Tag Archives: Knitting

These are the shawl designs I’ve chosen from designers participating in the 2016 Indie Design Gift-A-Long. I’ve tried, again, to pick a variety of techniques: for this installment, you’ll find double knitting, slip stitch colorwork, and lace.

If you have any favorites not listed, please post a comment with the pattern name and/or link!

Barbara Benson Golden Lion Throne

I’ve been a long admirer of Barbara’s designs. She combines mosaic slip stitch patterns with lace in a unique way.

In her Golden Lion Throne pattern, shown above, she includes a detailed discussion on yarn color, swatching, reading charts, etc.  She includes swatch directions — I think this is a great idea for both swatching for gauge and swatching to practice the technique. Charts and line by line instructions are given for both the swatch and the pattern. Pertinent tips are included in a sidebar adjacent to the line by line instructions.

Emily Ross Amillë

I just adore this Niebling-esque shawl. Until Emily sent me the pattern, I was unaware that it was knit primarily in the round. She includes a construction schematic that overlays a photo of the shawl, with sections clearly marked. Overviews are included for each section, so you have an idea of what’s going on in each. Tables for sections E-I are included with stitch count totals after each increase row.

Both charts and line by line directions are included.

Nim Teasdale Renaissance Fan

I chose Nim’s elegant half circle shawl because the flow of the stitch patterns highlights the beautiful gradient yarns available.  It’s a fantastic melding of design and yarn. I especially love the larger example, with more repeats of the edging (see the Ravelry pattern page for more project photos): this option is noted in the pattern. Beads a lovely addition. Both charts and line by line instructions are included.

Tania Richter Celtic Lunar Phoenix (and Inari Kitsune)

Tania’s intricate, pictorial double knitted designs are just stunning.  Celtic Lunar Phoenix, above, is a triangular shawl, with the wingspan of the phoenix stretching across your back (um, the wingspan of the shawl). The design is clearly charted.

Inari Kitsune features one of my favorite mythological creatures: trickster Kitsunes. The pattern is presented as a sequence of downloads, since it was initially an MKAL (mystery knitalong, with clues released at set intervals). See the pattern page for the variety of scarves the knitters created! 

Be sure to visit the Indie Design Gift-A-Long group on Ravelry to join in the fun! Games, prizes, and encouragement!

Patterns discussed above were provided by the designers at my request for review copies. I’ve only chosen patterns that I really loved

One of the things I love most about the Indie GAL (Gift-A-Long) is the chance to discover and/or promote other designers’ work. Over the course of the GAL I’ll be publishing gift-knitting related interviews with designers whose work I admire.

 
Emily Ross publishes extraordinary accessory patterns. Check out her Ravelry page here.

Steph: What’s your favorite part of the GAL?
Emily: I love seeing designers and knitters (and crocheters of course!) from all over the world connecting and interacting. I always discover so many new ideas, and I know everyone else does too.

Have you participated before this year?
Yes, this is my 3rd year participating, and I can’t wait for next year. 

Are you participating as a knitter? if yes, what are you planning on knitting? if no, what would you, had you the time?
I have a tradition of making my mom (who is the one who taught me to knit) a pair of mittens for Christmas. This year I’m planning on making Mount Rundle Mittens, by Kate Bostwick. I love the clean lines of the pattern, as always the hardest part will be choosing colors. 

Which of your patterns do you think make the best gifts?
For a relatively quick project I’d recommend Haruni Crescent in the small size, or Henrico cowl, both use only a single skein of sock yarn but make a big impact. 

Thank you so much Emily!

Photos © knitterain.com

Don’t forget to check out the Indie Design Gift-A-Long group on Ravelry to join in the fun!

These are the toy and home designs I’ve chosen from designers participating in the 2016 Indie Design Gift-A-Long. This time I’ve included some crochet!

If you have any favorites not listed, please post a comment with the pattern name and/or link!

Aurelie Colas Hobby Horse

I’ve noticed this adorable hobby horse from Aurelie in the past, but I don’t think I’ve blogged about it before.  The pattern is quite detailed, with close up photos of all the different sections, including the bridle construction. She includes links for tutorials as well.

