Knifty Red

Woobie Pattern Collection - Series 1

2012-01-26T06:00:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe that I'm even writing this.

I'm proud to announce that The Woobie Pattern Collection - Series 1 is complete. It's a downloadable ebook collection of all 8 Woobies.

I hired the most adorable baby to model the Woobies ~ Joey is his name. He was wonderful and I love this shot!

I also hired an awesome tech editor, Katherine Vaughan who helped me every step of the way...especially keeping me consistent. Highly recommend her services.

I also could not have done it without those Awesome Testers! Which you can see listed here on the Ravelry board. Come join us!

FO: Mac Mitts

2012-01-25T12:15:00.001-08:00

So, you know Miss Mac wanted her own pair of Tourbillon Mitts.... with Hearts! No problem sweetie.

Pattern: Tourbillon Mitts by Kris Carlson (me)

Yarn: 2 skeins of Smart by Sandnes Garn in pink and purple. Approximately 20 yards of Ambrosia by Knit One Crochet Two

Needles: US 2 dpn

Started: January 2, 2012

Finished: January 24, 2012

When I finished the first one and she tried it on her first reaction was "Itchy!" ~oh boy. Well, that's when I decided to add a cuff liner in the most softest yarn I had in my stash. Ambrosia. It's like heaven.

Woobie Giraffe Pattern

2012-01-10T07:30:00.000-08:00

The Woobie Giraffe a is ready to Play!

This playful Giraffe is number 8 in the series of Woobies... be on the lookout for the full set of Woobies in ebook!

I can't express how much I love working with the Cascade Superwash Sport. It knits up beautifully and with the yarn being a superwash, it gives me peace of mind knowing I don't have to worry about spills and messes.

Size: 14 in / 35.5 cm square blanket

Yarn: Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash Sport (136 yd/124 m, 1.75oz/50g ball), Yellow #821: 2 balls, Orange #822: 1 balls and Brown #818: approximately 50 yd

Materials: 32 in / 81 cm - US #3 / 3.25mm circular needle, Set of 5 - US #3 / 3.25mm double pointed needles, 8 stitch markers, waste yarn, size B / 2.25mm crochet hook, poly-fill, embroidery floss and yarn needle. Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain correct gauge.

Gauge: 26 sts and 34 rows = 4 inch [10 cm] in stockinette stitch. Every knitter’s gauge is unique, so be sure to check.

Woobie Puppy Pattern

2012-01-07T06:30:00.000-08:00

The Woobie Puppy a is ready to Play!

This playful Puppy is number 7 in the series of Woobies... be on the lookout for more to come.

I can't express how much I love working with the Cascade Superwash Sport. It knits up beautifully and with the yarn being a superwash, it gives me peace of mind knowing I don't have to worry about spills and messes.

Size: 14 in / 35.5 cm square blanket

Yarn: Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash Sport (136 yd/124 m, 1.75oz/50g ball), Blue #897: 2 balls, Brown #819: 2 balls and White #871: approximately 30 yd

Materials: 32 in / 81 cm - US #3 / 3.25mm circular needle, Set of 5 - US #3 / 3.25mm double pointed needles, 8 stitch markers, waste yarn, size B / 2.25mm crochet hook, poly-fill, embroidery floss and yarn needle. Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain correct gauge.

Gauge: 26 sts and 34 rows = 4 inch [10 cm] in stockinette stitch. Every knitter’s gauge is unique, so be sure to check.

Brookstone

2012-01-05T13:59:00.000-08:00

I'm proud to announce that Kollage Yarns has just released one of my new designs for their spring collection. Say hello to Brookstone.

I was really inspired by the colors of Kollages Sock-a-licious yarn. The variegated yarn has so much depth and it married beautifully with the solids. The window pane design allows the colors to fade and transition giving it a delicate touch.

The yarn was an absolute dream to work with... Sock-a-licious is a fingering weight merino, silk and nylon blend. Seriously? You can't go wrong with merino and silk!!

