...

Pattern: Flourish

2011-08-22T01:12:00.001-04:00

I love the feeling of having something 'hot off the presses', so to speak. This hat's been sitting around in my little idea notebook for very nearly a year, so it's about time it got let out to run off some steam. I'm not entirely sure why, but it took me ages to actually get it all done. Possibly in part because I kept getting about halfway in and realizing that the yarn I was using was all wrong for the look I wanted, scrapping the whole thing, and starting over.

I ended up using Silky Wool, by Elsebeth Lavold, and absolutely loved it. It's got this soft but slubby feel to it, and it lies so nicely. I'd gotten two skeins while yarn-shopping earlier this summer, and I sent the other one off to a swap partner--who better love it as much as I did.

Anyway, my favorite thing about this hat is the versatility of it. I generally like things that work with any style, and being able to swap out what tie you use goes a long way with that. And you can turn it around on your head and play with the gathers for different looks. There's even a row of eyelets along the brim that you can put ribbon through if you'd like.

It's also a great end-of-summer project, because the yarn is so light, but still warm enough for fall thanks to the silk (I learned from reading the Yarn Harlot's blog that silk is much warmer than wool--believe it or not! Silk always seems like such a cool, slippery thing to me...).

Speaking of fall, I'm totally knitting ahead for it right now, anyone else?

Let me know if you knit this--I'd love to see how you wear it!

Pattern download here.

Up & coming

2011-08-14T18:21:00.001-04:00

Couldn't resist throwing together a little inspiration board for fall. ♥
Pictures are from tumblr or pinterest--collage is my work. ♥

(double-click for full view)

Crave This: Summertime

2011-08-11T17:37:00.001-04:00

I know it's probably right around the time that everyone starts daydreaming about fall knitting... I just got a copy of Knitscene's fall issue, and the fall VK has been out and about for a while now. But, let's be honest. It's only August. There's plenty of summer left.
With that in mind...

~summer's favorite hue~

No little summer dress is complete without a lacy shrug. I love how the stitch pattern on this one is feminine, but structured. Plus, it's an easy transitional piece for cooler weather.

I love dressing up simple scarves with a bold necklace. A solid tank with an airy, white scarf and a necklace like this one is the perfect summer night get-up.

A merino/silk blend ever-so-appropriately named 'Mermaid On the Shore', just dying to be knit up into a little summer shawl, or a special pair of socks. All of the other colorways from Dyeforwool are just as delicious.

I love using beads instead of buttons for fastening sweaters. They're so functional & eye-catching. I love how these have an inner glow to them!

~projects to inspire~

Everything about this is perfect. The yarn, the color, the fringe... Everything.
Project page here.

I love the bright whimsy of this photo. Such a simple knit, but the colors make it so striking. I normally stick to neutrals in my wardrobe, but this makes me want to branch out!
Project page here.

The details really make this hat. The stylish slouch in the silhouette, the unique brim, and the stockinette panels... Mmm.
Project page here.

Socks--the ultimate summer project. I've had these in my Ravelry favorites for a little while now, and every time I see them I'm seized with the urge to cast on. You can never have too many socks.
Project page here.

~delightful things to try~

I want to fill our bedroom with these in a chandelier pattern. So simple & beautiful.

Stuffed French toast is probably the food I could eat everyday, forever. Summer brunch outdoors, anyone?

Embrace upcycling this summer! Easy, breezy project from old tees--what's not to love?

♥ Now go enjoy the remnants of your summer!

WIP Weekend

2011-07-31T14:55:00.001-04:00

How do you know when you have too many projects going at once?

My husband was tidying up our bedroom the other day, and had to keep stuffing more and more pairs of needles & yarn into my WIP basket next to our bed. He finally looked over at me and said, "You do know you're working on, like, ten different things, right?"
I, of course, knew that it was ridiculous of him to imply that I had too many knitting projects on the needles. There is simply no such thing.

Besides, I'm pretty sure I don't have enough projects yet.

First off, I just got this lovely handspun from Steven A. in the mail. He gave it away as part of a blog post raising awareness about HIV/AIDS testing, and I'd definitely recommend reading through what he wrote. It made me grateful.
Anyways, if I don't knit something with this, I'm pretty sure he will track me down and take it away. I did have to give him my address, after all, so he does know where I live. That would probably ruin my knitting mojo forever. I'm thinking maybe a Larch, but I'm not certain yet. Great yarn needs a great pattern, and this yarn is incredibly touchable and sheepy. It's giving me a serious wool craving that's very out of place in July.

But, that's not all...

I already signed up for the Mystery KAL that Stephen West (Stephen West!) designed, and that starts tomorrow--but I haven't even picked out yarn from the stash yet! Oops. August snuck up on me in a big way.

And then Stephanie Dosen of Tiny Owl Knits came out with this. So far I've been able to resist it calling me, but probably not for much longer. I had a really easy time pulling little bits & balls out of my stash for it, and I think I need an afghan. No, really. Doesn't everyone once August rolls around?

From left to right, that's Paton's Kroy Sock wool, Isager Strik Alpaca, two different colors of Koigu KPM (one from my LYS, one from my NY trip), Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock, a purply-brown mystery wool from the market in Xining, and the front little bits are Knitpicks Palette. All those different colors and places, and they look so beautiful together. What's not to love?

As for what's actually on my needles...
Two new design projects, the beginnings of a Lee Meredith hat (take two), a sweater from one of last year's VKs in full hibernation, Jacqueline (probably headed for the frog pile--gotta love trying to knit sweaters that fit a 24" waist and 35" bust simultaneously) and this...

...Breezy silk & wool for mindless knitting over coffee and conversation. I love summer afternoons like these. ♥

Summer Lovely

2011-06-29T14:23:00.000-04:00

By the request of the lovely Evelyn, photos of my finished short version of Grayson...

I surprised myself a little here, because I actually like the short size even more, despite the fact that I normally favor oversizing everything. I used Palette, just like before, but I shortened the border a bit to balance out the look.

These colors scream summer to me. Like African prints, or sea glass.

I got lucky recently and managed to attend an Annie Modesitt class on her combination knitting method. While my town isn't quite backwater Ohio, it's still a bit off the beaten path, so it's always a pleasant surprise when anything like this is scheduled in the area.

I was too shy to try to grab any pictures, but the entire thing was awesome. She was funny, brilliant, and a great teacher. Furthermore, the combination method completely worn me over. It resolved issues I'd had in the past with keeping good tension while ribbing and cabling, and made me feel empowered! The whole thing was just plain fun.

Finally, I did get around to creating PDF versions for my two most popular previously published patterns, Jaymie and Fantastic Mr Fox! Those are probably going to be the only patterns I re-release as PDFs, but all future patterns will be in the new format. You can head over to Ravelry to download them if you like...

Summer, contrary though this is, is my absolute favorite season for craftiness, so there's lots of knitty goodness on the way for these next few months! Stay tuned!

♥

Tired Mind

2011-06-15T17:09:00.000-04:00

I've pretty busy thinking about my designs lately. Sketches, swatches, and test-knitting have taken up all my crafty time. Which, really, is fine. I love feeling this way, like there's always fresh inspiration right around the corner. Like I have too many ideas to put into words--or stitches.

And, I like where it's all going. I like the patterns I have lined up for polishing and finishing, and I really like that I may even have designs ready in advance to release in the fall. I like that I haven't run out of ideas to knit up yet. I love how I keep running into amazing people, amazing styles, and amazing places that keep the juices flowing. I really do.

But... Honestly? I'm a perfectionist, and I hate frogging. The hat I'm currently working on is on its third go-round because the first two times didn't come out like I wanted it to, like I envisioned it in my head. And I really wish that wouldn't happen.
Everything I do when creating my own stuff is cloudy with an 80% chance of frogging.

That's okay most of the time. But there are other times when you really just want a guarantee that if you have the right gauge, the right needles, and the right yarn, that you will get the exact item you had in mind when you started out.
That's why I love knitting from established patterns that other, more patient people have come up with. If I find the perfect pattern on Ravelry, chances are that following it will give me what I saw in the picture. Sunny with high chance of FO.

Here's to those guys. Everybody who makes stuff for us to make. Here's to the fact that when I am having a bad creative day, I can flip open a book, pick up some yarn, and make exactly what I wanted to.

Veronica Avery's Knitting 24/7, and that skein of Madelinetosh I bought at Purl Soho, are calling my name... Not sure that I'll be able to resist much longer.
♥

Vogue Gone Rogue: Early Fall 2011

2011-06-08T15:52:00.000-04:00

If you're like me, you buy knitting magazines, stick them on your bookshelf, and then maybe knit one or two patterns from the issue--if even that. I've realized over time that my yarny dollars typically do me more good when I'm buying individual patterns, rather than spending more money on a book or magazine.

I couldn't help noticing how many patterns in the latest issue of VK were incredibly similar to patterns I'd seen on Ravelry from indie designers. What if we all took the money we normally spent on a knitting magazine, and just splurge on that one special pattern instead? Less clutter, and more support for the indie scene! (Disclaimer: I do still love knitting magazines, and will probably still buy them! But this post was too fun not to do!) So, I've picked out a couple eye-catching patterns from the 2011 Early Fall edition, and paired them up with their doppelgangers from around the web! Here's hoping you lovelies enjoy!

Into The Woods

VK version: #5 Zippered Cape, Mari Lynn Patrick

Notes: I love cables for cold weather, but the poncho-like shape puts me off a little. The zipper seems like extra effort for very little purpose, and the lace just seems chilly!

Indie version: Woodland Hoodlet, Tiny Owl Knits, $5.50.

Notes: The cables get bigger and better on this fanciful cape, and all the little details are just perfect. You could play up the fairy tale element with a tiered maxi dress, big earrings, and ballerina flats, or go dressy with a black top, a-line skirt, sheer tights, and heeled booties. Yummy.

Easy Knits, Easy Fits

VK version: #16 Boucle Vest, Lori Steinberg

Notes: These draped vests are simply everywhere, and I love the style. However, that yarn has got to go. That color, that texture, that unflatteringly bulky yarn? No, thank you.

Indie version: Shawl Collar Vest, Susan Shildmyer, $8.00

Notes: DK weight yarn means a lovely, clingy drape that adds a fashionable layer without being chunky. The way those edges ripple is fabulous! Think jeans, heels, and a top with an ultra-feminine print...

Inversion Theory

VK version: #18 Cable Rib Jacket, Vladmir Teriokhin

Notes: The construction is clever, and the diagonal ribbing would be a lot of fun to knit--but the overall impression is a little awkward, especially those sleeves.

Indie version: Oblique, Veronik Avery, Free

Notes: I adore Veronik Avery, and this cardigan has a similar diagonal stitch pattern and ribbed bands. However, it's so much more wearable, but still stylish! Perfect layering piece for fall.

Knit Construction

VK version: #31 Relaxed Cardigan, Mari Lynn Patrick

Notes: I really loved this when I saw the magazine photo. The fronts are just so deliciously dramatic. However, the VK360 photos with it closed were disappointing--it turned into an ordinary, shapeless cardi.

Indie version: Heroine, Jennifer Lippmann-Bruno, $7.00
Notes: Same vibe, but way more structured! Make this one oversized, and the same length as the VK version, and throw it over a tunic, wool tights, and leg warmers. It's cute open and closed, and it's felted--so you'll have a warmer, sturdier coat!

There you go, everyone! As always, happy knitting! ♥

Inspired By: Bohoknits!

2011-06-02T12:29:00.000-04:00

To kick off June--and the subsequent beginning of the summer months--I thought it was about time to reintroduce my Inspired By feature! I've been lucky enough to get to interview and showcase some pretty incredible crafty ladies in the past, and this time around should be no different!

I'm diving in today with the incredible Kelly McClure of Bohoknits! I'm absolutely in love with all her hats, and equally in love with whatever artwork or wallpaper she always seems to have in the background of her photos... You may recognize her signature artsy-casual knits already, but if not I am thrilled to be introducing her to you!

Let's get started!

Faye: Since you do both, I have to start by asking... If you had to choose, would you pick knit or crochet, and why?

Kelly: Starting with the really hard questions, eh? I actually get asked this a lot...I used to spend my time pretty much equally divided between the two, but I think in the last few years I have gravitated more towards knitting. I simply love stockinette fabric and there is so much you can do with knitting. The amount of techniques and skills to learn within the universe of knitting is unlimited. However, there is something about a lacy crochet project that can't be replaced...Naturally, some of my favourite projects include both crafts.

F: Where do you pull inspiration from, and what inspired you to start creating your own designs in the first place?

K: I began designing out of a desire to have specific items that I couldn't find patterns for. When I learned to knit at age six, I didn't use patterns. It was a challenge for me later in life to figure out how to read one! The first pattern I followed was a pair of mittens that I made in high school.

Since then I have been ferociously deconstructing other designer's patterns and redesigning them so I could achieve something specific. It's very rare that I follow a pattern to the letter, but either way I always learn something in the process. I still draw a lot of inspiration from other knitters and Ravelry is obviously amazing for inspiration - maybe too amazing. Sometimes I find I've wasted a few hours just pouring over photos and ideas. Often, too, I will see something in fabric (from a magazine, a movie, or on a stranger in the grocery store) and think it would look great as a knitted object. I have tons of scraps of paper with sketches and ideas for designs jotted down. I'm also a book junkie so I will spend a lot of time leafing through stitch dictionaries and researching a stitch before I begin.

F: Do you see yourself as having an overall 'aesthetic' or theme behind your designs, or do you just make whatever comes to mind individually?

K: The bulk of my designs are items that I made for myself for a specific purpose (usually, staying warm) and after "testing" it out for awhile, I tend to figure out what I get a lot of use out of and what other knitters might be interested in. Because of that, a lot of the designs reflect my personal style. I'm not sure how I would define that except I can be a bit of a hippie and I prefer casual clothing to dress-up. I like to be warm and comfortable! For me, fashion is all about practicality. And if it also looks pretty, that's an added bonus.

