must know). To counter act all the sugar I decided to make my family's favorite veggie last night. This is seriously one of the yummiest ways to eat a misunderstood vegetable....

Shaved Brussel Sprouts
1 pound brussel sprouts
2 medium shallots, chopped
1 - 2 tbsp olive oil or herbed basting oil (if you have it!)
sea salt and pepper
squeeze of fresh lemon
aleppo pepper (optional... my man and i put this on everything!)

1. Clean off the sprouts by cutting off the bottom and taking off the outer leaves until there are no blemishes or dirt.

2. Shave your sprouts. I used my Cuisinart with a 2mm blade and just pumped them through.. this step would be ALOT more work if you had to do it by hand!

3. In a wok or other deep sided pan heat up your oil, then saute the shallots until soft and just a bit transluscent. Then add the sprouts... turn up the heat a bit and start cooking them! You actually want to "almost" burn them a bit.. stir often but allow to sit in between stirs. Allowing them to get really hot actually draws the sugar out of them and causes it to caramelize a bit... part of why this dish is so freakin' good!

4. When they are done season with salt and pepper, squeeze on a bit of fresh lemon and serve!

We ate them last night with black bean burgers, roasted sweet potatoes and chipotle mayo... guess what I am having for lunch today?

Final Adorn Pattern: Helleborus Scarf AND Cuff

2011-12-08T21:26:00.001-05:00

Oh my, is Adorn really over? Well, not really, but my designing for it is! What a fun project this has been! Thanks to all of you knitters who trusted me to deliver a pattern to you once a month for 8 months sight unseen... I have to say I really did love the challenge! In fact this month, I designed you a simple lacey cuff and I just couldn't stop playing with the stitch, so you know what? You get a scarf pattern too! Sorry?

Helleborus is based on an offset eyelet stitch with beads placed strategically to create little flowers. The big trick in this pattern is that the beads pop to the opposite side of the work, which means they are placed on WS rows. The idea is that you can knit the cuff to learn the technique and make a present at the same time and THEN go on to the scarf! Make sense?

Helleborus is the genus of the winter rose or lenten rose, one of my favorite flowers at the end of winter, a very first sign of spring in my neck of the woods!! The flowers go around your wrist on the cuff, but on the scarf they are placed to represent a Helleborus flower which has 6 petals. It was great fun laying out this chart!

Wondering what yarn I used? The scarf is knit in Juniper Moon Findley.... I bought it to make Skywalker when I was in OK earlier this fall BUT when I started to swatch for this design it just BEGGED me to be used. How can I refuse a yarn so sweet as Findley? Findley is 50/50 wool silk laceweight that has the perfect twist, it could easily stand up tot he beads being slid along it. It's not often that a wool silk doesn't start to bloom and show wear when you are working with beads, but Findley is finished in a way that keeps the fibers in line! You want this yarn, really you do!

To highlight the flower further you will notice that the center bead is different from the outside ones. I used Japanese glass seed beads for the circumference of the flower and one Czech crystal bead for the center... I LOVE these beads as they really catch the light and sparkle! If you want to incorporate some into your Helleborus a large selection is carried here. (Please don't hate on me for sharing that link with you... it might be a bead shopping rabbit hole!)

Announcing: Kinetik Mystery KAL

2011-12-07T10:48:00.001-05:00

Sign-Ups are open!

For more information go here or to my Ravelry group here.

We had an unbelievably great time last spring when I held my first Mystery KAL... and I cannot wait to get the party started on this one.

This KAL has options for LOTS of beads, SOME beads, or NO beads. You'll decide after you work the first clue which is for YOU! I’ll be providing video technique support, laughter and whatever else you need to get this mystery KNIT!

Teknika Gloves: A new pattern for Knitty!

2011-12-07T00:00:00.000-05:00

One of the many secrets I worked on this Fall is finally out of the bag! Phew!

Teknika Gloves in Knitty's winter issue!

Teknika is a seemingly complex but deceptively simple colorwork glove made with only two yarns and some conductive thread sewn into the "controlling" digit!

What is Conductive Thread and WHY use it?
When you use a touchscreen with your finger, your skin acts as a conductor to send a low voltage message to your device that tells it what to do. If you are wearing gloves, the conductive property of your skin is masked and then your touchscreen can’t complete the circuit with your finger! Enter conductive thread, a material that conducts electricity at a low voltage. If you incorporate this into your knit fabric then you can use your phone and NOT take off your glove/mitten to do it!

Wondering where to get conductive thread? I bought a batch of it and am selling it in my Etsy shop in case you NEED some too!

The Yarn: 1 skein of Spud and Chloe Fine serves as the ground color, while one skein of Crazy Zauberball is the contrasting color... the Zauberball changes in long intervals allowing the gloves to look like I used LOTS of color in them! It's no secret that I love the line of Spud and Chloe yarns, Fine is phenomenal for colorwork!

When I first sent the glove idea into Knitty I though I was going to be using 4 colors, but I realized that I didn't want to knit them. I was scared of all the ends that would need to be woven in before I even began! I quickly changed my tune and found an alternative... do you know why? Knitting is supposed to be FUN!

Final Adorn Sneak Peek!

2011-12-06T11:21:00.001-05:00

The final Adorn pattern is almost ready and I want to give you a sneak peek....

A Friday Round-Up

2011-12-02T08:09:00.000-05:00

Oh my, I missed you yesterday... a whole day without blogging? Crazy pants!

I've got a several fun things to share with you:

1. Susie asked me (and yes, I squealed out loud when I got the e-mail) to do a Holiday Gift Guide on the Juniper Moon Farm blog. Go read all about some gifting ideas I have for this year and then enter the giveaway. JMF will be running posts like this throughout the month of December I can't wait to see what ideas I am going to get from it!

2. Tina at the Knitting Contessa, asked me to do an interview for Knitting Contrissmas. I adored answering her questions... she is such a sweetheart! Go take a peak and leave a comment, there's a giveaway there too!

3. My friend Hunter has released pre-orders for her new book, The Knitter's Curiosity Cabinet. The book will be out later in the spring... but for now you can go torture yourself by looking at all the gorgeous patterns that will be in it!

4. I bet you want to know who won that Ribband kit, don't you? Congratulations to #2, GerryART! Get in touch and let me know which color you want : )!

5. Want a hint about the next, and last *sniff*, Adorn pattern? Juniper Moon Farm might just have something to do with it! I've got a final photo shoot this weekend, so the pattern should be off to you next week!

6th Grade Biology: Embroidery Style

2011-11-30T11:43:00.001-05:00

Earlier this Fall my girl was given a very standard 6th grade Biology assignment:

Make a model of a cell and label all it's parts.

All on her own she realized she could embroider a cotton napkin and make the assignment FUN!

I need you to know I had nothing to do with this project besides having a studio FULL of supplies she could easily use. Well, that's not totally true, I did teach her how to embroider....

I adore the detailing she did on this, using the running stitch to outline items, and some smaller stitches and scribbles to delineate cell parts... and just look below at the key. This Mama is PROUD!

Miss B was about 9 when she learned how to embroider... do you think your kid(s) might enjoy this type of handwork? If so, Maya has a great post about embroidering with children that you should check out!

It's the last day of NaBloPoMo, and I made it, WOOT! No worries, I still plan on blogging, though I think I'll take a break for a few days, ok?

Mademoiselle Socks!

2011-11-29T11:43:00.001-05:00

Introducing Mademoiselle Knee Highs!

I originally designed these for Rae's Yarn Boutique in Lansing Michigan for their 2011 sock club. Copyright has reverted back to me, so now you get to knit them too!

These eyelet knee highs are worked toe-up with a triangular shaped heel gusset and eyelet shaping for the calf along a sturdy back seam. The beauty of toe-up socks? You can try them on as you knit them to make sure they fit YOU and then adjust for perfection.

I used one of my favorite sock yarns, Schaefer Anne for these... it's generous 560 yard put up meant I could get a pair of knee highs out of one skein. The mohair content makes for a lovely bloom that allows the eyelets to soften. Think delicate fishnet with these babies!

You can read more about them, and purchase the pattern, here.

If I Had More Hands... III

2011-11-28T00:30:00.000-05:00

Well, I haven't done one of these posts in quite a while.... and there are a few things I wish I had more hands for right now! I am DEEEEP into secret knitting and I have to get some present making started!

Glacial by Ruth Garcia-Alcantud
I need a new cardi, and I love the collar and shaping on this one!

Image copyright ronsfavoritewife

Cowboy Booties by Corinne Fourcade
These are the PERFECT 'lil girl baby present, and I might just have some Alisha Goes Around Tidings of Magpies in Peony leftover from another project that are destined to be these!

Sheep-Heid by Kate Davies
I have leftovers from my Venezia that WILL be this hat... though I want to find some purple for the sheep... this hat must have purple sheep!

Also, the giveaway for my brand-spanking new, not yet released Ribband kit is still going strong : )!

Last Day of Vacay... wah!

2011-11-27T12:36:00.001-05:00

Well... for the first time this month of couldn't think of a post for #NaBloPoMo, so I will torture you with some pics of our Florida vacay, ok?

The cutest Dog-Faced Puffer Fish at the South Florida Science Museum.

Great Balls.... of Yarn, need I say more?

Hand Painted Turkish tiles at a local tile store that gave me the "wants."

Last night's appetizer: Ipswich Steamers

Last night's dinner: Lobster : )!!!!!!

Soaking up all the short and sandal wearing we can... it's going to be silk long johns and boots for the next 4 months!

Beads!

2011-11-26T10:18:00.001-05:00

One of the things I love about Florida? The bead stores! One of Ithaca's only drawbacks is it's lack of a beading store. Whenever I travel, along with visiting yarn stores, I always hit a bead store or three!

Yesterday I dragged 3 generations of Nelkins to Boca Beads... my mom patiently sat and chatted with some ladies at the main table (it felt surprisingly like a knitting store in this regard) as the girl and I roamed the aisles. Boca Beads has a GREAT selection of size 6 and 8 beads and I "did some damage" as they say!

Want to see?

One set of beads I got is for the next Mystery KAL I am planning for January.... my girl did some stringing for me last night and I stayed up a bit too late casting on. I am SO EXCITED for this design, I think it is going to knock your socks off. More information will be coming about the KAL in December!

Giveaway: Soon to be Released Ribband Kit!

2011-11-25T00:30:00.000-05:00

Well, it's the last Friday of NaBloPoMo, which means this is the last giveaway for a little while... so I want to make this one special!

Who wants to win one of my not yet released kits?

Introducing The Ribband Kit:

This 32 inch long beaded strand can be worn as both a multi-looped bracelet or a necklace. Made with a lace weight Alpaca/Silk yarn and over 450 beads (both glass and Czech Crystal). The 4 stitch pattern is repeated over four rows... making Ribband great "take along" knitting during this busy season!

Ribband is being released next week first through an exclusive deal on Craftsy... it won't be available in stores until January 2012, so that makes this giveaway extra special!

