04 December 2015
Knit JOY (50% off coupon)
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:
- Ysolda's sizing chart (couldn't find it where I used to find it, but here it is on Pinterest)
- CYCA's guidelines (this is the PDF download -- I don't see the point of just getting the chart of measurements without the schematic)
- Ann Budd's The Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns (non-affiliate Amazon link, but you can certainly find it elsewhere)
- Elizabeth Zimmermann's books, particularly Knitting Workshop (non-affiliate Schoolhouse Press link, but you can find this title elsewhere, too)
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,
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,
02 December 2015
01 December 2015
30 November 2015
27 November 2015
24 November 2015
23 November 2015
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.
Which #giftalong2015 patterns are calling your name? My To Knit list just got a lot longer :)
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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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.
Which #giftalong2015 patterns are calling your name? I'll be back tomorrow with five more bundles from my talented 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 |
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| 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
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.
Which #giftalong2015 patterns are calling your name? I'll be back tomorrow with five more bundles from my talented 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 |
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| Stariel Knits (Ariel Altaras) - beautiful socks and accessories If I were to knit socks, Jera might be my first choice |
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| 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
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.
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 :)
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.
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,
xoxo,
18 November 2015
17 November 2015
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!
- 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,
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