New Pattern: Fishermen's Net Shawl

My first shawl pattern is ready and released!  You can check it out in my Etsy Shop or over on Ravelry.  This shawl has been a long time in the making.  I knit a version of this last summer, but wasn't quite pleased with how it cam out.  After a few tweaks and a lot of charting I am excited and pleased with how this pattern has turned out.

This pattern uses about 400 yards of DK weight yarn and a US 8 needle.  While this is an easy lace pattern it is charted and the knitter should be familiar with basic increases and decreases as well as an applied I-cord bind off. 

Pattern Sneak Peak: Fishermen's Net Shawl

I am excited to announce that I have designed my first shawl pattern.  Waiting to post these pictures has been hard, I just wanted to share with everyone this design that I am so jazzed about.  So, finally I get to show some sneaky pictures of my Fishermen's Net and let everyone know that the pattern will be available on Monday the 23rd of July, just a week away!

Free Pattern: Sea Glass Cowl

I have had this cotton rayon blend yarn in my stash forever and it's my favorite colors, so I designed a summer infinity scarf to use up this fab ball of yarn.  You can use any cotton blend yarn you may have on hand.  The cowl is long enough to wrap it twice around or you can wear it long.

This is the second one I made with left over Hempathy.

Materials
about 150 yard sport weight cotton or cotton blend
24" US 7 Circular Needle
Stitch Marker

Gauge
Not super important.

Sea Glass Cowl
CO 200 Stitches, Place stitch marker and join being careful not to twist the cast on edge.
Work 5 rows in Garter Stitch
R1: K
R2:P
R3: K
R4: P
R5: K

Switch to eyelet lace
R1: *YO, K2tog*
R2-5: Knit all Stitches

Repeat these rows 5 to 6 times depending on desired width.
Work 5 rows in Garter Stitch as in the begining.
BO, Weave in ends and Block.

Sneak Peek: Set Sail

Here's a sneak peek at the newest Blue Betty knitting pattern.  Set sail in this nautical inspired tunic.  This pattern will be release on May 21st in my Etsy shop and on Ravelry.

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 Sneak Peek: A Comfortable Corset

Here is a quick peek at my newest knitting pattern.  I designed it in a Pima cotton and acrylic blend yarn for the warmer weather.  The shaping and ribbing used in this top give the look of a corset with out the cinching, while the lace panel adds interest and shape to the waist line and neck line.  The pattern will be available Monday April 23rd in my Etsy shop and on Ravelry.com.  I will also be posting more pictures on my Facebook Page as we get closer to the release date.

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.

Pattern Sneak Peek

Here is a quick little peek at my latest pattern.  This is just a fast and dirty photo that Simon helped me take, the pattern along with more photos will be released Monday March 19th.  I will have it in my Etsy shop and as  Ravelry download.

One of my favorite things about this new design is the way the neckline is knit.  The lace stitch used in the neckline and as an edging is my absolute favorite lace stitch.  I am so excited about this pattern and can't wait to release it.

Free Knitting Pattern: Lace Legs

Need something to warm up your legs when the temperatures drop, or do you miss wearing some of your favorite skirts or dresses because it's so chilly out.  Or are you like me and are longing for spring and just can't accept that its cold out and you need to wear pants.  Why not try knitting a pair of lace legwarmers in your favorite fiber to keep your gams toasty warm while you wear your favorite flirty skirt.

These are simple to knit only requiring the knitter to have basic lace knowledge, mainly yarn overs, and two stitch decrease.

Materials
3 balls of Knit Picks Stroll Sport Weight (137 yards, 75% superwash merino, 25% nylon) in Jackrabbit Heather
16 " US 4 Circular Needle
Stitch Marker
Tapestry Needle

Gauge
13sts x 14 rows = 2"x2"

Leg Warmers (Make Two)
CO 80 sts, place marker and join being careful not to twist cast on edge.
Work in 2x2 rib for 17 rows or about 21/2 inches
Knit 1 round
Start Fish Tail Lace

Fish Tail Lace
R1: *YO, K2, Sl 2 Kwise, k1 passo, K2, YO, K1*
R2: Knit All
R3: *K1, YO, K1, Sl 2 Kwise, k1 passo, K1, YO, K2*
R4: Knit All
R5: *K2, YO, Sl 2 Kwise, k1, passo, YO, K3*
R6: Knit All

Work Fish Tail Lace for 15 repeats
Knit 1 round
Work 2x2 rib for 17 rows or 2 1/2 inches
BO in Pattern
Weave in ends and block.

Abbreviations
K = Knit
YO = Yarn Over
Sl = Slip Stitch
Kwise = Knit Wise
Passo = Pass stitch or stitches over new stitch
CO = Cast On
BO = Bind Off

Day 3: Easy As Pie Tam Knitting Pattern

 This knitting pattern is for a simple and quick tam or beret.  What I love about this pattern is that it works up quickly and you can make it in almost any fiber just make sure that the fiber you choose has enough memory or spring for the brim of the hat.  I like a wool silk blend, or a blended Angora for extra warmth and luxury. 

