Ashley Knits: on pins and needles

New Pattern: Old Bones

2012-02-01T10:34:00.001Z

I'm starting a new part-time job (um, making sweets) in a little while, so I'm full steam ahead in getting more new patterns out while I can! And while my samples still fit me...

Say hello to my new aran-weight small shawl pattern, Old Bones:

Old Bones is super cozy, warm, enveloping, and quick to knit. I've been living in it since blocking. The pattern is available both fully charted and with full written instructions. Go check it out and buy from Ravelry!

Stippers and Alyn

2012-01-13T11:11:00.000Z

Making up for lost time!

Over the holidays, I was able to release two new patterns:

Alyn

Alyn is completely handspun from three-ply oatmeal Blue-faced Leicester. I love this fibre. It makes for a soft but hard-wearing men's sweater, with ribbing, cables, and a half-zip collar. My husband almost never takes it off. And, since it was released in Knitty, the pattern is free!

And just a few weeks old but already one of my most popular patterns: Stippers

The pattern name is turning heads (they're named for my husband's sweet, dyslexic habit of crossing his "L"s - I'm fully aware that the name may be eye-catching for different reasons!), but so is their clever seamless construction, arch shaping, continuous braided cable, and the fact that they're not felted. I wear mine every day. I'm going to need to make another pair soon - besides, they only take a few hours to make. The sample is made in soft, sturdy and bulky Quince and Co. Puffin.

Abbreviations

2012-01-13T10:24:00.002Z

This is a list of common abbreviations and stitches I use in my patterns: refer to it if an abbreviation has you stumped or you just want to double-check to make sure you're doing a decrease correctly.

*	repeat from * to current place in row
[ ] and ( )	repeat instructions in brackets or parentheses as designated
approx.	approximately
beg	begin(ning)
bm	before marker
BO	bind off (cast off)
CC	contrasting color (refer to yarn requirements)
cm	centimeter
cn	cable needle
CO	cast on
cont	continue(ing)
dec	decrease(ing)
dpn	double point(ed) needle
foll	follow(ing)
g	gram(s)
gs (garter stitch)	If working flat, knit every row. If working in the round, K 1 rnd, p 1 rnd.
in	inch(es)
inc	increase(ing)
k	knit
k-wise	knit-wise
k2tog	knit 2 stitches together
k3tog	knit 3 stitches together
kbf	knit into back and front of same stitch
kfb	knit into front and back of same stitch
LH	left hand
LLI	Knit into stitch 2 rows below stitch on RH needle
m	meter(s) or marker
M1	Pick up strand between sts from back to front with LH ndl, knit this strand.
M1R	Pick up strand between sts from back to front with LH ndl, knit this strand.
M1L	Pick up strand between sts from front to back with LH ndl, knit this strand tbl.
M1P	Pick up strand between sts from back to front with LH ndl, purl this strand.
MC	main color (refer to yarn requirements)
ndl	needle(s)
oz	ounces
p	purl
p2tog	purl two stitches together
patt	pattern(s)
pfb	purl into front and back of same stitch
pm	place marker
psso	pass slipped stitch(es) over
p-wise	purl-wise
Rep(s)	repeat(s)
RH	right hand
RLI	Knit into stitch 1 row below next st on LH needle
Rnd(s)	Round(s)
RS	Right Side of work
s2kp	slip 2 stitches together k-wise, k1, pass the 2 slipped stitches over
sk2p	slip 1 st p-wise, k2tog, pass the slipped st over
sl	slip
sm	slip marker
St st	Stockinette stitch (stocking stitch)
st(s)	stitch(es)
ssk	slip next 2 sts separately k-wise, sl these sts back to LH needle and k2tog
ssp	slip next 2 sts separately k-wise, sl these sts back to LH needle and p2tog
tog	together
tbl	through the back of the loop(s)
w&t	wrap and turn. See Knitting Help for more information.
WS	wrong side (private side) of work
wyib	with the yarn in back
wyif	with the yarn in front
yo	yarn over needle (lace increase)
yd	yard(s)

Twist Collective: Darlington

2011-11-19T15:29:00.002Z

I'm currently enjoying the weather and the company in beautiful (and cold) Washington State as I spend Thanksgiving with my family. Adding to that, I'm ecstatic to be featured in the newest issue of Twist Collective.

Darlington


Photo credit: Jane Heller, Twist Collective


Photo credit: Jane Heller, Twist Collective

I also made my own pair (in Size Large) from some handspun I made from gorgeous Oatmeal BFL. They have been my constant companions this Winter.

The pattern is available for $6.00 from the Twist Collective. Or Ravel it.

Gismonda Tutorial: 4 st Decrease

2011-11-14T11:34:00.001Z

I found myself in possession of a tripod this weekend, and various other tools that allowed me to finally fulfill my commitment to immortalizing this stitch (for Gismonda) in pictures. Kristen has very, very patiently waited for this, so I hope you find it useful, Kristen!

This stitch is a series of passing knit stitches over each other, then decreasing the final resulting knit stitch into the preceding purl stitch to make the results virtually invisible (at least, as invisible as you can get).

You start with 1 purl st and the 4 knit stitches you're going to decrease on your left-hand needle. The yarn is to the back of the work.

Slip the next 2 sts (the purl st and the first knit st) purl-wise, keeping the yarn at the back.

Then, you use the tip of the right-hand needle to slip the second st on the left-hand needle...

...over the first st on the left-hand needle. That's one st decreased.

Slip that resulting st from the left-hand needle back to the right-hand needle. Note that the working yarn isn't being used right now, so is still being held at the back of the work.

Now pass the second st on the right-hand needle over the first st on the right-hand needle, decreasing another stitch.

And slip that resulting st back to the left-hand needle.

Then slip the second st on the left-hand needle over the first again, like you did with the first decrease. You've decreased 3 sts so far.


And it will look like this! All that is is the side sts of the cable passed over a (somewhat) center stitch.

Slip that first purl st from the right-hand needle to the left-hand needle so it sits next to the decreased clump of knit stitches.

Bring the yarn to the front

and purl those stitches together.

And you're done! Decrease completed. You can carry on with your reverse stockinette stitch.

Sale!

2011-09-24T08:10:00.000+01:00

I have a few more things coming up on this oft-neglected blog, including a tutorial for those trick decreases in Gismonda, but as I wait on a second pair of hands, I'll brighten what can be a somewhat dim nearly-fall day with a sale!

Until midnight GMT on Sunday (that's tomorrow, folks!), I'm offering 25% off all individual patterns and 10% off all (already discounted) collections (Gwynedd and Light and Shade) in my Ravelry Store.

That's Lady of the Blue Forest for £2.25 and the whole collection of 8 patterns in Light and Shade for £10.80!

Happy shopping!

Technique Tuesday: Finishing

2011-08-02T12:15:00.000+01:00

Something I always struggled with when I first started to knit (and let's face it, some things still befuddle me), is finishing techniques. Seaming and weaving in ends were never my friends. My seams were always too bulky, and my ends always worked their ways to the front of the fabric and waved at me like little flags, always there to signal my failure at finishing.

Fortunately, a few very gracious people are out there to help people like me!

The Purl Bee posted this great photo tutorial on weaving in ends in all sorts of different ways, so you can find which is best for your project:

The Duplicate Stitch Way

And Sandi Rosner of Twist Collective seems to have written this article on seams directly for me. I'll definitely have it close at hand once I go to sew up my next non-seamless garment (which might not be for a while, but she's made me brave!).

Amazing

Now to suck it up and learn how to steek...

Oatmeal Chocolate Raisin Cookies for British Bakers

2011-07-12T13:48:00.000+01:00

I was basically raised on cookies (if you see early pictures of me, you can probably tell), and on this recipe in particular. Americans will probably recognize it as the recipe on the box/tin/bag of Quaker Oats. It's a wonderful mixture of oats and brown sugar and - with my additions - chocolate and raisins that is wonderfully hearty and just simply wonderful. It was my go-to cookie recipe, until I moved to the UK.

Every time I tried to replicate the recipe here in Britain, it never turned out right. The cookies just turned out really, really flat and with a bit of a greasy sheen, which I knew, from experience, wasn't right.

It wasn't until I was doing some research last night that I stumbled across people who actually knew something about baking and I discovered that, despite what everyone and everything tells you, all-purpose flour and plain flour are not the same. They should be perfectly interchangeable for cakes, bar cookies and quick breads, but when it comes to drop cookies and American recipes, you'll want to do something else.

If you're in the UK and are trying an American drop cookie recipe, use at least half and half of (Strong) White Bread Flour and Plain Flour to substitute for all purpose, or add an extra 25% of plain flour on top of what the recipe suggests for all-purpose. Plain flour doesn't have enough protein (gluten) to counteract all the other ingredients recommended in American recipes, and protein is what holds everything together. The gluten in plain flour is lower than in all-purpose, and this really shows when my drop cookies end up like greasy oatmeal paper instead of the little hills of heaven that they should be. Like these. Yum.

Oatmeal Chocolate Raisin Cookies for British Bakers

225g butter, softened

200g soft brown sugar

110g granulated sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla (licking any spilled bourbon-based vanilla extract from your hand is not recommended)

85g plain flour

85g strong white flour

1 tsp bicarbonate of soda

1/4 tsp salt (use 1/2 tsp if using unsalted butter)

270g porridge oats (I prefer traditional cut)

250g of chocolate covered raisins (I prefer these to chocolate chips, as many British chocolate chips are too small and often get lost in these cookies)

Preheat oven to 180° C.

Beat butter and sugars together. Add eggs and vanilla and stir until well-combined.

Mix in flours, bicarbonate of soda, and salt, then the oats and chocolate covered raisins. Form cookies into small balls (I use a small ice cream scoop with a release lever), place on baking paper on tray, and bake for 10-12 minutes. Let cool for a few minutes before moving them to the cooling rack so they don't fall apart.

Thanks to the internet for the help in achieving my dream cookie in the UK!

New Knitty, New Pattern!

2011-06-28T15:14:00.001+01:00

Have you seen the new Knitty? It has some pretty awesome patterns. I especially like Leaflet by the wonderful Cecily Glowik McDonald.

She never fails to provide great, simple lines with beautiful details!

I'm also especially glad that Knitty, particularly Knittyspin, gave me the first opportunity to publish a new pattern featuring handspun yarn: Kuusk!

Kuusk was made from my first truly usable handspun yarn: pure merino, spun into a single of lace weight thickness and gently fulled. I have a lovely wheel now, but this yarn was a practice of patience on my 18g oak top whorl spindle, and I'm so happy I got to do something so special with it. I wanted an interesting Estonian lace pattern to show off the texture of the yarn while making it open enough so that the slightly thick-thin texture wouldn't overpower the design. Big needles and a sloping edging help achieve these goals.

