Alchemy Hour Sale

I honor of my birthday week I have made a coupon code to be used at Alchemy Hour.  From today till Sunday you can get 20% off your purchase at Alchemy Hour by using the code Bday20.

Don"t forget to enter the pattern giveaway!

Alchemy Hour: It's Official

Forest Birds, small project bag

It's offical, Alchemy Hour now has new stock.  Brand spankin' new stock of lace weight and sock yarn along with some new items, small project bags!  

Inside view of Lotus Blossoms, project bag

I love me some project bags.  I feel like I should have one for every project I am working on.  It keeps the project protected in a purse or tote bag as well as keeping all of your supplies together in one place.  The plan is to start with some small project bags and then start to make them in two more sizes down the road. 

French Lavender Hand Dyed Lace Weight Yarn 

I am also excited to start selling all of the beautiful hand dyed yarn that has come from my dye pot.  There will be lots more yarn added in the next few months.  There will be at least one shop update every month.  Here's a peek at some of the things you will find at Alchemy Hour this month. 

Midnight, Hand Dyed Lace Weight Yarn 

Tangerines, Hand Dyed Lace Weight Yarn

Cherry Wood, Hand Dyed, Fingering Weight Yarn

Night Watch, Hand Dyed, Fingering Weight Yarn

There is much more colorful goodness over at Alchemy Hour.  Go check out what's in stock.

Do you want to know what's going on at Alchemy Hour and Blue Betty before anyone else? Sign up for the Alchemy Hour and Blue Betty Newsletter to get sneak peaks at new patterns, special deals, and advance notice of shop updates.  Click the link below to sign up.  The newsletter is sent out once or twice a month, and only when something exciting is happening.

Newsletter Sign Up

Fiber Friday: Stormy Day

It's been rainy lately.  Your typical April weather with a bit of a cold snap.  Good weather for staying inside and knitting.  I like a good rainy day once in awhile an d I love a good hank of yarn any day of the week.  Using the weather as my inspiration I have found some amazing yarn on Etsy.

Cloud 9 by SheepingBeauty

Cloud Blue by 

Titan's Curse by DyeForYarn

Iridescent Clouds by hoggwildfibers

Clouds and Sunshine  By bluecocoonyarn

New Pattern: Tide Waters Tank

I have just released my newest knitting design, Tide Waters.  It's a knitters take on the corset, and because it's knit, it hugs your curves with out all the pinching.  Other than the shaping my other two favorite design element of this pattern are the lace panel and the I-cord edging at the neckline.

I started this design back in January.  The thought came to me one day at work, what would it look like to knit a corset.  Not a cinching corset, but a top that was comfortable that skimmed your curves and had the look of a corset with out all the boning and laces.

When I set out to design this pattern I looked at a lot of different types of corsets and how the were constructed.  Where was the boning placed and how much?  How drastic was the waist line decrease?  I even made a pintrest board of all my favorite corsets and designs.  This design process was new to me, and I soon realized that it helped me realize a few things about what I was going to design.

The design took a new direction than I thought it would.  I figured out that the construction of this top was going to be bottom up, with lots of waist and bust shaping and involve a bit of grafting.  This is so different from any of my previous designs and this type of construction, while not new to me, was different than I had originally intended.

The idea for the lace panel came toward the end of the sketching and swatching.  I thought the design needed a little umph.  A little lace in the front would do the trick, and it would be reminiscent of the decorative stomachers of the 1600-1700.  A happy accident followed and as I knit the sample the lace design shaped the fabric of the garment in such a way that it created a point at the hips and a subtle sweetheart neckline.

You can check out this pattern in my Etsy Shop under Tide Waters, or check it out on Ravelry.com just search Tide Waters in the pattern search.

P.S. The shorts in the photos are those purple shorts I sewed a few weeks ago.

Pattern Release: Elodea

Here it is! My newest design Elodea.  I had so much fun designing and knitting this top.  I had made one a few years ago and took notes and came across them recently and decided to knit another and release the pattern.  Elodea features my favorite lace stitch, fish tail lace, and it had a unique neckline that is knit from side to side. The scoop neckline and a key hole show off the collarbone making this top very feminine while the A-line silhouette is flattering on many different body types.

