Come join the fun: Indie Design Gift A-Long!

Some amazing things have been happening behind the scenes with the Indie Designers. There are 170 designers putting on a Gift-A-Long from November 1 - December 31. During the next 15 days (Nov 1 - 15) you can choose from nearly 3,000 patterns at a 25% off when you use the code “giftalong”.

Once you’ve picked your Gift-A-Long patterns, you can join a relevant Knit-Along/Crochet-Along. All of my self-published patterns are eligible for the discount, even the ebooks! What is even better is that there are prizes. Yes... PRIZES!! So go right now and participate in the threads ... From what I'm hearing there are some cool things you can win.



So whether your knitting that gift for a family member or yourself, it's totally worth it to get involved!

Synergy Mystery Knit-Along

** Tap ** Tap ** Tap **

Is this thing on??

I've got some fun things happening over here and I believe it will help me jump start this blog again. I've been struggling with how much to tell and what to tell. It then leads me to not say anything. And to be honest That is just No Fun at all.

So instead of struggling, I'm going to let you in more. Unless my designs are going to be knit for a true publication which holds every designer under a vial of discrete silence, I'm letting you in to my self publishing world.

This leads me to my latest exciting project. A couple of months ago I was cleaning out the store space under the stairs and found my box of Barbie, GI-Joe and Jem dolls. My daughter squealed at the top of her lungs in delight. The dolls are from a '80s cartoon series Jem and the Holograms. I instantly knew I had to design something based on my daughter and the classic show.

That brings us to today where I have a pattern ready for the world, but why launch a pattern just to send it out. Why not break up the pattern and do a Mystery Knit-Along!! The pattern works perfectly into this scenario and what a better time to launch this MKAL but during my daughters birthday month.

The pattern is a little girly, a little punk and Totally Outrageous!! Need some help with colors? No problem. I founds some fantastic outfits from the show and paired up color combos to inspire ideas.



Are you sucked in yet? Well, take advantage now and buy the Synergy Mystery KAL pattern from now until the end of August for just $3.00 because come September 1st the pattern price will go up to $6.00

Join in on the fun by participating in the Knifty Red Designs group.



Grab the avatar for your project page. Tag your project with synergyMKAL. We'll have separate threads for spoilers, so keep a watch out. I'm looking at getting a prize together for all those who post finished projects.

Purchase the pattern now and you will get the preliminary download to get you started and prepared for August 1st.

Clue Release Dates are scheduled for:
Clue 1 - August 1st
Clue 2 - August 8th
Clue 3 - August 15th
Clue 4 - August 22nd

So come on and join in on the fun.

FO: SSMS

I had just realized that I never showed my finished project for the Summer Solstice Mystery Shawl Knit-along!

I finished so quickly that I almost forgot I actually knit the thing.

Here are the spec's from the project:

Pattern: Summer Solstice Mystery Shawl Knit-along! by Wendy Johnson

Yarn: Ella Rae Lace Merino in Lime Green or other wise known as Color 3

Needles: US 7 circular needle

Started: June 20, 2012

Finished: July 22, 2012

The pattern had called for a US 5 needle, but since I've had experience with Wendy's shawl patterns before I knew I'd have to increase that size. It turned out perfectly. The piece definitely needs a closure as it seems like it wanted to fly away, so that was easily fixed by attaching a button to one end. I use a yarn-over hole as a way to secure it.



I did do some modifications...added all the extra repeats suggested except for the last set in part E of the pattern. I was running out of yarn fast and knew I had to make a choice. The skein has 460 yards and the pattern calls for 420-450 in order to make the smallest size. I knew I wanted length, so I went for it. I ended up with only 5g of yarn left. Enough to add another mitered square to my Left Over Sock Yarn Blanket. Talk about using every inch!!

Tourbillon = Whirlwind

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 accent and try: Tour • Bee • Yon.”

It’s not necessary, of course, but it’s fun. I love accents, but if your like me -- 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, something that people won’t forget. What was important for this pattern was a name that stood for the visual complexity of the design.

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

It was back in the summer of 2010 that I first started sketching my design for the swirls. I would pull out my sketchbook and make notes about how I could incorporate the color work to be non-repetitive. The whole concept of swirls in general 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 that flows? I exhausted my supply of graph paper, but a solution was found. The next step was to think about applying the chart to my intended projects.

I’ve knitted so many creatively designed accessories focusing on a single object that when I dress for the weather I’m always left feeling like Punky Brewster -- not that there is anything wrong with Punky Brewster, I LOVE her style. Yet as a grown woman, I feel the insatiable need to match. I knew that I wanted a tam and mitten set, but when the Twist Collective Fall 2011 mood boards 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 by simply picking contrasting colors you can make stuff POP off the fabric. Once I knew how I wanted the design to flow, then I started to think about construction. There are different applications you can use to make brims, borders, and edges, but I needed one that was uniform for all three pieces. The picot edge is what won me over. It was a perfect edging for all three projects and added that extra finishing technique that makes the set complete.