The Brookstone pattern set is consisted of a tam, cowl and mitts which is perfect for those cool spring mornings. What is even better is that all you need to complete the full set is one skein in each colorway.

I couldn't have done this project with out the my crew. Huge thanks goes out to Knitterary and Amy at Writing Weaver for their fantastic efforts and tight deadlines. You guys are the best!

If you're interested in purchasing the Brookstone pattern you can find it for pdf download on Patternfish.

FO: Tourbillon Mitts

2012-01-04T09:59:00.000-08:00

Pattern: Tourbillon Mitts by Kris Carlson (me)

Yarn: 3 skeins of Sandnes Garn Lenett in yellow, white and blue

Needles: US 2 dpn

Started: August 5, 2011

Finished: December 31, 2011

I loved designing this pattern and hated having to mail it off to the publication, so I cast on for my own pair. The yarn is a lighter weight and it is a more snug fit, but it works and I love them.

Day 365-365: 3.6.5

2011-12-31T21:43:00.000-08:00

As this brings me to the end of my 3 hundred and 65 photos, I can't express how much this has been both stressful, rewarding and insightful all at the same time.

Thank you all for the lovely comments and wonderful support. I will continue to take pictures... just not EVERY. DAY.

Because of this, the format will change slightly. I want to post regularly, but being a designer has it's limits. I'm hoping to figure out a weekly schedule that will keep this blog at least a little entertaining;)

I hope that everyone has a fantastic New Year!
Cheers and happy knitting.

Day 364-365: You Go!

2011-12-30T09:46:00.002-08:00

Left this morning and snapped a shot of Little Miss Mac busting a move on my spinning wheel. Does this mean I need to get another wheel so we both can spin?

Day 363-365: A Rose

2011-12-29T09:43:00.000-08:00

One wall in my office is red... it so happens that I also have a red poster on my wall of this rose graphic printed on a silver metallic paper.

Fabric Pocket Lining for a Knit Sweater

2011-12-28T17:00:00.000-08:00

Do you see this awesome vest. It was really hard to let go, but I know my Mom will get plenty of usage out of it. Its new home will be in her office and knowing that she'd be wearing this in that environment I felt that the knit pockets should be lined. Lets just say for a pen, a cell phone or even a few coins for the vending machine. If I kept it a knit fabric any one of those items could have damaged the pocket. What's the point of a pocket that doesn't work. I've got this thing about fake pockets. ugg.

I guess I must also mention that before putting in the lining I had not finished tacking down the inner knitted pocket flap. This allows you access to the inside and that's kind of critical.

So this leads to me taking a trip to Hancock Fabrics. My son did a great job of picking a coordinating fat quarter in the quilting section. Took it home and hot washed and dried the fabric first. Let me also just tell you that I own a sewing machine but I am by no means a sewer. If your looking for sewing info please visit your nearest fabric store. They are loads helpful and if you're honored to have friends who sew, then please talk with them. That's where I've gotten most of my information.

I took the fabric and folded it in half on its bias. This is to allow for some stretch once it's installed. Roughly measure the size of the pocket and cut the fabric with an added 1/2 inch seam allowance.Put right sides facing each other and a quick trip under the iron will have it looking like this.

Sew the top edges down. After doing this I think I over did it by sewing two lines. Totally not necessary.

The next part starts to get a little tricky. With my sewing machine I sewed the top edge to one side of the knitted garment opening. Once that was done I could properly gauge how wide the pocket was. I trimmed the fabric so it wouldn't bunch and then sewed up the sides.

I then hand sewed the other top edge to the opposite side of the knitted pocket. After that all there was left to do was tack down the knitted pocket lining to encompass the fabric lining. Voila!

Day 362-365: MJ

2011-12-28T11:40:00.000-08:00

I sketched this back in the '90's when MJ was in his prime. Its current home is in my office.

Day 361-365: Mornin'

2011-12-27T20:00:00.000-08:00

Hubby's silhouette early in the morning.

