#PinGame

#PinGame

 

I love to design versatile patterns that fit well into my life and make it easier. I am also a fan of buying lovely, precious skeins of yarn. I have quite a collection of them!

#PinGame was inspired by one such precious skeins of yarn, a small, 25 g ball of Cardiff Cashmere. The design was also inspired by my love of pretty pins and gift-giving. This small neckerchief uses exactly one ball of Cardiff Cashmere, so it's perfect to knit for a special someone as a last-minute gift (or yourself, of course!). The softness of the cashmere means this is a wee bit of luxury you can quickly and easily create, with an understated, classy look that is appealing to all ages!

You get three choices of shape for your neckerchief in #PinGame all created with simplicity in mind. I want this to be a chill-out knit, something you can create on the go; something that will use a small amount of precious yarn; and something that will be perfect for whipping out a last-minute gift for someone!

The Diamond is a shape that really does best with a complementary pin. Fold it in half and wrap it around your neck, securing it with a pin. This double layer, up close to your skin, is soft and especially warm.

The Triangle shape is like a traditional shawl; it has a bit more length than the Diamond, and so can drape more loosely around your neck. It's still best to wear with your favourite pin!

And the Crescent shape is the longest, but shallowest, of the shapes. This neckercheif can wrap around and drape over your shoulders. Pins are optional!

_______________________
Garter Tab CO Video (featuring #PinGame)


#PinGame: A Closer Look Video

Capsule Wardrobe: Knit 2

Pattern Description:
Pippi
Pippi is a cabled scarf that is knit in one piece with a super bulky yarn. Simple cables create a braid, while increases and decreases shape the work into a scarf/stole that can be worn several ways. Throw it around your neck for a scarf, tie the ends together for a collar, or loop it around twice and tie it up for a cozy cowl.

Fibre Used:
Noro Silk Garden, colour 272
45% mohair, 45% silk, 10% wool

Notions:
lengths of necklace chain, ribbon

Size:
No size.

Modification Advice/Errors in Pattern:
I made the necklace modification.

Alterations Done:
None on main version. On smaller version below, I omitted all the length that included the 10 st cables.
I also used lengths of necklace chain for two of the necklaces, and two lengths of ribbon on the "scrap" version.

Would I Knit This Again?:
Yes! In fact, I did! I made a practice one using all the wee ends and bits of Noro SG I had lying around. I also made a mini version with the remaining ball of Noro 272. The first, full Pippi used 30g, which left me with approximately 20g to complete the second one.

My Favourite Things About it:
It's so fast and fun and cute! I love manipulating the large cables, and I really like how well it works with all my retro Noro. I used to think that Noro was for entrelac. I now know Noro is for Pippi!

Mini version of Pippi, omitting all 10 st cables.

My Least Favourite Things About it:
I really can't think of a single thing I don't like. This pattern is fantastic!

Noro Remnants Pippi.

Capsule Wardrobe: Knit 1

Pattern Description:
Radial
Worked in a soft and creamy worsted weight wool, this seamless cardigan combines a variety of twisted rib stitch work that emanates radially along the cone-shaped sleeves. With a plain stockinette back and ribbed sleeves and band, this cardigan is a surprisingly quick and easy knit.

Fibre Used:
100% wool

Notions:
none

Size:
29

Modification Advice/Errors in Pattern:
I couldn't find any mods or errata.

Alterations Done:
This is something of a Fraken-shrug. I used about four different yarns, all (almost) exactly the same colour and weight.

Would I Knit This Again?:
Absolutely! But next time, I'll make sure I have enough yarn. There wasn't really any simple way I could see to cut corners and save yardage.

My Favourite Things About it:
It's really simple to knit. Once you get to those sleeves, it's sets of rows that are the same thing, so it's great mindless knitting.

My Least Favourite Things About it:
I mean, this isn't the fault of the pattern, but wow, is it ever a yarn-eater!

For Children? For Adults!

A few weeks ago, Amy shared this fantastic pattern with the words "it's totally appropriate for grown ass woman, right?" I say YES. Forever yes.