Materials:
120 Yard of a Worsted Weight Yarn
Us 8 16 inch Circular Needles
US 8 DPNs
Stitch Marker

Gauge:
About 4 sts to the inch in stockinette on US 8 needles, Aggressively Blocked

CO 80 sts
Place Marker and join work being careful not to twist cast on edge.
Work in 2x2 rib for about 1-11/2 inches.

Increases:
R1: Knit 10 M1, repeat this to marker
R2: Knit All
R3: Knit 11, M1, repeat this to marker
R4: Knit All
R5: K12, M1, repeat this to marker

Knit even till the hat measures about 4 inches from the cast on edge.  (If you would like your tam to have more room in or be a bit more floppy knit even till you have 5 to 6 inches from the cast on edge.)

Decreases
R1: K11, K2tog, Repeat this to marker
R2: Knit All
R3: K10, K2tog, Repeat this to marker
R4: Knit All
R5: K9, K2tog, Repeat this to marker
R6: Knit All
R7: K8, K2tog, Repeat this to marker
R8: Knit All
R9: K7, K2tog, Repeat this to marker
R10 Knit All
R11: K6, K2tog, Repeat this to marker
R12 Knit All
R13: K5, k2tog, Repeat this to marker
R14: Knit All (Switch To DPNs)
R15: K4, K2tog, Repeat this to marker
R16: Knit all
R17: K3, K2tog, Repeat this to marker
R18: Knit All
R19: K2, K2tog, Repeat this to marker
R20: K1, K2tog, Repeat this to marker
R21: K2tog, Repeat this to marker
R22: K2tog, Repeat this to marker

Work I-cord for 2 rows.
Bind Off
Weave in ends

To get the desired Tam shape you will need to aggressively wet block your tam on a plate.

Pattern Release: Wintertide

Here it is Wintertide! My newest pattern out just in time for the holiday season.  This simple gauntlet pattern is made spicier by a fun lace stitch pattern and a simple thumb gusset.  These cozy fingerless mitts are a great knitted gift.  The suggested yarn is a bulky wool and silk blend and the needle size is a US 10 making these a quick knit. 

This is a great knitted accesory for the chilly months to come!

Easy Peasy Beanie Pattern

Materials
120 yard of a worsted weight yarn
16" US 8 circular needles
4 US 8 DPNS
Stitch Marker
Tapestry needle

Skills
K2tog
Double Pointed needles
Circular needles
2x2 rib

Gauge
About 10 sts x 13 rows = 2" x 2"

Size
One size, buy you can alter the size of the hat with the wight of the yarn and the size of the needle you use.  This basic hats fits both me and my Husband.  

Hat
Cast on 80 Stitch
place marker and being careful not to twist the cast on edge join.
Work in 2x2 rib for about 1 1/2 to 2 inches. 
Swtich to stockinette stitch and knit untill the hat mearures about 6 to 6 1/2 inches. 
Now it is time to close up the hat's top.

Crown Decreases
R1: K8, K2tog, repeat this to marker
R2: Knit all Stitches
R3: K7, K2tog, repeat this to marker
R4: Knit all Stitches
R5: K6, K2tog, repeat this to marker
R6: Knit all Stitches
R7: K5, K2tog, repeat this to marker
R8: Knit all stitches (switch to DPNS, Equally distribute the stitches on to three needles)
R9: K4, K2tog, repeat this to marker
R10: K3, K2tog, repeat this to marker
R11: K2, K2tog, repeat this to marker
R12: K1, K2tog, repeat this to marker
R13: k2tog, repeat this to marker (5 stitches remaining)

Break the yarn and with a tapestry needle pull the yarn through the remaining 5 stitch and pull closed
Weave in the ends and voila! A warm winter hat.

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 Look & October Giveaway!

I am trying out Bloggers new templet designer.  I'm still up in the air about it, the real reason I switched is because I wanted to change up my layout, but Blogger wouldn't let me do that with my old design so I had to "upgrade".  Expect a few tweeks here and there till I figure out what looks the best.

In other news I'm an October sponsor for One Pearl Button who also recently got a new look.  Also I'm planing some great patterns to be released this month and I'm starting to knit for November too. I love October, the leaves are changing, it's a great time for apple cider, I can wear my wooly sweaters, I start knitting more sweaters, and it's my birthday month.  In celebration of the month of October I am giving away a copy of the Saucy Librarian Sweater Knitting Pattern.  Leave me a comment about why you love October and I will pick a winner at random.  The winner will be announced on October 14th.  Good Luck!

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. 

Pattern Giveaway

That's right, my first pattern giveaway and a sneak peek at my newest pattern.  One lucky reader will receive their choice of the Hurricane Hat or the Peaks and Valleys Beanie.  All you need to do is comment below and I will pick a winner randomly and announce the winner on Friday's blog post along with releasing a new pattern.

The winner will also receive a copy of my newest pattern The Textured Triangle (pictured above) which will be in my etsy shop on Friday. Good Luck!  

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 Sneak Peek

Here is a quick peek at my latest hat pattern.  It will be released in my Etsy store this Friday.  I was inspired by the hurricane season. 

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.