New Pattern: Graciella Shawl

Hello from stormy North Carolina!  All sorts of house shaking thunder but (as of yet) no rain.  Luckily there was some beautiful morning light and I was able to take some photos of my new pattern, Graciella Shawl.

Graciella is a small crescent shawl with an Estonian lace border and a Stockinette stitch body worked in short rows.  It uses 350 yards laceweight yarn.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
50" wide and 10" long at the center

SKILLS NEEDED
ability to read a chart
ssk
k2tog
sl1, k2tog, psso
5-st nupp
yo

$5 

Also, today I had a funny conversation in the post office.  In the Designers group we've been having a lively conversation about how to explain our job to non-crafting people.  A lot of us get comments from people about knitting being a 'dead art'.  We're not all dead yet!  Today I was in the post office mailing off some design submissions.  The postal worker asked what was in the envelope, which caught me off guard because they usually just ask if there is anything perishable or flammable.  I answered papers and yarn.  Her face brightened and she exclaimed "Knitting!!  Now that's a dead art!"  I assured her that there are plenty of knitters left in the world.  Let's keep those traditions alive!

Zoey Star Beret redux

One of my go-to hats is my Zoey Star Beret.  I designed it several years ago and since then it has been one of my favorites.  I don't know if it is the design, neutral color, or warmth that always draws me in, but it seems that whenever I'm in a rush I grab it and run out the door.


Over the years I have learned a lot about designing, layout, and now (thanks to Craftsy!) photography.  I strive to put out the best patterns to my ability.  I have started using a new software for my pattern layouts in an attempt to make them more user friendly and make it easier for me to add photos.  Being one of my first few patterns, Zoey Star uses my original layout and rather crummy charting software.  I decided it was time to start the overhaul on my old patterns and this one is the first to get a makeover.  I even ventured into the forest this morning, in 90 degrees plus humidity and endured a dozen mosquito bites (silly me, no bug spray) to shoot some improved photos.  I look like I'm nice and cozy in my wool coat and hat, right?  Well I was beyond cozy, but nobody else needs to know that besides you and me, dear Knitters.

So, in addition to a new layout I have added a new size as well.  Zoey Star Beret now has instructions for a 20" and 22" brim circumference.

If you are interested, here is the Ravelry link.  $3 

In the near future I hope to be bringing you improved versions of several of my old patterns.  Until then, Happy Knitting!

Knitscene Fall 2012 preview

Guess what?  The preview is up for Knitscene Fall 2012!  I have a pattern in this issue, Nocturnal Pullover.  It is a boatneck sweater with a lace owl motif.

 Creating the owl motif was great fun.  I started by finding a photo of an owl that I liked, then imported the image into Photoshop.  I added a grid on top, sizing the grid to approximately how many stitches across I wanted the motif to be.  Then I outlined the owl with yarn overs.  The complicated part was adding in the decreases to accompany the yarn overs.  It took a few tries before I could get it all to work out right.  Then I remembered that knit stitches are not square, so to keep my owl from being ridiculously long, I subtracted a few of the rows.  He looks a bit squat in the chart, but knits up to be a nicely proportioned little guy.

I am really excited to get my copy of this issue, so many lovely patterns and beautiful styling and photography.  I'm really drooling over the Terra Linda Cardigan by Rosemary Hill.  Here lace designs are always gorgeous, and this looks like a perfect fall sweater for me!  Fall where are you?!


Look for Knitscene Fall 2012 on newsstands July 10th!

New Pattern: Djoser Shawl

I am happy to announce that I have just published a new pattern, Djoser Shawl.  Djoser is a crescent shaped shawl worked from the bottom up with a two-color lace and bobble border and Stockinette stitch body worked in short rows.  While working on this design, I became an armchair Egyptologist watching documentaries on the pyramids of Egypt. Inspiration for the name came from Djoser, the first pharaoh of Egypt to build a pyramid. With a lace pattern shaped like little pyramids and yarn as blue as the Nile, I couldn’t resist using his name for this shawl.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
58” wide and 14” long at center


MATERIALS
Madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light (100% merino; 420yds/384 m per 100 g skein); MC: baltic, 1 skein; CC: mare, 1 skein.
Approximate yardage needed:
MC: 400 yards CC: 200 yards


NEEDLES
US #6/4 mm 32” circular needle
US #5/ 3.75mm 32” circular needle
Adjust needle size to get correct gauge.


