Time for another yarn pairing featuring shawls!

16 02 2012

It’s been a long time since I’ve done a yarn pairing  and there have been so many beautiful new shawl patterns being launched on Raverly,  as well as gorgeous fibers from Indy dyers, that I thought today would be the perfect day to share a few ideas.  So today my goal is to inspire you to pick up your needles and hooks !!

First up is Caryl Pierre’s lovely new design, Saifya.  This design calls for  approximately 400 yards (366m) of worsted weight yarn and a Size US 9 (5.5mm) circular needles (at least 32”/80cm long) or size needed to obtain gauge.  I think this design would be lovely knitted up in Miss Babs Yowza in Cloak Monochrome.

Courtesy of Caryl Pierre

Courtesy of Miss Babs

Next is Tabasco designed by a verybusymonkey.   This simple garter stitch shawl with a delicate lace border requires approximately 400 – 450 yards (366 – 411 m) of fingering weight yarn and a size US 6 (4.0 mm) needle.  This is a quick one skein project that would look yummy knitted up in Springtree Road Julep in the colorway Boreal.

Courtesy of verybusymonkey

Courtesy of Springtree Road

Next is Kitman Figueroa’s Rev.   This design calls for fingering weight yarn and needles sizes US 9 ( 5.5 mm) and US 6  (4.0 mm).   This design would knit up lovely in At Bullard Farm Fingering Weight Yarn, and I’m thinking the color of Straw would really set off the stitch design.

Courtesy of Kitman Figueroa

Courtesy of At Bullard Farm

Next is Anna, a sweet little shawlette from Valerie’s Gallery that incorporates lace with a lovely cabled edge.  You will need approximately 240 – 260 yards (219 – 238 m) of worsted weight yarn and a US size US 8 (5.0 mm) needle.  Wouldn’t this design look lovely knitted up in Sunflower Yarns Windham in colorway Silver Gray!

Courtesy of Valerie's Gallery

Courtesy of Sunflower Yarns

For those of you who enjoy crochet, Persephone by Anastasia Roberts is an elegant piece requiring  650 yards of light fingering weight yarn and a crochet hook in size US D (4.25mm).  This lacy creation would look gorgeous crocheted in Yummy Yarn Studios Baby Alpaca Silk Cashmere blend in the color of Celery.

Courtesy of Anastasia Roberts

Courtesy of Yummy Yarn

Another delightful crochet design is Sumac Berry by Chicken Betty published for Valley Yarns at Webs that features open lace crochet and a fan stitch edge.  This project requires approximately 650 yards of lace weight yarn and a crochet hook size US E ( 3.5 mm).  This shawl would look beautiful crocheted in Briar Rose Angel Face Lace Weight in Angel 2222.

Courtesy of Valley Yarns

Courtesy of Briar Rose Fibers

 

I truly hope that a few of these shawl designs and yarns have inspired you today.  Until next time, happy knitting, crocheting, spinning and crafting!


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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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First KALs of a brand new year!

4 01 2012

I typically post a spotlight on patterns on Wednesday but today I thought I’d post about my projects that I will be casting on this week for two KALs I’m participating in, as well as a SAL (spin-along)/KAL.   For me this year will be a lot of fun as I’m looking forward to stash busting and plan to start matching items in my Raverly queue and favorites with yarn on hand.  This is a large undertaking for me but it must be done!

I was so pleased that I actually finished up my pair of Nutkins from the December KAL for the Year of Stash Socks Group yesterday morning.  It took me a month, but I can now wear a brand new pair of socks!  I particularly liked this project as I learned how to knit short-row heels.    Ladies, if you haven’t tried this, it’s really not that hard and in my humble opinion, the heel actually fits my foot better than the traditional heel with a gusset.  I strongly recommend reading Laura Chau’s Short-Row Heel Tutorial.  It’s super easy to read and follow.

Nutkins - Knitted using At Knits End Yarn

I have chosen to knit the Cable Lagoon by Kris Carlson for the January KAL in the Year of Stash Socks Group using my stash of Liberty’s Yarn Sockenstein in a soft lilac.  So, this months KAL will be a challenge as I will be learning how to knit toe-up and will again be doing a short-row heel. 