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

FO: St. Brigid

Pattern: St. Brigid by Alice Starmore (Ravelry link)

Yarn: 10 skeins Louet Riverstone

Needles: US 5

Started: February 1, 2009 (St. Brigid's Day - no joke!)

Finished: May 15, 2009



Comments: A fantastic knit. Kept me on my toes the entire time. I had finished the sweater perhaps a month ago, but was working on getting a zipper inserted. Before starting the project I had ordered a color card from ZipperStop and then purchased a custom double ended zipper once I was done seaming the project together. If you haven't see that post about how I put in the zipper, just click here.



Modifications: I eliminated one full repeat which removed 3 inches off the length. The sleeves are a little snug on the forearm, so I added more of the checked rib to allow some ease. The original pattern is a pullover, but I wanted more use out of this piece and decided to convert it to a cardigan. The pattern also has you add fringe along the bottom. That wasn't going to work for me, so I added the small braid cable along the bottom, collar and cuffs. With the adjustments I was making, the zipper edges would be rough and could possibly catch on the zipper, so added a icord edging to give it a more smooth transition. I followed the Keyboard Biologist tutorial on applying icord to edges. I can see using this in many other pieces because it gives it that finished look.



This was such a fun project and I'm hoping everyone doing the Knit-Along will be done with their projects just in time for February 1, 2010 for the next St. Brigid Day.

Just Keep Knitting...

Today is my last day before vacation. Sweet, lovely holiday. This is were I do nothing. Besides hangin' with the folks and moseying along each day. The preparation for taking a week off is busting my arss the week before and then busting it up again the week after.

My vacation ends with a bang at Stitches Midwest and I'm a little concerned that I'm not fully prepared. I mean my homework is done, yet what will I wear? What shoes will be the best for shopping for hours in and around 200 booths! What bag should I bring to carry all my goodies? sigh. I guess it's not so bad, yet I don't want to forget my pajamas. That has always been the one consistent thing I've forgotten in past trips.

Well, we can't forget the most obvious of all things... what will I bring to knit? Oh Gosh... I haven't a clue.



I'm guessing my Ravelympic event will be done by then, since this is the front and I'm about a third of the way through. Maybe a sock... portable is always good.

Last night I made up a batch of Calico Bean Dip and I couldn't stand it and had it for breakfast. Thanks Janice for this lovely recipe, I seriously can't get enough. Here is the only evidence left after I ran out of scoops... I'm considering licking the bowl;)



On another bit of random news...



This bag is so cute. On my way to the train I spotted this lovely thing and had to take a picture of it. I'm not one of those girls that can spot the designer bag from 50 paces or anything... but it's just so cute. Now if I could only figure out what it is... Anyone else have a clue?

Let The Games Begin

Today at 7:00 a.m. was the official starting time for Chicagoans to cast-on their Ravelympic events. I chose a event that would be challenging and yet saw as a possibility of completion.

I have joined Team Chicago for the Sweater Sprint event and think I will do fairly well. As my commute started today, so did my challenge.



The first cast-on consisted of K2, Slip 1 style... it turned out unsuccessful in winning me creative points in this category. I chose to take a point deduction and restart with a K1, P1 ribbing. I think in the end when all points are tallied you will see I was wise in this decision.

I have 17 days people. When the ending ceremonies for the Olympics is upon us I should have a finished object to present.

FO: Fulmar

Pattern: Fulmar

Yarn: Silver Creek Merino (9 skeins)

Needles: US 2

Start Date: October 1, 2007

End Date: July 12, 2008

Comments: sigh. I love it. I want to sleep with it. Make love and have babies kinda love;) Yet I'm scared to wear it. It should be framed and hung on the wall under glass for all to view.

The only modifications was to shorten the length by about 2 inches and I think that was a wise decision as I like to access my pockets easily. The yarn is super delicious and it's a shame it's discontinued. Yeah, disappointing because it's got 306 yards per skein.

This project has conquered my fears of Alice Starmore (AKA: The Designer). Now, it's time to think of what other big project I want to accomplish.

Random Wednesday

So, you'd think that since it's Summer of Socks 2008 (SoS08) that I've be working on nothing but. Ha, your wrong. I would like this to happen but I've got plenty to distract me.

