WIP Wed: Secret Design

I guess it’s good timing that I have project that I’m mainly keeping under wraps at the same time as when I misplaced my camera. It doesn’t make for very interesting posts, but it makes life a lot easier for me. I’m also in my third week of student teaching, so it’s not like I have time to make much progress on anything.

Still, it’s going pretty well. I’m loving the lace pattern, and the rectangle part of this design went by really quickly. Now I’m on a part that increases, which is a little more tricky. I want to keep the increases within the pattern. It’s been going pretty well, but I’ve been really bad at keeping track of what I do. I know that this is going to make writing the pattern much harder, but I can’t exactly seem to make myself care!

This is another pattern for the Knit Picks Independent Designer Program, so I was lucky enough to get my hands on 7 skeins of Gloss DK (70% Merino, 30% Silk) in a lovely grayish lavender color. It’s simply gorgeous and I can’t wait to see how the FO comes out. I have a feeling that it will be amazing!

For more WIP Wed. posts, check out Tami’s.

FO: Wanderer

There have been a couple of projects that I’ve all but finished while you guys weren’t paying attention. One of which was this:

Wanderer was a pretty easy but engaging pattern to knit. The cables kept my attention, but the garter rib was pretty mindless, too. For some reason, the combination worked!  The only mod I did was to knit another couple of rows for a slouchy-er hat. No stress there!

Photo Courtesy of Ravelry- Just picture a longer version in lime green with a pom-pom!

I cast on for this pattern when I knew that I needed some portable stress knitting the weekend before I began student teaching (I began on a Wed.). I was casting off during my second to last undergraduate class, three days later. I even had time (ok, I was so bored, we were all doing 10 min. presentations and it was HORRIBLE) to make my first pom-pom in class to use up those last little bits of yarn. I think it came out pretty well!

The yarn is a little limey-er, too.

Although the FO is pretty cute, I think I’m giving it away to a friend who has been waiting for a Birthday present for, oh, three months. Woops! I used up an entire 100g stash skein of Spud and Chloe Sweater (55% wool, 45% cotton). I’m not kidding- the whole skein. No leftovers! I was afraid that the cotton content would make it harder on my hands to knit, but that didn’t really happen. Still, it is too cotton-y for me to want to steal it for myself, so I’m perfectly happy passing it on.

Unfortunately, it seems that I have temporarily misplaced my camera at my parents’ house. Sorry about that! Hopefully I can find a substitute until I get that back from them (along with my heavy coat, which I also seem to have left there).

New Pattern: Eclectic Shawl

Normally, I would reserve a Wed. post for a WIP. To be honest, though, my entire life feels like a WIP right now. But I don’t want to get into that right now! Instead, I’m just going to come out and show off my newest pattern, the eclectic shawl.

Eclectic is a shawl pattern very close to my heart. The idea originated several years ago when I put together a quick shawl pattern for my Aunt, who had just been diagnosed with cancer and needed something to keep her warm. I hadn’t even been planning on writing this pattern up, but a couple of months ago her disease, which had been in remission, came back. We all knew the end was near, and I wanted a more tangible connection to her.

And that is when I started thinking about putting together the pattern. Since I gave her the original Eclectic, she wore it almost every time I’ve seen her. My Aunt’s personality is nothing if not eclectic so I hope you enjoy this interesting combination of different stitch patterns. 

This shawl includes two different stitch patterns. Each pattern includes both charted and written instructions, so we all get to do our own thing 😉 To make the shawl, you need 100g of fingering weight yarn (the sample is knitted in Knit Picks Imagination Hand Painted Sock, which creates a lovely halo), US6 needles, and an assortment of stitch markers. In order to thank my lovely blog readers, I’m offering this pattern for free just for this coming week (until 2/20/13), and then it will go up to $1.99. Of course, you can always just add it to your ravelry library here and download it later! I highly suggest that you check out the project pages of my test knitters- they’ve come up with some beautiful FO’s. The pattern is also part of the Knit Picks Independent Designer Program, and will, eventually, be up on their site as well.

WIP Wed: I CAN’T STOP KNITTING

Life has been a little stressful lately. I’m dealing with some personal things and school has been…confusing. Not necessarily difficult, but confusing. Mainly because I have a class co-taught by two professors who don’t seem to be communicating. Anyway, in order to cope, there has been knitting.

A lot of knitting.

Just in case you are confused, that is the completed back and a good portion of the front of a Roam Tunic. Admittedly, it’s knitted using US10.5 needles and bulky weight wool (I’m using Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Bulky in Cadet, a nice blue color), but I still think that’s an impressive amount of work, especially considering I just cast on LAST FRIDAY. The stress? It has manifested itself in the knitting (and the acne).

But I am definitely loving this pattern. I have very high hopes for how it will look on. The model looks great in it and so does threadpanda! I’m just adding a few mods. I’ve lengthened it a little bit to be more like a dress. That way I’ll be able to wear it to work (I teach middle schoolers, so it’s really important to watch those hem lines. Those kids will comment on anything!). I’ve also decided to nix the pocket. It’s in such a strange place that I really don’t think it’s worth it. And that’s it! I’m off to puzzle out what my assignment is for my next class session 😉

For more WIP Wed. posts, check out Tami’s!

