Rip!!!!

Doing a little bit of pre-spring cleaning around these parts over the past weekend, including digging into the yarn storage and unfinished projects. I organized most of my stash and put it up on Ravelry so I can actually remember what I have. Most of my stash is single balls of yarn that I bought for design development. Now that I have Raverly, I don't have to worry so much when I loose that yarn label!

We also had a little frogging party:

Victim #1: Phildar Wrap I started back in 2003 or 2004 - I was going to try and finish it during the 1st project spectrum. As you can see, not much progress was made in a positive direction - until now. The reclaimed yarn will hopefully become a nice Affric Cape from Rowan 42.



Proposed Victim #2: The Slip Stitch Jacket - If you remember my previous posts, you know how much trouble I had with the yarn yardage info on this sweater - just needed to buy 4 more balls than what was in the pattern! It has been sitting around for a few months now, and after all that trouble, I'm actually thinking about frogging this finished sweater. I'm not so sure I'm really going to wear it because in my eyes, I look like a football player. What do you guys think? This sweater's fate depends on you! Honestly, I think my body language says it all here, I look uncomfortable. It's actually a really nice, warm, comfy sweater. Mr DB says I'm too hard on myself and it looks great.

Expectant Little Knits

Here are my 2 designs that were in Expectant Little Knits! My first book published designs for 2008:

Lacy Babydoll [Ravelry Link]



Purple Rain Sleeveless Tunic [Ravelry Link]

This design project was really a challenge to me. Fitting a non-pregnant body is one thing, but maternity sweaters need a few more tricks added in for a proper fit. I used Big Girl knits quite a bit to learn how short rows can help add a little room in the places exactly where it's needed. I was a little worried when I sent them off not really knowing if they would fit the models or not, but judging from the final product, I think I can safely say I did ok!

Quick Update

DSL is down again at home, so just a quick update for now!

First, I'm now able to offer neoknits patterns for sale on Ravelry! Yay! It's still in the testing stages, but I'm really excited to be a part of this and to see how it develops. I love that you'll be able to have tons of indie designer patterns at your fingertips!

Second, I've added a little newsletter sign up button to the sidebar. Please sign up if you'd like to keep updated on new patterns and designs in the future.

Third, I've finally received my copy of Expectant Little Knits and the book has some really great patterns from alot of great designers in there. I'm already thinking how to modify some of them for my non-pregnant self (emphasis on non to not create any confusion there!) I'll be able to share pictures of my designs once the net is back up at home.

Overwhelmed: But In A Good Way

Sorry I don't have any knitting progress to show. I'm working on another top secret project for the next SnB book, so sadly no pictures. I so miss personal, blog-able knitting! I'm sorry to be such a drag.

But in other news, ever since December, I feel like my life has just been a whirlwind of activity. There was a wedding to plan, a dress to make, and knitting deadlines to meet.

I got a little downtime on my honeymoon, but then it was right back to the daily grind.

Lately though, I've been overwhelmed by the creative possibilities regarding taking neoknits to the next level. I'm finally getting around to developing my website and planning where to go from here. I would love for neoknits to become my sole career, but financially that is really hard decision to make, so I'm weighing all my options. And if it isn't my sole career, how do I find the time to implement all of the plans I'm dreaming up in my head? Decisions, decisions!

In the meantime though, I'm trying my darnedest to keep those creative juices flowing and to direct them in the most useful manner. It's so easy to get sidetracked when I'm in this mode!

First Pattern of the Year

It's been tough getting back into the swing of things, but what could be better than introducing my first pattern of the year!

Colette [Ravelry Link]
by Melissa Wehrle

DIFFICULTY
Intermediate/Advanced

SIZE
XS (S, M, L, XL, 2X, 3X)

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Chest at Underarm: 31.5 (34, 38, 42, 46.5, 50, 54)"/80 (86.5, 96.5, 106.5, 118, 127, 137)cm
Length: 21 (21.5, 22, 22.5, 23, 24, 25)"/53 (55, 56, 57, 58.5, 61, 63.5)cm

MATERIALS
- Black Pearl Yarn (100% Cashmere, 2oz/56g, 200 yds/182m) 5 (5, 6, 6, 7, 8, 9) skeins Espresso
- 1 pair US size 5 (3.75mm) needles or size to obtain correct gauge
- 1 US size 4 (3.75mm) 32"/81cm circular needle
- 1 stitch holder
- Tapestry needle
- Three 1" buttons

GAUGES
25 stitches and 32 rows = 4"/10 cm in Fern St with US size 5 (3.75mm) needles

28 sts and 32 rows = 4"/10 cm in K1, P1 rib with US size 4 (3.5mm) needles

Pattern is available for purchase at One Planet Yarn and Fiber or on the sidebar. A kit is also available for this pattern.

