29 June 2011

Pattern: Deckhand

deckhand_patternimage.jpg



Does your little scallywag deserve a new sweater? How about a comfortable, easy-to-wear (and put on) pullover in easy-care cotton. Just right for cool summer evenings on deck. Worked flat with one-row stripes, the generous bateau neckline fits easily over squirming heads, while single button adds a little verve. Sleeves are “just right” at the young end of each size and will be 3/4 sleeves for the older wearer—perfect for keeping out of the way when climbing the rigging.

This version is worked in Mission Falls 1824 Cotton. You might surmise from the photographs that Penelope doesn't really like her sweater, but she has happily worn it before, with a grin even. Unfortunately, these pictures were taken at the end of our vacation, by which time she was quite cranky. I'm happy to report that she's in a better mood now, though still recovering from jetlag.

A version knit in Knitpicks Comfy Worsted will be released in July. And Isobel modeled that one, which was a hoot. Can't wait to show you some of the poses!

Skills Needed 
Casting on
Binding off
Knitting
Purling
Decreasing

Deckhand $2.99

Deckhand is also part of the new ebook Avast No. 1: eight patterns for piratical knitters.
Avast No. 1 $25

Pattern: Captain Austen's Scarf (reissue)

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A cozy scarf is a must for walking the deck of your ship, and what better way to dress it up than with a little of Frank Austen's fringe? He worked the very same fringe (on some curtains) while on shore leave with his sister Jane. Luscious, bulky Malabrigo Twist makes for a quick knit, and the reversible Seaweed stitch pattern will keep your interest until it's tie to tie that fringe and board your ship.

I originally released Captain Austen's Scarf last fall, but when putting together the collection Avast No. 1, I realized it belonged here and brought it to the photo shoot. Doesn't it look great on Stephen?

Captain Austen's Scarf $4

Captain Austen's Scarf is also part of the new ebook Avast No. 1: eight patterns for piratical knitters.
Avast No. 1 $25

Pattern: Babe in the Mist

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Wrap your littlest buccaneer in a blanket of Mist Drops to keep baby safe from discovery, whether on board ship or tucked away on a desert island. Every edge of this cozy cover undulates so baby will become accustomed to the waves, and both sides of this pattern are beautiful, so no worries about which side is best. A washable wool blend makes this a practical, not-too-heavy, and easy-to-care for blanket for your babe.
Babe in the Mist uses approximately 500 yards of Berocco's Vintage
Pattern is charted and written out, and includes helpful notes to get you started.
Skills Needed 
Casting on 
Binding off 
Knitting 
Purling 
Increasing 
Decreasing
Babe in the Mist $5 
buy now


Babe in the Mist is also part of the new ebook Avast No. 1: eight patterns for piratical knitters.
Avast No. 1 $25

Pattern: Aphros

aphros_patternimage.jpg

Aphros (Greek for “sea foam”) is an airy and elegant stole that can serve as cover for your evening gown or over-sized scarf for your everyday ensemble. Gently undulating seafoam stitch, simple yet beautiful, forms the body, while a knitted-on lacy edging adds a graceful flourish to the ends.

Lace is a wonderful project for travel—one ball of yarn, one set of (or circular) needles —whether you’re flying across the country or washed up on a deserted island. Plus, it's not too heavy or woolly in your lap.

Pattern is written and charted, and includes helpful notes for getting started. If you can perform a yarnover and work two stitches together, you can produce this lovely stole.

Skills Needed Casting on
Binding off
Knitting
Purling
Increasing
Decreasing
Reading charts
Lace
Aphros $5

Aphros is also part of the new ebook Avast No. 1: eight patterns for piratical knitters.
Avast No. 1 $25
buy now

25 June 2011

Aloha!

Greetings from beautiful Maui! We've had a lovely week here, lots of swimming in the pool, enjoying the sun before it gets too intense (Isobel got a light sunburn on her nose and cheeks on day two - very mild, and we've been extra-vigilant everywhere/when else since). I do wish we could just buy a vat of zinc and titanium dioxide and dip everyone in it a few times a day.

