1.31.2012

Winter Trails




I am happy to tell you that there is a new addition to my pattern line! 

And yes.. since you asked.... I AM proud of myself for completing this pattern while having a new baby in the house! :)

Although I seem to be designing at a snail's pace these days, I am very happy with how this hat turned out.
 The cable pattern weaves through itself and is very fun to work up. Also.. the entire project knits up quickly with a worsted weight yarn. The end result is a squishy, cozy, elegant hat, perfect for a cold winter's day.


For the hat pictured, I chose The Fibre Company Organik yarn in Arctic Tundra after being 
inspired by this lovely knit. What a fabulous yarn this is! 

This is my first time working with it, and the texture of this yarn is amazing. 
Soft, slightly shiny, slight halo.. gorgeous.


Here is the pattern information for those of you interested in knitting up a Winter Trails hat of your very own:

SIZE
Women’s Medium-Large
(fits 19–23” / 48–58cm head circumference)

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Brim Circumference approx 17” / 43cm unstretched.

MATERIALS
The Fibre Company Organik [70% Merino, 15% Alpaca, 15% Silk; 98 yd/90m per 1.75 oz / 50g skein]; color: Arctic Tundra; 2 skeins or approx 180 yd / 165m of a worsted weight wool or wool blend.

Alternate Yarns: Cascade Yarns Venezia Worsted, Madelinetosh Tosh Merino, Malabrigo Merino Worsted

1 16” / 40cm US7 / 4.5mm circular needle for brim.
1 16” / 40cm US8 / 5mm circular needle for body of hat.
1 set of US8 / 5mm double pointed needles
Cable needle
Stitch marker
Tapestry needle

GAUGE
18 sts/ 24 rows = 4" / 10cm in Stockinette stitch on US8 / 5mm needles or size needed for accurate gauge.

The pattern contains both charted and written instructions.




As always, thank you to Julie Crawford for modeling and to her husband for the excellent photography. 

I hope that you enjoy the pattern!






1.28.2012

Ruby Leaves



I just recently had this lovely set of pattern samples knit up for me by one of my fabulous test/sample knitters, Anne. This is my Autumn Vines Beret and Oak Grove mitts worked up in the lovely Road to China Light yarn in the Ruby colorway by The Fibre Company. I've used this yarn before but I especially I love the elegant look it gives to these designs in particular. The slight fuzzy texture and sheen is so luxurious!



Although the stitch pattern is different, I've always felt that this hat and mitt pattern would serve as an excellent coordinating set, especially knit up in the same colorway like this.


I often have samples knit up for trunk shows and to put on display in different venues... but this particular set.. I wish I could keep. It's so pretty!

Autumn Vines Beret pattern found HERE
Oak Grove mitt pattern found HERE
Yarn found HERE.


1.09.2012

Good Things


There are so many good things lately that I have been very happy and excited about...

First of all.. on a personal note.. our little guy is now 2 months old and is all smiles these days.


Just a smiling face sitting atop a pair of shoulders. No neck in sight. :)


Aside from that, I've felt re-enthused about my knitting and have been working on a new design!


Squishy elegant cables are always a treat.

Also. I am planning out a trip to Santa Clara, California at the end of February because I am going to be a vendor at Stitches West again this year! The neckless baby and I will be sharing a booth again with Lisa Sanchez from Becoming Art. Crazy? Yes, probably. But it will be fun.

See.. so many good things.