Tag Archives: Knitting & Spinning

The Pinyon Jay cowl is the second cowl pattern in The Wild West: Patterns Inspired by the Flora, Fauna, Geology & History of Arizona, vol 1: Lace 1.

I designed the sister pattern to this, the Pinyon Jay Crescent (to be released in LACE 2) first, spring/summer 2013, and really loved how I blended the edging into the traditional stitch pattern.  I went ahead and designed the cowl, adding a little bit of purl contrast to the top edge.

I had originally wanted to do this just in Shibui Silk Cloud, but ended up doing the version in the Baby Alpaca first.  I also had some Knit Picks Stroll in Agate Heather (a color I adore, that fits into the color palette of the collection), so ending up doing 3 different versions, with different beaded options.

ROMANCE
This lovely cowl is offered in three weights, with or without beads. I chose the beading colors on the DK version to evoke the colors of the Pinyon Jay.

PATTERN NOTES
Laceweight is shown without beads. To include beads, simply place beads as shown in the Fingering and DK Weight chart.

I love this feathery lace stitch pattern, and explore it further in the forthcoming LACE 2.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Height: 9¾ (10¼, 10¼)in / 24.5 (26, 26)cm
Top Circumference: 23¼ (25, 28)in / 59 (63, 71)cm

YARN
Lace: Shibui Silk Cloud, 60% kid mohair, 40% silk, (330 yd / 25g), 1 skein, shown in Watermelon.
Fingering: Knit Picks Stroll Sock Yarn, 75% Superwash Merino, 25% Nylon, (231 yd / 50g), 2 balls, shown in Agate Heather.
DK: Shibui Baby Alpaca DK, 100% baby alpaca, (255 yd / 100g), 1 skein, shown in Ivory.

NEEDLES
Lace: US1½ / 2.5mm needles or size to obtain gauge
Fingering: US3 / 3¼mm needles or size to obtain gauge
DK: US6 / 4mm needles or size to obtain gauge

GAUGE
Lace: 22 sts and 40 rnds = 4in / 10 cm in St st.
Fingering: 18 sts and 32 rnds = 4in / 10 cm in St st.
DK: 16 sts and 32 rnds = 4in / 10 cm in St st.

NOTIONS
Miyuki see beads size 6/0 in the following colors. I recommend getting more than this minimum to account for loss, breakage, and defects.

For 2 color version
(203) beads, shown in 4511 Black Picasso
(56) beads, shown in 412FR Matte Op Turquoise Green Ab

For 1 color version
(259) beads, shown in blend of 412FR Matte Op Turquoise Green Ab and 412F Op Turquoise Green

(1) stitch marker for beginning of round, yarn needle

crochet hook or dental floss for bead placement (I use a 0.75mm hook)
yarn needle

SKILLS
knitting in the round, lace, reading charts, beading (directions given)

Oh hai!  Yes, the Diamondback Cowl, one of two cowl patterns in the The Wild West: Patterns Inspired by the Flora, Fauna, Geology & History of Arizona, vol 1: Lace 1, is the cover pattern for the e-book.

As I noted the on the previous post, I met Kim of Indigodragonfly at Sock Summit 2011.  She is still wonderful and sweet and funny.  She gave me this gorgeous merino silk yarn after I promised NOT  to hug her and squeeze her and call her George.

ROMANCE

This cowl features lace, beading and a tiny bit of cabling in the top and bottom edging.

See the rattles in the edging?

PATTERN NOTES

Stitch patterns are charted.

Note that the cable edging for the top and bottom edging doesn’t repeat evenly with each lace repeat; work its repeat separately.

The center panel is a modification of Mrs Montague from A Treasury of Knitting Patterns by Barbara Walker.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Circumference: 18½in / 47cm
Height: 11in / 28cm

YARN
Indigo Dragonfly Merino Silk fingering, 50% merino/ 50% silk, (430 yds per 100g), approx ¾ skein, shown in My World is All Askew (Willow).