It only takes about 220 yards of lace weight yarn (Malabrigo lace is a very good sub in case you don't have any suitable handspun of your own), and the pattern is, of course, free, so go knit, and enjoy!

Light and Shade: Now Available!

2011-06-16T09:06:00.000+01:00

I may be a bad blogger, but I have my excuses - I've been getting Light and Shade ready to go! And ready it is:

A lacy collection with a dash of cabled lines. Light and Shade features 8 patterns from designer Ashley Knowlton, including three light and fitted sweater patterns that are perfect for Spring and Summer. Every pattern features fully written instructions and charts where appropriate.

This also means that all 8 patterns are also now available for individual download from my Ravelry Store.

Happy knitting!

for 12.00 GBP.

Spring Collection Preview

2011-05-02T11:04:00.002+01:00

Getting ready to release some of my patterns for the new season, some things have taken longer than I thought, while others are ready to go, so I thought it would only be fair to start releasing those patterns that are ready go into the world!

I have just released Lady of the Blue Forest for individual sale. Later this Spring, it will also be part of new pattern collection, featuring the patterns below. Keep an eye on my blog and my Ravelry designer page, and I'll let you know when each pattern is available, plus when the collection finally makes its fashionably late appearance!

Lady of the Blue Forest

Marja

Luminosity

From this Day Forward

Shells and Sea Glass Beret

Summer's Day


Wind and Willow

And finally...

Cabowls

The collection will be available as a Ravelry download for 12 GBP (price subject to change). In the meantime, keep track of the individual patterns are they're released on my Ravelry group!

Springtime and New Patterns

2011-04-12T14:31:00.001+01:00

It's been a while, hasn't it?

Can I made up for it with some pretty pictures?

I'm also putting the finishing touches (well, a lot of finishing touches, but finishing ones, nonetheless!) on my Spring/Summer collection, with a hesitant release date of mid to late May. The most exciting thing about it? We're heading to Spain for the photoshoot!

Okay, well, not actually for the photo shoot, actually to see our wonderful family, but knitwear will be a nice distraction from the beautiful scenery and sunshine. I've finished the samples and am now indulging in a bit of lightweight non-design knitting while I get all the technical bits done. In the meantime, here's a bit of a preview for you:

Lady of the Blue Forest

Lady of the Golden Leaf (Triangle version of shawl above)

Luminosity

As always, there's lots more to see on my Ravelry Projects Page!

And before I forget, The Sanguine Gryphon recently released this little beauty as part of their Spring collection:

Gismonda

Happy knitting!

The rumours are true...

2011-02-26T09:56:00.001Z

...there's going to be a Spring and Summer collection!

This season's focus will be light-weight yarns, bright colours, and we'll have a few garments thrown into the mix. I'm working hard to get the samples and patterns ready, but it's coming together well, and I'm aiming for a release of April-May. Will keep you posted on that.

In the meantime, you can watch my Ravelry Group or my Twitter feed for calls for test knitting. You can also keep an eye on my Ravelry Notebook page, where the samples keep popping up!

Charity of the Quarter: January-March 2011

2011-02-19T15:56:00.001Z

To be honest, I spend most of my time thinking about puppies. This is Year 8 that I've been without a dog, and the momentary joy I see when a person walking their dog goes past (Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Highland Terrier, I love them all!) is all but surpassed by the overwhelming urge to go somewhere and get a dog.

But I can't. Not yet anyway, since we still live in rented accommodation where no pets are allowed. At least it gives me great incentive to save my money for a mortgage.

So in the meantime, I thought I'd dedicate the first quarter of the year to one of my favourite pet charities: the RSPCA (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). They do great work in re-homing animals of all kinds (dogs to horses, cats to former battery chickens), investigating cases of animal cruelty, and promoting legislation that will give animals due respect and protection.

Kimmy

This means that 10% of my pattern proceeds from January through March of 2011 will be donated to the RSPCA.

Why not go check out their website, and see if you have room in your home and your life for a new best friend?

A Search for Signs of Spring

2011-02-08T16:37:00.001Z

I love self-employment, if only for the fact that I dictate the hours of my day. To be honest, most of my days are spent working pretty frantically for a deadline. But since I'm 50% Tech Editor and 50% Designer, when I have the luxury, I like to split my day in half, and spend the time of transition doing something I enjoy.

Today was a walk, in search of design inspiration and signs of Spring. And by Spring I really mean lambs. Except for the fact that it's still cold enough to flare up my exercise allergy (I wish I weren't serious about that), the blue skies made up for it.

So I went on a walk, only to find a lack of sheep. In Wales.

Nothing.

Not even in our back yard.

In short, it was shocking. And the taunting evidence of this mythic sheep was not helping.


Liars!

I stumbled upon other signs of Spring along the way. Though not nearly as cute as lambs (because let's face it, nothing is), they were promising:


The snow drops were snow dropping

The blue tits were tittering

There was even a cat, which to poor, pet-starved person such as myself, is a big deal.

This was as close as I could get to it.

Finally, at the end of an arduous journey uphill, past empty field after empty field and with itchy, itchy legs (allergies!), I found my reward.

Lambs.

LAMBS.

Task completed. Now it's time to get back to work.

Errata: Menai Bridge

2011-02-05T19:36:00.001Z

Unfortunately the chart key for Menai Bridge, published in Issue 34 of Yarn Forward, went mysteriously missing on its way to publication. I've posted it below; so sorry for the inconvenience!

Giveaway Winners

2011-01-16T20:51:00.000Z

Thank you to everyone who posted in my Name a Charity Giveaway! I got names for some great charities and will be researching them in the coming weeks to select four to receive pattern proceeds this year.

The two giveaway winners have been contacted via Ravelry and sent their prize. Stay tuned for future giveaways, and maybe a new collection in Spring...

Today is Contacts Day

2011-01-13T09:19:00.001Z

I love my glasses, but for various reasons, I prefer not to wear them in pattern photos. Plus, last week I was informed (though a bit more eloquently) that my eyes are so different that a new pair of glasses would, in short, make me look like a lopsided freak.

So today is when I go get "fitted" for my new contacts. Hopefully that means that in the future, I will no longer have 70% of my photoshoot photos turn out like this:

See you soon! And Giveaway winners will be announced tomorrow!

Giveaway!!!

2011-01-04T15:22:00.003Z

Well, it's that time of year again: the beginning of it. And while I've donated pattern proceeds to a lot of great charities in the past year (Oxfam, MSF, Red Cross, and the Donna Louise Trust, among others), I'd like to see what else is out there.

And this is where you come in. Name me your favourite charity, and you'll have a chance to win a copy of Gwynedd, my e-book of 12 patterns.

Already have it? No worries...if you win, I'll refund you the price!

So just leave a comment below giving me the name and the web page of your favourite charity: local, national, or international, animal, people, or other. All charities named will be considered for the receipt of 10% of pattern proceeds for a portion of 2011, and you'll earn a chance to win a copy of Gwynedd.

The Rules:

I'm giving away two (2)! electronic copies of Gwynedd. All you have to do is comment on this post by 11:59pm GMT on Wednesday, 12 January, 2010 for your chance to win.

Post only once with your suggested charities. If you want to suggest more but have already posted, you can comment, but please comment anonymously.

Please include contact info (a link to your blog, Ravelry name, or e-mail address) so I can contact you if you win.

You can earn one more entry if you re-tweet, blog, or post about this contest somewhere else. Just post with a link back to your mention of it and that post will be included in the drawing.

Winners will be drawn after the giveaway is closed.

Thank you for a great year, and I wish you all a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2011!

Cranberry-Fudge Pie

2010-12-07T16:56:00.001Z

Today was Cranberry Fudge Pie day! It's been a pretty tough week, so it was lovely to hole up in my kitchen with the radio and boil the crap out of some cranberries.

I have no idea how it tastes, but we'll find out tonight.

Fudge Pie

Cranberry Fudge Pie

I followed the recipe but used digestives instead of graham crackers (which aren't available in the UK), and G&B Maya Gold for the chocolate. Here's hoping the orange flavouring in the chocolate enhances the cranberries and doesn't make it taste awful!

Vegan Jelly (Jell-o)

2010-11-21T16:00:00.001Z

Owing to the fact that I now live on the other side of the world from my family and have recently found myself vegetarian, I will be reinventing Thanksgiving this year with my husband, the strict veg, another vegan friend, and a Canadian omnivore.

This is the first post in my journey through a vegetarian, part-vegan Thanksgiving.

Also, this if my first time making any gelatin dessert (vegan or not), so I can't really vouch for any of my methods, here.

Day One: Test Run
Vegan Jelly
(Or Jell-o to you folks back where I originally came from)

INGREDIENTS
2 sachets of Dr. Oetker Vege-gel (Not sure of a US equivalent. Main ingredients are carageenan and guar gum instead of the usual animal-derived geletine).

Liquid Ingredients:
500ml of 100% apple juice

50ml of mango juice
The juice from a can of mandarin oranges

Solid Ingredients:
I used what I liked here (and what was in the fridge). 100g of blueberries, 100g of strawberries, 75g of raspberries, a kiwi, a banana, and the orange segments from the can of mandarin oranges.

I started with the directions on the box, which I suppose is a good place to start, I guess. Except I can't read and boiled all the liquid ingredients before adding the vege-gel. I put the saucepan on the windowsill to cool but the vege-gel still lumped together when I poured it into the liquid. Will definitely add it while the juice is cool, next time, and sprinkle it over gradually while I stir it in, instead of dumping both packets in, one on top of the other.

Then I added the fruit and heated for a few minutes, which I don't think I'll do the next time. I don't really fancy partially cooked fruit.

I poured it into a Pyrex dish (carefully) and put it in the fridge, where it set wonderfully.

Other changes for next time:

I will add the fruit to the Pyrex dish before the liquid is poured in.
I'll add some sugar, especially with sour fruit like raspberries. There's no added sugar at all in this, which leaves it wanting of sweetness.
Read the instructions on the box.
Use more juice. It set better than I expected, so I don't think adding another 250ml (so there aren't blueberries poking out obscenely from the surface) will hurt it.

Also, why has no one posted Vege-gel recipes on the internet? Shocking!

Gwynedd is Now Available!

2010-11-02T09:49:00.000Z

After months of writing, erasing, knitting and tinking, testing and tech editing, my first eBook is now available as a Ravelry Download!

All patterns are also available as individual Ravelry Downloads.

