Category Archives: Pattern Spotlight

April 15, 2013 · 4:52 am

Pattern Spotlight: Lara Smoot Designs

I’ve known Lara through Ravelry and met her a year or so ago during the Tour De Fleece.  I found out that not only was this woman a wonderful spinner, but a fantastic knitter turned designer.

Lara has released two new designs this month that I must bring attention too, especially to all you avid sock knitters out there,  yes ladies, you know who I’m talking to.

Ferry Beach State Park is located on the coast of Southern Maine. It’s a quiet beach where the gentle waves wash beautiful sea shells onto the sands. A small tidal pool is home to starfish, sand dollars and hermit crabs. It’s a picturesque beach where I spent many summer days as a child combing the sands for shells and sea glass. These socks are reminiscent of the shells that wash up on the shore and the patterns in the sand from the waves and tides. ~ Lara Smoot

When I first saw Ferry Beach I was smitten!  This beautiful design features cuff down construction, an elegant stitch pattern for the leg and a solid foot.  This pattern offers sock knitters  instructions for sizes  small, medium, and large, very well written step-by-step instructions for the heel, gusset and toe construction and a chart for the lace stitch pattern.  While this pattern has been designed using a set of four double pointed needles, it can easily be converted for magic loop or two circular needles.

For this project you will need approximately 350 to 400 yards of fingering weight yarn and a set of four DPNs in size US 1 (2.25mm) or the size to obtain gauge.  This design is perfect for intermediate to advanced knitters who have an understanding of lace design and charts.

Photo used with permission of the designer -  © Lara Smoot

Deep beneath the surface of the ocean lie sunken pirate ships laden with treasure, fields of kelp swaying in the tidal breezes, and beautiful sea creatures swimming along the bottom. I have always been fascinated with what is under the surface of the water. The lace pattern on Stranger Tides brings to mind the delicate appearance of the lacey plants and tentacled creatures that live in the tropical waters of the Caribbean. ~ Lara Smoot

Lara’s second design this month is On Stranger Tides.  I first of all have to say, I LOVE this pattern and I literally mean the pattern.  Lara has incorporated a touch of the sea, as well as a sea creature with tentacles into the actual pattern pages, giving it a 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea  kind of feel.

This design also features cuff down construction and a lace design that ends at the toe.  This pattern also offers sock knitters very well written step-by-step instructions for the heel, gusset and toe construction, and three sets of charts for the lace stitch pattern.  Like Ferry Beach,  this pattern has been designed using a set of four double pointed needles, it can easily be converted for magic loop or two circular needles.

For this project you will need approximately 350 to 400 yards of fingering weight yarn and a set of four DPNs in size US 1 (2.25mm) or the size to obtain gauge.  This design is perfect for intermediate to advanced knitters who have an understanding of lace design and charts.

Photo used with permission from the designer – © Lara Smoot

About:    Lara lives with her husband in Central Virginia with the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains as the backdrop for their home.  She is the Director of Social Media for Shalimar Yarns and writes about her adventures on her blog,  SockKnittingLara.  You can find her designs online at Ravelry and online at Etsy.  To stay informed of new design releases and more, join her FaceBook page and follow her on Twitter.

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Would you like one of Lara’s new sock designs?  If you answered yes, simply leave a comment and tell me why you love to knit socks,  and which pattern above you would like to knit.   Be sure to leave a means of contact and if your email does not automatically attach to your comment, please include your Ravelry ID.

This giveaway is open to all and will end on Friday, April 19th. The winner will be picked by a random number generator and announced on Saturday, April 20th.

 

Thank you for entering, this giveaway is now closed !

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February 3, 2013 · 2:56 pm

Pattern Spotlight: A Few Colorwork Designs to Tempt You!

I have been going through my stash, re-organizing and looking at patterns on Ravelry to see what type of projects I could make with what I have on hand, including my fiber for spinning.  I’ve really been wanting to do some type of colorwork and found a few patterns that I had to share with you, the best part, a few of them are even  ”free”!