NOTIONS REQUIRED
Tapestry needle to weave in ends
23 stitch markers


GAUGE
19 sts and 34 rows = 4” in Stockinette stitch on smaller
needles.


SKILLS NEEDED
ability to read a chart
long tail cast on
k2tog
ssk
sl 1, k2tog, psso
bobble
yo

$5 

Interweave Knits Summer 2012

Greetings again, knitters.  Now for the happy news of the day.  I am proud to announce that I have two patterns in the new issue of Interweave Knits.  They are Endira Necklace and Sakura Tee.  You can see the preview for the entire issue of Interweave Knits Summer 2012 here.  So many lovely patterns in this issue, I can't wait to get my copy.

Photos are courtesy of Interweave, except for the close up photo of the necklace.  This is my own image, I added it to show the close up detail of the necklace.

Endira Necklace:  Designing a knitted necklace was a challenge.  With the exception of knitted wire and beads, I haven't found too many knitted necklaces that I thought were fashionable and wearable.  While pondering what I could design, I happened to see a collar style necklace on the pages of Lucky magazine.  I felt like it was sheer serendipity that I saw it and grabbed some graph paper and started designing the lace pattern.  Interweave sent me a lovely linen laceweight yarn in a sage green that completely complimented the silver beads.

Sakura Tee:  I love lace and I love designing with a counterpane construction.  Maybe you can say that counterpane is my 'thing'.  Sakura is an adventure in multi-directional knitting.  The front is begun in the center of the flower motif and worked outwards.  Increases are worked in four corners to make a square.  Each side of the square is separated and each side continued on in Stockinette stitch.  The yokes are worked in an eyelet mesh and the edges are worked in a simple k2, p2 rib.  I used Cascade Pima Silk and it knitted up like a dream.  I only had one previous experience with cotton, and it gave me tremendous amounts of wrist pain and numbness is my fingers.  This yarn was the complete opposite.  It glided around my needles (not too slippery, not too stiff) and had the most wonderful sheen and drape.  I would love to work with this yarn again.  Sakura Tee is meant to be worn with a couple inches of positive ease, to make a comfy but chic tee to wear in hot weather.

Morrison Cardigan available for sale from Interweave

My Morrison Cardigan, originally published in Knitscene Fall 2011, is now available as an individual pattern pdf download from the Interweave Store.  It is a drape front cardigan worked in a textured stripe with a solid lace yoke.  This is one of my favorite designs, and I am dreaming of the day when I will have time to knit one for myself in a squooshy alpaca yarn.

Pattern available here for $5.50

New Pattern: Olexa Vest

Happy Spring!  I am proud to announce that I am releasing a new pattern, Olexa Vest.  The Olexa Vest is a fitted striped vest with bias striped pockets and broken rib trim. The body is worked flat in one piece from the bottom up. The pockets are knit on the bias and sewn on. The flattering deep v neckline is accented with a shaped rib trim. This vest is meant to be worn with little or no positive ease in the bustline.

For more information, see the Ravelry pattern page.
$6  


FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Chest: 31.25 (34.5, 38, 41.5)[44.75, 48, 51.55]”
Length: 20.75 (21, 22, 22.75)[23.25, 24, 24.75]”

MATERIALS NEEDED
Worsted weight wool yarn.
Color A: 200 (220, 250, 280)[300, 340, 380] yards
Color B: 250 (280, 320, 360)[400, 440, 490] yards

NEEDLES
US #6/4 mm 16” and 32” circular needles
Adjust needle size to get correct gauge.