F: What part of the process do you struggle with or have to work at the most? And what's your go-to fix when you're feeling discouraged?

K: A big challenge for me is in the details. I can be pretty anal and I like my patterns to be complete and consistent. However, sometimes I feel like I could spend all day updating, revising, retesting and rewriting. Every individual (and every country) has their own way of doing things. Sometimes the editing feels never-ending, but I think it's worth it in the end to have a quality pattern that people can easily follow.

Whenever knitting makes me feel sad, I start a new project! You can see where this logic breaks down...my house is full of half-finished items and swatches.

F: More and more designers on Ravelry, even beginning designers, are choosing to offer paid rather than free patterns, and the average price of those patterns just keeps increasing. However, some designers, including yourself, have chosen to continue offering free pdf downloads of some of their patterns. What would you say the advantages and disadvantages of having free downloads are?

K: I like to offer a lot of free patterns because I simply love to share knitting with others and I like to encourage new knitters as much as possible. Knitting and crocheting are expensive hobbies and the cost of tools and yarn really adds up. When you tack on the price of a pattern, it sometimes makes a big difference in the total cost of the project. For me, it's always worth it to purchase a pattern and I love to support other designers, but I also like to give something back to the knitting community (especially one that has provided me with many free patterns over the years!).

On the other hand, I also know how much time is put into a pattern from start to finish and so I understand why designers charge money. I also think there should be a sense of ownership of that design and that knitters should remember how valuable their time is - charging a few dollars for an idea that they nurtured and spent a lot of time on is more than fair in my books. Whenever I do charge, I try to keep my prices low. Usually the price depends on how many hours were put into the design and the complexity of it.

F: If you could pick any one independent designer to do a collaboration with, who would you pick?

K: I just adore Stephanie of tiny owl knits. I'm not usually a girly girl, but there is something about her designs that brings out the princess in me. Looking at her stuff makes me want to roll around in ribbons with kittens. Her imagination is boundless and her ideas are very unique. She really stands out for me among other designers and her service is impeccable. She is very talented in other arts as well...

F: Do you have any plans to try a venue for your designs other than self-publication? What have the best and worst parts about self-publishing been?

K: Right now I'm pretty happy to be supporting myself independently. I do work full-time, so I design and run Bohoknits in my spare time. I have way more ideas than I have time, but I am lucky to work in a fantastic yarn shop for most of the week where I can write and talk about yarn and knitting all day. I think the only downside to self-publishing is that I don't really make any money at it! Hopefully this year I will find some time to market to other yarn shops to carry my patterns, perhaps send some in to magazines (print and online), and maybe even do up an e-Book.

F: Where do you see knitting taking you in the future?

K: My family always laughs that I seem to have become a professional knitter! It's a very unassuming and unexpected career. I am fortunate that I am able to devote myself to something that I love so much. There are many ways I would like to develop, personally and professionally. Personally, I love the idea of creating an item from scratch. Now that I know how to dye, I will have to learn how to spin. And once I master that I will have to have my own alpaca to shear. Also a merino, goat and camel, of course. Professionally, I would like to see where dyeing yarn takes me, because it's something I enjoy (almost) as much as knitting and designing. I would also love to get some sweater patterns out there. I have so many ideas, but it is very time-consuming to test and get all the sizes and math just right. One thing I know for sure is that knitting and yarn will be a lifelong passion...I may get stars in my eyes when I learn a new craft, but I always go back to knitting. It is the one constant in my life.

F: Now that the seasons are changing and it's getting warm out, what are you really craving to knit during the summer months? Any styles you're particularly excited about?

K: I love knitting with all weights of yarn and I used to be stubborn about knitting with bulky wool in the summer months. I know some people give knitting up altogether while it's hot outside, but I can be kinda snotty and have this whole "mother nature isn't going to dictate my life" attitude, so my crafting habits generally don't change in the summer (plus, I live in one of the coldest towns in Canada). However, I'm really excited about sock yarn this year because I've been spending all my time with it in my dye studio. There are a lot of cute cardigans made with fingering weight yarn and I love ones with cap sleeves. Also anything with pockets. I'm also loving all the vests I'm seeing everywhere...

F: And last but not least, what's on your needles right now?

K: I have a chronic addiction to starting new projects and not finishing them...I call it Knitter's ADD. I technically have probably upwards of 40 projects that are patiently waiting for me to finish them up. The one that I am most excited about at the moment is "Still Light" by Veera Valimaki, a dress with pockets and 3/4 sleeves. I'm doing it with Soxy by Diamond Yarn in a really nice, deep teal.

Many, many thanks to Kelly for the lovely interview! You can find more Bohoknits on Ravelry, Etsy, and at her fab blog! ♥ Until next time, everyone!

Pattern: Grayson

2011-05-30T17:00:00.000-04:00

The pattern for Grayson is now available as a free PDF download on Ravelry!

As I mentioned before, the pattern includes instructions for three different versions--the long cowl you see here, a shorter version, and a scarf! All three are quite similar, the main difference is in the length and finishing. The pattern is suitable for intermediate beginners, since it's worked entirely in garter stitch. However, the technique for casting stitches on along the sideways edge can be a little difficult to wrap your brain around! Check out Lee Meredith's awesome tutorial on it if you need a little extra help.

I'll admit it, I have a little bit of an addiction to garter stitch. I love how the stripes look, and there are so many different possible color combinations in Palette! Immediately after finishing this one, I cast on another in bright summery orange & green, colors that I think will give the finished cowl an almost tribal feel. Mmm.

And that's that! As always, feel free to send me any questions or comments.

Happy knitting! ♥

::Download Here::

C'est fini

2011-05-26T13:35:00.000-04:00

Perhaps I should start saving my FO's for Fridays, but I just couldn't resist showing off this guy as soon as I had all the ends woven in.Grayson is knit in three contrasting colors of Knitpicks Palette at a looser gauge for lots of drape and minimal warmth, so I can throw it on as a layering piece for spring mornings or summer evenings.
I'd never worked with Palette before and was a little skeptical, but I'm really pleased with the result. The yarn looks a little flimsy and cheap in the skein, but the finished fabric has that nice, cushy sturdiness of wool, with lots of loft. Plus, it's easy on the wallet--what's not to love about that?The finished pattern is probably going to include instructions for a shorter and a scarf version as well, and will be able for PDF download! ♥ When my laptop died several months ago, I bought a first generation iPad to replace it, hoping that some of the tools and apps available for it would be useful to me as a knitter and a blogger. I haven't always found it to be as convenient as I'd hoped, but I am simply thrilled with how the PDF versions of my patterns are turning out, and I can't wait to share!
So, anyways, what are you working on this week?

Nothing But Sunshine

2011-05-19T23:11:00.000-04:00

Hitched. Jumped the broom. Tied the knot. Wedded. Whatever you like to call it, guys, we did it and it's official! No wedding pictures back yet, but I am overwhelmingly, unspeakably happy.

We spent a couple days here, and then drove down to Columbus to browse and window shop like crazy on the Short North, drink copious amounts of coffee, and eat amazing food (Katzinger's, anyone?). Also, if you've never heard of the Book Loft, you're missing out. Seriously.

I scored these little guys in an antique store somewhere along the way. 9$ for a perfect little trio of an alpaca, a llama, and a deer! What's not to love? I typically don't have great luck when out thrifting, but I think I got lucky this time. I dragged DH to a LYS while we were there, too. It's lovely to be married to a guy who is such a good sport about things like that.

Still not quite finished with my big WIP, but--as you can see--it's coming right along! Mmm, garter stitch. Give it another week or two. Speaking of patterns, I've recently been at work on creating PDFs from my iPad, so hopefully you'll be able to download offline versions of my patterns soon, too! If anyone else has experience with this, I'd love to hear about your experiences! ♥

So far, spring has been very good to me--hopefully everyone else is out there loving life, too.

Merry May

2011-05-03T21:50:00.000-04:00

It's been a lovely, if slightly harried, few days. I've done a good job sticking to my goal of being the most laid-back bride in recent history, and resulting have still had plenty of time to stop and smell the roses--despite the big day being just three short days away.

The FH and I have been doing a lot more cooking together than we usually do. I think I'm feeling the urge to Donna Reed it up since I'm about to be a bride. We've had these amazing cheddar & apple sandwiches twice in the last week--once sitting in the park with our feet dangling in the water, and again today while watching the rain from our breakfast nook.

If you've been a reader for a while, you probably remember my love of all things Leethal. In fact, you can even still find the interview I did with her in the Cravings archives. A while ago, she 'unvented' a technique she calls the Sideways Edge cast-on, a nifty little bit of stitch witchery that allows you to knit in perpendicular directions without picking up stitches. It's really sort of genius.

She came up with a few neat patterns utilizing the stitch (see here and here), but I haven't really noticed other designers picking up on it just yet--so I'm going to do just that.

My current WIP (which you don't get to peek at just yet!) is a cowl designed to show off the technique as much as possible. I'm terribly excited about it. It's quick, pretty, and it has delicious garter stitch stripes. I'm thinking it'll getting finished up this weekend during our casual honeymoon. Knitting during the post-sex glow is okay, right? (Sorry to be working blue, dear reader--I'm a bit open about sex for being one of those waited-until-marriage chicks. I promise no play-by-play will ever show it's face here, however.)

In the meantime, though, anyone living in Northeast Ohio should come check out Canton's First Friday this weekend! I'll be there selling knits, wearable art, regular art, and anything else crafty I can throw together before then!

Also, it's been pouring down rain all day today, and it's unspeakably beautiful. ♥

Crave This: Spring Cleaning

2011-04-26T22:24:00.020-04:00

It's been a while (too long, I think) since the last time I did one of these, but that does mean that this edition of Crave This! is bursting at the seams with pretty spring goodness, ready to inspire. This is my favorite season. This is the part of the year that wakes me up, gets me going, gets me dreaming.

Early spring to me is muted, romantic. Subtlety with the occasional burst of color. Neutrals, earth tones, and pastels. Light layers of froth, or dressy basics. Regardless of what the year's trends dictate, that's what I end up craving.

With that said, let me really show you what's been on my mind...

1-The knits ♥

Project page here.

Project page here.

2-The crochet ♥

Project page here.

Project page here.

Project page here.

3-The patterns ♥

Pattern here.
Photo from here.

Pattern here.

Pattern here.
Photo from here.

Pattern here.

Pattern from here.

3-The DIY ♥

Tutorial here.

Tutorial here

4-The inspiration ♥

A Common Thread blog.
Easy shop here.

T Does Wool blog.

Online fashion mag Antler.

With the wedding right around the corner, blogging has--unfortunately--been low on my priority list. But I'm not gone for good, I promise. There'll be more knitty love here soon.

♥

New York, I Love You

2011-04-19T13:20:00.000-04:00

I have discovered that I am definitely a big city girl at heart, despite my country mouse roots. Taking to the Big Apple like a fish to water only confirmed it. The trip was amazing, so much better than I could have anticipated.

After all, what is there not to love about a trip where you're constantly surrounded by some of the best cappuccinos in the USA? This one was made by my friend Jillian during her practice session, and it was de-li-cious!

Needless to say, our first couple days were a little crazy with coffee. Learning, watching, practicing, crafting...

...And competing under the lights.

But, once we were done competing, the three of us hit the town--trekking all over Soho with a few great stops! Purl Soho, of course, the Chelsea market, lunch in Chinatown, and the extraordinary Harney & Sons. I might have come away with some Madeleine Tosh yarn for my stash, but don't tell FH!

One of the best parts, though? All the time spent in the car to get there and back meant lots of WIP-busting!

Pattern: Here.

Yarn: Quince & Co. Lark

Pattern: Here.

Yarn: Cascade Yarns' Venezia Worsted

♥ And there you have it, one lovely weekend in the city.

Taking The City By Storm

2011-04-05T12:40:00.000-04:00

Look out, New York!

I'm hitting the road again, though thankfully I'm staying in my native land this time. Two other baristas from Muggswigz and myself will be embarking on a little trip, in order to compete in the Northeast Regional Barista competition.

It's exciting, a little nerve wracking, and definitely going to be a great learning experience.

I'm going mainly to observe, assist, and absorb as much as I can--but I will be competing in the Brewer's Cup, a separate event dedicated entirely to creating the best cup of black coffee possible.

I'm thrilled to be seeing the Big Apple for the first time, and even more thrilled to be participating in something that I have such a passion for. ♥

So much to see, so much to do. Thursday morning can't come soon enough.

Ode to Obstinance

2011-04-03T16:00:00.001-04:00

Because I am lucky enough to be one of the lower middle class in what is probably the richest country in the world, I don't knit because I have to. I'm never going to have to depend on stockinette stitch for my living. I'll always be able to buy a gray, cabled sweater for 20$ or so instead of digging out my own cable needle (which I might have left in Beijing anyway). Knitting will probably never save my life, although I do still think a long pair of 5's would come in handy if I was ever about to be molested. Regardless, I don't have to knit, I just really like to knit.

Which is why I tend to be a little stubborn about learning new things, even under duress.

The funniest example of this happened on my China trip. Leaving Washington Dulles on our way to Beijing, Economy was filled with approximately four Americans, and many more Chinese. I was seated next to a little grandmotherly lady who looked to be about sixty. Once all the little seatbelt lights had gone off and we'd been politely informed that the plane had reached altitude, I reached for my carry-on and got out my knitting.

That lady very sweetly watched me for about fifteen seconds before she hijacked my needles. Jabbering away in Chinese, which I didn't know a word of just yet, she fluidly demonstrated a beautifully fast style of picking that was slightly reminiscent of a typewriter. She wouldn't let me keep knitting until I had successfully demonstrated my ability to knit the same way she had. Half an hour--and about fifty signed explanations--later, I was able to show her that I had finally grasped the technique.