NEEDLES
US3 / 3¼mm needles or size to obtain gauge

GAUGE
1 repeat of Main Body of Cowl repeat, blocked = 2¾in / 7cm wide by 2in / 5cm tall

NOTIONS
(1) stitch marker; (50) 6-0 beads; crochet hook or dental floss for bead placement (I use a 0¾mm hook); yarn needle

SKILLS
knitting in the round, lace, provisional cast on & grafting, beading, cabling, reading charts

The Cholla Socks, in the The Wild West: Patterns Inspired by the Flora, Fauna, Geology & History of Arizona, vol 1: Lace 1, are the first of two sock patterns for the entire Wild West Collection (the other is in Cables, coming soon). 

I met Kim of Indigodragonfly at Sock Summit 2011.  She is wonderful and sweet and funny.  Don’t believe me on the latter at least? Take a look at some of her yarn names.

The yarn is a gorgeous semi solid warm green — very cactus-y.  It’s lovely to work with, of course.  I immediately gravitated to it, and promised to hug it and squeeze it and call it George.

ROMANCE

This fun lace pattern combines small cables and lace for a pretty sock with a very comfortable fit.

The ribbed layout of the stitch repeat is reminiscent of cactus branches.

PATTERN NOTES

These socks are worked cuff down with a standard heel flap and gusset construction. Wide ribbing flows into the lacy travelling stitch pattern. The heel flap echoes the vertical lines of the stitch pattern with a slipped-stitch heel flap pattern.

Foot length is customizable to your size. You can also work the leg longer by working additional sets of the complete 12 round repeat.

The charts are mirrored.

The stitch pattern is No. 66 from Annie Maloney’s stitch dictionary Stitch Definition.

SIZES
Women’s S (M, L)

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Foot circumference, unstretched: 6¾ (7¾, 8¼)in / 17.5 (19.5, 21)cm

YARN
Indigo Dragonfly Merino Sock, 100% superwash merino (390 yds per 100g), 1 (1, 1¼) skeins, shown in Well, Put Me on the Short Bus and Send Me Off to Clueless School (Lorne the Host).

NEEDLES
US0 / 2mm needles or one size smaller than larger needle
US1 / 2.25mm needles or size needed to obtain gauge

GAUGE
34 sts and 40 rnds = 4in / 10 cm in St st.

NOTIONS
(1) stitch marker; yarn needle

SKILLS
knitting in the round, simple lace, cables, Kitchener stitch, reading charts, typical cuff-down sock construction

The Cactus Wren cami is the second garment in The Wild West: Patterns Inspired by the Flora, Fauna, Geology & History of Arizona, vol 1: Lace 1.  The e-book is available now for preorder through the end of March 24th 2014 for $3 off (Ravelry code LACE1).  Publication date is March 25th 2014.

One of the things that I miss about living in New York or Germany is the fact that you do get winter – and with that, the chance to wear all sorts of wonderful woolens.

Here in Southern California, especially on the coast, we just don’t get too much variation in the weather. Certainly it very rarely gets cold enough to wear the heavily cabled designs I so adore designing.  And to boot, I tend to tolerate cold much better than heat – meaning when it does get a bit colder here, I’m still fine in short sleeves and flip flops.

But this little lace cami is perfect for warm weather.  The Dance Rustic silk is light and breathable; that lightness and airiness is enhanced by the lace stitch patterns, especially the very broad lace back panel.  Although it has waist shaping, it’s intended to be worn with a little bit of ease.

This is one of my favorite garments I’ve made!  It’s easy to wear with jeans or a skirt.  I don’t tend to wear really flouncy skirts, but I think it would look really pretty with a flouncy or lacy skirt and some cowboy boots.

If you like this pattern, please favorite or queue it on Ravelry!

Here’s the basic pattern info!