Day 360-365: Festive Spirit

2011-12-26T13:48:00.000-08:00

We painted our nails today. How can you not love a little bit of sparkle.

Day 359-365: Tree Topper

2011-12-25T17:30:00.000-08:00

He falls every year...some years he's lasted for days without falling. It's kind of a running tally to see how long he stays up.

FO: Secret Santa Wine Cozy

2011-12-25T15:00:00.000-08:00

Pattern: Wine Cozy by Jennifer Carter

Yarn: each cozy used 1 skein Plymouth Yarn Encore Worsted

Needles: US 6 circular needle

Started: December 3, 2011

Finished: December 10, 2011

My dad is starting to get a nice collection of wines and I thought this would be a cute idea for a Christmas gift. Made huge modifications to the pattern. The gauge in the pattern is no where near what I would get in this yarn... and then add the effect of cables. Loved how it turned out. Must keep this in mind for futures house warming gifts...super quick.

FO: Evergreen Vest

2011-12-25T13:00:00.000-08:00

Pattern: Evergreen Vest by Deb Newton

Yarn: 5.25 skeins Berroco Vintage

Needles: US 8 circular needle

Started: April 27, 2011

Finished: December 1, 2011

Today my mom will be opening this on Christmas morning and I'm hoping she loves it!

Only two modifications. changed the armhole measurement to 8.5 instead of 9 and I added fabric lining for the pockets. I'm hoping to put up a tutorial on how I did this over the next day or so.

Day 358-365: First Try

2011-12-24T20:00:00.000-08:00

Watch out world Mac is at the wheel.

Day 357-365: Green or Blue

2011-12-23T13:42:00.000-08:00

I think her eyes change colors...

Day 356-365: Whaaa?

2011-12-22T17:00:00.000-08:00

Oh, yes the look.

Day 355-365: Cozy

2011-12-21T20:00:00.000-08:00

Staying warm.

Day 354-365: Just One...

2011-12-20T13:35:00.000-08:00

of many! I love frogs.

Day 353-365: My Old Love

2011-12-19T20:00:00.000-08:00

Ever since watching episodes of Work Of Art, I've had this need to pull out the pens again. I'm glad I did.

Day 352-365: Snowflakes

2011-12-18T16:15:00.000-08:00

We had a blast cutting up paper and decorating the house with snowflakes.

Day 351-365: Thomas

2011-12-17T14:13:00.000-08:00

A little play time with Miss Mac. She received this electronic train set a few years ago, and she still enjoys it.

Day 350-365: Kringle Market

2011-12-16T14:11:00.000-08:00

Love the stars... If you haven't been to the market, grab your wallet because it will be hard to avoid not spending money here.

Day 349-365: Fireside

2011-12-15T14:08:00.000-08:00

Got a spot by the fireplace... first time enjoying the New Panera. Creamy tomato soup just in case your curious;)

Day 348-365: 2 North Michigan

2011-12-14T14:05:00.000-08:00

Opening Day! Can't tell you how much this makes me happy. Just steps away from my office.

Day 347-365: Garage

2011-12-13T16:03:00.000-08:00

To beat the cold/rain or anything not worth walking around in... I walk underground through the garages.

Day 346-365: Blue

2011-12-12T14:01:00.000-08:00

Not sure why, but this tree has blue lights where as all the others are white. Love the change!

Day 345-365: Visit with Santa

2011-12-11T10:31:00.000-08:00

The ONLY trip to the mall during this crazy season is to see the Big Guy.

Day 344-365: Nom

2011-12-10T10:29:00.000-08:00

I can't even guess how many pictures I had to take to get a "good" shot for the xmas card. sigh. gotta love them.

Day 343-365: Decorate

2011-12-09T10:27:00.000-08:00

I love that my kids love decorating the tree. Me, not so much...but they bring out my good cheer;)

Day 342: Swirls

2011-12-08T22:30:00.000-08:00

I love how the city decorates with lights to make the trees swirl. I wonder if this inspires skaters to twirl?