Neoknits For Sale

Welcome! Here are just a few selections of the patterns I have to offer. Please see the sidebar for a complete list of patterns for sale.

Bliss
by Melissa Wehrle

A delicately stitched shawlette perfect for all seasons. Worked in a DK weight yarn, it knits up very quickly and without much fuss.

Difficulty
Intermediate

Materials

• Handmaiden Fine Yarns Double Sea Silk (70% Silk/30% Seacell; 273yds/250m; 100g): Topaz, 2 skeins
• OR 360 yds/329m DK weight yarn
• 1 US size 7 (4.5mm) 24" or longer circular needle or size needed to obtain gauge
  
• 1 stitch marker
• Size E/4 crochet hook
• Waste yarn in contrasting color
• Tapestry needle

Gauge
14 sts and 25 rows = 4"/10cm in Lace Pattern with US size 7 (4.5mm) needle, blocked

Techniques used in pattern

• Crochet Chain Provisional cast on
• Decreasing and increasing
• Following a lace chart

$5.50

Somerset Cardigan
by Melissa Wehrle

A textured shawl collar cardigan reminiscent of days gone by without sacrificing a modern fit. A simple knit/purl texture stitch adds interest to the body and cap sleeves. The deep ribbed shawl collar is worked separately and attached to the body. Leather buttons add a final vintage touch, but for a more modern look try glass, metal or wood.

Difficulty
Intermediate

Materials
-Black Pearl DK Cashmere: 100% Cashmere; 2oz/200yd skein; 5 (5, 5, 6, 7, 8, 8) skeins Chai Tea
-1 pair US 5 (3.75mm) straight needles
-1 pair US 4 (3.5mm) straight needles
-1 Stitch holder
-Tapestry needle
-4 x 11/16" buttons

Sizes
Finished Bust: 30 (32, 36, 40, 44, 49, 53)"/76 (81.5, 91.5, 101.5, 112, 124.5, 134.5)cm
Length: 19.5 (20, 20.5, 21, 21.5, 22.5, 23.5)"/49.5, 51, 52, 53.5, 54.5, 57, 59.5)cm

Shown modeled with 1" negative ease.

Gauges
24 sts/32 rows = 4"/10cm in Texture stitch with US size 5 needles
30 sts/36 rows = 4"/10cm in 1x1 rib, slightly stretched with US size 4 needles

A kit for the Somerset Cardigan is available at One Planet Yarn and Fiber (pattern is included).

or purchase the pattern by clicking the button below


$6.00

Guinevere
by Melissa Wehrle

Guinevere is the perfect little cardigan for the warmer weather. This cap sleeve cardigan is full of little details and interesting textures. Two different lace stitches make up the bottom then continue on to a jersey/reverse jersey fully shaped neck finish. The body is then completed with 1x1 rib cap sleeves. Even though the body is knit flat, very little finishing is required! No buttonholes or picking up stitches here

Materials
HandMaiden Fine Yarn Flaxen; (65% Silk/35% Linen, 100g, 273yds/250m); 3 (3, 3, 3, 4) skeins Sangria

Actual yardage: 570(625, 690, 770, 840)yds/521 (572, 631, 704, 768)m

1 pair US 5 (3.75mm) straight needles
1 pair US 4 (3.5mm) straight needles
1 pair US 2 (2.75mm) straight needles
1 US size D (3.25mm) crochet hook
1 stitch marker
Tapestry needle
(2) 1/2" buttons
2 small snaps
Sewing needles and thread

Size
30 (33, 36, 39, 42)"/76 (84, 91.5, 99, 106.5)cm; shown in size 33"/84cm with 1.5"/4cm negative ease.

Finished measurements
Finished bust: 28.5 (31.5, 34.5, 37.5, 40.5)"/72.5 (80, 87.5, 95, 103)cm
Length: 18.75 (19.25, 20, 20.75, 21.5)"/47.5 (49, 51, 52.5, 54.5)cm

Gauges
24 sts and 28 rows = 4"/10cm in Stockinette St with US size 4 needles
20 sts and 32 rows = 4"/10cm in lace stitches with US size 5 needles
26 sts and 37 rows = 4"/10cm in 1x1 rib with US size 2 needles

Pattern is 18 pages long and includes:
- written and charted instructions for lace patterns
- detailed schematic
- fully charted neck shaping for each size (both right and left sides)
- suggestions for fit modification
- flat knit construction with minimal finishing (shoulder, side, and armhole seams only)

$7.00

Urban Wrap
by Melissa Wehrle

The Urban Wrap is a simple, cozy piece sure to spice up any wardrobe. The curved fronts and extra long ties add a modern flair to an otherwise standard wrap cardigan. A quick knit worked in worsted weight yarn and stockinette stitch, it makes a great showpiece for your favorite variegated and hand dyed yarns.