I knew I recognized this designer's work; I realized I first wished her kids knits were for grown ups two years ago on an indie designer post. And now, she offers some of her designs in grown-up sizes too!

Pattern: Sly Fox Cowl
Designer: Ekaterina Blanchard
Yarn: Cascade Eco wool (cream and brown) as well as my own very first hand spun!

Things I love about this pattern:

• seamless wonder!
• fun short rows
• the double-knitting made easy, and functioning as a sleeve for the tie
• the fact that I got to use my terribly thick n' thin spindle spun
• the fit: you get a warm head without hat hair!
• THE PAWS! Man, do you see the cuteness of the paws?!

So go and knit yourself one right now! Grown ass women with fox cowls unite!

Draperie

Make your comfy, cozy, squishy-garter-stitch dreams come true with Draperie.

Buy Now

The stretchy, squishy feel of the all-over garter stitch texture provides a fabric that drapes and wraps around your body wonderfully. The perfect item to casually throw on for extra warmth, Draperie can be worn with either side as the top; converting the piece from a cardigan to a more shrug-like piece instantly!

Sizes:  39 (43, 46)” / 99 (109, 117) cm

Yarn: Baah "La Jolla"

You want to knit Draperie because:

• it's a simple, soothing garter-stitch knitting experience
• the drape and basic shape make this an effortlessly chic garment
• the convertibility: it can be worn top side up or down, depending on how drapey you'd like your collar
• easy adaptability: want it longer? Just knit a few more rows! This garment has no complicated shaping

With more drapey collar worn at neck

Campfire Cardigan: A Journey

This was an epic knit.

It was started so many years ago that I can't even remember. Maybe three? That's just a guess. But I do recall that I wanted to stash down, and had a grand pile of Patons Classic wool that I thought would make a rather handsome, basic sweater.

I had initially intended to experiment with cables and texture, and ignore any shaping at all. Just knit on and knit on, and create something super comfy and oversized.
But something shinier and newer must have crossed my path lo those many years ago, and I put down the sweater (already knit up to the armpits and with about half of one sleeve complete).

A couple months ago I resurfaced this WIP from the deep depths of the abandoned projects. There's at least five other knits languishing in there, but this one seemed to scream its perfection for the summertime, and I started to dream about wearing it around campfires and being all cozy and whatnot.

I picked it back up and completed it in about two months. Though part of that speed was due to my abandonment of the central back cable panel and acceptance that I was going to be winging the raglan shaping and guessing at the collar and front edging.

With these risks came the inevitable downfall of errors, but errors I decided to embrace as challenges and skill-building exercises. Example: I didn't decrease enough between the shoulders. I had quite an excess of fabric that meant that the sweater had a very annoying habit of sliding off and hanging in a most unattractive way. The solution was this pretty little pleat, sewn in afterwards, with the perfect amount of fabric being deleted within the top of the central panel frame.

I feel so good about finishing something that's been a UFO for so long!

What's the oldest UFO you've gone back and completed?

Calamus: Cover Girl Yeaaaaah!

© Knitscene/Harper Point

Exciting news!

I've made my first cover. Woo!

As you may know, I was at TNNA a couple weeks ago. One of the first things I did (after stuffing my face with delicious, delicious Chipotle) was head on over to the fashion show and say hello to friends and colleagues I see so rarely.

Don't ya know, almost immediately I run into Amy Palmer, the editor of Knitscene, and she's toting images of the upcoming mags.

Sweet! I get a preview of that Calamus hat I mailed off lo those many months ago. It's cool to see how the magazine presents your work, with styling and wonderful photography and models and the like.
So Amy holds up the binder and what do I see looking back at me but Calamus! Wowza! Cover pic!
In reality, it took me a few ticks to actually get it. I think the longer it is to take it in the bigger the awesomeness factor.
Or the dopier the designer, you takes your pick.

Anyhow, see Calamus on my non-model head below. It's amazing (though not surprising) how the yarn colour is so misrepresented in my shitty pics!

The theme this design was made for was "Flock", that is, birds. So you know I had to submit to THAT theme.
Calamus is a light and airy hat, with lacy yarn overs tracing down along the length and culminating in mock feathers that sit decoratively, framing your face.
Pick up a copy of Knitscene Accessories 2014 top get your hands on Calamus!