ROMANCE

This lacy camisole features flattering waist shaping and lace in abundance. Crocheted lace trim and delicate buttons give this a vintage feel.

The Rustic Silk is lovely to work with, and wears wonderfully.

PATTERN NOTES

This camisole is worked in pieces from the hem up then seamed prior to the crochet edging being worked.

Simple crochet edging is used for the armholes, hem and buttonband. You can substitute single crochet edging along the armholes. Work extra rows of the garter stitch hem at the bottom if you’d rather skip the crochet hem edging.

Waist shaping is easily modified, as decreases and increases occur in the stockinette panels adjacent to the lace panels.

Total length is also easily modified in the hem to armhole area by working even longer prior to hip decreases, by working the waist longer, or by working even longer after the bust increases.

SIZES

XS (S, M, L, XL, 2X, 3X). To fit with 1-2in / 2-5cm ease.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Bust: 32¼ (36¾, 41¼, 45¼, 49¾, 53¾, 58¼)in / 81.5 (93.5, 105, 115, 126.5, 136.5, 147.5)cm
Length: 20¼ (20¾, 21¾, 22¼, 22¾, 23½, 23¾)in / 51.5 (53, 55, 56.5, 57.5, 60, 60.5)cm

YARN
Dragonfly Fibers Dance Rustic Silk, 100% silk (450 yds / 411m per 3.99oz/ 113g), 2 (2, 2, 3, 3, 3, 3) skeins, shown in That Ol Chestnut.

NEEDLES
US3 / 3¼mm needles or size to obtain gauge
Size E crochet hook

GAUGE
24 sts and 32 rows = 4in / 10cm in St st.
Average 20 sts and 32 rows = 4in / 10cm in Lace Patterns, blocked.
20 sc = 4in / 10cm

NOTIONS
(8) ½in buttons (buttons shown are vintage); (4) stitch markers; yarn needle

SKILLS
simple lace, simple crochet for edgings and buttonband, reading knit charts, picking up stitches, short rows, three needle bind off

The Bisbee blouse is the first pattern in The Wild West: Patterns Inspired by the Flora, Fauna, Geology & History of Arizona, vol 1: Lace 1.  The e-book is available now for preorder through the end of March 24th 2014 for $3 off (Ravelry code LACE1).  Publication date is March 25th 2014.

I have a white blouse that I got from J.Jill that I love.  It’s made of a gauzy cotton with a v-neck, long sleeves,  some nice vertical tucks, pretty pearl buttons, and an even gauzier lace hem at the cuffs and body hem.  Unfortunately, given that it’s white gauzy cotton and about 10 years old, it’s a little worse for wear.  It also lacks shaping, so though comfortable, it’s not really the most flattering garment.

I wanted to do a knitted sweater inspired by that blouse — but one that would improve upon the design of the blouse, as well.

The Bisbee blouse has strong vertical lines from the intarsia lace panels.  The lace in back is shaped to accentuate (or give the illusion of) a waist.  There’s also a bit of waist shaping.  The button band is simple crochet and gorgeous pearlized glass buttons from JHB. I kept the v-neck, but changed the sleeve length to 3/4-length rather than full length.

And the yarn…oh, how I love the yarn.  The gorgeous turquoise yarn is Anzula Oasis, their camel/silk blend. It’s luxurious and drapey and wonderful to work with.  The tan is Anzula Breeze, a linen/silk blend, which is also lovely, and worked perfectly for the lace and trim.  I used it doubled for the neck I-cord.

If you like this pattern, please “favorite” it on Ravelry!

Here’s the basic pattern info!

ROMANCE

The beautiful turquoise color of the Oasis yarn gave me the name, Bisbee, of this lovely blouse. Bisbee turquoise is renowned for its beauty and color depth.

The delicate but simple intarsia lace panels form figure-flattering vertical lines. The dainty buttonband details, i cord neckline, waist shaping and softly fluttering sleeve and body hems all combine into a gorgeous feminine sweater that you’ll treasure.

