Dear Tendinitis,
I've dealt with you for 2 weeks now, but I think it's time you pack your bags and leave. I've been quite patient with you, even going so far as to stop knitting for 7 days. I've tried ice dips, massage, tiger balm, rest, ice cream, but you just won't go away.
Considering I have to complete an entire sweater in 2 weeks, would you terribly mind letting me knit at least 16 rows a day? That's all I ask. Otherwise, without knitting in my hands, I'm going to go completely nuts and a get little testy. Just ask my husband.
Best,
Melissa
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
A few weekends ago I decided it might be fun to try out twitter. I figure this might be a fun way to share pattern updates, little things that happen at work at the sweater company, and other little non-knitting related things. I also thought it might be a good way to update when I can't post to the blog because I'm too busy with deadline knitting or can't post pictures cause it's super top secret.
If your curious, my username is neoknits and the feed can be found here.
If your curious, my username is neoknits and the feed can be found here.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Thank You
Thank you for all of your kind comments and thoughts. It was a difficult weekend, but we managed the best we could. Grandma was so strong, it was absolutely amazing. She said after raising 7 children, how could she be anything but strong.
I'm also finally back to knitting. I hadn't knit in 7 days due to a slight case of tendinitis I developed while working on my deadline projects. I'm only doing a little at a time, but it sure is a comfort to be back. Luckily I received a much needed extension so I don't have to put too much stress on the wrist and elbow right away.
I'm also finally back to knitting. I hadn't knit in 7 days due to a slight case of tendinitis I developed while working on my deadline projects. I'm only doing a little at a time, but it sure is a comfort to be back. Luckily I received a much needed extension so I don't have to put too much stress on the wrist and elbow right away.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
To Grandpa
Grandpa, Grandma, Bryan and I at their 65th wedding anniversary party - June 08.
Grandpa, you were such a wonderful, kind and loving soul. You had such a profound love for your family and a strong faith in the Lord. After 65 years of marriage, you were still just as in love with Grandma as the day you two met and I hope Bryan and I can live up to your example.
You were an engineer and loved technology. You weren't afraid of email or the internet. You loved photography and when you went digital, I taught you how to re size your photos in Photoshop. You would document every moment with your camera and would bring out the projector every once in a while to look at days gone by.
Everything had it's place and was organized and exact. You used to measure out the wrapping paper for the Christmas presents with a yard stick and match the designs and corners perfectly.
When I worked at my summer job during high school, I would come over for lunch every day. You would eat your late breakfast and read the paper. We'd chat about how oil is refined, cars, family history, and your childhood growing up in Altoona, PA.
You still rode your motorcycle until you were 75 and finally decided to sell it.
You were generous with your time and talents and touched the lives of many people.
While we will all miss you very, very much, we all know that you were prepared in your heart and soul for this day. Bryan once made a lighthearted joke that he didn't believe in dying because there isn't a future in it. And you calmly stated, "Oh no, there is certainly a future in it." I truly believe there is a future in it, and we hope to see you again on the other side........
Bryan, Grandpa, and Dad - Christmas 07.
Saturday, February 07, 2009
Designers Band Together
If you've been surfing around some designer's blogs within the past day or two, I'm sure you've seen Annie Modesitt's post about valuing our work as designers.
If you haven't seen it, go take a quick look. Even if you're not a designer, it has valuable information for you as a consumer.
I've never been published in Vogue, but I have been published by Knit Simple which is under the Soho Publishing umbrella. This was quite awhile ago and was actually my first big magazine gig. Being a bit naive and a relatively new designer to the magazine scene at least, I signed away all my rights to the pattern. Was I uncomfortable with it? Yes. Did I think I could do anything about it? No.
A bit further down the road, I was accepted to IK for the first time. Did I question the contract a little more? Yes. But then there was this deal about digital downloads and royalty payments. I was a little uncomfortable with only making 10%, but I signed it anyway. Then I saw Annie's post which she had written on the subject. I was really down on myself for signing and knew Annie was absolutely right about the consequences my actions would have on the future of our business and being paid fairly.
IK opened up an honest dialog with Annie and the designer community and worked it out. Thankfully, even though I had already signed for the 10%, I was still sent the new revised contract and was entitled to the better rate. But what if Annie had never been brave enough to raise her voice for designers like me to hear?
