Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Cables, Bobbles and Colorwork or Too Much Knitting, Not Enough Blogging!

Cropped Cardi (photo by @Zealana)
 My newest design is out in a wonderful booklet called Zealana Air Pattern Book.

I love the juxtaposition of unexpected elements like openwork and bobbles, so it was a pleasure to create this sweater.   I designed the  front of the cardigan with applied bobbles and a plain stockinette front to offset the more elaborate sleeves. This was a surprisingly simple knit, and the Zealana blend yarn is both light and luxurious at the same time.


photo by @ Zealana
I also am very excited to share 2 designs I have in a new book by a true master of knitwear design, British knitter  Debbie Bliss.  I am such a tremendous fan of hers, so it was an extraordinary honor to have my work chosen to be in her new compilation of designs.

Published by Sixth and Spring Books
 Her yarns are so fabulous.  Merino is really my favorite, and I got to use the DK weight for my Bobble Flounce Pullover design.

@Sixth and Spring
And, I got to use the sport weight merino for this cabled little girls Slipover Dress.

@Sixth and Spring

Last but not least, I have a scarf,  the #17 Peacock Pull Through Scarf in the Early Fall issue of VK.  When the call came out for animal intarsia designs, I knew a cheeky peacock was just the thing.  The yarn is perfection- a buttery soft cashmere-
Jade Sapphire Mongolian Cashmere 8-ply.


VK Early Fall 2013



 I used a simple openwork design for the peacock tails- much easier to work than you might think!
@Vogue Knitting
Embroidered accents add some detail, and keep the knitting simple.


Peacock Scarf 2013
It is so hot here that it is hard to think about sweaters, but it is really relaxing to have a project, big or small,  to bring to the beach or pool.
What are you working on? I'd love to hear!

* Thank you WMM for tearing me away from my knitting and making me update my blog!

22 comments:

  1. Okay - I have found my two projects!!! I LOVE the cardigan - is just my type of thing and we might finally solve the age old mystery of why Wendy's projects are always too short and bound off badly!!!! And I must make the peacock scarf - I loves it to death! well I like them all, actually, but I am only so keen... You are so talented! I am figuring will have to buy or order the yarn from the states - we only have one knitting shop with a limited supply of yarns (though very keen proprietress!) Off to source!

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    1. Thank you WMM- you made my day. Now- as far as your too short, too tight bind off problem. Measure sweater to underarms and make it as long as you like, despite what the pattern call for- same with sleeves. Measure a sweater you like if that helps. Re: bind off- use a larger needle for your bind off row if you bind off too tightly. Let me know if you have anymore questions. I would be delighted to help!

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    2. well I am determined to make this and look almost as pretty as the models!!!

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  2. Hello Knit Yarns - I came over from Wendy's blog. I'm amazed at what can be done with a pair of knitting needles! Your designs are beautiful; congratulations on having them published.

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    1. Patricia,
      Thank you for visiting and for your kind words.. Wendy does have a delightful blog. It is so true- the potential from knitting needles, needle and thread, or a crochet hook- all amazing.

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  3. okay - me again - is there a good online US source for these? I keep seeing UK, which charges more for shipping and the price of yarn I assume!

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    1. Hi WMM,
      I found this link that may help you. It is a group on Ravelry devoted to Canadian yarn shops.
      http://www.ravelry.com/groups/canadian-yarn-shopping

      I would hazard a guess that there are many wonderful shops in Canada. Many of the biggest stars in the knitting world are Canadian, and I believe some of them are in the yarn business, too.
      If these don't help, let me know, and I would be happy to make some more suggestions!

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  4. I miss knitting a lot, but these days I seem to have no time for it.

    Lovely patterns!

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    1. Thank you for stopping by, Rose. I used to carry a small project in my handbag or glove compartment for times when I had a few unexpected minutes- doctor appointments, boy's baseball games. It is relaxing...

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  5. I LOVE that cardigan pattern. So beautiful. I think it must go into my queue!! You are so talented. I only hope I have the talent to knit what you have designed!!

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    1. Thank you for stopping by, Jennifer. I promise the cardigan is not a difficult knit. I am honored that you put it in your queue, and I am always happy to help if you have questions!

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  6. Wowza, that scarf is just unbelievable! You should open up an Etsy shop!

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  7. Wow, such talent. I would love to learn to knit and have actually bought a couple of books on it but have yet to sit down and do it. Maybe this winter. I'll follow you to get inspired.

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    1. Start small and simple. Like anything else, if you don't enjoy it, you won't pursue it. But, once you get the hang of knitting it is addictive!

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    2. OOps- forgot to say, thanks for following!

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  8. That cardigan is awesome! As are the other pieces you've designed. My niece, who's an expert knitter, is visiting today so I'm going to show her these. I love to do cables and bobbles so maybe I'll try to tackle. Must pick up the new Vogue knitting.

    Wendy, there are a couple of great yarn shops in ME!

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    1. Lane, Thank you- that is so kind. I love cables and bobbles,too. They make the work more interesting, so it feels like it goes quicker. There are some great yarn shops in ME. Now if I could just convince everyone in my family to take that trip....

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  9. ooh, more delicious works of art. These are just wonderful, making me think about sweaters even in the heat wave.

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  10. Funny. I just completed a VERY warm sweater for an upcoming magazine. Needless to say, I was happy to send it in. It was hard to have all of the bulk on my lap as I was working the collar, even with central air. I think knitting would be prefect for you to bring on your travels! As I recall, there are some nice yarn shops out by Flintstone Manor!

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