Immediately afterwards, I put my knitting back in my bag. It stayed there for the rest of the thirteen hour flight, safe from prying grandmothers.

Picking may be faster. Picking may be easier, once you get the hang of it. But I have always been a thrower, dammit, and I like it. So why switch? Personally, my knitting philosophy is that it should be fun, relaxing, and engaging. If I bite off more than I can chew, or attempt something that messes up my knitty rhythm, it's no longer as relaxing, so why bother?

I love knitting. I love challenges. I love challenging knitting.

But don't try to make me knit outside my comfort zone.

Speaking of which, has anyone found a good pattern for socks that are knit toe-up--rather than cuff-down--recently?

Pocketful of Dreams

2011-03-29T11:43:00.000-04:00

Just under six weeks until the big day... Which means it's possibly already past time for a wedding moodboard. However, never deterred by convention, this blogger will carry on anyway.

An out-of-doors wedding means casual is queen--beautifully tousled hair, flat shoes, and au naturel make-up become must-haves. And, of course, a liberal use of flowers is just that much more welcome. In the hands of the bride...

Or as decorations for tables...

...Or backdrops.

I'm planning to recreate this particular look by winding silver ribbons around branches interspersed with yellow roses or daisies.

I really love this combination--it's the perfect blend of the elegantly feminine and the cheerfully whimsical. Bold pops of color are perfect for mid-spring, and I will wholeheartedly embrace them every chance I get. Especially in the little details. I'm hoping to find some earrings like these incredibly darling ones, except with pearl drops instead of rhinestones, to match the triple stand I'll be wearing around my neck.

My grey & yellow obsession may have started with Ysolda. After all, she is looking lovely in her interpretation of this color pairing.

...But, I will never know for sure.

I'm just lucky that everyone else is hopping on the bandwagon, because my heart was set on wearing TOMS. The heels of your pumps getting stuck in the grass is so last year.

Now all I need to do is find and knit the perfect wrap to wear over my dress, in case of spring breezes...

Wish me luck. ♥

(All of these and more were found via Pinterest.)

Take 2

2011-03-22T19:01:00.001-04:00

I finally got around to making another version of Otis, this time in a deep, gorgeous orange that makes me think of summer sunsets. FH and I took these shots of it in the park on a day that honestly felt like early summer. Spring is so close now, and it fills me with so much hope!

I really love any shawlette with side-to-side construction, and one of the best things about knitting them is how easily you can adapt it to a different gauge, like I did here. Now I really want one in really fine fingering weight as well, with a lace border. Something light and breezy to throw on over anything.

This one, however, I'll be throwing over countless sets of flower print dresses and tights all springtime long. Thank goodness the sun is shining and things are growing again.

♥

Emerging

2011-03-20T21:57:00.001-04:00

It's been a long, hard winter here in Ohio, but things are finally starting to look up a little.

♥

They Call It Nesting

2011-02-23T19:42:00.000-05:00

In preparation for the (rapidly approaching) day when I'll have to move my stash for the first time, I've determined to use up as much as possible beforehand. Right now, I've got a steamer trunk stuffed to overflowing, four laundry baskets hidden under the bed, and numerous bags and balls of yarn floating around my room. While the basement space we've got set aside for my crafty studio is great, it's certainly not an unlimited amount of space by any means.

I have skein after skein of Red Heart and Caron sitting in those laundry baskets--remnants of my early knitting days when the majority of my yarn was sourced from sale bins at Jo-Ann's, spotted in bags at Goodwill, or given to me by well-meaning but apparently colorblind relatives. Now, no offense to anyone who loves to knit with this stuff, because I really do understand that it has its good points, and I'm sure my appreciation for it will triple once I have people in my life (i.e., my kids) that I want to knit for but simply cannot trust with anything that needs to be hand washed or remembered on the school bus. But it's really just not what I want to wear next to my skin.

You can disagree, that's okay. I might even send you some of my stash.

But, in the meantime, what better way to use it up than make a couple crocheted afghans?

(image from here)

When FH and I first started dating, I'd made him this giant, ugly monster of a granny square afghan. He's a guy, of course, so I'd made it primarily black with occasional stripes of red, blue, and grey and big enough to hide a small camel. Even today, it's still his favorite thing. So, when we'd started planning out everything in our apartment, I'd always had in the back of my mind that I wanted to make another afghan or two for us to snuggle under together. Especially since the old one is neither sightly or pleasant smelling--nothing I'd ever offer to company. However, now I'm obsessed.

(image from here)

I'm already well on my way to having another granny square one. I swear I just started it last night, but it covers my lap already. I always forget how easily you can zip through a crochet project once you get some momentum started. What's next after this one? Ripples? Something circular? Modular? Some kind of squares, despite all the seaming those involve? So many possibilities.

(image from here)

One of those days where Ravelry is not only fun, but absolutely necessary.

Crave This! February

2011-02-14T15:30:00.000-05:00

This month, Crave This is making its appearance a little early, full of a special handful of things that are pretty in pink to put you in the romantic mood! It is that day today, after all. I was never that into that sort of thing until I started dating my future hubby, who's a true romantic at heart. So this year we're really doing it up--complete with blueberry waffles topped with whipped cream and real maple syrup. Mmm.

This day really belongs to you, the readers, though! You guys (each and every one of you) are what makes keeping up a blog really fun and rewarding!

Happy Valentine's Day, friends!

1-Little knitted surprises

So adorable--I keep picturing them hidden all over a room. Pattern here.

Lovely little hat design from Pickles of Norway--there's even coordinating mitts.

I think this scarf would look so darling thrown over a black dress and little cardi, right before you waltz out the door on your way to a fabulous restaurant.

Mittens for holding hands. Too perfect, too cute.

Or socks, for tiptoeing around in while cooking up a breakfast in bed.

And what's breakfast in bed without some cozied-up morning coffee?

2-Seeing Red...

Retro vintage necklace from here.

Super sweet coasters, for the most festive among us.

The print on this fabulous red scarf lists collective nouns of different types of animals, such as a "crash of rhinos"! Awww. Everything else in her store is darling, too.

It's hard not to love such sweetness. The vintage-style balloons on this are what really grab my attention.

Breakfast is the most romantic meal of the day. It really just is. These darling bowls just prove it.

And again, awww. I have a soft spot for artisan jewelry.

3-Things to Send the Old-Fashioned Way

1st of three sassy & sappy tutorials for V-day from Alisa Burke!

The 2nd is created from junk mail--although you'd never guess as much.

And this one keeps things traditional!

There you have it! As usual, everything in this post belongs to the very talented people who created them, and you should check out their sites & blogs if you see anything you're really craving! Now go show yourself and the people around you some extra love. ♥

Pattern: Fantastic Mr Fox

2011-02-10T17:48:00.003-05:00

February is a hard month, and this one's been especially hard on a lot of people here in the US. Sometimes you just need a little pick-me-up, something to make you feel fierce inside. Something to throw on and cheer you up and remind you that you're fantastic! This little fox hat is ready to add that touch of whimsy to your winter wardrobe, and keep you warm all the while.

This is a pretty quick knit, but do be aware that you'll need to do pick up some stitches and sew some seams, 'cause that's what gives the ears their foxy fox shape. If you're an advanced beginner and ready to try it out--I say go for it! Just be ready and have some chocolate handy. I really hate seaming, so that's my solution!

Keep smiling, loves. Spring is almost here...

...But, until then it's pattern time!

Needle size: US 10, 4 DPNs

Yarns: Lion Brand Homespun for MC and CC, Sensations Dolcetto for ear lining

(You'll need less than one skein of each!)

Gauge: 6 stitches & 8 rows in 2 sq inches of stockinette in LB Homespun

Notions: Yarn needle

Body:

Cast on 74 stitches with MC.
Divide onto three DPNs and join in the round.
-Round 1 & 2: *Knit 2, purl 2.* Repeat around.
-Rounds 3 & 5: *Skip first stitch, knit second stitch and leave it on your needle, knit skipped stitch and push both stitches off needle. Purl 2.* Repeat around.
-Rounds 4 & 6: *Knit 2, purl 2.* Repeat around.
Knit in the round until piece measures 6 inches total.

Begin working decreases as follows:
Round 1: *Knit 3, k2tog.* Repeat around.
Round 2: Knit all stitches.
Round 3: *Knit 2, k2tog.* Repeat around.
Round 4: Knit.
Round 5: *Knit 1, k2tog.* Repeat around.
Round 6: Knit.
Round 7: K2tog around.
Clip yarn, thread tail through remaining stitches, and pull tight.

Ear Flaps:
Find the little tail on the bottom of the ribbed band. Skip 8 stitches to the right, and pick up 17 stitches.
Starting on wrong side, attach MC and purl one row. Turn.
-Row 1: Knit all.
-Row 2: Purl 1, SSP, purl to last 3 stitches, p2tog, purl one.
Repeat Rows 1 & 2 until 7 stitches remain.
Bind off all stitches knitwise.
Work left flap as above, reversing placement on hat.

Ears: (Make 2)
Using MC, cast on 18 stitches.
-Row 1: Knit all.
-Row 2: Purl all.
-Row 3: Knit 1, SSK, knit across to last 3 stitches, k2tog, knit 1.
Work next three rows in stockinette.
Repeat Row 3.
Repeat last four rows until 6 stitches remain.
Switch to CC.
Repeat last four rows once more.
Row 4: Purl all.
Row 5: SSK, k2tog.
Bind off last two stitches.

Repeat with Sensations Dolcetto.

Seam the two pieces together with right sides facing.
Turn right side out, and lightly steam block.
Stuff lightly with a little polyfill, paying attention to the shape!

Finishing:
Sew ears to top of hat.
Cut 12 inch lengths of CC to form tassels and attach to ear flaps.
Using CC, sew around the edge of hat & ear flaps, using mattress or whip stitch.
Weave in all ends.
Wear with lots of foxy pride!

♥ You can find more photos & fun on the Ravelry page! ♥

Inspired By: Ann Weaver

2011-02-05T18:58:00.000-05:00

This Inspired By actually features the lovely lady that I FIRST got in touch with to see if she'd like to be featured! I didn't intend this whole thing to be so on-going, and it's completely gotten away from me. (That's what happens when you contact a bunch of people expecting only two of them to be interested and then all of them are!) Anyway, she was completely stellar throughout the whole process, and so fun to talk so--her life is crazy interesting! Ready for this? Meet...

Ann Weaver of Weaverknits!

She was first published in the Fall 2007 issue of Knitty, which is where I first discovered her work, and since then has been published in Interweave Knits, Knitscene, and the book Brave New Knits. Ann also self-publishes her own patterns, and I always know when a pattern posted on Ravelry is hers even before seeing her name under it! She's got such a fabulously unique, accessible style, and it's way past time that you all got to read this interview with her! ♥

Faye: I suppose I should start off by saying that you just recently published your first book/e-book, Craft Work Knit. All the designs are gorgeous, and I can definitely see the progression from your previous work. What was it like to take what you do to a whole new level, both in the publishing and the design sense?

Ann: One word: Crazy. It was crazy. I knit the samples and wrote the patterns between March and July 2010, and worked on the layout and photography with my sister, who’s a graphic designer, in August to have the book ready by the end of September. While it was SO EXCITING to do a collection of patterns completely on my own terms, the amount of work required to make something independently from soup to nuts was staggering. And I worked full time, first as a commercial baker and then as an editor/proofreader, the entire time.

F: Now that you’ve finished that project, what’s next on the needles? What yarns, textures, or colors are you particularly craving as the seasons change?

A: I have a few designs I’m doing for magazines and yarn companies right now, including a texture-rich design for the Sanguine Gryphon’s winter collection, which is worked in Free Range, an organic wool yarn that is fabulous for cables. I’m also making a few accessories in bulky textured yarns – I love using these when the weather gets cooler.

Looking into the future, I’m planning a group of designs for my next book, which will use only yarn from independent dyers and farms, so there’s a lot of wooliness coming up, and a lot of blues and greens, too.

F: All of your designs have such a distinctive edge of them, and the androgynous element is so classy and versatile. Have you always loved that sort of style, or is it something that comes out only in your knitwear designs?

A: Oh no, this is absolutely how I dress on a daily basis. Accepting my own body type (thin and androgynous) led me to dress in a way that’s flattering for me. And once I left the world of office work, I’ve been able to embrace my love of first-wave punk style, work clothes, handmade knitwear, unexpected color combinations, and unisex boots. Okay, so I’m working an office job again, but no one cares if I show up in Dickies, thrifted boys’ dress shirts, and hoodies or handknit cardigans. It’s fabulous. I wear all my designs, and would wear them even more if I didn’t have to keep them in decent shape so I can show off the samples!

F: Out of everything you’ve made and designed, what are you most proud of when you look back today?

A: Three things: The Neiman sweater from knitty, which was my first published design and the garment that gave me the confidence to write down and size the garments I’d been designing for years; the Transverse Cardigan, because it was accepted into Interweave Knits, a magazine that is definitely not my usual aesthetic and to which I’ve always submitted with the anticipation of rejection (when it comes to sweaters, at least… I’ve had more success with accessories); and, honestly, my new book… the entire collection… the fact that it’s lovely, on heavy, high-quality paper, the design, the fact that I pulled it off.

F: What keeps you inspired when you’re knitting & designing, especially in the dead of winter? Are there any particular artists, knitters, or musicians you turn to to lift your spirits?