Last week I purchased Jagged Ridge Mittens designed by Kiyomi Burgin.  I love the pattern for these mitts as the have a bit of “Southwestern” flair to them.  This design is worked flat and then seamed on the side, but I think it could easily be adapted to the round.  I love the stitch pattern so much, I might even have to create a hat to go with the mitts!

Courtesy of Oliver James Brooks

For my stash of handspun that is growing by leaps and bounds, I have decided that I should try the Ballycastle Tam by Anne Podlesak.  This project only requires four colors, and I’m thinking I have just the right amount of handspun for the yardage that will be needed.

Courtesy of Anne Podlesak

I’ve always liked the Freyja Sweater designed by Courtney Kelley that was in the Interweave Knits, Fall 2009 issue.    This is a classic style yoke sweater with just enough color at the top for interest.  I currently own this magazine, but wanted to let you know that it is a free download, along with a matching hat pattern, online at Knitting Daily.

Courtesy of Interweave Press

For those of you who enjoy crochet, I found a design similar to the Freyja Sweater by Julia Vaconsin.   Northern Dreams is another simple, yet classic design that offers the look of knitted Fair Isle.

The designer’s inspiration for this casual pullover was traditional Icelandic sweaters. The lower body and sleeves are worked in the round to the armholes, then are joined together to form the yoke, just as a traditional knitted Lopi would be. Simple stitch patterns form the colorwork yoke, showing off a unique effect that only crochet can achieve. Worked in sport weight alpaca, this sweater is lightweight, close-fitting, and very warm.

Courtesy of Interweave Press

I found a hat pattern I thought would be great to knit for my Mom via a post by Rebecca of  Socks for Mom.   Rebecca’s design, the Guernsey Potato Peel Hat, is a great way to use up small skeins of  fingering weight yarn that sometimes lingers in your stash.  Be sure to check out Rebecca’s other colorwork design, Bauer Hat, as well.

Courtesy of Socks For Mum

I have been thinking that I might also want to try Hickory Mittens by Adrian Bizilia, which is another great project for stash busting.  I love that these mittens are knitted with worsted weight yarn, and only four colors are needed.  Adrian has also written a blog post on color values to help in the aid of yarn selection and choosing the right colors to go together.  Be sure to check out her most popular design,  Fiddlehead Mittens.

Courtesy of Adrian Bizilia

One design that has been in my Ravelry queue for ages, is the Inspira Cowl by celerystalk.  I love the simplicity and the use of colors in this design, and again, another great stash busting project.

Do you enjoy colorwork?  If so, what is your favorite pattern or design?

Until next time, happy knitting, crocheting, spinning and crafting!

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January 7, 2013 · 7:32 pm

Pattern Spotlight: A Parade of Vests

Since I’m nearing the completion of my  Top Down Swing Pullover, I’ve been thinking about what type of project I want to do next and I’ve decided that a vest would be nice.  I have searched the Ravelry website for the perfect pattern to cast on and found a few really great designs that I thought would be nice to spotlight today.

First up is my favorite, one that I just purchased and plan to cast on very soon. Simona by Marlaina “Marly” Bird is a highly textured design with a unique stitch pattern that goes along the front edges and that is mirrored down the back.  I love the look of this vest and think it will make a great addition to my working wardrobe!

Courtesy of Marly Bird

I found a gorgeous design by Simona Merchant-Dest called the Diamond Vest Jacket.  Sophisticated, elegant and quite stunning, this design would be perfect knitted up in a soft white or a soft gray.  I think this garment would be wonderful  for work, a night out on the town or the weekend with jeans.

Simona Merchant-Dest

Courtesy of Simona Merchant-Dest

Hip with a bit of swing is Falling Water by Jamie Thomas.  This design offers a lovely drape in the front with a neckline that gives the look of a scarf.  I think this would be perfect for layering with a turtle neck.