To Enter:
Leave a comment and a way to get in touch with you... Comments will close Tuesday November 29th at 12 noon EST and I'll pick a winner via random number generator!

Feeling Thankful!

2011-11-24T13:23:00.001-05:00

To all of you who celebrate Thanksgiving enjoy your festivities!

Today, I am feeling thankful that my parents decided to move to Florida and that it is over 40 degrees warmer here than at home!

The Solemate/Brickhouse Giveaway Winners!

2011-11-23T00:30:00.000-05:00

Alrighty... this is a fun post as I'm announcing the winners of my giveaway with Lorna's Laces with embedded videos, so get prepared to dance!

Ready? The GRANDPRIZE Winner is....

Megan! with Stevie Wonder's Sign, Sealed Delivered

The runner ups (who all get a pdf of Brickhouse) are...

Jen- Muppets From Space: Brickhouse

Knitterly Designs- Train: Soul Sister

Kacy- KC and the Sunshine Band: Get Down Tonight

RachelR- Otis Redding: These Arms of Mine

ChristiD- The Commodores: Easy

Thanks for playing everyone... please get in touch to win your prize(s)! I hope those of you that celebrate are gearing up for a lovely Thanksgiving!

Pattern Re-release: Munchkin

2011-11-22T00:30:00.000-05:00

Remember Munchkin? Well, Schaefer discontinued their super bulky yarn Kathleen last year and I've been wanting to revise the pattern and re-release it in a new yarn. I was searching for the perfect replacement when I stumbled across Malabrigo Rasta in Archangel last spring at Knitty City.

I made the replacement hat in a night, and then waited six months to see my favorite model for a photoshoot. Want to see more?

I've re-formatted the pattern, and updated the photos... though you can see still pics of my girl (when she was younger and I was allowed to hug her all the time) here.

Munchkin is a great beginner hat that you can whip up in no time at all for a quick gift, or just to keep warm. The pattern is sized for the whole family, and is an unbelievably quick knit so be prepared to make more than one! It is started by making both ear flaps, these are then joined together with sts for the front and back of the head and worked around in box stitch pattern for the brim. Then it's stockinette in the round all the way up until the tassel... easy peasy!

Guest Blogger on Craftsy!

2011-11-21T21:06:00.001-05:00

Howdy Everyone!

Well, I'm just so into this NaBloPoMo thing that this is my second post of the day! Guess I am a bit of an overachiever.... I'm the guest blogger over on Craftsy.com where I talk about handmade holidays. I even waxed a bit philosophical about holiday gifting... so grab a cup of tea and check it out!

One thing in there you won't want to miss? There is a sneak peek of my new kit!
Check it out!

I've landed in Florida and have decided that perhaps this is paradise afterall.....

See you tomorrow!

Video Tutorial: Soutache

2011-11-21T00:30:00.000-05:00

Here is a video to help you learn how to work beaded i-cord like I used in Soutache. I've got another simple design in the works for the stitch and I promise to share it with you when it's ready!

Soutache

2011-11-20T00:30:00.000-05:00

Have you seen the latest edition of Creative Knitting? Well, it's got a new design of mine!

Introducing Soutache:

Soutache is based on four strands of beaded i-cord that are braided together to create textural rope.

I'll be back tomorrow with a video tutorial to help show you how to knit it!

My NEW Stitch Strap!

2011-11-19T01:00:00.000-05:00

I had a VERY good mail day yesterday! Guess what came?

A new camera strap in my friend Betz's new fabric line Stitch, made by another friend Caro. Can I just take a moment to say... I LIKE MY FRIENDS! These two ladies creative genius' has resulted in the coolest camera strap ever!

I've had my eye on Caro's camera straps for quite some time and was just waiting for the perfect fabric to get one made in. It was HARD to choose which one of Betz's new fabrics to get it made in... see?

Stitch by Betz White in Garden

Stitch by Betz White in Lagoon

Betz wears many hats very well, she is a designer, sewer, felter, mom, graphic artist, teacher, and friend! Stitch is her first fabric line and is printed on 100% organic cotton... I love how she took her passion for hand work and transferred it to a print line. I have some project bags in the works out of more of it.... how could I not? I found it on-line here in case you need some too!

One thing I would like to add as a PSA... it is VERY hard to take a picture of your new camera strap, while the camera strap is on the camera you want to take the picture with.... you will NEVER see the out-takes from this shoot, I promise!

Brickhouse and SOLEmate Giveaway!

2011-11-17T16:15:00.000-05:00

It's Friday, which means it's time for a NaBloPoMo giveaway... I am TOO excited about this one!!! Are you in? First get in the mood by clicking play below and then keep reading!

Last June Lorna's Laces was looking for patterns for their new yarn Solemate... I quickly suggested Brickhouse, one of my favorite patterns which I believe needed a little love! Aren't they a perfect match?

This version is knit by Becca in Watercolor and Grant Park two colors that work SO well together! Thanks Becca! You did a beautiful job on it!

So, we've decided to do a conjoined giveaway that is a bit more fun that usual... Ready?

Giveaway:

Solemate Yarn Pack, 1 Brickhouse Pattern, AND The Best of the Commodores

5 runner ups will receive Brickhouse Pattern

(6 winners TOTAL)

To Enter:
Leave a comment BOTH here and on the Lorna's Laces blog with your favorite song that has SOLE...bonus points if you include a link to the youtube video (and a way to get in touch with you!)

Comments will be open until 12 noon EST on Tuesday November 22nd and then we'll choose the lucky winners via random generator.

Let's get this party started! I can't wait to groove out on your favorite SOLE tunes!

A Mini-Staycation

2011-11-17T07:14:00.001-05:00

I've just gotten to have the most fun mid-week staycation with my friends Anne and Cookie! They are on their way to the Knitter's Retreat this weekend in Canandaigua and we decided to take advantage of their proximity of a little bit of Finger Lakes fun!

Of course, the first thing we did was hike Taughannock... it's how I initiate all my guests!

We had a super silly, down right hilarious, photoshoot for Anne's latest pattern Motheye. This shawl/scarf is stunning, and I had a chance to wear both of them as Cookie and I practiced our mad modeling skills for Anne's lens. There are TONS more pics on Anne's post... check them out!

After the shoot we did some wandering up and down the east side of Seneca Lake.

A stunning willow is taking it's time to accept that winter is really truly almost here... it's the last tree with leaves and not giving up!

Rows and rows of grapevines as far as the eye can see...

We started at a winery where we were treated to a relaxed tasting.

And then we found Fingerlakes Distilling which was just a bit TOO interesting, I'd never seen a micro-distillery in action and we learned alot from our expert tasting tour guide.

Bourbon Whiskey aging in oak barrels.... need i say more?

I adore this picture of Anne... it really captures the relaxed mood we were all in : )!

I see a tradition in the making... an annual Fall Fingerlakes Staycation is just what the doctor ordered!

The Winners!

2011-11-15T12:12:00.001-05:00

Howdy!

I am taking the day off and plan to hike, eat, and knit my visiting friends but I wanted to stop in quickly to let you know who the Friday giveaway winners are:

10 Secrets of a Laid Back Knitter: Silly Little Lady

"I've been eying this book for a while :) I 'spose my secret is that although I'm usually up to do whatever my friends want to do, mostly I'd prefer to stay at home and do nothing."

Iota Capelet Kit: Katy Girl

"I think I agree with the previous commenter who said a cape(let) is something open that closes in front while a poncho is a one-piece, closed garment. But to be honest, you could call it a porkchop and I'd still want to knit it - it's beautiful!"

Can I just say that I love the wit and intellect that you all expressed in these comments. I read everyone and laugh out loud OFTEN!

Get in touch to claim your prizes... and congratulations!

Adorn Bonus: Latus Cuff

2011-11-14T22:04:00.001-05:00

As promised here is the second Adorn Bonus.... The Latus Cuff!

The Latus Cuff is a miniature version of the Latus scarf, as it is based on the same garter stitch short row structure but changed to work for your wrist!

Latus Cuff uses only 12 yards of fingering weight yarn... so yes, this pattern is perfect for those mini skeins you have been collecting! I used a simple clasp attaching each end to the backside of the cuff at each corner. The two yarns I used were special ones I've had in my stash just waiting for this design. The blue is Kitchen Sink Dyeworks Silver Spoon in Zissou and the orange is Miss Babs Yummy Toes in Firecracker. I adore this combination of colors together!

If you have subscribed to Adorn an e-mail has gone out to you with an updated version... if you haven't and you want this pattern... what are you waiting for?????

48 hours of NYC!

2011-11-14T00:30:00.000-05:00

The girl had off the second half of last week and we decided to go down to NYC with her (and my!) friend Devon... SO.MUCH.FUN!!!! I think I really do want to be a teenager again... seeing the city through their eyes was a serious treat. Want to share in our adventure?

We started off at the Met... after soaking in the classics we headed into the Modern sculpture and painting section.

This "coil" of rope by Liza Lou and artists in Kua-Zulu Natal is actually 1 mile of beaded cord... handwork of this magnitude amazes me.

Our reflection in a stainless steel wall hanging by Anish Kapoor.

When we had our fill at the Met the rest of the day was spent wandering in the sunshine in Central Park and Fifth Avenue where we couldn't afford anything we liked but candy at FAO Schweetz!

The next day we headed downtown... we started on Broadway at the Brooklyn Bridge and walked north... I stumbled upon my new favorite fabric store.. Jem. Jem is a chaotically creative fabric warehouse dedicated to supporting young artists and designers.

I already regret what I didn't buy there, and know I will be back!

I might regret not buying these boots too.... (I kinda have a boot thang)

I did FALL in love with the Anzula at Purl Soho.

We saved the best for last... Anna Hrachovec's Gnomes Vs. Snowmen: The Battle for MochiMochi Land at Gallery Hanahou The girls loved this exhibit as much as I did... I kept hearing peels of laughter from them as we wandered looking at the installation. Gnomes vs Snowmen is based on the Bayeux Tapestry depicting the Norman Conquest of England in the 11th century. If this exhibit ever makes it to a gallery near you, it is not to be missed!

Here are a few sections of the display that really tickled our funny bone! Clockwise from top left: Gnomes Discover that Scarves are Great for Beheading the Enemy, A Trojan Carrot, PG-13 Gnomes, The Truce. (go to my flickr stream if you want to see larger versions of these!)

Laurel!

2011-11-13T12:58:00.001-05:00

I can feel the winds picking up and I fear that we are in our last real days of warmer weather... this means it's time for me to think about how I am staying warm this winter! One thing I knew I needed before winter was a new earband.

I saw Cal at Rhinebeck wearing Jill's Laurel I decided right there and then to make one. (Actually, I tried Cal's on first...)

This design is brilliant in it's simplicity as the super fat cables create a dense fabric that "cups" your ears keeping them SUPER cozy.

I.LOVE.MY.LAUREL!

Pattern: Laurel by Jill Draper
Yarn: Madeline Tosh DK in Kale (my favorite veggie!)

