21 December 2015

Pattern: Solstice Cardi

Solstice Cardi by Kathleen Dames
Solstice Cardi on Ravelry (available free to subscribers)

You need one of those little cardigans that you throw on over everything. But wouldn’t you like it to have a v-neck, flatter your figure, and be fun to knit with little finishing?

Solstice Cardi is the one for you! Stockinette with shaping where you need it keeps things smooth and simple. Garter stitch edges and integrated button bands give a crisp finish and are easy to work. Join us on The Sweater with Kathleen Dames podcast to knit this pattern with me!

Solstice Cardi by Kathleen Dames


What you'll love about knitting Solstice Cardi

  • You can knit along with me over the 12-week podcast season beginning 8 January 2016! 
  • Both pattern and podcast are filled with tips and techniques that you'll use on all your knitting projects 
  • Integrated button bands cut down on finishing work, so you'll get to wear your sweater more quickly 


What you'll love about wearing Solstice Cardi

  • You'll look fabulous! 
  • Fingering-weight yarn makes this the cardigan you'll grab all year long 
  • Figure-flattering shaping is built into the pattern 


Solstice Cardi by Kathleen Dames


Size/Finished Measurements
28 (32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52) inches circumference, closed. Shown in size 36-inch with two inches negative ease.

Materials
Julie Asselin Stella (84% Merino, 16% Metallic; 400 yds [366 m]/4.06 oz [115 g]): color, 2 (2, 2, 3, 3, 3, 4) skeins; {approx. 600 (700, 800, 950, 1100, 1250, 1450) yds fingering weight yarn}
US6 (4.0 mm) 24-inch (or longer) circular needle
Markers
Removable stitch markers
Stitch holders or waste yarn
Tapestry needle
6 (6, 6, 6, 7, 7, 7) 1/2" buttons

Gauge
24 sts and 32 rows = 4 inches in St st

Skills Needed
Casting on
Binding off
Knitting
Purling
Increasing
Decreasing

Solstice Cardi by Kathleen Dames


Thanks!
Photography: Nicholas Dames
Technical Editing: Corrina Ferguson/Picnic Knits

Everything you need to create your own beautiful Solstice Cardi is provided in the professionally designed (by me!) pattern.

Don't forget to tag your project with hashtag #kdsweater on social media.

Sign up for The Sweater with Kathleen Dames newsletter to get your free copy of the Solstice Cardi pattern.

Thanks for stopping by, and happy knitting!
xoxo,

The Sweater with Kathleen Dames | Episode Zero: The Basics


Meet the Solstice Cardi!

Learn the basics of what you'll need to get started knitting your very own.
Click here to sign up for the newsletter and get your free Solstice Cardi pattern*
Share your project on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter with hashtag #kdsweater

*Free pattern available until 25 March 2016. After that date Solstice Cardi will be available for purchase from my Ravelry shop.
-----------
periscope | instagram | twitter | ravelry | facebook
music: Cafe Parisien with accordion iStock.com/frobisher

In the video Kathleen is wearing Sotherton, originally published in Jane Austen Knits, Summer 2012. Pattern available here.

18 December 2015

The Sweater with Kathleen Dames trailer


The trailer is up now, my friends! Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, so you won't miss an episode of The Sweater with Kathleen Dames. Newsletter sign-up and Episode Zero go live on 21 December 2015 - the Winter Solstice. 

xoxo,


Recording The Sweater with Kathleen Dames Episode Zero: The Basics #knitscope with Kathleen Dames



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14 December 2015

Planning The Sweater

If you watch me on Periscope (see the previous post for more) or follow me on Instagram/Twitter, you may have seen some stuff recently about my plans for a podcast (and sweater-knitting evangelism). I am busy wrestling technology into submission right now, awaiting feedback from my technical editor, and trying to decide which microphone will work best on camera (and with my camera). So many exciting things to do to get ready...

So, yes! I am planning on producing a podcast called The Sweater with Kathleen Dames. Eeeeee! It will be a video podcast on YouTube (you can subscribe to my channel from that link) with an iTunes audio version a little down the line (when I wrestle that technology to the ground).



Pretty soon you will see a link to it in the top navigation on the site (actually, it's there now but will be wrestled/prettified and occupied with more info soon). There will be a newsletter that will not only deliver a free copy of the pattern (available during the season), but that will also deliver direct YouTube links to you once episodes go live. (More technology to wrestle!) After the season is finished, the pattern will be available to purchase in my Ravelry shop (and subscribers will receive a coupon for a substantial discount off that version of the pattern should you wish to store it in your Ravelry library). And if you enjoy the first season, I'll produce more seasons going forward with more patterns (pullovers! cables! lace!).