Courtesy of Imagine Knit Designs

For a more traditional and classic style vest, Redhook by Jared Flood is just the ticket!  This bottom up seamless design has a deep ribbed bottom and rolled collar, perfect for any wardrobe!  I love the hat design too!  Quincy is  a classic  garter stitch pattern that knits up quick in bulky weight yarn. Both of these designs are part of Classic Elite Made In Brooklyn, a  collection by knitwear designer Jared Flood.

Courtesy of Brooklyn Tweed

For cable lovers, the Tunic Sweater by Lee Gant is perfect for spring, summer and fall!  I love the diamond cable stitch pattern of this design and think it would great knitted up in cotton, a cotton blend or even a light wool blend.

Courtesy of Lee Gant

Do you like to knit vests?

If yes, what is your favorite pattern?

Until next time, happy knitting, crocheting, spinning and crafting!

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August 21, 2012 · 5:25 am

Pattern Spotlight: Amethiste

My dear online friend Robin Ulrich of Robin Ulrich Studio has just released a gorgeous new shawl design called Amethiste.  I love the simple elegance of this top-down triangular design and look forward to knitting my very own this year.

For those of you who enjoy shawl knitting, Robin has provided both written and charted instructions, as well as a link to a short video on how to create a garter stitch tab.  This pattern also includes instructions for two sizes, a shawlette and a shawl.   When finished and blocked, the shawlette will measure approximately 22″ deep and 56″ wide, and the shawl will measure approximately 28″ deep and 76″ wide.

For this project you will need:

  • 1 skein of fingering weight yarn for the shawlette size and 2 skeins of fingering weight yarn for the shawl size
  • Circular knitting needles in size US 6 ( 4.0 mm) and size US 7 (4.5 mm)
  • Stitch Markers

Photo courtesy of Robin Ulrich

Amethiste is a fun and fast project to knit as well as being a versatile shawl to wear, with the wide triangle shape easily draping over the shoulders or around the neck in a variety of stylish ways. Knit from the top down in a choice of two sizes, this design showcases just one or two skeins of special fingering weight yarn. ~ Robin Ulrich

Be sure to check out Robin’s other beautiful designs at Ravelry and Craftsy.  And be sure to follow her online at Robin Ulrich Studio  and online at Twitter.

Until next time, happy knitting and crafting!

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June 26, 2012 · 8:34 pm

Pattern Spotlight: Streusel

It’s been quite a while since I’ve done a pattern spotlight but today I came across Streusel, a shawlette pattern designed by one of my favorite designers, Bonnie Sennott and I had to share this beautiful creation will all of you!

I love the simplicity of this design and the delicate lace edge.  For me in particular, this is the perfect shape and size for a stunning accessory piece to wear this summer, or even for the fall.  I’m already going through my stash to see what yarn I want to use for this pattern and I have to admit,  I can’t wait cast on!

Facts:   The triangular garter stitch design with its lace border is worked as one piece, with increases and decreases evenly placed giving this piece a gentle curve.  Knitters will be pleased to note that Bonnie has provided well written instructions that are easy to follow, as well as charted instructions for the lace border.    This project is perfect for an advanced beginner who has the basic understanding of knitting, as well the terms of YO (yarn over), K2TOG ( knit two together),  SL-K2TOG-PSSO ( slip one stitch, knit two together and pass the slipped stitch over) and KFB (knit one front and back).

Materials:  This project will require 1 skein (437 yards/399m) of Periwinkle Sheep fingering weight yarn, a blend of 50% superwash merino and 50% silk merino silk, or any fingering weight yarn to match the gauge of 20 stitches and 29 rows to equal 4 inches in garter stitch using an US #6 (4.00mm) needle.

Finished Size:  This shawlette will measure approximately 64 inches (163 cm)  long by 13 inches (33 cm) wide at center.

