Merry Christmas!

Wishing you and yours a wonderful Christmas with lots of love, light and knitting!

Christmas Ornaments

Almost everyone has left over sock yarn except for some of us who do toe up socks. I find that I still have leftovers because my feet are only a 6.5 and I don't want my socks too high up the calf! So, what to do with all this extra sock yarn? Why not Christmas Ball Ornaments? These cute little ornaments are super easy to make and only take 15 grams of wool! They can be knit using magic loop or double point needles. I knit mine using a 40" circular addi with the magic loop technique. The yarn featured in the photo is Phildar Preface but any sock yarn would work!

The pattern is also easily adjustable: To make a smaller or larger size, continue to increase until you reach the center equator of the ball.  Work 4 rows of knitting and begin decreases. I like to insert the ball into the covering when there are only 3-4 rows left to knit.

The pattern includes written instructions to create your very own Christmas Ball Ornament.

Here are the details:

*Phildar Preface - 1 Ball

Color Shown are: #116 Shanghai

Or:

 *30-40 yards of any sock weight yarn

* 3mm Double Point Needles

or

* 3mm 40" Circular needle (for magic loop technique) 

* Tapestry Needle

Size:

3" Christmas Balls

 

 Enjoy!

Chinook Toque

Warm hats are definitely a great thing this year - we have had a bit of a cold start to this winter season. I've been knitting lots of hats, scarves and cowls just to keep warm. This hat is the sister hat to the Chinook Flap hat - sans ear flaps. I've been enjoying playing with the different colors and seeing how just by changing the background color from light to dark or vice versa, it can make the whole toque look completely different.

The pattern includes a written pattern and two different charts for the color work.

Here are the details:

* Briggs and Little Country Roving - 1 Cake of each color 

 Colors Shown are: Sheep's Grey and Sheep's Brown

Or:

70-90 yards of any bulky weight yarn in 2 colors ( approximately 50-60 yards in main color and 20-30 yards in contrast color)

* 7mm Double Point Needles

or

* 7mm 16" Circular needle and Double Point Needles.

* Tapestry Needle

Sizes:

Child - 18", Small Adult - 20", Large Adult - 22"

Enjoy! 

Smitten with Mittens

Currently I am knitting Coco Knits Smitten as a custom order. I love the idea of these mittens - each person having 1 mitten and then having a heart shaped mitten so that you can hold hands while you are walking. My inner romantic loves this idea and yet I know there is probably only 1 in 1000 men that would actually let you, let alone want to,  to use these mittens on a snowy walk down the country road.

Chinook Flap Hat

Calgary can get very cold in the winter - like minus 40! But then the chinooks come and we warm back up to the positive digits. This hat was designed to keep us cozy while we wait for the next chinook. The Chinook Flap Hat is also a great way of trying out color work for the first time and using up all those pesky scraps of yarn :)

 

The pattern includes a written pattern, a chart for the color work and instructions on how to crochet the trim.

 

Here are the details:

* Briggs and Little Country Roving - 1 Cake of each color 

 Colors Shown are: Sheep's Grey and Sheep's Brown

Or:

70-90 yards of any bulky weight yarn in 2 colors ( approximately 50-60 yards in main color and 20-30 yards in contrast color)
 

* 7mm Double Point Needles
or
* 7mm 16" Circular needle and Double Point Needles.

* Tapestry Needle

Sizes:

Child - 18", Small Adult - 20", Large Adult - 22"

 

Enjoy!

 

 

 

Thanks to Mark Wayne Wills for the excellent photos!

 

Winter Flower Headband

Sometimes wearing fun accessories makes you feel good and I've always had a love for headbands. Perfect to wear indoors and out.They are also a great way to brighten up any day or attire when the dreary days of winter are upon us :)

This sweet headband is a great way to practice new increases. Pattern has M1L, M1R, M1P. There are instructions on how to create your very own embellished, felted flower.

The flower I made in the photo is made from SMC Wash It & Filz It as I had some left overs (a great way to use those pesky guys up!)

Here are the details:

* Diamond Luxury Collection Inca Touch - 2 Balls, Color Shown is #41 Pearl Grey

Or:

210 yards of any feltable worsted weight yarn

 The pattern includes instructions to create your own felted flower, so make sure that the yarn chosen is feltable.