A: The painter Josef Albers was one of the main inspirations for my book, and continues to inspire my designs and color choices (there will be at least two more Albers-based designs coming out in the next year). But my sources of inspiration are like a random laundry list… first-wave punk music and fashion, Bauhaus artwork and style, work clothes and uniforms, whatever my favorite colors are at the time (current: lots of murky blues, bright orange, and, of course, grellow), and, of course, friends and family. A lot of the things I design are made for someone I know, and I know some stylish, interesting people.

F: What, or who, makes you excited about knitting even on the days when everything refuses to cooperate?

A: I get excited about swatching new yarns. When I’m particularly uninspired, I knit plain garter and Stockinette swatches. Sometimes I just keep knitting, and end up with a scarf or a hat. One of my latest designs, Big Top, [this will be published as an individual pdf in the next few weeks] is the result of knitting some lovely yarn (Fly Designs Pashmina) into a big long stripey strip. I was so burnt out after finishing the book that this was all I could think to do, and I just love the result.

F: We all know it: The world is changing. What are the pros and cons of being a knitblogger/designer in the new age of media, and what do you think the greatest advantage to self-publishing is?

A: For me, the greatest advantage is the control I have over EVERYTHING in the design process. I’ve self-published designs that probably wouldn’t be accepted – or weren’t accepted – to major publications. I can knit these designs in the yarns and colors I like, I can style them the way I like (no aprons, fields, farms, or mittens being worn in indoor situations… I like to show my designs in the situations in which people would actually WEAR them), I can use my own models (none of whom are under 30, and I’m going to make an effort to use my mom as a model more often, she’s a superstar)… so yeah, those are the advantages of total control.

However, I don’t want to put down traditional publishing, and will continue to work with books and magazines as long as I’m designing. Every book or magazine in which I’m included exposes more people to my work, audiences that might not ever find me on the Internet. And, as much as I like doing everything on my own terms, I also realize that making some compromises to work with publications broadens my appeal. Plus, it’s SO COOL to be part of a book with an interesting premise and a great mix of designs. I’m particularly fond of Brave New Knits and a recently released book from House of White Birches called Simple Hip Knit Scarves, in which I have two designs [these designs aren’t up on Ravelry yet, but will be by the time you publish this interview].

F: When did you first say to yourself, “Okay, this is it--now I am a knitwear designer”?

A: When I was fired from a horrible office job in February 2009, I had a lot of time to knit. I took on three big projects for books (two for the book Circular Knitting Redefined and one for Brave New Knits). I think this was the moment; I took on a lot of work and completed all of it on time and up to my high standards. That was the first realization… the second was when I got the proof copy of my book. Yikes! That cemented it.

F: You’ve held several very different jobs during different times in your life, and the spectrum really intrigues me. It takes a fair amount of moxie to make those transitions and delve into new things. How does one go from being an Assyriologist to a bread baker to a copy editor, anyway? And for those of us who (unlike me) don’t immediately Google it, what IS an Assyriologist?

A: An Assyriologist is someone who studies ancient Mesopotamia, that is, present-day Iraq, during (approximately) the period from 4000 to 300 BCE. My focus was on the literature of the Neo-Assyrian period, that is, from about 1000 to 600 BCE. Cuneiform language is the cornerstone of Assyriology, Akkadian and Sumerian. These languages are not alphabetic, but are, rather, written with wedged symbols that represented either entire words (which was primarily the case with Sumerian), elements of grammar, or syllables (as was the case with Akkadian). So that is what I studied for nearly 6 years at Harvard. My last job there was as first-year Akkadian instructor, it was fabulous.

In any case, that’s not exactly a field with a lot of job opportunities, so I left without writing a dissertation to become, well, lots of different things. Yes, it takes courage to leave a job for something completely different, but to quote Joe Strummer, I just walk into the future like I own it. And it works.

F: In addition to being a knitter, I’m also a bit of a foodie, so I have to ask--what’s your favorite cold weather comfort food?

A: Homemade macaroni and cheese, mulled wine, and dark beers. Yummmmm. For me, it’s the simple foods done really well. And hot toddies! Wow, that’s more drinks than food, but there you have it.

F: To wrap it all up, what’s ahead for Weaverknits in the near future?

A: Well, I have a few designs to finish in the very near future (DEADLINES!) and several trips planned to promote Craft Work Knit (I’ve actually been traveling constantly for it since the end of September) but after these are complete I’m going to start work on my second self-published book. I don’t want to give too much away, but it will be a smaller collection, probably five patterns: three sweaters, one hat, and one shawl. Each project will use yarn from a different independent dyer, which is really exciting. I see what I do as a partnership with yarn companies and yarn stores, and I want to support both as much as I can. From this point on I want to use yarns from indie companies exclusively in my self-published work, and future books, just like Craft Work Knit, will not be available through discount Web sites like amazon.com, which takes business away from local yarn stores.

So the future will bring more of what I’ve been doing, with a greater focus on indie companies and indie stores and publication in some new venues, I hope. For anyone reading this, I’m always up for interesting collaborations, so feel free to contact me!

You can keep up with Ann at her blog, where she talks about knitting, life, and lots of yarny goodness! You can also find her patterns on Ravelry, or grab her book Craft Work Knit here!

Thanks so much for your time and insights, Ann!

Love until next time...

Of ice storms and froggings

2011-02-04T17:21:00.003-05:00

Good grief, is it really February already?

It feels like winter is never going to end, but somehow the months are still flying by so fast! I keep hoping that everything will thaw out by the beginning of March, but there's no sign of that here yet. Instead, we've recently had a rather nasty bit of winter, covering everything in ice and then snow and then ice again. Absolutely treacherous to go out in, but so beautiful...

All the extra time spent indoors gave me some opportunities for a little more reflection, upon which I decided to frog everything in my WIP basket, except for my VK cardi. It's a new year--no time for uninspiring things on my to-do list! So I sat down, turned on a Bollywood flick (my ultimate guilty pleasure!), and frogged away. It felt good, if a little tiny bit discouraging. And what better to lift my spirits than a free Spillyjane pattern?

What you see above is the start to my very own pair of Camilla mittens, knit in Quince & Co's Lark. Is anyone sick of me raving about how much I love all their yarns yet? Because I feel like I could go on doing so a while longer. My other pair of mittens is knit in Quince & Co yarn, too--I'm so excited to see how snuggly my hands will be in Lark at such a tight gauge!

Maybe it's a little late in the season for more mittens, but who cares?

And, yes, that IS the new Knitscene! It's really, truly lovely.

Meanwhile, all is floating along as planned with wedding plans and moving. He's completely unpacked and organized, and this coming week I'm hoping to get some of my stuff in. We have this incredible basement that's perfect for a crafty studio space, so I want to start setting that up as soon as possible! Believe it or not, I have more crafty stuff than I have regular stuff. Some girls buy clothes. Some girls buy shoes. I just hoard yarns, fabrics, and beads.

We celebrated the third anniversary of our very first date recently--by going out for Indian food.

Mmmmm, basmati rice.

Here's to February and hoping everyone can dig themselves out of the snow soon!

♥

Being Naughty

2011-01-28T21:24:00.003-05:00

I'm here to confess.

I have never done a gauge swatch. Never.

I learned to knit and crochet during a summer Sunday school curriculum the year I was ten. No swatching necessary--all of us girls just gave the too-small scarf to our favorite doll. Nobody really had any interest in carrying on for five feet or so of scarf anyway. The s-word wasn't even mentioned. When the class ended, I promptly lost my needles and forgot the whole thing.
When I was in eighth grade, I wanted to be a ballerina. I went to class five days a week, and rehearsed my part as a Chinese fortune cookie in The Nutcracker with almost equal regularity. Bored and not yet interested in Seventeen magazine like my fellow cookies, I started to knit again. No thoughts of gauge there either.

I kept on knitting after that, and found Ravelry somewhere in the middle.

Right around then--although I can't remember exactly how--I was introduced to the swatching concept, and slowly it started to dawn on me that it seemed to be important. But, teenagers are stubborn, and I'm Irish-Italian to boot. Just to spite all the voices that said I had to, I refused to swatch. I just got a little bit smarter about trying to avoid it. For example, I no longer simply assume that the finished project will be the correct size and shape. I hold it at arm's length about 1/3 of the way in and eyeball it to ensure that it will. If you disregard a few minor frogging incidents, this has all been very well and good until recently.

Recently, I'm dabbling in what I like to loosely term pattern design, and it sort of requires me to give hopeful knitters some sort of gauge to go by so they (you?) know if they're doing things right and if they have any chance or not of knitting a hat that will fit them--or if it will be better suited to being a doorknob cover.

Would you all be terribly offended if I wrote, instead of gauge, "Just hold it out at arm's length and eyeball it"?

Habberdashery

2011-01-27T20:09:00.000-05:00

There's a good chance I make more hats than anything else.

So far this month:

Pattern from here.

Project page here.

Mods: A few extra pattern repeats for more delicious slouch.

Improvised pattern, just to use up some lovely mystery wool.

Project page here.

Unsurprisingly, my current WIP is also a hat (with squirrels on it, nonetheless). I think this is a sickness. It could be fatal, but fortunately the cure is probably to cast on a pair of mittens. At least, that's the hunch I got after seeing Spillyjane's newest pattern...

Procrastination

2011-01-24T20:32:00.002-05:00

For the past two hours, I've been telling myself that I was going to sit down and work on my new hat design. I was going to stay focused, take notes, and knit like crazy. So far, I haven't even gotten my needles out of my purse yet. Oops. Giving up all pretense of getting anything done, I decided to make a list instead.

Things that make boring 2x2 ribbing more fun:

A really good movie on Hulu.

Start speaking French.

(I'm not responsible for the consequences if you grow weird facial hair as seen above)

Find topically appropriate and inspiring videos on Youtube.

Or a splendidly suspenseful audiobook.

♥

Caffeinated

2011-01-18T17:27:00.000-05:00

This is what I get to drink today while I sit knitting and talking with my best friend.

♥

Crave This! January

2011-01-17T22:38:00.001-05:00

A little late, but here to make you smile nonetheless.

I think January is the longest month of the year. It drags on in long, grey days, unbroken by any celebration or milestones. It's still cold, it's still snowing, and everything else just seems so far away. What better way to fill a month like that than with lots of extra knitting?

So, for January, I'm filling this with nothing-but-knit.

Lots to see, lots to envy, lots to inspire, lots to make.

-Knitting they did-

One of the darlingest and rarest winter creatures, this little guy is probably responsible for the tiny, odd footprints in the snow around your holly bushes.

I love every version of Kate Sonnick's Fake-A Gamo clutch purse. The stitch pattern reminds me of snowy Eskimo houses in the Arctic.

Double-stranded colorwork means double warmth. And doubly pretty, especially in this case.

Oh, and in this case.

So what if knitted jewelry hasn't taken over the runway yet? We can make it happen, people.

I keep imagining a skirt like this with lacy tights and fur-trimmed boots.

This is one of the few times that I've seen a Wenlan Chia design look irresistibly wearable. Don't you just want to make one in every possible color?

It seems like faces are SO last winter. But that's okay when it lets pretty knits like this one shine.

This one's not bad either, now that you mention it.

-Knitting from patterns-

Scarf it up, baby.

Simple, sleek cables add dimension to quick mittens, mmm hmmm.

So does colorwork.

Or mix things up with a seriously pom'd hat.

Ooodles of lace to keep anyone busy on a snowy night in. I love the structure.

Boots aren't just for outdoors--and the bobbles on these are simply too adorable.

Perfect cowl, perfect colorwork.

Another cowl, extra-chunky for extra-fast knitting. And it uses just one skein of Twinkle yarn.

-Good knitting things come in kit packages-

24$ from Sweatshop Of Love.

85$ from Wool And The Gang.

10$ from Leethal.

-Knitting to watch out for-

Stephen West keeps hinting on Twitter about Westknits Book Two.

Ditto Ysolda and her upcoming Little Red In The City.

This site is super-intriguing, and I really love the concept.

And that's it.

You know the routine--credit belongs to the lovely people who made this stuff originally.

♥ until next month.

Wandering On Through

2011-01-16T15:00:00.000-05:00

I cannot believe how much time I've let slip away since my last post. We're halfway through January already, and I'm right in the middle of some serious winter blues. It's so hard for me to get anything done that isn't sleeping or eating or foaming milk. I know I'm behind on everything--hopefully this is my week to get caught back up.

Sorry, guys. Bear with me?

Anyways. What's new?

We got the little house we wanted to rent! We're old-fashioned though, so I don't move in until after the wedding in May, but I'm still terribly excited. There's so much decorating and things to do before then, and I have tons of dishes and other little things packed away for it. It's got loads of potential and even a little garden for planting roses in once spring gets here.

Someone even left these little porcelain knick-knacks behind in a corner of the flower bed. I think they're lucky, don't you?

Meanwhile, winter really has arrived with a vengeance. We had about two days of thawing after New Year's but I don't think it's stopped snowing since. That didn't stop the monthly arts festival downtown, however, and it left a bunch of ice sculptures in its wake...

I had a birthday earlier this month and celebrated with vegan chocolate cake (so much better than you'd think!) and lots of homemade Chinese food. I got to pick out my own gifts for the most part this year, so I went a little crazy online. You'd think I'd have the sense to put myself on a yarn diet as one of my 2011 resolutions, but instead I ended up on the Quince & Co website. Again.

Two darling shades of Puffin. I haven't knit with it yet, but by fondling alone it's my favorite of their yarns. Woolen and fuzzy and just perfect. I want everything I knit with to be so darn huggable.

Speaking of knitting, I started this cardigan. I really hated the way they modelled it in VK, but Ravelry changed my mind about it. The stitch pattern is really lovely, but I'm hating having to use size 11 needles--I feel so clumsy using them rather than some nice 5's or 7's! Also, by the time I'm done with the rectangular panel that forms the body of the piece, it will be as long as I am tall.

I think I'm probably still going to be working it by this time next winter.

