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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Casting On and Casting Off: Socks, yes socks!

1 12 2011

Happy December 1st everyone!  Can you believe Christmas is just around the corner?  I have a bit of Christmas knitting to get done, well basically a pair of nice cozy warm slippers for my Mom and maybe a new hat too.  Other than that, I’m knitting for myself this month, which is a pleasant change of events.

Courtesy of Amanda Rios

 

For Mom this year, I’ve decided to knit her a pair of  Soxie’s by Amanda Rios.  These slippers are adorable and will knit up fast in worsted weight yarn.  

Yarn:  1 skein Malabrigo Rios or  150 yards of any worsted weight yarn to match the gauge of 5 stitches per inch in garter stitch.

Needles:   Size 5 (3.75mm) straight or circular and a set of  Size 5 (3.75mm) double pointed needles

This pattern is very well written, provides instructions for sizes small, medium and large, and it’s seamless!

 

 

I’m participating in the December Year of Stash Socks KAL onRaverly and have started knitting a pair of Nutkins by Beth LaPensee.  I’ve wanted to knit a pair of these socks for ages and I’m very excited to be knitting them.  For this project I’m using my stash of At Knits End Yarns Hand-Dyed Merino/Silk in the colorway Ewe Need Cake.  If you haven’t visited Kim’s Etsy shop, you really must.  She has a wonderful selection of hand-dyed yarns in lace weight, fingering weight and worsted.  You can find her online at At Knits End Yarns.  I’m also using by brand new Knitter’s Pride Nova circular needles size 2 (2.75mm) for this project.  I LOVE these needles!  I bought this set for knitting socks after reading Clara Parkes review of the interchangeable needles.  The one thing I have to say I really love about these new needles, the flexible cable automatically is straight when you take your circular needle out of the package. Unlike my bamboo circular needle that takes for ever for the cable to loosen up and “flatten out” so to speak, this was instant. Huge plus for this knitter and I like them so much, I ordered two more sizes for knitting socks and fingerless mitts!

I also hope to cast on a pair of Stepping Stones by Clara Parkes.  This sock pattern is part of Clara’s new book,  The Knitter’s Book of Socks and a free copy of Stepping Stones can be found online at her website.

I plan to use Malabrigo Rios (worsted weight) in the colorway Zarzamora and a two  US size 4 (3.5 mm) circular needles for this project.

If you’ve purchased this book, be sure to join in the sock knitting fun in the Knitter’s Book of Socks group online at Raverly.  There are several KALs going on in this group that feature the socks in Clara’s book.

 

I’m also reading three books.  Yes, three at a time and quite insane, I know!  I will be doing a book review shortly Knit One, Purl a Prayer by Peggy Rosenthal.

This new spirituality of knitting addresses topics such as knitting as a popular pastime, what knitting does for our minds, bodies, and spirits, and how knitting helps people reduce stress, overcome loss, form friendships, and connect with a community. Most important, the author shows readers and crafters how knitting can become prayer.

So far I’m really enjoying this book and look forward to sharing my review of it soon!

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


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2nd Year of Black Friday “Fiber” Specials !

24 11 2011

While many are out fighting the crowds this Friday to take advantage of all the early bird specials and sales,  I will be busy at work but plan to sneak in a few “online” purchases.

I thought it would be fun to have a second year of online shops that are giving really great deals, so while I’m busy working, I hope you all  have fun checking out  the websites that are offering great Black Friday and Cyber Monday specials for all you fiber lovers!  This is also a wonderful way for you to support small business owners!

Visit the Etsy Shops Group on Raverly

Visit the Patterns Forum Group of Raverly

Visit the Needlework On the Net Group on Ravelry

Visit the Phat Fiber Sampler Box Group on Raverly

Here’s a list of who’s having great deals, starting with me!

