Summer 08 Interweave + Swallowtail

Summer Interweave

I haven't had a secret reveal in awhile, but this is a special one. Have you all seen the Summer 08 preview of Interweave Knits (or the gallery)? I am so excited to announce that one of my designs made it in: the Wallis Cardigan! It was almost surreal the day that Eunny called me last November to tell me I made it and I couldn't wait to see the final pictures and share the awesome news. Now I can't wait to get my hands on the new issue, it looks like a really good one.

Swallowtail Shawl

This project was so quick, I don't even think I had a chance to mention it on my blog at all! Started knitting last Sunday and finished knitting my Swallowtail Shawl this Saturday. It took a quick dip tonight and is blocking as I write.

Details [Ravelry]:
Pattern: Swallowtail Shawl by Evelyn A. Clark published in Interweave Knits Fall 06
Yarn: Handmaiden Sea Silk in Straw from One Planet Yarn and Fiber
Needles: Size 3 bamboo and Size 4 addi lace circulars

I really, really liked this project. I never thought I would knit a shawl for myself, let alone a triangle shawl. The yarn just spoke to me and it said wanted to be a Swallowtail Shawl, how could I argue? The Sea Silk was a dream to work with and the subtle color variations are lovely. The pattern was very easy to follow, although the purl 5 together bits gave me a bit of a problem until I ran out and bought some lace Addi's. Those needles were a blessing! Now I'm just hoping it doesn't take forever to dry with all of this wet weather we are having.

Fashion Friday

In the spirit of my full-time endeavor, I'd like to maybe spend a little time every week (or every other week) talking about fashion: trends, colors, personal sewing projects, and issues. For my first Fashion Friday, since it's been in the news the past few weeks, I'd like to talk about where your clothes may come from and the possible conditions of those places.

Like Cheap Clothes? Have you ever given a thought to why they are so cheap?

In the news the past few weeks, there were reports of many factory workers in Bangladesh striking for fair living wages. With the price of food going up around the world, many workers in poor countries are having problems feeding their families.

But that is just one problem plaguing these workers.

The general working conditions for many of the factory workers in developing countries aren't always the best. Long hours, poor pay, unhealthy, cramped, and unclean working spaces.

With retailers constantly putting pressure on clothing companies to give them goods at cheap prices, the problem often becomes tolerated and overlooked. Consumers who love cheap fashion or "throwaway fashion" keep the cycle going.

Luckily, I work for a company who owns their own factory; conditions are controlled and the factory has the highest quality certification they can obtain (which only a handful of retailers require). But it's not always so easy for companies, retailers, and consumers to know where their goods are being produced and what the conditions are like at those factories. For example, our company makes goods for some of the retailers that sell clothing on the cheaper end of the scale. Once the goods are on the floor, there really is no way for the consumer to tell the difference between our sweaters made in a good factory versus another company that uses a factory with poor standards. So it's not always a black and white issue when it comes to actually knowing the truth about your clothing.

Wanna see for yourself?

BBC has launched a new online fashion magazine aimed at promoting eco-conscious style called Thread. The BBC has also produced a series called Blood, Sweat and T-shirts which gives 6 people the chance to see how their clothes are made by giving them first hand experience in Indian factories. I'm not sure if the program will air in the states, but you can watch a short video clip of each participant's experience and thoughts here.

What can you do?

- As I mentioned above, just because the clothing is cheap, doesn't mean it was made in a bad factory. A good way to start is to write your favorite stores or clothing brands and ask what they are doing to make sure their clothing is being made by a decent factory and get your friends to do the same. Pressure from consumers is the first step to change.

- With what seems like a new consciousness of this issue, a few clothing lines have started to advertise their fair work practices and some even combine it with green technology. They are still mostly carried in specialty stores, but a quick google search is just a click away. The most important key to this whole movement though, is not to mistake these goods for a "luxury" item as some of the more expensive stores are advertising. Consumers shouldn't have to pay hundreds of dollars to make sure the workers who made their clothing are getting fair treatment.

- Always wanted to learn how to sew? Sewing your own clothing is a great way to express your individual style and you know exactly where it came from! Don't have time to sew? Second hand and vintage stores are also a great option.

A few links to get you started:

Clean Clothes Campaign
Sustainable Technology Education Project
"Fast Clothes versus Green Clothes" [via International Herald Tribune]

Finished!

The stocking was finished up on Sunday night and wet blocked last night. Yay!

Details [Ravelry]:
Pattern: Victorian Christmas Stocking by Donna Kay
Needles: Size 0 and 2
Yarn: Elann.com Baby Lace Merino in Cream and Navy
Started: March 20, 2008
Finished: April 20, 2008

Overall, it was a fairly enjoyable project and even the stockinette I complained about moved quickly when you're working a few rows here and there on the subway to and from work. I left out the beads on this one, but may go back and add some small swarovski crystals here and there. Even though the size of the project isn't large, it's probably one of the most labor intensive projects I've worked on: small needles + fairisle kinda does that to a knitter.