Here is my socks so far:



Good progress considering that I only knit a few rows here and there. I'm approaching the heel part, so I've worked out about 10 minutes worth of math by plugging in my numbers for the formula. These socks are turning out super squishy and will most likely be my favorite sock... that is until I get another pair off the needles;)

My other knitting project is the Ogee Tunic:



This garment is knit up using Dolly yarn and I love the feel and texture. However, I'm not too sold on the structure of the cables. This yarn has a very tight twist and you can see the main fabric when knit in stockinette is twisted as well. Overall, I don't mind so much that the bottom design doesn't pop... I'll be pleased in the end with how soft and lofty the final project feels.

Update on Fulmar. I don't have a current photo and would rather present that Bad Boy in full when finished. There are only 10 more rows of the neck to finish before I'm seaming the sides. So close.

As far as the Windmill Beret goes... I'm pondering. I hate to rip, but can't buy more yarn as the final project wouldn't fit any human being.

Oh, Fudge

This weekend was filled with re-dos. I got through a full 12 row repeat on the Fulmar neckline before I realized that I had repeated the wrong chart. Ripped. It's back on the needles and in full swing again. I wasn't going to just push that puppy to the back of the closet with it so close to finished.

I then tried on my Hand Pained socks and could fit two fingers on the sides without stretching...ripped and backed up to toe increases. Some how the 64 stitch sock was to big and now I'm working a 52 stitch version. How awesome is that! It's knitting up faster then ever.

The Beret, well it's gone to shit. I thought I cold get over it. Figured I could just push on ahead, but I just don't feel the want to keep working on something that is wrong. Here it is looking just perfect...



The green is the Main Color (MC) and the other brown/orange is the Contrasting Color (CC), which will change colors as I get further along. The MC and the CC create these lines that run down the hat and it's knit in such a way that that when the pattern needs to increase in size you end up with branch like extensions that form lines in the MC.

Well, that's what is suppose to happen... this is what I've been running into:



Blob of color just doesn't work for me. Another ripp.

A Milestone

Guess what that is?

It's not to difficult if you've been paying attention. That... that there is Fulmar as in Fulmar BLOCKED.

It all started happening so fast when working the saddles, that before you know it we've got an almost completed sweater on our hands.



Little Miss Mac helped me pull all the pins, which she loves to do and she even tried racing me without my knowledge and proclaimed "You Won Mommy!".

This really kills me...color? wow. Above photos are taken indoors under florescent lights and now these below are from natural light by a window. So much closer to the true color.



Saddle are then inset into the front and back sections. At this point you can kinda try it on, what fun.



Then I picked up the stitches from the neck to finish knitting the neckband. Thank you again Trish for teaching me some great finishing techniques. I feel so much more confident now knowing the proper way verses making it up as I go along;)

In the Yard

They've finally bloomed and just so stunning! I swear this one plant is about to show off about 15 full buds and I'm hoping to get some great wallpaper backgrounds.

In other yard news, I've taken on a large task of landscaping The Dead Zone. This is the before picture:



The Dead Zone is a rough 12 foot by 12 foot space that you see from the back deck when you come out the kitchen. This space is full of rocks and grass, which is also surrounded by more rocks and a fence. All of which makes it really difficult to mow...and plus it just looks ugly. So, I came up with this insane brilliant idea of a stepping path with a raised flower bed. Here is the progress so far:



People. Seriously! Do you have any idea how hard it is to take off the top layer of dense grass while dealing with a rock bed below? Not. Good. Needless to say this has been an on going project and I'm hoping to get started on the raised bed very soon. Talk about a serious workout....and yes I count this as part of my Skinny-4-Stash...although I only get a dollar for every hour I've worked. Heck, those pavers weigh 42 pounds each. You know I'm working a sweat;)

In knitting news, the Fulmar is Killing Me! Don't get me wrong, I love it, but I swear I've fallen into the Knitting Black Hole. So close yet so far. I start my shoulder stuff once I get to 17 and 3/4th... I know! Soooooo Close.

It's Growing

Sleeves are measuring at 13.5 inches and growing. This is currently the only...let me say that again, ONLY project on the needles. I Never Do That!!

No socks... not until June 21 because that's the beginning of The Summer of Socks.

How did this happen, you say? I got obsessed with finishing. Sahara got picked up after a long dismiss and was off the needles before I could even blink. Then before you know it I was bit by the finishing bug and Wicked #2 got swept into the mix.

At least I'm making huge progress on Fulmar... but sometimes you need that extra man in your life to balance things out. I have fallen for a few cuties, but nothing cast-on as of yet.

I'm Swooning For Ogee

I've swatched the Ogee Tunic and got gauge on size US 7's ... This is making me knit the Fulmar faster. I'm guessing this will be my next big project done in purple Bollicine Dolly.