  • I’m offering 50% off  all patterns my Ravelry store .   Be sure to enter coupon code: BLKFRI at checkout.  This offer is good at the start of day on Thanksgiving to the end of day, Monday November 28th!
  • Maya of Springtree Road is offering a sale that runs Thanksgiving Day through Friday.  Use Code:  BLACKFRIDAY3  to get 10% off any 3-4 yarns  or  BLACKFRIDAY5 to get 15% off any 5-6  yarns  or  BLACKFRIDAY7  to get 20% off any 7+ yarns
  • Alecia of madbird is offering a sale from 7:00am Thursday thru midnight on Friday.  Enjoy 10% off orders over $50 (code is BLACKFRIDAY10), 15% off orders over $75 (code is BLACKFRIDAY15), and 20% off orders over $100 (code is BLACKFRIDAY20) – unfortunately one code won’t work for all three discounts, so they have to be different.
  • Amanda of Sunflower Yarns is offering free U.S. shipping for the month of November and is offering a pre-sale of her December Simple Pleasures Packages and add-on kits for that day only. Then they will be taken off the site for the remainder of November, and the remaining packages will go on sale again on December 1st (with shipping like regular). SO, that means that for the best deal, grab your Simple Pleasures Pack on Friday!  No matter when you buy your December SPP, they will all ship on/after December 1st.
  • Shop online at Alba Ranch and enjoy 10% off  your order by using code BLACKFIBER at checkout.
  • Melanie of  Black Trillium is offering 25% all day long.  Please use the coupon code BlackFriday when you check out through Etsy, and then as per usual through Paypal.
  • Jess of Knot By Granma is offering 20% offFriday through Monday sale with coupon code  JOYANDPEACE.
  • MacKintosh Yarns is having a special Black Friday sale to help you stock up for your winter projects and holiday gifts for your favorite knitters. All of our yarns will be 15% off and all of our accessories will be 5% off. Plus, every customer who spends $50 or more will receive a coupon for 10% off of their next $50 purchase, a free MacKintosh Yarns tape measure and a yarn weight guide. The sale starts at 12 am CST on Friday and lasts until 12 am CST on Saturday!
  • Nicky Epstein is offering 50% off all patterns from November 25th – 28th all the patterns on Nicky’s website  at Nicky Knits.
  • Carodan Farm – The entire shop will be 30% off. Just enter the code “Friday” in the coupon block on your shopping cart page to receive the discount. In addition, ALL BOOKS are 50% off. Enter the code “Book” in the coupon block on your shopping cart page to receive the discount. Of course, please read the fine print right here which says that this is not in addition to a sale price already on an item. This is an online sale only.Shipping is free on $75 or more.
  • Whitknits.com will be running a Black Friday and Cyber Monday sale like they did it last year . Check the site on those days to see the discounts or sign up for the newsletter and you will get email notification.  You can sign up for the newsletter at the top of the left side menu from any site page.
  • Annie of Annie Purl is having a sale and now is a great time to pick up project bags and stitch-markers with an early bird sale!  Use code  EARLYBIRD15  to receive 15% off everything in the shop until December 5th.   Annie is also offering a deeper discount of 25% off on Cyber Monday for a limited time with code cybermonday11!
  • Thanksgiving Sale at Little Monkey’s Stitch n Spin! Lots of yarn, fiber, project bags, and stitchmarkers in stock. Pick your coupon code: 15% off any order with code “TURKEY”, or Free US shipping with code “SHIPFREE”, or 30% off any order of $50 or more (pre-shipping) with code “GOBBLE”   Also all of her Ravelry patterns are on sale 50% off the regular price through Cyber Monday, no coupon code needed!
  • Signature Needles  – ALL 5 Needle Sets of DPNs come with a FREE Storage tube all weekend! No code necessary! FREE Standard Shipping on all orders over $100  using Coupon Code STUFFING  and  HALF PRICE Standard Shipping on all Canadian Orders over $100 by using  Coupon Code HALF
  • Lynn of Crafty Cabin Woolens is having a  Black Friday thru Cyber Monday in her Etsy shop.  Use code BF2011 and receive 25% off your order of Stoneware Buttons, Handspun yarn & art yarns.
  • Little Monkey’s Stitch n Spin is having a Thanksgiving sale through Cyber Monday. Pick your coupon code: 15% off any order with code “TURKEY”, or Free US shipping with code “SHIPFREE”, or 30% off any order of $50 or more (pre-shipping) with code “GOBBLE”.    Also all her Ravelry patterns are 50% off, no coupon code needed.

  • DaKinke Knits  ~  HC has $87 worth of patterns giveaways for FREE! (Some instant and some lotto’s) They also have an auction for all 16 DaKine Patterns running all day. And, if that is not enough… 30% off all new instant downloads on Raverly and HC using code BF2011! Code is good through midnight Cyber Monday.

