One pineapple vest and a quick review!

15 02 2012

I’m very excited that I’ve finished my pineapple stitch vest!  I really love how it turned out and I can’t wait to wear it.  This morning I completed a shell stitch around the bottom and the front edges for a finishing touch, and now my vest is blocking.  I haven’t decided about buttons yet and may leave this vest button free.

Project Notes:

  • Hook size used was a US Size G (4.00 mm)
  • I used approximately 7 skeins = 917.0 yards (838.5m) of Queensland Collection Rustic Wool DK
  • Pattern – a modified version of Kristin Omdahl’s Birch Vest.  I used the Pineapple Stitch design from   Crochet Inspiration bySasha Kagan.

Now it’s time to cast on my sock project!!!

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Passionate about design, Kristin seeks inspiration in textures geometric shapes found in nature. Her quirky fondness of mathematics and attraction to natural fibers make knitting and crochet heaven on earth for this talented designer.

Courtesy of Interweave Press

Kristin Omdahl,  designer of knitted and crocheted garments, author of the  Wrapped in Crochet,  Crochet so Fine and expert crocheter for Knitting Daily TV, introduced her new workshop DVD, Innovative Crochet: Motifs in 2009.

Kristin’s workshop will walk you through a wide variety of crochet motifs and will teach you the basic construction methods,  how to join them to create shapes,  how to add color-work,  and even how to use motifs as edgings.

Each lesson is explained with step-by-step instructions and includes:

  • How to crochet round, medallion, square, and hexagon-shaped motifs
  • How to read crochet charts and their symbols
  • How to work crochet motifs in the round
  • How to expand motifs as design elements

If you are looking for a way to enhance your crochet work, or even your knitting, this DVD is well worth purchasing.  This workshop with truly inspire you to try different shapes of motif, allowing you to be more creative in your own designs.   To practice your motif crochet while waiting for your DVD to arrive, visit Kristin’s website for many free downloads that are sure to inspire you to use motifs in your designs.


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Categories : All Crochet, Lace Crochet, Review

Progress and a new project is beginning!

11 02 2012

I’ve been steadily working on my pineapple vest and love how it’s turning out.  I plan to do one or  two more repeats of the pineapple lace stitch pattern before I do the finish work on the vest.   I’ve decided to crochet a simple shell stitch for the bottom and around the front edge.  As far as buttons are concerned, I’m not sure if I will incorporated them or not – maybe I’ll just use a pretty pin on the front as a closure.

Progress photo:

Two years ago I did a book review on  the paperback version of Crochet Inspiration by renowned colorist and knit wear designer Sasha Kagan.

When I decided to change the lace pattern for this vest, I started looking through this book to find my inspiration and fell in love with the pineapple stitch motif.  I’m really enjoying this book and I love the easy to follow instructions and charts for crochet.

If you crochet and haven’t seen this book, I do recommend it for your reference library.

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This weekend I’m casting on socks using my lovely skein of  Springtree Road Muscandine Sock Yarn  in Tanis.  I was thinking that I might cast on a pair of Spring Forward socks but  have decided to cast on Vorticity by Alice Yu, from her book, Socktopus.

Have you seen Alice’s book Socktopus ?  If you haven’t, you should.  This is a very well done book featuring 17 of Alice’s beautiful sock patterns, a full chapter on sock yarn basics, including a review of sock fibers and yarns, how socks should fit and the anatomy of socks.   I love the detailed step-by-step instructions,  which include charts for various designs, instructional photographs and several unique, and even amazing, heel techniques!  If you love knitting socks toe-up or cuff-down, consider adding this book to your library.

To view all 17 sock patterns, take a peek online at Raverly.   You can purchase a few  single patterns that are included in Socktopus, such as Farmer McGregor, Fliori di Zucca, Mince Pie Mayhem , Rumpled, Spring Shoots and download one free copy, Shur’tugal.

You can join the Socktopus Book KAL on Ravelry here, where they have a detailed KAL planned for the year!

From the publisher:

Everything to knit really cool socks. If you love knitting socks or want to learn how, you’ll love Socktopus – it’s packed with inspiring designs, how-to instruction, creative patterns, and expert tips. Knitting socks has never been so easy or so much fun!

17 patterns from a top designer. Written by the renowned designer Alice Yu of the UK, it features 17 of her amazing patterns, each sized in small, medium, and large. And no more worries about getting the right fit. Just follow her simple directions for shaping toes, turning heels, sizing a sole, and fitting for a high arch for a custom fit.

Love yarns? You’re in for a treat. Because so does Alice. She devotes a complete section to exploring the subject, acquainting you with wonderful yarns and fibers – in all their infinite variety. Another way this book gets your creative juice flowing.