NYC Serenade!

2011-11-12T21:52:00.001-05:00

Just back from the most wonderful 48 hours in NYC with my girl and her kickin' rad friend. I even got to knit in Central Park while being serenaded by accordion.

More pics and stories tomorrow... PROMISE!

Iota Capelet- A Give Away!

2011-11-11T00:30:00.000-05:00

Alrighty! it's Friday, and that means it's time for a GIVEAWAY... I am loving this tradition AND I can't wait to read your comments!

So, who wants to win yarn and the pattern to make the Iota Capelet? I have 3 skeins of Shepherd's Wool in Cocoa and a pattern for the lucky winner! This US sourced and milled wool is divine, have you knit with it yet?

When I was naming this pattern I actually kind of wanted to call it a Poncho, but bowed to strong public opinion, on both Facebook and Twitter that using the work Poncho might doom the design....

All you have to do: Leave a comment about whether you think that using the word Poncho is outdated, or hip again, or that you really don't care and you just want the yarn and pattern!

Comments will be open until next Tuesday Nov 15th at noon (est)...

Florida HERE I COME!

2011-11-10T00:30:00.001-05:00

In two weeks time I'm outta here.. flying down to Florida to see my dear parents for Thanksgiving... and then you know what? I leave the kid with them and dart over to the East coast to teach at A Good Yarn for 2 days! I CAN'T WAIT! I've heard fabulous things about it from Kate and Melissa and I am so looking forward to spending time there myself!

On Friday I'll be teaching Knitting Jewelry with Beads. This is a great introductory course to knitting with bead while getting to make jewelry at the same time!

On Saturday I'll be teaching Clarus... we'll start out the shawl, learn LOTS of tricks for working lace, and even discuss how to add beads to the bottom edge. I've only taught this class on-line and I am so looking forward to teaching it in real life!

Palm Trees and sunshine.... here we come!

Iota Capelet

2011-11-09T00:30:00.000-05:00

Well, I've told you all about the Iota Sweater and Iota Scarf and Cowl Set, but you have yet to hear in detail about the Iota Capelet! Are you ready?

Similar to the Iota sweater, Iota Capelet is worked from the top down and begins with two repeats of the Iota Stitch to create a short cowl neck. Then one knit stitch is carried down from the bottom of each Iota on a reverse stockinette stitch ground. Increases occur next to the knit stitch every x number of rows to grow the capelet to fit your shoulders/chest. The pattern is written for three sizes, and it is easily modified to fit your body by trying it on as you knit!

Want to hear a secret? I don't actually LOVE purling, so after working the neck I worked this inside out so I could knit more than purl! Easy Peasy!

This piece might be my personal favorite of the collection . I am wearing it when we go to NYC tomorrow for 48 hours of fun! Can't wait to share travel stories and pics from our trip!

HINT: Remember how I am doing giveaways every Friday for NaBloPoMo? The Iota Capelet and some yarn to knit it might just be part of the plan this week!

My Taughannock Constitutional!

2011-11-08T11:10:00.001-05:00

I want to share a photo journey of my morning constitutional! Two to three times a week I meet friends to hike the rim trail around Taughannock Gorge... it's about a 2.5 mile hike with 800 stone stairs that climb up and around Taughannock Falls. Mostly we walk fast, talk and forget to look at the views, but today I brought my camera... want to see?

Taughannock Falls has a 215 drop, making it 33' higher than Niagara Falls. It is the highest free falling waterfall in the northeastern United States. It falls with such force, the plunge pool below is more than 30' deep. Erosion has carved out 400' high cliffs, and rocks continue to crash down from the canyon faces. The gorge terminates at Cayuga Lake by one of our favorite summer swimming spots.

The 800 stone steps that go up and around the gorge were built by the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) under Roosevelt's New Deal that created work for the nations unemployed young men during the Great Depression. The infrastructure they created at Taughannock and in State and National parks around the country is a testament to their skills.

Taughannock is breathtaking, don't you think? Whenever we have visitors I always bring them (and I make them walk the Rim Trail), so beware, if you are in my neck of the woods.... bring your hiking boots!

Vogue Knitting Holiday and a Story....

2011-11-07T12:37:00.003-05:00

Such fun... a copy of Vogue Knitting Holiday came in the mail, and guess what?

Butin is featured in the What's New section! Thanks Vogue (and Rebecca!) They even included an abbreviated version of how the Butin Collar got it's name... have you heard it?

In fall of 2010 my design was done and all it needed was a name before I could send it into Creative Knitting. So I went to Google translate and started looking for certain key words that “fit” the feel of the necklace... I do this ALOT when I am naming patterns. I was calling the center motif a “swag”, and when I typed it in and chose French, I got Butin, which I loved!

But ACK! Look what happens if you type in Butin and ask it to detect the language and translate it to English:
http://translate.google.com/#auto|en|butin

Turns out Butin in French also means BOOTY in English....

(Um, whoops? Hope y’all like your booty necklaces)

Pumpkin Butter in the House!

2011-11-06T08:48:00.004-05:00

For the last few years we have made apple butter in the fall... and this year I decided to add pumpkin butter to our repertoire! Um, YUM? I am so glad I decided to try it... super easy, quick, and GOOD! My Dad loves everything pumpkin and I am so going to figure out a way to get some to him, he is going to freak over it!

I devised my own recipe after reading over many different versions on the internet. Most of them had too much sugar for my liking and were made with cans of pumpkin puree and on the stove. I wanted to start with whole pumpkins, and make it in my BFF, the crockpot. You ready?

Pumpkin Butter ala Laura

(yields 3.5 pints)

9 - 10 pounds whole pie pumpkins

(this was about 5 small pie pumpkins & makes approx. 7 cups puree)

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup maple syrup

1 cup apple cider

1/2 tsp ground cloves

1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

2 tsp ground ginger

2 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

After washing, splitting my pumpkins in half, and piercing holes in them, I baked them face down in a rimmed cookie sheet at 425 for about 45 minutes or until they were super soft. Then I set them aside to cool. Once cool I scooped out the seeds, peeled off the skin and placed the "meat" in the crock pot. Finally I used my fav kitchen tool, a stick blender, to puree it up.

Then I added the rest of the ingredients to the crock pot and set it on low... I thought I would be cooking it for around 8 hours, but after 3.5 hours it was done! So fast, and the kitchen smelled scarily good, every time I go in there I get hungry again!

I was going to can it, but read this site and decided that until I did more research that we would just freeze what won't get eaten in the next week or two. Better to be safe than sorry, right?

(And a HUGE thankyou to Cathy, who read my mind yesterday and baked fresh cranberry scones (sans glaze) that made the perfect compliment to the buttah!)

What? Knitting por Moi?

2011-11-05T00:05:00.000-04:00

Yes... it's true, I couldn't resist the urge and I've finally cast on for a Lanesplitter, FOR ME! This is my take it anywhere, knit while drinking, pick it up, put it down, chatting knitting. All of the secret knitting on my needles is WAY too complicated right now to leave the house (or at least that is what I am telling myself!)

I'm kinda wanting to drop everything and just knit on it. Look at the view across the street from my house, don't you think it's perfect setting for photos of the finished skirt? I know those leaves won't last long....

Book Review & GiveAway: 10 Secrets!

2011-11-04T00:00:00.000-04:00

Perhaps you've run across 10 Secrets of a Laid Back Knitter by Vicki Stiefl and Lisa Souza? Since I received it in the beginning of the fall, I've kept it lying around so I can read snippets at my leisure. There are so many fun tid-bits and stories in this book, it makes for great reading! Little vignettes are spread throughout the book about fibers artist, knitters, spinners, friendships, musings, knitting factoids and more... which makes it SO fun to flip through!

Oh, and the patterns.... I bet you want to know about them! Vicki and Lisa collected patterns that are gorgeous, fun, functional, and wearable. They both contributed to the book AND had great designers like Sivia Harding, Rosemary Hill, Daniel Yuhas, Rebecca Danger (and more!) share patterns.

Just look at Rebecca's Melvin the Musical Monsters!

And Sivia's Smoked Jewels Hooded Shawlette
(LOVE the construction on this!)

And The Prospero Hoodie by Justin Turner!

(all images copyright Laid Back Knitter)

So, who wants to win a copy of this great book? Leave a comment by Tues Nov. 8th at noon and I'll choose a winner. Do you have a secret? Feel free to share it, we won't tell.... and don't forget to leave a way for me to get in touch with you.

Also, as part of my NaBloPoMo plan, I'll be doing a giveaway every Friday... I've got some great ones lined up for the rest of the month, thanks to Vicki for starting us off!

Favorite Recipe Round Up!

2011-11-03T00:00:00.000-04:00

Well, since many of us are going to be spending more time blogging this month, maybe we can help each other out with favorite recipes?

That way when I'm distracted by my blog (and yours!) I won't have to think too hard about what to make for dinner...

Here is a list of seasonal favorites that will be seen on our table this month:

Maya's Golden Miso Soup (Maya*Made)

Baked Chicken Meatballs (Smitten Kitchen)

Warm Butternut and Chickpea Salad (Orangette)
Roasted Root Vege Pizza (Martha)
BBQ Chicken in the Crock Pot (similar to this, I just go for it!)
White Bean, Butternut Squash and Kale Soup (Bon Appetit)
Moroccan Lamb Stew (Oprah!) (I revised this for the crockpot and use seitan instead)
Tilapia with Fresh Herbs (Every Day Food) (world's fastest dinner ever)
Baked Tofu with Quinoa and Kale (often times we eat awfully healthy!)
Leek and Potato Soup (Julia Child)

As you can see this list has no where near enough options to get me through the month. What are your favorite fall dinners? I'd love some help and inspiration!

Note: We belong to a CSA, which means lots of winter squash/leeks/potatoes/root veges/and kale this month, so that's why they show up in so many of my meals!

Latus: November's Adorn Pattern

2011-11-02T11:12:00.001-04:00

It's time for Adorn's November pattern... already? Well, here you go!

Latus is a garter stitch short row scarflette with beads outlining each section of the scarf. The short row sections are built one triangle at a time and stack one on top of the other. Once the first half is finished, it is set aside while the second half is worked with a revised buttonhole, then the two halves are grafted together.

A private video link is included in the pattern that will help you learn how to work the short row sections with beads... it's not complicated and the video makes it down-right easy!

This first version is worked with Madeline Tosh Sock, in Alazarin. Alazarin is an unbelievable color, it reminds me of a gorgeously glazed piece of pottery....

This second version is worked with Noro Silk Garden Sock in col #S264. The color changes in the silk garden coincided PERFECTLY with the short row sections which made this an addictive knit as I just had to see how the next section would work out.

I chose to only place beads (Magatama fringe beads again) on the bottom edge as the Silk Garden is bit thicker and the size 6 beads didn't slide as well. Also, I thought the color changes were enough to define each short row section.

Wondering how it looks flat? Here it is on my favorite rock!