Now that I know the ropes a little better, I'm a little choosier with where I send my work. I take a long hard look at the contracts and ask for the terms in advance. If the publisher doesn't have terms that I like, I submit elsewhere. If they are negotiable, I negotiate.
But that is now.
As a newbie, there is nothing like getting THE email - "You're IN!!!". It's so exciting! You tell your friends, family, and anyone who will listen. You get so wrapped up in the excitement of it all that you sometimes don't think of your best interests. Once things settle down and you get down to the knitty gritty, you might question some things, but you just let it go. It's experience you say. It's exposure you say. I'm just building my portfolio you say. It's a big, well known magazine for goodness sake, what are you to them? What choices do you have?
That's just it. You can make choices.
Some publishers have already answered the call: Interweave Knits, Yarn Forward, and Twist Collective to name a few. Then there is always the option for designers to self-publish and get away from the contracts all together. Either way, publishing a design is hard work, but knowing that your rights are safe and you're being paid fairly for your work is a very good thing.
As a consumer, you also have the power to make choices that help designers make a decent living. Support the publications who respect and value designers. Support independent designers (I personally thank you for your support!) Support other venues like Ravelry who help give designers a place to showcase and sell their work.
I don't know how Soho Publishing will react to Annie's post, or if they will react at all. I hope they'll be open to make some changes and engage in an open dialog with the design community. I look forward to seeing how it all plays out.
If you haven't seen it, go take a quick look. Even if you're not a designer, it has valuable information for you as a consumer.
I've never been published in Vogue, but I have been published by Knit Simple which is under the Soho Publishing umbrella. This was quite awhile ago and was actually my first big magazine gig. Being a bit naive and a relatively new designer to the magazine scene at least, I signed away all my rights to the pattern. Was I uncomfortable with it? Yes. Did I think I could do anything about it? No.
A bit further down the road, I was accepted to IK for the first time. Did I question the contract a little more? Yes. But then there was this deal about digital downloads and royalty payments. I was a little uncomfortable with only making 10%, but I signed it anyway. Then I saw Annie's post which she had written on the subject. I was really down on myself for signing and knew Annie was absolutely right about the consequences my actions would have on the future of our business and being paid fairly.
IK opened up an honest dialog with Annie and the designer community and worked it out. Thankfully, even though I had already signed for the 10%, I was still sent the new revised contract and was entitled to the better rate. But what if Annie had never been brave enough to raise her voice for designers like me to hear?
Now that I know the ropes a little better, I'm a little choosier with where I send my work. I take a long hard look at the contracts and ask for the terms in advance. If the publisher doesn't have terms that I like, I submit elsewhere. If they are negotiable, I negotiate.
But that is now.
As a newbie, there is nothing like getting THE email - "You're IN!!!". It's so exciting! You tell your friends, family, and anyone who will listen. You get so wrapped up in the excitement of it all that you sometimes don't think of your best interests. Once things settle down and you get down to the knitty gritty, you might question some things, but you just let it go. It's experience you say. It's exposure you say. I'm just building my portfolio you say. It's a big, well known magazine for goodness sake, what are you to them? What choices do you have?
That's just it. You can make choices.
Some publishers have already answered the call: Interweave Knits, Yarn Forward, and Twist Collective to name a few. Then there is always the option for designers to self-publish and get away from the contracts all together. Either way, publishing a design is hard work, but knowing that your rights are safe and you're being paid fairly for your work is a very good thing.
As a consumer, you also have the power to make choices that help designers make a decent living. Support the publications who respect and value designers. Support independent designers (I personally thank you for your support!) Support other venues like Ravelry who help give designers a place to showcase and sell their work.
I don't know how Soho Publishing will react to Annie's post, or if they will react at all. I hope they'll be open to make some changes and engage in an open dialog with the design community. I look forward to seeing how it all plays out.
Friday, February 06, 2009
Interweave Knits Spring 09 Preview
The interweave knits spring preview is up! And there is a pattern by yours truly in there - the zickzack tunic.
Here it is being modeled back in September before being sent off to Interweave.
