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Wednesday’s Pattern ~ Market Bags

September 8, 2010 by Tina

Photo courtesy of Linda Skinlo

Today’s patterns feature the ever-growing popular market bag.  These easy to knit and crochet bags are great for your own use or perfect to create as Christmas gifts for your eco-conscious friends.

Here’s a few patterns to check out:

  • Market Bag by Vicki Square is a bag created in linen that was tested for its durability as a market bag with a few canned goods, some oranges, and a bunch of bananas.   This project requires 2 skeins of Louet Euroflax and a pair of size 11 needles for the knotted mesh stitch and a pair of size 6 needles for the basketweave stitch.
  • Let’s Go Shopping, Market Bag by Linda Skinlo is a super easy project that requires approximately 197 – 306 yards of DK weight yarn (cotton, hemp, or linen), size 4 and size 10 needles.
  • Market Bag by Lion Brand is strong enough to carry groceries and is an eco-friendly alternative to paper or plastic shopping bags.  This project requires 370 yards of  Lion Brand Recycyled cotton and a size I crochet hook.
  • Farmer’s Market Bag , by Vickie Howell, was originally published in the “Green Issue” of Knit 1 Magazine.  This project requires 3 balls of Vickie Howell’s yarn (Milk Fiber/Organic Cotton) and crochet hooks size G and H.
  • Montavilla Market Tote by Knit Picks is perfect for your visit to the farmer’s market.  This project requires Knit Picks Simply Cotton Worsted 164 yards/100g) in colors Marshmallow 24761, Malted Milk 24762, Ginger 24763, Toffee 24764: 1 ball each. Size 9 and 10.5  straight needles, circulars and DPNs.
  • Sugar’n Cream Market Bag by Lily.  This  pattern is a lightweight crocheted string bag, great for carrying groceries or anything else.   This project requires 3 balls of Lily Sugar’n Cream Cotton and a size US 7 (4.5 mm) crochet hook
  • BYOB by Moira Ravenscroft.  Enjoy making these colorful bags while doing your bit for the environment at the same time.  This project requires 3 balls of Lion Brand Cotton Ease and a size US 7 ( 4.5 mm) 24″ circular needle and  a size US 10 (6.0 mm) circular needle.

This season, give a gift that will help the environment by creating a wonderful, light, stretchy and durable bag.

Posted in Knitting, Patterns, Wednesday Patterns, Yarn | Tagged , | 4 Comments »

The perfect set of “Tree of Life” afghan patterns

September 7, 2010 by Tina

In Norse mythology, Yggdrasil is an immense tree that is central in Norse cosmology; the world tree, and around the tree exist nine worlds. It is generally considered to mean “Ygg‘s (Odin‘s) horse”.  ~ Wikipedia

With fall weather soon approaching, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about knitting or crocheting a lap blanket or an afghan  for our home or even for Christmas gifts.  There’s so many gorgeous patterns available, but today I’m spotlighting the beautiful Tree of  Life stitch pattern.    The Tree of Life symbol can be found all over the world and in many cultures, all showing a basic correlation between the heavens, the earth and life itself.  This symbol has been represented throughout science, religion, philosophy and mythology, as well as in the decorative arts.

Photo courtesy of Interweave Press

Lisa Jacobs has designed a gorgeous tribute to the Tree of Life represented in the Yggdrasil Blanket, a truly stunning heirloom design that is available as a free download on the Knitting Daily website.    Click here to download your copy.

Using Lion Brand’s  Nature’s Choice Organic Cotton in Pecan, this unique afghan is worked from the center out , beginning with a square panel.  Once completed, the borders are worked out from the center, allowing for three sizes in the pattern, a baby blanket, afghan, and large counterpane bedspread.  Lisa’s design draws on the myth of the World Tree, depicting a central grove of four trees growing into   braided and leaf lace patterned borders, bringing the true Norse meaning of  all things interconnected.  Please note that is pattern is perfect for a more advanced knitter.

Finished Size: 38 (58, 74)” square. Blanket shown measures 74″ square.
Yarn: Lion Brand Nature’s Choice Organic Cotton (100% organic cotton; 103 yd [94 m]/85 g): #124 pecan, 9 (22, 37) skeins.
Needles: Size 10½ (6.5 mm): 16″, 24″, and two 47″ circulars (cir) and set of double-pointed (dpn).