Difficulty
Intermediate

Materials
-Lanas Puras Melosa Worsted: 100% Merino wool; 100g/215yd skein; 4 (4, 5, 6, 6, 7, 8) skeins Passion
-1 pair US 8 (5mm) straight needles
-1 US 8 (5mm) 36" or longer circular needle
-1 US I (5.5mm) crochet hook
-1 Stitch holder
-Tapestry needle

Sizes
Finished bust: 30 (33, 37, 41.5, 45, 49, 53)"/76 (84, 94, 105.5, 114.5, 124.5,134.5)cm
Length: 22.5 (23, 23.5, 24, 24.5, 25.5, 26.5)"/57 (58.5, 59.5, 61, 62, 65, 67.5)cm

Gauge
18 sts/24 rows = 4"/10cm in Stockinette stitch

A kit for the Urban Wrap is available at One Planet Yarn and Fiber (pattern is included).

or purchase the pattern by clicking on the button below


$6.00

Tatami
by Melissa Wehrle

Materials:
Louet Gems Sport (100% Merino Wool, 100g, 225yds/205m); 5 (5, 5, 6, 6, 7, 7, 8) skeins Caribbean Blue

Actual yardage: 986 (1021, 1127, 1171, 1261, 1404, 1521, 1651)yds

1 pair US 5 (3.75mm) 36" or longer circular needle, or size needed to obtain gauge
1 US size D (3.25mm) crochet hook
1 stitch marker
Tapestry needle

Size:
Fits bust size: 33 (35, 37, 39, 41, 45, 49, 53)"/84 (89, 94, 99, 104, 114, 124.5, 134.5)cm, shown in size 33" with 0" ease.

Finished Measurements:
Finished bust: 33 (35, 37, 39, 41, 45, 49, 53)"/84 (89, 94, 99, 104, 114, 124.5, 134.5)cm
Length: 23 (23, 24, 24.5, 25, 26, 26.5, 27)"/58.5 (58.5, 61, 62, 63.5, 66, 67.5, 68.5)cm

Gauges:
24 sts and 31 rows = 4"/10cm in Stockinette stitch with US size 5 needles.
24 sts and 31 rows = 4"/10cm in drop stitch pattern with US size 5 needles, before dropping sts.
18 sts and 31 rows = 4"/10cm in drop stitch pattern, after dropping sts.

To save time, take time to check gauge.

$7.00

Grannie Smith Cardigan
by Melissa Wehrle

Difficulty:
Advanced

Finished Measurements:
Chest: 32 [34, 36, 38, 40, 44, 48]"
Length: 19 [19, 19.5, 19.5, 20, 20.5, 21]"

Materials:
Rowan Kidsilk Haze [70% super kid mohair/30% silk; 229 yds/210, per 25g ball]; color: Jelly 597; 4 [4, 4, 5, 5, 6, 6] balls
1 pair US size 4 (3.50mm) straight needles, or size needed to obtain gauge
1 pair US size 3 (3.25mm) straight needles
1 US size 3 (3.25mm) double-pointed needle
Waist yarn
Stitch holder
Five 5/8" buttons

Gauge:
25 sts and 32 rows = 4" (10cm) in lace diamond pattern stitch using larger needles

$5.00

Audrey

by Melissa Wehrle

Cute tunic length cardigan worked in a lacy stitch with a flattering deep V neckline. Body is worked flat with sleeves added as you go. Pattern includes written and charted instructions for lace stitch, detailed schematic, and extra chart to help layout neck decreases.

Difficulty:

Advanced

Sizes:
XS (S, M, L, XL, 2X, 3X)

Finished Measurements:
Chest: 33.5 (36, 38.5, 43.5, 48.5, 54, 59)"/85 (91, 98, 110.5, 123, 137, 150)cm
Length: 29 (29.5, 30, 30.5, 31, 31.5, 32)"/74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 80, 81)cm

Materials:
- Fable Handknit Pure Baby Alpaca (100% Baby Alpaca, 50g, 145yds/132m, 7 (8, 8, 9, 10, 11,12) skeins Chocolate
-1 pair US size 5 (3.75mm) straight needles or size needed to obtain gauge
- 1 US size 5 (3.75mm) x 40" circular needle
- 1 stitch holder
- Tapestry needle

Gauge:
22 sts and 32 rows = 4"/10cm in Flame Stitch with US size 5 (3.75mm) needle

Techniques Used:
- lace
- decreasing/increasing in pattern
- casting on extra stitches
- picking up stitches
- buttonholes

$6.00