Bam Bam Bam

2011-01-02T02:31:00.000-05:00

♥

Welcome to 2011, everyone.

I've made several (very ambitious) resolutions, kissed you-know-who thoroughly, completed my first finished knitting project of 2011 (pictures when it stops raining out--yes, raining), eaten our traditional meal of pasty pies with the family, and rung in the new year by watching the ball drop from behind the bar while cleaning up a day's worth of espresso grounds, milk splatters, and syrup residue.

I think this is the year for me to be more in love with everything in my life than I've ever been before. You're only young once, so you might as well take advantage, right?

Inspired By: Heather Dixon

2010-12-31T03:30:00.000-05:00

Heather Dixon is visiting for this week's Inspired By!

She's been featured in more than one of Debbie Stoller's popular books, Vogue Knitting, the book Not Your Momma's Knitting, knitty.com, and in 2010 she began publishing her own collections of stunningly chic knit designs online! Whew. Professional, busy, and super fun!

It's a real treat for me to get to talk with Heather this week here at Cravings--enjoy the interview, everyone!

Faye: After successfully being published so many times, what made you want to go back to self-publishing by relaunching Army of Knitters?

Heather: It has been a dream of mine for many years to design my own collection. I didn’t see any other way I could do this, whilst maintaining complete control over the whole aesthetic.

F: All your patterns are beautiful, but your Army of Knitters collections have a completely new vibe--a lot younger, deliciously sexier, and very on-trend. What was the inspiration behind your new designs, and how would you describe the style you’re going for?

H: Before I launched Army of Knitters in April 2010 I had been designing for other companies. As a designer you have to be very flexible and offer your client exactly what they need. With Army of Knitters I’m finally designing for me, albeit the younger, slimmer version of me that exists in my head. The Army of Knitters women follows fashion but is unafraid to show off her individuality and loves her curves.

F: Are you a fashion maven in life outside of knitting? What winter runway or store trends have you seen that you’re excited to embody in your knitting as the weather gets colder?

H: In the fashion industry we work at least a year ahead. I’m a little behind at the moment and am still working on Summer 2011. For Fall 2011 I shall be using some undyed yarns, including thick & thin and chunky fur looks. I also want to design at least one Menswear piece. I can’t stay away from colour for long though, Winter 2011 will include bright colours and lots of mixed patterning.

F: Speaking of colder weather, what’s your favorite thing to eat and drink around this time of year to warm up your insides?

H: My kettle seems to be constantly on the boil for pots and pots of Betty’s tea but if I could have anything then it would be Cadbury’s Hot Chocolate and homemade shortbread. Fresh baked bread, still warm from the oven, lathered in butter, accompanied by my fella’s Butternut Squash Soup - Yum!

F:What’s on your needles right now? Is there anything in particular you always look forward to being able to make and wear in such knitter-friendly weather?

H:As I mentioned earlier, I’m still working on warmer weather designs. I don’t get time to knit anything except what I’m working on for AoK! I am thinking about knitting another Malachite though, it’s so very versatile.

F: Making ethical choices in choosing what kind of products we buy has gotten so much attention lately--both in the media and on a grassroots level. Are there any yarn companies who you think have done especially well in being responsible producers?

H: I do want to be more earth friendly and am doing some research in that area. I would like to work with more local spinners and natural dyers. I’d love to hear from these types of companies in the Hudson Valley area.

F: You’ve worked with Debbie Stoller several times through her S&B career--including helping her launch the designs for her Stitch Nation line of yarn. What has that experience been like?

H: Debbie Stoller is a very easy to get along with. She knows exactly what she wants which makes working with her a pleasure. I agreed to work with her on the launch of Stitch Nation, even though I was swamped at the time, as I have a great deal of respect for her and think that she has done wonderful things to promote knitting and crochet.

F: Who else would you really love to do something collaborative with? Do you have any idols in the knitting world?

H: I have an enormous amount of respect for designers who are not afraid to do their own thing. It’s a very tough and competitive business where only the strong and thoroughly determined can survive. Amongst my favorites are: Walter Van Beirendonck, Mark Fast, Vivienne Westwood and Sandra Backlund.

F: What can we expect from the next Army of Knitters collection?

H: My Spring 2011 collection will be a colourful froth of lace and ruffles inspired by Flamenco.

If you're craving more from Heather Dixon and her faabulous Army of Knitters collections, be sure to check her out on Ravelry, her website, and Twitter--and don't forget to show her some love when you do! ♥

Thanks for the lovely interview, Heather!

More Inspired By next week...

The Aftermath

2010-12-29T16:36:00.000-05:00

My Christmas was beautiful,

a crazy mix of coffee and family and presents and snow and everything else Christmasy and perfect. Joshua's brother came home on leave from the Marine Corp just in time for Boxing Day--and got engaged to boot. I think it's just lovely that the family I get to marry into is growing in other ways as well! Joshua & I got our fair share of solitary magic in amidst the general hubbub, and I think we've decided that The Holiday is our official Christmas movie--it's perfectly cute & funny.

♥

We didn't, however, get to our gingerbread house making project.

If not soon, I suppose it can get put away for next year.

Speaking of next year...

Everything is starting to come together for us to begin a life together as a married couple in 2011! We've been going around and looking at lots of little apartments & duplexes, and we fell in love with this little place in a quiet neighbourhood. We get to go tour it again on Sunday, and then hopefully we can start moving our stuff in by the end of January at the very latest. And then we're going to have a darling teeny tiny wedding at this gorgeous little bed & breakfast on a lake.

Ooh la la, n'cest pas?

My knitting, poor thing, has been lying neglected in a basket by my bed for an unforgivably long amount of time. I'm going to have to make up to it somehow.

2010 has been a wonderful year.

Here's hoping you all agree, and best wishes for the new year!

Inspired By: TinyOwlKnits

2010-12-20T14:41:00.000-05:00

I know it's a little late this time (so sorry!), but I'm still super-excited for this particular edition of Inspired By! Today I get to feature one of the loveliest Ravelry designers I know--Stephanie Dosen of TinyOwlKnits! She's a musician, a blogger, and a designer with a wonderful sense of style. Her distinctive touch is evident in all her lovely creations, and I'm thrilled to share this interview with you all!

Faye: Stephanie, your love of fairies and their world is quite evident in all of your designs--their woodsy, elfish quality is one of my favorite things about your work! Where did that enthusiasm come from? And is there a favorite fairy tale that's really stuck with you through the years?

Stephanie: I just can't help being attracted to the fairies! I grew up with them and they are still a constant inspiration. They always provide magic, always. Just think of them for a minute, and you instantly have a bit more wonder. It's also deeply a Snow White thing. Snow White was my first movie theater experience when it was re-released in the 70's. (Before cable TV and VCR, etc, so it was a really big deal!) I had the book and I wore the record down to a thread. It had such an impact on me and I wanted to be just like her. I really thought we were supposed to grow up to be that. Singing to the animals and running through the forest. Which I'll admit is totally weird! I put a little Snow White into everything I design without even meaning to.

F: Your creativity goes beyond knitting--you're also a singer/songwriter in the UK! Are those two worlds totally separate for you, or do they feed into each other? Did you start knitting as something to do backstage or while traveling on tour?

S: I started working at a yarn shop in Nashville, TN when I was trying to get signed as a recording artist. I didn't know how to knit when I got the job and on my first day I had to help someone put together a sweater! The learning curve was steep but I saw hundreds of knitting questions a day and it quickly became a huge part of my life. We had a massive shop and I loved it, but I still thought that if I got signed, I would leave the needles behind. When I got my record deal and moved to London I gave up knitting for about 2 weeks before my mind was ticking to the patterns again. It is a part of me I couldn't ever really let go of now. I'm happiest when I'm making things. Whether it is music or patterns it's the exact same process. I do look at them like siblings though. When I pay more attention to one, the other starts to get a little crabby.

F: Now, you do go on tour and perform with other musicians when working to promote your music fairly regularly. Have you managed to get any of them hooked on knitting?

S: My violin player Fiona has surprised me the most. She didn't really understand why I was spending so much time knitting at first, and now she knits like a little magician! She is on tour with Placebo now knitting all the way and I'm so proud of her.

F: When did you figure out that being creative through your music was something you wanted to do seriously? How has following that passion affected the rest of your life?

S: I was writing my thesis for my Master's degree in choral music when I actually started writing real songs. I figured it was my last chance before entering the real world to give my own music a chance. I quit my job, sold my stuff, surfed my friends' couches, went into debt and didn't give up, even when I thought I should. It has changed my life in an enormous way. Now I live in London and have been lucky enough to work with amazing musicians like Chemical Brothers, Massive Attack, Midlake, and Simon Raymonde. I've also been able to meet some of my musical heroes like the Indigo Girls, Bjork, Siouxie Sioux, and Paul McCartney.

F: Another thing that really stands out about you are the beautiful, ethereal pictures you take of yourself modelling your designs. Taking consistently good photos is such an important part of being successful in knitwear design, especially since they're the first thing we see on Ravelry! What goes into making your shots look so gorgeous?

S: First of all, thank you so much! Simon takes the pictures and then I add some screaming, some crying, and some clothes being thrown all over the house. Then I usually say, "These are HORRIBLE! I look HORRIBLE! I can't post these!" and then I give up. Then the next day I pick a few out that I think I can deal with and post them. I hope I haven't ruined the mystique! :D The house we live in has the most amazing garden. I think the garden does all the work and I just try not to let my nose look too big.

F: Are there any designers you're always particularly drawn to whenever they publish a new pattern? If so, are they typically feminine, whimsical knits like your own, or something a little different?

S: I marvel at the amazing designs on Ravelry all the time. I love that everyone has a voice. There is a lot of color work going on and I feel myself drawn to it like a magnet. I always struggle putting colors together so I'm fascinated by people who do it with ease.

F: According to your blog, you've recently acquired a lovely spinning wheel! How's that going? Are you planning to add any designs for handspun yarns to your repertoire?

S: I am thoroughly addicted to spinning now. The wheel came with a drum carder and I haven't even begun to work with that yet. I'm trying to hold back on that rabbit hole a little bit yet simply because I really want to get out a few more big patterns that I've got waiting in the wings. Plus, my next record has been crying in the high chair and needs to be fed, taught to walk, and then probably changed.

F: There's so much snowy magic around this time of year--what's your favorite part of it all? Do you feel particularly inspired by winter's wonderland, or do you prefer the brighter seasons?

S: I LOVE snow. I grew up in Wisconsin so I remember winters where we couldn't actually open the door because of the snow in front of it. We had to jump out the upstairs windows to clear the snow away to get out. I miss it so much. Here in London we get some, but not enough for me! I always buy a new album when I see the first snowflake. I'll run to iTunes no matter what I'm doing and get a new song to go along with the first flakes. That way the snowfall is tied to something that can last.

F: And what do you crave when you're not doing something knitting or music related?

S: Video games, campfires, antique hunting, painting, sewing, going deep into the forest, Paris, and English premier league soccer. I support Tottenham Hotspur and I never miss a single game. I'm also desperate to get started on the second draft of my first novel. It's a bit of a mystery and I'm so excited to get it finished for my friends and family to read.

F: You've mentioned on Ravelry that you have new stuff in the works--could you give us some little hints on what to expect?

S: Ooh the animals have stopped by, and we're all going to be nice and cozy in December! Plus I've got a few little goodies coming out in Yarn Forward magazine #35. They did a designer feature on me and are including two of my patterns. I'm really looking forward to my first official appearance in a knitting publication! I also hope to get the design for my knitting book on the way at some point in the New Year.

Thanks so much to Stephanie for stopping by and answering those questions so beautifully! Learning more about you has been such a pleasure!

If you're craving more TinyOwlKnits, please be sure to check out her awesome ravelry group, her Etsy store, and her blog! There's always lots going on in her world that you won't want to miss out on...

♥ ♥ ♥

A Very Crave This! Christmas

2010-12-15T23:12:00.000-05:00

Ah, yes--the most wonderful time of the year.

Snowflakes, twinkle lights, carols, stockings, stocking stuffers... Uh-oh. If you're feeling a little behind on your Christmas knitting, or on your Christmas list in general--you're not alone. In the spirit of the season, and in the spirit of getting me through the next week & a half with my sanity and my knitting needles intact, this edition of Crave This! is all about those little things. Stuff to make in a jiff, stuff to deck the halls with, stuff to keep us all smiling through our maze of winter wonderlands and holiday parties.

And if you're working on Christmas Eve, leave me a comment & tell me all about it. (You're not the only one there either; guess which blogger got stuck with an 11-hour barista shift? Oops!) If you include your Ravelry username, there might be a little something special in it for you. :)

Merry Christmas, with lots of love!

1-Decking The Halls & Everywhere Else

-get the idea here-

-make it here-

2-Knits For Gifting or For Wishing

-make it here-

3-Pretty Things For Pretty Parties

-buy it here-

-make it here-

-buy it here-

4-It's a Wrap!

-cards for a good cause here-

-make it here-

-get the tutorial here-

Enjoy the season, lovies!

Pattern: Kindling Hat

2010-12-13T16:03:00.000-05:00

Another hat--easy, breezy knitting in super-bulky yarn. It's barely slouchy, ribbed all over, and all about texture. Sit by the Christmas tree, nibble on some popcorn, turn on a movie, and you'll be done with this little hat before you know it! Perfect if you have some people on your gift list left to knit for, or if you just need some extra protection against the latest snowstorm.

Needle size: US 10, 4 DPNs

Yarn: Dale of Norway Hubro, 2 skeins

Gauge: 5 stitches & 9 rows in lightly stretched rib pattern = 2 inches

(looser gauge is fine if you want a slouchier hat)

-Cast on 63 stitches using the backwards loop method, divide onto three needles, and join in the round.