Barbara / Browneyedbabs Scottie Dog

This Scottie Dog from Browneyedbabs is so cute!  I love his whiskery face. 

The pattern is clearly divided into body sections, with tips on stuffing.

Cheezombie Eddie Lizzard

I love the google-y eyes found on most of Cheezombie’s patterns! The pattern doesn’t give much detail on yarn or gauge, but this allows you to experiment with your stash. This little guy looks like he’d be quite addictive!  Photos are included to highlight possibly tricky spots.

Doreen Blask (Laffrenzen) Hot Air Balloons

Doreen’s Hot Air Balloons Mobile would make a terrific baby gift!  You can use up various odds and ends of sock yarn to make the balloons distinctly your own.  (I bet you could even devise some stranded motifs to go around the widest part of the balloon!)

Several close up pictures are shown of the gondola in progress, which seems to be the trickiest part of the pattern.

Suzanne Stallard Eternal Mistletoe

Suzanne’s mistletoe is easily customizable for as many leaves/branches as you’d like.  I’d make a good sized one, as shown, for decor, and maybe smaller ones to decorate gift packages.

Tatsiana Kupryianchyk Spanish Mandela and Joana’s Mandala

I just love these crochet overlay mandalas, and I would love, if I had time, to make some into pillows.  Two PDFs are available: one with very detailed directions, complete with photos (I was extremely impressed!), and has a second with just the written instructions, no photos, if you want to print it out, are comfortable with the technique, and want to save on printer ink.

Be sure to visit the Indie Design Gift-A-Long group on Ravelry to join in the fun! Games, prizes, and encouragement!

One of the things I love most about the Indie GAL (Gift-A-Long) is the chance to discover and/or promote other designers’ work. Over the course of the GAL I’ll be publishing gift-knitting related interviews with designers whose work I admire.
 
Marnie MacLean publishes impeccable, gorgeous, thoughtful patterns. Check out her Ravelry page here.

Steph: What’s your favorite part of the GAL?
Marnie: I love that the GAL introduces knitters and crocheters to designers and patterns they may not have seen before. And for people with more limited crafting budgets, it’s a nice chance to stock up on patterns at a reduced price.

Have you participated before this year?
Yes, I participated the first year and then took a few years off. I’m impressed with how much work the organizers put into this every year and am glad to be a part of it again.

I’m glad you’re back! Are you participating as a knitter? if yes, what are you planning on knitting? if no, what would you, had you the time?
I haven’t knitted or crocheted someone else’s pattern in a long time but if I were going to, I’d want to throw some love over to the crochet designers Elena Fedotova (ravliki), Elena Madsen (haekleri) and Tatsiana Kupryianchyk (lillabjorncrochet) have some particularly fun designs in the GAL. I also really love Tania Richter’s (AetherFang) knitted colorwork piece.

Oh, I totally agree.  I don’t crochet much, but some of those crochet designers definitely caught my eye, and I’ll be checking out the others that I missed! Which of your patterns do you think make the best gifts?
For knitters or crocheters I think shawls are a great gift if your recipient would wear them. There’s no need to worry about sizing and with lace shawls, you get a lot more surface area with less yardage so they go faster than you might think. Of my shawls, Helios is probably my favorite knit design and Aasha is my favorite of the crochet shawls.

Those are both so beautiful. Thank you so much Marnie!

Photos © Marnie MacLean

Don’t forget to check out the Indie Design Gift-A-Long group on Ravelry to join in the fun!

These are the mitts and slipper designs I’ve chosen from designers participating in the 2016 Indie Design Gift-A-Long. Again, I’ve tried to pick a mix of different techniques. If you have any favorites not listed, please post a comment with the name and/or link!

Aurelie Colas The Woodcarving

This lovely stranded mitts pattern includes a detailed essay on Castle Fraser and the specific woodcarving that inspired these mitts. Aurelie also includes detailed tips on yarn dominance, reading charts, color management, Latvian braids, and more. This pattern is worth it just for the tips!