Over all it looks like a very promising issue. I can't wait to make Connie's Soap Bubble Wrap when I have a free moment. I've seen the sweater in person and it's gorgeous!
Here it is being modeled back in September before being sent off to Interweave.
Over all it looks like a very promising issue. I can't wait to make Connie's Soap Bubble Wrap when I have a free moment. I've seen the sweater in person and it's gorgeous!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Le Starfish
In between working on a few deadline projects, I've been stealing away a few minutes at a time to work on a new beret for my awesome new bright pink coat I got for Christmas. I had a hard time choosing between Le Slouch and a Trinity stitch beret, but ended up settling with Le Slouch.
I decided to use a thinner yarn to make it a bit smaller and the sizing seems to be just about right, but the decreases for the crown are really bugging me. I decided to change them up a bit from the pattern because I felt they were looking a little funky and I made the decreases true right/left leaning. Not a good idea in gold yarn or a texture pattern for that matter. It looks more like Le Starfish instead of a cool Le Slouch.
I decided to use a thinner yarn to make it a bit smaller and the sizing seems to be just about right, but the decreases for the crown are really bugging me. I decided to change them up a bit from the pattern because I felt they were looking a little funky and I made the decreases true right/left leaning. Not a good idea in gold yarn or a texture pattern for that matter. It looks more like Le Starfish instead of a cool Le Slouch.
Went back to Ravelry and checked out some other versions using the correct decreases and they look fine. Now I just need to rip back and see what I can do. If it's still no good I think a second Gretel is in my immediate future.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Somerset Cardigan
I gave a little sneak peak of this design back in October, but it's finally finished!
Somerset Cardigan
by Melissa Wehrle
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
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
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Small Distraction
For Christmas, I had decided at the last minute to make my Stepmom a pair of fetching mitts from some leftover Lanas Puras Melosa from my Urban Wrap. So I started the 1st mitt before traveling home to NJ on Dec 22nd. When I got home, I realized I had misplaced 2 of the needles. Argh! Luckily I had some Denise #5's that I made due with and finished the 1st one.
Then I ran out of yarn.
Ok, so obvious this project was just not meant to be finished by Christmas. So I gifted the one and promised the other would be on it's way soon. And here it is:
Then I ran out of yarn.
Ok, so obvious this project was just not meant to be finished by Christmas. So I gifted the one and promised the other would be on it's way soon. And here it is:
And this was how much yarn was left. I just made it!
Details:
Fetching by Cheryl Niamath -- Knitty Summer 06
Yarn: Leftover Lanas Puras Melosa in Passion
Needles: Size 6 dpn
Fast, easy project with great results. If only everything would have cooperated as well as the knitting!
Fetching by Cheryl Niamath -- Knitty Summer 06
Yarn: Leftover Lanas Puras Melosa in Passion
Needles: Size 6 dpn
Fast, easy project with great results. If only everything would have cooperated as well as the knitting!
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Happy New Year!
Hope everyone had a very nice holiday season and hopefully some time to relax. I certainly enjoyed my time off after the craziness at work and hope I'm well rested to jump right back in tomorrow.
And since it is New Years, it's time to take a look back at the previous year and see how and what I've done since last year.
Published Designs:
- Wallis Cardigan -- Interweave Summer 08
- Gigi -- Knitty Summer 08
- Guinevere -- neoknits
- Urban Wrap -- neoknits
- Buttercup -- Popknits Fall 08
- Tatami re-issued -- neoknits
- Plus 1 project for the next SnB book coming out next Fall
- Plus 1 project for Interweave Knits Spring 09
So that's 7 sweaters knit for publishing with the first one being knit at the tail end of 2007. Not bad, but didn't quite keep up with the 12 from '07.
However, I did have a much better year on the selfish knitting front:
- 3 sweaters
- 1 shawl
- 2 stockings (ok they were gifts, but still impressive I had time to knit 2)
- 2 berets
- Plus a few projects I got to start, but are wips
What do I hope that 2009 will bring? Well, I hope it brings lots of creativity and discipline in time management. There are a few places I'd love to work harder on getting published in and I hope to keep building up the neoknits design portfolio. I'm also working on something super, super, super exciting for Fall right now, but can't tell you yet! Sorry! But this super exciting something might mean things will be a little quiet around here til the end of February or beginning of March. Let's just say I relaxed a little more over the holidays than I should have.