Photo courtesy of  ©bluepenisula with permission given by Bonnie Sennott

Knit in a fingering weight wool/silk blend from Periwinkle Sheep, Streusel has a soft sheen and fabulous drape. It’s just right for covering your shoulders on cool summer mornings or in chilly air-conditioning. For a warm fall/winter wrap, make it in 100% wool, alpaca, or maybe a wool/cashmere blend. (It’s never too early to be thinking about your holiday gift list!) ~ Bonnie Sennott

You can find more of  Bonnie’s designs online at Ravelry and Etsy and be sure to stay informed  by visiting her blog,  Blue Penisula,  or by joining  her Ravelry Group, or by following her  online at Twitter.

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May 13, 2012 · 4:28 am

And the winner is …..

I want to thank all of you for entering my recent giveaway featuring Skipperdee designed by Julia Farwell-Clay of Moth Heaven.

Please remember you can find more of Julia’s designs online at Ravelry and on her website, Moth Heaven.  You can also find her online at Twitter.

Photo ©Caro Sheridan – Used by permission by Julia Farwell-Clay

And the winner is …… Entry#11, Rachelle of Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand.  Congratulations Rachelle, you will love this pattern!!!

Until next time, happy knitting, crocheting, spinning and crafting!

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May 7, 2012 · 4:45 am

Pattern Spotlight: Skipperdee !

As you can tell, I’m madly in love with cardigans, especially when they are knitted all in one piece.  I was so excited to see a lovely new bottom-up design hit the Ravelry pages this past week and had to share.

Skipperdee designed by Julia Farwell-Clay of Moth Heaven has created a gorgeous cardigan that has a lovely cabled design edging the top and the cuffs.

This cardigan was inspired by a long standing interest of mine in all those beautiful sideways cable sweaters, and my frustration with the way they fit me. This cable will not bind at the shoulders, and the sweater fits and feels great on the body, whether buttoned up or not. ~ Julia Farwell-Clay

Photo ©Caro Sheridan – Used by permission by Julia Farwell-Clay

The Facts:   I truly love that this project is seamless, worked flat and then joined at the yoke with the arms worked in the round and then completed all in one piece.   I also love that Julia has provided finished bust sizes that range from 33 3/4″ to 54 3/4″, making this cardigan perfect for just about all shapes and sizes.

Knitters will enjoy very well written easy to follow instructions that includes a chart for the cable stitch design found on the cuffs and the yoke.    Julia has also included detailed notes on special stitches used for her design, as well as excellent finishing techniques, abbreviations and a sweater schematic showing all measurements.  This project is perfect for an intermediate to an advanced knitter.

Materials:  For this project you will need  6 to 11 skeins of Spirit Trail Verdande ( 75% Superwash Merino, 15% Cashmere and 10% Bombyx Silk) or  approximately 1,320 to 2,420 yards of  any worsted weight that will match the gauge of 19 stitches and 28 rows to equal 4″ over stockinette, a size US 5 and a size US 7 needle,  8 buttons that are 3/4″, stitch markers and a darning needle for weaving in the ends.

You can find more of Julia’s designs online at Ravelry and on her website, Moth Heaven.  You can also find her online at Twitter.

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Today is Julia’s birthday, so she is celebrating by offering one free PDF Download of her new design, Skipperdee to one lucky blog reader.

To enter this giveaway, simply leave a comment, and do be sure to leave a means of contact if your email does not automatically attach to your comment, for example your Ravelry ID or Twitter ID.

This giveaway is open to all ~ meaning, it’s open to international blog readers too !

The  deadline to enter is Saturday, May 12th at 4:00pm Arizona Time.  The winner will be selected by a  random number generator and will be announced on Sunday, May 13th .   Please note that the winner will receive their PDF download of this pattern directly from Julia via Ravelry or via email.

So who wouldn’t want to win a free copy of this wonderful new design!

Thank you for entering ~ this giveaway is now closed!

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May 5, 2012 · 4:03 pm

And the winner is …..

I want to thank all of you for entering my recent giveaway featuring Memoria, a light, airy piece designed by Deborah Glaser of Oblivious Knits.