The mitts are lined with a single color knitted mitt, so you don’t have to worry about tacking down long floats. The colorwork pattern is charted.
Doreen Blask (Laffrenzen) Follow Me

Doreen has multiple patterns that include interested layering of color blocks that I find very interesting! These patterns also let you play a lot with color choices (as well as letting you use up those partial balls of yarn).

These mitts have a fun flap that will keep your hands extra warm, and nice welted cuffs. 
Emmy Petersson Jolnir

I love novel hearts pattern of these mitts.  Obviously they’d be a great Valentine’s gift as well!

Both the right and left mitt are fully charted (minus the ribbed cuff). One size, women’s medium, is offered. Side comment — the layout and graphics of her pattern are lovely and add to the enjoyment of this pattern!

Jane Richmond Toba Slippers

These slippers look so cozy…I know my mom would love a pair! They’re offered in 3 different sizes (based on foot circumference); Jane also includes a chart with references to finished length for women’s and men’s sizes. She includes detailed instructions on the Turkish Cast On.

The fold over cuff features a pretty textured pattern….and I bet if you wanted to do cables, or any other sort of stitch pattern, it’d be pretty easy to sub in whatever you’d like, expanding the usability of this pattern.
Kirsten McTeer No Your Other Left

The idea behind this pattern just makes me smile (no, you’re OTHER left!).  If you didn’t want to do stranding — the design includes many long floats — you can use the charts as a reference for duplicate stitching. Two different sizes are offered.
Kristina Vilimaite Aglow Mittens

These mitts just take my breath away.  They are so lovely, with the lacy, beaded overlay.

Four sizes are offered. The inner, bulky weight mitten is worked first (and can be worn by itself). The lace overmitt is worked second, and buttons onto the  inner mitten.

The pattern is well laid out, with multiple photos of the various details. The lace pattern is both charted and written out line by line.

Be sure to visit the Indie Design Gift-A-Long group on Ravelry to join in the fun! Games, prizes, and encouragement!

One of the things I love most about the Indie GAL (Gift-A-Long) is the chance to discover and/or promote other designers’ work. Over the course of the GAL I’ll be publishing gift-knitting related interviews with designers whose work I admire.

Aurélie Colas publishes wonderful adult and children’s home/toy, garment, and accessory patterns. Check out her Ravelry page here.

Steph: What’s your favorite part of the GAL?
Aurélie: I thoroughly enjoy the camaraderie, and all the sharing and generosity which flows through the threads. The chatter can sometimes feel overwhelming, and there is often more browsing and chatting than knitting going on (at least for me!), but it is great to feel connected to so many makers around the world. I always enjoy discovering new-to-me designers, and knitting from other people’s patterns. It is also extremely inspiring and re-energising to see what everyone is making. Can you tell I like the GAL very much?

I love it too  Have you participated before this year?
Yes, I have participated to every edition so far! I was on the Pinterest team during the first GAL, and part of the mod team the second year.

I had to step down from moderator last year as my schedule was not so much GAL-compatible. I participated as a designer and knitter then, and got quite a few projects done!

This year again was too hectic in the “real life” to re-join as a mod, so, once again, I am joining “solely” as a designer and knitter, and chatterbox when I can.

Awesome!! What are you planning on knitting?
Yes, I am! Like I wrote above, part of what I really like about the GAL is knitting from other designer’s patterns. A Baby Tiered Jacket, by Lisa Chemery, is currently on my needles and should be finished soon. It will be a gift for dear friends across the pond, whom I haven’t seen in many years.

I have many other projects planned, which include the Mermaid Darkly, by Yelena Dasher, to knit out of handspun; a Wee Blackface Sheep (probably the version 2, which is knit in the round), by Janice Anderson, for which I hope I also have time to complete the adorable Christmas outfit: Rudolph Ramdeer.

My to-knit list also includes two pairs of fingerless mitts (one for a man, one for a woman), for which I haven’t made any executive decision. Maybe your Wrought Mitts?
Part of me would like to attempt an “Opadoo challenge”, but I am not sure how realistic this is. I wouldn’t fail for the lack of must-knit patterns by participating designers though (so many lovely things!), but I might have to give up on sleep entirely! (What about you, are you attempting the Opadoo challenge?)