Finally an FO: Plum Rondo

This was an addictive knit.
Though I set some obstacles in my own way from the get-go, I'm pleased with how my Plum Rondo turned out. And quickly, too!

1. I didn't have the right yarn weight, so had to alter the gauge math. It worked out fine!
2. And using that incorrectly-gauged yarn came with a less-that-ideal pairing of the four colours necessary to create the pullover. Unfortunately, one of the secondary colours wasn't distinctive enough from the others to create the pop needed for some of the lovely, delicate yoke colourwork.
3. Stubbornly using that yarn with the wrong gauge and incorrect colour contrasts also led me to run out of the main colour only inches before finishing! Sad! I had to extend the background yoke colour up a couple inches, sacrificing the look of the colourwork, but allowing me to complete the knit with enough main colour for the neck ribbing.
4. I'm glad I persisted with the yarn because ooooh man. Softness. So deliciously soft. Mmmm....

I'm still scoobied as to why there aren't more of these as FOs on ravelry. As of the publication of this post, there's only thirteen.
What I'm saying is, this is a free, well-written, fantastic-pants pattern! Knit one for yourself!

Holla Knits Spring/Summer 2014 Blog Tour

For my contribution to this blog tour, I'd like to show you my own, personal, happy, second sample for me me me of Hawt Sands.

Many modifications happened for this sweater. For a few reasons:
1) This cotton is THE cotton I had in stash. Must knit from stash!
2) And while I already owned this cotton, I didn't own it in the proper amount for the main colour.
3) The seahorse is nowhere to be seen because I altered this puppy to be knit in the round. I feared the running-out-of-yarn, and somehow working it in the round made more sense in this perilous situation.
4) I did end up running out of yarn, right a the tip-top of the hood. So the hood's smaller than it's supposed to be.
and finally
5) I wanted to see it in some different colours, and thought ya'll might like to as well!

I have fantasies that one day it'll be so warm that this cotton pullover will make sense as a wardrobe option. Right now it's the vehicle for my maybe-spring-soon dreams.

Follow the rest of the blog tour! There's some giveaways too; you know you can't say no to giveaways!

April 7: Collection Launch
April 8: The Sweatshop of Love Blog
April 9: ModKnits Yarn Blog
April 10: Skeinny Dipping Yarn
April 11: Kirsten Singer
April 15: Canary Knits
April 16: Baah Yarns
April 17: Knitter’s Pride Blog
April 18: DovieJay Knits
April 22: Mari Knits
April 23: Magical Grammar
April 24: Knit York City
April 25: Under the Red Umbrella

Holla Knits Spring/Summer 2013 Blog Tour: Introducing Lady Bat

I had SO MUCH FUN (worth all those caps, peeps) designing Lady Bat.

Here you see the sample I worked in Knit Picks Shine Sport.

Its side-to-side construction and easy to memorize lace pattern mean this piece is a great spring or summertime knit. Great as a layered piece over a strappy top or dress, and even great as a swimsuit cover-up at the beach, you can lounge in style with Lady Bat.
Work on it in the sunshine, wear it in the warmth!

I can't believe how comfy this piece is. Knitting it was really a joy. It almost designed itself, with its simple, geometric shape. Those straight and easy-to-follow lines in the garment translate into the wonderful drape you see in the finished knit.

Fun fact: I had originally proposed this sweater as a fall/winter piece, but Allyson at Holla Knits made the very smart suggestion of saving it for spring/summer. She was totally right.

Would you like to win a copy of Lady Bat? Just comment on this post, and give me a description of how you'd wear it. Personally, I can't wait to get the sample back in the mail so I can test it out as a bikini coverup.
I'll keep the comments open until Wednesday, April 24, 11:59 pm. Winner will be announced on Thursday, April 25.

The second sample in Knits in Class Luxe DK.