And since it is New Years, it's time to take a look back at the previous year and see how and what I've done since last year.
Published Designs:
- Wallis Cardigan -- Interweave Summer 08
- Gigi -- Knitty Summer 08
- Guinevere -- neoknits
- Urban Wrap -- neoknits
- Buttercup -- Popknits Fall 08
- Tatami re-issued -- neoknits
- Plus 1 project for the next SnB book coming out next Fall
- Plus 1 project for Interweave Knits Spring 09
So that's 7 sweaters knit for publishing with the first one being knit at the tail end of 2007. Not bad, but didn't quite keep up with the 12 from '07.
However, I did have a much better year on the selfish knitting front:
- 3 sweaters
- 1 shawl
- 2 stockings (ok they were gifts, but still impressive I had time to knit 2)
- 2 berets
- Plus a few projects I got to start, but are wips
What do I hope that 2009 will bring? Well, I hope it brings lots of creativity and discipline in time management. There are a few places I'd love to work harder on getting published in and I hope to keep building up the neoknits design portfolio. I'm also working on something super, super, super exciting for Fall right now, but can't tell you yet! Sorry! But this super exciting something might mean things will be a little quiet around here til the end of February or beginning of March. Let's just say I relaxed a little more over the holidays than I should have.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Happy Holidays!
Happy Holidays everyone! The end of this year has certainly been a stressful one, but I hope for more relaxing times in the coming year.
I'll be without email and internet until January 2nd, so if you happen to have a question about a pattern during that time, I'll get back to you then!
See you next year!
I'll be without email and internet until January 2nd, so if you happen to have a question about a pattern during that time, I'll get back to you then!
See you next year!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Office Update
Well, meet my temporary home office. Do you like the swift? Adds a nice touch, right? This will be my work space until I can go back to the office on Monday.
Don't mind all the monitors, the big dinosaur on the right blew out a few weeks ago and needs to be carried down to be recycled. The new shiny one is now jealously hiding behind the mac.
As you can see, the mac was fine. Luckily, the water damage was confined to the floor and the sprinklers didn't go off overhead. There was a bunch of sweaters that were on my floor that got wet, but most of it wasn't too bad. Thank goodness for imac with no cpu towers!
It was still quite a mess when I got into work on Tuesday and wasn't much better yesterday. They had the fans and dehumidifiers out in full force. It smelled like beer. Probably not a good sign.
Wednesday was our holiday party and we still couldn't turn anything on. They kept us busy making birthday cards for our Nov/Dec/Jan b-day babies. Glue, jewels and markers. Designers are very easily entertained. After lunch we got out the scrabble board and played until it was time to go party.
Our holiday parties are always a surprise and always tons of fun. One year was a scavenger hunt, one year bowling and karaoke, next year party bus and salsa lessons. This year our only clue was it was going to be more mature, but fun. More mature doesn't usually sound very fun, so we were skeptical.
So gathered at 5pm and were given aprons. Hmm, are we cooking? Sure were! We went around the corner to Rustico Cooking, learned some cooking skills and made our own dinner. I chose the red snapper table (with a chef that will be on the next Top Chef!) and caught the tail end of the demonstration on the hazelnut chocolate cake. We also had shrimp and asparagus lasagna, garlic mashed potatoes, fillet mignon, the red snapper and the hazelnut chocolate cake with chocolate sauce and vanilla bean ice cream. The cake was absolutely heavenly. Favorite dish of the night by a mile. Everything else was pretty good too.
Don't mind all the monitors, the big dinosaur on the right blew out a few weeks ago and needs to be carried down to be recycled. The new shiny one is now jealously hiding behind the mac.
As you can see, the mac was fine. Luckily, the water damage was confined to the floor and the sprinklers didn't go off overhead. There was a bunch of sweaters that were on my floor that got wet, but most of it wasn't too bad. Thank goodness for imac with no cpu towers!
It was still quite a mess when I got into work on Tuesday and wasn't much better yesterday. They had the fans and dehumidifiers out in full force. It smelled like beer. Probably not a good sign.