-Round 1: *Purl 2, knit 1, purl 2, knit 2* nine times.

-Round 2: *Purl 2, slip 1, purl 2, knit 2* nine times.

Repeat Rounds 1 & 2 for 7 inches or until desired length,

ending on 1st row of rib pattern.

Begin decrease rounds:

-Round 1: *P2tog, slip 1, p2tog, knit 2* around.

-Round 2: *Purl 1, knit 1, purl 1, knit 2* around.

-Round 3: *Purl 1, slip1, purl 1, k2tog* around.

-Round 4: *Purl 1, knit 1* around.

Cut yarn and thread through remaining stitches, pull tight.

♥ Weave in ends and wear with attitude! ♥

That Time of Year

2010-12-10T17:12:00.000-05:00

Oh mittens, you're so fine, you're so fine and now you're mine

Hey mittens! (clap clap) Hey mittens! (clap clap)

Oh mittens, you're bright red, and so warm I lose my head

Hey mittens! (clap clap) Hey mittens! (clap clap)

Oh mittens, now you're here and so my hands don't have to fear

Hey mittens! (clap clap) Hey, hey mittens! (clap clap)

(clap clap)

(Quince & Co. yarn, pattern from ravelry--and I totally recommend both.)

Inspired By: Kate Sonnick

2010-12-09T15:08:00.000-05:00

This week, Inspired By is all about Kate Sonnick of Knitscene magazine's Stylespotting column--knitter, blogger, fashionista, and creative chica extraordinaire! She was so much fun to talk to and get to know a little better! ♥

Faye: Most of us probably know you best from your Stylespotting column in Knitscene magazine, or from your knitting & fashion blog, Knitlit. I had to hunt a little to figure out what else it is you do with your creative self! Why don't you start by giving us an overview?

Kate: I worked in ad agencies for a long time as a creative director and copywriter. In 2003, I left to start my freelance gig, Kate Sonnick Creative. I started Knitlit in 2004. The best part about having a blog is I get to write whatever I want about two topics I love: knitting and fashion.

F: How did you get started with Knitscene? What's been most rewarding about being a part of that project?

K: It turned out that the editor, Lisa Shroyer, was a big fan of my blog. She contacted me out of the blue and asked if I'd be interested in developing a style column, which became Stylespotting. The best part about Stylespotting is that I get to be involved in every aspect of the piece from selecting the featured knits, selecting and styling the models (real people, not professional models, btw), directing the photoshoot, and writing the story. It's everything I love to do, all rolled into one assignment.

F: How do you get dressed in the morning? Do you throw on whatever's closest to you and hope it works, or do you put thought into making it stylish?

K: I work out of a studio in my home, so I can wear whatever I want, including my flannel jammies. But I hardly ever do that. I honestly love deciding what to wear, even if I don't see anyone all day besides my dog. Some of my favorite looks come from throwing on one piece and forcing myself to build a look around it. For example, this morning I really wanted to wear these really cool vintage necklaces with orange beads. The beads informed the rest of my outfit, which I kept completely neutral and streamlined.

F: What was it like to launch Kate Sonnick Creative, and what went into making your website look so gorgeous?

K: It helps to have a great graphic designer! My good friend and creative collaborator Chrissy Ortiz designed my site. It was supposed to be my "interim site" until we both had time to put together a "real" website. That was seven years ago!

F: Are there any established fashion designers that you'd really love to see publish some knitting patterns?

K: A girl can dream, can't she? Stella McCartney always has the coolest knitwear, as you'd expect from a proper British girl. And who wouldn't want to see the 411 on Sandra Backlund's otherworldly knit-as-sculpture designs? But it's also fun to look at runway designs and let them inspire you to try new techniques on your own. My Fake-A-Gamo bag was the result of my obsession with a Ferragamo knit bag that cost thousands. I couldn't find a single stitch resource that had anything close to the counterpane stitch on that bag. It led me to a whole community of like-minded knitters who were also interested in decoding the stitch. We eventually did, resulting in a great handbag design inspired by the Ferragamo... and a whole lot of new knitting friends.

F: What fall & winter trends this year make you most proud to be a knitter? Is there any style in particular that is simply begging to be knit?

K: I'm all about slouchy... slouchy snoods, slouchy berets. People are always so impressed when I tell them I made it myself. And they never believe me when I tell them how easy it was. I was also blown away by a fair isle design in Marc Jacobs' fall collection. I'm currently collaborating with jeffsilverman.com on a boot design that features a similar fair-isle knitted panel.

F: You've dabbled in knitwear design yourself, and have a few published patterns on Ravelry. Are you planning to continue pursuing that in the future, and is there anything you'd especially like to design?

K: I've been knitting since I was a kid, but nothing taught me more about the craft than learning to design. My favorite part is the creative process... sketching, dreaming about yarn, swatching, thinking about silhouettes, color, all the touchy-feely stuff. The technical aspects of design remind me what a horrible math student I was. So, no, I won't be quitting my day job any time soon! On the blog front, in addition to Knitlit, my friends and I are launching a regional style blog called Lilacs & Lipgloss. This will be my first outside hobby-blogging into the world of professional blogging... so, wish me luck!

F: What's your number one winter craving this year?

K: A perfect vintage camel coat.

F: And, to wrap it all up, what's currently on your needles?

K: Purlbee's "Simple Pleasures", which is (surprise surprise) another slouchy beret!

You can find more about Kate and all her endeavors on Twitter, at her blog, and on her lovely website! And, of course, watch for her column in future issues of Knitscene magazine!

Many, many thanks to Kate for being so sweet about all the questions!

Let It Snow

2010-12-06T18:57:00.000-05:00

♥

Inspired By: Lee Meredith

2010-12-02T15:28:00.002-05:00

Now that it's December, I'm already feeling the pressure of the holidays looming. Even at Muggswigz we're already feeling the extra stress. When December arrives, it's always best to find little ways to lighten the load, and I'm so excited to announce one of my plans for this season! It's been in the works for a while, and it's been so hard to sit on it and keep quiet about it throughout the past month here on Cravings.

For the rest of December and then into January, each week on Thursday or Friday I'll be sharing interviews I did with some of my absolute favorite crafty people--wonderful, smart ladies that I didn't really expect to e-mail me back, but who did anyway with incredible graciousness! This whole thing has been so much fun to put together, and getting to share it with you guys is just awesome! I think it's the perfect way to keep inspired and cheerful despite all the busyness, and I couldn't be happier with the group of people I get to feature here.

So, to kick it all off, it's...

Lee Meredith!

Lee is the creative force behind Leethal, where she blogs, designs knitting patterns, sells upcycled goodies and kits, and does just about everything else you can imagine! She's also a talented photographer and crafter, making her one of the most interesting and diversely gifted fresh faces in the knitting world.
It was such a blast to talk to her about what that's like!

Faye: You're one of those creative people who made the jump into being self-employed through your work. Tell us about that. What intially planted the seeds for you being able to make the transition into doing that? To what extent did it scare you, and why?

Lee: I had been planning on dropping down to part-time at my retail day job for awhile, so when I was offered some pretty sweet freelance crafty teaching jobs running throughout the summer of 2008, which happened mostly on weekends, I talked to my boss about needing all those Saturdays off and wanting to move down to part-time. He said, nope, you can't have Saturdays off. No way. So I said, well, then, I guess I'll have to quit. Totally unplanned. I stayed on for about a month after that day, figuring out how I might make it work; those teaching gigs really helped me stay on my feet after leaving the job. I had thought there was a really good chance I'd end up getting a part-time job at a yarn store or something like that a few months after leaving the day job, because I really didn't think I'd be able to make it work after such a drastic transition, but somehow it's been 2 1/2 years now with no day job, and I'm still doing it! Thanks to my partner's help, and the low cost of living here in Portland. It was pretty terrifying at the time, and continues to be, since I never know what I'll be making from month to month. Everything about working for myself is amazing and perfect and the best thing ever, except for the unknown money part, which will never stop being scary/stressful, I'm sure.

F: In what ways do you measure your success so far, and what's been really rewarding about what you do?

L: I feel pretty successful at what I'm doing when I see myself/my work mentioned by strangers, or when I get a huge response to something I put out into the world. If people are talking about my work, then I must be doing something right! Really, I feel successful just because I'm able to live on designing/crafting alone, and if I can continue doing that, I'm happy, success-wise. The most rewarding part is seeing my creations/ideas/work inspiring others - reading comments about knitters who tried a technique for the first time in one of my patterns that they loved, or figured out a new concept, or whatever it might be. And just bringing happiness to people through tutorials and stuff - crafting is fun, and I love to read when someone really enjoyed a project I put out there!

F: You work a lot with recycled items, both in your knitting and in your other crafty endeavors. Is there an environmental passion behind the way you choose your materials, or does it simply stimulate your creativity--or both? What tips do you have for people who want to think conservationally about the way they craft?

L: I've always hated waste, and I've also always been frugal, so using whatever reclaimed materials I have around, or that I can find cheaply at thrift stores or reuse shops just makes sense to me. I hate the idea of using something newly manufactured when I could be using something that's been around awhile and give it a new life. It also helps make creative and business decisions easier sometimes - like the packaging, for example. If I didn't try to limit myself to recycled materials in my packaging, then I'd have to do tons of research and shopping around to try to find the best packaging options for each of my products; by sticking to only things I can find at my local reuse store, I just get what works and that's that! Tips... Just think about what you're using, or about the project you're planning - are there recycled options for any of your materials? Probably. Go to your local thrift store - look at everything through the eyes of a crafter, seeing clothing as potential fabric or yarn, books as potential paper crafting materials, etc. Chances are, you'll spend less money, and your project will transform into something you couldn't have envisioned without letting the recycled materials come into play!

F: If you had more time to focus on one particular type of project, what would it be?
L: The one specific project I'd like to be able to focus on is the ebook I've been planning for about 9 months now but haven't been able to actually start yet - on making recycled yarns, and patterns to knit with them. The type of project for which I'd like more hours in the day is designing in general, actually - I have so many design ideas in my head and in my sketchbook, but have to spend hours a week on other (also fun) things like blogging and my website, keeping up with other internet stuff (like, currently, running my mystery knit-a-long), random freelance jobs doing photography and teaching, and just all the assorted stuff that always needs to be done... not enough time left to design all these ideas!

F: Speaking of your e-books, they're always so well-designed and the photography is stunning! How much time do you put into your photographs on average? What inspires you to choose the vivid colors and unique designs that are your trademark? And do you ever wish you had knitting elves to help you with all those sample projects?
L: Thanks! A photoshoot for one item doesn't take too long - usually about 20 minutes or so - but the editing can take hours, especially because most of my patterns (full size, not quick knits) have 2-4 different examples that need to be shot and edited. I've always been a huge fan of color, and ever since I first started knitting, I've always gravitated towards colorful yarns, rarely choosing a neutral. So, for my designing, I always just choose what I like, hoping there will be enough knitters out there who have similar taste. As for "unique designs" - I just design what comes into my head, and am interested in playing with construction/shape kind of stuff more than designing a stitch pattern (cable pattern/lace pattern/colorwork/whatever) into a common shape... that just doesn't excite me so much. As for knitting elves... because I only design accessories and other small items, I usually welcome knitting onto my to-do list, to break up computer work and other tasks - knitting means I get to sit on the couch and watch movies and still be working at the same time!

F: It's been quite a year for you! What were a few of the highlights?
L: It has! Personal highlights included buying a house with my partner, and getting married! Professional highlights included releasing lots of knitting patterns and really moving towards knit design being my main thing (less crafting items to sell, and less freelancing), teaching at Summit of Awesome was, well, awesome; I've just finished the huge project of making printed versions of most of my patterns so that I can start wholesaling them to yarn shops, which feels like a really big deal, and I'm also really excited about my first trunk show, happening at Twisted here in Portland this week!

F: What's the first thing you start craving once the seasons change for the chillier?
L: My thrifted cashmere sweaters, all my wooly knit accessories, a different hat every day! My newest favorite things to bundle up in are my thrifted Pendleton wool robe (worn constantly at home) and my newest knit accessory, which is currently being mystery knit-a-long so I can't say what it is! Also, hot winter drinks!

F: Aside from next month's Quick Knits club, what's next for Leethal?
L: Well, there are those design ideas that will someday become patterns, and that ebook mentioned above, which will hopefully be released sometime in 2011. I am really having tons of fun with the mystery knit-a-long, so I'm planning more of those in the future! In spring '11 a book will come out that I contributed to, which I'm super excited about, because it is a seriously awesome book! Other than those things, I don't know, I'll just see what opportunities arise and go where they take me!

Many, many thanks to Lee Meredith for her participation in this project! If you're new to what she does, click on the links and go check it all out--it's so worthwhile. And be sure to check back next week for the next installment of Inspired By--this whole month is going to be such a good time!
♥
Happy holidays, everybody!

Just Can't Stop

2010-11-29T14:16:00.000-05:00

My WIP basket is starting to overflow, just a little.
I've always been a strictly one project at a time type of gal. Start a project, finish the project, then start another one. Sensible, right? Perhaps--but a little unrealistic at the same time. And for some reason it always resulted in serious knitter's block in between projects, during which I would cast on and then frog an average of four different items before finding something I actually wanted to work on for more than a few rows. Those were messy, depressing periods of time, often resulting in innocent skeins of yarn being thrown at the wall.
Now that I have all this stuff waiting in the wings, however, transitioning after a FO is almost magical. All done with that cowl? Okay! Time for that little ankle sock to get some attention. Bored with the sock three hours later? Look, a hat just waiting to be worked on! It's keeping my creative juices flowing and it's wonderful. I'm never going back.