Now to put me truely to the test - how fast can I finish stocking #2? Considering I cast on for the Swallowtail shawl right away, probably not very fast....

Sesame from Magknits Part 1

Just wanted to spread the word that the new and improved Sesame is back up. This pattern was originally released in the August 05 issue of Magknits, but is no longer available there as most of you already know.

I've added 2 smaller sizes to this batch: 30.5" and 33.5". I've also added more details to the schematic and re-edited the work for math errors. I'm also planning on releasing larger sizes of the pattern also, hence the title "part 1", which will cover 46"-62". It might take me a tad bit longer for the Plus version because I want to make an actual sample for the larger sizes first.

After thinking long and hard about this, instead of charging for the pattern, I'm accepting donations. I put quite a bit of time into revising the pattern and adding extra sizes, but I felt it might be a little unfair to charge outright considering the previous Magknits life of the design. So if you want it for free, you got it. Want to put a few bucks in the tip jar? Well, you've got that option too.

Sesame
By Melissa Wehrle

Difficulty
Intermediate

Materials
- Rowan Wool Cotton: 50% Merino/50% Cotton, 50g/123yd ball;
Yarn A: Ship Shape 5 (5, 5, 5, 5, 6, 6) balls
Yarn B: Spark 4 (4, 4, 5, 5, 5, 5) balls
- 1 pair US 6 (4mm) straight needles
- 2 Stitch holders
- Tapestry needle
- (7) 1 3/8" (54 Ligne) wood buttons

Sizes
Finished bust: 30.5 (33.5, 35, 36.5, 39, 41, 44)"/77.5 (85, 89, 93, 99, 104, 112)cm

Length: 21.5 (21.5, 22, 22, 23, 23.5, 24)"/54.5 (54.5, 56, 56, 59, 60, 61)cm

Gauge
21 sts/27 rows = 4"/10cm in Stockinette stitch

All Stockinette Stitch, All the Time

Yes, I've reached the point of the stocking where it is all stockinette all the time - on size 0 needles! I've been plugging away for almost a week here and there: subway, car, cooking dinner, and am happy to say that I'm only about 1" away from the light at the end of the tunnel. I can't wait!

Over the weekend I also tackled adding more sizes to Sesame and was in all my mathy glory. I even dreamed about solving math problems in my sleep. Luckily, I like math. A lot.

When it's all said and done, there will be 7 new sizes added to the pattern: 30, 32, 46, 50, 54, 58, and 62" bust.

Magknits Fall Out

As most of you probably already know, Magknits is no more as of today. I'm sure you've read enough about this today to last you a lifetime, so I'll keep this short.

Way back when, I had designed 2 patterns for Magknits: Sesame and Lux and I do plan to have them available either here or on Ravelry as soon as I have a second to reformat them and make them look pretty. I might even throw in an extra size or two - I think Sesame could certainly benefit to be sized up a bit to be more of an equal opportunity pattern. So stay tuned!

Dear Kid Silk Haze

Dear Kid Silk Haze,

We had so many good times together, Grannie Smith, 2 striped pullovers, lacy babydoll and butterfly - not to mention the stash. You're just so beautiful, colorful, soft and warm. Even though some others don't quite understand why you are so thin and fine and why anyone would want to bother with the headache you can cause, I defended you.

I still feel so much love for you, and what I'm about to say next might come as a shock, but I don't think you are my favorite anymore. I met a new love via USPS this week and her name is Sea Silk. It's not you, it's me and you'll always be my second favorite. Please understand.

Love,
Melissa

Hand Maiden Sea Silk in Straw
from One Planet Yarn and Fiber

Patience

Patience is something I have a lot of apparently. In the last post, I was gushing about how much I love fair isle. Well, it changed a little when I got to chart 2. I managed to push myself last week and finish up 2 repeats. The good news is, I thought I had 5 more to go, but it turns out I only have 3. That's not so bad I suppose! Next goal: the heel! Gotta have goals to keep it going! It's looking so pretty though, I guess I just need to take a step back and remember, "one row at a time."

The only thing that could put a temporary stop to the project is my extra ball of white yarn for the mini dress is on it's way. I really want to finish that up before it gets too warm to wear it this season.

Guess Who Dropped In.....

to the Spiders on Friday? None other than the code monkey and mama rav themselves! Jess and Casey were visiting Maya and Steve in NYC and they decided to swing by The Point for a visit.

They even came bearing gifts, a few previews of some goodies that I think will be in the shop soon! The Bob pin is the best!

some stickers and pins

After writing my last post, I realized I could not ignore the yarn for the Christmas stockings any longer. I made the lamest gauge swatches ever (about 1" x 3") and the gauge was close enough to the pattern. I only felt I needed a quick check to make sure it didn't come out more like a Christmas sock than a stocking! The only change I had to make was to double the yarn since it was a little thin.