A HUGE thankyou goes out to Colleen, Kate, Fiona and Nathania... this pattern really needed your attention, and needles! Ladies, I owe ya!

If you have subscribed to Adorn, the updated collection was just sent out to you. If you'd like to subscribe to Adorn Latus is included but, you can also purchase it individually here.

Alrighty, I am in: NaBloPoMo!

2011-11-01T16:57:00.002-04:00

Welcome to Bloggytown folks...

I've decided to blog every day of the month of November in honor of National Blog Posting Month (or NaBloPoMo)... yes, I made this decision super quickly with a bit of positive twitter friend pressure but I don't think I could do it any other way : )!

Why? You ask? Well, it might be a bit insane in the membrane but I really really really want to build and solidify my blog community, and what better way than to completely immerse myself in it! I already have a fair number of posts in the works, with ideas galore bursting outta of my fingers! And if I should run short of inspiration, I can just turn to Blogher's Prompt of the Day to get my juices flowing.

Until then, I bet you want to hear about the winners from last week's KnitCircus and Perlé Giveaway....

Congrats to WordCobbler, WittyKnittin, Patti,and Andrea you all win a digital copy of Knitcircus Gifts 2011.
&
Congrats to IceBoxofPAKnits you WIN a digital copy of Knitcicus Gifts 2011 AND a kit to make Perlé!

Get in touch with your e-mail so I can your goodies out to you.

Tomorrow's post is easy as it is time to release Adorn's November pattern, and I CANNOT WAIT! See you then!

Iota Scarf and Cowl

2011-10-31T13:07:00.001-04:00

Remember when I said I would tell you more about all the patterns in the Iota Collection? Well, now it's time to share the Iota Scarf and Cowl set with you. This pattern has a special place in my heart as it is written for Fingering, DK + Bulky weight yarns. As I played with the Iota Stitch I found that it looked wonderful both flat and in the round and in a variety of yarn weights.... and since i am never one to take the easy road, I decided to write a Cowl/Scarf pattern that could take advantage of this! What does this mean? Iota Scarf and Cowl is a great pattern for going stash diving! See?

Scarf knitted with Lorna's Lace Honor in Aslan. This DK yarn is a dream to work with, light and airy with a halo but stitch definition all at the same time. LOVE.THIS.YARN

Scarf knitted with Schaefer Yarn Audrey in Ash. This wool/silk fingering weight yarn has shown up in many of my designs over the years for a few reasons:

1. There are 700 yards on a skein

2. I helped design it with a US mill when I worked at Schaefer

3. It feels GOOD!

Cowl knit with one and a half skeins of Spud and Chloe Outer in Bayou. This might be my favorite piece of the collection! The stitch really POPS and moves in bulky yarn, and it was uber fast to knit!!!!

Cowl knit with one skein of Schaefer Yarn Chris in Pomegranate. This DK superwash yarn has fabulous hand, sheen, and extraordinary stitch definition that help the Iota stitch shine!

Next week I'll have a more in-depth look at the Iota Capelet and a giveaway to celebrate the collection. Don't forget about the Perle giveaway, there is still a bit of time to enter!

Not quitting my day job....

2011-10-27T18:02:00.004-04:00

The girl and I got Bakerella's Cake Pop book last winter and wanted to make some gorgeous Halloween treats!

But look what we made instead:

Alien Kitty Blob's

They were supposed to look like this:

Thinking I should stick with the knitting.....

Giveaway: Knitcircus Gifts and a Perle Kit!

2011-10-25T14:36:00.004-04:00

What a busy month y'all! I've never blogged, knitted, and traveled so much!

Remember the other week when I posted about one of my newest designs, Perlé in Knitcircus Gifts 2012? Well, it's time to do a giveaway to celebrate it! Knitcircus has generously offered FIVE pdf collections of their latest edition, and I have a skein of The Fibre Company's Road to China Light in Grey Pearl with scrumptious beads to match for one of the five winners as well. I affectionately refer to Road to China Light as crack, remember Cayden? If you've never knit with it, now is your chance to have a skein of your very own!

Perle, a beaded scarflette, is worked in two halves and kitchener stitched together. Beads are worked in two different ways on this pattern. The edge beads are prestrung and worked on the first knit stitch of each row. The interior beads are placed onto their stitches with a crochet hook or super floss. Video links are included in pattern to teach specific beading techniques! Confused by different beading techniques? I did an accompanying article on beading in this issue as well.

So, who wants to win? Leave a comment below by Tuesday November 1 at 12 noon EST... m'kay?

The Iota Sweater

2011-10-20T12:35:00.001-04:00

It's time to give you a more in-depth look at the pieces in The Iota Collection, don't you think?

Let's start with The Iota Sweater... worked from the top-down The Iota Sweater starts with the Iota stitch worked in the round for one vertical repeat to create a mock turtleneck. This serves to elongate the neck and create quite a striking start to the sweater. Then increases start in between the Iota motifs... these slowly shape the yoke. One beauty of seamless top down sweaters like Iota? You can try it on as you go along and make sure the yoke fits you perfectly before splitting off for the body and sleeves.

Sized to fit 31 (34, 37, 40, 43.5, 47, 50) inch busts the pattern is written with one inch of positive ease. There is a schematic for exact measurements to help you choose a size that will best fit your body shape and ease requirements. I also added in waist shaping.. though it is easily taken out if you don't require it!

This cream version is worked in Imperial Stock Ranch Erin, a 3-ply worsted 100% wool that is raised sustainably on the 30,000 acre Imperial Stock Ranch in Maupin, Oregon.

And of course, since I can never do just one version, here is The Iota Sweater, with short sleeves. It is worked in Schaefer Yarn's Miss Priss in Indigo, one of my favorite hand-dyed 100% merino worsted weight yarns.

Oh, and I bet you want to know the winner of the Bambeanies giveaway, don't you? Congrats to Patti... Woolly will be in touch with your new book, congratulations : )!

Adorn BONUS: Jul Belt

2011-10-19T14:09:00.001-04:00

It's time for Adorn's first bonus pattern... and it's a belt!

This design was born at TNNA when I fell head over heels in love with the Jul Designs booth. (remember: I used one of their shawl pin donuts in Beignet?) I saw these floating buttonholes and just knew they would make the PERFECT belt buckle. I worked out a pattern that creates a dense fabric with slipped stitches and yarnover's going down the center so the closure can attach. And of course I had to do a second version with beads, because that's what Adorn is all about, right?

Another favorite part of this design was setting up the photoshoot. I knew what style skirt I wanted to show the Jul Belt on and realized that my friend Kate designs exactly what I was looking for! Luckily she agreed and we had a great time choosing colors and styles that fit the image I wanted. I just might have ordered a shirt for myself before the shoot was over... go take a gander at her shop, Woolen Moss, her clothing is wearable, comfortable and stylish, what more could a girl want?

Everyone who has subscribed to Adorn has received an update with this pattern included. The Jul Belt won't be available separately, so if you'd like this pattern you need to sign up for Adorn!

Ahhh, Rhinebeck....

2011-10-18T11:00:00.004-04:00

photo by Maya*Made

I found love over the weekend... with this handsome devil, and the thousands of knitters and fiber enthusiasts who flocked to Rhinebeck for NYS Sheep and Wool. What a whirlwind! I was SO careful to not have an agenda and my posse and I just wandered, stopping to talk, look, and be inspired. I ran into many old friends, made new ones, and even got to meet some of my Craftsy students IRL, which was super exciting!

It was Iota's first real outing and I was THRILLED with it's reception, Caitlin kept being stopped so people could check out her neck!

A particularly photogenic alpaca!

With an overwhelming number of things to see and do that I "almost" shut down, call it sensory overload... only 2 skeins of yarn, 1 button, and a book came home with me.

I've had ideas flying out both ears, and a grin on my face for days..... thankyou Maya and Caitlin for being the best travel mates a girl could ask for and Julibeth and Peter for being the best hosts EVER!!

Maya's Instagram photo, courtesy of Caitlin's awesome long arm!

Bambeanies Giveaway!

2011-10-14T07:03:00.000-04:00

TGIF everyone! Things really couldn't be any better, it's Friday, I'm leaving for Rhinebeck in the morning, and I'm the next stop on Woolly Wormhead's Bambeanies Blog Tour. When Woolly asked me to participate last month I said yes with out a moment's hesitation and knew exactly what I wanted to do... knit a hat from Bambeanies for one of my favorite toddlers who lives in Baltimore! The patterns in her book are just too cute! I have to say, I LOVE Woolly's photography, it is NOT EASY to photograph kids and she has a style that shows her hats, and the kids playful spirits SO WELL.... I am in awe : )!

Pixeta

Damsel

Aurora

Bella and I spent quite some time flipping though the designs choosing the perfect one for Carmyn, we considered Damsel, Pixeta and Aurora but finally settled on Queenie.

Queenie

Once Queenie was chosen it was time for me to stash dive. I knew I had to use soft yarn as the little miss I am knitting for is a wee bit sensitive and I ended up deciding that I wanted to do a striped garter stitch. So, I chose Three Irish Girls Cashmerino Worsted in Carey and Alisha Goes Around Tiding of Magpies in Peony (held double). The cashmerino is perfectly squishy and soft, and the Tidings has sparkles, perfect for a two-year old girl!

Then it was time to get down to the business of swatching... the pattern calls for DK weight yarn at a gauge of 5 sts/in over garter stitch... I got 4.25 sts/in with the Cashmerino, and so cast on for one size smaller which ended up working perfectly. The sizing and techniques section in Bambeanies is comprehensive and EXCELLENT and I referred to it more than once as I got ready to cast on!

My version of Queenie

What do you think? I have to say I LOVE getting to take a break and just follow another designers pattern. Of course I changed it, because of my yarn choices, but that's just how I roll... Queenie was so quick to knit up, garter stitch in the round with simple slipped stitches to highlight the crown sections: BRILLIANT!

Side view of Queenie

And guess what? Queenie looked so cute on my borrowed model that I just had to give it to her.... Luckily there is enough yarn for a second one (and it's perfect Rhinebeck knitting) so Carmyn will still get one too!

So, who wants to win a copy (pdf) of Bambeanies? Leave a comment letting us know which hat you'd like to make out of the book for a chance to win. Comments will be open until Wed Oct 19th at 9 pm. Winner will be chosen at random the next day! (Make sure you remember to leave a way for me to get in touch with you in your comment!)

KnitCircus Gifts 2011: Perlé

2011-10-13T08:42:00.001-04:00

Do you have a moment? If so, grab a cuppa and go look at the latest Knitcircus! This is one of my favorite on-line magazines to flip through and I am so excited to announce that this issue I am included! I wrote an article (my first) on knitting with beads AND designed a scarflette, Perlé to accompany it!

Perlé, knit with one skein of Road to China Light (a fav of mine!), incorporates both prestrung beads that run along the edge of the scarf, and beads placed onto stitches within the lace.