* Knitting Needles: 5.5mm / US9

*2 Buttons

There are 3 sizes but is very adjustable to any size of head.
Head sizes include 18 (20, 22) inches.

                       

Enjoy!

New Photos!

David's father, Mark, has been visiting for the last week which has been really nice as David hasn't seen his father in quite some time - a perfect birthday present, if I do say so myself! 

I had the day off today and I roped Mark into taking photos of some of my latest knitting projects. We ran all over the countryside taking "wintery" looking photos. Can't wait to show you!

Ropes Cowl!

I've been doing a lot of custom knitting this year as there have been quite a few people coming into the store and wanting items hand knit for them. One of the patterns at the store that has peaked a bit of interest is Ropes Cowl by Kristina Larson. It's 5 large i-cords attached at both ends to create a cowl using Malabrigo Rasta. I love how the colors in Malabrigo Rasta always look amazing! The nice part about this cowl is that it is such a quick knit using 12mm needles. The lady that ordered this cowl was delighted at the way the colors turned out :)

 

Dark Water Cowl & Hat

I have an affection for yarns that are really thick. I love the way they photograph and show each and everyone of the large stitches. Winter knitting has come in full swing and with that means gifts. I tend to wait far too long until I start knitting my presents - it's as though I think, "If I wait long enough, space-time will shift and the gift will appear from the future or  . . the past .. or something." Well, I have solved that problem. A couple of hours, and the Dark Water Cowl & Hat can be ready for any gifting emergency that you have! This is an easy, super quick knit that only takes one ball of yarn. The hat is knit from the top down on double point needles. Alternately, the hat could be knit on a 40" Circular needle using the Magic Loop technique.

Here are the details:

Pattern comes with instructions for both the hat and the cowl.
 

* Ella Rae Mega -1 skein (enough yarn for the whole set!)

Color Shown: #306 Ironside Grey Heather  

Or: 

140 yards of any super bulky weight yarn

* 15mm / US19 Double Point Needles

* 20mm / US35 24" Circular Needle

* Tapestry Needle

Sizes:

Cowl - 7 x 60"

Hat - Small: 20", Large: 23"

 

Enjoy!

The Binary Shawlette

Today I am very excited to present my latest pattern, The Binary Shawlette that I teased you about here. Originally designed to use 1 skein of Malabrigo Finito, this shawlette started it's life as a 1 skein wonder. But when I started knitting my Binary Shawlette - I just had to keep on knitting with this irresistibly soft yarn. If you haven't knit with this yarn yet, I highly recommend it - you won't be sorry :)  The pattern is written so that it is easily adjustable to the amount of yarn that you have whether it be 1 ball or 4! I've posted additional photos below so that you can see the shawlette's details easier.

Here are the details:

* Malabrigo Finito -1 (3, 4) skeins 

 1st Color Shown is #856 Azules, 2nd Color Shown is # 43 Plomo 

Or:

200 (600, 800) yards of any fingering weight yarn

* 5mm / US8 80 cm Circular Needle

* Tapestry Needle                            

Sizes:

Small - 41 x 26", Medium - 53 x 35", Large - 65 x 44"

                                     

Enjoy!

Pink, Cream and Brown Afghan - Complete!

One of the lovely ladies that come into the store, knits afghans in strips and then I sew them together for her. The afghans are for her granddaughters for Christmas. She does a lovely job creating these heirloom presents - they are sure to be enjoyed for a long time. I just finished the last one and brought it in today. I can't wait to see what colors she does next!

Bumbleberry Beret

I present to you the Bumbleberry Beret. It's a top down, easy to crochet hat. I originally designed this hat for my Beginner Crochet Class as I wanted something that was cute to match the Potentilla - The Crochet Cowl that the students had already made. The hat is using Malabrigo Rios - a superwash merino wool that is quite possibly one of the softest yarns! It could also be crochet from any worsted / aran weight yarn. You can see in the photo that snow just started to fall as I headed outside with the tripod to try and get some photos!

Here are the details:

* Malabrigo Rios -1 Skein, Color Shown is #872 Purpuras

Or:

210 yards of any worsted weight yarn

* Crochet Hooks: 5mm / US8,

                             5.5mm / US9,

                             6mm / US10

The size of the crochet hook will depend on the size of brim you are making.

5mm / US8 - 20 Inch Head

5.5mm / US9 - 21 Inch Head

6mm / US10 - 22 Inch Head

The main body is worked on a 5.5mm / US9.