 

FO Friday: That Garter/Cable Thing

I finished it! Well, sorta. I cast off my design sample (so far known as garter stitch+cables+Malabrigo) yesterday evening. It’s one of those projects that I had really, really high hopes for. In fact, I’m not sure that I could have ever met those hopes, even if everything went perfectly and it was a breeze. In any case, it’s not exactly what I was expecting, but I think I’m coming to terms with what I ended up with.

I mean, it’s Malabrigo, so it just feels like heaven around my neck. Heaven, I tell you! And the texture has made it so thick and warm that I bet I could wear it in the arctic and still be comfortable.

The whole plan was to hit on the “sweet spot” so that the colors from a very, very variegated skein of Malabrigo Worsted would make up and down stripes. In the end, I’m pretty sure that perfect stripes are pretty impossible. I still think the pooling effect that I ended up with is pretty nice!

I don’t think this pattern will come out anytime soon. It still needs to be written and tested (and I already have 2 tests going on right now) before it gets released. I’m thinking of saving it for that collection that’s been ruminating in my head. We’ll see what happens.

For more FO Friday posts, check out Tami’s.

WIP Wed: Designing

Without any sort of push from me, this break has become swallowed up by designs. That might be part of why I’ve been feeling a little stressed: there’s this sensation when I’m designing that it has to be perfect, which seems to lead to a lot of ripping. Let’s not even talk about the stress from writing patterns. Anyway, I think I’ve come up with some great ideas. There’s the stitch pattern that I showed you guys a while ago. I guess it’s time to admit that it is becoming a hat! I don’t think I’ll release this pattern too soon: I’m envisioning it as part of a collection. We’ll see 😉

And then there’s this shawl, which is currently blocking on my floor. Hopefully I’ll be able to finish getting this pattern written up in the next couple of days before I start looking for test knitters. This is a Knit Picks design in their Imagination Sock Yarn, and I’m actually very pleased with how it is turning out.

Last but not least, there’s this little garter stitch-cable number. I’m not even going to say what it is, except something that is DRIVING ME CRAZY. I know that it will be amazing when it is complete, but let’s be honest- that’s a far way off. A far, far way off.

Well, that’s my current WIP’s. I’m going to enjoy our strangely amazing weather! For more inspiration, check out Tami’s.

2012 in Review: Designs, Garments, and Resolutions

Daniela Cowl

Chrolla Hat

Swirch Hat

Leafy Tops Hat

Kaylee Hat

C’Mon Baby (Twist and Slouch)

First up, I have my 2012 designs. They can all be found in my ravelry store, and a few are also available from Knit Picks. I would say 6 new designs in one year is pretty good, considering the amount of time it takes for me to put my thoughts down on paper. I learned a lot about designing over the coarse of the year, but there’s still a lot that needs to be done. Over the new year, I really want to think about putting together a collection. I already have a bunch of ideas about it, so, hopefully, by this time next year I will have something to show you all!

Turn of the Glass

Coquette

Zest

Corona

Locke St.

Rocky Coast Cardigan

Livingstone

Finally, there are the garments. There were definitely some hits and some misses, with several in between. The biggest disappointment was probably my Rocky Coast Cardigan. I didn’t find the errata until after I had finished my sleeves, and they were way, way too small. I still haven’t been able to bring myself to re-knit them. I’m starting to think the yarn is just a little cursed- it had already been frogged from a sweater that was too small!

Projects that turned out OK were my Corona (which really only needed finished), Zest, and Coquette. I’ve worn most of these a few times. They’re not exactly the first garments I turn to, but once in a while they seem to fit the bill. Plus, they were all a pleasure to knit, so who cares!

But my absolute favorites are my Livingstone and Locke St. Cardigans. I guess I just love cozy cables and shawl collars! I wear both of these all of the time (Locke a little more, since Livingstone is so heavy). The are warm and lovely. I can wear them to class or student teaching, and easily dress them down for time around the house. So much fun!

In the next year, I definitely want to continue this trend with experimenting with different garment styles. I tend to wear Cardigans a lot, so a few more of those will be nice, but I also want to push the boundaries and work on some more pullovers or tee’s. And I definitely want to try my hand at designing a garment!

Blog Week(s) in Review: the Best of Christmas, PLUS This Year’s Accessories

Well, why don’t we start with the Blog Reviews? I’ve loved looking at all of the Holiday Presents everyone has been churning out. There is some serious eye candy out there!

First, the shawls. Of Audry’s “Parade of Knits,” I think my favorite was probably the Aestlight. Of course, it might be her fantastic photography- you all have to take a look at that picture. There’s also Pretty Little Fiber Co’s Birthday Shawl. This is another Mizzle Shawl. I know that I’ve talked about this before, which must mean that I really, really like the pattern. I definitely have to hunt down some perfect fingering weight for this pattern.