Photo courtesy of Lion Brand

Lion Brand offers a miniature version of designer Nicky Epstein’s popular Tree of Life Afghan. Measuring 26″ x 34″ (66 x 86.5 cm), including the tulip-bud border, this project requires just 1ball of Pound of Love Yarn, 1 pair of size US 7 straight knitting needles and cable needles.  This pattern is perfect for an experienced knitter that is not quite ready to tackle the complexity of Lisa Jacobs design.

Click here to download a free copy of  Lion Brand’s Baby Tree of Life.

Photo courtesy of Lion Brand

Also available is the original Tree of Life Afghan designed by  Nicky Epstein, as well as a gorgeous crocheted version.

The finished size of the knitted version measures 48″ x 58″ (122 x 147.5 cm) and requires 10 balls of  Lion Brand Wool-Ease in Fisherman (or color of choice), 1 pair of US size 8 knitting needles and cable needles.   This gorgeous afghan features a tulip-bud border as the finishing touch.  This pattern is for a more experienced knitter.

The finished size of the crocheted version measures 44″ x 56″ (112 x 142 cm)  and requires 15 balls of Lion Brand Wool-Ease in Fisherman (or color of choice, a US size H (8) hook and a US Size J(10) hook.  This version, like it’s knitted counterpart, is for a more experienced fiber artist.

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In the works: Introducing my Woodland Collection

September 6, 2010 by Tina

I will be introducing several new patterns underneath my “Woodland Collection” that will feature fall colors with an ever so slight “woodsy” outdoors feel.

The first design to this new collection is “North by Northwest“.   This new hat pattern  is worked in a variation of two colors with a simple cable stitch band, available in two sizes and is a super fast  project.   This is the perfect design to  create a hat to show off your favorite school colors or your favorite Harry Potter house colors.

Woodland Collection: North by Northwest

Original design by Tina Sanders

$4.50 USD

Posted in Hats, Knitting, Patterns | Tagged , , | 4 Comments »

And the winner is…..

September 4, 2010 by Tina

Thank you all for entering the giveaway for last week’s Fiber Friday Spotlight featuring Caterpillar Knits.  Kristen’s new website is fantastic, as well as her new creations featuring eco-friendly fibers.  Be sure to check back for new patterns!

The winner of this giveaway is entry#6 – Frauke!  Congratulations Frauke and enjoy your lovely pattern, Kukui!

Ok, what do we do to try to help the earth?  We recycle, we don’t eat out, we reuse as much as possible, if close does not fit anymore or is torn, it will become something new. We have an electric lawnmower.
Lights are off and doors are closed if no body is in the room. Trying to limit our driving as much as possible, don’t use plastic bags. we have a veggie garden (if the plants don’t get eaten), our light bulbs are energy efficient, use 7th Generation products, not many though, because alot you can get clean with water and vinegar…..oh, and I use the Diva cup, most of the times.    I am waiting for some Angora yarn from a friend who has some Angora bunnies.   My favorite pattern would be Kukui.

Thank you all again and happy knitting!

Posted in Fiber Friday, Giveaway | Tagged , | 2 Comments »

Fiber Friday Spotlight ~ UrbanGypz

September 3, 2010 by Tina

This weeks Fiber Friday Spotlight features Stacey Budge-Kamison of UrbanGypz Artisan Yarn.    Working from her home studio in Asheville,  North Carolina,  Stacey draws her inspiration from the world around her creating a line of yarn that is full of wonderful textures and vibrant colors.

With four weights of sock yarns to choose from, Stacey offers knitters a lovely selection of superwash wools and blends that are available in a variety of hand-dyed colors.   Fat Fingering,  a basic 2ply 100% superwash merino yarn,  is thick enough to knit as fast as a sport weight and is available in 400 yard skeins.  SeaCell, a beautiful blend of  70% super-wash merino and 30% SeaCell fiber, a rayon derived from seaweed, is a wonderful yarn  that wicks  away moisture from your skin and  is antibacterial,  making  this fiber blend the perfect for sock yarn.   SeaCell comes in skeins of  378 yards and is also considered a thick fingering weight.   South American Fingering, a single ply 100% merino yarn, is considered to be an “awesome smoosh” that comes in skeins of 420 yards and is considered to be perfect for mittens, gloves, or even for a very special pair of socks.   Econo Sock, a  limited edition 100%  superwash merino, comes in 450 yard skeins that  knits up with just the slightest texture to create a soft washable yarn.   You’ll also find a beautiful collection of handspuns in 2 to 3 ply, Boucle and Gypz Tangle, a unique handspun that features unique colors and textures.