I'm also pleased to announce that I have opened my own Ravelry group, a place to get the latest news and share tips and FOs with others, as well as some KALs down the line!

Thanks for your patience as I got ready to bring Gwynedd into the world.

Ashley

More new patterns, and coming soon:

2010-10-09T08:43:00.001+01:00

I've been both catching up with my backlog of work from when I was without internet and hurrying to get everything finished for my book, and in the meantime I've released quite a few patterns that I haven't quite managed to tell you about.

Stonemason is now available:

So are these cute headbands:

And this soft, cable and lace cowl, called Trevi:

These patterns are all available now as Ravelry downloads and will be available in Gwynedd next month.

Also coming out next month is the pattern for my newest shawl design (and one I'm a teensy bit proud of):

The Neolithic Shawl will also be published in Gwynedd.

Just one more knitted glove and a few more patterns to go, and the e-book will be avaliable! If you want to be notified when it is, drop me an e-mail at ashleyknits (at) hotmail.co.uk and let me know.

Blocking!

2010-09-24T09:06:00.002+01:00

Last night I finally cast off the Evening Primrose Scarf, something that's been torn out and re-knitted so many times I'm actually a little startled that I finished it at all. Fortunately, Fyberspates Faery Wings (4 ply) is much more forgiving than 99% of other mohair yarns out there, and allowed me to re-knit to my specifications.

Anyway, here she is on the blocking bed!

I can't wait until Evening Primrose is dry so I can take some proper pictures. Not only is the yarn gorgeous (it has a heavy core of silk and a fuzzy, soft mohair halo), but I actually just quite like the pattern. While I didn't feel the curve was necessary for the scarf, not only will it allow it to stay on a bit more, the curve also means...ruffles.

This is knit end to end, with short rows worked in a narrow garter stitch band so absolutely no wrapping is required. Perhaps the easiest short rows I've ever done! Can't wait to show it off a bit more.

The pattern will be coming out next month and as one of the patterns in Gwynedd.

ETA: A few action shots:

I'm Back, and also: Patterns Coming Soon

2010-09-20T12:13:00.001+01:00

After a month without internet access, I'm finally back. And a lot actually seemed to happen in my time away.

I moved in behind a field of gossipy sheep:

Had a pattern, the Flame Yoke Pullover, published in Issue 30 of Yarn Forward:

Modeled here by Sarah. Modeled much better in Yarn Forward 30 (sorry, Sarah!)....check it out.

And finished up a few more patterns for my upcoming e-book Gwynedd, tentatively set for release in November. Here's another sneak preview (and psst! These patterns are just now going up for testing).

Out of Office 20 August - 7 September

2010-08-16T14:07:00.000+01:00

I'll be out of the office from 20 August - 7 September as I partake in a bit of holiday/moving-house-so-no-internet-for-ages fun. Please be patient for replies as I will only be able to check my e-mail and Ravelry account intermittently. Thank you!

Ashley

Charity of the Month: August

2010-08-07T08:26:00.000+01:00

Sometimes having a featured Charity of the Month is quite disheartening, because, every month, something new seems to happen that deserves help.

This month, I'm going to donate 10% of pattern proceeds to an old favourite: MSF. With the flooding in Pakistan and the continued need in Haiti, this fantastic organization could do with every penny we can give them.

A New Design, a New E-book!

2010-08-03T12:56:00.000+01:00

I am very pleased to announce two things: I've just released my newest design, the Snowdonia Shawl. Secondly, I have a new e-book coming out this August!

First things first: the Snowdonia Shawl.

The pattern is available as a Ravelry Download for £3.00, including both charted and line-by-line instructions.

Snowdonia is a shimmering stole with a variety of Estonian motifs reminiscent of the Welsh countryside, ranging from the scalloped waves of the Irish Sea to the leaves and stony flint trails of Snowondia’s rivers and forests. Knit in icy blue silk-cashmere blend, it also can’t help but bring to mind the snow-capped mountains of the Welsh wintertime.

This stole is worked in two pieces and grafted at the center, with no knitted-on borders to be found!

Snowdonia is perfect for wrapping, draping, tucking into coats and settling into on cool evenings.

And then, the pattern will also be available as part of an as-of-yet unnamed (seriously, any ideas, let me know!) e-book coming Autumn 2010.

Here's a little preview...

The Fine Print: Sorry, but refunds will not be available for purchases of single patterns prior to purchasing the e-book. Hope you enjoyed this preview!

Charity of the Month: July, Oxfam West Africa Appeal

2010-07-05T09:22:00.000+01:00

Photo: Cristina Vázquez Moreno

Right now, several countries in West Africa (including Niger, Chad, and Mali) are suffering from one of the worst droughts, and one of the worst famines, in over a decade. Current low rain levels are leaving millions of people at risk of starvation, and destroying their livlihoods.

Fortunately, fantastic organizations like Oxfam are there to help. Oxfam are raising funds for a £7m appeal to send aid to West Africa. Every Dollar (Pound, Euro) can go a long way, with £60 enough to feed a family for a month.

So this month I'll be giving a little more than I usually can. In July, 20% (instead of the usual 10%) of sale proceeds from my patterns will go to Oxfam's West Africa Appeal, where the money will be used to distribute food as well as bolster up the local economy by trading with local merchants--a rare and extremely helpful double-whammy benefit from a charity.

So that's 20% of pattern sales at my store this month. Of you can go directly to Oxfam and donate, and read more about what's going on.

Thank you for your help!

The Measurements Collective

2010-06-19T12:37:00.000+01:00

Usually when I'm designing a garment, I can't always find all the average measurements I need in the same place. Not only that, but they're not always extremely accurate. As with most of my frustrations, it drove me to such distraction, that I thought: why not do something about it?

Any why not do something about it that will benefit everyone else?

Please list all measurements in INCHES ONLY. This will be a great help in putting together all the numbers; don't worry, any product that comes as a result will be available in both inches and centimeters.

The Measurements Survey
(Please read notes below before completing)

Gender

Age

Height

How much ease do you prefer in your sweaters (loose-fitting, close-fitting?)?

1. Bust/Chest Circumference (across fullest part of bust/chest)

2. High Bust Circumference (above bust, around underarms)

3. Shoulder to Bust/Chest (measure this from your shoulder down the side where your sleeve seam is to the place place near your underarm where you measures your bust circumference)

4. Waist Circumference (around the narrowest point of your waist)

5. Bust/Chest to Waist (do not follow curve; let the tape hang so it's exactly vertical)

6. Hip Circumference

7. Waist to Hip (again, let tape hang vertically)

8. High Hip Circumference (about 3in, 7.6cm above hip)

9. Cross Shoulder (from shoulder point to shoulder point)

10. Circumference of shoulders (around upper arms and chest, along approx. high bust line)

11. Shoulder to Waist on Back (From base of neck at center back to waistline)

12. Upper Arm Circumference

13. Shoulder to Underarm (Armhole)
(Not Shown): Underarm Width (press your upper arm against your side and make a note on the two distant points where your arm touches the side of your chest. Lift your arm and measure the distance between those two points)
(Not Shown): Neck Circumference (at lowest point)

14. Underarm to Elbow

15. Forearm Circumference (at widest point)

16. Wrist Circumference

17. Underarm to Wrist

(Not Shown): Measurements around palm (inc. thumb)

(Not Shown): Measurements around palm (excluding thumb)

(Not Shown): Length from where wrist joins hand to base of middle finger
(Not Shown): Length from where wrist joins hand to crook of thumb

(Not Shown): Hip to Knee

(Not Shown): Knee to Ankle

(Not Shown): Calf Circumference
(Not Shown): Knee Circumference

18: Ankle Circumference

19: Around Heel and instep

20: Foot Circumference
21: Shoulder height (vertical height from shoulder to base of neck)
22: Underbust Circumference
23: Waist to Underbust

What is this?

Well, right now it's just a mess of numbers that will be averaged out and give actual bodies a say in an eventual measurement table, which I will start work on when I get a whole bunch of filled-out surveys!

What's the benefit of this?

Instead of going by the existing tables I can find, which aren't always based on real people, don't always include all the measurements I need, and which I haven't always found extremely helpful when sizing patterns for larger than, say, a 44in size, this will help me create designs that will fit a large range of people. Also, once I publish my results, this might help other designers do the same. And you, as a participator, will have an easy reference for your measurements for fitting your own patterns or customizing others', if you decide to save it to your computer or keep it somewhere else that is safe.

What can I do?

Fill out the survey below! Feel free to fill it out and post it here, with your name attached or anonymously, or e-mail it to me at themeasurementscollective [at] hotmail.com (except replace the " [at] " with a "@"). Post in inches only, please.

A few tips for measurements

You may need someone you trust to help you with some of the measurements to make sure they're as accurate as possible.

Hold the tape so it's comfortable; not too loose, not too slack.

If you're not comfortable posting some measurements or for any reason can't post some of the measurements, no worries! Just leave them out or your finished survey. As long as there's more than one measurement given, each survey matters.

Numbers on survey match up to numbered lines on diagram (not all measurements shown on diagram)

Thank you for your help!

CotM June: The Donna Louise Trust

2010-06-04T10:10:00.000+01:00

The Sale might be over, but we have a new charity for the month of June!

In June, 10% of my pattern proceeds will be donated to The Donna Louise Trust, a hospice in Shropshire and South Cheshire that provides respite and end of life care for ill children.

It's heartbreaking to think that a place like this is even necessary, but this place where children can spend their last days with care, activities, and surrounded by the people who love them isn't only a benefit to the community and the country as a whole, but is just necessary. It seems like a wonderful place where children can just be children to the end.

Go check it out.

It's Nearly Summer Sale; 1/3 off ALL of my Patterns through June 3rd!

2010-05-31T10:01:00.000+01:00

We've been doing some Spring Cleaning around my house (eBay has been a constant friend for a few days), and I figured that while I'm clearing out, why not put a sale on all of my patterns?

From May 31st through June 3rd, all of my patterns are 1/3 off the normal price. And as always, 10% of proceeds will still go to charity (and a new one is coming up soon!).

Snag the Butterfly Forest Shawl or Flintshire for £2

Or the Owl Wood Cowl for only £1.34

And lots more. See more of my patterns at my Ravelry Store.

Stop the Traffik

2010-05-04T21:01:00.000+01:00

April's extremely worthy Charity of the Month (in which I donate 10% of all pattern proceeds to the designated charity) was Stop the Traffik, and because I'm a horrible blogger and failed to say anything about it, it's getting May's proceeds, too.

What is Stop the Traffik?
According to UNICEF, 1.2 million children are bought and sold each year. Children. They're sold as everything from slaves to pick the cocoa beans that make the chocolate on our grocery store shelves, as adopted children, as sex slaves.