Attention Sock Knitters, I have a question:  For those of you who knit toe-up, what is your favorite “how-to” website, tutorial or YouTube Video?  I would love to know, so please leave a comment.

Liberty's Yarn Sockenstein - Lilac

I’m also participating in the 12 Shawls in 2012 Group and plan to cast on a design that I’ve been itching to knit for ages, Cobble by Kitman Figueroa using my stash yarn,Punta Yarns Merisock Hand Painted in colorway HP53 , a mix of soft desert colors.

Punta Yarns Merisock Hand Painted Yarn

Lastly, I’m also spinning for a shawl in the Spin a Shawl Group and joined the Designer SKAL that started January 1st and ends on February 29th.  The pattern for this SAL/KAL is Fialature by Chrissy Prange.   I will need to spin  300 – 500 yards of worsted weight for this project and haven’t quite decided on my fiber yet, but I’m leaning towards my fiber stash of Black Trillium’s BFL  in Columbia .  If I have time, I may also participate in the SAL/KAL that started January 1st and ends March and spin for one of my favorite “no purl” patterns,  Carol’s Clever Little Shawl.

Black Trillium BFL Roving - Colorway Columbia

If I have absolutely no WIPs after all these, which mostly likely will not be the case, but you never know, I would love to knit a second 198 yds. of Heaven by Christy Verity for the dozen shawls in 20dozen group.

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


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Casting On and Casting Off: WIPs!

18 11 2011

I love this time of year in Phoenix.  The sky is crystal clear, very blue and there’s a crispness in the air, all which means I want to knit even more.   When you work full-time, it’s often hard to find time to knit and do all the other things you want to do in between.  I’ve started thinking about this in-depth as I’m notorious for taking on way to many KALs throughout the year and then feel very guilty that I could not participate as much as I wanted to.  So, with that being said, I’m not going to cast on too many new projects between now and the first of the year.  Instead,  I want to finish up my WIPs that are in my work basket before starting anything else (yes, I know that I’m a knitter and there will be restraints on my part).

Still on the needles:

  • Maritime Wool Socks – casted on the second sock and should be done over the weekend.
  • Dynamic Cardi – this will be a long WIP as the needle is small and the yarn in fine.  I’m just about ready to start the yoke of the cardi though.
  • Potted Button Trees – Yikes I’ve only got the pots completed and I haven’t started knitting the trees!!!!

Once I get two of these WIPs done, I want to cast on a lovely lace scarf that I found online that I think will be perfect for my stash of Madelinetosh Wren in Silver Fox.  I’m even thinking about incorporating beads on the edge for a bit of spark!

The pattern I’ve decided upon is the Lace Knit Lengthwise Scarf by Christina Consiglio of Olives and Mermaids.

Courtesy of Christina Consiglio

I also plan to participate in the December Year of Stash Socks and knit a pair of  Nutkin socks.  This sock pattern has been in my Raverly favorites for a very long time and I have the perfect stash yarn for this project.

I mentioned earlier that I’ve also joined a new Ravelry Group,  Dozen shawls in 20dozen.   I’m very excited about the January choices and hope to do both projects if I have the time.   The beginner shawl for January is 198 Yards of Heaven , which I knitted last year using my handspun, and the advance shawl is the Seaside Shawlette.  I think this will be a lot of fun to start the new year off with a bang!

I think I will be very busy starting in 2012, but that’s ok.  Once a knitter, always a knitter!

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


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A great day for knitting plans!

8 10 2011

It has been a nice couple of weeks for knitting for me and while I’ve been slow in knitting my  Dynamic Cardi.  I’ve reached approximately 11″ in length and have about 4″ to go before starting the yoke/sleeves.   This pattern has a very easy stitch design to memorize and it’s been very relaxing to work on each morning and evening on the patio.  I’m really liking how this is turning out and looking forward to wearing it very soon!

I’m starting the October KAL in Simone’s Sand and Sky Creations Raverly Group and will be casting on the Maritime Wool Socks.  This pair is destined for my husband who has been waiting for many years for his very first pair of knitted socks.  This pattern should be super quick as I will be using worsted weight yarn and US size 6 circular needles.  If hubby likes how they turn out, I think I’ll make a pair for my Dad for his birthday in November.   I purchased the yarn today and decided to use Lion Brand Wool-Ease in a nice heather grey color.