I worked on it all weekend and finished chart 1 already. I'm really enjoying it so far and I had forgotten how much I like working on fair isle projects. I'm just dreading when I have to go back to the size 0's and plain old stockinette stitch!

Scattered Projects

Now I know why I don't work on more than one thing at a time. My brain is having a hard time lately switching between 3 projects I'm working on. I think maybe the main problem is that my brain just can't deal with having free time to work on non-deadline projects and it doesn't know what to do with itself. Either that or I'm just too lazy to sit down and finish something.

The first is my Black and White Mini Dress from Rebecca #34. This one has been on the needles since October. I managed to finish up the front, but I ran out of white yarn. So that's on hold for a bit til I can wake my brain up enough to remember to order it.

The second is my Aunt's Shrug that was supposed to be done for my wedding. I think she was a little upset it wasn't finished, but hey, I was kinda making my dress and trying to get married here. It's up to the blocking stage and I just don't feel like doing it.

The third (and fourth - I guess) is my Grandmother and Mom's Christmas stockings. Starting early you say? No, it was a gift for 2007. Yes, I am a very, very bad holiday knitter. I think I'll give up on holiday knitting once these are finished. I'm stalling on this project because I think the yarn I bought is too thin (the yarn used in the pattern was discontinued) and I'm hoping I don't have to order something else. So I'm stalling on this one because I'm afraid it just won't work.

Gretel

Finished up Gretel tonight and I absolutely love it! I never used to be much of a hat person, but I also didn't have to walk around on the cold, windy streets of New York back then either!

Gretel by Ysolda Teague
Yarn: Rowan Kid Classic Shade 852
Needles: US size 9 and 7
Size: Regular

This was such a satisfyingly projects after the 2 secret knitting projects I had to complete in February. So satisfying that I almost didn't want the project to end. I didn't make any modifications - well, besides my gauge being way off! I went up 2 needle sizes because I thought I was too tight, but I guess I should not have trusted myself. It was supposed to measure about 8" in diameter, mine measured 11". Oops! Still fits well though, even with the gauge blunder. Thank goodness for hats being more forgiving than a sweater!

I Heart Cables

I have a tendency to knit and design lacey patterns, but I think I have a secret love for cables! Something about the little stitches winding here and there - they are just so interesting to knit.

My cable love has been officially realized with Gretel. I started her right away on Monday after my visit to The Yarn Connection where I picked up this lovely shade of Eggplant Rowan Kid Classic. With the weather getting warmer, I don't have much hope of getting much use out of it this winter, but don't get me wrong, that is not a complaint!

But since it will be too warm to wear Gretel soon, maybe I'll just have to make this springy one too......

Good Karma

When we were on honeymoon in Florida, we were out shopping one day and I came across a yarn shop. There was even a book store right next door to keep my husband occupied while I checked out the yarny goodness.

I took a peek: some Noro, Rowan, ooh Lantern Moon needles...... "Wait a minute, that's the Booga Bag pattern for sale for $5.00, that's a free pattern!" I browsed some more. "Ooooohhh, the Jordana Paige Knitters Satchel, in red!"

Hmm, let's look at the pattern binders. Hmm.....hmmm.....hmmm. Photocopies! Photocopies of designers patterns for sale!

At this point, the husband comes in and I go over to the Knitters Satchel again.

Me: "Wow, I really like this bag, what do you think?"

DB: "I really like it, if you want it get it."

Me: "Do you think it's too big for me though, what about the color?"

DB: "I like it, it's really nice, get it!"

I know what you're all thinking: if the husband tells you to get it, GET IT!!! But I didn't. I didn't feel comfortable supporting a store that violated several designers copyright like that. After all, don't the designers deserve to make a living just like the shopkeeper? I didn't confront her about it though, I left quietly. When I returned home, I notified the designers to let them know and to deal with the problem as they saw fit - after all, you never know the circumstances with these things. I was bummed I didn't get the bag, but knew I did the right thing.

So I came back to NY still pining over my bag. Then I saw a post on the NYC Knitters group on Ravelry - the Jordana Paige bags were 20% off at The Yarn Connection! The post was from 3 weeks ago, but I hoped there was still a shot.

So I went yesterday, and yes, they still had them, and yes, it was still on sale. (And I got it in a nice gunmetal color!)

Good karma is a very good thing! And geez, I feel like such a grownup now with this wonderfully stylish bag!

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

I'm Officially Mrs. DB!

Well, as of January 12th, I am now officially a married woman. Everything went relatively smoothly and the dress was a big hit. I don't seem to have a perfect shot of the dress in my pictures, but I'm sure as I gather up pics from other people, there's bound to be some better shots. Just getting back to NYC today from Florida. Florida wasn't as warm as we would have liked, but it sure beat being up here in the freezing cold! As promised, here's a few pics!


Mom and Me


Grandmom and Me


Mr. and Mrs. DB


Cutting the Cake