Sometimes we get desensitized by the numbers, so let's put that in more imaginable terms:

The entire population of San Diego.
One and a half Birminghams.
One and a half Calgarys.
Munich
Prague
Four Cardiffs.

All children, every year.

That's not even accounting for the adult women that are trafficked each year.

So what does Stop the Traffik do? It is, in a sense, a community of organizations that seeks to educate, engage, and advocate against human trafficking, campaigning for legal change and against the loopholes and corruption that lets innocent children and adults slide through.

From their site, donations to Stop the Traffik will help:

Bring an end to child trafficking in the cocoa industry
Empower the world's young people to keep those at risk safe
Support Business Travellers to report trafficking wherever in the world they see it
Equip communities taking action against trafficking in their neighbourhood

Visit their webpage to find out more, and what you can do to help.

Catalonia (don't call it Spain)

2010-03-29T09:40:00.000+01:00

Last Monday I left my surprisingly Spring-like home in England to come to Barcelona to visit family and soak in some sunshine. After intense fears that it would rain the entire time, I haven't seen a drop, but I hear it's supposed to snow in Cheshire on Wednesday. Take that, weather.

~~Spain~~ Catalonia has been a mixed bag for me. While it's gorgeous and interesting and culturally different (though still intensely reminds me of my visit to Rome), some of the cultural differences are a bit extreme. Like the caged pet stalls on Las Ramblas where birds are a dozen to one small cage, and everything from roosters to pigeons and tortoises are kept in very close quarters, overnight, or the prostitutes that stand on the side of the motorway (more coming on Stop the Traffik next week). And (this coming from a vegetarian) the cebo legs hanging from the wall at the supermarket aren't exactly appetizing.

But it has some good points. Very little litter. Very good recycling. My family. The sunshine. And while the bad points reveal some extremely iffy legal issues, I feel that I have to embrace the good I find, and campaign about the rest.

Ahem.

Anyway, on to the pretty. (You can click on the pictures to make them bigger).

The Mediterranean

Tibidabo

Pyranees

Monument to Joan of Arc on Montserrat

Joan

Tiny Daffodils from Montserrat

Votive Candles at the Monastery

Sagrada Familia

Cactus Flower

Kumquats

Next up, All You Knit is Love, the LYS. Can't wait!

Bread Machine Soft Pretzels

2010-03-14T14:20:00.000Z

I'm a sucker for soft pretzels. I've made a few different variations, starting with a version with plain (unbleached all-purpose) flour, to strong white flour, to this version, with a 50/50 cut of wholemeal (wholewheat) and white bread flours. These are the softest I've made.

Use the 50/50 recipe given here for a healthier, slightly sweeter pretzel, perfect for cinnamon and sugar toppings, or tempered with a dash of kosher salt, or substitute your own bread machine dough recipe with your preferred mixture of flours.

You'll need:
Ingredients for dough
Extra oil/butter for keeping hands ready to work dough
25g of butter for brushing on pretzels, melted
1 tsp sugar dissolved in a shallow bowl of water
Coarse (kosher) salt (optional)
Toppings (optional)

Part 1: The Dough.

50/50 Wholemeal Dough (from recipe book for Panasonic SD-255; I recommend checking your manual for order instructions and recipes specific to your machine)

1 1/4 tsp instant yeast
275g (10oz) Strong Wholemeal (wholewheat) Flour
275g (10oz) Strong White Flour
2 tsp sugar
2 tbsp oil
1 1/2 tsp salt
340ml water

Put into bread machine in specified order and set to whole wheat-dough cycle and leave to finish.

Part 2: Baking Preparations
Note: You'll want to keep your hands oiled for this

Preheat the oven to 230° C (450° F).

After your bread machine has finished with the dough cycle, separate resulting dough into 8-12 rough balls. Let rest, uncovered, for five minutes. Keeping hands oiled, roll each into ~18in length, shape into pretzel shape (as you can see, it's hard to get them perfect with dough that rises this much, so I wouldn't worry too much about it). Dip pretzel into sugar-water and set on greased baking sheet (parchment paper works great, as well). You may want to shape all pretzels before dipping them into the sugar water, to keep your hands from diluting the flour and the dough sticking to your hands while you roll them.

Sprinkle pretzels with coarse salt, if desired, and let pretzels sit for 10 minutes.

Part 3: Bake and Decorate

Bake for 8-10 minutes. The edges should be slightly golden brown (more pronounced if using white flour). Immediately take pretzels from oven and brush with melted butter. I usually put 2-3 coats on mine. If desired, sprinkle desired toppings (cinnamon and sugar is a favourite) on to pretzels and transfer to a wire rack to cool.

Enjoy!

Butterfly Forest Shawls

2010-03-12T18:49:00.000Z

Just thought I'd feature a few Butterfly Forest Shawls that have caught my eye over the past couple of weeks!

Esmerelda made this lovely shawl from Wollmeise 100% Merino Superwash in colour Spice Market.

From her flickr page.

Landers has made a stunning rendition in deliciously pink Posh Yarn Lei, in colour Hearststrings. I love how she used to the snow for her photography, using it to reflect light back on and highlight the lace. It's always so hard to photograph, especially in this colour, and she did it perfectly!

And from Minstrelspinner, we have a gorgeous piece made from her own handspun.

I am in awe of her spinning skills. It's so even!

Close up.

One of my favourite things is seeing so many people from around the world posting their completed projects. There are lots more beautiful projects in the Project Gallery on Ravelry. I can't wait to see more!

Yarny Yarn Yarn!

2010-03-01T18:47:00.000Z

I despaired in January when I gave up buying yarn until July so I could buy a new camera. But my self-control has been rewarded; I was amazingly lucky enough to win a yarn haul a few weeks ago, on a raffle on Ravelry where proceeds went to send a Raveler to do dental work in Senegal.

I don't usually win things, so it wasn't a surprise that the package took so long to get to me, cost me 22 pounds to get out of Customs limbo, and then floated around the post system for nearly a week before I biked to the sorting centre and got it myself. But I have it! And it's beautiful! Thank you so much, Bradymom29 for organizing this and for all the helpers and volunteers.

And now for pictures.

Gorgeous Malabrigo Sock in Abril

Yarn Pirate Superwash Merino Sock in Hard Cider

Classic Elite Inca Alpaca in Rio Red (on my husband's knee)

Flydesigns Monarch in Myst

Textiles a Mano Vail in Autumn (destined to be a pair of husband socks)

And a cute sheepy pendent!

Also a lovely skein of Colinette Jitterbug in Oyster Blush (which didn't make it on to the camera I'd given up yarn for before I forgot my memory card at home and the internal memory was full). To top it all off, it was a gorgeous first day of March and we spent the late afternoon in the park. So in celebration here's a bonus squirrel:

Happy almost Spring!

Fair Trade Yarn

2010-02-28T14:47:00.000Z

It's Fairtrade Fortnight here in the UK! I thought I might feature a few of my favourite Fair Trade/co-operative-made yarns that help ensure safe and well-paid working conditions for the people that make our most beloved fibres.

Manos del Uruguay

Creator of lovely hand-dyed yarns such as thick-and-thin Wool Classica and Silk Blend, this co-operative employs over 800 women in rural areas of Uruguay, giving them job stability and a fair price for their well-skilled labour.

Manos del Uruguay Silk Blend

I've had four skeins of this lovely stuff sitting in my stash for a while now, and I'm still trying to figure out the perfect project for it. My skein of sunset-coloured Silk Blend with its contrasting partner, Black, is destined for a stranded hat, but I just need to find the time to write up a pattern for it!

Be Sweet

From co-operatives in South Africa comes Be Sweet, a clothing and yarn producer that specialises in fun, textured, natural-fibre yarn and interesting pieces. They're branching out into more non-textured yarn as they grow their business, and how have a large and varied selection, from organic cotton/bamboo rayon mix yarn Bambino, to supremely more interesting yarn such as T-Shirt, a yarn made from...you guessed it, recycled t-shirts.

T-shirt (image from Bee Sweet Website)

Fyberspates

One of my favourite indie dyers is Jeni of Fyberspates. A dyer who's recently moved shop to Oxfordshire (a county I'm, admittedly, a little biased toward), she's committed to sourcing her yarn from "only good karmic places."

Fyberspates Faery Wings 4ply, from my stash

My Leiden Lace Scarf is made from Fyberspates 100% Mongolian Cashmere Lace-weight

From her website:

We carefully source all of our yarns, we have personally visited nearly all the places that Fyberspates yarn have been manufactured. We buy yarn from the UK, Peru, Italy, Spain and the USA. These manufacturers have very high standards of production, and have good working standards for their employees, which is something we value highly.

She goes on to assure her customers that if the hasn't visited the place where the yarn has come from, she'll let us know. I don't know about you, but I really appreciate that kind of transparency in business practices. Well done, Jeni!

What are some of your favourite ethical yarns?

Snowdonia

2010-02-22T10:04:00.000Z

I was eagerly looking forward to my retreat with friends last weekend, glad for the break and for some well-deserved knitting time on my sorely neglected Ravelympics project. But that really didn't happen. Ended up climbing half-way up Snowdon in the snow (fortunately no ice, but note to self: need new shoes. Preferably dry ones). All in all, I got about a centimeter of knitting done.

Got some pretty good pictures, though.

And, because it's Wales, the requisite sheep picture.

Also posted a new pattern on Ravelry before I left, the Jungle Cowl.

February 1st through February 28th, 10% of all pattern proceeds will go to the British Red Cross Haiti Relief Fund.

With twisting cabled vines and reaching branches, this wild cowl will spice up your winter wardrobe, or dress it up in a more subdued color. The buttoned up side allows a little more breathing room.

Needles and Notions
US 8 (5.00mm) needles circular needles, at least 24in/60cm long
Four or Five .75inch/18mm buttons (depending on desired height of cowl)
Cable Needle
Tapestry Needle

Finished Measurements
9in/23cm tall and 20in/51cm wide (unstretched and unbuttoned)

The Jungle Cowl is available for £2.00 GBP at my Ravelry store (which you can now visit even if you don't have a Ravelry account! Go check it out).

Letting Go

2010-02-08T13:25:00.000Z

I'm always somewhat loathe to give up my knitwear, which makes me feel as though my mantle of "Selfish Knitter" is particularly apt. However, the time comes in a young woman's life where she has to reevaluate her wardrobe and decide what's actually worth keeping.