These suckers are going by quick... 10 inches of Fulmar loveliness. I think Knitterary might be right... I bet I will be done come July. Woo-Hoo

How Sweet It Is

I hope you have done a little of this:



I sure did. Plenty of brats, steak, corn and a little asparagus. Yum. Then of course I did a little of this:



Nothing like Red Mulch to make things look sweet. All of these things combined with this:



Sweet Fulmar sleeves (two at a time) were cast-on Thursday. They have surly grown fast and it makes me not want to put it down.

I would also like to point out that when you hand over laundry responsiblities to a almost thirteen year old boy it tends to lead to NO Laundry being done by the thirteen year old boy.

Seriously... 9 loads of laundry and I'm not done.

Another piece of random news... I'm still in love with Indiana Jones. sigh.

Just Keep Knitting...

Do you see?

Oh Yeah Baby!! We're talkin' both the FRONT and BACK are off the needles for Fulmar. I've cast-on for the sleeves. Two at the same time and I'm really getting excited to see this getting closer to the end.

The sleeves will be a bit tricky as I have to pay attention to increases over set number of rows. Which of course changes as the sleeves get longer. sigh. I see some swear words in my future;)

I'm off work tomorrow and I'm still not sure how I want to spend my day.

I do want to put out a small shout-out to all my SnB gals who celebrated our 3rd Anniversary last night. I'm sure it wouldn't surprise you to know that the amount of chocolate consumed kept me up till 2 am. It was fabulous to have you all over and I'm blessed to have each and everyone of you in my life.

Kisses and Cookies!

Green Thumb

You asked for it...



Yep, she's totally ready to dig dirt. We bought some pretty stuff at the nursery on Saturday and did some planting Sunday afternoon. It was really sunny out and with the cool breeze perfect for working outside.



I have no idea of what I'm doing, but it's fun. I picked up some Day Lilies, Hostas and some pretty grassy-flowery things too. Like I said, I have no clue. I like these and I know I can't kill it too easily. Hows that for strategy?

Here is before:



And After with Mac giving the plants some water. She's a serious trooper. She walked back and forth from the patio to the kitchen sick filling her little can up. After awhile I thought it would be nicer to just give them a bath with the good-old hose.



I'm planning on picking up some mulch and we've since added some wild flowers in the bare spots just to see what happens. The worst part of this whole area is the rocks. We have rocks EVERYWHERE and when you think you've gotten them all, think again.

As for Knitting...


Much as been done on the Fulmar. I'm on the last repeat round and the back will be complete. Then of course there are sleeves.

5:27 a.m.

Every morning for the past week I've woken up at that exact time.

Why?

I have no idea. I'm not a morning person. My alarm is set for 6:25 a.m. - and I sometimes have to hit the snooze at least twice.

So, why is it that I wake up suddenly with worry that I over slept. Grab the alarm clock and pull it close enough to see and BAM... 5:27

Does not matter if I went to bed at 10:30 or Midnight. Same thing for the past 5 days. If anything it's bizarre and it's really starting to piss me off. I love sleep. I make a point of taking naps on the weekends because I love it so much.

Unfortunately if it happens again, I think I'll be forced to get out of bed and I don't know... exercise. gosh... the horror of it all;)

The only change in my life as been an added medication from my doctor. Went in awhile ago for that yearly thing we do and I spoke about my hormonal issues. He then put me on a med for PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder). If you click on the link the site has a "quick screener" test to take in order to see your chances of having it. Dudes...I clicked every single symptom. Each symptom has varied degrees, but I find the week before the Big M...is a very difficult roller coaster ride.

I was on the meds for all of 6 days when I stopped taking them. The doc suggested I go for at least 3 months, but I can't handle it. The last 4 days I had a continues migraine and don't wont to be pain anymore. The only ideas I'm thinking about is perhaps going the vitamin route. Any suggestions would be welcomed.

On To Knitting.



Fulmar has been in full swing since the socks came off the needles. I'm just inches away from being done with the front...this means I'm totally past the half way point of having this project done.

I've been having mixed feelings about starting anything new as I don't want to slow this great progress down. Yet I can't help but skim through magazines and day dream about the next big thing? Wow...what will I do after Fulmar?

Summer of Socks 2008

Why not join? You've got till May 15th.



If your not familiar with it, it's pretty simple. You sign up and knit socks during the summer. Well... it could be much more. I just don't see my self winning The Most Socks Knit category.

So, want to know what I did today? I did the kitchener stitch today. Which means...



I finished the March Rockin Sock Club package... Leafling.

I had no clue how, although I've done it before. So I went searching for a tutorial and just about spit my coffee up this morning when I saw this. How are you suppose to see the "how to" beyond the huge size 15 needles? Found a great video at Knitting at Knoon and watched it over and over and a third time just to make sure.

I think I should take a break from socks...work on the Fulmar, perhaps pull out that Sahara I shoved in the back of my closet.

Happy Friday!