I'll be back tomorrow with a giveaway as I'm the next stop on Woolly Wormhead's Bambeanie's blog tour... and next week there will be a Knitcircus Giveaway!

The Iota Collection

2011-10-11T13:56:00.000-04:00

Well, I've been giving out hints... and it's time for the big release:

Introducing: The Iota Collection!

Th Iota Collection contains 3 unique patterns: Iota Cowl and Scarf, Iota Capelet, and Iota Sweater. The designs are all based on the Iota stitch, a defined faux bobble stitch that I created last spring. They are available individually for $6 and as a collection for $12.

Over the next week or so I'll be doing individual blog posts about each design... to read more now click on the links above or check them out on Ravelry!

Many companies, test knitters and tech editors came together to create this collection and I'd like to thank: Imperial Stock Ranch, Lorna's Laces, Stonehedge Fiber Mill, Schaefer Yarn Company, Spud and Chloe, JoseyKnits, Kristen TenDyke, RabiesonmyShoe, and Ssknits.

And an extra huge thanks to my model, Caitlin, an extraordinary friend who meets me at all hours of the day with just the right amount of makeup on and a smile on her face, no matter what I ask her to do!

Rhinebeck or Bust....

2011-10-10T12:12:00.002-04:00

Squeee... Rhinebeck is only 5 days away, I seriously cannot WAIT!

Want to know a few reasons why?

     * Maya, Caitlin (my lovely model), and myself get a 48 hour road trip
           that involves lots of wool, friends, and food!

     * My kits will be featured in Melissa Jean Designs Booth
           (barn 36, booth #9)
   Her buttons are beautiful, and I plan on stashing some!

     * I'll be playing Blogger Bingo for the first time

     * We'll all be wearing pieces from my new collection, Iota, which I'll be
   releasing tomorrow.

     * I'm "working" on my shopping list.....

So, if you see me and my posse, don't be shy, please stop and introduce yourself, I LOVE meeting new friends! The best part of Rhinebeck is that people you "know" on line get to become friends IN REAL LIFE!

Webs- New Designs for Valley Yarns

2011-10-07T13:22:00.000-04:00

When I left Schaefer last spring it opened the doors for me to be able to start designing with any yarn out there! How overwhelming, right? A few months later I had a great conversation with Kathy Elkins of Webs.... I met Kathy years ago at TNNA and her verve, experience, and positive force in the industry have constantly impressed me. She asked me to design with their Valley Yarn line, and there was no way I could refuse. A huge box arrived on my doorstep a few days later and then the swatching began! Want to see the result?


Selata Shawl in Charlemont

Selata is a top down garter stitch shawl with a squared off bottom edge and lacy ruffle... since I can never do just one version of my designs I knit it both in one color, and bi-colored... I do love the striped version!

Gears Wrap in Deerfield

Gears wrap is what I would call my first "real" crochet design... I was enamored with a book of Japanese Crochet Motifs I got at Kinokuniya a few years ago and the gear is a result of that inspiration. I have plans for a baby blanket made up of these... it was a joy to see it come together! A huge thanks to Colleen and Kathy for helping make it happen!

Both of these Valley Yarns were a delight to work with. I have my eye on some Berkshire for a quick sweater for me... and definitely on the Colrain Lace for a new shawl!

Luckily I am teaching at Webs in less than a month and there are still a few spots left... won't you consider joining me for the weekend? We can go shopping together after class!!!!!

In the works...

2011-10-06T12:55:00.000-04:00

Here's a little peak of a new collection due out next week...

I'm really crushing on the love between Caitlin and my pup, Noche...

More than OK in Oklahoma!

2011-10-05T15:01:00.000-04:00

This past weekend I was invited to teach a weekend of workshops at the Gourmet Yarn Co in Oklahoma City, OK.

What a whirlwind weekend... my hosts Margaret and David were fabulous and we had just as much fun sharing our thoughts on the needlework industry and economic climate as we did talking about knitting. Of course I didn't take that many pics as that seems to be my M.O. when traveling, but here are a few to give you an idea of what their store and my classes were like!

Learning Ennoble, I fell in love with these teal beads!

Kathy studiously working on Migrations

Gourmet Yarn Co has a fabulous layout with a HUGE hang out area in the back which seemed to be constantly frequented by multiple knitters sitting, working, and talking together. Having been in knitting stores where there is nowhere to sit and enable each other I think this area is key to their success... LOVE IT!

(Of course I didn't get a pic of it... but I did hang out there until 10 pm Sat night, putting it to good use!)

Oh, and the yarn... Gourmet Yarn Co had a wonderful selection, some of which came home with me! Right before I arrived a HUGE shipment of the new Juniper Moon Farm yarns came in. Luckily I ran out of knitting on my last day and had to buy a skein of Findley in Black to make a Skywalker for me!

On Sunday am, I was taken out for breakfast and a driving tour by one of my dear model knitters JoseyKnits. It was beyond lovely to meet her in real life... I felt as though we could talk for days! She was the perfect guide and took me past some of OK city's highlights, including the art museum which contains a permanent Chihuly exhibit and the memorial for the 1995 bombing, which was beautifully realized. Next time I'll schedule a day to visit both these sites...

Rippled: Adorn's September Pattern

2011-10-03T12:03:00.000-04:00

It's October, and time for the next Adorn pattern! Introducing Rippled, my new favorite necklace! (Do I say this every time a new design comes out?) Rippled is a lightweight lace ruffle to adorn your neck. It is constructed by ten rows of garter stitch with beads placed at intervals for pools of shine. Finished off with a fringe bead bind off and i-cords for easily adjustable length. It's another necklace you can make in a night!
(and yes, there are kits available)

One of my students from Texas, Hillary, e-mailed me last spring and told me I HAD to find some Magatama (fringe) beads and work with them. I somehow ended up with a huge stash of them, so this necklace is most certainly her fault!

Oh, and the yarn? I used Sweet Georgia Yarns Cash Silk Lace for most of these... I can't really get enough of this yarn right now! The black and silver versions are made in Alpaca with a Twist Fino, a lovely alpaca silk blend.

If you have subscribed to Adorn, the update collection was sent to you earlier today.... if you'd like to subscribe this pattern is included but you can also purchase it individually here.

Keep in mind: if you decide to purchase a kit, the pattern is included!

Gee's Cabin: Free Pattern

2011-09-28T11:04:00.002-04:00

Last spring I participated in a group log cabin baby blanket... it was my first time knitting a log cabin square, and I liked log cabin knitting more than I had anticipated! After I sent my square in I knew I was going to have to design an accessory to get the log cabin love outta my system.... and so Gee's Cabin was born.

It's name is derived from both Log Cabin knitting and the Quilts of Gee's Bend (to see more images of these quilts click on "view more photos") which I have always been drawn to! If there is ever an exhibit of them near you drop everything and go take a gander.

Worked from the center out, the difference between this and traditional log cabin is that you do not bind off stitches until the whole scarf is complete... instead you work in the round with increases on each long side to create the rectangular shape of the scarf. This project is PERFECT if you have interchangeable needles as you can just switch out for a longer cord whenever your stitches become cramped on the needle.

This version uses three colors of Alisha Goes Around Pulchritude of Peacocks, in Thrace, Naval Campaign and Eggplanty. This yarn is divine to work with and Alisha's colors are absolutely YUMMY!

This second version uses two colors of Rowan Kidsilk Haze in Jelly and Cocoa. I absolutely LOVE the lighter than air hand and transparency of color in this version. Keep in mind, though, because of the mohair Kidsilk is a bit tricksy to work with.

So, since I am the boss, I made an executive decision that this should be a free pattern through the end of the year... and so enjoy! I am completely blown away by the support, love and friendship I have found while following this dream of mine and it's time to say THANKYOU!

Some Skywalker Love!

2011-09-26T12:15:00.001-04:00

It's a month later and my Craftsy class, Knit This! Mastering Lace Shawls is going strong. Knitters are learning to become lace knitting jedi's with me, and we've been having tons of fun! A few of my favorite bloggers have been taking time out of their busy lives to review the class and have a few things to say that made me "blush"... thanks ladies!

Caroline at Juniper Moon Farm

Susan B Anderson

Felicia Lo from Sweet Georgia Yarn

I wanted to share a few FO's and WIP's of Skywalker so you can see what my students have been making. There are many more Skywalker's posted over on Ravelry and Craftsy as well, in fact Skywalker has been on the Ravelry New and Most Popular List all month... (which makes me all kinds of silly/happy : )! )

Skywalker by RoseOfKnit in Misti Alpaca Lace Solids

Skywalker by SPope in Knit Picks Stroll Hand-Painted

Skywalker by Seachanges in Knit Picks Comfy Fingering Weight

A hint? Do you want to take the Craftsy class with me too? If you click here (or on the image for the class on the upper right hand corner of my blog), it will give you 50% off the class... feel free to share it with your friends!

Happy Fall Y'all!

2011-09-23T13:11:00.000-04:00

It's my favorite season... and it's time to celebrate with you! I decided that the Butin Collar Kits needed some new colors to welcome in the cooler weather... colors that are RICH and WARM and WEARABLE! Want to see?

From left to right: Mary Walker Phillips (with the prettiest Raspberry colored beads), Rosa Parks (love the reds in this!), and Indira Gandhi

How are we celebrating? Ready for a sale? From now until September 26th at midnight ALL of the kits in my Etsy shop and patterns in my Ravelry store will be 15% off... this is true for both the new colors and one that have been around for months. Just use coupon code FALL4KNITTING at checkout!

A few tidbits:
*Sarah, from The Sexy Knitter, held a fabulous interview with me that also includes a giveaway... go check it out!
*I am teaching next weekend in Oklahoma City, at the Gourmet Yarn Co, and I think there are still a few spots open in some of the classes : )! Hope to see some of you there (or at other workshops this Fall)!

Happy Knitting!!!!!

Video Tutorial: Lace (or Knitted On) Cast On

2011-09-22T09:56:00.001-04:00

This cast on is used in many of my patterns, it creates a flexible edge that is easily stretched and blocked into place, perfect for lace! Enjoy!

Patterns of mine that specifically use this cast on are: Ennoble, Aventina, Clarus, October's Adorn Pattern (coming soon!), and Aile.

A tease...

2011-09-21T12:12:00.000-04:00

Log Cabin style garter stitch scarf.... coming soon!

A Ketchup Obsession

2011-09-15T08:58:00.000-04:00

For the last year I have been obsessed with making homemade ketchup, and when the CSA's bumper crop of plum tomatoes was ready, it was time. I will tell you: I was met with skepticism from the family. I mean, really, ketchup is not special and it's cheap, why spend all day on it? Ya know, why? Because homemade Ketchup is FREAKING AWESOME... so much better than the stuff in the squeezable bottle, there is no comparison. And so, without further ado, I share my ketchup recipe with you:

Homemade Ketchup

(adapted from USA Cookbook by Sheila Lukins)

In a piece of cheesecloth tie up:

4 whole cloves

8 black peppercorns
3 whole allspice

     1 cinnamon stick
     1/4 tsp mustard seeds
     1 inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled (optional, we add ginger to everything)

Place the sachet into a non-corrosive pot, along with:

     5 lbs ripe plum tomatoes, cored and coarsely chopped
     1 large onion, coarsely chopped
     1 large clove garlic, peeled and crushed

Bring the tomato mixture to a boil, and then reduce the heat to medium, stirring occasionally. Simmer, uncovered for 1.5 hours.