PATTERN NOTES

This sweater is worked in pieces from the bottom up then seamed prior to working the 3/4 length sleeves and the bottom hem. Stitches for the sleeves are picked up around the armhole. The cap is shaped with short rows, then the sleeves are worked in the round.

Waist shaping is easily modified, as decreases and increases occur in the stockinette panels adjacent to the lace panels.

Total length is also easily modified in the hem to armhole area by working even longer prior to hip decreases, by working the waist longer, or by working even longer after the bust increases.

Simple crochet edging is used for the buttonband.

SIZES
Women’s XS (S, M, L, XL, 2X, 3X)

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Bust: 30 (34, 38, 42, 46, 50, 54)in / 76 (86, 96, 107, 117, 127, 137)cm. Wear with 2-3in / 5-7.5cm of ease.
Length: 21½ (21½, 22, 22, 22½, 22½, 23)in / 55 (55, 56, 56, 57, 57, 58.5)cm

YARN
MC: Anzula Oasis, 70% Silk, 30% Camel, (375 yds / 343m per 4.02 oz / 114g), 2 (3, 3, 3, 3, 4, 4) skeins, shown in Paradise
CC: Anzula Breeze, 65% Silk, 35% Linen (755 yds / 690m per 4.06 oz / 115g), 1 skein, shown in Toffee

NEEDLES
US4 / 3.5mm needles or size needed to obtain gauge
Additional US4 / 3.5mm needle for three needle bind off
US5 / 3¾wmm DPNs for I cord
US1½ / 2.5mm for hem edgings
Size E crochet hook for edging

GAUGE
26 sts and 36 rows = 4in / 10 cm in St st in Oasis using US4 / 3.5mm needles.
6 sts and 9 rows = 1 in / 2.5cm for lace pattern (blocked) in in Breeze using US4 / 3.5mm needles

NOTIONS
(21) ⅜in buttons (buttons shown are JHB International Style 11290 FRSTY ½ BALLS, Pearl Ivory)
yarn needle
thread to match MC, sewing needle

SKILLS
simple lace, simple intarsia, picking up stitches, short rows, simple crochet for button bands, I cord and applied I cord

I just got a button machine!

In addition to making my own custom buttons (my logo, cute sayings, kitteh pictures) I’m able to make custom buttons for other indie designers and indie yarn companies.

Interested? check out the Buttons Page.

The Wild West: Patterns Inspired by the Flora, Fauna, Geology & History of Arizona, Vol1: LACE1 is now up for preorder!

Use code LACE1 for $3 off through March 24th 2014.  The e-book will be released March 25, 2014.

What’s in it?  All sorts of lacy goodness! Each pattern will get its own blog post, but here’s the short version.

Bisbee: One of my favorite garments. I love the lace panels, the little hems, and the shaping.  The 3/4-sleeves are so comfortable.

Cactus Wren: Another one of my favorite garments.  I actually get to wear this here in California. I love it.  It’s comfortable, flattering, and feminine.  You can wear it over a shirt as a vest, but I usually just wear it over a cami.

Cholla: Great lacy socks.  I love the stitch pattern and how it works with the gorgeous color!

Pinyon Jay cowl (shown in 2 of 3 versions, below): Lace and beads! Three different yarn weights; each fits a little bit differently, too.

Diamondback: Lace, beads, and a little bit of cables in this cowl.  

I’ve been designing since late 2009, and at that time, there were very few resources for beginning designers.  Association of Knitwear Designers was still around, and had a ton of info once you got in, but you had to already be designing to be considered for an associate membership.

Since then, though, there’s been, if not an explosion, a steady increase in the resources available.

Most new designers seem to be following the self publishing of PDFs route via Ravelry, Craftsy, Patternfish, and Etsy, with Ravelry being the prominent avenue.