I’m so into fall colors and was getting ready to purchase a skein of what I call harvest colors when  I realized I had the perfect skein in my stash.  This morning I wound my skein of Paca-Peds Superwash Alpaca Sock yarn(color# 604 Fireside)  into a nice cake ready to use.  If you have not tried Paca-Peds, you really must.  It’s super soft in a wonderful blend of 20% Superfine Alpaca, 65% Superwash Wool and 15% Nylon.  The colors in this skein are perfect for fall with warm shades of brown, gold and rust.  I really wanted to be able to purchase the lovely new shawl design that came out for Dream in Color, Momijigari by Beth Kling but won’t be available until December to purchase so, I’ve opted for Bakersfield by Corrina Ferguson.  I think this will look quite lovely in this particular colorway and can’t wait to give it a go!

I stopped into Hobby Lobby today and was tickled to score 4 skeins of Patons Kroy Sock Yarn at $1.74 per skein ~ I do love my bargains!  I’m not sure what pattern I will be using, most likely a simple plain vanilla sock pattern, but I’m also thinking maybe the copper color would be nice for a shawl…. not sure yet.

Of course every good knitter needs a best buddy to help them choose the right yarn and pattern.  Mine happens to be a delightful terrier mix named Sparkles.  Sparks loves to be with me in my room where I have all my knitting items located and enjoys check out each new purchase I place into the stash.  I think in another life she might have been  a knitter too!

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


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Categories : KAL, Knitting Patterns, Socks, Wool

Fiber Friday Spotlight: New Yarn Stashed

5 08 2011

About a week ago I stopped into Jessica Knits in Scottsdale to see what had changed with the shop since a new owner too over.  Loved what I saw and was very excited to see a few new brands in the shop.  Like any knitter, I could have spent a small fortune but I controlled myself and purchased only what I needed for two projects, which was two skeins of MeriSock Hand Painted sock yarn in a blend of 95% washable Merino wool and 5% Poliamid,  and two skeins of Manos Lace, a gorgeous blend of 70% Baby Alpaca, 25% Silk and 5% Cashmere.   I’ve never with lace weight yarn and now I’m in search of the perfect pattern!

MeriSock Hand Painted Yarn

Manos Lace

As mentioned in an earlier post,  my hubby and I took a road trip which lead us through the town of Jerome, which meant a stop in at Knit 1 Bead 2.  If you live in Arizona or if you ever visit and plan a trip to Jerome, you must stop in at this yarn shop.  It truly is a wonderful experience and a major color overload that is quite intoxicating.   This shop is laid out by color, not by brand or by fiber, which gives it a uniqueness all its own.  For me, as a designer, it gave me a huge range of possibilities.  I would never have thought about mixing various fibers in a project until I saw them arranged by color.

With that said, I purchased 4 skeins of Plymouth Yarn in Zino, a lovely 75% superwash wool and 25% nylon blend that is very soft and is 436 yards per skein.  This  self-striping sock yarn has amazing color tones and I could not resist purchasing two different colorways, color #9, a mix of browns and color #10, a mix of greens.    With the subtle transitions in color, this yarn is not only perfect for plain stockinette stitch for socks, but would be perfect for lace projects such as scarves and shawls.

Color#10 Color #9

Now my thought process for a design started as I noticed next two these skeins was a lovely mohair blend by Rowan.  Kidsilk Haze is a very soft, very light and airy blend of 70% Super Kid Mohair/30% Silk that is available in a large array of colors.  I fell in love with the browns and the greens that matched perfectly with these two sock yarns and will be incorporating them into a design.  I can’t wait to get started!


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Wednesday’s Pattern: Time for another yarn pairing!

8 06 2011

There have been so many beautiful patterns being launched on Raverly as well as gorgeous fibers from Indy dyers.  Today I’m sharing a few patterns with yarn suggestions that I hope will inspire you to pick up your needles and hooks!

The Tuscan Sunflower Shawl designed by Geoffrey Hunnicutt is a gorgeous tribute to lace and truly destined for an experienced knitter.  Geoffrey has enhanced the lace patterns in this design by simply using  two colors of light fingering weight yarn.  I think this design would be paired nicely with Sundara Yarns Silky Merino fingering weight.

