Fall 2009 Interweave Knits Preview

So I really did not expect the Interweave Knits Fall 2009 preview to be up this week too! Time to introduce Angelica's Coat:

When I designed this coat, I had something earthy and cozy in mind. Something that would be perfect to wrap yourself up in as the fall chill moves in, but could easily carry you into the colder winter months too. I added a belt to give the coat a little more fitted shape if desired, but it can certainly be worn without.

I've been a busy little knitter the past few months, that's for sure. Remember when I was having problems with the wrists? Well this was one of the projects I was working on at that time. Normally, it wouldn't have been a problem, but a blanket coat in Aran weight yarn was really a challenge for hands that were already hurting! I just hope it's well received to make it all worth it :)

Knitscene Fall 2009

Today the official preview went live on the Knitscene website! I know that a few knitters have already snagged their copy of the magazine early (official newsstand release is July 21st), but for those who haven't been so lucky, take a look here if you haven't seen already!

This project was a huge undertaking for me, but I loved every minute of it. As the featured designer, I was given the task of designing a 4 piece collection along with choosing the yarn and color story. I loved being able to start from the ground up, selecting particular yarns for the vision I was after. The color story started out as a basic idea, but in the end, it was sort of dictated by which colors were available in the yarns I chose. You have NO IDEA how hard it is to select matching colors when you are dealing with different yarns and companies plus choosing them from a computer screen!

For this collection, I was inspired by a few different things. I wanted nice yarns that enhanced an otherwise plain stockinette stitch body. I wanted the bodies to be simple to knit, but still be able to teach a more experienced knitter a few tricks. And even though they were simple to knit, I wanted to add little details here and there to make them contemporary and fashionable, yet classic - something that you'll still be able to wear and cherish a few years down the road.

And now I leave them with you! I think the best part of designing a hand knit pattern is seeing how the knitter takes the original idea and expands upon it. Whether it be a different yarn choice, adapting or changing the fit, or changing the colors - the choice is yours.

Introducing the Bliss Shawlette

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

And The Winners Are........

I received so many great names, it was so hard to choose just one! I really enjoyed reading how you came up with them too, I could see a lot of thought went into your choices.

And the winners are.....

#1 Bliss - the knitrider
#2 Artemis - harper
#3 Océane - maryse
#4 random choice from number generator - skaro964

I'm working on the finishing touches now and the pattern should be ready by tonight or early tomorrow. When it's ready, I'll email the PDF to all of you lucky winners :)

(I've managed to contact everyone but harper. Harper, if your out there, please drop a line at neoknits AT yahoo DOT com and I'll get your pattern out to you!)

Please Help Me Name this Shawlette

The pattern writing for the new shawlette design is well on it's way, but an interesting name for it is eluding me. So who wants to help me name it and win a shawlette pattern in the process?

Name that tune

I'll pick the top 3 name choices and throw in a 4th winner at random. Just leave a comment below and please make sure you leave a way for me to contact you. I'll leave the naming open until Monday 7/13 8pm EST. Thanks everyone!

New Pattern Preview: Shawlette

This weekend we were blessed with such beautiful weather! So I gathered up the camera, my trusty photographer DH and headed out to Fort Mott, an old military fort along the Delaware River. There he snapped some pictures of my newest design for neoknits: a shawlette.

The pattern is not written yet, but it should be ready in a week or two. More info soon!