GAUGE
19 sts and 27 rows = 4” in Stockinette Stripe

SKILLS NEEDED
working in the round
long tail CO
cable CO

three needle BO
mattress stitch
k2tog
ssk
p2tog
ssp
RLI (right lifted increase)
LLI (left lifted increase)
kfb

New Pattern: Glenrowan Hat

 Today I am publishing Glenrowan Hat, a beanie worked in a two tone garter stripe and cable pattern.  The band is worked flat in a garter stripe with the short ends sewn together.  Stitches are picked up around the long edge and worked in the round for the body of the hat.  Glenrowan is a unisex pattern sized from baby to adult large to fit the whole family.
SIZES
baby (toddler, child, adult S, adult M, adult L)
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Circumference: 16.25 (17.75, 19.5, 21, 22.75, 24.25)”
Length: 6.5 (7, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5)”
MATERIALS
Knit Picks Wool of the Andes (100% wool; 110 yds/101 m per 50 g ball); Color A: Baltic Heather, 1 (2, 2, 2, 2, 2) balls; Color B: Midnight Heather 1 ball.  

Yarn requirements for each color: 

baby: color A 100 yds color B 50 yds 
toddler: color A 120 yds color B 60 yds 
child: color A 140 yds color B 70 yds 
adult S: color A 160 yds color B 80 yds 
adult M: color A 180 yds color B 90 yds 
adult L: color A 200 yds color B 100 yds

SKILLS NEEDED
ability to read a chart 
working in the round 
basic knowledge of cables 
picking up stitches 
k2tog 
ssk

NEEDLES
US #5/3.75 mm straight needles
US #6/4 mm set of dpn and 16”circular needle


$4 

New Pattern: Lavienne Scarf

I am happy to announce that my newest pattern, Lavienne Scarf, is now up for sale.  Lavienne Scarf is a versatile scarf with curved ends worked in a striped entrelac pattern. It is begun by working the wider edge. The tiers are worked in alternating solid and striped diamonds. By omitting the side triangles a trapezoid shape is created. The final triangles are worked in short rows. Stitches are picked up along the curved edges then worked into a contrast ruffle. Lavienne can be worn as a scarf either wrapped or draped around the neck or worn as a mini shawl.

Skills needed: 
picking up sts 
k2tog 
ssk 
kfb 
previous experience with entrelac. If you have never tried entrelac, please take a look at my basic entrelac tutorial for further explanation.

Designer note: I am a loose knitter, so please check your gauge before beginning this project. It may be necessary to go up 1 or 2 needle sizes.

Yarn: About 250 yards required for main color and 200 yards for contrast color.

 $4

New Pattern: Etoile Hat

I'm on a roll this month, I have published another hat pattern.  This one is Etoile Hat, a slouchy beanie worked in eyelet concentric stars.  I really like the yarn, Andean Treasure, it is a warm and fuzzy sport weight alpaca yarn in a very intense shade of blue.  I wanted to stray from my usual rib band and instead tried out a ridged eyelet stripe.  This pattern was definitely not smooth sailing.  I started out with a completely different yarn and different chart.  The star pattern just wasn't working, and three charts and two froggings later (with a change of yarn in between) I ended up with this lovely finished product.  



FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Circumference: 22”
Length: 8”


SKILLS NEEDED
ability to read a chart 
working in the round 
yo 
ssk 
k2tog 
sl 1, k2tog, psso

New Pattern: Kilbourne Hat

Kilbourne Hat is a unisex close fitting beanie that utilizes twisted stitches to create a zig zag pattern. Beginning with a twisted rib, it is worked in the round from the bottom up with a crown that is worked in progressively smaller zig zags. Kilbourne Hat is very stretchy, so should be worn with 1-2” negative ease.  This unisex design is a very quick knit, so if you need a last minute Valentine's Day gift this could be it!


I went through several versions of this design.  The original crown shaping was overly complicated on paper and looked like a bit of a mess when knitted up.  After lots of erasing and redrawing on the chart, I ended up with a simpler version that I think is very pleasing.  


$4  


Skills needed: 
ability to read a chart 
working in the round 
k2tog 
ssk 
knowledge of twisted stitches is helpful but not necessary


Materials:
150-200 yards worsted weight wool or wool blend yarn
US #5/3.75 mm 16" circular needle
US #6/4 mm set of dpn and 16" circular needle

New Pattern: Adora Hat

Adora is a close fitting hat with an elegant scalloped brim. Worked in the round from the bottom up, the stitch pattern is a twin leaf with a contrasting eyelet stripe. The crown decreases bring the leaves into a pointed star shape. This hat should be worn with 1-2” negative ease.