Day 341-365: Wreath

2011-12-07T14:23:00.000-08:00

You know it's that time of year when the Lions at the Art Institute get their wreaths.

Day 340-365: Left Mitt

2011-12-06T18:00:00.000-08:00

Chug-a-chug along on these...soon I'll be sporting new knit wear! Whoo-hoo!!

Day 339-365: Tree of Life

2011-12-05T20:30:00.000-08:00

Yvonne Domenge’s Tree of Life sculpture, measures approximately 16 feet tall and symbolizes life’s energy.

Day 338-365: Right Mitt

2011-12-04T10:13:00.000-08:00

Finished my right Tourbillon mitten about a week ago... these need to get done quicker, the temps are dropping faster then I can knit!

Day 337-365: Secret

2011-12-03T12:09:00.000-08:00

This project is a secret...have ripped and re-knit, but I think I'm on the right track now.

Day 336-365: Moss

2011-12-02T10:08:00.000-08:00

I love seeing these small patches of moss between the stones. I start to imagine whole new worlds on a small scale.

Day 335-365: Orange Seed

2011-12-01T21:00:00.000-08:00

This is part of Yvonne Domenge’s sculptures at Millennium Park... seeds that represent the beauty and fragility of new life.

Day 334-365: Skate Time

2011-11-30T21:30:00.000-08:00

The ice rink is now open and I loved how the lights reflected on the Bean.

Day 333-365: Door

2011-11-29T19:00:00.000-08:00

Love the texture and color this door has... what you can't tell from the photo is that the door is only 4 1/2 feet tall. Why? I may never know.

Woobie Zebra Pattern

2011-11-29T12:59:00.000-08:00

The Woobie Zebra is ready to Rock!

This rockin Zebra is number 6 in the series of Woobies... be on the lookout for more to come.

I can't express how much I love working with the Cascade Superwash Sport. It knits up beautifully and with the yarn being a superwash, it gives me peace of mind knowing I don't have to worry about spills and messes.

Size: 14 in / 35.5 cm square blanket

Yarn: Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash Sport (136 yd/124 m, 1.75oz/50g ball), Off White #817: 2 balls and Brown #818: 1 ball

Materials: 32 in / 81 cm - US #3 / 3.25mm circular needle, Set of 5 - US #3 / 3.25mm double pointed needles, 8 stitch markers, waste yarn, size B / 2.25mm crochet hook, poly-fill, embroidery floss and yarn needle. Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain correct gauge.

Gauge: 26 sts and 34 rows = 4 inch [10 cm] in stockinette stitch. Every knitter’s gauge is unique, so be sure to check.

Day 332-365: Lights

2011-11-28T22:00:00.000-08:00

At least when it gets dark so early I've got pretty lights to look at.

Day 331-365: The Mess

2011-11-27T09:38:00.000-08:00

Tackled her room today. This is the good side. It took from noon to 6pm to purge and organize, but it was so worth it.

Day 330-365: Tone

2011-11-26T09:36:00.000-08:00

Just a lamp on a wall, but I love the angle and glow.

Day 329-365: My Kids

2011-11-25T09:34:00.000-08:00

Both objects represent my kids... the Monster is my son and the Butterfly is dearest daughter.

Day 328-365: All Smiles

2011-11-24T09:32:00.000-08:00

The flash was just too much.

Day 327-365: Little Booties

2011-11-23T09:30:00.000-08:00

Quickly pumped these out... In. A. Day. Seriously. It's hard to imagine feet small enough to fit these, but it happens.

Day 326-365: Peek

2011-11-22T09:26:00.000-08:00

Cat looking at girl. Girl looking at me. Me looking at both of them. Ha! Love it!!

Day 325-365: The Floor

2011-11-21T09:24:00.000-08:00

The basement is an eye sore, but aren't all projects that go under construction? Ripped up tile and carpet... really hope to have this space livable in 2012.

