Wednesday Pattern Spotlight: TNNA Part 3, The Fickle Knitter

25 01 2012

Michelle Miller and Me

 

I had the sincere pleasure of meeting a very talented designer at the TNNA convention this past Saturday, Michelle Miller, a.k.a  Fickle Knitter.

Michelle’s designs are even more fantastic in person and I’m simply in love with her shawl designs.  The one particular thing I truly love about this designer, she creates designs that only require one skein of yarn.  That is a big plus and it a great way for knitters to stash bust.

Courtesy of Michelle Miller

Did you know that Michelle just launched her very first book?

Leaves, features eight projects using only 395 yards of luxury yarn or less.  Each pattern is very well written, provides charts, offers tips, abbreviations and includes gorgeous photos of each design.

Inside you will find projects for  four small accessories that are perfect for newer knitters and four shawls for more advanced knitters.   The great thing about Michelle’s designs, each pattern has been tech edited and test knit for accuracy as well as clarity

Patterns include:

You can purchase a signed hard copy of Michelle’s book or purchase a PDF version.  Either way you will not be disappointed!  You can find all of Michelle’s design online at her Website and online at Raverly. Be sure to stay informed and join her Raverly group,  Fickle Knitter Design and follow her on FaceBook.

About:  Michelle Miller graduated from West Virginia University in 2003 with her first degree in Physics with an emphasis in Astrophysics.  She then attended California State University at Long Beach while studying Physics and doing Materials Science Laboratory research, graduating with her Masters Degree in 2010.

Michelle has been writing knitting patterns professionally since 2008.  She combines her love of mathematics and knitting and takes joy in her knitting (almost) every day.  Michelle has been published regularly with articles and knitting patterns appearing in magazines and books since 2009.  Michelle specializes in writing knitting patterns that only requires one skein of luxury yarns.


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Wednesday’s Pattern: Cardigans to keep you warm

21 12 2011

I truly love this time of year for the simple reason I can wear my cardigans, which doesn’t last too long here in Phoenix.  I have several great designs that I want to knit next year and just added two more to my Raverly favorites.

The Icicles Cardigan by Becky Herrick is a great pattern that combines handspun and commercial yarn.  I really love the finishing details to this design, especially the I-Cord edge, which always gives a very nice finish to garments.    I also like the use of handspun for the top portion, which is a wonderful way for hand-spinners to show off their handspun fiber.  Top down and seamless is also a major plus in my book. I have gone through my fiber stash and have found the perfect fiber to spin for this design and I can wait to knit this pattern!

This pattern can be found online in the December issue of Ennea Collective and can be purchased as an instant download.  There are several other wonderful patterns in this issue too, so check them all out.

Courtesy of Becky Herrick

Anne’s Cardigan designed by Kathy Broughton is a fitted cardigan that incorporates an elegant lace design along the front edges, down the back and along the arms.   This cardigan would be perfect for layering and to wear around the office.   This design was created using Knit Picks Stroll Tonal Sock Yarn and provides written instructions with sizes ranging from extra small to size 3X.  Keep in mind that this is not a seamless design but is perfect for a beginner to learn garment construction and seaming, and for the advanced knitter who enjoys knitting projects that have interesting details.   This pattern can be purchased as an instant download from Raverly or from Knit Picks.

Courtesy of Kathy Broughton

Do you love knitting cardigans?  If yes, what’s your all time favorite pattern to knit?

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


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Wednesday’s Pattern: Scarves with elegance

14 12 2011

I love many of the new designs that have been launched this month on Raverly, but three designs have caught my eye that are simply stunning, sophisticated and oh so very elegant.