Wednesday was our holiday party and we still couldn't turn anything on. They kept us busy making birthday cards for our Nov/Dec/Jan b-day babies. Glue, jewels and markers. Designers are very easily entertained. After lunch we got out the scrabble board and played until it was time to go party.
Our holiday parties are always a surprise and always tons of fun. One year was a scavenger hunt, one year bowling and karaoke, next year party bus and salsa lessons. This year our only clue was it was going to be more mature, but fun. More mature doesn't usually sound very fun, so we were skeptical.
So gathered at 5pm and were given aprons. Hmm, are we cooking? Sure were! We went around the corner to Rustico Cooking, learned some cooking skills and made our own dinner. I chose the red snapper table (with a chef that will be on the next Top Chef!) and caught the tail end of the demonstration on the hazelnut chocolate cake. We also had shrimp and asparagus lasagna, garlic mashed potatoes, fillet mignon, the red snapper and the hazelnut chocolate cake with chocolate sauce and vanilla bean ice cream. The cake was absolutely heavenly. Favorite dish of the night by a mile. Everything else was pretty good too.
Monday, December 08, 2008
All Dry!
Meret was all dry this morning after spending a night on the radiator. There was no way I wasn't going to be wearing it today and I was going to make sure it was dry. The office is usually a bit nippy on Monday mornings and when I saw the temperature at 30 degrees, I knew it wouldn't be an exception.
I really liked the way it turned out and it has just the perfect amount of slouch. Too little slouch and it sticks up off your head. Too much slouch and it would look like it's going to swallow me whole.
And speaking of the office, apparently very soon after I left tonight, there was a fire where our server is kept and then the office flooded. The sprinklers were also activated and everything was covered in water. Hopefully not stinky, been sitting in the pipes for 10 years water.
Samples, printers, scanners, computers. Everything was apparently wet. One one hand, I'd love to get an updated mac, but loosing all of those sweater files would not be cool. I have a back up external hard drive that was hidden behind the computer and under a shelf, only loosing recent work not backed up is better than loosing everything I suppose. Here's hoping that when I show up at 9am tomorrow to help clean up, it's not as bad as I think.
Samples, printers, scanners, computers. Everything was apparently wet. One one hand, I'd love to get an updated mac, but loosing all of those sweater files would not be cool. I have a back up external hard drive that was hidden behind the computer and under a shelf, only loosing recent work not backed up is better than loosing everything I suppose. Here's hoping that when I show up at 9am tomorrow to help clean up, it's not as bad as I think.
Sunday, December 07, 2008
Stolen Moments
For the past few weeks, somehow I've been free of deadline knitting and have very much welcomed the little moments of knitting something for myself.
In between all of the selfish projects, I've also completed another Alligator scarf for my sister's boss to give as a gift. This scarf is really a fun project and definitely wasn't any less fun the second time around. It's fun to see each section quickly become a complete alligator. I hope she wears it well!
I've been steadily working on Desert Sun, but it's had it's moments of frustration. A few weeks back I had dropped 4 stitches - 15 rows down. Argh! After a bit of breathing room, I picked it up last week and corrected the stitches. I then proceeded to drop 4 more stitches, but luckily saw them before they had the chance to go more than 3 rows down.
After working on the shawl all day yesterday, I was inspired by another knitters finished Meret on Ravelry to start one of my own. I had some leftover Lanas Puras Melosa Worsted from the Urban wrap and cast on right away at 10:30pm. I lost total track of time and was surprised to see that several hours had gone by and it was 1am. I haven't gotten lost in my knitting like that in quite some time. It felt really good.
Today I finished it up and it's blocking as I write. I hope it will be dry by tomorrow, it's gotten pretty cold here again so I'd love to be able to take it out on the town.
I always used to shy away from quick projects. If it wasn't a sweater, I wasn't interested. But I have found that there is a certain sense of accomplishment in being able to complete something in a day or two. While I will probably never fall into the category of an instant gratification knitter, now I know it never hurts to change things up every once in awhile and you get a finished object instantly wearable out of the deal. Not bad!
In between all of the selfish projects, I've also completed another Alligator scarf for my sister's boss to give as a gift. This scarf is really a fun project and definitely wasn't any less fun the second time around. It's fun to see each section quickly become a complete alligator. I hope she wears it well!