  • Jill of Studio June Yarn is having a Black Friday sale at her Etsy shop.   It runs Tuesday evening from 8pm EST until Friday night 11:59 EST.  Everything (including sale items) is 25% off using coupon code: BLACKFRIDAY25.
  • Katie of Yarn Love is having a sale too !  ~ It will start Black Friday (11/26), and continue through Cyber Monday (11/28). Look for big discounts on yarn, roving, kits, patterns, and custom orders. No codes necessary – just show up ready to shop!  She’s also doubled her Etsy storestock in preparation for the sale. You will find all the Black Friday sale prices are given in each item’s description, so you can plan your gifting budget.    Free Gift Wrap + Recipient Shipping  ~ As part of the sale, Katie is also offering free Midnight Peppermint gift wrapping, plus she’ll ship your purchase directly to the recipient. If you’d like to take advantage of my wrapping service, just include a note at checkout, plus the recipient’s name and address.
  • Check out Fiber Wild and enjoy up to 15% off Addi Click Set and Accessories,  20% off new knitting kits through Monday, Nov. 28th,  and 15% – 25% off sale yarn!
  • ApenGlow Yarn is  very excited about the growing drive to support  local small businesses on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.  To support this, they will be  doing a special sale for Saturday only – 15% OFF all Small Farm Yarn.  The fiber for all the yarn in this series is from California farms, and much of it is spun at a mill local to them, Ranch of the Oaks.  This includes both dyed Corriedale and natural-colored alpaca yarns!
  • The Green Sheep Shop is offering 20% off their entire online store and shipping within the U.S. is free for orders $80 and over. Shipping for orders under $80 are a flat rate of $6.00 within the U.S. Be sure to check out the clearance yarns and save up to 45% off !

One Planet Yarn and Fiber is having a Black Friday sale and is offering is 15% off all lace weight yarns currently in stock ~  Use Coupon Code: LACE15 Sale ~ sales ends Friday, November 25th at midnight.  Also, there is free shipping on all orders over $15.00 in the USA.  Flat rate shipping of $7.99 for all international orders.   

Small Business Saturday Specials start at midnight Friday, November 25th and expires at 11:59PM, November 26, 2011.   Important Disclosure: Discounts are not retroactive. If you placed an order last week or the week before, we are sorry, we can’t credit you now.  Discounts must be taken at the time of order.

  • 15% off all Artesano Yarns: Coupon Code ART15
  • 15% off all Black Pearl Yarns – Coupon code: BPY15
  • 15% of all Fleece Artist Kits – Coupon Code: FAK15
  • 15% off all Fyberspytes Yarns – Coupon Code: FSY15
  • 15% off all Kaalund Yarns – Coupon Code: KLY15
  • 15% off all Philosopher’s Wool Kits – Coupon Code: PWK15
  • 15% off all Lantern Moon Accessories – Coupon Code: LM15
  • 15% off all Rose Knits Bags – Coupon Code: RKG15
Eat, Sleep, Knit is having a Black Friday Sale!!!   Shop with Eat.Sleep.Knit on Friday, November 25th, and you’ll get a surprise discount between 10 and 100% off (yes, 100%) of your entire order.   Starting at 10 AM ET, visit the store and fill up your cart. You’ll go through the checkout process as usual, enter your billing information, and click on “Submit Order.” Your order confirmation page will then display your personal surprise discount and your order total will be adjusted accordingly.
  • All orders will receive a discount of at least 10%, all the way up to 100% (that means your order could be free!).  You could win half off, 30% off, 75% off, but no matter what, you will receive at least 10% off, and the odds of getting more are quite good! The sale ends at 5 PM (Eastern US time), and all orders transmitted after that time will be charged at regular prices. Gift certificates are excluded from the sale and will not be available for purchase on the website during this time frame.
  • 10K Club Members! As a special perk to you, our most loyal customers, we will have a one hour “preview” for you before the sale – you’ll be able to shop the sale starting at 9 AM ET. This is only for customers who are in our 10K club (you should have a 10K medallion on your account page if you made it this year, or if you were eligible previous years then you are still in it as well) and any orders placed during this time period will not receive the sale discounts if you are NOT in the 10K club.

Disclaimer:   This information has been provided by the online shop owners and/or has been listed on emails or in Raverly groups.   If you are a shop owner and there is an error, please email me ASAP at  peacefullyknitting AT yahoo DOT com.


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Hippity Hoppity … Easter bunnies to knit

4 04 2011

Here comes Peter Cottontail, Hoppin’ down the bunny trail,hippity, hoppity,
Easter’s on its way. ~ Beatrix Pottter

Spring is in the air and Easter is just around the corner.  It’s a perfect time to start knitting Easter bunnies!

Bunty in Summer Dress by Debi Birkin is an adorable little bunny all dressed up and ready to go.  Bunty is approximately 11″ tall when  finished, with instructions that include all clothing and accessories as shown in the photo.  This pattern has been designed to use a DK or light worsted  weight yarn and using an US size 2 ( 3mm ) pair of needles.   All pieces are knitted flat on normal needles and then sewn together.   This pattern can be purchased directly from Debi’s website here or online at Ravelry as an instant download. (Photo courtesy of Debi Birkin)

For more information on Debi’s cute animal designs, visit her website or join along in the Debi Birkin Pals Ravelry Group .