The U-Neck vest is special to me because I worked on while I was in Peru and, despite language barriers, used it to teach a girl to knit. But specialness kind of stops there. It's always been a bit too small and too tight across the shoulders, so I thought if I wasn't going to wear it, I should give it to someone who would appreciate it more. Looking back at a previous blog post about this vest, I can see how far my knitting has come; back then, this vest was "good enough" that I was ecstatic with it; now that I can look at it with an eye that's more aware of what looks good on me, my affection has cooled enough to let it go to the good home of my friend Jo.

Claudia was the first hat I made for my boyfriend. Well, the second if you count its first reincarnation as a hat that didn't fit. And of course, the second one didn't either, but since both he and I have huge heads, someone else could enjoy it (namely, EllaJ).

Some purple tank top from an earlier issue of Vogue Knitting (not pictured) was one of my first "serious" knitting projects, but it also fell about 4 inches above my belly button. It's found a new home with my friend Kaz.

My fellow Washingtonian ex-pat and friend Rachel was kind enough to host the clothing exchange and invite friends with extremely good taste. So while my knitwear might have been hard to give up, the trade was definitely worth it.

For pretty, comfortable t-shirts (and an angora jumper),

pretty details, and a wardrobe ready for Spring.

Foggy Day

2010-02-06T12:23:00.000Z

So it's no Snow Day, but it's Saturday and I think I'm allowed some down time. Time to clear out the sitting room, settle down with my The Office DVDs and Rowan Felted Tweed, and get some knitting done.

Pattern Giveaway Winners!

2010-02-02T14:58:00.000Z

Thanks to all you amazing people who entered the Charity of the Month pattern giveaway. All the winners have been contacted by Ravelry (except for Nightphoenix! Nightphoenix, if you see this, can you post or pm me your contact info and pattern of choice and I'll send it to you?).

Thanks to everyone who entered! Hopefully there will be another giveaway soon.

Ashley

February Charity of the Month: British Red Cross Haiti Appeal

2010-02-01T14:59:00.000Z

Continuing into February with Haiti support, I'm taking Emily's suggestion for February, with the Charity of the Month being the British Red Cross.

The need in Haiti is so overwhelming right now, but it's heartening to see the difference that is finally being made there. I've also been reading a fellow Raveler's blog (she's a Canadian who was working at an orphanage near Port-au-Prince, and has been able to update her blog following the earthquake). Obvious warning: This blog does contain images that will be disturbing, and might not be for everyone's constitution.

Starting February 1st through February 28th, 10% of all pattern proceeds will go to the British Red Cross Haiti Relief Fund.

Thank you to everyone for your suggestions, and I'll definitely be working my way through them in the coming months! You helped me to raise £200 (that's about $320 USD) to give to Doctors without Borders/MSF. I (very obviously) couldn't have done it without you!

The Charity of the Month pattern giveaway is still running until Midnight tonight (GMT), so get the name of your favorite charities in there and, maybe, win yourself a pattern!

A Few Things (also, learning Macro on my new camera)

2010-01-29T11:30:00.000Z

My Notions Bag

A gift from my husband

In Sunlight.

So glad the sun came out. Especially since for the first time since I got my camera, I've been able to use it at an ISO under 400. No more noise!

God's gift to Americans living in England.

How do you clean outward-opening windows when you live on the second storey?

Charity of the Month Giveaway

2010-01-27T12:15:00.000Z

Through Help for Haiti, you have helped me raise over £150 for MSF/Doctors without Borders so far. Thank you!

As I've mentioned before, I usually (after January) donate at least 10% (often more) of my income to charity, and since a significant portion of my income comes from pattern sales, why not ask my customers and readers what charity they'd like to see featured? Each month, I will pick a new charity, and each month that charity will receive 10% of my pattern proceeds.

Post in the comments section of this post with your favorite charity (any charity!) and I will randomly select 5 people (perhaps more, depending on how many comments I get) to receive a free pattern of their choice from my Ravelry store. Anyone who mentions this contest on Ravelry or their blog/twitter/facebook, etc. and posts about it here (separate entry from the original, please), will get an extra entry. Please only 2 entries max per person (1 for charity suggestion, 1 for mentioning this somewhere else).

You have until 11:59pm GMT on February 1st to comment, so let's get charitable!

I caved

2010-01-27T11:00:00.000Z

If there was one thing I promised I would never do, it was that I'd never get a Twitter account.

I'm thinking that those things I promise I'll never do that I usually end up doing, and a lot sooner than I would have if I thought I would end up actually doing them. Like getting married. Or becoming a vegetarian.

So I did it. Here I am. And this is my guarantee to you:

You will find no posts in the format of:

"I did this today and it was fun."
emo verses
cryptic messages that make absolutely no sense.
"I love my boyfriend soooo much!!!11111!!1!"

Basically, I set this up to communicate with anyone making any of my patterns that wants feedback, has questions, or wants to share. So expect knitting galore. And maybe, "I went on a bike ride and it was fun," or "I love my husband soooo much!!!1111!11!" message in a couple of days.

I have a new camera, and yet no light, flowers, or leaves

2010-01-24T17:11:00.000Z

It was a nice week or so after the snow melted; sunny, somewhat clear-skied, good lighting, etc. My new camera arrived on Thursday and it's been raining and drearily overcast ever since.

So instead of going into town this afternoon and taking pictures, I was stuck in a bike shop, standing there while my husband fixed my bike (which liked to buck the chain while I was riding, so that I'd change gears and the pedals would pedal no more). So I'm very thankful that he did fix it. However, nipple tweakers (har) and pliers usually aren't the things I most prefer to photograph. I guess we all have to start somewhere.

I can't wait for spring.

Quite a few things, actually.

2010-01-24T16:10:00.000Z

As of today, you have helped me raise £111.40 for Haiti relief. THANK YOU!

In Pattern news, I released two (yes, two) patterns this week. Unfortunately I now have nothing in testing, but we'll see how the next months goes!

Anyway, I present:

Night River Mittens

Combining cables and two-color knitting, these mittens are a fun, quick knit in aran-weight yarn. Make them show-stopping in dramatic black and white, or a bit more subdued in more similar colors.

Comes with directions for either a traditional pointed finish or a flat finish (shown here), and both written and charted directions.

Finished Measurements
7.5” (9”, 10.5”) around palm above crook of thumb
8 (9.5, 11”) around base of palm and thumb

Materials
Aran-weight yarn, 109-150 yards MC (black), 109 yards CC (white)
US 8 (5.00mm) needles

Night River Mittens are available as a Ravelry Download for £3.00.

And also Etchings Socks

Reminiscent of etchings in jade, these elegant and deceptively easy-to-knit socks are a quick knit in soft, sturdy Handmaiden Casbah. They also use up very little yardage, and are perfect for smaller skeins of sock yarn.

This pattern includes charts only, but is a perfect way to learn. Includes picture tutorial on required special sts.

Finished Measurements
6in/15.25cm leg circumference relaxed 9”/23cm leg circumference stretched
4.5in/11.5cm length from cast on to beginning of heel flap

Made with only 255 yards of Handmaiden Casbah.

Etchings Socks are available as a Ravelry Download for £2.50.

And, as always, for the rest of January 50% of pattern proceeds are going to MSF/Doctors without Borders.

Speaking of Haiti, I was touched by this story from my old hometown. I can't imagine how frightened they must be, moving to an albeit beautiful but still relatively cold place, with the big cars and buildings and roads. Even for myself, going back to the US is always a bit of a culture shock, but to come from Haiti to the US, especially just after what's happened, I can't even imagine. My hopes and prayers are with the family as they settle into their new home after that horrible experience, and hoping that the kids can settle in well, make friends, and learn English easily!

In other news, we managed to snag a Fairtrade Kit Kat bar at Tesco last night. It manages to take away a bit of the sting from Cadbury being bought by Kraft, but only a little. I'm completely aware that Nestle's motivation for making Fair Trade is questionable (as most of Nestle's motives are), but the fact is that lots more farmers are actually being paid fair wages for all of their cocoa genius and hard work, so that's pretty awesome.

Help for Haiti

2010-01-19T18:32:00.000Z

As of today, all of my patterns are now Help for Haiti Patterns, with 50% of proceeds from now until the end of January going to MSF/Doctors without Borders.

So far, you guys have helped me to raise £38.53 just over the past couple of days. This wouldn't be possible without you; thank you!

A few other patterns I like that are benefiting HfH in some way:

Indigomuse is donating $2.50 from every pattern sale for her adorable Cheeky Little Monkey pattern (though I must admit I'm a bit biased, as I'm Tanya's tech editor and I know she's just generally a nice and wonderful person!).

My friend EllaJ is donating 75% of pattern sales for the Airy Fairy Beret are going to the Red Cross Haiti Relief Fund.

And 80% of Ysolda's beautiful patterns are going to the Red Cross Haiti Relief Fund, as well.

Happy charitable knitting!

Minerva

2010-01-16T12:39:00.001Z

Introducing a new hat pattern: Minerva

Using about 140 yards of Aran yarn (shown here in Shokay Shambala Yak in Regal) and 5.00mm/US 8 needles, it's now available as a Ravelry Download with both charted and written instructions for 3.00 GBP.

As part of the Help for Haiti program on Ravelry, from 16th January to 31st of January, 50% of the proceeds from this pattern will be donated directly to MSF/Doctors without Borders. And please remember that during the rest of the year, at least 10% of all proceeds from all sales go to various charities. Check out the rest of the Help for Haiti patterns on Raverly here.

ETA 18 Jan: I've also added the Owl Wood Cowl, Leiden Lace Scarf, and Marquess to my patterns where 50% of proceeds from now to the end of January will go to MSF.

Charity of the Week

2010-01-14T10:44:00.000Z

I greatly admire designers who donate their time and resources to p/hop, an organization that raises money for charities by selling patterns in exchange for charity donations instead of the traditional pattern sale system. (There are some great patterns, too: check it out.)

I wish I could do that, but as someone who makes a chunk of her living from her designs, I'm unfortunately unable to. I'm planning to sometime soon, at least a pattern or two. In the mean time, please be assured that when you buy one of my patterns, at least 10% of the profits I receive from that pattern go to charity.

In order to make up for the other 90% I can't give, I thought I'd start a Featured Charity of the Week to highlight people and organizations that have the drive and the passion to go out there and do things that scare the pants off of me.

So today's Featured Charity is:

Medecins Sans Frontieres

For good reason, it's also p/hop's Featured Charity, and they need our help more than ever as they gather aid to send to Haiti in wake of the recent earthquake. If you are able, please consider donating to this fantastic cause to help make life for people in a very poor nation a little bit easier. MSF is also accepting donations directly for Haiti Earthquake Relief.