 This pattern is perfect for an intermediate knitter looking for a quick knit and a great wardrobe piece.  Knit it in a cotton blend for the spring and another in a wool and silk blend for the winter.  If you would like more information about this pattern check out Elodea in my Etsy Shop.

Fiber Friday: Socktastic!

I love sock yarn and I'm not even a sock knitter.  I have hank after hank of sock yarn in my stash just wait to be knit into a cozy pair to warm mine or a loved ones feet, or to be knit up into something else warm the options are endless.  What does everyone need in their stash...a few great hanks of sock yarn either for socks, shawls or mits.  These hanks are all from independent dyers on etsy.

Berry Fingers

NoTwoSnowflakes

Del Mar

twisttwine

Copenhagen, Denmark 

DestinationYarn

Emerald Isle

WanderingWool

Merino Cashmere

moonlightandlaughter

Dried Flowers

FiddleKnits

Cherry Blossom

CakewalkYarns

Northern Lights Hand dyed Sock Yarn

dragonflydyeworks

Fiber Friday: Be My Valentine

I am bringing back Fiber Friday to Blue Betty Blog.  It was one of my favorites and I hope it becomes one of your's.  Today's Fiber is all from independent dyers and spinners found on Etsy, and to celebrate Valentines day here are some hanks, balls and skeins of yarn I wouldn't mind getting as a valentine.

1. A Funny Valentine Art Yarn

AFiberLovesJones

2. Steel Roses Hand Dyed Silk

Shunklies

3. Be Mine Handspun Art Yarn

SparkleShan

4. Bloody Valentine Merino Superwash Lace Weight

Dyeforwool

5. T-shirt Yarn, Valentine

hoggwildfibers

2012

I am excited to see what 2012 holds in store for Blue Betty and me as well.  In the past I always talk about my personal resolutions and this year I'm not really making any.  Let me rephrase this I am making goals for me and for Blue Betty and starting up something new in the process.

For Blue Betty I have a bunch of goals for the blog as well as designs that I want to publish in the year to come.   One of these goals is to have more tutorials and guest bloggers on the blog.  Along those lines I am excited to be bringing back Vintage Finds Friday and Fiber Friday to the blog.

Now for the new thing.  I am going to start dying yarn on a more regular basis and am splitting my Etsy shop into two separte shops. My patterns and finished items will still be found in BlueBettyShop while all my hand dyed yarn will be in my new shop Alchemy Hour.  You can pop over now and get a look at my banner and some other bits and bobs.  Alchemy Hour will be open in the new year.

On a personal note I am making just two goals.  I want to start getting up a tiny bit earlier, mostly so I can get more stuff accomplished before work and my second goal is to surf more.  I mean as soon as it's the weather for surfing.

What goals or resolutions do you have for 2012?
See you in the New Year!

Shameless Plug: Cyber Monday

Sun set on Thanksgiving Day

 I hope everyone had a great weekend.  Mine was spent in the Finger Lakes with my parents eating a lot of turkey and drinking amazing wine from Rooster Hill.  Rooster Hill is one of my favorite wineries in the Finger Lakes.  I am a bit bias though because my mom does work there.  They do have wonderful wine though especially the Lemberg '08 Reserve, and the 2010 Chardonnay.

I just want to put in a quick reminder that today is the last day to enter both of my Thanksgiving Giveaways.  You can enter to win a pattern set or you can enter to win a copy Creative Knitting Magazine's January 2012 issue.  I will be announcing the winners tomorrow here on the blog.  Good Luck.

If you are a member of Ravelry.com you can also take advantage of a pattern promotion I am having on Ravelry.  When you purchase two patterns you get the choice of the Peaks and Valleys Beanie or the Fall of the Lead Fingerless Mitts for free.  Just enter the promotion code giftknit at check out. This code is good till the end of November

Also today is the last day the the coupon codes in my Etsy Shop will be active.  For free shipping on all domestic shipping use SHIP4FREE.  To recieve 10% of your Purchase use BBFAN1.  