As you may have seen on Ravelry the other day, I've released half of the patterns for my first booklet, Avast No. 1, and the other half should be ready to go next week (a couple are out for tech edit, and I need a few more photographs for the other two - my smallest model is proving somewhat recalcitrant, and there is no arguing with a two-year-old, however close to three). So, I will be blogging about Wench, Night Watch Cap, Aphros, and the reissue of Captain Austen's Scarf over the next few days.

If you can't wait until the booklet is released and buy a pattern now, I will be happy to send you a coupon for the pattern price off the book. But that offer will only be good for people who buy individual patterns before the booklet is available.


In the meantime, Aloha! from Isobel, Stephen, and me - Nick was behind the camera, and Penelope was sitting at on the steps down to the beach complaining about the sand.

17 June 2011

Leaving on a Jet Plane...

Bright and early tomorrow morning we're off to Hawaii. Hopefully the flights won't be too onerous, though I'm not holding my breath with three kids. Luckily, we're meeting up with the rest of Nick's family in SF and doing the second leg together - to a zone defense family, there is nothing like the prospect of man-to-man-plus (the plus being that there will be six adults to four kids while we're there).

I'm excited because I've planned a photo shoot during our trip for my first pattern booklet. All eight patterns have been knit (two need a quick tech edit), and they're tucked away in my carry-on. I'm still working on the layout of the booklet, which is the part I'm supposed to be good at. My goal is to have everything ready to drop by the end of the month, especially since I managed to snag a Ravelry Notebook ad spot (absolutely no idea how I managed that, since I was just checking possible ads, and there it was). Apologies in advance if you get tired of my ad ;)

The collection is called Avast and will contain Aphros (a stole that has been waiting it's turn for quite some time), a baby blanket like my nephew's, Captain Austen's Scarf, a unisex child's sweater, a pair of laceweight mitts, Night Watch Cap (as seen back in March), a pair of worsted weight socks, and Wench (a women's linen sweater from the old blog). I think it's a good mix, and the patterns are filled with my usual chatty (and hopefully helpful) pattern notes. I've chosen lightweight yarns (linen, cotton, some laceweight superwash wool) and/or small-ish projects - perfect for summer I hope. And I hope this will be the first of a number of collections I produce, though this will probably be the only one with a Hawaiian photoshoot!

Have a great week, and I'll try to get back to blogging more often this summer.

24 May 2011

Yay! And something for Father's Day

Finally, the sweater is in its bath. Goodness, has this been a labor. But I am very happy with the finished product and plan to be even happier with the blocked piece. The last few nights I've closed my eyes and seen various design elements behind my lids. This thing was like the knitting equivalent of Sudoku - lots of things to keep track of all at the same time. And that's just the knitting - the pattern is still a bunch of notes and charts and numbers - I plan to spend Thursday writing while the kiddies are at school. In the meantime it's taking its bath and getting ready to dry out, which may take a few days considering that the humidity was 100% this morning. Reminded me of Houston in August. I hope when it comes out that you like it!

Speaking of which, I had a nice comment the other day asking where to find Jane Austen Knits when it comes out. Pamela, silly blogger didn't pass along your email address, so I couldn't reply directly. To the best of my knowledge Jane Austen Knits will be available from your LYS and to order directly from Interweave. I will be sure to post more information once I know more.

Once the writing is complete, I'll be able to get back to some other projects that have been on hold. Actually, it's more like when I had to write a paper in college. I couldn't start right away. I would have to think on the subject then ignore it, put it in the back of my head and go about my business. A few days later, and only then, I could sit down and pour my thoughts out. So, I have two more small projects that I would like to do before releasing a pattern booklet.

Yup, this experience with working on deadline has reinforced my inclination to self-publish. There will be a couple of sweaters, something each for the head, hands/arms, legs/feet, a couple of lacy neck/shawl items, and a blanket. There's still a bit of work to be done, but I'll keep you posted.

And I mentioned Father's Day... It seems to sneak up on me, coming just a couple of weeks after my dad's birthday and often right after school gets out. But if you're looking for a good gift that could even be almost last minute, how about my Dennis pattern? I saw this bit in the Wall Street Journal Saturday pairing knitted ties with handsome checked shirts. Rather than handing your hard-earned money over to Ralph or the good people of Brioni ($195?!), why not make your own? I'm thinking of making one for myself (some day). Since the original was for my dad, I still have to come up with something for him.