There will be 12 episodes that will cover all aspects of knitting my Solstice Cardi pattern (coming soon!) from measuring your bodacious self to binding off the neck stitches and everything in-between. Even if you choose not to knit the Solstice Cardi, you will find lots of helpful tips and tricks to apply to all your knitting projects (especially largely-seamless bottom-up sweaters).

The episodes will include:
  1. the pattern
  2. the swatch (yarn and needles)
  3. the cast on (first sleeve)
  4. the body
  5. the shaping
  6. the body (again)
  7. the second sleeve
  8. the yoke
  9. the bind off
  10. the finishing
  11. the blocking
  12. the sweater

I will knit a new version of the pattern along with you, and I'm getting the yarn sorted for that as I type. I'm also thinking of including one or two live chat sessions on YouTube if you are interested in that. And I will broadcast my recording the episodes on Periscope (but not all the editing), so if you want to watch in advance, you'll be able to do that. I hope to bring episodes in around 25 minutes each, though I expect recording sessions to go longer than that.

Next Monday I will release Episode Zero, which will give you a little intro to what we are going to do and give you time to finish your obligation knitting and get through the holidays before we begin. The first actual episode will go live (tentatively) on January 8th, which will have us wrapping up just in time for the Vernal Equinox.

So, what do you think? Let me know in the comments below.

Thanks for stopping by, and happy knitting!
xoxo,

Monday chat: The Sweater planning + naming patterns #knitscope with @kathleendames



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04 December 2015

#FOfriday an oldie but goodie: Turn of the Glass (free on @knittymag) #knitscope



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Knit JOY (50% off coupon)


Join me for some fun, clever, easy knitting with the JOY garland this holiday season! Follow this link to get your copy of the pattern for 50% off. Or use code joy2015 in my Ravelry store.

I plan to knit a long garland as a sort of Advent project for our tree in sock yarn, but you can easily follow the pattern to knit yours with worsted weight yarn for a quick holiday door decoration.

Thanks for stopping by, and happy knitting!
xoxo,





P.S. I shared this with my newsletter yesterday, so sign up here to get the good stuff first!

03 December 2015

Designer resources


In yesterday morning's Periscope broadcast I mentioned some resources I turn to when writing and grading patterns. As I mentioned, I usually follow Knitty standards, as I like how wide-ranging they are (seven sizes from XS to 3X in 4-inch increments). Most magazines I've worked with publish patterns in five sizes, but I do prefer seven -- it's not too much more work while giving more knitters the opportunity to knit a pattern from the instructions.

When grading my patterns I often refer to:
I love all the measurements included in Ysolda's chart -- it's very thorough, although it does not contain a key number for my pattern writing: sleeve length from wrist to underarm. Since I write patterns from cuff and hem upwards to join body and sleeves together and work yokes seamlessly, this number is of more use to me than the given sleeve length measurement (from wrist to shoulder). Happily I can find that number in the CYCA standards.

As for the books I mention above, Ann Budd's book is a great starting point, even if I find the amount of ease included to be much larger than I generally design for. The proportions are helpful, though, as are the impressive spectrum of pattern grading from baby to large adult man. And EZ's books are so helpful in thinking about the body in a three-dimensional way, as well as the interconnectedness of our parts thanks to her EPS (Elizabeth's Percentage System). I couldn't do without Knitting Workshop and re-read Knitter's Almanac on a regular basis.

I hope you find these helpful/interesting. Let me know in the comments if you have any other knitting design resources you turn to regularly.

Thanks for stopping by, and happy knitting!
xoxo,

Why I knit seamlessly plus a little bit of holiday knitting #knitscope



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22 November 2015

quick + purly: 5 bundles - special #giftalong2015 edition, part 3

Today is Day Three of sharing #giftalong2015 bundles from some of my wonderful designer friends...


The Indie Design Gift-A-Long is underway over on Ravelry (yippee), and there are 335 participating designers who have generously put over 5000 of their patterns on sale for 25% off to help you conquer your holiday knitting (use code giftalong2015).

Here, in no particular order, are four of my friends' bundles for your delectation. Clicking on the images should take you to their designer pages where their GAL bundles are featured.