I've been steadily working on Desert Sun, but it's had it's moments of frustration. A few weeks back I had dropped 4 stitches - 15 rows down. Argh! After a bit of breathing room, I picked it up last week and corrected the stitches. I then proceeded to drop 4 more stitches, but luckily saw them before they had the chance to go more than 3 rows down.
After working on the shawl all day yesterday, I was inspired by another knitters finished Meret on Ravelry to start one of my own. I had some leftover Lanas Puras Melosa Worsted from the Urban wrap and cast on right away at 10:30pm. I lost total track of time and was surprised to see that several hours had gone by and it was 1am. I haven't gotten lost in my knitting like that in quite some time. It felt really good.
Today I finished it up and it's blocking as I write. I hope it will be dry by tomorrow, it's gotten pretty cold here again so I'd love to be able to take it out on the town.
I always used to shy away from quick projects. If it wasn't a sweater, I wasn't interested. But I have found that there is a certain sense of accomplishment in being able to complete something in a day or two. While I will probably never fall into the category of an instant gratification knitter, now I know it never hurts to change things up every once in awhile and you get a finished object instantly wearable out of the deal. Not bad!
Monday, November 17, 2008
Urban Wrap
It's been a few weeks coming, but finally here is the.............
Urban Wrap
by Melissa Wehrle
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
Psst: If you decide to purchase the yarn for this sweater later instead of the kit, enter the code "Urban10" at checkout at One Planet, it's good for 10% off the yarn for this sweater.
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
Psst: If you decide to purchase the yarn for this sweater later instead of the kit, enter the code "Urban10" at checkout at One Planet, it's good for 10% off the yarn for this sweater.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Finished!
The second edition of the Victorian Christmas stocking is finished! After the replacement yarn arrived 1 1/2 weeks ago, I worked tirelessly to try and finish it up before Thanksgiving - with a few weeks to spare! Tomorrow it gets dropped in a mailbox and I will await a very surprised Mom. (I don't think she really believed me last year when I said it would be finished before this Christmas. In fact, she didn't even know I had started making it.)
Now for the eye candy: [Ravelry entry here]
Now for the eye candy: [Ravelry entry here]
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Why Ravelry is So Awesome.......
Well, at least one of many reasons why Ravelry is awesome.
About 2 weeks ago, I decided that I should probably get started on my Mom's Christmas stocking that was actually a gift last year. I figured it would probably be a good thing if I gave to her around Thanksgiving so she could put it up this Christmas as promised. Yes, I had to keep that promise.
Now, I had made the same stocking for my Grandmother and completed it back in April. I had bought 2 balls of Ecru, one ball of blue for hers, and one ball of red for my Mom's. What was left of the ecru, I split into 2 yarn cakes since I'm knitting with 2 strands. It looked a little short, but I had confidence I'd make it without a problem.
So I set out knitting and the ecru didn't seem like it was going to cut it, but I still had faith. I knit and knit and knit yesterday for hours and hours. I got to the point of starting the heel and guess what? I have about 15 yards of yarn left in each cake. No worries, I'll just get some more from Elann.com.
So I go onto Elann today and guess what (you probably know where we're going here)? Ecru either isn't being sold anymore or is out of stock. Panic mode sets in. Luckily a little sense is still left in my head and I think "what about Ravelry?" I quickly click over and thank goodness! A knitter has 2 balls of Ecru for sale!!!! I don't get too happy as I've been fooled before and crossed my fingers as I sent off a message to the seller.
Tonight I heard back from the seller, and yes it was available and she'd mail it tomorrow! Happy day! Seriously, how did we ever make it before Ravelry?
About 2 weeks ago, I decided that I should probably get started on my Mom's Christmas stocking that was actually a gift last year. I figured it would probably be a good thing if I gave to her around Thanksgiving so she could put it up this Christmas as promised. Yes, I had to keep that promise.
Now, I had made the same stocking for my Grandmother and completed it back in April. I had bought 2 balls of Ecru, one ball of blue for hers, and one ball of red for my Mom's. What was left of the ecru, I split into 2 yarn cakes since I'm knitting with 2 strands. It looked a little short, but I had confidence I'd make it without a problem.