One of the things I'm having the most fun with right now is a mystery knit-a-long by the delightfully original Lee Meredith. It's not too late to join if you're feeling the craving to, and it's really been a ton of fun so far! Like a lot of her recent patterns, it works with any yarn or gauge--something I wish I had the guts to incorporate into all my designs (maybe someday!). I'd post pictures of what I have at this point, but I think I'm going to wait until it's all over so as not to give away anything! I have my own theories about what's it's going to be, though.

My friend K is getting up to a little mystery knitting as well. The picture's from our first knitting lesson, although calling it a lesson might be stretching the truth a little... Supposedly her knitting will eventually be a hat, but I'm not holding my breath. ;) Oh well. There's still nothing like a bit of knitting fun with a friend, even if said friend lacks focus.

I also just found out that I'm going to get to test-knit Birdwing for Stephen West! I have to admit, he was one of the first Ravelry designers I came across when I started knitting, so he's been an idol of mine for quite awhile. I'm incredibly excited in a really dorky way.

Amidst all this excitement, I've still been able to finish a couple things: Two extra-chunky hats to keep my ears warm since the weather keeps threatening to dump some serious snow on us. Bring it on, December!

Belated

2010-11-26T19:57:00.001-05:00

I have to admit, it's been an amazing year. I got engaged, spent several months in one of the most beautiful parts of China, started blogging, started designing my own patterns, and changed so much as a person. It's incredible to look back and see all that the past twelve months have brought my way. I feel so blessed.

This Thanksgiving, I'm thankful for my darling future husband, for my family, for yarn from America and wine from Chile, for community in all its forms, for all the colors of leaves and mountains, for freedom of speech, for chocolate and espresso, for future hopes, and for the people that I've met--and all the adventures along the way. There is so much in the world to appreciate, and it's lovely to set some time aside to think about just how much.

Plus, I smell snow on the air... Winter's magic will be here soon!

Pattern: Jaymie

2010-11-23T11:39:00.001-05:00

Everybody needs a big cowl to snuggle up in around this time of year, right? This one's mine. I saw a stylish-looking girl in downtown Beijing wearing a similar one, and couldn't resist coming up with a cowl of my own inspired by it. Jaymie is knit in a super-stretchy puffed rib stitch, which looks totally different depending on which side you decide is right-side-out, and whether or not you stretch it out flat while blocking. It's got lots of great texture, and holds in warmth like a dream! I love the way the stitch pattern looks when the ribs run horizontally, but if you'd rather knit the cowl vertically in the round that's pretty too!

Ready?

Needle size: US 7, two straights

Yarn: Any nice worsted weight, like Quince & Co Lark!

Optional: Contrasting colors for stripes

Gauge is not important for this pattern.

Cast on 62 stitches with your MC.

-Row 1: Purl 2, *yarn over, knit 1, yarn over, purl 2* to end of row.

-Row 2: Knit 2, *purl 3, knit 2* to end of row.

-Row 3: Purl 2, *knit 3, purl 2* to end of row.

-Row 4: Knit 2, *purl 3 together, knit 2* to end of row.

Repeat Rows 1-4 until work measures desired length. Mine is about 30 inches total. If you're switching colors, be sure to do it at the beginning of a pattern repeat!

Bind off knitwise and cut tail, leaving a long enough length for seaming.

Sew cast-on and bind-off edges together, and weave in ends.

I'm really excited to see how it works up in different colors!

Feel free to send me any questions here or on ravelry!

And There You Have It!

2010-11-22T10:46:00.000-05:00

Now that it's Monday, it's time to announce who gets one of the jewelry pieces from last week! Congratulations, Leah--e-mail me at travelingbarista@gmail.com with your address so I can send the elephant to you this weekend when I hit the post office!

And thanks to everyone for your sweet comments and for playing.

I've been working more on that swap package so far this week, and I'm actually getting kind of excited about it. The theme of the swap is Winter Sanity, and is supposed to include everything needed to complete a small knitting project, plus other little goodies to add some extra cheer amidst holiday stress. I've been stalking my spoilee enough to know that she's a fairly passionate vegan, so the sub-theme of what I'm sending her is eco-friendly goodness! (Who doesn't love that anyway, right?)

Malabrigo yumminess, dark chocolate, organic lip balm, and amazing smelling soap. If that doesn't help create a little zen this time of year, I seriously don't know what would. The hardest thing for me about doing swaps is how much I end up wanting to keep all the treats for myself!

Rather than just include printed pattern PDFs, I decided to go a little crazy and create custom pattern pages with old magazines, thread scraps, and more little things from my crafty stash. These aren't quite finished yet, but I'm kind of excited about them.

I'm also sticking in some other knitting notions, like a mini packet of Soak, some buttons, a project bag, and a carved wooden shawl/scarf pin shaped like a little seahorse that I picked up in at a Tibetan market in Xining. I love planning all this stuff out--it's like Christmas got here early!

Anyone else getting an early jump on things?

Finish Line

2010-11-20T14:58:00.002-05:00

This is a good example of what's called 'hiding behind your accomplishments'. Funny how the only productive thing I did this week was knit--life has been stressful and confusing enough to merit losing myself in something dependable like ribbing. The results are quite cozy, n'cest-ce pas?

Pretty Little Things

2010-11-17T23:49:00.000-05:00

Last night, I neglected everything else in order to focus on a little bit of jewelry making. I'd signed up for a little holiday swap on Ravelry, and the person I'm sending to happened to mention that she liked homemade jewelry, so I dug out my stash of bits and bobs in hopes of finding something usable.

What you have to understand is, I collect broken jewelry. I have three shoeboxes full of snapped chains, mismatched closures, and lonely charms & gems. They just seem to find me somehow--although, I suppose living in a house with three other women (two of them teenagers) must have a little bit to do with it. I take everything apart and upcycle all the individual pieces into new designs. Once I got started I couldn't stop, so I made three necklaces and a bracelet, and now I'm a little overwhelmed with trying to decide which my swap spoilee is going to receive.

Let's narrow it down a little, shall we?

One of those will go to one of you! Take a look:

If you want one, all you need to do is leave a little comment telling me which one you like best, and I'll randomly pick a winner sometime on this coming Monday. Good luck, everyone!

[bonus: If you have me on your blogroll, leave a link so I can go check it out, and that'll count as an extra entry in the drawing!]

Crave This! November

2010-11-14T20:23:00.000-05:00

It's the 15th of the month, and that means another Crave This! photo/link round-up of everything really gorgeous I've spotted on the internet in the past thirty-one days! Just like last time, all photos and work belong to the original creators, and you should click through to their sites if you like what you see! With that in mind, here's this month's dose of inspiration:

1-Read This!

Someday they're probably going to take over the world, but for now they're just the focus of the cutest tiny coloring book on Etsy.

If you get inspired to do some sketching yourself, another find from Etsy might just be the ticket. These stunning little notebooks come in sets of three--isn't that lovely?

And now, couches can have captions. Or their own Scrabble tournaments. I'm such a geek for saying this, but I find these pretty adorable.

Be wary of this one--once you get a good look at the blog Park & Cube you won't be able to stop. It's much, much worse than porn.

2-Wear It Like This!

One of my favorite things is when people take something they love and turn it into a particularly beautiful & relevant form of activism. The Uniform Project is a seriously cool example.

All of the items in yarnovermovement's Etsy shop are fairly simple knits, but the sassy, smart attitude of the styling and photos makes me want to buy them all anyway.

I spotted this bag on Craftster, and was incredulous enough to doublecheck to make sure that it actually was handmade! If you feel the need to attempt one yourself, the tutorial is here.

3-Knit This!

Jared Flood of Brooklyn Tweed recently introduced his own line of gorgeous yarn, made in the USA from American wool. This probably isn't the first you've heard of Shelter, but I just have to rave a little more about what eye candy it is. Give me a Christmas stocking full of it and I'll be thrilled.

I continually put off making mittens for some reason, but this pair might change my mind. (Plus, I bet they'd look fabulous knit up in Shelter!)

I'm not normally a fan of stripes like the ones on Briana Arlene's scarf, but anything fun that gathers and drapes is fine by me. Scrunch it up tight for extra warmth when the snowstorm hits, then let it out loose when sitting around the bonfire with hot cocoa? Perfect.

And the detail in this lace patterned hat is what makes me proud to be a knitter. You really cannot buy anything that pretty, you just can't.

4-Try This!

This tutorial from cutoutandkeep.net is a great example of upcycling. If I end up having a handmade(ish) wedding, these will be making an appearance as centerpieces or placecards!

Another great use for old magazines or paper from the same site, because it never hurts to make everyday stuff a work of art--even if its just envelopes.

Stonesoup is all about cooking simply, while still creating amazing & original meals. Jules Clancy shares lots of recipes like this one for free on her blog, as well as a self-published e-cookbook. Delicious!

And with that, this month's edition of Crave This! comes to a close.

Enjoy the rest of November, and happy cravings!

If you know of something that deserves a mention in December's Crave This!, do a good deed and leave a comment with a linky! Self-promotion is allowed but not encouraged, and it's up to me to decide what ends up in my posts! This is a chance for us to support others like us in the crafty community through sharing, so keep that in mind and remember to spread the love!

Haven

2010-11-10T20:21:00.003-05:00

I'm a huge fan of blissfully cool autumn days filled with sunshine--and there's been an abundance of those around here lately. Small town America never looks more beautiful than it does this time of year. I'm back at work this week, which just makes the free time I have to spend outdoors on days like today more poignant. One of my favorite things about this season is how fleeting it is. So I spent my day off luxuriating in all of it as much as possible.

I don't know who invented hammocks, but I think that person might just be my new best friend. The book I'm reading was one I grabbed today at the thrift store, along with a plaid fleece scarf and a couple giant cardigans to nestle into so I can continue to avoid wearing a coat. It was a decent read, just intriguing enough to keep me hooked.

And, of course, no day off is complete without a little bit of mid-week date time at (where else?) Muggswigz. We talked, played Monopoly Deal, drank giant frou-frou lattes, and I knitted. My current WIP under construction is part of what I have planned for some of that yarn I bought last week, as well as one of the leftover mystery skeins I brought with me from China. The other great thing about autumn? It's the perfect time for tons of knitting and hot drinks--nothing could be more perfect.

Pattern: Audacity

2010-11-07T16:03:00.000-05:00

The taxi hat is back--this time with a swanky new name and a pattern to go with! Audacity is a simple knit, with some intarsia for extra jazz, and uses less than one skein of Rowan Tweed. It's a little slouchy, with prettily puckered decreases at the top, and the corrugated style of colorwork adds texture. It's fun, fast, and a stylish way to keep the cold out--just in time for the first snow of the season!

As always, I'm around if you have any queries or complaints.

Needle size: US 5, 4 DPNs

Yarn: MC-1 skein Rowan Felted Tweed; CC-About 30-40 yds Cascade Dolce

Gauge: 14 stitches and 20 rows in 2 inches

Cast on 120 stitches loosely, divide between three DPNs, join in the round.

-Rounds 1-7: Knit in 3x2 ribbing.

-Round 8: *Knit 10, YO* around. (132 stitches total)

-Round 9: Knit 60 stitches, work first row of color chart, knit to finish round.

-Repeat Round 9 until chart is completed, purling all CC stitches.

-Knit in the round until work measures 7.5 inches in total, or until desired length.

Begin decrease rounds:

-Round 1: *Knit 4, K2tog* around.

-Round 2: *Knit 3, K2tog* around.

-Round 3: *Knit 2, K2tog* around.

-Round 4: *Knit 1, K2tog* around.

-Round 5: K2tog around.

Cut yarn and thread tail through remaining live stitches, pull tight. Weave in ends.

Color Chart:

A few little hints about this chart... You're probably going to want to clip the contrast yarn at the end of each row so you can start back at the beginning of the intarsia without having huge dangly bits across the back of your work. It means more ends to weave in, but it'll be neater than mine. You can also carry the contrast yarn all the way around for a warmer hat, or even duplicate stitch the chart in afterwards. Do whatever is most comfortable for you!

You can also extend the chart pattern out really easily by simply adding more columns. The hat you see in the photos has eleven color columns. I think the more you have, the prettier and more dramatic the finished effect is! Or you can make each column wider for a different look. ♥

And that's all for now! Have fun, lovelies!

Indulging Away

2010-11-04T14:44:00.000-04:00

It seems that even when I don't have a paycheck coming my way until next month, I still can't control my yarn cravings. I'd originally had to make a quick trip to the store to pick up something to include in an upcoming swap package, and ended up grabbing a few things just because they were pretty. Not surprisingly, the 'grab it because it's pretty' logic ends up in a lot of extra stuff. I needed one skein of something nice for my swap partner... and had six skeins in my bag when I left. I don't know how that happens.

Going online is dangerous, too--especially now that Ravelry has banner ads.

I wonder how those three skeins of Lark by Quince & Co got there... Really.

I certainly didn't start drooling when I saw the website or anything.

(ps. That Quince & Co. stuff? TOTALLY worth being broke for the next three weeks--it's splendidly soft and squashy.)

Taxi? Taxi!

2010-11-03T18:09:00.000-04:00

Remember that hat I knit in the backseats of various Beijing taxis? I'm normally really bad at taking FO photos, but I'm trying to work on myself a little. Plus, sunny autumn days are the perfect time to photograph knitted stuff--especially when you have a mini-forest in your backyard. So, courtesy of my gorgeous little sister, I have pictures for you.

When I finished this hat, I'd tried it on and just hated it. Like, really hated it. My hair is at that length where it's too long to tuck into a hat, but not long enough to hang gracefully from under one either. Putting on this one in particularly just emphasized that and made me a little grouchy. I was ready to frog.

However, I asked Hope to try it on before I did so I could get a better look at it--and guess what?

It looks perfect on her.

♥

Here We Go Home

2010-11-01T15:45:00.002-04:00

In the past week, I have:

-Flown about seven thousand miles.