Photo © ObliviousKnits – Used with permission

I planned to announce the winner on Sunday, May 6th, but Deborah wanted me to pass on a special thank you to all my blog readers and to those of you who entered to win a chance for a free copy of her pattern.

So, from now until the end of Sunday, May 6th, you can enjoy 20% off of any Oblivious Designs by simply using coupon code Memoria at checkout!

As you know, we can only have one lucky winner, and that winner is entry #10, Maddy of Knoxville, Tennessee.   Congratulations Maddy, you’re going to love Deborah’s design!

Until next time, happy knitting, crocheting, spinning and crafting!

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April 30, 2012 · 4:42 am

Pattern Spotlight: Memoria, a lovely lace shawl!

Me`mo´ri`a
n. 1. Memory.
Memoria technica
technical memory; a contrivance for aiding the memory.
Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, published 1913 by C. & G. Merriam Co.

As you all know I deeply love lace shawls and the beauty that is created using intricate, delicate designs.  These creations that inspire me have to be shared and one such design is Memoria, a light, airy piece designed by Deborah Glaser of Oblivious Knits.

This top down triangular shawl incorporates a simple knitted top portion and a border that has a unique design that transforms into tiny lace hearts before ending with the scalloped edge.

Photo © ObliviousKnits – Used with permission

Photo © ObliviousKnits – Used with permission

The Facts:  There are many aspects of this project I truly love.  One,  it only requires one skein of  light fingering weight yarn and second, Deborah has provided charts for each part of the lace design (perfect for those of you who prefer to follow charts) that are followed by detailed step-by-step written instructions.   This project is perfect for intermediate to advanced knitters who understand lace knitting.

Materials:   For this project you will need one skein of At Knits End Yarns BFL Sock or any light-fingering weight yarn in a skein of 440 yards to match the gauge of 12 stitches and 12 rows to equal 2 inches in Chart B after blocking, a size US 7(4.5 mm) 32″ to 40” circular needle, stitch markers, a cable needle, and a tapestry needle to weave in the ends.

Finished Measurements: Approximately 25” x 50” relaxed after blocking

I recently had the pleasure of asking Deborah what inspired her to create such a beautiful piece, and here’s what she had to say:

Memoria is inspired by a deep sense of loss, and how memories are altered to help cope with loss.

The diagonal straight lines represent time lines, things that are true, that really happened. Their edges have been straightened to make them more sharp and clear and clean. They stop abruptly and are lost inside the border, where it’s hard to make order of them. They keep moving forward, but joined with other lines, they echo and dissolve into a new arrangement, as loss brings with it the memory of every other loss.  I see hearts when I follow the lines of the lace in the border.

The edging represents the “new normal” after adjusting to the loss. The lines have all shifted from their original configuration. I don’t want to talk about my specific losses, because that would put too fine a point on it. I will say that Memoria is the most beautiful, simple, painful thing I’ve ever made, and I’m glad it got to out of me and into the world.

I also asked when she starting to knit, here’s what she had to say:

I decided I would teach myself to knit by the age of 34, which was a random number I picked. I got a learn to knit kit that year (2004) and it was really easy, and garter stitch was really boring.

I started playing with knits and purls and was still bored. I started watching Knitty Gritty on DIY Network, so that was like my knitting group. I read lots of magazines and found I liked to read patterns and charts. Sweater amounts of yarns were getting way too expensive, and my weight was fluctuating wildly so nothing I made ever fit. I played with lace swatches from the charts in magazines. I made lots of beaded lace, and knit with silk thread and loved things like that.

My favorite things became small triangle lace shawls, because I could make them with one skein of yarn and it was a challenge to try to fit what I wanted to do into that shape and space. That’s the shape I’m obsessed with and keep coming back to. It turned out that knitting lace was a way to express myself and make pretty things, and it didn’t matter what size I was or what size I will become, because lace shawls fit every body.  And blocking lace is magical!

If you love, or even adore, lace knitting and shawls, keep this beautiful design in mind, as well as Deborah’s other lovely shawl designs that can be found online at Raverly.