That Opadoo challenge (where you knit one pattern from each of eight categories) is nuts, lol.  I’ll be lucky to knit at least on project! Which of your patterns do you think make the best gifts?
I guess it depends on the recipient? Hobby Horse for Little Knights would be a hit for most of the children. At least, I can attest that it is a strong favourite for any child who has been visiting!

If you are looking for a cute cardigan for little ones, Romane and Roman is a quick, yet interesting knit. The cabled yoke is knit sideways with (easy) short rows to give it a lovely shape on the shoulders, and the rest zooms off the needles as it is knit top-down and seamless. The shape is very cute too (if I may say so myself!)

However, if the recipient is grown up and has got a soft spot for sciences (computer science, mathematics, genetics, etc), you may want to look into my collection of socks (and a hat) inspired by British scientists and engineers. The hat is a quick knit (XNOR, sized from baby to adult). The socks are more involved, but would probably satisfy those looking for interesting constructions, or intricate designs.

For a very quick and practical gift, I would recommend the Mini Hap Cowl. It is an easy knit, which works great with scraps and mini-skeins, and makes for a great little cowl: it fits nicely in the jacket, keeps the neck warm and doesn’t add any bulk. My children love theirs, and the friends for whom I knit one use them a lot too (and so do I!).

Finally, if you are looking for a heirloom gift, the intricacy of the Woodcarving, or the whimsy of the Sheepy Draughts, may be just what you need?

Thank you so much Aurélie!

Photos © Aurélie Colas

Don’t forget to check out the Indie Design Gift-A-Long group on Ravelry to join in the fun!

These are the hat designs I’ve chosen from designers participating in the 2016 Indie Design Gift-A-Long.  I’d prepped this post a few days ago….and it disappeared. So here goes again! I’ve tried to pick a mix of colorwork, texture, and cables.

Natalie Servant Suburban Station 

I love the striking, Art-Deco inspired graphics. Matching mitts are also available! Colorwork stitch patterns are charted. The hat is offered in one size.

Evie Scott Motes Hat

Motes Hat is offered both flat and in the round, with both line by line instructions and charts. Matching mitts are available as well.  A tutorial, with photos, is included for the special stitch / bobble.  It’s offered in two adult sizes (s/m, m/l).

This is a great pattern to use up some odds and ends for the stripes! I love the colors Evie chose, but you could choose any variety of colors for a striking result.

Ruth Brasch Ode to Summer

This pretty, romantic hat is offered in sizes newborn to adult, by altering yarn weight and gauge. I think it’s perfect for a toddler or young child who wants something dainty and girly!

Faye Kennington Watt Toque

Another striking colorwork option, this one worked from the top down.  The stranded stitch patterns are charted; Faye includes tips on maintaining tension and handling floats. I love how the stitch pattern flows into the ribbing! The hat is offered in one adult size, and Faye suggests altering gauge to achieve other sizes.  

Clare Lakewood Rare Sheep Hat

Full of knitterly details and encouragement to use special skeins of rare breed wool! I love the turned hem, the plush pom pom, and the subtle textured stitch pattern. This is a pattern to really let your yarn shine. It’s offered in three different sizes. The pattern is laid out beautifully and includes multiple photos of the various details.

Amy van de Laar Beeswax Hat

I love how the ribbing flows into the stitch pattern in this hat. Matching mitts and a cowl are also available. One size is offered, and Amy notes the stitch pattern is quite stretchy. The stitch pattern is both charted and presented as line by line. She also includes tips on working the cable crosses.

Be sure to visit the Indie Design Gift-A-Long group on Ravelry to join in the fun! Games, prizes, and encouragement!

One of the things I love most about the Indie GAL (Gift-A-Long) is the chance to discover and/or promote other designers’ work. Over the course of the GAL I’ll be publishing gift-knitting related interviews with designers whose work I admire.

 
Ruth Brasch publishes sweet, fun, kid- and adult-friendly patterns. Check out her Ravelry page here.
 
Steph: What’s your favorite part of the GAL?
Ruth: I love the way the crafting community comes together for this event! I’ve found participants and designers to be overwhelming enthusiastic and supportive of each other, and the atmosphere it creates is an absolute joy to see and experience.
 