Day 324-365: Oh the Drama

2011-11-20T09:21:00.000-08:00

What could possible be the big deal? Something to do with boys I'm sure.

Day 323-365: Blue Woobie Bunny

2011-11-19T09:18:00.000-08:00

This little Woobie Bunny is being gifted, but had to get a proper shot before hopping away.

Woobie Lamb Pattern

2011-11-18T10:55:00.000-08:00

The Woobie Lamb is ready for a sleepy time snuggle!

This sleepy lamb is number 5 in the series of Woobies... be on the lookout for more to come.

I can't express how much I love working with the Cascade Superwash Sport. It knits up beautifully and with the yarn being a superwash, it gives me peace of mind knowing I don't have to worry about spills and messes.

Size: 14 in / 35.5 cm square blanket

Yarn: Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash Sport (136 yd/124 m, 1.75oz/50g ball), Off White #817: 2 balls and Brown #818: 1 ball

Materials: 32 in / 81 cm - US #3 / 3.25mm circular needle, Set of 5 - US #3 / 3.25mm double pointed needles, 8 stitch markers, waste yarn, size B / 2.25mm crochet hook, poly-fill, embroidery floss and yarn needle. Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain correct gauge.

Gauge: 26 sts and 34 rows = 4 inch [10 cm] in stockinette stitch. Every knitter’s gauge is unique, so be sure to check.

Day 322-365: Bubbles

2011-11-18T09:15:00.000-08:00

A Woobie Bunny is soaking in nice bath... ahhhh, another project off the needles.

Day 321-365: Busy

2011-11-17T14:37:00.000-08:00

Another busy day... but I loved the shadows of the city resting on the park.

Day 320-365: Goblet

2011-11-16T14:34:00.000-08:00

This is a treasure we found while on our honeymoon in England.

Day 319-365: More City

2011-11-15T14:33:00.000-08:00

Super busy, so took the lazy shot out my window.

Day 318-365: Rock It!

2011-11-14T16:25:00.000-08:00

Mac is rockin' it out! She loves the guitar and I can see her being famous one day;)

Day 317-365: Glimce

2011-11-13T13:34:00.000-08:00

What you have here is a quick drive-by sunset.

Day 316-365: Giraffe

2011-11-12T13:32:00.000-08:00

Awwww, look. The Woobie fits perfectly on that branch! Hot damn.

Day 315-365: Park

2011-11-11T13:31:00.000-08:00

The days are getting colder and going to the park will be just a fond memory until next spring...

Day 314-365: Bark

2011-11-10T13:30:00.000-08:00

Out investigating for a photo shoot location... and I think I've found the perfect branch.

Day 313-365: Different Angle

2011-11-09T20:30:00.000-08:00

There was a quick break in the dreary rainy overcast weather, so I grabbed my camera and headed to the south end of my office...you can see the museum and the lake. You can also kinda see my reflection in the glass;)

Day 312-365: Daylight Savings

2011-11-08T11:34:00.000-08:00

Haven't even left work and it's already dark... love how the street lights make the autumn leaves glow.

Day 311-365: Pepper Jam

2011-11-07T11:32:00.000-08:00

See that red umbrella? You can see a man about his homemade pepper jam. Yummm, so good.

Day 310-365: Marigolds

2011-11-06T20:00:00.000-08:00

Still going strong and bring a punch of color to an otherwise gray day.

Day 309-365: Dropped

2011-11-05T16:30:00.000-07:00

All those beautiful leaves have now dropped. sigh. Till next year my friend.

Day 308-365: Woof!

2011-11-04T13:00:00.000-07:00

The next Woobie in the series is the puppy.

Day 307-365: Sparkle Kitty

2011-11-03T22:00:00.000-07:00

Was lazy and didn't take a photo, so I'm pulling out one from the pumpkin patch.

Day 306-365: City

2011-11-02T21:00:00.000-07:00

I love this angle and movement. You can feel the hustle and bustle of the city.