French Lavender - Courtesy of Sundara Yarns

Aged Oak Barrel - Courtesy of Sundara Yarns

Courtesy of Geoffrey Hunnicutt

Get your hooks ready to hook it!  The Wycheproof Shawl designed by Rebecca Velasquez is the perfect project for beginner crocheters.  Using just 430 yards of light fingering weight yarn, this triangular shawl pattern would only require one skein of Saffron Dyeworks Mini Mica in Garden of Ireland!

Mini Mica -Courtesy of Saffron Dyeworks

Courtesy of Rebecca Velasquez

 

 

 

 

Mudita designed by Kristen TenDyke of Caterpillar Knits is fresh, simple and hip.  Kristen believes in using organic and natural fibers to create her designs and the perfect match for this project is Blue Sky Alpacas Organic Worsted Cotton.

Courtesy of Blue Sky Alpacas

Courtesy of Kristen TenDyke

 

The lacy curvature of  Waldenwood designed by Judy Marples of Purl Bumps is the perfect addition to your summer wardrobe.  This sweet and feminine little shawl uses just 355 yards of fingering weight yarn and would be perfect knitted in Olive You, a silk and cashmere 2 ply fingering weight by Sunshine Yarns.

Courtesy of Sunshine Yarns

Courtesy of Judy Marples

Hope a few of my ideas have inspired you!  Happy knitting, crocheting, spinning and crafting!


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Fiber Friday Spotlight: The Victorian Writers Knitting Club

12 11 2010

Whether you’re a novice when it comes to knitting or have years of experience behind you, the Victorian Writers knitting club promises to have a bit of something for you. And whether you prefer lace or cables, silk, wool or cashmere, we’ll have a variety of techniques and yarns all wrapped up into one special year!

Courtesy of Woolgirl

Do you love the novels from the Victorian era?  Do you love knitting ?  For those of you who said “yes” then check out the Victorian Writers Knitting club presented by Jennifer of Woolgirl.   

This unique, one of a kind knitting club features three fantastic designers with yarn provided by Indy dyers. 

Sign up for one, two or even the entire series of kits – it’s up to you!   Every other month, you’ll will journey back in time into the life of a well known Victorian Writer!  

There are six themes total that will feature patterns from knitwear designers Anne Hanson, Sivia Harding and Susanna IC.  The Dyers for this club include Zen Yarn Garden, Plucky Knitter, Malabrigo and Madelinetosh.  

Not only will you have fun reading great novels, knitting fantastic patterns with scrumptious yarns, but you will have the support of the designers for each kit, as well as KALs on Ravelry!     Inside each themed kit is also few “extras”  such as knitting bags, cards, knitting tools and accessories, vintage and/or boutique items.  Each kit will also include a specialty stitch marker to match the themed project.

This club begins February 2011 and will continue through December 2011, with prices for each kit based on the yarn chosen for the particular them, number of skeins needed, the complexity of the design and the extras included.

The themes for the club include:

February:  Sherlock Holmes by Sir Author Conan Doyle with Zen Yarn Garden as the dyer, Anne Hanson as the designer and the project to be socks.

April:  Little Women by Louisa May Alcott with the Plucky Knitter as the dyer, Siva Harding as the designer and the project to be a lace scarf/hood.

June:  Alice’s Mad, Mad Tea Party by Lewis Carroll with Zen Yarn Garden as the dyer, Susanna IC as the designer and the project to be a shawlette

August:  Mrs. Dalloway’s Garden by Virginia Woolf with Malabrigo as the dyer, Anne Hanson as the designer and the project to be a shawl.

October:  Count Dracula by Bram Stocker with Madelinetosh as the dyer, Susanna IC as the designer and the project to be a rectangular wrap.

December:  Great Expectations by Charles Dickens with Zen Yarn Garden as the dyer, Sivia Harding as the designer and the project to be “a mystery”.

You can register one of two ways:

  1. Visit  Woolgirl online and click on the  ”Kits and Clubs” section located on the left side toolbar of the main page.  For further information to download and printoff,  click here 
  2. Or signup by simply clicking here, a direct link for the Victorian Writers Club.   . 

This is a great opportunity not only to explore the novels of six Victorian authors, but a chance to indulge in wonderful yarns created by three top designers!  Registration deadline is January 1, 2011 and when you register, be sure to join in the fun over in the Victorian Writers Knitting Club group too!