Ravelry

If you’re on Ravelry, and you’re wanting to design, there are two main groups to check out for general designing info(and by check out, honestly, I recommend scanning the message threads & reading all the business-sounding ones) and one for resources (looking for an editor, etc).

• Designers
• Budding Designers.  Read this thread first.  Also check out the group page Online Resources for Designers
• Indy Pattern Designers’ Resources is also a great group.

Do check the various group pages for links to various groups, posts, etc.

Written Resources

Shannon Okey’s book, The Knitgrrl Guide to Professional Knitwear Design, is also a must.

Alex Tinsley has a PDF, So You Want To Be A Knitting Designer, that’s more recent than Shannon’s book.  The amount of info isn’t as dense, but it’s also a great place to start.

Elizabeth Green Musselman has written an interactive style sheet, available through Cooperative Press.  (I just noticed there’s a crochet version by Lindsey Stephens, a fantastic crochet tech editor & designer.)

In Person Classes

Shannon Okey  occasionally teaches beginner designer classes.

I’ve taught several beginner designer classes: Becoming an Indie Designer, Pattern Pet Peeves, Creating Your Style Guide, and Working with a Tech Editor. 

TNNA has been offering more classes for designers with each show.  For the upcoming summer show in Indy, you can choose from the following: Technical Writing & Editing for Knitters & Crochets and Spreadsheet Savvy (basic spreadsheet info) by Edie Eckman; Magic Spreadsheet (setting up a reusable spreadsheet for grading) by Jill Wolcott and Jeane de Coster; and Pattern Writing Essentials by Therese Chynoweth.

Online Classes

Craftsy has several classes (on sale this weekend! Craftsy’s Endless Creativity Sale) that I recommend: Sizing Patterns for Knitting (Faina Goberstein), How to Say It (Edie Eckman) and Handknit Garment Design (Shirley Paden, general designing class, not grading, but has good info).

I posted about the Needle Keepers in this post.  I really do like mine.  I’m generally just working on one or two (or three or) projects at a time, but if you’re someone with a basket or tote-full of WIPs, this offer from Claudia, the creator of the Needle Keeper, may interest you!

From Claudia:

I’d like to extend a deal to your readers, if they buy 5 Needle Keepers from my Etsy store, AND MENTION THIS BLOG POST (Steph: the TNNA post linked above), I’ll give them a 6th one for free!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/112637046/needle-keeper-for-circular-knitting?

This offer will be good through the end of March. One offer per address please.

You know how I mentioned that I have a project I’ve been working on forever?  It’s finally close enough that I feel I can start blogging and talking about it.

(Psst…if you’re going to Madrona next week, you’ll get to see some of these projects in person!)

Like CRK, the collection has a theme. The patterns are inspired by the landscapes, geology, flora, fauna and history of the ‘Wild West’ of Arizona.

I lived in Phoenix (sorry, not my favorite part of Arizona, though!) from 5th grade through high school. Although I’m absolutely a California beach girl, I did develop a love for the natural history of the area, especially of the Sonora Desert, south of Phoenix, and of the Sedona and Oak Creek area, north of Phoenix.

The patterns are unified by the desert palette: dusky sage and cactus greens, turquoise skies, rich browns and creams of earth and sand, and the deep violets of the desert twilight.

Techniques run the gamut from cabling to stranded to lace to textures.  No surprise there, right?

I’ll be releasing these patterns initially as eBooks, based on techniques.  I know not all of you love stranding as much as lace or vice versa — this way you get only the types of patterns you’d like.  (If you’re like me & love everything?  don’t worry, there will be a discount if you want all of them!)

First up will be Lace 1, including a knitted blouse, a camisole, a pair of adorable socks, and two different cowls, one in three different weights.

I’ll be setting up preorders soon!

Saguaro©Rennett Stowe

McDowell Mountains©Harald Nagel

Spring flower©John Fowler

all other photos©Stephannie Tallent