Intriguing possibilities.Socktopus will inspire you with ideas for creating your own one-of-a-kind socks so you can dive into knitting socks feet first!

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


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Categories : Knitting Patterns, Lace Crochet, Review, Socks

Wednesday Pattern Spotlight: Let there be hearts!

8 02 2012

I thought today would be perfect to highlight a few patterns that would be wonderful as Valentine gifts!

Courtesy of Simone Van Iderstine

The Queen of Hearts by Simone Van Iderstine  of Sand and Sky Creations is a beautiful stranded color-work hat that is worked completely in the round and includes corrugated ribbing.    This hat would make a very special gift and is perfect for Valentine’s Day!

Simone’s pattern is very easy to follow, includes written instructions along with a detailed chart for the heart design.  This project calls for 125 yards (114 m) of fingering weight (14 wpi) yarn in both main color and contrast color for the smaller hat.  Or 135 yards (124 m) of fingering weight (14 wpi) yarn in both main color and contrast color for the longer hat.   You will also need a US Size  US 2½ (3.0 mm) 16″ circular needle as well as a set of DPNs.

For an adorable quick knit for a little girl, check out the Heart Party Shrug by Jenny Williams that was in the Summer 2010 Issue of Petite Purls.

This easy to follow pattern includes sizes 4, 6,8, and 10, requires 204 yards of yarn, a size US 3 and 5 needle and a set of US3 DPNs.   This is a very inexpensive project with adorable results.  I actually made this shrug for a dear friend’s little girl and it turned out perfect. (Photo courtesy of Jenny Williams)

Give a cozy that will wrap a mug with love using Valentine Mug Cozy designed by Kristen TenDyke for the  Classic Elite Web Letter.  For this project you will need 1 hank of Elite Renaissance Yarn for the main color (7155 Renaissance Red) and  1 hank for the contrast Color ( 7119 Rose), US size 8 needles, and a yarn needle.

This cozy is knitted using the Stranded Colorwork or Fair Isle knitting technique.  When using this method,  you will carry  two colors of yarn across the same row and will alternate between the two to form a color-work pattern.  While one strand is being worked, the other is carried behind it (or in front of it on the WS rows).  This technique gives a thicker and much warmer knitted fabric. (Photo courtesy of Kristen TenDyke)

I hope you enjoyed a few of these ideas and for a couple of more, click here for last year’s ideas.

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


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Categories : All Knitting, Hats, Patterns, Review, Wednesday Patterns

The National Needlearts Association (TNNA) comes to Phoenix ~ Part 1

22 01 2012

I had a very rare and unique opportunity to attend the TNNA convention here in Phoenix for one spectacular day.  A very warm and special thank you to Karen Sadow, owner of One Planet Yarn and Fiber, who generously offered to give me a badge so that I could attend this event.  I had a blast tagging along with Karen and Terri, owner of the Fiber Factory of Mesa, all day on Saturday.  I can honestly say I was in pure heaven and cannot believe that I as able to see so many gorgeous skeins of yarn, braids of fiber, needles and accessories all underneath one roof!  It was almost overwhelming.

Since I was there for only one day, but took so many photos and met so many wonderful people, I’m going to do a four-part series of my experience at TNNA.  This is for a couple of reasons, one, there is some much to tell you about and two, there are a few folks that just need a post dedicated to them.

It was very exciting to be able to finally see and even touch a few of the fibers I have heard about and that have received great reviews.  There were also fabulous hand-knits that had been knitted up for samples to show case these wonderful fibers, and many were simply amazing.

Each photo that follow will have the company name and simply click the photo to be taken directly to their website.

Are you ready for a fiber adventure?  If so, here we go!!!

Hand Painted Knitting Yarns

Mountain Colors Hand Painted Yarn - By the way, that's Cat Bordhi wearing the shawl

Be Sweet Yarns - Karen of One Planet Yarn & Fiber and Terri of the Fiber Factory

Jade Sapphire Yarns - Gorgeous Knitted Samples

The Fibre Company - In the back is Hannah Fettig co-author of Coastal Knits

Anzula Luxury Fibers - Yarn and Fiber for spinning

Imperial Yarn - American Grown Wool Yarn Company

Alchemy Yarn - Alchemy Tweedy ... this was stunning!

