Pattern Spotlight: Memoria, a lovely lace shawl!

30 04 2012

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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Categories : Giveaway, Pattern Spotlight, Review

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

4 04 2012

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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Categories : Knitting Patterns, Lace Knitting, Pattern Spotlight, Review

On the Bookshelf: Weekends are made for magazine reviews, knitting and spinning!

4 03 2012

It’s been a lovely day for me.  Hubby and I did a bit of antiquing early this morning and then made a stop at Barnes and Nobles for our ritual of coffee and perusing magazines.

I was thrilled to see the latest issue of Vogue Knitting on the stand, which came home with me today.  I have to honestly say this is the first issue that I would actually knit every single pattern that has been featured.

It’s hard to say if I have one or two over-all favorites, but I might say that I truly love the shawl designed by Lynette Meek, who based the shaping of her semi-circular collared shawl on Elizabeth Zimmerman’s Pi shawl.  I also love the Lace Panel Pullover designed by Laura Zukaite that features short dolmen styled sleeves, a center lace panel and garter stitch border.

This issue, Spring/Summer 2012, is full of gorgeous lace projects that are delicate, yet practical, colorful, yet soft.  If you haven’t already done so, check out the fashion preview on Vogue Knitting.

I also picked up the Spring/Summer 2012 Debbie Bliss Knitting Magazine that also has many designs that I look forward to knitting.  I really like the cover design, a simple striped pullover knitted up in Debbie Bliss 100% organic cotton.  For me, this a-line styled  top is perfect to wear for the summer and I will be able to use up my newly acquired stash of cotton yarn.

I also like the Boat Neck Beauty, that is another simple pullover that features stripes.  I have a stash of Debbie Bliss Amalfi that will be perfect for this project.  I’m thinking the main color would look perfect in my stash of tan and the stripes in my stash of denim and khaki.

All in all, this issue has great designs, including ones for children and the home!  To check out what’s inside, visit Colorful Stitches online, then click on each name to view a photo.  This website does not contain all photos, but contains quite a few.

So I mentioned I was also doing a bit of family research and started my journey on Ancestry.com..  This weekend I also purchased a special issue by Family Tree Magazine titled Family Tree Magazine Presents Discover your Roots.   Even though it was a bit pricey at $12.99, I have found that it contains many wonderful online resources and more.  I’ve also took a moment to view the Family Tree Magazine website and found that they offer many online tools, including a monthly podcast!

I was very excited to pick up old photos from my in-laws this morning, along with more information to correlate with what I’ve been uncovering.  It truly is fun and so fascinating!

As for knitting, I’m still working on my pair of Vorticity socks.  I’ just turned the heel and I’m now working on the gusset of the first sock.  I really like how the design is taking shape and the color is perfect for this pattern.

I’ve also been spinning my stash of Romney Wool from the Fiber Factory and I love how it spins.  I have 2oz of Romney in five colors that I plan to create a 2-ply yarn.  My goal is sport weight, fingers crossed, and I think this batch of fiber would be perfect for a colorwork project.  I found a great online article by Sarah Mombert entitled Spin Your Own Fair Isle Kit, which has given me the idea to do the same thing.  I don’t think I want to tackle a hat, but I think it would be fun to spin for a Fair Isle cowl.

Currently on the wheel is a dusty rose color

The four remaining colors to be spun.

 

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


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Categories : On the Bookshelf, Review, Socks, spinning

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, Pattern Spotlight, Patterns, Review

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

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