Day 305-365: Interrupting Kitty

2011-11-01T11:08:00.000-07:00

It never fails that when it's time for me to do anything, he's right there wanting to be petted.

Day 304-365: Tick or Treat!

2011-10-31T10:48:00.000-07:00

What's more fun then trolling the suburban streets with a Kitty, Fairy, Mario, Luigi, a Death Bride and of course my Monster High Werewolf.

Day 303-365: Marshall

2011-10-30T10:42:00.000-07:00

A corner of the house is designated for the Rockers in our family!

Day 302-365: It's All Good

2011-10-29T10:38:00.000-07:00

Seems the computer needs a fan upgrade. Found it kinda cool to see this note;)

Day 301-365: Carving Complete

2011-10-28T10:36:00.000-07:00

She wont touch the icky stuff... claim it feels like dog slobber. Hahahaha.

Day 300-365: Rake

2011-10-27T19:56:00.000-07:00

I love that my neighbor has this beauty in her backyard... get to appreciate the colors without the need to rake!

Day 299-365: Alley

2011-10-26T20:00:00.000-07:00

It's dirty, smelly and creepy. But I Love It!

Day 298-365: Nichols Bridgeway

2011-10-25T20:00:00.000-07:00

The bridgeway rises over the Lurie Gardens and crosses Monroe Street connecting to the Art Institute third floor of the new Modern Wing.

Woobie Zebra Pattern Testing

2011-10-25T14:28:00.000-07:00

I just had to share these photos of the New Woobie Zebra! I'm super smitten!!

If your interested in testing for the Zebra come join the test thread on Ravelry.

I Mean Seriously, how could you not resist the Mohawk! Look for this new pattern out the end of November.

Day 297-365: People Watching

2011-10-24T20:00:00.000-07:00

Love just sitting drinking some hot tea while people watching. It's great entertainment.

Day 296-365: Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-23T12:47:00.000-07:00

Made it out to the patch for our Halloween Pumpkins... didn't meet the Great Pumpkin though;)

Day 295-365: Angel

2011-10-22T12:42:00.000-07:00

It's a little depressing to know this is from a graveyard, but I just love the fancy stonework.

Day 294-365: New Woobie

2011-10-21T12:37:00.000-07:00

Working on a new project during lunch and getting excited to show this off.

Day 293-365: FO Baby Sweater

2011-10-20T12:27:00.000-07:00

Now it's only a matter of what to do with the leftovers;)

Pattern: Telemark Pullover by Erika Flory

Yarn: 2 skeins of Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sport Multi (alternating)

Needles: US 5 circular needle

Started: September 28, 2011

Finished: October 17, 2011

Quick. Easy. Would totally make this again. I alternated the multi yarn so it wouldn't pool and added side slits to the bottom hem. Totally have enough leftovers for booties;)

Day 292-365: Brilliant

2011-10-19T14:15:00.000-07:00

I don't get tired of see these trees "On Fire!".

Day 291-365: Caution

2011-10-18T21:59:00.000-07:00

Makes you wonder what kind of story is behind this photo, huh? I think I'll leave it up to your imagination;)

Day 290-365: Colors of Fall

2011-10-17T21:57:00.000-07:00

The one great thing about Fall is the intense colors. Just stunning.

Day 289-365: Whole Again

2011-10-16T20:47:00.000-07:00

After 13 years of being separated, father and daughter have been reunited.

Day 288-365: Rainbow

2011-10-15T18:46:00.000-07:00

What a sight to see...

Day 287-365: Tile Mural

2011-10-14T18:43:00.000-07:00

A wonderful city tile mural tucked under the "L" tracks.

Day 286-365: Rain Drops

2011-10-13T20:07:00.001-07:00

Heading home from work and I loved how the color of the sunset reflected the rain drops on the window.