Beautiful display by Kollage Yarns

Lorna's Laces Hand Dyed Yarns

Red Barn Yarn

A beautiful shawl display by Manos del Uruguay Yarn

Aurora Yarns

Berroco Yarn - A yarn bar hosted by designer Norah Gaughan

Norah Gaughan was hosting a fun event, a knitting bar where you could sample the new lines by Berroco Yarn.  After you knitted a bit, you could take one of the containers that contained samples.  Norah was a lot of fun and was enjoying all the knitters that were gathering around.  She was also a good sport when I asked her if I could take a photo.

There are many more photos to share but I will save those for another day.  Until next time, happy knitting, crocheting, spinning and crafting!


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Categories : Casting On and Casting Off, Review, Yarn & Fiber

On the Bookshelf: Introducing Apps for your iPad by Interweave

19 01 2012

For those of you who own iPad, did you know that Interweave has launched a few new Apps that are ready for download at your finger tips?

I recently was given an opportunity to download a great new App from Interweave,  The Knitter’s Companion, which is based on the best-selling book by Vicki Square.

This App is perfect for quick reference, provides navigation with  ease and  allows  you to explore many variations of seams, borders, bind-offs, stitches and learn how to use embellishments for your knitting projects and much more.   Each technique has detailed illustrations that make it easier to follow and understand what you are learning.

This App gives knitters more portability and for me, this is a great tool to have on your iPad and I give it a huge “thumbs up”.

More Knitting iPad Apps by Interweave:

Colorways

Colorways

ColorKnits
There are many new Apps appearing every day on iTunes, so be sure to check them out!

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Categories : All Knitting, On the Bookshelf, Review

On the Bookshelf: Nourishing Knits

8 01 2012

Courtesy of Kristi Schueler

I was so thrilled and so honored when fellow knitter Kristi Schueler, a.k.a. Fiber Fool, asked me if I would like to be part of her blog tour for her new book, Nourishing Knits.

Kristi has combined her love of knitting and baking into a wonderful collection of designs featuring cables, lace and colorwork all paired with 12 mouthwatering recipes.

Inside knitters will be inspired to knit a lace shawl, color-work slippers, socks and mitts, as well as a unisex sweater and a vest.  Recipes include appetizers, main dishes, beverages and desserts.   Not only does each recipe include a simple list of ingredients, but includes methods and tips for preparation, as well as suggestions for pairings and substitutions.

I really love how Kristi also has provided a knitters with a clickable table of contents,  clickable visual indexes of both patterns and recipes, as well as a bookmark panel for even more navigational options!  Since this eBook is downloadable in PDF format, it is extremely portable for most electronic devices, including tablets and iPads.

Here’s just a tiny hint of what’s inside and be sure to click on each photo for a direct link to the pattern!

Ginger - Photo Courtesy of Kristi Schueler

Ciabatta - Photo Courtesy of Kristi Schueler

Ganache - PhotoCourtesy of Kristi Schueler

I love all the designs in Kristi’s new collection, but I must admit I truly have a soft spot for shawls and anything that is lacy.  Ganache is a truly exquisite creation that I cannot wait to knit!

For more information on Kristi’s new eBook or on any other of her lovely designs, you can find her online at Fiber Fool, Raverly, FaceBook and Twitter .  You can also join her Raverly group, Designedly, Kristi Knitters,  to stay informed about all her latest knitting adventures

About:  Kristi Schueler lives on Colorado’s front range with her husband, Drew, and their two dogs, Emma and Brandon. Kristi’s technical approach to knitting comes from a scientific background, including a BS in Meteorology. Her work has appeared in numerous magazines, books and e-zines. While knitting, cooking and photography are all passions for Kristi, she also enjoys reading, yoga and spending time with friends and family playing games and enjoying the outdoors.


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Categories : Giveaway, On the Bookshelf, Review

2011 in review ~ Another Amazing Year to Me!

1 01 2012

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2011 annual report for my blog and I was rather amazed and want to again say thank you to my followers.

I was thrilled to see that I’ve doubled my visitors and my followers from this time last year !!!

The Louvre Museum has 8.5 million visitors per year. This blog was viewed about 150,000 times in 2011. If it were an exhibit at the Louvre Museum, it would take about 6 days for that many people to see it.

How did they find me?

Some visitors came searching, mostly for peacefully knitting, crochet bags, knitting, jane austen knits, and crochet bag.

Where did my visitors come from?

Most visitors came from the United States.  However,  Canada and the United Kingdom were not far behind.

What was the most commented post?

The most commented on post in 2011 was Wednesday’s Pattern – The Weekend Shawl

Attractions in 2011

These are the posts that got the most views in 2011, and a few of these posts were written before 2011.  Maybe I should consider revisiting a few of these topics!

All I can say is, I couldn’t have done this without ALL OF YOU.  So thank you so much and I hope that I can continue to inspire you!