Remove the sachet, and strain the mixture through a sieve, I used the back of a wooden spoon and a bunch of elbow "grease". This was the messiest, most time involved step! You want to extract everything you can BUT the skins.

Return the strained mixture AND the spice sachet back to the pot, add:

1/4 cup cider vinegar
1 tbsp molasses (recipe called for dark brown sugar, but I like molasses more!)

Cook, on low heat, uncovered for another 2 -3 hours. Watch as your ketchup magically starts to thicken. Don't forget to stop by the stove and stir it every so often.

Allow the ketchup to cool a bit, remove the spice sachet and discard, and then process quickly in a food processer until completely smooth. If you want add 1 tbsp of lemon juice to brighten and season with salt.

Store in the refrigerator... supposedly it will last up to three weeks, but I can't attest to that as we ATE ours : )!

My Busy Bee: A family joke!

2011-09-13T12:39:00.000-04:00

I've decided to let you all in on a little family joke we have going around here... cause it just cracks me up too much to not share.

Earlier this summer we watched Best In Show with the girl... we all especially loved this scene with Parker Posey. (I was really hoping to embed it, but YouTube won't let me!)

Ever since then, when I get that crazed look in my eye and start rustling around for my knitting either my honey or the girl will ask:

"Can't find your busy bee?

Do you need your busy bee?

Where's your busy bee?"

Now we just call my knitting My Busy Bee... is it yours too? You are welcome to jump on the Busy Bee band wagon, there is plenty of room!

Oh, and parenting tip: If you are watching something with your child that might be just a wee bit "advanced" for them (ahem) DO NOT keep looking over to see if they are "getting" it..... any child with half a brain will quickly figure out that they should be doubling their efforts to comprehend the scene. Let's just say, LESSON LEARNED!

Beignet: September's Adorn Pattern!

2011-09-06T09:50:00.000-04:00

Introducing Beignet, September's Adorn Pattern!

With a donut as a focal point, this beaded i-cord necklace explores the elegant simplicity of knitted jewelry. Worked from the bottom up, the cast on is wrapped around the donut integrating it seamlessly into the design.

I've shot a video for the cast on as it is quite unique and not the easiest to explain with words. I devised the cast on by futzing and ripping and trying again with the donut and my yarn and needles until it looked perfect and then recreated that for you! The pattern includes a link to a private YouTube video that will make it all clear in a jiffy!

The donut I used is from Jul Designs, it's called Cinnamon Ring, and is from their shawl pin collection. I spent a fair amount of time at TNNA drooling in their booth and it is one of the goodies I came away with! I also have a turquoise donut I am dying to use that we got when we were in Albuquerque last spring... I'm just waiting for the perfect yarn for it!

Wondering if I am the only one craving a real donut after reading this. It's my girl's last official day of summer as school starts tomorrow. I'm thinking maybe a "donut" date is in order!

Clarus and Skywalker Winners!

2011-09-05T10:10:00.000-04:00

Ready for the winner's from last week's giveaway?

Congrats to:

(Skywalker and Cash/Silk)

AND

(Clarus and Breathless)

Tomorrow I'll be releasing September's Adorn pattern.... are you ready?

A Clarus and Skywalker GIVEAWAY!

2011-08-27T08:39:00.001-04:00

This week has been anticipated for so long that it's time for a giveaway to celebrate!

So, who wants to win some yarn with an accompanying pattern? I've got not one, but TWO kits to giveaway.... ready?

A skein of Shalimar Yarns Breathless in Oyster and the pattern for Clarus!

A skein of Sweet Georgia Cash Silk Lace and the pattern for Skywalker!

(We can work out your color choice together... I have a few options!)

Just leave a comment by Sept 3rd at high noon letting me know just how much you love to knit lace, or want to love to knit lace, or love when other people knit lace for you, or etc.... don't forget to leave a way for me to get in touch with you!

Clarus

2011-08-26T10:48:00.000-04:00

Introducing Clarus!

Clarus is my first top-down triangle shawl. Can you believe it? I was so surprised when I realized I had never designed a shawl with this shaping... I think I thought I did, but it must have been a dream! Clarus is built with symmetrical two triangles separated by a center panel. Since it starts from the top down you cast on a small number of stitches, and then start increasing for the triangles on each side as you work. The same lace stitch is echoed throughout the whole piece so once you get the hang of it you are good to go! The gently ruffled border is worked seamlessly off the body of the shawl. The pattern is written in two different sizes, for two different weight yarns... possibilities abound!

Clarus is the second of two designs I did for my lace class with Craftsy... so if you want to knit it, but think you need support, signing up for my class would be the way to go! Why did I knit this in two different weights? One of the things I really wanted to do in the class was to show how different lace can look when you change the weight of your yarn... working with lace weights can be more challenging but the end result is certainly stunning.

Oh, but wait, you want to hear about the yarn, right? The white "shawlette" version is knit with one skein of Shalimar Yarns Breathless in Oyster... this cashmere blend is a new fav of mine. If you ever see this yarn, buy a skein, you really want it in your stash to pet and then knit with! Really you do!

The second version is knit in Handmaiden's newest yarn Marakeesh in Amethyst, a silk camel blend that is delightful to work with. This was my first time working with a Handmaiden yarn, and it definitely won't be my last. The camel fibers helped the silk from being too slippery and added a dimensionality to the fiber keeping the lace from looking too flat. The silk gives it incredible sheen AND takes the dye stunningly, this fiber combo is uniquely beautiful!

Come back tomorrow, there is going to be a giveaway... for yarn (and patterns) of course!

Introducing Skywalker

2011-08-25T10:41:00.000-04:00

Meet Skywalker, my latest shawl design.

Skywalker is a semi-circular shawl, worked from the top down beginning with a garter tab. Increase rows separate each lace stitch section, creating a shape that is loosely based on Elizabeth Zimmermann’s Pi-Shawl formula. The shawl is designed to use one 400 yard skein of SPECIAL yarn!

Skywalker was a suprisingly challenging design for me... it is the first of two designs I did for my first class with Craftsy and I wanted to design a beginning to intermediate lace shawl that started out simply, and got more challenging as you knit on.... but not too challenging! It turns out most lace patterns I am drawn to are quite complex and I kept having to rip out and rethink the patterns to keep slowly building skills without being overwhelming. The result? A super fun simple lace knit with a few complex stitches thrown in towards the bottom to keep the knitting interesting!

But, of course you want to hear about the yarns I used, don't you? I LOVED both of these yarns equally! I got them both earlier this year at the Loopy Ewe Spring Fling and jumped at the chance to design with them RIGHT AWAY.

The pink is Sweet Georiga Yarns Cash Silk Lace in China Doll, this yarn holds a special place in my heart, in fact, I am using it in October's Adorn design I love it so!

The blue version is String Theory's Bluestocking in Didgeridoo. The dye job on this skein of yarn is amazing, at first glance it looks denim blue, but upon closer inspection it in fact has every color of the rainbow on it. I believe Kirsten even got the same skein of Bluestocking I did... and I can't wait to see what she does with it!

Tomorrow I'll be releasing Clarus, the second design I did for my Craftsy class... and then Saturday it's time for A GIVEAWAY! Come on back!

Knit This! Mastering Lace Shawls

2011-08-24T08:23:00.000-04:00

Remember in June when I hinted to knitting all lace all the time? Well I am so excited that the on-line class, Knit This! Mastering Lace Shawls that I developed with Craftsy.com has launched! I've been wanting to run an on-line class for quite a while and the HD platform that Craftsy has developed lends itself perfectly to teaching knitting! Want to see?

I designed two new patterns for this class Skywalker and Clarus... both top down lace shawls that start over a small number of stitches to give a gentle introduction into the world of knitting lace. I'll be blogging about both these designs individually later this week when I release them on my website as well.

Working with the Craftsy team has been a phenomenal learning experience. I expected to land in their studios anxious and uncomfortable but besides the enormous amounts of makeup they made me wear the time I spent working with them was natural, easy and just plain FUN! Want to learn more about Craftsy? Tina just wrote a great post that sums up beautifully what they are doing with their site.


On Set with the "Crew"- Thanks to Emily, Justin, Tom, Joe and Victoria (not shown but a big thanks to Stefanie and Lisa as well!)

I do hope that some of you who have been itching to knit lace, and and been stumped by it will consider signing up for the class, you are bound to learn alot, create community with your classmates, AND make two beautiful shawls!

Butin Earrings... another way (or two!)

2011-08-19T10:28:00.000-04:00

I've been doing some playing with my latest pattern for Adorn, Butin Earrings... want to see?

This first version is done with 28 gauge silver wire with 6/0 and 8/0 triangular Miyuki beads. It actually took me a few tries to get them right as the wire was a bit finicky to work with... I ended up getting some great support from Colleen and this book. The trick? A fair amount of tugging and massaging to get the wire to relax into shape.

This version is done with Habu Silk Stainless Steel in Violet with Miyuki 8/0 triangle beads and Magatama 4 x 7mm fringe beads. These I absolutely adore and plan to make more!

Have you made Butin Earrings yet? People are starting to post their projects on Ravelry, can't wait to see yours!!!!

Sneak Peek: Lace and Beads!

2011-08-10T08:00:00.002-04:00

A wee sneak peek of a new design...

look for it later this Fall in KnitCircus Gifts!

Apricot Jammin'!

2011-08-08T09:25:00.000-04:00

Last week we drove to Victor to go riding and spent the entire drive trying to find a u-pick apricot farm on Seneca Lake.... we didn't find it, but when we got to Geneva we did find Red Jacket Orchards, and somehow 56 pounds of apricots made it into the van. When we got home that evening, after apricots and bad pizza for dinner, it was time to decide what to do with them.

Most got processed for the freezer, and the last 10 pounds got turned into JAM!

I used this recipe a few years ago.... it is super simple, kinda sweet, and YUMMY! It's different than any other canning I've done in that you don't need pectin, or to boil the jars, but it works....

Some of my people might be seeing it as part of their homemade holiday love this year....

Adorn Bonus: Crochet Butin!

2011-08-02T10:32:00.000-04:00

I've got a little surprise for you!
Introducing Crochet Butin, a crochet version of Butin Collar.
I'd been getting requests to try this and I'm so glad I did!

A striking crochet necklace, Butin requires only 20 yards of fingering weight yarn and is SO EASY you can make one in a night! Beads are simply slipped up to form a “swag” of texture at the center of the piece. This is crochet beaded jewelry at it’s easiest!