Bunny by Berroco is knitted and jointed stuffed toy, which includes a pouch that can sweet treats and has an optional pompom tail.   This cute pattern will require 1 Ball each Berroco Comfort (50 grs), #9733 Turquoise (MC) and #9723 Rosebud (CC), a small amount black worsted-weight yarn for eyes, 1 Set (4) of size US 7 (4.50mm) double-pointed knitting needles or size to obtain the gauge, a size G (4.50mm) crochet hook, two 3/4” buttons, two 1” buttons, 1 bag polyester stuffing and a tapestry needle.   Be sure to take a moment to view Blue Bird, another adorable knitted toy perfect for springtime and Easter.  (Photo courtesy of Berroco)

Bunny by designer Susan B. Anderson, is the sweetest and most huggable looking bunny.  This pattern is included in Susan’s  book, Itty Bitty Toys and requires  Blue Sky Alpacas Dyed Cotton (2 skeins of Tulip #615, 1 skein of Shell #606),  US Size 5 ( 3.75 mm) knitting needles and a tapestry needle.  The finished size when seated is approximately 8″ tall and 4.5″ wide.

Hop, a new pattern for Blue Sky Alpacas, is very sweet with an old- fashion flair,  perfect for any little one to carry around.  This project requires 1 hank of Blue Sky Hand Spun Organic Cotton, 1 Hank of  Blue Sky Skinny Cotton, US size 3 (3.25mm) double pointed needles, or size needed to obtain gauge, US size 5 (3.75mm) double-pointed needles, or size needed to obtain gauge, a tapestry needle,  poly-pellets, small amount (optional),  fiberfill, small amount, embroidery needle, black embroidery floss and  1″ wide piece of cardboard.   For further information, please visit  Susan online on her blog,  online at Twitter or join along in the Itty Bitty Knits group on Ravelry.

There are more fun patterns to knit or crochet that can be found online at Ravelry.

Happy knitting!!


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This week on Etsy …

24 02 2011
Need gift care tags for your hand-knits or crocheted items? Check out these cute tags by kNotes for kNitters .   Each gift tag set  feature reproduced photos for the front, the back stamped  with “Fiber Care” and “Fiber Content”  and includes a ribbon in the corner for attaching to your handmade items.

Courtesy of Local Gringos

 

I just came across this lovely pendant that features a ball of yarn and knitting needles.   What a great idea for a gift for a knitter!   Visit September House for this and other beautiful hand embroidered creations!

Courtesy of September House

 

What about a knitted lampshade cover?   Lavender Hill Knits offers a PDF pattern featuring two lampshade sizes in two different cable patterns.  This would be a fun project to spice up your knitting area!

Courtesy of Lavender Hill Knits

 

Have fun and happy knitting, crocheting and spinning!


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Spring Pattern Sale

30 01 2011

Spring is around the corner and I’m having a sale!

Enjoy 20% off now until Sunday, February 6th on all patterns and collections in my Ravelry store  by using code SPRING11 at checkout. 

 

You can purchase patterns directly by visiting any of the tabs above or by visiting my Ravelry page  for a complete pattern listing.

 

Use Code SPRING11  at checkout!

 

Enjoy and Happy Knitting! 


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Early Christmas!

19 12 2010

I was so excited to receive a box of goodies from my friend in New Hampshire.  I opened it up to have a beautiful hand-sewn tote, a box of doggie treats for Sparkles (our baby) and a jar of ready to mix Beer Bread for hubby, who is looking forward to making his bread on the grill.  This weekend was also extra fun as I received my combination Christmas/Birthday gift from my wonderful husband.  Did I mention wonderful???  

I was so surprised when we went into Joann Fabrics yesterday and he said, “Ok, it’s time to buy your sewing machine so happy birthday and Merry Christmas!”    I was thrilled and with the help of the customer service representative in the Viking Gallery at Joanns, I found the perfect machine to suit my needs.  I also picked up a couple of fun patterns, a few fat quarters, thread and of course magazines. 

Now…. what to buy the hubby???  Oh, maybe it’s time to get him his smoker for the back yard so he can make even more yummy food!

Left to right: Singer Sewing Machine, Quilting Squares, Tote, Magazines and Patterns


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Quick and easy projects just in time for the holidays!