Have you participated before this year?
This is my 3rd year participating in the GAL as a knitter, my 2nd year participating as a designer, and my 1st year participating as a mod.
 
Fantastic!  Thank you for being a mod by the way – you guys do so much behind the scenes work! What are you planning on knitting?  
My current plans involve a Dino Topper for my 3 year old son who is obsessed with dinosaurs, La Spiga (I made one of these for my sister last year, and now her friend wants one!), and some Verdon Socks for myself. Who knows from there – I’m constantly finding gorgeous new patterns that I want to make.
 
That Dino Topper is adorable. Which of your patterns do you think make the best gifts?
The Ode to Summer Hat is always a winner – it’s great for adults and kids alike, and knits up much more quickly than you’d expect. I’m Keeping this Hat is fantastic for crocheters, and is fairly unisex, and I’ve knit Kari Slouchy Hat in less than 2 hours from start to finish, so it would be great for last minute gifting, and is also unisex (can you tell I have a thing about hats?).

Hats are great.  Thanks so much for the interview!

Photos © © BraschElegance

Don’t forget to check out the Indie Design Gift-A-Long group on Ravelry to join in the fun!

One of the things I love most about the Indie GAL (Gift-A-Long) is the chance to discover and/or promote other designers’ work. Over the course of the GAL I’ll be publishing gift-knitting related interviews with designers whose work I admire.

Evie Scott publishes lovely, knitterly accessory patterns. Check out her Ravelry page here.

Would you like to win one of Evie’s patterns?  Post a comment on this blog post by Dec 3rd 2016 midnight PST on what pattern of Evie’s you’d like to try, for a chance to win!

Steph: What’s your favorite part of the GAL?
Evie: If I had to sum up my favorite part, it would be all the beauty to be seen. There is beauty in the handmade gifts we make for those we love, in the patterns being offered and indie designers coming together, and best of all, there is beauty in the friendships formed during the event that last well past the new year. Totally cliche but it really is true.

Have you participated before this year?
No. I joined the Indie GAL After Party group right after the last GAL and have been waiting all year for this one to start.

I’m so glad you were able to join this year! Are you participating as a knitter as well? if yes, what are you planning on knitting? if no, what would you, had you the time?
Yes. I have started Carol Sunday’s Potawatomi for a much loved aunt and I am crazily contemplating five sweaters (yes, five!) using Lisa Chemery’s Boy Sweater. These would be for my nephews which in turn is really a gift for my mom (‘cause then she can do the grandma matching clothing photo thing). It’s a gift that keeps on giving!

Oh gosh, I adore Carol’s patterns.  If I ever have time I want to do her Kelmscott sweater.  And wow, five sweaters, you are super ambitious! I’ll be cheering you on

Which of your patterns do you think make the best gifts?
I think EVERYONE needs a hat. Hats are quick to make and are easy to gift to teachers, bus drivers, neighbours…anyone you want to give a treat to and don’t necessarily know on a super personal level. I keep a stack on hand for just this reason. Try FOISON or PINNATE hat for fun options.

Thank you so much Evie!

Photos © EvieScottDesigns

Don’t forget to check out the Indie Design Gift-A-Long group on Ravelry to join in the fun!

Let’s start off the 2016 gift guides with a bang!  These are the sweater designs I’ve chosen from designers participating in the 2016 Indie Design Gift-A-Long that I just love, for reasons detailed below. I wanted to publish this guide first, because these are projects that will take a bit more time.

Marnie MacLean’s Droid (Women’s and Children’s)

Okay, the geek in me just adored the space ship and droid motifs on these sweaters.  

Both versions include schematics, charts, and detailed photos of pertinent design details. Detailed info on sizing is given, included intended ease, ease shown on the model, and more. If you need to make adjustments for fit, Marnie has comments and tips in the appropriate sections. Both imperial and metric measurements are included.

If you’re working on the pattern from your computer, there are hot links that take you from the instruction (work chart p 5 for example) to the chart itself.