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Saturday Highlight – Scarf and Shawl patterns

24 07 2010

Photo Courtesy of Karen Lauger

With fall approaching many of us start thinking of scarves and shawls to keep us warm or to give as gifts.

Finding patterns with a unique concept or design, or something that “grabs” a hold of you to whisper  “knit me” can me a fun search.   Over the past month  I’ve high-lighted a few patterns of interest but today while I take a break from my spinning, I thought I would share a few more of my recent finds.

  • Centrique by Carol Fuller of Stolen Stitches is simple lace shawl that looks complex.  Worked in a heavier weight yarn this shawl can be worn as a scarf to keep your neck warm during cold winter months.  This pattern is charted and also has full written instructions.
  • Lombard by Laura Patterson of Fiber Dreams is a scarf knitted in the round beginning at the center line with a toe-up sock cast on.  By alternating knit and purl rows, a reversible garter stitch scarf is achieved.
  • les Abeilles by Anne Hanson of Knitspot is little triangle shawl, worked from hem to neck that is available in three sizes.
  • Dewdrop by Paula Zimmerman is fast-knitting small shawl worked from the bottom up.
  • Cliffrose by Carmen Oliveras is just like the Arizona Cliffrose, beautiful dainty flowers border the edge of this airy lace shawl.  Cliffrose is a triangle shawl with classic neck-down construction, and a crochet cast off.
  • Twirling Leaf Scarf by Dawn Brocco is a twisted scarf that is considered a skill building design by teaching knitters repetition.
  • Lamina by Karen Lauger is a scarf with a big, bold blade of a leaf (lamina means leaf blade) with wavy, garter stitch tips.  The pattern is perfect for showing off the beauty of variegated yarn.

Happy knitting everyone!


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Shawls for summer and early fall

8 07 2010

Shawls are such timeless pieces that can be worn with a pair of jeans or worn as an accessory piece for a night on the town.  From basic and simple to awe inspiring, there are many patterns to choose from.

Typically requiring 400 to 600 yards of fingering or sock weight yarn, shawls and wraps bring not only warmth to our shoulders, but comfort and elegance.

Photo courtesy of Get Knitted

Patterns for thought:

  • Theory Shawlette by Jennifer Lang.  This patterns includes both written instructions and a lace chart pattern, as well as a glossary and list of abbreviations used.
  • Milkweed Shawl by Laura Chau.  This pattern is a little reversible shawl that is super quick to knit and perfect for that special ball of sock yarn or handspun that you’ve got hidden away in your stash.
  • Maia Shoulderette and the Brandywine Shawl byRosemary Hill are beautiful in their own right and so very elegant to knit.
  • Annis by Susanna IC.  This pattern is knitted in one piece starting at the outside edge of the lace and the narrow curved shape is created by a unique set of short rows. Gorgeous when completed.
  • Mara by Madelinetosh.  This pattern is simple, yet very stunning when knitted in DK weight yarn.
  • Bella Shawl by Lily Go.  This pattern begins with stitches cast on for the lace edge along the two lower sides, then stitches are decreased to produce a triangle shape.
  • Seawood Scarf by Grace Akhrem.   Light and airy, this pattern offers two gauge and two yarn options.
  • Springtime Bandit by Kate Gagnon Osborne.  This pattern is a triangular scarf version of the popular Springtime In Philadelphia Beret.
  • Ginger Leaves Shawlette by Christina Wall.  This pattern is a neckerchief or shawlette that begins at the neck center and is worked to the bottom edge.
  • Moonlight Sonata Scarf by Shui Kuen Kozinski.  This top-down, triangular shape scarf in two identical sections, uses the reversible motif called Sunspots from the Third Treasury of Knitting Patterns – Charted Knitting Designs by Barbara Walker.
  • Wast Side Shawl by Gudrun Johnston.  This  gorgeous hand knit lacey shawl was created in beautiful Malabrigo Lace yarn featuring the Fern Lace stitch that is of Shetland origin.  This pattern provides both written and charted instructions, as well as two size options.

There are so many more patterns to choose from and can be found online in the Ravelry database (search shawls) and on Knitting Pattern Central.


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