Join the blog tour as is rolls along! Here's a complete list of the stops and some of the goodies available to win:

April 16 - The Sweatshop of Love - Pattern giveaway, subscriber exclusive yarn giveaway

April 17 - Canary Knits - Pattern giveaway
April 18 - Yarn Hollow - Pattern giveaway 
April 19 - Under the Red Umbrella - Pattern giveaway, subscriber exclusive yarn giveaway
April 22 - Stash, the Knit Picks Staff Blog April 23 - Emma Welford Designs - Pattern giveaway, subscriber exclusive yarn giveaway
April 24 - Pink Brutus Knits - Pattern giveaway 
April 25 - Rewolluzza - Pattern giveaway, subscriber exclusive yarn giveaway
April 26 - Knits in Class - Pattern giveaway, subscriber exclusive yarn giveaway
April 29 - WEBS Yarn Store Blog - Pattern kit giveaway
May 1 - Masi Knits - Pattern giveaway, subscriber exclusive yarn giveaway
May 3 - Unplanned Peacock - Pattern giveaway

Baby Duck, Donald Style

My cousin had a baby boy at the beginning of January.
So you've got to know, my baby-knitting went in to overdrive. She loves Disney characters, so I thought it'd make an appreciated baptism gift to have her son all decked out like Donald Duck.

If I get a chance, I'll get some modeled pics. Much better than the laid-on-the-tile-floor blah of these :)

A Second Look at a Winter Pattern

Recognize this guy?
Girl?
Hmm... are patterns gendered?

Well, anyway, look to see a refreshed version of Knight Service in the coming weeks.

I'm looking forward to Spring, are you?

Thistle Garden Cardigan: Lacy Zen Wonderland

I'm very happy to finally share with you a pattern I've been working on for the past few months.

The Thistle Garden cardigan is knit in Zen Yarn Garden's Serenity Worsted yarn. In fact, it was designed to be knit with this beautiful, glorious stuff.

or, purchase the kit from ZYG.
I'd never worked with ZYG before, but after having created this cardigan with it, Serenity Worsted has shot to the top of my favourite yarns list!
Just check out that colourway!

And seriously, even if you don't care for Thistle Garden, I recommend getting yourself at least one hank of Zen Yarn Garden's stuff. Just check out their site for your closest retailer.

Here's the details about the cardigan:

You don’t have to say good bye to lace in the cold weather! Thistle Garden will keep you warm and satisfy your desire for lace at the same time.
The worsted weight used in this pattern is worked up in a textural seed stitch, providing a comfortable and casual knit you’ll find yourself wearing throughout the chilly months.
Lace decorates the cuffs and front closure; the overlapping lace panel is unobstructed by buttons, and instead has two rows of snaps to fasten the cardigan.
Nearly seamless, the top down raglan design skims your body with waist shaping and 0 ease.
This pattern features both written and charted instructions for the lace.



Kit Information
The price per skein of Serenity Worsted is $32 but with your purchase of this kit, we are extending a 20% discount for the volume purchase for a price per skein of $25.60. The price per pattern is included in the kit price for $8 and will be sent to you via PDF attachment.
Skills Used
knitting in the round
seaming
simple lace
Yarn
Zen Yarn Gardens Serenity Worsted, 175 yd / 160 m per 100 g hank, 7 (7, 8, 9, 10, 11) hanks, colourway Dragonfruit
Needles
3.75 mm/#5 circular needles and double pointed needles
Gauge
18 sts and 24 rows to 4” / 10 cm in Seed Stitch Flat
18 sts and 28 rows to 4” / 10 cm in Thistle Lace Flat
Sizes
XS (S, M, L, XL, XXL) See Garment Schematic for finished garment measurements
29 (33, 37, 42, 45, 50)” / 73.5 (84, 94, 107, 114, 127) cm bust; this garment is designed with 0”/0 cm of ease. Choose the bust measurement which is within +/- 2” (5 cm) of your actual bust.
Notions
14 (14, 16, 16, 16, 16) snaps, approximately 0.5” / 1 cm across

New Pattern, Walk in the Leaves; Or, Help Support the SPCA

Today I've published a new pattern!