Sizing:

Kid’s:  21 ¾ (24 ¼, 26 ¼, 28, 29 ¾, 32 ¼)” / 55 (61.5, 66.5, 71, 75.5, 82) cm, to fit ages 1 (2, 4, 6, 7, 8)  chest

Women’s: 32 (35, 37 ½, 41 ¼, 44 ¼, 46 ¾, 49 ¾, 54 ¼, 57 ¾)” 81.5 (89, 95.5, 105, 112.5, 118.5, 126.5, 138, 146.5) cm bust

Kirsten Hipsky’s Irish Rover

At first glance it’s a lovely traditionally constructed Aran pullover — then you see the wobbly, wandering cables. I love the front of this sweater!  It’s a clever use of interweaving and interlocking different cable patterns, and ensures you’re not going to get bored at all knitting this sweater.

Karen’s pattern, noted as unisex, ranges in size from 42″ – 62″ chest, and includes individual charts for the back stitch patterns, and a full chart for the front of the sweater as worked. Schematics and detailed photos are included. It’s written to be worked flat and seamed, but in the Ravelry pattern description she notes you can adapt it to work it in the round.

Sizing: 42 (46, 50, 54, 58, 62)” chest

Jane Richmond’s Clarke Pullover

I want this sweater.  I have a couple French Sailor pullovers from LL Bean, that I wear all the time, and I like the looks of Jane’s sweater a million times more. I know I say I live in Southern California and I never get to wear knitted objects, but this I would.

The pattern ranges from a finished size 34.5″ –  54.25″ chest and includes a schematic. The layout, due to the detailed chart including all measurements and stitch counts for you to enter into the appropriate sections in the pattern, is extremely clean and readable. Once you’ve entered your data in the pattern, there’s no confusing long lists of stitch counts to deal with. 

Sizing:

To fit: 30 (32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50) in / 76 (81.5, 86.5, 91.5, 96.5, 101.5, 106.5, 112, 117, 122, 127) cm

Finished measurement: 34.5 (36, 38.5, 40.25, 41.75, 44.25, 46, 48.5, 50, 52.5, 54.25) in bust / 87.5 (91.5, 98, 102, 106, 112.5, 117, 123, 127, 133.5, 138) cm bust

Claire Slade’s Hathi

I just love the marching elephants around the yoke. Depending on your color choice, you can make this dramatic or subtle.

Chest sizes range from 34.5″ – 53.5″. The pattern includes a schematic and detailed photos of the sweater’s design features. It’s worked from the bottom up, and the sleeves are joined to the sweater body at the yoke.

Sizing: 

To fit bust: 31-33 (34-36, 37-39, 40-42, 43-45, 46-48, 49-51)”
Finished measurement: 34.5 (37, 40, 43.5, 47, 50.5, 53.5)”

Andrea Rangel’s The Knitter’s Dude and The Little Dude

As a Big Lebowski fan, I must admit that there was no way I wasn’t going to love these sweaters. Add in the gorgeous, movie-pertinent photography by Kathy Cadigan, and a decorative back drop of a Persian rug that ties the whole pattern together, and you’re in for a visual treat even before you start knitting.

The Little Dude is sized from newborn to ages 10-12; The Knitter’s Dude ranges from 33″ – 61″ chest. Detailed schematics, charts, and tips are included in both patterns. The layout balances fun details (rug, bowling pins) with a clean, easily navigated layout.

Both patterns include knitterly details such as tubular cast ons and bind offs (directions given for both).  Steeking is required for both, as both are worked in the round.

The Knitter’s Dude Chest: 33 (37.25, 41.25, 45.25, 49, 53, 57, 61) in/84 (94.5, 105, 115, 124.5, 134.5, 145, 155) cm

The Little Dude:

Sized for 0-6 mo (6-12 mo, 1-2, 2-4, 4-6, 6-8, 8-10, 10-12)

Chest: 20 (22, 23, 24, 25.5, 27, 28.5, 30) in/51 (56, 58.5, 61, 65, 68.5, 72.5, 76) cm

Be sure to visit the Indie Design Gift-A-Long group on Ravelry to join in the fun! Games, prizes, and encouragement!