First is Thea Colman’s BlackCherry Lambic.  I love the use of lace and cables to provide a simple, yet textured scarf.   This pattern contains instructions for a scarf, a wrap and a cowl, all using the Plucky Knitter’s Primo Worsted Wool.  The cowl design is in three sizes, ranging from 35″ to 41″ in length and  10″ in width, and requires 400 to 600 yards.  The scarf design measures 56″ in length and 12 1/2″ in width and requires 600 yards.  The wrap design measures approximately 60″ in length and 18 1/2″ in width and requires 900 yards.

This lovely stitch pattern was truly addictive – it has a combination of texture and lace that really stands out in a subtle hand dyed yarn. The geometric cable edging adds a little contrast to the flowy nature of the fabric and balances the edges out for interest. ~ Thea Colman

Courtesy of Splityarn

Second is Robin Ulrich’s Bosc Scarf.   This design provides style and sophistication with the use of lace.  This project requires approximately 500 yards of worsted weight yarn, such as Cascade 220 Wool or Quince & Co. Lark, and has a finished measurement of 9” wide by 76” long for the yardage specified.   I love the fact that Robin provides both written and charted instructions for this design.

Inspired by the graceful curves of ripe pears, the Bosc Scarf’s lush texture is simple to knit with easily-worked lace stitches and simple cables. Complementary lace borders and a clean edge treatment maintain sleek modern lines. ~ Robin Ulrich

Courtesy of Robin Ulrich

Third is Wendy Neal’s Tiare.    This design offers knitters versatility by providing instructions for a triangular shawl or a scarf.   For the shawl, you need 450 yards of fingering weight yarn to achieve a finished size of  46” wide by  21”  long.  For the scarf, you need approximately 500 yards of sport weight yarn to achieve a finished size of 13″ wide by 63″ long.  Both designs were created by using an eyelet mock cable and an elegant lace scallop for the edge.

Courtesy of Wendy Neal

I also want to mention the following designs that are great ideas for gifts this year:

  1. Chalice Mitts and Chalice Cowl by Julia Trice
  2. Very Pretty Lace Beret by Vera Sanon
  3. Erin’s Cowl by Debbie Stone
  4. Deephaven Cowl by Bonnie Sennott
  5. Morgandy Mittens by Triona Murphy

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


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Wednesday’s Pattern: Time On My Hands

28 09 2011

I don’t know about you, but I love  knitting mittens and gloves.  As the  seasons change, a few of us will be picking up the needles to start making gifts for the holidays or even start a bit of selfish knitting.

I truly enjoy quick knits that are portable and provide instant gratification when done.  One collection of patterns that has caught my eye for this years knitting is Time On My Hands,  an eBook by Becky Herrick.    Inspired by the old-fashion clocks she was surround with when growing up,  Becky has captured moments of time in the artistry of mittens and gloves, giving us a collection of beautiful designs that are perfect to wear for any occasion.

This eBook features nine unique one-of-a-kind designs that are quick knits for every level of knitting.  Becky provides very well written step-by-instructions, charts, beautiful photographs of each finished project, notes and lots of great tips.  Knitters will also find two pages dedicated to knitting techniques and abbreviations, as well as a brief history on the creation of this collection.

Techniques that you need to know for knitting these patterns include knitting in the round, understanding lace, cables and charts, as well as basic knitting.   Yarn used for these projects include fingering weight,  DK weight, sport weight and worsted weight,  with yardage ranging from 130 yards to little over 400 yards.   These projects are great for using up those single skeins in your stash or leftover sock yarns.

Whether you are an advanced beginner or a seasoned knitter, this collection offers something for everyone.    From simple to complex, from lace to cables, this collection will provide knitters with projects to fill their time with delightful knitting!

Every pattern will have a name and tie-in with the book’s theme: time. Clocks, time pieces, and times of day will be featured through the patterns. Hands are a great canvas for trying a new technique or showing off a busy pattern without it becoming overwhelming. These patterns will give you a chance to try out just a little of something – a few cables, a simple lace repeat, a touch of stranded color work.