Walk in the Leaves are inspired by the best of seasons: autumn.
It was autumn when I went to the SPCA, and fell for the sweet, elderly dog Ellie.
Ellie lives at my parents' place, out in the country; she's a very happy dog who is sweet, intelligent, and enriches our lives. It was the many beautiful, crisp-autumn-day walks that I thought of while designing these little lacy legwarmers.

If it weren't for the local SPCA, she could have still been a stray dog, or perhaps even worse.

All proceeds from Walk in the Leaves will be donated to the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA. I (and all the critters!) thank you for your support.

Sizing: We all come in many sizes, and Walk in the Leaves contains instructions for you to customize the legwarmers to fit YOU just right. It is sized for a 14” leg circumference.

Knit in the round, these speedy accessories would make a great last minute gift!

Completing the Quartet: Winter Little Seasonals

I'm pleased to announce the publication of the fourth and final installment of my pattern writing partnership with Hannah Poon (aka mousewife), Winter Little Seasonals.

Like always, we've each contributed two patterns to this issue. Mine are a set: Snow Honey (the cowl!) and Snow Honey (the mitts!)

These are a matching set which utilize the honeycomb stitch as well as an interesting shape to create interest and uniqueness in an otherwise very regular and functional gathering of garments.

Hannah's patterns are very cool. Check them out: Plaited Warmth Cowl and Plaited Warmth 3-in-1 Gloves.

Clicky here for download.

December YearLong YarnSong

I made it! Just in under the wire.
Hey, I have a New Year's Eve party to plan tomorrow :)

But now, here's December's YearLong YarnSong.

Solstice Stag
Solstice Stag is a warm, beautiful, long-sleeved and cowled sweater. With a staghorn cable running along both arms and sides of the pullover, it creates a very sexy silhouette.

XS(28-30") to XXXL (52-54")

Berries and Sugar and Joy
A very versatile piece, Berries and Sugar and Joy can be a wrap, a cape, a hood, a shawlette and a scarf. All in one!
Grab a cute pin and fasten it to accessorize a dressy outfit.
Flip it over your shoulder, or wrap it over your head, to keep the cold winter wind at bay.
Two sizes: S/M and M/L


Home Glow
Home Glow are a textured pair of mitts, with a simple cable detail running up the edges. Keep warm this December with hand-wrapping moss stitch!
Two sizes: S/M and M/L


For Candles
For Candles is a versatile, simple knit. Wearable as a long cowl, close neck warmer, and even ear warmer, a basic moss stitch shows off your lovely yarn to perfection!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!
And especially, it seems, for wee Ellie.

Here you see her sporting her new sweater. She's not so keen on getting her paws through the arm holes, and has to be bribed with delicious, delicious dog treats to be en-clothed.

Below is a pic of the samesaid dog, this time enjoying another part of her gift. She seems to be fully in love with this new squeaky toy.

She just got it last night, at my parent's Christmas Eve shindig. It's already fully displaced all other toys.

Enjoy your time off!

YearLong YarnSong: November

And now it's finally time for the third installment of my year-long ebook project!

Here's November.

Spiced Heads and Dead Leaves
Spiced Heads and Dead Leaves is a slouchy lace toque. Worked entirely in a Fir Cone Lace pattern, this hat has a subtle loveliness that’ll make a breezy November day just that bit warmer!
one size




To The Ground

To the Ground are a pair of over-the-knee legwarmers with a delightful bit of slouch at the bottom.
Beautiful yarn is shown off wonderfully with this simple 2-stripe repeat.

Sizing: there aren’t any standard sizes for legs/legwarmers, so this pattern contains two sizes. Everyone has different legs! I’m very happy to help anyone change up sizing if necessary.

Garden Cover
Garden Cover is a warm, simple shift dress that is universally flattering and available in a varying size range.
Listed are sizes S-XL; this in fact covers the CYC standards for sizing from XS up to XXXL. Due to the oversized fit of the dress, each size range is covered under these four sizes.

Season's End
Season’s End is a colourwork yoked mini sweater. This piece is just the right size to use up some extra, lovely yarn you have left from another project. For an adding bit of warmth on an increasingly chilly November, Season’s End will serve the purpose well!
XS(28-30") to XXXL (52-54")