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Categories : Review, Stuff

On the Bookshelf: A Suggestion for One’s Knitting Library

3 12 2011

Over the years we collect many books that are added to our ever expanding library of stitchery, but there are two that are simply a must that offer finishing techniques and skills needed to become an expert knitter.

Photo courtesy of Barnes and Nobles

The first  book,  is The Knitter’s Book of Finishing Techniques by Nancie M. Wiseman, author of Knitted Sweaters for Every Season and designer of patterns created for Martha Stewart Living, Knitters, Interweave Knits, and many other national knitting publications.  In this handy guide,  Nancie shares her finishing secrets that feature more than 50  techniques, including increases, decreases, seams , blocking, binding off, picking up stitches and decorative finishes.  You will be able to learn, and even master, each method with easy-to-read text, excellent illustrations and dozens of color photos. This is the perfect knitting guide to keep in your knitting bag or to take along when you’re on the go.

The second book, is the Knitting Handbook, an instructional guide to knitting , edited by Viv Foster.  This wonderful handbook has more than 500 photographs and illustrations, along with an amazing library of stitches that will not only inspire you , but will make your imagination run wild with design possibilities.  In this guide, you will learn basic knitting skills, terminology, how to read charts, how to design your own garments, how to knit cables, lace,  bobbles and how to  knit with color.

From both of these books you will master the basic skills and techniques necessary  to become the knitter you aspire to be and gain the confidence you might need to overcome any stumbling blocks in learning new methods.  If you have a knitter in your family or circle of friends, these books would also make great Christmas gifts.


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Categories : All Knitting, On the Bookshelf, Review

On the Bookshelf: 60 More Quick Knits

14 11 2011

Following the success of  60 Quick Knits: 20 Hats, 20 Scarves, 20 Mittens using the ever versatile Cascade 220 Wool and  60 Quick Baby Knits  using Cascade’s 100% Superwash Wool,  60 More Quick Knits  introduces knitters to Cascade’s  brand-new “Sport-weight” yarn.

As many of you know know, Cascade has long been one of the most popular  and most affordable wool yarns for many fiber enthusiasts for years, and is ranked #1 on Ravelry.com.  Their new Sport-Weight yarn is  incredibly soft ,  gives a crisp finish and provides great stitch definition.   Like their other 220 wool lines, knitters will have a wide array of colors to choose from.

Inside 60 More Quick Knits, there are designs for knitters of all levels that range from simple to complex and include texture, bobbles, lace, colorwork and cables.   For beginner knitters there 7 patterns that are super easy, for intermediate knitters 34 patterns and for those of you who have more of an advanced knitting knowledge, there are 19 patterns.  While the patterns in this book are geared towards women and only offer one size, there are a sprinkling of designs that can be used for men, as well as for children.

All in all this book is well worth consideration and is a great addition to your bookshelf, especially if you are a lover of accessories.  Word of caution though, if you prefer knitting with worsted weight yarn, keep in mind that all of the designs featured in this book use “sport-weight” yarn.

 

Disclaimer:  This copy has been sent to me by Sixth & Spring Books for review.   Please note that the  above opinions are my own.


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Categories : On the Bookshelf, Review

On the bookshelf: Vogue Knitting, Stitchionary 6

9 11 2011

I recently received Vogue Knitting, Stitchionary 6 – Edgings from Sixth and Spring Books for review.

This book is the sixth installment in Stitchionary series that provides a collection of more than 200 edgings drawn from the Vogue Knitting archives.   Arranged in seven chapters,  knitters will find very well written and charted instructions and more than 150 color photographs of swatches for each design element.

I must applaud Vogue Knitting on the last section of the book that is dedicated to crochet.  For me personally, I love combining knitting with crochet, especially when using it for an edging.  Crochet offers the unique ability to provide just the right about of “lace” in a manner that knitted edges often lack.  Its quick, neat and gives a “finished” look to any knitted garment.

I can say that a few edging designs look familiar and are even very similar to The Edge Series by Nicky Epstein, but all in all, this is a good book for knitters of all levels that can be used as a source guide for finishing off in type of garment with a beautiful edging.

Here’s what you’ll find inside:

  • Chapter 1:  Ribs
  • Chapter 2:  Texture
  • Chapter 3:  Cables
  • Chapter 4:  Lace
  • Chapter 5:  Color
  • Chapter 6:  Unusual
  • Chapter 7:  Crochet

 

 

Disclaimer:  This copy has been sent to me by Sixth & Spring Books for review.   Please note that the  above opinions are my own.

 


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Categories : On the Bookshelf, Review, Tips & Techniques

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