~ Becky Herrick

About:   Becky lives in the beautiful state of Vermont where she enjoys gardening, raising chickens, reading, knitting, and spinning.   Becky is an  independent designer who has self-published many designs, but also has been published in Knitty, Twist Collective, Tangled, and more!     Becky can be found online at Ravelry, her Blog, Twitter and FaceBook.   Be sure to join her Ravelry group, Sugar Tree , where you can ask questions about her patterns and show off your finished projects.

Photos:  Courtesy of Becky Herrick

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I am so excited to announce that Becky is generously offering one free copy of her new eBook, Time On Your Hands, 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.

The  Deadline to enter is Sunday, October  2nd at 4:00pm Arizona Time.  The winner will be selected by a  random number generator and will be announced on Monday, October 3rd.   Please note that the winner will receive their eBook directly from Becky

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

Thank you all for entering – this giveaway is now closed !


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Wednesday’s Pattern: Takoma

21 09 2011

I must say I’m in love with Knitty’s Deep Fall 2011 collection this year, especially the Takoma Cardigan designed by Julia Farwell-Clay.  This Cowichan inspired sweater truly echos the colors of fall and will truly wrap you up in toasty warmth.  I can honestly say this project will be on my knitting list for this year and will look forward to wearing in on trips to Northern Arizona.

Facts:  This project is for a more advanced knitter with the knowledge and understanding of color-work.  While the instructions for this design in worked flat, it can be worked in the round if you are comfortable with steeking.  This pattern includes both written and charted instructions that are easy to understand and follow.

Materials:  This project calls for  Cascade Yarns Eco+  and Ecological Wool , which comes in skeins of 478yd/437m per 250g skein.  You will need 2 – 3 skeins in colorway #7098 Merlot, 1 skein in colorway #9459 Yakima Heather and 1 skein in colorway #8085 Mocha, as well as one set of US  size 8(5mm) double-point needles, one US size 8 (5mm) circular needle 32 inches or longer,  one  US #9 (5.5mm) circular needle 32 inches or longer and 6 buttons measuring approximately 1 1/2  inches in diameter.  Other notions that will be needed include stitch markers, stitch holders, a yarn needle and a needle and thread for the buttons.

Courtesy of Caro Sheridan

Courtesy of Caro Sheridan

You can find more of Julia’s designs online at Raverly and you can follow her adventures on her blog, Moth Haven and on Twitter.

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


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Wednesday’s Pattern Spotlight: Skeleton Key

7 09 2011

Last year I spotlighted lace and cable hat designs that I really loved then and still love now.  One in particular is the lovely cabled Skeleton Key Slouchie Tam by Simone Van Iderstine of Sand and Sky Creations.

This cabled hat is very inspiring to me and I love the stitch design that Simone chose for this particular pattern.  I personally will be knitting this hat this month during the September KAL in Simone’s group.

The Facts:  This design is worked completely in the round and is geared more to an advanced knitter or one who understands detailed cable work.    Simone provides very detailed step-by-step instructions, along with a charts for each part of the cable design.

The Materials:     This project requires approximately 260 yards ( 238 meters) of  worsted weight yarn, a size US 8 (5 mm) 16″ or 20″ circular needle, a set of size US 8 (5 mm)  double-pointed needles, a stitch marker, a cable needle, and tapestry needle for weaving  in ends.

Finished Size: 16″ in circumference (unstretched) but comfortably fits up to 23″ by  11″deep

Yarn Suggestions:  

Indy Dyers:  Lamb’s Ears Worsted Weight,  Springtree Road Worsted Weight,  Sunflower Yarns Worsted Weight   Commercial Dyers:  Cascade 220 Superwash, Malabrigo Rios Worsted,  or Spud and Chloe Sweater

Courtesy of Simone of Sand and Sky Creations

You can find more of  Simone’s designs online at Raverly and  her Website.   Be sure to follow her adventures online at Facebook,  her Blog and be sure to join her Ravelry Group too for fun monthly KALs!