Joeli's Kitchen (Joeli Caparco) - lovely knits for little ones
I'm leaning towards Gooseberry Pie but have a soft spot for the Turtle Soup hat

Truly Myrtle Designs (Libby Johnson) - beautiful shawls and hats
Darling Dotty is calling to me with all those bobbles

Jill Wolcott - technique-filled and thorough patterns from a talented fashion designer
After having cold arms at Rhinebeck, I need a pair of Meath Mitts

Dark Matter Knits (Elizabeth Green Musselman) - something special for everyone on your list
I love Leona Dare, but that Wifi Hat is also calling to me

And a last peek at my bundle ;)


Which #giftalong2015 patterns are calling your name? My To Knit list just got a lot longer :)

Thanks for stopping by, and happy knitting!
xoxo,

21 November 2015

quick + purly: 5 bundles - special #giftalong2015 edition, part 2

Today is Day Two of sharing #giftalong2015 bundles from some of my wonderful designer friends...


The Indie Design Gift-A-Long is underway over on Ravelry (yippee), and there are 335 participating designers who have generously put over 5000 of their patterns on sale for 25% off to help you conquer your holiday knitting (use code giftalong2015).

Here, in no particular order, are five of my friends' bundles for your delectation. Clicking on the images should take you to their designer pages where their GAL bundles are featured.

Tanja Osswald - lovely crochet patterns plus one knit
Counting Snowflakes is the knit, and it has a fun construction

KRWKnitwear (Karen Whooley) - lovely knit and crochet patterns
I'd like a pair of Indulgence!

Mindy Wilkes - lovely shawls and cowls
Holden has been on my Favorites list for a looong time

JavaPurl (C.C. Almon) - excellent sock patterns plus a couple of lovely shawls
Round, Round, Get Around Shawl looks like such fun

Clare Devine - hats, socks, and shawls with pretty, clever details
So hard to choose! Peppermint Leaves is talking to me with that crown

Which #giftalong2015 patterns are calling your name? I'll be back tomorrow with five more bundles from my talented friends.

Thanks for stopping by, and happy knitting!
xoxo,

20 November 2015

#FOFriday book edition #knitscope



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quick + purly: 5 bundles - special #giftalong2015 edition

Over the next few days I will share #giftalong2015 bundles from some of my wonderful designer friends...


As you may know, the Indie Design Gift-A-Long is underway over on Ravelry (yippee), and there are 335 participating designers who have generously put over 5000 of their patterns on sale for 25% off to help you conquer your holiday knitting (use code giftalong2015). That is a LOT of stuff to sort through. If you visit the group's homepage, you will see a row of tabs; click on Bundles to see all the patterns available, and click on Search to take you to the usual Ravelry search screen pre-filtered with all the participating patterns. From there you can refine your search to your heart's content.

For another way to sift through the riches of the GAL, I thought I'd introduce you to a bunch of my talented friends. I am always blown away by how many ways there are to work with sticks and string! Here, in no particular order, are five of my friends' bundles for your delectation. Clicking on the images should take you to their designer pages where their GAL bundles are featured.

Brandon Knitting Designs (Varian Brandon) - fair isle gorgeousness
The Knight's Banner Cowl is my favorite at the moment

Karen Dawn Designs (Karen Robinson) - hats and shawls and cowls, oh my!
Check out the Clairvaux Baby Blanket

PicnicKnits (Corinna Ferguson) - lightweight lovelies from this Florida designer
Longfellow is speaking to me right now

Stariel Knits (Ariel Altaras) - beautiful socks and accessories
If I were to knit socks, Jera might be my first choice

Rock + Purl (Ruth Garcia-Alcantud) - exciting garments and accessories
Aligned Spaces is so my thing!

Which #giftalong2015 patterns are calling your name? I'll be back tomorrow with five more bundles from my talented friends.

Thanks for stopping by, and happy knitting!
xoxo,


19 November 2015

It's almost time for the #giftalong2015 sale to begin! #knitscope



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Indie Design Gift-A-Long 2015

Oh, my, it's that time of year (again)! The holidays are upon us, and if you're knitting gifts for loved ones, your needles are gettin' busy. To help you out, independent designers have joined forces for the Indie Design Gift-A-Long. Hundreds of designers have put a few thousand patterns on sale for the next week, and the GAL (as we call it) will continue until the end of 2015, hopefully giving you time to knit up all those gifts.

To take advantage of the sale, fill up your cart with all your favorite patterns from participating designers. Then, starting at 8:00pm EST tonight, use coupon code giftalong2015 at checkout to get 25% off all discounted patterns.

I have included great gift patterns in my sale bundle, as well as pattern gifts you can give yourself. After all the wonderful craziness of the season, don't you deserve a sweater of your very own? January would be the perfect time to make something just for you.

row 1: An Aran for AnneAn Aran for FrederickCaptain Austen's ScarfCastaway ShawletteDennis.
row 2: Hap-pyIn the ShallowsJOY garlandMermaid's CardiganMermaid's Mitts.row 3: On the High SeasPomegranate CardiSailor's ValentineSothertonSly Maid Stole.
row 4: Thistle Leaf PulloverThistle Leaf ShawlUnicorn PartyUpon the Spanish MainA Vest for Charles.