New Pattern, a few previews, plus some stuff I love

2010-01-12T21:47:00.000Z

I released a new pattern on New Year's Day (and forgot to post about it here until now. Sorry!): The Owl Wood Cowl (try saying it three times fast).

Reminiscent of snowy owls hiding in branches in a winter wood, this pretty, warm cashmere cowl is the best way to decorate your throat, and to keep it warm while you owl-spot on chilly afternoons.

It takes about 250 yards of lace-weight yarn (the cozy, fuzzy, lovely yarn you see here is Plymouth Ecco Cashmere) and beads are optional, though recommended if you'd like your cowl as owl-y as possible. It's available for 2.00 GBP.

I also finally get to show off the Flintshire I made for my husband (who is currently in bed with a nasty bout of flu; please send prayers and good thoughts his way!).

Made with Posh Yarn Elinor Aran.

I'm a huge fan of Shepherd Susie over at Juniper Moon Farm; I find her dedication to her blog (and her weekly puppy pictures!!!) very inspiring. Every week, she has a post detailing things she likes and want to share with her readers, and I figured that since I have so much to be thankful for and I see so many things I appreciate (or think are just plain awesome), why not start one here?

Ashley's Stuff that's Quite Marginally Brilliant

Mario Town Cake, made by Frances Clayton and featured on Cake Wrecks as part of last Sunday's Sunday Sweets. Click for bigger picture...really, go on, click.

This house for sale in Bangor, Wales, a chapel conversion that retains a lot of its original features, like its peaked windows.

Lush Jungle Solid Conditioner. For the first time since that greasy-hair stage in middle school (ick, I'd rather forget those days), I don't have a White Girl 'Fro. I embrace this stuff whole-heartedly.

Po-Zu Fair Trade Wellington Boots. Perhaps not as fashionable as, say, Uggs (hahahahaha), but they're made from Fair Trade rubber (yes, actual rubber. From trees), the money from which helps to protect the Amazon Rainforest and its people. Unfortunately, it seems like Britain is sold out...at least, sold out in my size.

And finally...

For helping my husband fall asleep and, therefore, making tonight's post possible.

Patterns coming soon:

Minerva Hat

Night River Mittens

This Year's "Christmas Tree"

2009-12-24T08:05:00.000Z

Yup. That's Sarah, our dressmaker's doll, standing in for a Christmas tree which are just a bit too pricey to bother paying for this year. Next year!

In other news, LostCityKnits is having participating in the 10 shawls in 2010 group (so tempting...still haven't decided if I'm going to go for it!) and is having a giveaway on her blog if you want to suggest a pattern.

http://lostcityknits.blogspot.com/2009/12/10shawls2010-tempt-me-giveaway.html

Happy Christmas! And a new pattern!

2009-12-18T20:12:00.000Z

I think I've finally done all of my Christmas knitting...with a week to spare. Granted, I had to ship a box off to America so I had a much earlier deadline, but I'm feeling pretty good about what I've managed to finish over the past two months.

With gifts finished, today was the Christmas Shop with my husband. This is our first Christmas together as a married couple, and on our own, so we're making it special with special treats, like enchiladas and cereal from back home (Tesco's is sadly lacking in Panda Puffs, but I managed to get my paws on Gorilla Munch). Also, Britain is waking up to the wonder of peanut butter and chocolate, as I managed to score a 3-pack of Reese's Peanut Butter cups at Tesco's today (55p...fantastic).

I've also managed to get a new pattern up: the Leiden Lace Scarf.

It's available for £3.00 at my Ravelry Store.

And if you're not on Ravelry, here's a doesn't-matter-link (Which will take you to Paypal:

buy now

Enjoy!

Flintshire

2009-12-04T13:52:00.000Z

It's been a busy week, and Flintshire is now available:

Includes both charted and written instructions.

Flintshire is an intricate yet quick to knit cabled hat suitable for both men and women. It’s easy to pick between sizes; simply use DK-weight yarn and smaller needles for the smaller size, or switch up to Aran-weight yarn and larger needles for a large woman’s/men’s hat.

Sizes
Small/Medium (for 18-21”/46-54cm head
circumference)

Large/X-Large (for 21-24”/54-61cm head
circumference)

Finished Measurements
Small/Medium
15”/38cm circ. of brim, unstretched; 8”/20cm
depth

Large/X-Large
18”/ 46cm circ. of brim, unstretched; 8.75”/22cm
depth

Notions
Cable Needle
Tapestry Needle

Thank you to StephCat, NifferJJL1980, faeriesandpixies,
scoochiesmom, MsKniterrific, SheKnitsToo, JenAus0524, WallflowerGirl, and Meggiesgran for test knitting for me!

Flintshire is available for 3.00 GBP (about $4.98 USD at today's exchange rate) as a Ravelry Download (link will take you to Paypal).

Marquess Beret

2009-11-30T15:03:00.000Z

My newest pattern is up on Ravelry!

It's Marquess, made with US 8 needles (5.00mm) and about 200 yards of Aran or DK-weight yarn.

It's available for 2.50 GBP (about $4.11 USD at today's exchange rate) as a Ravelry Download (link will take you to Paypal).

Christmas and New Year Patterns, Arriving in December

2009-11-24T10:07:00.000Z

Just in time for last-minute Christmas gifts, or for some wonderfully selfish New Year knitting for yourself, are:

Marquess, Pattern Coming the First Week of December

Flintshire, Pattern Coming the Second Week of December

And who knows? I new shawl might even sneak in there somewhere.

Butterfly Forest Shawl

2009-11-02T16:34:00.000Z

I have yet a new pattern up on Ravelry! It's been a long time coming, but it's here!

It's the Butterfly Forest Shawl, and I have to say I'm a little bit in love with it.

It's available for 3.00 GBP (about $4.92 USD at today's exchange rate) as a Ravelry download (link will take you to Paypal).

Free Hat Pattern Available

2009-11-02T09:06:00.000Z

A hat pattern that shall not be named, just in case the intended recipient happens to stumble onto my blog, has been posted on Ravelry. It's a simple man's knit, and even better, it's free!

Also finished up another Christmas present: Elijah by Ysolda.

Done with 1.5 skeins of Mirasol Yarn Samp'a, an AMAZING organic cotton yarn that is nowhere near as splitty as most organic cotton I've used. Plus the proceeds go to supporting community projects in the Andes in Peru, which has a very special place in my heart.

Beetroot Knits

2009-10-29T13:24:00.001Z

A few weeks ago, we got a bundle of small organic beetroots in our veg box delivery. They sat in the back of the fridge for a while, as I wasn't quite sure what to do with them...beet crisps? Nah. Pickled? Heck no.

And, as many veg box customers tend to find themselves at least a few times a year, I was completely confused, until I told EllaJ about it and she said, "What about borscht?"

Duh. As I have a very lovely Russian side of my family in my darling sister-in-law, and have enjoyed her and her mother's borscht on many a find occasion, I don't know how that delicate point escaped me.

So last night I made borscht. And while making borscht and seeing how brilliantly fuchsia everything within five feet of me was, I thought, "Oh yeah, people use beetroot to dye things."

In severe danger of being dyed.

After reading a few forum posts and learning that no, it wasn't a good idea, it wouldn't last, I tossed the beetroot peels into a pot with some apple cider vinegar, took out that beautiful skein of Organic Merino Aran that I bought from Bluefaced last weekend, and shoved it in.

At least I didn't give in to my first impulse and just whack it in with the borscht.

I let it simmer for about 30 minutes, half-expecting it to just soak it all in like it would with kool-aid, but second guessed it and threw it in the sink in cold water. As expected, it bled a lot, but didn't, as I was fearing, go completely white again (which wouldn't have been so bad, really). I hung it up in the bathroom to dry, and in the end of it all, got this:

It's a lot more orangey/rusty than I expected, which is good, because I was fearing it would turn out to be a bit more like candy-floss (which I hate the color of). And because it's kettle-dyed, and because I never fished the beetroot peels out of the boiling water, they ended up clinging to the yarn like leeches and leaving little darker splotches all over it, which I quite like.

I fully expect it to fade and bleach in the sun, but even if it's anywhere between this color and its natural shade, I'll still be happy with it.

Bacchus Scarf

2009-10-13T15:21:00.001+01:00

Newest (free!) pattern is up on Ravelry:

Enjoy!

Step 1: Work

2009-10-13T12:01:00.000+01:00

Moving countries, especially to a country so wonderfully beurocratic that you have to have a European Computer Driver's License to prove you know how to work a word processor, has left me in a bit of a sticky situation: jobless.

Fortunately, we're blessed to have my husband's student loans and a frugal lifestyle (besides the chocolate, and the occasional skein of Fyberspates), that I've been able to devote some time (a lot of time) to both my writing, and, of course, my knitting.

I'm waiting to hear back on the fate of my two newest books from my agent, so in the meantime, it's really all knitting:

My Workspace, with desk thanks to the blood, sweat and tears of my husband and to the cool Swedish stylings of EllaJ, who has IKEA in her blood.

Sneak Peak:

The Butterfly Forest Shawl

French Braid Cloche

2009-10-12T21:00:00.000+01:00

I have a new pattern up in my Ravelry Store!

It's the French Braid Cloche, and it's available for download as a PDF and is only 2.00 GBP, (at current exchange rate, about $3.16 USD or 2.14 Euro, or 3.48 Aus, or...)

Available in Adult sizes Medium and Large, it's a fun, comfy cloche hat for all seasons, with a cable-created ruffle for snaz and eyelets that are just begging to have ribbons run through them.

(Link will take you to Paypal)

Thank you to KarateKid, Hobobird, and PocketDanielle for test knitting!

tales of an immigrant housewife

2009-10-09T21:03:00.000+01:00

Somehow, a black hooded scarf tends to say everything:

Though it's not for me, but a friend, EllaJ. Since my time is abundant and otherwise useless, since no one feels the need to contact me about volunteer opportunities that I've applied for (I mean...really?), I've been mostly knitting. A lot.

Fortunately, this means quite a few designs should be coming up soon:

French Braid Cloche:

A few other hats, and somehow (har har) managing to work in a little Cookie time into my schedule:

Angees

Back in England

2009-08-07T20:20:00.000+01:00

I'm really very torn between hating employment and absolutely loving it. Because, after all, unemployment means no eating out, no yarn (at least, yarn in minimal amounts), and, obviously, no job to go to everyday. On the other hand, I get to stay home all day and knit.

I've been trying to justify my unemployment by busying myself with potential-income-generating things like working on my book(s) and working on some designs. But when I don't have the patience to finish anything in one go, I end up casting on for seven different projects on one time, four of which don't have any sort of official patterns (at least, not yet), and using up all my spare needles.