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I am so excited to announce that Deborah  is generously offering one free PDF Download of her new design, Memoria, to one lucky blog reader.

To enter this giveaway, simply leave a comment, and do be sure to leave a means of contact if your email does not automatically attach to your comment, for example your Ravelry ID or Twitter ID.  This giveaway is open to all ~ meaning, it’s open to international blog readers too !

The  Deadline to enter is Saturday, May 5th at 4:00pm Arizona Time.  The winner will be selected by a  random number generator and will be announced on Sunday, May 6th .   Please note that the winner will receive their PDF download of this pattern directly from Deborah.

So who wouldn’t want to win a free copy of this wonderful new design!

Thank you for entering, this giveaway is now closed!

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April 4, 2012 · 6:31 pm

Wednesday’s Pattern Spotlight: A tale of woe and a super quick pattern review !

I do apologize for not posting too much these past few days but needless to say I’m about ready to throw my computer and wireless system out the window!  The last few weeks I’ve been having computer issues which has caused me much grief and to the point where I’m down more than I’m up when it comes to the internet.  If I do not get back to you right away when you email, please contact me via Ravelry – I have access to that via another location that I can check from time to time during the day.

With that being said, on to the fun things that involve fiber!

This time of year is a time rejuvenation, a time for change and a time for us to start knitting, or crocheting, items that are lighter weight or that have shorter sleeves.  Let’s face it girls, spring is here and summer is just around the corner!

I came across a gorgeous new design by Andi Smith today on Ravelry that I had to share.  Bide, is a short sleeve, top-down seamless cardigan with a chain stitch design for interest.  This little number is perfect to wear to work with a skirt or a pair of slacks, or even a pair of capri pants.  I love the simplicity of this design and the pattern is versatile enough to make it short (as shown) or a bit longer.   This design will require 600 to 1,000 yards of worsted weight yarn and has bust size that range from 32 to 48 inches.

Courtesy of Andi Smith of Knit Brit

I love lace and Amy Swenson‘s new vest design, Riverbank Road, is adorable!  This one piece, seamless bottom up design is perfect to wear over a tee or a tank, or even a summer dress.  This design requires 300 to 600 yards of fingering weight yarn and has bust sizes that range from 30 to 46 inches.

Courtesy of Amy Swenson of Indi Knits

I’m a huge fan of Cecily Glowik MacDonald of Winged Knits and truly love her latest design, Floating.  This one piece top-down design is knitted in lace weight yarn, which provides a very light weight garment.  Cecily has also added just the right amount of lace for a very soft and feminine piece. The design will require 690 to 1280 yards of lace weight yarn and a size US 5 (3.75 mm) 29″ circular needle.

Courtesy of Cecily Glowik MacDonald

To celebrate the 100 year anniversary of the Titanic, Kirsten Kapur’s Unsinkable is a beautiful shawl that is perfect for evening or for those cool summer nights.  This bottom up delicate lace design uses short rows to provide a gentle curve that allows the shawl to stay on ones shoulders.   This project will require 350 to 400 yards of fingering weight yarn and  a size US 8 (5.0 mm) circular needle.  Kirsten provides both charted and written instructions.

Unsinkable is the result of a collaboration between Anne Podlesak of Wooly Wonka Fibers and myself. We were talking about strong women in history and Margaret “Molly” Brown came up. I was born on the 50th anniversary of the Titanic disaster – the iceberg was hit at 11:40 pm on the 14th of April (my birthday) and sank in the wee hours of the 15th. As a result I have always been fascinated by all things Titanic. Since both the Titanic and I confront big anniversaries this month it seemed appropriate to design a pattern to commemorate the events of April 14-15, 1912 and honor Margaret Brown. ~ Kirsten Kapur

Courtesy of Kirsten Kapur of Through The Loops!

I hope you enjoyed more pattern choices today and that it has inspired you to start a bit of spring, or even summer knitting.

Until next time, happy knitting, crocheting, spinning and crafting!

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