Day 285-365: Busy Bee

2011-10-12T18:00:00.000-07:00

Another walk in the garden and they are busy over there these days removing the dead foliage. I think I must get a hat like that.

Day 284-365: Fronts

2011-10-11T22:00:00.000-07:00

With the back completed...I'm on to the fronts of the vest and both at the same time. Sweet. This whole vest thing is magic... No Sleeves Peeps!

Day 283-365: The Winged Victory

2011-10-10T08:40:00.000-07:00

The Winged Victory of Samothrace is a copy of the original which is in the Louvre Museum, Paris. This replica is put on display for all passerby to admire, just don't try to take a picture from the inside of the building... you will be shooed.

Day 282-365: Baby Sleeves

2011-10-09T11:00:00.000-07:00

After finally locating my size 5 DPN's I'm now off and running with baby sleeves. I love baby knitting, so quick and cute.

Day 281-365: Goodies

2011-10-08T18:00:00.000-07:00

I never did get to show off the goodies I purchased at Yarn Con some weeks back. I knew I wanted a Piddleloop bag, but was pleased to find mini skeins all bundled together like a pompom from Evermore Studios. Couldn't resist.

Day 280-365: Fisher

2011-10-07T21:00:00.000-07:00

Don't you just love Cherubs?

Tourbillon = Whirlwind

2011-10-07T06:00:00.000-07:00

Someone asked me the other day, “How do you pronounce the name of your pattern?”

“Well,” I said, “you should drum up your best French accentand try: Tour • Bee • Yon.”

It’s not necessary, of course, but it’s fun. I love accents, but if your likeme -- from the Midwest, specifically Chicago -- then it would be more like:Tour • Bill • On

Picking a name for a design can be hard. You want something that stands out, somethingthat people won’t forget. What was important for this pattern was a name that stoodfor the visual complexity of the design.

I just couldn’t name the design Swirls or Twirls, even though they were myinspiration. You see, as a kid I loved it when the wind would kick up bits ofleaf or snowflakes and twist and twirl them about. I would imagine being supertiny and riding those swirls around like a roller coaster. I suppose it was thefascination that you couldn’t see the pattern made by the wind until little bits werecaptured by random gusts and carried away.

It was back in the summer of 2010 that I first started sketching my design forthe swirls. I would pull out my sketchbook and make notes about how I couldincorporate the color work to be non-repetitive. The whole concept of swirls ingeneral is their random movements, and this posed a challenge in the construction.How could I get the swirls to keep moving and yet have a repeating chart thatflows? I exhausted my supply of graph paper, but a solution was found. The nextstep was to think about applying the chart to my intended projects.

I’ve knitted so many creatively designed accessories focusing on a singleobject that when I dress for the weather I’m always left feeling like PunkyBrewster -- not that there is anything wrong with Punky Brewster, I LOVE herstyle. Yet as a grown woman, I feel the insatiable need to match. I knew that Iwanted a tam and mitten set, but when the Twist Collective Fall 2011 moodboards were released, I knew adding a cowl would really make this set complete.

Off I went to swatch. The great thing about stranded color work is that bysimply picking contrasting colors you can make stuff POP off the fabric. Once Iknew how I wanted the design to flow, then I started to think aboutconstruction. There are different applications you can use to make brims,borders, and edges, but I needed one that was uniform for all three pieces. Thepicot edge is what won me over. It was a perfect edging for all three projectsand added that extra finishing technique that makes the set complete.

I feel so honored to be among the selection of talented designers for thisfall’s Twist Collective. I do have to say, though, that the one thing that Ifound quite hard to get over was sending in my samples. I wanted to keep themfor myself! So, I’ve cast on for my own set. If you’d like to join us for aTourbillon knit-a-long then please join us on the Twist Collective RalveryGroup.

Day 279-365: Bridge

2011-10-06T17:00:00.000-07:00

The BP Pedestrian Bridge connects Millennium Park and the Daley Bicentennial Plaza by crossing over Columbus Drive. Everyone was out today with the weather being above average.