So I set out knitting and the ecru didn't seem like it was going to cut it, but I still had faith. I knit and knit and knit yesterday for hours and hours. I got to the point of starting the heel and guess what? I have about 15 yards of yarn left in each cake. No worries, I'll just get some more from Elann.com.
So I go onto Elann today and guess what (you probably know where we're going here)? Ecru either isn't being sold anymore or is out of stock. Panic mode sets in. Luckily a little sense is still left in my head and I think "what about Ravelry?" I quickly click over and thank goodness! A knitter has 2 balls of Ecru for sale!!!! I don't get too happy as I've been fooled before and crossed my fingers as I sent off a message to the seller.
Tonight I heard back from the seller, and yes it was available and she'd mail it tomorrow! Happy day! Seriously, how did we ever make it before Ravelry?
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Pattern Preview
Here's a quick preview of my soon to be newest neoknits pattern - Urban Wrap.
I hope to tie up a few loose ends with the pattern in the next few days with a release early next week. Stay tuned!
The urban wrap is a basic cardigan with a twist and knits up really quickly in Lanas Puras Melosa Worsted. This body can easily become a staple in anyone's wardrobe and did I mention the yarn is super cuddly and warm? My sample already made it's NYC debut on Tuesday - it was a bit on the chilly side, but it kept me plenty toasty.
Saturday, October 04, 2008
Seemingly Quiet
It's been a little quiet on the blog lately, but there has been tons going on:
On September 25th, I went to Stitch n' Pitch and sat out in the rain as the Mets pulled a 7-6 victory in the top of the 9th out of their bats. Kimberly, Anna, and Randi were my fellow brave stitchers, with photo credits going to Burt. Notice all the empty seats around? It was miserable, and cold! But they won - for us knitters of course! Too bad they didn't make it into the playoffs :(
Here is a new neoknits pattern in the works. Sweater and pattern are all finished, just waiting for a nice day to photograph! I hope to have this released by the end of the week.
And here is a second neoknits pattern in the works. This cashmere cardigan is just waiting for a collar. I really love the simple texture stitch on this one.
I also took my first dip into hand dying this week. I received this kit from Rita at Castlefibers in a Hillary Debt reduction swap a little while ago. The sock yarn is really yummy and I think for my first try, I didn't do too bad. The dye took well and didn't run a bit when rinsing. The red was supposed to be a purplish red, but it didn't quite come out that way - maybe it's Queens water! The other color in the kit was green, so I just decided to leave the other half white. I separated the skein evenly so I can finally have a go at some toe up socks.
And last but not least, finally a progress shot of Sea Tangles! I've only been working on this between projects, but it's fairly slow knitting. I love the Habu Stainless Steel/Silk yarn and how it holds its shape, moves and bends. The photo doesn't do the yarn justice by any means.
And last but not least, finally a progress shot of Sea Tangles! I've only been working on this between projects, but it's fairly slow knitting. I love the Habu Stainless Steel/Silk yarn and how it holds its shape, moves and bends. The photo doesn't do the yarn justice by any means.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Saw This on Topshop.com Today
I came across this sweater on topshop.com today. I'm biased of course, but I think I like my buttercup better :)
I have some progress on Sea Tangles to post once I stop being lazy....well busy. It's slow knitting, but I really love the project so far. I was hoping to get it finished before the weather got too cool to wear it, but it had to be put on the side lines for a few deadline projects that need to be attended to first.
Pair that with new fall sweaters hitting the stores, new fall patterns and my mind just has way too many ideas to ever knit them all. I wish there was a way to remedy that, but I guess I'll just have to prioritize. Sigh. Well if I look on the bright side, prioritizing is way easier on the wallet.
I have some progress on Sea Tangles to post once I stop being lazy....well busy. It's slow knitting, but I really love the project so far. I was hoping to get it finished before the weather got too cool to wear it, but it had to be put on the side lines for a few deadline projects that need to be attended to first.
Pair that with new fall sweaters hitting the stores, new fall patterns and my mind just has way too many ideas to ever knit them all. I wish there was a way to remedy that, but I guess I'll just have to prioritize. Sigh. Well if I look on the bright side, prioritizing is way easier on the wallet.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