Want to see the other designers and their patterns? Check out the thread here. And don't forget to participate in the GAL threads to have fun, give/get encouragement from other knitters and crocheters, and win prizes! Join the group here.

Whether you plan to knit/crochet gifts this year or are just looking to add a few patterns to your library, check out the Gift-A-Long and use code giftalong2015 for 25% off all participating patterns from 8pm EST 19 November to 11:59 EST 27 November 2015. Join in the fun until the end of the year :)
Happy knitting!
xoxo,

17 November 2015

Facing your fears, whether it's knitting or designing or what. #knitscope



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Pattern: Mermaid's Mitts


Mermaid's Mitts on Ravelry $7 (no account necessary)

Even mermaids get cold hands! And these little pretties are quick to knit, light and cozy, and require just a smidgen of laceweight yarn. If you are ready to move beyond the basics but not ready for the time commitment of a shawl, you’ll flap your tail for this pair in fishtail lace.

Mermaid's Mitts are a great way to learn about working in the round (for the cuff) and back-and-forth (for the thumb opening) in a lace pattern. I provide notes, charts, and information to help you master this skill. Since these mitts only use about 80yds (10g) of laceweight yarn, they are a quick and satisfying project that adds to your skill set. Plus, covering up your wrist pulse points really does keep you warmer!

What you'll love about knitting Mermaid's Mitts:
  • only 10g of laceweight yarn
  • master a pretty lace pattern in the round and back and forth
  • quick and portable
  • the lace pattern creates its own lovely cuff edge

What you'll love about wearing Mermaid's Mitts:
  • so pretty
  • it's amazing how much warmer you feel when you cover your pulse points
  • perfect for adding a splash of color to any outfit 



Size/Finished Measurements
Women’s Medium/Large (modeled with 1 inch negative ease)
Palm: 6 1/2-inch circumference; Length: 6 1/2 inches

Materials
  • madelinetosh tosh lace [100% Superwash Merino Wool; 950 yards/868 meters per 118 gram skein]; color: Baltic; 1 skein
  • US2/2.75mm set of five DPNs
  • Stitch marker(s), tapestry needle

Gauge
24 sts x 40 rows = 4 inches square in Fishtail Lace

Skills Needed
  • casting on
  • binding off
  • knitting
  • purling
  • increasing
  • decreasing
  • working in the round
  • working back and forth
  • following written or charted instructions for Fishtail Lace pattern (both included)



Thanks!
Technical Editing: Joeli Caparco
Photography: Nicholas Dames

Everything you need to create your own beautiful Mermaid's Mitts is provided in the professionally designed (by me!) pattern. Both written and charted versions of the Fishtail Lace stitch pattern are included.



Lovely knitters who purchased this pattern when it was originally released should have received a message from Ravelry that the updated version of the pattern is now in your library. Don't miss the special customer coupon code.



Thanks for stopping by, and happy knitting!
xoxo,

16 November 2015

Pattern: JOY garland

JOY garland by Kathleen Dames

JOY garland on Ravelry $7 (no account necessary)

Let everyone know that a knitter lives here (or a knitter loves someone who lives here) by hanging a sign on the door! JOY is quick to knit and employs some clever use of i-cord and garter stitch. If you can knit, increase, and decrease, you can add a little holiday joy to your home (or office).

This is a perfect pattern for the beginner who wants to master basic increases and decreases OR for the experienced knitter who wants to explore some simple but clever techniques for a joy-ous result. Letter templates to craft your own holiday message are included.

I smile every time I come to my apartment door when this is displayed. Plus, the bells on the points make a happy jingling sound when the door is opened (maybe don't put it up on a door that is opened too many times a day?), and if you've seen It's a Wonderful Life as many times as I have, you know what happens when a bell rings!