For those of you who spin,  UrbanGypz has a wonderful selection of fibers in Superwash Merino, Merino and Tencel, Merino and SeaCell, Merino and Bamboo, Vintage BFL and Australian Wool, all in mouth-watering colors.

Photo courtesy of UrbanGypz

Be sure to visit Stacey’s Etsy Shop, where you’ll find not only her beautiful sock yarns, roving and handspun, but a gorgeous collection of recycled sari yarn.

Helping Sister Out, a  line of yarns and fibers that come from a fair trade collective in Nepal where women hand spin from recycled fibers, is incredibly soft and available in vibrant colors.  Sales of their beautiful yarns and fibers help them earn a livable wage and supports their community.

After personally reviewing this beautiful recycled sari silk,  it is perfect for knitting a one of a kind scarf or small shawl.  For tips on working with this fantastic fiber, visit Stacey’s blog, where she also features a free pattern using recycled sari silk.

Be sure to visit Stacey online at UrbanGypz, where you can sign up for her newsletter to stay informed, online at her Blog, online at Etsy, online at Twitter and online at FaceBook.

UrbanGypz is a must to add to your favorite fiber shops, so be sure to visit Stacey online today!

Posted in Fiber Friday, Knitting, Review, Yarn | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment »

Wednesday’s Pattern – The Wolcott

September 1, 2010 by Tina

Today’s pattern is the Wolcott by Sarah Burghardt.    Utilizing a mock-eyelet cable stitch, a  rice stitch and short rows, this fun, innovative and quite stylish design offers a brim that can be worn down for a more slouchy look or rolled up for a more traditional look.  Either way you choose to wear this hat, it is quite versatile and perfect for your fall or winter wardrobe.   The brim of this hat is knitted perpendicular to the body and by knitting stitches on the brim together with stitches for the rest of the hat, the connection between the two is seamless.  Sarah’s pattern is very well written and very easy to follow, making this hat the perfect portable project for your fall knitting.  You can find Sarah online at Raverly, on her Blog and on Twitter.

This pattern calls for 125 – 150 yards (114 – 137 m) in worsted weight yarn,  one set of  US 9 ( 5.5 mm) DPNs,  a US 9 (5.5mm) 16″ circular needle, a yarn needle and four buttons.

Suggested Yarns: Malabrigo Merino Worsted, Brown Sheep Worsted, Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Worsted, Kertzer Northern Worsted Solid or Creative Focus Worsted by Nashua Handknits

Photo courtesy of Sarah Burghardt

Posted in Knitting, Patterns, Review, Wednesday Patterns | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments »

Slippers that are cozy warm and easy to make

August 31, 2010 by Tina

Are your slippers just about worn out and need a new pair?  or, Are you looking for great gifts to knit?  Check out these projects that are super easy, super fast and a great way to use up small amounts of yarn that might be lurking in your stash.

The Green Home Slippers, designed by Julia Noskova, features a textured look with a simple crochet edging for a finished look.  Written for European size 37 (US – 7, UK – 5), this design can easily be changed to fit any size as Julia has made notes where increases should be made.  This pattern calls for 60 grams of bulky weight yarn for the main color, 20 grams of  bulky weight yarn for the contrasting color, a size US H (5.00mm) crochet hook and a pair of  size US 2½ (3.0 mm) straight needles.  Comfy cozy, this pattern is perfect for gift giving during the holidays or for one’s self.    You can find more of Julia’s designs online at Ravelry or in her Etsy shop . (Photo courtesy of Julia Noskova)

The Mama Janes, designed by Michelle Miller of Fickleknitter, is a stylish, yet sophisticated, seamless Mary Jane style slipper.  Written  in three sizes for small, medium and large, Michelle provides knitters  with very precise well illustrated instructions .  This pattern calls for 100 – 150 yards of Manos Silk Blend, or any  DK weight yarn, size US 6 (4.0mm) DNPs,  and two buttons.   This pattern  is very versatile and can be created using just one skein of yarn, making it a great stash buster project.    You can find more of Michelle’s designs online at Ravelry, on her Website and in her Etsy shop.  (Photo courtesy of Michelle Miller)

