Tired Mind

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

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! ♥

Pattern: Grayson

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! ♥

Nothing But Sunshine

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

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

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.

Project page here.

Project page here.

Project page here.

2-The crochet ♥

Project page here.

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.

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

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.

Ode to Obstinance

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?

Take 2

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.

♥

They Call It Nesting

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.