Enjoy!

Look who was watching the whole photo shoot:

Cozy Slippers

A while back, a lady came in to the store and wanted a pair of slippers knit that were just like the ones her mother used to make her years ago. Fortunately we had a pattern that was very similar to the old slippers and with a few modifications, the slippers looked exactly like her favorites!
The yarn she chose was James C. Brett Marble Chunky in Color # 0013 Misty Brown. This yarn is a pure acrylic that is easily washed and has great colors. I'm so glad she liked her new slippers.

A Scarflette on the way . . .

 
Here are a few pictures to tease a bit - a new pattern that is coming out later this month! It's made from Malabrigo Finito - I love this yarn so much ( it's quite possible one of the softest things on Earth!

The subtleties of this colorway are so neat when the stocking stitch part of the scarf is worked.

David and I decided to take a run up a ginormous hill so that we could get Calgary's skyline in each of the photos.





The scarflette can be worn in a few different ways!

I personally prefer to wear the point to the front and then have the tails to the front as well.

Lots of people have been suggesting a cute little shawl pin or brooch to wear with it when it's draped around the back.

I took a photo when David was fooling around with the scarf! So debonair!  . . .do it like this . . . oh you mean like this!?! *click*

Crystaline Shawlette

The Crystaline Shawlette is the second piece from Felicity Scarf & Cowl Project booklet from Universal Yarn. It's a really fun, quick knit - it's knit on 8mm/ US11 needles and only takes 2 balls of yarn! It's knit out of Universal Yarn Felicity - a part wool novelty yarn. I think this shawl would be amazing in all kinds of chunky weight yarn though! Perhaps baby alpaca? The fringe is created while you knit so that at the end all you have to do is undo and few stitches and tie the loops into knots - easy!

This pattern is available here for $5.99.

 

 

Enjoy!

 

A Different Little Project

I've working really hard lately and have wanted a break from my usual knitting and etc. Cross stitch has always been a kinda neat past time that I have enjoyed. I don't think I could do cross stitch all the time, but as a breather, it's great! Making the tiny cross stitch into cards seems the most pratical as I don't tend to make super huge ones that would need to been framed. Well, I shouldn't say that! I have two big ones on the go!

Top Down Mittens Tutorial

After a few emails, I thought I would write a quick post about the Sottosopra Top Down Mittens. Within the magazine, there are wonderful photos that explain how to do the cast on for the mittens. The cast on is a Middle Eastern cast on which is one of my favorites and is the same cast on for my Toe Up Socks pattern too. Cheryl (a friend who is the most amazing photographer (Ewan, Ava Beret, Mary's Cardi etc.) and Ewan, Mary and Lynn's Mom) and I spent an afternoon taking really up close photos to describe each step for the Middle Eastern cast on. At some point I'm going to make a video to help illustrate this great cast on. Cheers!

Arrived at my door!

Today was the day that 2 beautiful, still slightly wet, newly dyed Malabrigo came in the mail all the way from Uruguay! I'm working on 2 new designs using this yarn and I'm crazy excited to get working on these two! Featured in the photo is Malabrigo Rasta (in #416 Indiecita) and Malabrigo Worsted ( in #98 Tuareg). I can't wait to show you these new designs!

Twined Together

I am launching the pattern, Twined Together  today on Ravelry. This cute little pattern is from the Felicity Scarf & Cowl Project booklet from Universal Yarn.

This cowl is using 2 different yarns: Universal Yarn Eden - a luscious dk silk/wool blend and Felicity - a part wool novelty yarn. One ball of each!

It's knit and crochet, to create each wrapping tendril around your neck - some are i-cords and some are crochet chained. This pattern is pretty easy to make. I used a 6mm 16 inch / 40cm Knitting needle and a 6mm crochet hook.

Enjoy!

Sottosopra - Top Down Mittens in Cast On Magazine!

When I arrived home today, the mail was piled on the computer as usual. There were bills and the ever present, colorful advertisements for cheap pizza, but within said stack of mail, there was a copy of the latest issue of Cast On Magazine, August - October 2012. I was so excited!

This issue has my latest pattern, Sottosopra - Top Down Mittens, in it! These mittens are knit out of the lovely Berroco Ultra Alpaca Fine - a yarn that knits up to be incredibly soft and shows off the cables wonderfully. The needles are a 40", 2.5mm needle - I prefer the Addi Lace for this project as the increases are easier to make with a sharper needle. 