With November drawing to a close and the Holiday season in full swing I must put my nose to the grind stone and start knitting and baking and shopping.  Simon has already hung the Christmas lights on the surfboards with care.  He loves this time of year and this year I think I'm going to decorate a bit more than last year.

The twilight sky from Rooster Hill Winery

Black Friday Offer, Cyber Monday Giveaway

This weekend is a crazy retail frenzy.  For everyone who is knitting gifts, or buying handmade I wanted to have a special giveaway and offer.

First the offer, Starting today through Monday the 28th I will be offering free domestic shipping on all items that are shipped through the USPS in my Etsy Shop.  To take advantage of this great offer all you have to do is enter the coupon code SHIP4FREE at check out. 

Now on to the fun part I am giving away the Southerly Pattern Set to one lucky reader of Blue Betty.  This set includes the Southerly Tam Knitting Pattern and the Fall of the Leaf Fingerless Mitts Knitting Pattern. 

Also two runners up will receive a copy of the Wintertide Gauntlets Knitting Pattern.

To enter just leave a comment letting me know how your thanksgiving was or what your holiday plans are.  For a second chance to enter go to my Etsy Shop and pick out which item you would most like to receive as a gift and post it here in the comments. 

I will pick a winner and the runners up randomly Monday Night and will announce them on Tuesday here on Blue Betty.  This giveaway to open to everyone! 

New Knitting Pattern: Harvest Mitts

I just released my newest pattern in my Esty shop.  The Harvest Mitts are a simple pattern with an fun twist on 2x2 ribbing.  I really enjoyed designing and knitting these. I love the simplicity of this design I might have to knit a pair in blue, or maybe purple.  I like the length of the mitt and think it would look great with a 3/4 length sleeve jacket.

Mirasol's Tupa is one of my all time favorite yarns.  The colors it comes in are beautiful and the hand is soft and luxurious both of these qualities I attribute to the blend of 50/50 merino wool and silk.  The harvest mitts only require one hank of Tupa which makes this a great gift project or a great and inexpensive way to enjoy a wonderful yarn. 

Sneak Peek: Harvest Mitts

Here's a quick look at my newest pattern the Harvest Mitts.  What I loved about designing them was the stitch pattern it's simple, has elasticity, and looks interesting.  This pattern will be out in my Etsy shop and on Ravelry on Friday October 14th.

(I've been in a yellow mood lately.)

New Pattern: Textured Triangle Scarf

Here it is! My newest pattern the Textured Triangle Scarf.  This pattern is a fun twist on a classic triangle shawl.  Knit from side to side it is an easy and interesting garment.  You can knit this shawl with any gauge yarn and needle although the pattern was designed with worsted weight yearn and size US 8 needles.  Check it out in my Etsy Shop.   

I aggressively blocked this shawl and now it it cuddly and I can't wait for the weather to be cool enough for me to wear it.!

Also, Congrats to Lee, winner of the pattern giveaway.  Email me with your choice of hat. 

New Pattern: Hurricane Hat

What a fitting day to release this pattern, it is good weather for ducks here in Philly and a perfect day for staying inside and knitting something cozy.  How about my newest pattern the Hurricane Hat.  I was inspired by the hurricane season here on the east coast and started to dream this up during hurricane Irene.  The swilring stitch pattern is what gives this hat its name sake and makes it fun to knit up. 

The pattern was designed using a bulky alpaca so it knits up pretty fast the gauge is three stitch to the inch.  What I like most about it (other than the stitch pattern) is the slouchy shape.  You can where is slouchy or fold up the brim for a more fitted look and extra warmth around your ears.  Check it out in my esty shop with my other patterns.

P.S. I am also giving away a free copy of the Southerly Tam knitting pattern over on One Pearl Button

New Pattern: Peaks and Valleys Beanie

Here it is, the Peaks and Valleys Beanie.  It is boy approved and is a fun and simple knit.  While I designed it with my Hubbie and guys in mind anyone can rock this hat.  The design element in the hat is executed with simple knits and purls which makes it a great hat for someone new to knitting.  It also knits up relitively quickly and is a great gift knit.