Keeping with the theme of keeping those necks warm, there’s Gynx’s Wallpaper Cowl. Not only is the pattern really cool, but I love the colors she chose. I would never have picked those out for myself, but they fit so well together! There’s also Fridica’s Millwater Cowl. The garter stitch and cable combo looks so textured and cozy!

I have two completely unique hat projects to share. Really, when you see these projects, you’ll know these bloggers are great at searching out the perfect pattern. First, there’s Cloudberry’s Angry Bird Hat. What little boy wouldn’t want that as a gift? Then, there’s Smoking Hot Needles’s Raxtur. This is one of those patterns that non-knitters won’t believe you made (“you made THAT???”). Honestly, it’s intricate and gorgeous and everything that you would want to show off your skills.

Now, onto the garments. Fern made this vest pretty much by guestimating- and it’s beautiful! (Scroll down, because she saved the best FO for last). I can’t wait until the pattern comes out. It’s just lovely.

Threadpanda’s Roam Tunic has got me browsing chunky yarns online to make my own, it looks so wonderful on her. When I saw the pattern in the magazine I liked it, but I wasn’t sure how it would look on. Her version has me convinced- it’s going in the queue.

Last but not least, if you want to do some cooing, check out Life on Laffer’s Christmas Sweater. That is one cute baby, but it’s also one wonderful sweater.

And now, onto the Year in Review- ACCESSORIES!

Left to right, top to bottom:
Dunkelipa in Plymouth Yarn Galway Highland Heather,Windscheif in Farmswept Yarns Knitter’s Choice, Greenery in Berocco Vintage DK, Pup Tent in Valley Yarns Northampton, Chalice in Plymouth Encore, Dishcloth in Rowan All Seasons Cotton, Citron in Malabrigo Lace, Autumn Gold in Tanis Fiber Arts Blue Label Fingering, Chevron Lace Fingerless Mitts in Northern Lights Fiber Co. Solar Flair Sock, Edge of Lace in Patons Classic Wool.

A lot of these projects ended up being gifts, but my absolute favorite of my knits from the past year that I kept has to be the Dunkelipa Hat. I get so many compliments on it! Plus, it’s very warm and comfy. I absolutely enjoyed making it, and I suggest you all go check the pattern out- it’s definitely something I recommend. Tune in tomorrow for Designs and Sweaters, plus some resolutions!

FO Friday: Autumn Gold

I finally finished my Autumn Gold Hat! I am really, really happy with how it came out. In the end, I made mine with just a bit of slouch. Honestly, I probably could have kept going, but I liked how it looked. It’s such a light hat that I didn’t want too much extra fabric. Now it fits really easily into my pocket!

Besides the length, the only other mod I did was the needle sizes. I didn’t swatch or anything (yes, bad me, I know), but I’m usually a tight knitter, especially with smaller needles, so I went up a size. Of course, this didn’t have anything to do with the fact that I didn’t have needles in the rights size AT ALL 😉 Still, it created a delightfully drapey hat, plus the size was pretty much spot on, so it looks like it was a pretty good decision!

I used some gorgeous Tanis Fiber Arts Blue Label Fingering (80% Merino, 20% Nylon) in the truffle colorway. I got it in a give-away from the generous Leaner’s Per-Knit, so I’m so glad that I can finally put it to use! It’s not quite as bright as the photos make it look to be. I was afraid that the busyness of the variegation would clash with the stitch pattern, but I think it was subdued enough so that everything worked together.

I’m kinda sorta testing this pattern for Buttons and Beeswax, and I’m really glad that I took her up on the offer. It was really fun to knit! The stitch patterns were just exciting enough to keep me busy, but I could easily do them while watching TV- a  perfect combination in my opinion! I didn’t find any problems with the pattern. I highly recommend it, and I’m sure her others are just as well done. Check out her ravelry store!

For more FO Friday posts, check out Tami’s. Oh- and, before I forget, the contest! It was a trick question. That’s an original stitch pattern I’m putting together. But don’t worry, I’m giving you all full credit for trying. If you suggested an answer, I’ll email you a coupon code for one free pattern from my ravelry shop. Check it in a bit!

WIP Wed: Crickets?

I’ve been working on a lot over this holiday break, but, unfortunately, it’s mainly design projects that I’m not quite ready to talk about yet. And, to be honest, I don’t have a whole lot of energy right now. My battery died this morning, which ended up just being one of those problems that is not all that aggravating but sets your day off- you know what I mean, right? So, instead of writing a whole lot about my woes, I’ll just give you a quick shot of a stitch pattern.

Bam- that’s it! Let’s make this interesting. Whoever guesses what kind of pattern this is (be specific) will get a promo code for a free download for any of my pay patterns. You can see them all at my ravelry store or click the “designs” tab at the top of the page. Don’t forget to leave me some way to contact you. Good luck!

For more WIP posts, check out Tami’s.