Also, want a kit for Crochet Butin? You can order one here... just ask for the crochet version when you check out! If you subscribe to Adorn, Crochet Butin has been included as a bonus 11th pattern! Enjoy!!!!

Thanks so much to Joan, Colleen and Mandy... this would NOT have happened without your help!

Butin Earrings: August's Adorn Pattern

2011-08-01T09:47:00.000-04:00

August’s Adorn design, Butin Earring, was designed as a complement June’s pattern Butin Collar.

The earrings are based on FOUR stitches of knitting, with beads slipped up into a delicate swag. Trials on this pattern were particularly challenging as I worked on a way to naturally keep the bottom swag spread out and not too droopey... you should see some of the first few prototypes : )!

Now that I have the pattern down it takes me less than an hour to make a pair and they are addictive to whip up…. just sayin’. There is even a video link provided in the pattern for attaching the earring finding!!!!

Play around with various yarns, wire, and beads for a completely different look. I've got a few other versions in the works I'll show you later this week!

And something a little exciting? There are also kits available to match the Butin Collar kits if you don’t have easy access to beads and findings.

Friendship Bracelet Swap!

2011-07-26T10:34:00.000-04:00

Anyone noticed the resurgence of Friendship Bracelets this year? Well my internet buddy and fellow designer Ruth is setting up a Friendship Bracelet Swap and I've decided to join in! I need a little distraction from all my looming deadlines and I'm pretty sure I can squeeze the making of one of these in between everything else on my plate!

Go here for details on signing up... and leave a comment below if you've decided to take the plunge with me! I might have just ordered a bit of Habu Stainless Silk for mine.....

Landed from Space!

2011-07-20T08:46:00.001-04:00

Wow! What a weekend! The heat on the east coast as been unbearable and it was perfect that I got to escape it by teaching in the A/C all day Saturday at Fibre Space and then lollygagging at my friends pool for 36 hours of FUN! Fibre Space is a knitter's heaven and I urge you all to stop by there if you are anywhere in the area! That said, I invite you to enjoy a little photo journal of my weekend exploits:

This board made me SQUEEEE when I saw it!

There was concentrating....

and knitting....

and my goofball self....

and GORGEOUS new Fibre Company Acadia

and hand dyed lace yarn...

and playing, need I say more?

p.s. Entomology students... you all were AWESOME, a 5-hour lace intensive class on a Saturday afternoon is no small thing and y'all tackled it with style.I hope I get to see you all again soon!

Fibre Space... Here I come!

2011-07-15T11:46:00.000-04:00

Well, our bags are packed (again...) and we're headed out to spend a fun filled weekend with our dear B-More friends AND for me to teach at Fibre Space. I'll be hosting a trunk show with some never seen before designs from 11-1, and then teaching Entomology from 1-6. The class is sold out but if anyone in the area is looking for an escape from the heat stop by the trunk show... I would love to say HI and show you my goodies!

A Very Stripey Lolly Pod

2011-07-09T15:25:00.000-04:00

Remember when I designed Lolly Pod I said that this was the spring of babies? Well, some friends of mine just had a little girl and I made them this version of Lolly Pod for her to snuggle in:

I had bits of Spud and Chloe Fine in Calypso, Lipstick and Red Hot, and decided that a stripey version of Lolly Pod was just the thing to welcome this wee one into the world. Since it was the second Lolly Pod I made I decided to learn how to work jogless stripes just to make the project a bit more interesting to me!

I ended up loving the ease of working Barber Pole Stripes as described in this post by Grumperina. The technique was crazy easy AND fun... you have to try it some day! I worked with stripes with three colors instead of the four she sued in her tutorial and worked a third of the stitches for each color. Stripes make me happy! I also really enjoyed this article on knitting jogless stripes if you want to read about it further.

Sorry I don't have any baby pics for you.... this babe lives too far from me to make that a reality!

Thrice: Adorn's July Pattern

2011-07-05T09:16:00.000-04:00

Introducing Thrice: July's Adorn Pattern!

Thrice is based on an attached beaded I-Cord stitch I envisioned one day in a class with Cat Bordhi.... this stitch is utterly customizable, so play around with it! You get to choose how wide you want your thrice, how many colors it should have, AND where you want to wear it. How fun is that????? I've worked it up as a delicate bracelet, a wide cuff (that I believe has super powers) and a headband. What else do you think it can be?

Thrice is a stash buster, and meant to help you use up bits and bobs of sock yarn! You can make Thrice as many strands wide as you like! I’ve written the pattern for 3 (4, 5) strands wide, and for multiple lengths, though know that since you will most likely be customizing the pattern to fit your yarn and some of the numbers might change for you. I used simple little snap clasps to close the Thrice cuffs, I love their low profile look! Wondering what yarns I used for mine? The headband and delicate bracelet are made with Koigu's mini skeins in a variety of colors. The cuff in some lovely scraps Schaefer Yarn Nichole.

...and there is a treat! I shot a video to show the Thrice Stitch to simply it even further. There is a link to the private video embedded in the pattern. Enjoy!

Finally, if you have signed up for Adorn I have started adding more pages to the collection's pdf. There is now a NOTES page that will become a compilation of beading techniques as I use them in the patterns. Also, I've added a RESOURCES page for those of you who are wondering where I get my beads and clasps. I'll be adding to both of these pages almost every month... I think they will be a GREAT addition to the project! (thanks to Sarah for asking me to do this, you rock!)

And the Winner is....#22!

2011-07-04T09:43:00.000-04:00

A merry 4th of July to all that celebrate. We are headed down to the lake with friends for the day.... I'm already to knit dockside, with cherries by my side!

Congratulations Geraldine! You WON this week's giveaway! I'm so happy the book and yarn are on their way to a happy home with you!

And.... are you waiting for the next pattern in Adorn? Don't fret, I'm releasing it tomorrow, July 5th and I CAN'T WAIT!

Blog Tour: Circular Knitting and a Give Away!

2011-06-29T08:00:00.004-04:00

Welcome to the next stop on the Circular Knitting by Melissa Morgan-Oakes Blog Tour!!!! I got to know Melissa when I was working at Schaefer and she and I definitely HIT it off! I love her quirky humour, twitter feed, love of bling, and respect her books and knitting knowledge to no end. This is Melissa's third book in five years, she is quite prolific!

I would describe Teach Yourself Visually Circular Knitting as an EXCELLENT skill building resource. Melissa starts off with the basics, so even if you are a complete newbie if you work your way through the book and it's projects you will be working in the round with ease in no time. The Teach Yourself Visually format gave Melissa a great template to hone her extensive knowledge and share it in a clear and concise way! I am particularly smitten with the steeking chapter. Who doesn't want their hand held when it's time to cut your knitting? There are also pages of techniques that are SO HELPFUL to be able to quickly access like: Russian Joins, Jogless Stripes, Creating False Seams, and Avoiding Gaps and Ladders.

Melissa was working on this book while I was still at Schaefer and I sent her a skein of Schaefer Chris for the perfect beginner hat (page 131).... we decided it would be fun if I did a giveaway for a copy of the book, along with a skein of Chris in Greenjeans for you to try it on your own! Score! I am banned from doing anymore designs in the this color, (I have too many already) but it doesn't keep me from grabbing a skein for you!

So, who wants to win a copy of Circular Knitting by Melissa Morgan-Oakes AND a skein of Schaefer Chris? Leave a comment between now and July 2nd and you'll be entered to win. Don't forget to include a way to get in touch with you.....

Blog tour Details:
June 15 - OMG! Heart with Alice, who survived 2-at-a-Time class with me - and STILL wanted to be part of this tour.
June 16 - Jessalu Knits with the talented Jessalu - I love those bags!
June 17 - Rock and Purl with the energetic and ebullient Ruth Garcia-Alcantud.
June 20 - Webs Yarn Store with... you know, I am not sure who is going to be doing this entry. I hope it's someone who loves me. ;)
June 21 - Yarncraft Podcast with the delightful Zontee of Lion Brand Yarn Studio.
June 22 - Knit-a-While with the charming Ida
June 23 - Lorna's Laces with the talented Beth Casey who controls all of Gene's favorite sock yarn (Shepherd Socks, color: camouflage).
June 24 - i made it so with cross crafting wiz Ana
June 27 - The Woolie Ewe with Jenn, my buddy from Texas who knows just where to find the gluten free food.
June 28 - ShibaGuyz with the lovable Shannon and Jason
June 29 - Nelkin Design with Laura Nelkin who designs the most delightful, lovely knitted things from shawls to jewelry.
June 30 - Getting Stitched on the Farm with the brilliant and undeniably gifted Kristin Nicholas
July 1 - Go Knit in Your Hat with Carol "My Favorite Stalker".
July 2 - Sunset Cat with Stefanni, who is not only a talented technical editor, but also has the loveliest Tonkinese cats!

Sneak Peeks?

2011-06-24T10:12:00.001-04:00

Seems to me I've been a bit quiet around here... but IRL I haven't been at all! I've been CRAZY BUSY getting ready to shoot an on-line Lace Knitting workshop for Craftsy. I have two new lace shawl designs that are almost ready for it. Want a tease?

This version even looks beautiful on my steering wheel!

My mornings have looked like this... rather peaceful, don't you think?

Now that school is out, and I want to be "fun" mom, I took my deadline to the pool...

I've been having so much fun working on this project and cannot wait to get into the studio and capture it all for you. For now I am off on a end of the year 4-H camping trip and then onto Denver.... Craftsy, here I come!

**I'll be "back" next Wednesday with a blog tour post and book/yarn giveaway for Circular Knitting, Melissa Morgan-Oakes AWESOME new book... swing back by then!

**July's Adorn pattern is scheduled to be released on July 5th... you ready?

Video Tutorial: Sewn Bind Off

2011-06-21T08:44:00.000-04:00

Many of my patterns use a Sewn Bind Off, such as 3fer, Listado Cowl, Cascabel, Jamie Lee, and Janet Leigh. Sometimes this is to allow for a flexible edge when blocking, or for a stretchy top of a sock or neckline. Knitter's have been asking me how to work a Sewn Bind Off, and since I am convinced that a picture is worth a thousand words... here you go!

Namaste Winner!

2011-06-20T14:44:00.001-04:00

Did you read any of the comments on last week's TNNA Giveaway? Once again, you people BLOW ME AWAY with your thoughtfulness, what a wonderful reflection for us to share together! Ready for the winner?

Congratulations go to: Alex

Alex has a fun blog, and just happens to be a designer too, check it out!

Please get in touch with me so I can send you your AWESOME new summer bag!

Thanks again to Namaste, Marly Bird, and all the other phenomenal sponsors of the Designer Dinner: Della, JHB, Soak, Bijou Basin, Kraemer, Simplicity Creative, Knitter’s Magazine, Julie |& Co, Skacel, Coats & Clark, The Crochet Dude, The Knit Kit, The Buffalo Wool Company, Quince & Co, Random House Audio, The Fibersphere, Dublin Gift Company, Vickie Howell, Universal yarn, Malabrigo, Polar Knit, Lorna’s Laces, Eucalan, and Craftsy.