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


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Wednesday’s Pattern Spotlight: Highness

24 08 2011

Today’s featured pattern is Highness by Glenna C. of  Knitting to Stay Sane.   I simply adore knitting socks for many reasons but typically because they are projects that can easily be carried with you anywhere you go.   I especially like knitting patterns that give interest and when I say Glenna’s latest design on Ravelry I knew that I had to knit a pair.

Glenna has created a delicate design by using simple small cable stitches, along with twisted stitches, that are worked from the cuff down.   This pattern includes written, as well as charted, instructions and available for a size small or large.  When finished, this pair of socks will give the appearance of a very intricate and complicated design that will be a great addition to your sock collection.

Materials:   This project uses 1 skein (425 yards) of Lorna’s Laces ‘Solemate’, a blend of  55% superwash merino wool, 15% nylon and 30% outlast, or any light fingering weight yarn that matches the gauge of 34 stitches s and 46 rounds to equal 4 ins (10 cm)  in stockinette stitch using US size 1.5 (2.5mm) needles.  You will also need a set of US Size 1.5 (2.5mm) needles of double-pointed needles, or long 32-40” circular for Magic Loop, a tapestry needle, stitch markers and a cable needle, unless using cabling-without-a-cable-needle method.

Where to purchase:  This lovely pattern can be purchased as a direct PDF download from Raverly by clicking here.

 

Courtesy of Glenna C.

 

You can find more of Glenna’s lovely creations online at Raverly.  Be sure to follow her online at her website, Knitting to Stay Sane, and online at Twitter.

 


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Wednesday’s Pattern Spotlight: A Few of My Favorite Designers

17 08 2011

It is often difficult to find just one pattern to spotlight when there are so many wonderful and gorgeous designs, along with such talented designers.  So, today’s post features a few of my favorite designers, along with my favorite patterns that they have designed.

 

Anne Hanson of Knit Spot  – I simply love Anne’s elegant lace creations, especially her shawl designs.    My favorite has to be Pea Vines, a lovely and lacy triangular shawlette.

Courtesy of Anne Hanson

Rosemary Hill of Designs by Romi – I adore Romi’s shawl designs and my all time favorite is her Brandywine Shawl, a pattern that is worked in a simple lace pattern from tip to top and that can be knitted in any weight of yarn.

Courtesy of Rosemary Hill

Cecily Glowik MacDonald of Winged Knits -  Cecily’s patterns are classic, elegant and so very feminine.  My favorite has to be Leaflet, a quick knit top down cardi that is 100% seamless!

Courtesy of Carrie Bostick Hoge

Sivia Harding of Sivia Harding Knit Design – For me, I love how Sivia uses beads in many of her lace designs.  My favorite is Inkberry.  This design offers elements of cables, a touch of lace and of course beads.

Courtesy of Mårten Ivert

Thea Colman of Baby Cocktails – I can’t get enough of cables and Thea has many designs that incorporate many aspects of cable stitches.    My all time favorite is Irish Coffee, a simple tunic style pattern that is worked top down and is completely seamless.

Courtesy of Thea Colman

Alana Dakos of Never Not Knitting – Alana has such a variety of patterns from childrens garments to accessory pieces.  My favorite of her collection is the Autumn Vines Beret.  This design incorporates a lovely leaf and cable design that truly is a classic.

Courtesy of Alana Dakos

Carol Sunday of Sunday Knits – Sophisticated, elegant and stylish, Carol designs incredible creations that incorporate cables, lace and simple stitches.  It is almost hard to pick a favorite as I love everything she designs, but my all time favorite will have to be  Tapestry .  This gorgeous cardigan features a flowing cable design that gives just the right touch of  elegance and romance.

Courtesy of Carol Sunday

 

Gudrun Johnston of the Shetland Trader – Gudrun uses many elements of design that I truly enjoy knitting, especially lace.   My favorite is a newer design that she released this year called Soay.  This  feminine cardi has  just the right amount of lace in the design and is a perfect addition to one’s summer wardrobe.

