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falling cables [a capelet to knit]

a few years ago, Jennifer at CraftSanity contacted me to see if i would design a knitting pattern for an upcoming issue of their print magazine.  it was early summer when i started, although we were looking ahead to the autumn issue.  Fall is my favorite season of all (if one can truly have a favorite season, they are all so uniquely beautiful here in Ohio).  i closed my eyes and thought ahead to the textures and hues of Fall.  the lovely people at Briar Rose Fibers offered to contribute my choice of wool for this project, and their rich colorways helped put me in the right mood to knit for a cooler season.  before i knew it, the idea quickly surfaced for a slim-fitting capelet draped with cables:  Falling Cables.

it's a great piece for nearly every season, as is evidenced by my daughter's recent restyle of it to wear to school in springtime.  i love pieces that can transition from season to season, and especially for children, pieces that grow and evolve with them.  one thing i really dig about Falling Cables is that i had not even anticipated my girls would do wear it as a skirt someday, but there it is.  imagine if you had two differently-aged children, they could even share wearing it for years.  love that.

The Graduate

meet your new best friend:  The Graduate

deepening shades in the same color family highlight this oversized infinity cowl featuring gently rolled edges and a simple seeded rib stitch.  knit one up in an afternoon using scrap yarn and leftovers in your stash, and show off contemporary ombré style while staying cozy all season.

PDF for this pattern includes 4 pages of step-by-step instructions, full color images, and a super special secret bonus pattern!

You will need approximately 200 yards (total) of bulky/chunky weight yarn in colors of your choosing and US 13 (9mm) straight or circular needles.  One size fits all.

Click the button below to buy - a download link for the PDF file will be sent to you via email when payment clears.  Thank you!

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and be sure to check out all the many other knitting + sewing projects available in the Pattern SHOP here.  xoxo

winter prep

grab your needles + some chunky yarn and meet me back here in a few days.  xoxo

Head in the Clouds

one of the great things about knitting with bulky weight yarn is the obvious speed factor.  normally six skeins of any given yarn would have me second-guessing, but we're working with the big stuff here and let me tell you it flies over your fingertips and onto the needles almost as fast as you can run up your charge card at the LYS.

Head in the Clouds is an oversized creamy white pillow cover dotted with cloud formations that are so dreamy.  it's a simple project that starts off with meditative stockinette and shifts to working on a chart full of clouds.  and i'm not a chart girl so i made it super user-friendly - trust me when i say you can do this.  a bit of simple sewing to piece it together, add a few buttons secure the cover in place, and you are done!  this is a relaxing afternoon project that you will enjoy for years.

PDF for this pattern includes 3 pages of step-by-step instructions, full color images and a chart to create the cloud pattern as shown in the sample.  You will need approximately 270 yards of bulky weight yarn, US 15 (10mm) straight or circular needles, and one 20" x 20" pillow form.

CLICK on the button below to buy a PDF copy of my Head in the Clouds Knit Pillow pattern. You will be sent link via email to download the 3-page PDF as soon as payment clears. THANKS!

$5

CONTINUE SHOPPING

This Rocks! KNIT in Charleston SC

knitting in the car on our trip to South Carolina this summer, i came to the realization that i needed a backup project just in case i completed the shawl i was working on while away from home.  i know i know, shame on me for not being more prepared.  but honestly, i am notorious for overpacking knitting projects, so this year i limited myself to only one in the hopes of actually making progress on it while on holiday.  that said, you always need a backup plan.  thank goodness for modern technology, because i was able to get online and locate a wonderful LYS in Charleston and made sure to pop in while we were in town one afternoon.

say hello to KNIT -

KNIT is located in a charming pink (yes pink!) building just off King St. right in the middle of it all in Charleston.  they have a lovely selection of yarns (so much koigu and tosh, oh my), kindly knitters sitting here and there chitchatting up a storm, and such a friendly and hospitable staff.

after a few minutes inside with the girls "helping" me, the hub handed me a surprise wad of dough, said "happy vacation + have fun!" and took the girls on a little walk around the area while i perused the shop.  (a gift in itself.)

but i shopped, too.  oh yes i did - 

i've since completed the shawl i worked on through vacation plus a cardi for the girls (will share both soon), and am now working on a 2nd cardi + something else that rocks (which i will tell you about in the coming weeks as well).  and then i will be diving into this bag for the tosh merino light.  my first madeline tosh!

so to all my knitterly friends, if you are ever in Charleston SC and in need of a backup project, find yourself with unexpected extra bucks, or simply wish to swoon over a wonderful selection of fibers in a most lovely shop, i highly recommend stopping by KNIT.  xoxo

you know what?  i would love to share a bit of my spoils with you.  something from this very shopping bag in fact... shall we say a skein of Koigu KPPPM deliciousness?

let's have a giveaway!  TO ENTER:  leave a comment on this post with your name + tell us about a great LYS you've come across in your travels.

this giveaway is open to USA residents only. one entry* per person. comments will remain open through Sunday, 9-September around dinnertime (Eastern Time) when a randomly chosed winner will be announced here in this post.