P.S. I am waiting, not so patiently for Namaste to release their new bag in July, The Mini Messenger, it has my name written ALL over it! I just have to decide on color... what do you think I should get?

A TNNA Recap and Namaste Giveaway!

2011-06-15T12:19:00.001-04:00

Well all, I am back from the most wonderful 6 days of yarn, knitting, friends, and more yarn! Trust me when I say that you don't want me to go through a blow by blow of everything I did at the show... I was a bit of an energizer bunny and I think you might need a nap after reading a detailed account!

The biggest difference between this TNNA and others was that besides my trunk show at Ravelry I was not married to being in any one booth so I could wander the show floor. This allowed me to make GREAT connections with vendors and gather ideas for future projects. I have some potentially AMAZING things lined up for the coming year and look forward to firming up those details so I can share them with you. The biggest hole in my knitting knowledge base is around yarn lines so I spent a fair amount of time finding "new to me" companies and learning about their yarns and their stories.

I particularly fell in love with: Frog Tree Yarns (a non-profit that is inspiring), Alisha Goes Around (for Alisha and her polar Bear!), Shelridge Farms (US sourced and milled), Art Yarns (can you say cashmere?), Anzula (they have an orange I want to marry....), Fleece Artist (might just be knitting on a skein I got at the show!), Juniper Moon Farm (because anything that Susie does ROCKS!), and Koigu (Rhichard might have given me some skeinlettes for Adorn!). I look forward to sharing more about these yarns and stories behind them as I start to knit with them. SQUEE!

Photo courtesy RoseKimKnits

Evenings were spent eating, hanging, knitting, and LAUGHING, oh my. The knit nights held in the Hyatt lobby are legendary, this year I even got to knit and sing-along with Amy while she played her uke. I met up with old friends, and made lots of new ones. My roomie was a great support, and excellent at telling me to shut up and go to bed!

Ready for your GIVEAWAY? Friday night Marly Bird hosted a Designer Dinner which was a lovely way to meet lots of my people all at once before they show floor opened. Marly put tons of energy and thought into the event and it was AWESOME, so great in fact that we all left with GINORMOUS goodie bags that included.... are you ready? A NAMASTE Bitty Bag in Lime!!!! WOOT! I have a Zuma that I use everyday, Namaste Bags are truly fantastic.

I've been feeling so incredibly lucky and thankful for the opportunities that have been flowing my way lately and it is time to GIVE BACK to you all for the incredible support. So, who wants to win the bag?

To be entered to win this Namaste Bitty Bag do these two things:

1. Leave a comment telling me what you are thankful for right now (it can be this giveaway)with your contact info

2. Join my mailing list

Comments will be open until Monday June 20th at 12:00 EST... Good Luck!

Off for TNNA!

2011-06-07T13:21:00.000-04:00

I've been knitting/printing/packing/organizing and generally being my spazzy self x 1000 getting ready to leave for TNNA (our yarn industry's trade show). I am teaching on Thursday, and then running from events to meetings to social gatherings until Monday evening. SO EXCITED!

One thing I am extra super duper excited about? Ravelry asked me to do a trunk show of my new designs on Saturday in their booth (#454, if you are there) from 12 - 1. They are having a booth to help spread the word and start sign ups for a new program they are launching: Ravelry In Store Pattern Sales. This new module will allow stores to sell their customers my patterns (and those from MANY other awesome designers) at wholesale prices without me having to print and ship. It makes it so you have the option to store the pattern in your Ravelry library AND support your local yarn store! I am thrilled about this new development! Next time you stop into your LYS ask them if they have heard about the program... it has phenomenal potential for us all!!!!! Here's a little peek of the board I am building to promote Adorn:

Okay... enough exclamation points, you can tell I'm excited... see y'all next week with some giveaways of yarny goodness I collect on my trip!

Upcoming Workshops!

2011-06-06T13:24:00.002-04:00

Ever want to take a class with me? I've been busy setting up classes for the Summer and Fall... I can't wait to hit the road and meet some more knitting friends!

Entomology at Fibre Space Alexandria, VA

July 16, 1 - 6 pm (hurry... only 6 spots left!)

Winterlude and Eventide at Knitter's Day Out! Harrisburg, PA
September, 9-10

There are more than that on my workshops page... Gourmet Yarn Company, in Oklahoma City, OK, Yarn Spot, in Wheaton, MD, and WEBS, in Northhampton, MA. Details for these classes haven't been finalized yet. I'll let you know as soon as they are! Do you wish I was teaching near you? Tell your local yarn store or guild to get in touch...

Butin Collar: Adorn's June Pattern

2011-06-01T08:32:00.000-04:00

I know you have all been waiting for it... and here it is:

June's Adorn pattern: Butin Collar!

Butin was originally released in Creative Knitting March 2011, and I've been waiting patiently for copyright to revert back to me so I could share it with you! Butin Collar is knitted jewelry at it's easiest! Only 8 rows of garter stitch with beads slipped up at the perfect intervals to create a "swag" of texture at the center of your neck. I used a slide clasp at the back that is virtually undetectable. One of my favorite things about this design is how incredibly light it is. You hardly feel it on your neck... perfecto!

I designed Butin Collar with 20 yards of Schaefer Yarn Audrey... though any fingering weight yarn will do! It has both size 6 and 8 glass beads that are strategically placed to take advantage of their size differences.

An exciting thing I have done for this design? There are KITS are available in my new Etsy shop... they contain 20 yards of Schaefer Audrey, 3 grams size 6 glass Miyuki beads, 2 grams size 8 glass Miyuki beads, a dental floss threader, and a slide clasp. Check them out!!!!

A Rust Lovers Dream

2011-05-30T11:08:00.000-04:00

This weekend I had the last of the photoshoots for new designs I am previewing at TNNA next week. Thanks to Maya, I learned about my NEW FAVORITE location.... a rust lovers dream filled with old cars, trucks and other ancient automotive wonders. Everyday I fall more and more in love with this place I call home, how lucky that I have a location like this right around the corner! (and that I have a model willing to put on MUCK BOOTS for our adventures!)

Wednesday is June 1st, and I'll be releasing the next Adorn pattern, are you ready? Want a hint? You'll need size 6 and size 8 beads, and some fingering weight yarn but don't start stringing yet!

If I Had More Hands.... II

2011-05-26T11:18:00.001-04:00

Remember back last January I said I was starting a series entitled: If I Had More Hands? Well, it's time for the next installment as I'm deep into multiple lace designs for a secret summer project, working on goodies for Adorn, gardening up a storm, and biking whenever the rain let's up. So here are a few projects I wish I had more hands for:

Hooded Capelet by Linda Permann in Little Crochet
Alright, I going to admit, the yarn was on sale at Webs, and I might have just bought color 264 to make one for one of my favorite little rabbits, whoops?

Image Copyright Miriam Felton, used with permission!

Rill Scarf by Miriam Felton in The Chevron Collection

This got added to the list last night when Miriam released her Chevron Collection.... LOVE it's size and drape, it's the perfect informal scarf!

Modern Tartan by Elizabeth Green Musselman

I just love the colorwork and fit of this man's sweater. I've got plans to design my honey another sweater and this is certainly some inspiration!

What about you? Anything you wish you could grow some additional appendages for?

And the Winner is....

2011-05-23T13:24:00.000-04:00

I ran the random number generator, and the winner of the Charts Made Simple Giveaway is #89 Ann F!

Ann commented "I am somewhat intimidated by charts, but would love to learn to use them."

Congratulations Ann! I am so glad the winner is someone who is motivated to learn how to use charts... this book will be perfect for you!

My girl is on a 4-day school trip to this week and I plan to work (and play) HARD! I'm sure I'll be back at some point this week with a little tidbit for you, but I'm not sure what or when my to do list is LONG to be ready for TNNA in a few weeks.

A Review and Giveaway- Charts Made Simple by JC Briar

2011-05-18T11:48:00.001-04:00

One of the many fabulous things that happened at the Spring Fling was that I got to finally meet JC Briar. I had heard about JC through the knitterly grapevine for quite some time, frankly I think she was a bit mythological to me... one of those west coast knitters I always hear about and never meet! When we went to the Loopy Ewe the first night to go shopping the first thing that made it into my basket was a copy of JC's new self published book Charts Made Simple.

I was interested in this book for a multitude of reasons...

ONE because I teach chart reading often as part of my classes and would love to have a book I can recommend to my students that will help them explore the topic further and also offer support when they get confused.

TWO because I have a weakness for knitting books of any kind and they all must come home with me,

& THREE because maybe (just maybe) one day I want to publish my own book and I LOVE to see how other indie designer/authors take their concepts and get them to print!

And it did not disappoint....

The book is laid out in a clear concise manner that takes you through a step by step understanding of how charts work, why they work and how to use them. Time is spent delving into using charts for cables, charts that show shaping, and reading your knitting. This last step is so important, as understanding the relationship between what is on your needles and what is on the chart is KEY. JC clarifies this in such a way that you are way more than likely to become a successful chart reader. It is truly obvious to me that JC put ALOT of energy into choosing her words, examples and diagrams to ensure that the end result was succinct and clear. There is an economy to her writing style that ensures the books clarity, and therefor, comprehension. I will not hesitate to recommend this book to my students!

JC has generously offered to give a copy of Charts Made Simple to one of my readers... just leave a comment below by May 22 at midnight EST sharing with us how you feel about knitting charts. Do you LOVE charts? Do they make you break out in a cold sweat? Do you run in the opposite direction when you see them?

Ennoble

2011-05-16T09:51:00.000-04:00

Have you heard enough yet about the Mystery KAL? Well, it's officially over (insert sad music here) and this will be your last post about it for a bit. It's time to give the pattern a name, and share some pics of my versions of it with you! But, be warned: if you are behind on the clues and don't want to ruin the surprise, don't scroll down anymore. Come back to this post when you are finished!

Drumroll please? Introducing ENNOBLE....

I got this name from a post Mary Lou wrote in the Ravelry Forum where she said "and I hope that the pattern will “ennoble” the yarn." When you see everyone's versions I hope you agree with me that it did!

en·no·ble/enˈnōbəl/Verb

1. Give (someone) a noble rank or title.
2. Lend greater dignity or nobility of character to.

I think this is exactly what this pattern did for many of it's knitters. Some of the clues (esp #2!) were not easy and everyone had to push themselves, think outside the box, (find a quiet place), and wrap their heads around the technique. In the end with the help of the videos and Ravelry forum most people got it!

The pattern has been published in it's final form, with photos, charts, videos, and written instructions. It's available for purchase here or on Ravelry here.

One thing I learned how to do for this KAL was embed video into pdf's so, there are two final versions of the pattern... one with embedded video, and one without. The embedded video version will work for anyone who can run Adoble 9.0 or higher. The simplified version has links to a private you tube channel so you still have access to the video. These videos are VERY helpful for learning the techniques used in the pattern!