In the meantime, I'm quite pleased:

This is the start of my Victoriana Coat, a coat I began because I had a hard time finding a coat that was A. a cut I liked and B. not made in China. Solution? Make my own. Of course. And it's going surprisingly fast. Though, come spring time, when the thing's thrown in a heap in a corner with a piece of half-arsed lining sewn to only one sleeve...well, I might have broken down and bought a coat, by then. But I'm determined. By golly, I'm going to finish what I started! For once.

I think all I need now, really, is one of those pointy 1920s-inspired hats like the Beauxbaton girls wore in Harry Potter and I'll be set.

Also coming:
The pattern for this and its fraternal twin sister, the Bacchus Shawl.

And a hat.

I'm Back

2009-07-26T22:46:00.000+01:00

Well, I haven't really been away...my attention's just been turned elsewhere. Sorry for my absence! I can usually be found kicking around Ravelry; it seems Blogger stopped sending me comment notifications sometime last year.

In the mean time, here's a quick sampling of some FOs (all links lead to Ravelry):

Bleeding Hearts Shawl

Seeded Cables Cardigan

and Herringbone Socks

I've also been kicking up some new ideas for designs: next up, a lace scarf/shawl.

Here's a peek:

Anya Scarf and Fair Trade Goodies

2008-05-30T23:00:00.000+01:00

I finished my first every project for my (someday) future mother-in-law (in other words, the Boy's Mum), the Anya Scarf.

I didn't get enough pictures of it, but it is quite lovely.

Pattern: Anya by Zari Zamen
Yarn: Fyberspates 100% lace silk in Ocean. Lovely, lovely yarn.
Needles: Size 4 (3.5mm) Knit Picks Options.
Mods: Did three repeats instead of five. I was running out of time and I really liked the length it ended at.

Also picked up this gorgeous bag in York today, at Fair Trade shop, Shared Earth.
It is completely gorgeous, and completely beats my old (tiny tiny plastic) handbag when it comes to room. It's fairly traded, handmade by women in India who receive fair wages from the purchase. Made from printed silk body, goatskin leather upper, handle, and lower. And enough room to carry knitting (and my wallet and glasses at the same time! Woo!)
Cost: £35. Totally worth it.

Flutter Sleeve Cardigan (IK Spring 2008)

2008-04-24T21:27:00.000+01:00

Yup, another FO! This week has been very productive for me (haven't gotten much other work done, but y'know how it goes...)

Flutter Sleeve Cardigan

Source: Interweave Knits, Spring 2008
Yarn: Colourmart UK, 100% Silk DK-weight in Peppermint. Took 1.25 cones (a surprisingly small amount, about 800 yards)

I had a hard time getting a decent shot of the front on me. This is the closest it gets, I suppose.

Needles: Sizes 7, 5, and 3 Bamboo (Clover and Addis, I think)
Size: 40"

Blocking.

FO: VK Cape Collar Jacket

2008-04-21T17:02:00.000+01:00

The Cape Collar Jacket

Pattern: Cape Collar Jacket from Winter 2007/2008 Vogue Knitting. Massive pattern modifications due to the pattern being...well...extremely stupid.

Yarn: Harris Tweed and Knitwear DK(ish) wool. Took a while to get here (er, after it was shipped off to the US...sort of my fault. They were very gracious though and sent me the second order at no added cost. Very sweet! It wasn't too rough to work with, being 100% wool, and washed up very soft.

Needles: Knit Picks Options, size 4 for the seed st and size 8 for the cables.

Time taken: Exactly two months.

Verdict: Love it. Hated the seed stitch, hated the pattern, love the sweater.

The Boyfriend Sweater: Cobblestone

2008-03-11T18:01:00.000Z

I made my first men's sweater. For my boyfriend.

The curse says he's supposed to break up with me, but I'm not sure he's up for that, because, well, he loves it.

I don't think he can anyway, because I didn't knit the entire sweater. He knitted one stitch. Take that, Boyfriend Sweater Curse.

My reward? He bought me a dress-maker's dummy.

That's Sara, in the plastic bag. She's fine, now.

Conclusion: Best boyfriend in the world.

Sweater stats:
Pattern: Cobblestone by Jared Flood, from IK Fall 2007
Yarn: New Lanark Aran, 100% Organic Wool, in Gritstone, 6.5 skeins (love this stuff...very rustic)
Size: 39.5", with mods since the yarn was aran, not worsted. Worked less stitches in the round, made the body and the sleeves longer since the Boy is 6'1", worked less rows in the collar since he likes it more open.
Needles: KP Options US 8 (5.0mm)
Total time from CO to end of blocking: 19 days

Late Winter FOlurries

2008-03-05T10:24:00.000Z

Having been completely sucked in to the time black-hole of Ravelry, I've been sorely neglecting my blog. I haven't stopped knitting, just stopped posting. I have, however, gotten a few things done (and started a lot more) since I last posted.

Picture parade!

Beadless Odessa for Roomie
.7 balls Cascade 220, Lavender (though it really is more pink)

Claudia for boyfriend, in Rowan Pure Wool Aran, one skein

Under Water scarf for Boyfriend,
in 2 skeins Rowan Cocoon (which both my boyfriend and I have decided is the loveliest yarn ever)

The Ice Queen, for my Mum, on my head.
Now for the ever-expanding Works in Progress...

Making my boyfriend and myself matching Cobblestones. I'm making mine a bit sexed-up: in DK-weight (for a less-bulky fit), with dramatic decreases for a fitted waist, thinner sleeves, and an open collar.

Her Cobblestone in progress, based on Cobblestone by Jared Flood in IK Fall 2007

His Cobblestone in Progress, with mods since the yarn is aran weight, not worsted, and the fabric works up better with 5.0mm needles.

The Shedir from Hell. This thing will never end.

Detail of the Cape-Collar cardigan from Winter 07/08 VK, which I love and can't wait to finish/wear. It's unfortunately on hold right now, since His Cobblestone is requiring my size 8 needles.

Poet's Pullover Pattern

2008-01-03T18:23:00.000Z

This is a design based somewhat on an Anthropologie sweater from a few years ago. I finally got around to making it. The pattern sizes (besides the 40" size) are approximate, as they haven't been test-driven. If you have any errata or suggestions, please let me know in the comments section. Better pictures coming soon.

ETA January 28th, 2010: I finally got around to correcting all those little errors, extending the size range, and tweaking the numbers so it fits the sizes it's supposed to fit. Please see the new PDF on Ravelry; as it won't fit so comfortably on this blog post anymore! And please contact me with any questions.

-Wonk

Angora Hat

2007-11-23T18:29:00.000Z

I started this hat ages ago and never got the motivation to finish it...until it got absolutely freezing. Since I end up taking long walks in the cold with my adorable boyfriend, I thought I would probably need something warm, yet still adorable, to go along with me and keep me warm...you know, besides the boyfriend.

So I present, the Hat:

Pattern: Lace-Edged Woman's Hat from headhuggers.org
Yarn: About half a skein of Fleece Artist's Peter Rabbit in a colour I think no longer exists, though I think it's the rough equivalent of today's Polar Sea
Needles: Size 6 Clover bamboo DPNs
Verdict: Love it. After a washing, it seems not to be so threatening (shedding-wise) anymore. It's bound to keep my large head warm on chilly English nights.

Henry in Progress

2007-10-29T09:58:00.000Z

I was thinking about scarves, thinking about how I might want to make one cool, neutral, and clean-cut. If not for someone else, than at least for me.

Then I found Henry, and it's been true love ever since.

The Whole Enchilada

I am using two strands of Knit Picks Shadow held together, in colours Jewels and Vineyard. It makes a rather pretty purple/navy dappled effect.

According to the pattern, I'm 1/7 of the way done. But if I want to have it done for my friend-boy by Christmas, I think repeating the pattern four times instead of seven will be sufficient.

Requisite blurry close-up

Hedgerow Coat, Fall 2007

2007-10-18T17:15:00.001+01:00

I finished this about a month ago, the day before I left for England, but I just now got pictures of it...

Materials: Wool of the Andes in "Iron Ore," about 18 50g skeins. I haven't done the ribbed edging yet, because I'm slightly afraid I'll run out of yarn, but maybe I will when I'm feeling particularly industrious.

I used a needle size bigger than in the pattern to get gauge.

Overall, I love it. It's perfect for the chilly fall here in England, and it's quite cozy.

I'm holding it closed with an earring clasp right now, of all things, until I feel like coughing up enough money to buy a belt to cinch it in with.

Fair Winners!

2007-09-09T06:55:00.001+01:00

So I entered my things in the fair, and...

Yes, that does say "Best of Knit" :)

Vest from Fitted Knits: First place

My jacket also won a second place ribbon, but I wanted to wear it before I got my camera back from the repair shop, so it's no longer wearing its ribbon.

I'm pretty happy.

'Tis the season for Finished Objects

2007-08-05T21:13:00.000+01:00

I've almost finished as many things in the past month as I've started! It's almost a miracle.

The latest: The Back to School U-Neck Vest from Fitted Knits

Knitted in Cascade Quatro, color 9435.
Size: A cross between the 41" and 37" sizes. I'm not sure what happened; I think I forgot what size I was doing half-way through the pattern. But it worked out. My front is way bigger than my back, anyway.
Needles: Clover size 7s, and crystal palace size 5 for some improvised waist-shaping (for about three inches, five inches from the bottom.

I'm very happy with this one, and I've already gotten a lot of compliments on it. This is probably my favorite I've made from the book so far.

Next up: airy wrap sweater. I'm already about half-way through it. Maybe I can finish that in the next week or so, too?

Shaped Lace Tee

2007-07-28T00:29:00.001+01:00

Here's my first FO from Knitting Lingerie Style, sans model (it's for my sister-in-law, who's tiny, so there's no way I'm getting it on me).

Details:

Knit with the suggested yarn in the suggested color (creative, I know): Cascade Sierra (80% cotton/20% merino wool) in off-white.
Size: 33 1/2"
No alterations made. I did decide to do the waist shaping.

Hope it fits, and looks good, on her!

Next up: the Bed Jacket (finally), which is blocking as I type.

Bed Jacket Progress

2007-07-02T00:14:00.000+01:00

This thing is going fast. Just a sleeve and the two sleeve edgings left to go. I'm making the 43 1/2 inch size. I was torn whether to make that or the 39", but I think this one will fit quite well, especally since it's a layering piece.

I'm using Cascade Sierra in color 45 (a deep sky blue). The color in pretty accurate, at least on my monitor.