*please note comment moderation is activated for this site to prevent spam, so your comment will not appear on the post right away. rest assured non-spam entries will be received and posted a.s.a.p. promise.

edited 09.09.2012: comments are closed for the giveaway + the winner has been posted.  xoxo

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Check out the full archive of THIS ROCKS here.

off and on

my summer knitting has been all about the shawl.  this shawl, to be precise.  it's come with me to gymnastics, soccer, concerts, and even my mammogram - you name it, this shawl has been along for the ride.  it's done.  and it is so very splendid.  promise to share when she's all dry and the dangly bits are woven in.

so what did i cast on a mere few moments after she was resting on the blocking board?  why yes, Virginia, another shawl.  a light and airy little number featuring one of my favorite yarns of all.  so what are you knitting?  xoxo

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p.s  if you're looking for a great weekend knitting (or sewing) project, remember everything in the Pattern SHOP is discounted 25% during the month of August!

walking knits

just when we thought winter had taken its leave from our neck of the woods, a mighty cold wind whipped into town overnight.  but other than sideways trees, it was a gorgeous day - so i pulled out a few handknits to accompany me on my afternoon walk.  in case any of you are also experiencing a cold spell, or are simply looking for a quick knitting pick-me-up, i can honestly say these are a few of my absolute favorites to knit that get daily wear in our ohio winters -

• easy peasy mitts (free pattern)
• one willow cowl (free pattern)
• anemoon mini (mods on this lovely pattern by lucy sweetland)

changes in weather affect my crafting endeavors, most notably in that i crave knitting when it's cold.  and since it's going to be chilly + non-springlike off and on for the next week, i'd love your suggestions as to what i should cast on to satisfy my craving to knit.  maybe a shawl?  xoxo 

springlike

after a few days of i-haven't-been-this-sick-in-a-few-years sick, it is really nice to feel the upswing again and get outside with the girls to enjoy the lovely sunshiney breezy weather.  it's been a particularly bizarre and unpredictable year weather-wise here in the midwest.  all over, for that matter.  and it got me to wondering...  are weather patterns really all that different than they were 30+ years ago in my childhood?  or are we simply more aware (dare i say hyperaware) of the nuances in Mother Nature's rhythms because of advances in technology?  i'm sure it's a combination of both, to some degree.  but it makes you wonder, you know?  xoxo

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p.s.  closing in on 4 years since i knit those ponchos and they're still going strong.  [ravelry]

New Pattern : Backstage Pass [slouchy knitted cap]

Backstage Pass is the perfect basic slouchy knitted cap to keep warm and yet so totally cool while showing off the wearer's personal style. Whether you make a cheery rainbow, add some kitty ears, or simply knit it in your favorite color, this simple + quick knit is destined to be a favorite.

PDF includes 2 pages of step-by-step instructions, full color images to demonstrate pattern specifics.  This piece is knit in the round on double pointed needles - it is a terrific project for confident beginners looking to embark on knitting in the round.  And with no seaming, this little number can be on and off the needles and onto the wearer in a day!

You'll need 200 yards of worsted weight wool + one set of five US 7 (4.5mm) double-pointed needles.  I made both the samples shown using leftover stash yarns.

Sizes:  Child and Adult.

[check it out in the Pattern SHOP + queue up on ravelry]

Or... if you want it right away, click the button below to buy and a download link for the PDF file will be sent to you instantly via email when payment clears. Thank you!

$5

pattern of the week : Young Sherlock [knit cap]

this week i am delighted to share a favorite pattern i have been keeping under wraps for far too long.  years, in fact.  the Young Sherlock Knit Cap  is a favorite in our home for imaginary play, a little something special to knit up for the young detectives in your world.

[check it out in the Pattern SHOP + queue up on ravelry]

xoxo

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you say you don't knit?  no worries, i've got your back.  here's a clue...

yes, indeed.  Young Sherlock Sewn Cap pattern coming soon, too!  xoxo