23 11 2010

Right about this time of the year, knitters and crocheters are scrabbling to finish gifts that will be ready just in time for Christmas.  I must admit, I am one of those knitters!  Each year I tell myself that I will start my projects early in the season and each year, that statement seems to be a forgotten memory as I trudge along in my very own “Santa’s Workshop”.     Hmm….. I wonder if I could hire a few elves?

I have found a few quick projects that are perfect gifts for friends, family and co-workers.  Many of these projects only require one skein of yarn, which is a wonderful way to use up your stash!

Turn a Square by Jared Flood of Brooklyn Tweed is a super quick knit that you can use scraps of yarn to create a unique one of a kind hat.   This project will require between 110 to 130 yards of worsted weight wool, a set of US Size 7 (4.5mm) DPNs and a US size 7 (4.5mm) 16″ circular needle.    This is a free pattern available as a Ravelry download.  (Photo courtesy of Jared Flood)

The Good Luck Cowl by Christianne Gerstner of the Drop Stitch Knitter is a simple Shetland lace pattern that is bordered with garter stitch.  This lightweight lacey cowl pattern is a perfect project to use up left over fingering or sock weight yarn.  This project will require approximately 200 yards of fingering weight yarn and a size US 5 (3.75mm) 16″ circular needle.

The Horseshoe Lace Cowl by Sashka Macievich.  This cowl pattern offers a  lace design that is super easy to memorize just after  a few pattern repeats and knits up quickly.  This project requires approximately 150 to 200 yards of fingering weight yarn and a size US 5 (3.75mm) 16″ circular needle.  (Photo courtesy of Sashka Macievich)

Bookmarks are a great way to use up bits and pieces of fingering and sock weight yarn left behind by many projects.  The Mountain Laurel Leaf  by Bonnie Sennot is a super quick project that can be completed in an hour.  Create a long i-Cord with a small leaf at one end and a large leaf at the other end for the perfect size bookmark!    For those of you who enjoy crocheting, the Overlapping Circles Bookmark by Amelia Beebe  is another super quick project that requires just a small amount of fingering weight yarn and a size G/6 Crochet Hook.

The Cranford Mitts by Jane Lithgow was inspired by the BBC adaptation of Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell.  This pattern was generously donated by Jane to Pennies per Hour of Pleasure supporters of MSF.  This project requires approximately 100 yards (50 grams) of sock weight yarn, 5 yards (10grams) of contrast sock weight yarn and a set of size US 1.5 DPNs ( 2.5mm).  (Photo courtesy of Jane Lithgow)

Pair this set of mitts with the Horseshoe Lace Cowl for the perfect Christmas gift set!

Edgar by Silke Hupka is a unique diamond shaped scarf that has flexible lengths.  This edgy scarf project requires one or two balls of self striping yarn (100 to 220 yards of Aran/Worsted weight) and a size US 8 (5.0 mm) pair of straight needles.  Finish this scarf off with tassels at the ends or if making the shorter version, use a favorite pin to keep together.

 

From stylish scarves and hats, and exciting updates on holiday favorites, to chic and contemporary wearables, and beautifully designed home accents, Holiday Knits is the knitter’s answer to Santa’s workshop.

Don’t forget to take a peek at  Holiday Knits, by yarn shop owners Sara Lucas and Allison Isaac.  This small book is overflowing with gift ideas that will make this holiday season very stress-free.    With over 20 projects to choose from, Yarn-shop owners Sara Lucas and Allison Isaacs know firsthand what the holiday knitter needs.   Unique patterns, along with cozy mittens,ornaments, sweaters, stylish scarves and festive stockings,  Holiday Knits is loaded with projects that will just about cover everyone on your list.  Each pattern has well written instructions, along with how-to illustrations and project photographs.    

Hopefully a few of these ideas will be of help for last minute gift ideas!


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Collection Sale!

30 09 2010

It’s time to start knitting hats for the fall, for the winter and for Christmas, so I decided to have a sale on my collection of hat patterns and guess what, it’s on Ravelry!

Now until Saturday, October 16, 2010 you can enjoy $3.00 off on my Collection of Vintage Inspired Hat Patterns – that’s a $1.50 per pattern!   To receive your discount, simply click the link below this photo to instantly check out and receive this special offer, or use code AZ10 at check out by clicking on the “tag” in front of the PayPal logo for your coupon code.


Buy Now and save $3.00!

Happy knitting!


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The perfect set of “Tree of Life” afghan patterns

7 09 2010

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

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

Photo courtesy of Interweave Press

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

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

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

Photo courtesy of Lion Brand

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

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

Photo courtesy of Lion Brand

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

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

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


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