-Kissed a special guy more than once.

-Hugged lots of friends and family that I hadn't seen for 3 months.

-Gotten my perfect wedding dress, with a little help.

-Passed out candy to little bees, princesses, and ghouls.

-Drank about fifty delicious lattes from Muggswigz.

-Been rehired as a barista at said coffeeshop.

-Successfully replicated Xining food for my family to try.

-Beat my fiance at many, many games of Monopoly Deal.

-Finished my Taxi Hat.

-Started knitting a Harpa Sock (my plane project),

and put it down as many times as I picked it up.

-Finally figured out what was wrong with my sock.

-Gone to sleep at every time but a normal bedtime.

-Gone to a church where I didn't have to prove I had a foreign ID.

-Avoided unpacking, despite my suitcase glaring at me from the corner.

-Smiled. A lot.

Regular blogging returns sometime in this week! :)

Pattern: Chinese Lanterns

2010-10-23T12:18:00.002-04:00

A little Asia-inspired shaping carries over into a sweetly feminine accessory to subtly dress up your every day looks--or commemorate a special occasion. If you play with gauge and length, you can easily transform the pattern into a headband or necklace. As for me, I'm going to wear it as a wedding garter when the big day rolls around. Ready, lovelies?

Needle size: US 2

Yarn: Malabrigo Lace, approx. 30-60 yds depending on length of item

Optional: About a yard or less of slim ribbon

Gauge is not important for this pattern.

-Leaving a three-inch tail, cast on 6 stitches knitwise.

-Rows 1-10: Knit all.

-Row 11: Knit 1, *knit into front and back of stitch*, repeat * * to last stitch, knit 1.

-Row 12: Purl all.

-Row 13: *Knit 1, make 1* 4 times, knit 2, *make 1, knit 1* across rest of row.

-Rows 14 & 16 & 18: Purl all.

-Rows 15 & 17: Knit all.

-Row 19: Knit 1, *Slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over* 4 times, knit two together 4 times, knit 1.

-Row 20: Purl all.

-Row 21: Knit 1, *Slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over* 2 times, knit 2 together 2 times, k1

Repeat Rows 1-21 until desired length, ending with Row 2. Bind off.
Seam edges together with tail, or use tails as a tie, or weave in ends and use a slim ribbon to fasten.

Feel free to contact me here or on Ravelry if you have any questions! Enjoy!

Surfing Beijing

2010-10-23T04:02:00.002-04:00

It's Saturday--four days left in this trip.

I'm living out of my suitcase, in the home of a friend in Beijing. My host family left for Mongolia early this morning, so I'm staying with her until I fly home. I was way more emotional than I thought I'd be when the time came to say good-bye. Giving the three kids their final hugs was the worst part--especially since I know how kids grow, and they'll be so different the next time I see them! I'm slowly severing my ties to China, one at a time.

Beijing is crazy--it's totally different from Xining.

I honestly feel like I'm back in the west. There's fast food places everywhere, and I even went to Wal-Mart yesterday. Even the way the city has developed reminds me of a big city back home. The traffic here is insane, so it's hard to get anywhere without it taking an hour or two. I already miss Qinghai food--even that disgusting salty tea you get served instead of water at most local restaurants.

However, I did finally muster my courage enough to go to the touristy markets and buy some gifts for people back home--something I've meant to do all summer and just never had the chance. Want a tip? If you shop at a Chinese market, particularly in Beijing, haggle. Some of the things I wanted I ended up getting for as much as 200 kuai less than they were originally. I still need stuff for a few people, but here's the loot so far:

I've barely had time to knit this week, but every now and then I did manage to pick up the needles while stuck in traffic. I feel like I should name this my Taxi Hat, since it's been constructed entirely from the backseat of one thus far! I normally hate colorwork--but who can resist a little intarsia when you have scraps to use up?

Finally, a little sneak peek of something else I've been working on, and spent most of my morning attempting to photograph:

You'll be hearing more about that sooner than later. ;)

In the meantime, I'm trying to figure out what I should put in my carry-on.

Any good suggestions for a potential plane knitting project?

I have nearly twenty hours to fill...

As The End Nears

2010-10-19T02:50:00.000-04:00

Goodbye, Xining.

Hello, Beijing Airport and my last week in Asia.

I'm exhausted, a little sad, and crazy busy! Even though I haven't left yet, I'm already thinking about wedding plans, job-hunting, and everything else that needs to happen once I go home--including the things that immediately need to be put in motion if I'm going to be able to come back in April or May.

Don't worry, though--I haven't forgotten about you guys! I'm busy knitting on an upcoming design--albeit a small one--and am already planning next month's Crave This! feature. Also, there's something lovely in the works for the month of December--hint hint!

My life is turning into quite the ride.

Crave This!

2010-10-15T01:40:00.003-04:00

The first of monthly photo & link round-ups!

With all that's been going on lately, I decided it was time to share a little bit of what is out there to inspire both myself and you to be creative and go after what we're craving! *Plus, it's a great chance to point out some cool folks who deserve extra attention! Recipes, photography, knitting... It's all here. Are you ready?

1-FOs that make me drool

To start off the fun, Presents' Octopus Hat. I have to say, this girl is one of my favorite designers, and this piece makes me want to learn to needlefelt. Her designs are completely worth a look, and she blogs here.

I love seeing stuff that really modifies an original pattern in a way that blows your mind, like this adaptation of Owls by Chiko. I would wear this version every single day, forever.

Erngrn's Goth Cowl made me do a little bit of a double take because of how she blended knit and crochet together so well. It reminds me of Stephen West, if Stephen West used crochet in his designs.

Mmmhm. I don't have words, I just don't. And all of her projects are this stunning. All of them.

2-Stuff I really need to knit

Starting off this section, something cute to keep your neck warm, by newbie designer (you go, girl!) Dagny Kristinsdottir. She blogs here.

I want this in every unrealistic color combo possible, please. Lindsay Koehler thought this one up, along with a few other cute accessory patterns.

I loved the Mrs Darcy cardi, and I was disappointed when it stopped being available before I had a chance to knit it. This cardigan published by Classic Elite made me feel a bit better. It's sweetly classy, and looks cozy to boot, no?

MITTENS! Colorwork scares me, but these are too adorably geeky not to queue. Plus, I really, really need mittens. Check out more from the designer here.

3-Things that DO taste better than thin feels

Donuts are the ultimate indulgence, especially with a nice cup of coffee. These colorful gems are from The Dainty Squid. The original recipe is vegan, but should be easy to adapt if you're into dairy.

This is true southern goodness in the form of chocolate, and something my great-grandma made for my mum when she was a kid. It's great with buttered biscuits or fruit.

Single-serving chicken pot pies? If that's not a marvelous thing to crave on a chilly day, I don't know what is.

4-The pretty, the quirky

This petticoat from Alisa Burke's crafty, smart blog! Don't be intimidated if you can't sew--it's super simple! I know now why I've been hoarding fabric scraps for so long. I just knew they were good for something.

I love everything Lee Meredith does, and these are no exception. Also check her out on Ravelry and her photography site!

A little sneak peek at the book Hyperactivitypography from Christine Clemmensen's blog. 196 pages of cute nerdiness. Admit it. You want a copy.

Finally, if you're feeling a little blue, what better to put a smile--and some hair--on your face than a 'stache on a stick from Maro Designs' Etsy shop? It'll also come in handy if you need to do some clever spy work.

Just a little side note, while I was browsing through cool stuff today, I saw a LOT of fashion models on style blogs that looked like oversized ten year-olds. Complete with knobby knees and barely-there chests. So, I'm ending October's Crave This! with a shout-out to those of us currently going against the grain. Balanced eating is beautiful, and we should all embrace the variety of bodies we were made with!

Happy cravings!

*Please note that all photos and work belong to their original creators, and I have done my utmost to link back to them as much as possible! If you like something you see, go check out the original. Seriously, the people behind all these goodies are crazy, cool, and inspiring. Show them some love.

Knitting On Hiatus?

2010-10-12T06:55:00.003-04:00

Yes, I confess.

I haven't picked up the needles since last week.

But I have good reasons.

I spent three days in a place called Tong Ren,

a little mountain town full of Tibetans.

We spent the evenings eating (amazing) Chinese food and gabbing

and we spent the days distributing donated winter clothing

to Tibetan & Mongolian nomads up on the plateau.

It was intense and beautiful and a wee bit more culture shock for me. It was snowing a good bit of the time--lightly, but still--and these little kids would run out in t-shirts and holey, thin socks. So many of them really didn't have anything.

This distribution is something my new friend A sets up every year, and I'm already pondering next year. I have so much warm, durable acrylic at home that I will never use, and certainly don't have an appreciation for--which could easily become chunky hats and socks and mittens...

If you want to contribute, let's talk.

Right before we left, I figured out why people tell you to knit top-down, seamless raglan cardis on circular needles. Yup. So, that's on hold for two weeks until I get home and back to my stash of supplies and my LYS. Along with the new hat design that I simply have to knit in the Buckingham tucked away in my yarn trunk.

Between those two things, I'm feeling a little low on knitting moxie.

The good news is, this trip is actually nearly finished.

I cannot believe I've really been here since July, lovies. I have loved being here so much in so many ways, but it really is time to head back to home and other half and yarn stash. I'm psyched to come back again someday, but you really can't beat being where your heart grew up.

I fly to Beijing on Saturday, stay for about ten days, and then fly home.

Who knows how much knitting or blogging will occur in the meantime.

But, not to fear, I will see you in November!

Of Mountains and Molehills and Zentangles

2010-10-07T01:56:00.009-04:00

Yesterday,

we all drove out of the city and into the countryside.

If you go for about two hours, you end up in Tibet.

It's beautiful.

Mountains, lakes, trees, rivers...

I felt as tired as all get out,

but I still took pictures--because how can you not?

They hang these flags at the mountain passes;

they have prayers written on them all over.

They believe the prayers go up each time a flag flaps in the breeze.

That's Qinghai Lake--quite the tourist spot for locals.

Somewhere in the middle there is an island where thousands of birds roost.

I, of course, did some knitting on the drive.

I finally figured out what to use that lovely white wool on. The pattern is free on Ravelry, and it's really well-written, in my opinion. Although, I might get brave and try to add some sleeves if I have leftover yarn. I'm a sleeves gal.

By the way, if you ever come to China, this yarn has beautiful stitch definition and cost me about 3$ USD for at least 700 yds, if not more.

I also discovered zentangling on the web and did up a few little sketches.

I won't post those yet, though--they're a little rough yet.

Soon.

Also, if you want to test knit, send me a Ravmail or leave me a comment with your e-mail!

I need a couple girls who like heels to preview my socks pattern. :)

And that's all for now, lovelies.

Go enjoy your October day.

C'est La Vie

2010-10-05T02:11:00.005-04:00

As you can see, it's another beautiful day here in China.

At the same time though, my knitting moxie is not so beautiful.

Everything I see on Ravelry that calls my name ends up being something that I need yarn, needles, or patterns for that I left at home.

For example, I keep lusting after a sweater, and I have have everything I need for Thermal and a February Lady sweater at home. And meanwhile can't find anything good for the sweater's worth of cozy wool I bought here.

Times like this, you really have to sit down and ask yourself, 'WWTYHD?'*

Until next time, dears.

*What Would The Yarn Harlot Do?

Oh, Saturdays

2010-10-02T01:19:00.003-04:00

It's kind of fun to have an industrious day. It's not even 2 pm, and I've already:

-Power-cleaned the entire house, including places that haven't seen a sponge in quite some time.

-Drawn out sketches for most of the prospective designs currently floating around in the back of my mind. If I stay this motivated, some of them will be released this month.

(Let me know if you like test knitting!

-Made chunky tomato-basil soup! This is actually for tomorrow, but it smells soo good that I really want to eat it now instead.

And now I'm going to answer some long over-due e-mails (well, try to, anyways), make myself some lunch, and then start winding yarn so I can cast on something fun!

The sunshine is finally back--I think that's why I'm getting so much done today.

Pattern: Future of Forestry Hat

2010-09-30T00:46:00.001-04:00

Another pattern for the knitters among us.

This hat is named after one of my favorite bands, and inspired by Ann Weaver's Shackleton Hat. I loved the shape of the hat, but the finished product really didn't suit me, unfortunately. So, I gave that hat away and set out to design something that was more to my liking.

Future of Forestry works up fast, and is extra thick and warm due to the double layer of 1x1 ribbing that serves as the brim. The crown has subtle seed-stitch rib detailing, and the whole thing is finished off with a purled 3-needle bind-off. I knit this in single-ply mystery wool that I bought here, but any good worsted or aran weight wool or alpaca should do fine.

Needle size: US 10, 4 DPNs

Yarn: Worsted or aran weight wool, about 150-200 yds

Optional: Extra wool for pom-poms or tassels

Gauge: 8 stitches in lightly stretched 1x1 rib, approx. 2 inches

-Cast on 70 stitches loosely, divide onto 3 DPNs. Join in the round.

-Row 1: *Knit 1, Purl 1,* repeat around. Work Row 1 until work measures 8

inches.

-Row 2: Knit all stitches.

-Row 3: *Knit 6, Purl 1,* repeat around.

-Work rows 2 & 3 until work measures 12 inches, ending with row 3.

-Next row: Purl all stitches.

Work a 3-needle bind-off as you normally would but do so purlwise and with wrong sides facing, being sure to purl through the back loop of the stitch on the rear needle. It will still look 'knit' on the top where you pass the stitches over one another, but it does give the top edge a bit more texture.

I think it would look really cute with little pom-poms or fat tassels on the top corners, but they're not quite moi so I left them off. You, however, should feel free to liberally apply some pom-poms. I've heard that its lucky to wear them, that you'll see more shooting stars on snowy nights if you do...