I have been loving vintage hats recently, and I wanted this one to be reminiscent of the flapper hats from the 1920's.  I have lots of casual hats, but nothing that I would consider wearing with a nice dress on an evening out.  Instead of just letting my head get cold, I decided to design an elegant option that would keep me nice and toasty warm on a cold night.

Approximate yardage used: MC 110 (130) yds, CC 45 (55) yds

Skills needed:

ability to read a chart

working in the round
k2tog
ssk
yo

$4

New Pattern: Button Box Cloche

I am so happy to finally present my new pattern, Button Box Cloche.  Button Box Cloche is a vintage style embellished hat worked in two versions. The Red Version has a long and wide brim that flips outwards and is embellished with a colorful mix of buttons. The Purple Version has a short flared brim and is embellished with a mohair flower, hatband, and a few buttons. Worked in the round from the top down, these hats can be tried on as they are knit to adjust the length if necessary.


SKILLS NEEDED:
working in the round
kfb
m1

SIZES: Child (Adult S/M, Adult M/L)

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS RED VERSION
Circumference: 21.25 (22.5, 24)”
Length: 8.75 (9, 9.25)”

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS PURPLE VERSION
Circumference: 21.25 (22.5, 24)”
Length: 7.75 (8, 8.25)”

MATERIALS:
Red Version: Rowan Kid Classic (70% wool, 26% mohair, 4% nylon; 153 yds/140 m per 50 g ball); color: 847; 1 (2, 2) balls

Purple Version: Knit Picks Gloss DK (70% merino wool, 30% silk; 123 yds/112 m per 50 g ball); color: Blackberry; 2 (2, 2) balls
Feza Yarns Kid Mohair Multi (85% mohair, 8% nylon, 7% polyester; 275 yds/251 m per 25g ball); color: 634; 1 ball

NEEDLES
Both Versions: US #6/4 mm dpns and 16” circular needle
Purple Version only: US #4/3.5 mm dpns
 
NOTIONS REQUIRED:
Both Versions: Tapestry needle to weave in ends, stitch marker, sewing thread to match yarn, sewing needle
Red Version: 40 assorted buttons (six ¾” - 1”, nine ½” - 5/8”, twenty-five ¼” – 3/8”); tear away fabric stabilizer
Purple Version: four 3/8” buttons, one 5/8” button

$5

New Pattern: Desert Waves Scarf & Shawl

I am happy to present my newest knitting pattern, Desert Waves Scarf & Shawl. 

Desert Waves Scarf and Shawl are worked in an eyelet chevron pattern. When worked in a yarn with long color changes, the pattern creates a gradation of undulating waves of color. The scarf and shawl are worked on needles larger than usually used for fingering weight yarn, which creates a slightly open fabric that provides warmth without too much weight.  Pattern includes charted and written instructions.

Finished Measurements:

Scarf: 10.5” wide and 60” long Shawl:17" wide and 80" long

Skills Needed:
kfb

k2tog

yo

skp

Materials Needed:
US 6/ 4mm knitting needles
Scarf: 390 yards fingering weight self striping yarn

Shawl: 780 yards fingering weight self striping yarn

Gauge:

18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in Stockinette stitch

 

Cost: $5

The photoshoot for this pattern was a rather funny experience.  It was the middle of August and I was visiting my parents down in the hot hot desert near Palm Springs.  I decided to take the photos on the golf course in front of my parents house, thinking that the palm trees and purple mountains would make a nice backdrop.  Right after breakfast my mom and I went out there to take photos.  It was only about 8:30, but it was already at least 100 degrees and there were biting fleas in the grass.  I found it hard to have a serene look on my face while I was dripping with sweat and getting flea bites on my legs!  Luckily we were done in about 15 minutes, and I very quickly ripped off my wool coat and took a dip in the swimming pool.