Courtesy of Gudrun Johnston

 

I hope you enjoyed! Until next time, happy knitting, crocheting, spinning and crafting!

 


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Wednesday’s Pattern Spotlight: Grimm’s Cottage

10 08 2011

Today’s featured pattern is Grimm’s Cottage, a lacy capelet along with matching gauntlets designed by Stephanie Dosen of Tiny Owl Knits.

This is a super quick knit that uses bulky weight yarn, large needles, a very simple lace design for the body of the cape and an super easy garter stitch for the top.   Stephanie has added an additional bit of femininity by threading silk ribbon through alternating lace strips and then tying the ribbon into bows along the top edge.  This pattern is knitted completely in the round, has detailed written instructions and offers knitters a range of sizes from  Small to X-Large with finished bust sizes of 32″ to 46″.

The matching gauntlet pattern uses a basic stockinette stitch along with the same bulky weight yarn and needle size.  By knitting completely in the round with no seams involved, this too is a quick knit project!

This set would make a perfect gift for the holidays or even a last minute gift for someone special.

Courtesy of Tiny Owl Knits

Courtesy of Tiny Owl Knits

Materials:  This project will require approximately 261 to 435 yards (239 to 398 m) of Rowan Big Wool, or any super bulky weight yarn to match the gauge of 9 stitches to equal 4 inches in stockinette size,  and a size US 15 ( 10.0 mm ) circular needle.

Where to Purchase:   Stephanie’s pattern can be purchased directly online at Ravelry or  from her website, Tiny Owl Knits.

About: Raised in the state of Wisconsin,  Stephanie Dosen is an American singer-songwriter with songs  featured on the soundtracks of Dawson’s Creek and Party of Five.  You can follow Stephanie’s knitting adventures online at  Twitter , her website or  join her Ravelry Group Tiny Owl Knits.

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I’m very pleased and excited to announce that Stephanie has generously offered to give away one free copy of her Grimm’s Cottage Capelet pattern 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.  The  deadline to enter is Sunday, August 14th at 4:00pm Arizona Time, with the winner being selected by a  random number generator.  The winner will be announced on Monday, August 15th  .  This giveaway is open to all with the pattern being sent in PDF format directly from Stephanie!

 

 

 

Thank you for entering …. this giveaway is now closed!


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Wednesday’s Pattern: Tina’s Sweater

3 08 2011

I simply could not resist this spotlight today as it features my name and can be found in the wonderful new Fall 2011 issue of Twist Collective as an advertisement.   While this new issue is chock full of wonderful designs,  I must admit I’m a tiny bit partial to  Tina’s Sweater that was designed by Anna Zilboorg for Tina Newton of Blue Moon Fiber Arts.

Anna Zilboorg,  reknown knitter and design, created Tina’s Sweater using a diagonal stitch pattern that is alternated with small bobbles and includes instructions for size small to xx-large.   To me, this sweater design is reminiscent of the 1940′s and is truly a classic style.  I really enjoyed reading  Tina Newton’s blog post regarding this sweater and how wonderful to have such a dear friend to design something just for you.

Materials:  This project will require 2- 3 skeins of Blue Moon Fiber Arts BFL Sport (or any sport weight yarn that will match the gauge of 24 stitches and 34 rows to equal 4″ (10cm) using stockinette stitch),  size US 5 (3.75mm) knitting needles, stitch holders, 7 buttons 3/4″ (19mm) in diameter and a tapestry needle.

Where to Purchase:  This pattern can be purchased as an immediate PDF download online at Blue Moon Fiber Arts.

Courtesy of Blue Moon Fiber Arts

I can’t wait to cast on  and think it will be the perfect addition to my fall wardrobe.   Happy knitting, crocheting, spinning and crafting everyone!


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