I was inspired by toe up magic loop socks. Every time I knit a pair of toe up magic loop socks, I remark about how they look just like mittens - apparently the novelty never wears off :) I love the idea of wearing thin, but warm mittens when going to a walk in the park or going to work. Larger mittens have always felt so cumbersome and like I should be taking something out of the oven - like cookies! Also, I suffer from the idea that whilst driving, that overly thick mittens might cause me to hit something - hasn't happened yet, but it could.

For those wondering where this pattern is found, it's in the latest Cast On Magazine. "What's this?" you say. It's the member magazine from The Knitting Guild Association. The TKGA offers many correspondence knitting courses - including the Master Knitting Program. I've been a member for the last 5 years and always enjoy receiving my magazine.

Workin' Away . . .

I've been diligently working on way too many things lately. I've got a backlog of patterns that I will be sharing with you shortly. I'm actually quite excited for some of the patterns this fall. Cheryl and I had a wonderful photoshoot the other day, where once again, she worked her incredible talent to produce some of the cutest photos!

ps. Mr. Monkey Pants is wearing the Flowered Baby Headband and lounging in the Cuddly Baby Coocoon.

Felicity Scarf & Cowl Projects Booklet

I just received my copies of photos for the Felicity Scarf & Cowl Project Booklet. It's always so exciting to see something in print for the first time.

This booklet is now available for purchase from Universal Yarns. The neat part about working with Universal Yarns is that I retain the ability to sell these patterns as well! I will have each pattern available on Ravelry and here on my website separately. I'll post as soon as the individual leaflets are ready.

The Total Contentment Pill

Another gem from the vintage magazine stack was found today! - an advertisement featuring a miracle weight loss drug called the Total Contentment Pill from McCall's Needlework & Crafts, Fall 1977. Well now! Doesn't that sound like a great idea? And who knew? - You can get a 120 day supply for only, the new low price of 11.95! Kinda sounds like something that we would all later find out is actually speed but was "as safe as a cough drop."

Personally, the part I enjoy the most is the promise of "never again suffer embarassing fat build-up for the rest of your life." I guess more interesting to note is that a few years later, they had to shell out money to customers that were unsatisfied because the advertisement told them it would last for forever.

I think I need to order me up some of these :)

Legend of the Origin of Felt

A month or so ago, a couple came in and left five bankers boxes filled with really, really old patterns - some of them dating from 1919. I wanted to give them a look over before Diana decided what to do with them. It was then, I came across a copy of American Felt Craft (published in 1947 by American Handicraft Co., Inc HOW-TO-DO-IT BOOK).

When I first saw it, I paid barely any attention to it and little did I realize the gem that it contained. Within this little booklet of felted accessories, boleros, and suspenders! there is the "Legend of the Origin of Felt." This story is definitely worth the read - and needs to be read in a slightly historical accent . . .It's quite verbose and uses language from the 40's but I love it! (Even if it is historically inaccurate).

Now that you have read it, all I can say is "and lo!"

Don't you want a set of spiffy suspenders? "Worn with all types of dresses . ." I hope they were refering to the belts :) Although, that would be quite the fashion statement. I like the one with the hearts on it.

Such a cute/quirky book. I can't wait to see what the other books have within their faded covers!

Minty Booties and Hat

One of the ladies from the store is having her first grandchild arrive in the next week or two! She has been knitting a set for the new arrival - ( Anne Norling's Infant Set II by Heather Finch). She has been working like mad to finish the sweater to match and needed some help getting the hat and booties finished to match. I've just completed the booties and the hat for her. It's a pretty cute set although I think the hat might be a bit big  - but at least the child will grow into it!

I always tend to make at least a 1 year size when I make baby presents. My theory is that everyone always gives them the little sizes because they are so cute. So then the parent has a ton! of small clothes but after 9 months, they need to go out and buy new ones. So I always try to knit a larger size so that it's there when they need it.

At the store, ladies always say they will knit the next size up, because, "by the time that they get to finishing it up, the baby will be the next size." There is something to that logic! I think my problem is more that I start with great enthusiasm and then after the challenge is over, I start to not be interested - then I just have to power through. Still fun because it's knitting, but not as much fun as picking the yarn and then casting on!