The Ballet-Style Slippers, designed by Kathy North,  are warm, comfy and perfect for those chilly fall mornings.  Written for a women’s medium to large, this design can easily be adjusted to fit any size.   This pattern requires 400 yards of worsted weight yarn, US size 9 straight needles and a US size 9 circular needle in a 16” length (or a set of DPNS).  This slipper design is created using a double strand of yarn, with the sole being made first with stitches picked up for the body.  You can find more of Kathy’s designs online at Ravelry and on her website. (Photo courtesy of Kathy North)

These warm textured slippers, by Patons is an easy peasy quick knit, perfect for beginners and is written for three sizes.  This pattern requires one 3.5 oz skein of Patons Classic Wool, a pair of US size 6 (4.00mm) straight knitting needles and a set of US 6 (4.00 mm) DPNs.   Be sure to check out the other patterns by Patons, such as the  Classic Wool Slippers and the Classic Wool Slipper Socks .   Sign up online with Patons to enjoy these patterns,  as well as many other downloads that are available for knit and crochet.

Posted in Knitting, Patterns, Review | Tagged , , | 2 Comments »

Sunday thoughts for one’s handspun.

August 29, 2010 by Tina

Not only we knitters and crocheters, but a few of us are also spinners.  We spin, we ply and we grow our stash but at times we forget to use our lovely handspun for special projects for ourselves or for others as gifts.

Photo courtesy of Caryn Lantz of Fuzzy Noodle Knits

New to the Ravelry database is Gray Gardens, a lovely lace cowl by Caryn Lantz of  Fuzzy Noodle Knits.    This pattern has been designed especially for the use of handspun yarn.   Knitted in a delicate and simple lace pattern, this design gives texture while enhancing the color of the fiber.   This pattern is perfect to not only keep warm and cozy, but a perfect way to show of your beautiful handspun yarn.

Photo courtesy of Stephanie Pearl-McPhee

For more bulky weight handspun, the An Unoriginal Hat Pattern by Stephanie Pearl- McPhee , the Yarn Harlot,   is just the ticket.  This quick knit features two easy cable stitch patterns that can be knitted up in a matter of an hour or two.

Stephanie has also provided knitters with the One Row Handspun Scarf .  This pattern is super quick with only one row to learn as the stitch pattern and offers a reversible look.  This pattern works with any gauge, is easy to adjust for width and length to suite your needs, and truly perfect to show off the colors of your handspun.

Photo courtesy of Kristen TenDyke

If you like fingerless mitts, the Wabi-Sabi Handspun Mitts by Kristen TenDyke is the answer.   This pattern is unique as the single hank of handspun yarn, approximately 94 yards,  is wound into a center pull ball and then both mitts are cast on at the same time, each from opposite ends of the ball.   With both mitts being worked at the same time,  this makes a quick and super easy portable project!

There are so many more patterns to choose from, but as a new spinner, I thought these would make quick projects for me to cast on to try out my newly acquired hanspun that I’ve so lovingly created.

Posted in Knitting, Patterns, spinning | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments »

A Vintage Lace Collection

August 28, 2010 by Tina

I’m excited to announce the launch of my second e-Book, a collection of  my Vintage Inspired Hat and Lace Patterns , a total of  five  patterns in all!

This collection features Marmee (Beret and Cowl), Georgette (Cloche and Cowl) and the Saffron Lace Cowl.  All patterns are both written and charted.

$14.00 USD

Ravelry Instant Download (do not have to be a member to purchase).  A collection of patterns featuring eight of my vintage inspired hats. These patterns are bundled into one PDF file as a collection, or you may purchase individually.

Posted in Knitting, Patterns | Tagged , , , | Leave a Comment »

Desert blooms ~

August 28, 2010 by Tina

Located not too far from the office I work in during the week is a very large and extremely tall Blue Myrtle Cactus, that has the most beautiful blooms.  This plant has been blooming its little heart out for most of the summer.   It blooms out early in the morning and by the end of the day, these gorgeous blossoms are closed and faded,  a one day wonder.

Myrtillocactus geometrizans, also known as Blue Myrtle cactus (and a myriad of other names), is a columnular tree-like cactus native to Mexico. In nature, the cactus may reach 20 feet (4 m) in height, with the crown reaching up to 25 feet (5 m) in width. Individual joints reach up to 3 feet (1 m) in length. They have 5-8 ribs that are approximately 1 (2.5 cm) in depth with areoles about 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart. Each areole may have up to 5-9 spines, but generally they have 3-5 spines about 0.5 inches (1.2 cm) long.

Posted in Stuff | Tagged | 4 Comments »

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