Now Out In Stores

As you know, I have been writing and designing for Knit 123 magazine.  The print production process is a long one and I started this job back in the fall...finally the first issue I worked on is now out in stores!

In this issue my technique that I detail is about increases and the different types.  I wrote three capelet patterns for three skill levels (beginner, novice and intermediate).  I forgot almost how they looked and it was so wonderful to see them on a model and styled.

Magazine cover

So, the other day when I was in the LYS working a customer came in and pulled out a copy of the magazine and said "look what I found in Walmart!  Recognize this?"  Then she proceeded to open it to my article - she purchased the magazine not knowing that I had an article in it.  She explained her surprise when she saw my name and photo.  She immediately wanted to cast on for the intermediate capelet.  Can I tell you how much that made my heart sing?!  The other ladies around the table suggested she get my autograph on the article which she promptly asked me to do.

The thing is I am not nearly as proud of this article and designs as my next issue ones.  I was feeling my way, playing it safe and getting the job done for this issue.  I'm not saying that there isn't good information or patterns in this one...but I can't WAIT for the next issue.

So, head out to Walmart, JoAnn Fabrics, AC Moore or Michaels and check out the magazine section...you too can have your own copy.

Belle Linee Cowl

For quite a while I've wanted to use Classic Elite's Bella Lino yarn in a pattern.  I was going to pair it with Magnolia but it wasn't working so I had a lightbulb moment to pair it with Iron Horse Superwash Merino/Silk heavy fingering and a new pattern was born.

Introducing Belle Linee which means beautiful lines in Italian.  It is a long cowl knit on the bias which can be worn single loop, doubled or even draped over your shoulders.  I love this transitional piece of light warmth and I know I will be wearing it right up until summer.

This Made My Day

I was working at the yarn store yesterday and a mom and her daughter who took my class for making The Hat in The Hat stopped by with their finished hats.  I immediately asked them to model them for a photo - don't they look wonderful?!?  It truly made my day.

Then I had to snap this photo...the mom was looking for some Noro Silk Garden and I told her to call out any numbers if she wanted met to check quantities.  It got very quite over in that corner of the store.  I walked round and look what I found - doesn't she look like a kid in a candy shop?

Got To Love This

There is nothing nicer than your hand knits being worn and loved.  This adorable photo of my husband's great niece was posted on my FB wall.  Love it!

Notice how I say it my husband's great niece not mine - I have decided I am not old enough to be a great aunt.  Heck, my kids and my sisters kids are all 18 and under - one is only 4.  I won't be a great aunt for a LONG time!

On A Roll

I had some leftover yarn from the Railroad Mitts so I cast on to design another hat.  I found a wonderful slipstitch pattern which when knit in round resembles a spiral staircase - hence, Spiral Staircase Hat.

I knew I had a hit when my "in house model" tried it on and requested one in colors of her choice.

Potato Chip Knitting

I haven't had a potato chip knitting project in a while and I just finished one I have to share with you. It truly was one of those patterns where I couldn't stop because I wanted to see what would happen next.

The pattern is Nymphalidea and is a free one on Knitty.  I used Malabrigo sock (lettuce color way) for the solid color which is the CC in the pattern and Noro Taiyo Sock for the MC which is the variegated yarn.  I love how this turned out and how each color sung next to the green.

I knit this up for the store as we're going to use it for a knit along - I could knit another one right now.  I did knit this to the pattern specs - I think next time I'd go a little further so it would be deeper and longer.

Railroad Track Mitts

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I've been busy!  I released two patterns this past week and wanted to share the latest one.

Railroad Track Mitts uses two colors of Iron Horse Farm's worsted BLF/Shetland.  I knit up one mitt with Gold Ochre as the MC then another mitt in a smaller size with Purple as the MC.  I love how the look of the mitt changed entirely based on which MC I chose.  I also thought they'd make a cute pair of mis-matched mitts.

The pattern includes a tutorial for the 2 color cable cast on.  It makes the mitts so interesting I just had to include it.

You should have seen me trying to photograph my own hand - ridiculous.  So, I waited for my "in house model" to get home from school and I had the idea for the top photo to show both mitts.  I love how it turned out.