I can't wait to finish it. Unfortunately, as I suffer from the second sock syndrome, I also suffer from the second sleeve syndrome. I'm still struggling through the sleeves for the lace-front sweater. Working in a tiny guage for that doesn't help when I'm working on this sweater, either.

Looking forward to seeing all of your things!

Ashley

Lace-Front Sweater Progress, Weird Yarn

2007-06-13T06:09:00.000+01:00

I've been going a little dye-crazy, and I'm not very good at it, either. However, I think I might sort of like the accidental variations that come from not stirring things properly and having different variegation in all of my yarn from the same batch:

I think it might make for an interesting effect, though, once the sweater is finished. Or one can only hope.

And I don't really know what the heck I was thinking with this:

What does one name this colorway? Elementary School Carpet or Beagle Vomit? I just can't decide.

Fitted Knits FOs

2007-06-04T15:57:00.000+01:00

So a chair isn't probably the best model for a fitted knit, but hey, they're finished. I actually finished them about a month ago, but I haven't gotten around to taking pictures until now. I'll take pictures of them on me...eventually.

I realized that I can't button things correctly, so please ignore the weird buttoning skills on the tank. It was early.

Also dyed by KP bare for the corset-laced cardigan from Knitting Lingerie Style:

The varigation was an accident, but I think I like it this way.

I Have Vanquished the Second Sock Curse

2007-05-31T06:28:00.000+01:00

I've never actually finished a pair of socks before. I think I have about three orphan "pairs" lying, unfunished, in my knitting bin right now.

But I have accomplished the impossible: I have slain the Second Sock Curse.

And for proof that I did indeed do two of them:

Pattern: Baudelaire from Knitty
Knit in Knit Picks Bare Merino Wool (70%)/Silk (30%) fingering weight (love this yarn, by the by, and I like the natural color enough not to touch it with dye...at least, not for this project)
4 DPNs size 2

Some progress

2007-04-03T00:24:00.000+01:00

So I have at least 8 projects going on right now, but at least I'm making some significant progress.

Almost done: a VK v-neck sweater (for me, this time), in KP Wool of the Andes in Spruce. All I have left is to sew the buttons on and weave in the ends. It's a little big around the chest, but it looks nice enough.

Next, I started a little early in the Fitted Knits KAL, and am almost done with the drop stitch tank in KP Shine Worsted, color: Blossom. After dividing for the front, it turned out a little long and I might run out of yarn, so I'll probably go back and rip out a repeat. It shouldn't be too hard.And last, with the least done (since the Spruce sweater recently freed up my size 6 needles this morning), just cast on with the puff sleeve cardigan from Fitted Knits, in KP Merino Style, color Iris.

More pictures coming soon as I get more time to work on these!

I also have a skein of Fleece Artist Peter Rabbit that I don't know what to do with, but it needs to be something spectacular (with just one skein, somehow).

Gloves and Scarf

2007-02-17T06:45:00.000Z

A little late for the coldest of the season, but I finished the scarf in time for the last snow, and the gloves in time for, well, wearing them.

VK Holiday 2006 Cover Scarf in Royal Yarn Cashmerino (DK), Lavender

Wedding Day Lace Gloves
in Handmaiden Sea Silk, colourway Straw, and probably the most wonderful yarn ever. Someday, I'll get a picture of these projects on me, taken by another person so they're not so blurry, like the not-so-successful pictures I tried to take which are not posted here.

More earrings

2006-12-13T22:39:00.000Z

I finished my classes today, got my study abroad application in, and am generaly in a good mood.

So therefore, I made earrings.

Arabesque Earrings

2006-12-12T23:39:00.000Z

Based, of course, on earrings sold at Anthropologie. Not perfect, but I like how they turned out.

Double-Breasted Cardigan

2006-10-29T23:56:00.000Z

Just finished the Double-Breasted Cardigan (Pattern #6) from Fall 2006 VK. I'm very happy with the results, and it looks great on my tiny tiny friend. Hopefully will be able to get a picture of her in it and post it so you guys can see it on something other than a couch.

In the meantime, here's the finishing shot:

Double-Breasted Cardigan Pattern #6 from Fall 2006 Vogue Knitting, Size Small
Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in Winter Night, 11 skeins, minus a few yards.

Print O' The Wave

2006-08-02T18:24:00.000+01:00

Though I'd post my progress so far on the Print o' the Wave. I've run into a few hiccups every now and then (usually forgetting a YO once or twice), but I think it's turning out rather nicely, so far. Except I just remembered that I lost a YO and made a huge hole on the edge. Oh bother.

Sea Silk!

2006-08-02T17:17:00.000+01:00

So I've been posting this wherever my fancy takes me, but I just ordered a new skein of Handmaiden Sea Silk in Straw. I haven't gotten it yet, but it looks gorgeous and obviously photographs well. And it looks like spun gold.

But I haven't decided what to do with it yet. Others have been getting entire flower basket shawls out of it, and I'm wondering if there would be enough in one skein to make the Folding Fan Tank that I patterned out in part earlier in my blog. No, I don't think so, either. But it would be beautiful. Maybe I could pull off a similar design with more open lace and less ribbing to take up less yarn...

More!

2006-04-15T23:41:00.000+01:00

More interesting knitware care of Anthropologie. I'm planning on replicating a few of them once I get done with the last two.

What can I say, I'm an Anthropologie whore.

Folding Fan Tank

2006-04-13T03:29:00.000+01:00

Note: I haven't actually made...or tried...this pattern out yet (not to mention it's not finished), so these instructions are very, very rough. Try at your own risk. I will post revised instructions once I can crank it out.

This picture is from Anthropologie.com, and is what I'm trying to reproduce.

Sizes S (L): for bust sizes 36” (40”). This is a layering piece, so size accordingly.

DK weight yarn, yardage not yet determined.

Size 5 circular needles

Size 7 circular needles

Gauge over eyelet pattern: 22sts = 4”

With smaller needles and using long-tail cast on, CO 220 (240), join.

Work in k1, p1 rib for 4 inches.

After 4” (5"), decrease 12 sts evenly every 4 rounds for 20 rounds.

Piece should equal 6' (7”) from edge, with 160 (180) sts on needles. Switch to larger needles. Mark joining (this will be the left side, underneath the armhole).

Important Note: Remember to keep the YOs tight, as most of them will be dropped rather than worked in and are required to keep the tension in the pattern even.

Rnd 1: Knit around.

Rnd 2: (K8, yo, k2tog, k7, drop next yo (if there is one), yo, yo, k3, drop next yo (if there is one), yo, yo) around.

Rnd 3: (K6, ssk, yo, drop next yo, k2tog, k6, drop next yo, yo, yo, k5, drop next yo, yo, yo) around.

Rnd 4: (K5, ssk, yo, drop next yo, k2tog, k5, drop next yo, yo, yo, k7, drop next yo, yo, yo) around.

Rnd 5: (K4, ssk, yo, drop next yo, k2tog, k4, drop next yo, yo, yo, k9, drop next yo, yo, yo) around.

Rnd 7: (K3, Ssk, yo, drop next yo, k2tog, k3, drop next yo, yo, yo, k11, drop next yo, yo, yo) around.

Rnd 8: (k2, ssk, yo, drop next yo, k2tog, k2, drop next yo, yo, yo, k13, drop next yo, yo, yo) around.

Rnd 9: (K1, ssk, yo, drop next yo, k2tog, k1, drop next yo, yo, yo, k15, drop next yo, yo, yo) around.

Rnd 10: (Ssk, yo, drop next yo, k2tog, drop next yo, yo, k17, yo, drop next yo) around.

Rnd 11: (Ssk skipping middle yo, drop next yo, k8, yo, k2tog, k7, yo, yo, drop next yo) around.

Rnd 12: (K3 in next stitch, yo, yo, drop next yo, yo, yo, k6, ssk, yo, drop next yo, k2tog, k6, yo, yo, drop next yo, k1) around.

Rnd 13: (K4, drop next yo, yo, yo, k5, ssk, yo, drop next yo, k2tog, k5, yo, yo, drop next yo, k1) around.

Rnd 14: (K6, drop next yo, yo, yo, k4, ssk, yo, drop next yo, k2tog, k4, yo, yo, drop next yo, k1) around.

Rnd 15: (K8, drop next yo, yo, yo, k3, ssk, yo, drop next yo, k2tog, k3, yo, yo, drop next yo, k1) around.

Rnd 16: (K10, drop next yo, yo, yo, k2, ssk, yo, drop next yo, k2tog, k2, yo, yo, drop next yo, k1) around.

Rnd 17: (K12, drop next yo, yo, yo, k1, ssk, yo, drop next yo, k2tog, k1, yo, yo, drop next yo, k1) around.

Rnd 18: (K14, drop next yo, yo, ssk, yo, drop next yo, k2tog, yo, drop next yo, k1) around.

Rnd 19: (K16, drop next yo, yo, yo, ssk skipping middle yo, drop next yo, yo, yo, k1) around.

Repeat rounds 2-19 until piece measures approximately 12" (14") from beginning, ending with row 11 or 19.

More to come.

Project Knock-Off: Anthropologie

2006-04-10T17:30:00.000+01:00

I really, really, really love Anthropologie. Ever since I've lost enough weight to be able to fit in their sizes, I've celebrated by dedicating about a quarter of my closet space to that store. And since I've already spent so much money there, I don't feel bad about creating a design based on one of their sweaters.

One thing that's great about their website is that you can zoom in so far that you can actually count the stitches. So far, I have this baby half-designed and it's going really well. It's pretty basic, with 4-stitch cables, 2-stitch twists, and 15-stitch lace panels placed intermittenly. I'm trying it out in cheap acrylic worsted, now, but I'm thinking DK will be about the right gauge.

Figuring out the sleeve cuffs will be the tricker part, as even zoomed in, the ribbing just looks like a mess of twisted stitches. I'll have to work on that and see if I can't get it, I can get a cool-looking alternative.

Tulip Sock

2006-04-09T21:06:00.000+01:00

One down, one to go.

Please ignore the hairy leg. It's not warm enough to wear anything short yet.

Aran Sweater

2006-04-09T19:44:00.000+01:00

Aran sweater made for a friend last year. Made in a wonderful cashmere/merino mix (can't remember the brand, but it was beautiful to work with), pattern from VK Holiday 2005. Excuse the image quality, it's kind of...crap.

This was before I ripped the neck out and bound it off again with bigger needles, since I was just learning the curse of the too-small neck hole. I can assure you that it looks a bit better now.

Wonk Posts

2006-04-09T19:33:00.000+01:00

This is pretty much a test, so I'm just checking things out.

I'll get around to posting pictures as soon as I can find some AAs to get into my battery-eating digicam and find my archived pics on my hard drive.