The motif of the beanie is reminiscent of mountain peaks and the valleys below.  You can find the pattern in my etsy shop.

New Banner

I made a new banner for my etsy shop today and I think it might be my best one yet. Go check it out if you get a chance. It's raining here and All I plan on doing is curling up on the couch and knitting, and maybe drinking some tea and defiantly watch some Pride & Prejudice.

The evenings here are starting to feel a bit cooler and you can smell fall in the air. I am hoping this fall actually feels like fall. The past year fall has been just as warm as the summer to only plummet us in to the freezing depth of winter come December and we really had no spring here in Philly one day it was cold and the next was a heat wave were one was worried that the humidity would suffocate you.

This weather gets me geared up for fall and I'm contemplating new project for the cooler months along with new patterns, but I love to revisit my previous patterns. One of my favorite is the Fall of the Leaf Fingerless Mitts, I may have to make a pair in red or maybe orange.

What does the fall hold in store for you?

Welcom Home

Currituck Light house, We climbed to the top

We are back from our vacation on the Outer Banks. It was amazing. Warm, sunny and there was surf to be had. Mind you cold surf, cold enough that we ended up buying booties to wear with our wet suits. My friend Jo from England calls the wet suit sock and I think surf socks is what I will be calling them from now on.

Sound Side

Our first day and pretty much everyday was beautiful. With so much good weather I will admit that my stripped sweater did not make much progress but I have set a deadline for myself and have till June to finish it. I am almost done with the sleeve and will have to post some new photos of it tomorrow.

Me on the beach on the day of our failed trip to find Horses.

One of the days on the Island we went in search of the wild horses that live just north of Corolla. We had no luck finding them, but had a great time looking for them and a lovely walk on a practically deserted beach. We had to console our selves the next day with a trip to the Duck Deli for lunch. Where I drowned my disappointment in a delicious pulled pork sandwich and all was well. The floral frock I worked so diligently on the last month finally gets a night on the town.

I even got to wear one of my new creations while on vacation. We all went out to dinner and I wore my new floral frock out. I even pulled out the pearls. I did realize that the dress needs some side seem alteration under the arms and through the bodice, but that will be a quick and easy fix. Other than that this dress fits perfectly and is light and airy.

All and all a great vacation. We came back to Philly to wonderful weather. It feels good to be home in our tiny apartment. There is a new addition to our home. Cuz what surfing trip would be complete without buying a new surf board?

My new board, just like my McCoy in Oz only a West Winds in the States

Well it's new to me and was such a great deal I couldn't pass it up. It's just like the board I was using in Oz, its vintage and it's a wonderfully garish yellow. It needs a few dings mended, but all in all a perfectly sound board. And no one can miss me out in the surf with a yellow board.

Being back is great, I can't wait to start surfing on the shore. Although Simon and I are going to have to wait a few weeks as the water temp on the shore is still a tad too cold even with surf socks and wetsuits. on the knitting front some of my yarn is featured in a treasury on Esty, and I've re-listed some hanks of sock yarn in my shop. To top it all off the weather here in Philly is warm and sunny, it looks like a good week ahead.

New Knitting Pattern: Heat Wave

Here it is! My latest pattern the Heat Wave. I absolutely love how this top came out. I would suggest this pattern for an intermediate knitter mostly because of the lace pattern at the top, but a beginner with an adventurous spirit and a good handle on the basics of lace could knit this cute top.

You can find my new pattern in two places my Etsy shop and on Ravelry.com just search for Heat Wave or bluebettyshop.

This may become my favorite top this summer. The yarn is Knit Picks Shine Sport with is 60% Pima Cotton, 40% Modal. It's machine washable, soft and the modal gives this yarn a sheen almost like silk. It also comes in a plethora of colors so the combinations for this top are endless.


The pattern comes in five sizes and is worn with little to no ease so I suggest knitting the size closest to your bust measurement.