JOY garland by Kathleen Dames


What you'll love about knitting JOY:
  • garland is created in one "go" with almost no finishing
  • if you can knit, increase, and decrease, you can have your very own knitted garland
  • perfect project to knit from stash

What you'll love about displaying JOY:
  • your very own knitted garland!
  • make a long version of the small size to hang on the tree
  • add the large one wherever you need to spread some joy

Size/Finished Measurements
S [L]; 3¼ x 2-inch [8½ x 4-inch] triangles; small five-triangle garland is 31 inches long, large three-triangle garland is 40 inches long

Materials
  • Plymouth Encore Worsted (75% acrylic, 25% wool; 200 yds [183]/100g): Red, 1 skein
  • US8 (5.0 mm): double-pointed needles (DPN) or size needed to obtain gauge
  • Tapestry needle
  • Three [five] 9 [15]mm jingle bells
  • White felt
  • Fabric glue or sewing thread and needle

Gauge
16 stitches x 16 ridges = 4 inches square in garter stitch

Skills Needed
  • casting on
  • binding off
  • knitting
  • increasing
  • decreasing
  • working i-cord
JOY garland by Kathleen Dames


Everything you need to create your own beautiful JOY garland is provided in the professionally designed (by me!) pattern, including letter templates to create your own message.

Lovely knitters who purchased this pattern when it was originally released should have received a message from Ravelry that the updated version of the pattern is now in your library. Don't miss the special customer coupon code!



Thanks for stopping by, and happy knitting!
xoxo,

Let's peek in the button jar. #nationalbuttonday #knitscope



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13 November 2015

Yarn substitution: art or science? #knitscope



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Pattern: Sailor's Valentine


Sailor's Valentine on Ravelry $7 (no account necessary)


Originally Sailor’s Valentines were shell-encrusted boxes brought back from Barbados for sailors’ sweethearts. Today, keep the love alive with a romantic collection of cables to make a seafaring sweater of love, perfect for any Valentine.

This Sailor's Valentine is worked flat from the bottom up in one piece to the underarms. Sleeves are also worked flat (to maintain a consistent gauge) from the cuff up, then all three pieces are joined to work a seamless hybrid-style yoke. But the fun doesn't stop there! This sweater is topped off with a turned-heel hood (worked the same way you would to create a short-row heel on a sock), which keeps the Heart Strings cable going all the way from the hem to the top of the hood.

Ribbing at the sides of the sweater gives a closer fit without working waist shaping. For a unisex sweater, simply substitute Seed Stitch for the 2x2 rib.



What you'll love about knitting Sailor's Valentine:

  • Variety of beautiful cable patterns that are not only fun to work but have special meaning
    • Reef Knot - sailors worth their salt know how to rig their ships
    • Triple Gull Stitch - gulls keep sailors company out at sea
    • Heart Strings - twisting, turning, entwined hearts
    • Twin Waves - gentle undulations on the ocean
    • Sailor's Rib - a little something special (and seaworthy) along the front edges and framing the hood
  • Once you've mastered the cables, it is so much fun to bring them all together in the hybrid yoke, which cleverly shapes the body and sleeves up and over your shoulders
  • If the yoke wasn't fun enough, the hood will blow you away by bringing the Heart Strings all the way to the top.


What you'll love about wearing Sailor's Valentine:
  • Who doesn't love a great hoodie?
  • Ribbing along the sides makes for a figure-flattering shape (substitute Seed Stitch if you're looking for a unisex fit)
  • Hybrid yoke creates a great fit in the shoulders

Size/Finished Measurements
Chest: 30 [34, 38, 42, 46, 50, 54] inches
Shown in 38-inch with 0-inch ease

Materials
  • Bartlettyarns Fisherman 2-ply [100% Wool 210 yards/192 meters per 113 gram/4 oz. skein]; color: Cranberry #378; 5 [5, 6, 7, 8, 8, 9]
  • One US6/4.0mm 29-inch circular needle (ndl)
  • Set of four (or five) US6/4.0mm double-pointed needles (dpns)
  • Cable needle (cn)
  • Stitch markers
  • Coil-less safety pins or other removable stitch markers
  • Waste yarn or stitch holders
  • Tapestry needle
  • 23-inch (or desired length) zipper in color to match yarn
  • Knit-picker tool, or desired tool(s) for zipper installation (visit Techknitter's zipper installation post for more information about the knit-picker - I found mine at Joann's in the sewing tools section)




Gauge
16 sts x 20 rows = 4 inches in Stockinette Stitch


Skills Needed
  • casting on
  • binding off
  • knitting
  • purling
  • increasing
  • decreasing
  • working stitches out of order (cabling)
  • reading charts
  • short-row shaping

Thanks!
Technical Editing: Karen Clark
Test Knitting: barleystonks, justmama, lexisknits, and puce59
Photography: Nicholas Dames



Everything you need to create your own beautiful Sailor's Valentine is provided in the professionally designed (by me!) pattern. Charts for all the cable patterns are included.

Lovely knitters who purchased this pattern when it was originally released should have received a message from Ravelry that the updated version of the pattern is now in your library. Don't miss the special customer coupon code!



Thanks for stopping by, and happy knitting!
xoxo,