Yarn: Superbulky Malabrigo Rasta.
Knitter: Hot and bothered.

So I finished–except for the collar–my Cropped Cardi. To my dismay, it did kind of come out as a knitted fat suit. I left all of the ends loose after sewing up,  just in case the whole thing needed to be unraveled. And then I put it back in the bag.

I got it out to photograph today–because there’s nothing quite like procrastinating  to quell the anxiety over the amount of work you have due, and hey, I kind of like the darn thing. I think the collar would help it, cause it might just be the neck shape that’s throwing  me off.

I’m not saying it doesn’t make me look fat, but I don’t think it’s entirely the sweater’s fault (here’s looking at you, peanut butter and chocolate). I do still love the way it is constructed and the directions created by the garter stitch lines.  And I can imagine how comfortable this extra squishy layer might be in the midst of Winter. Haha, Winter! Ha, hahahaha!.

Your thoughts? Shall I go for it, or start frogging?

P.S. I think I am going to re-knit the right sleeve, because I forgot a decrease in there. So don’t let that count against it.

This monday was the last meeting of my baby sweater class and all of the students left well on their way to being finished. Here are Margaret, Priscilla and Diane with their sweaters. They might be a little tired from all of that sewing up.

I love seeing how the pattern came out with all of the different color combinations, not to mention the cute buttons they each chose.  Again, we were working from my Crochet Layette pattern in the Fall 2010 issue of Knit Simple, which is on newsstands now. The students had a good grasp of color changing by the end of this class, and managing the strands was worth it for the cuteness factor.

Here’s my finished sweater. I shortened the sleeves and added a scalloped edging to the bottom.  There are so many easy ways to personalize this project, one of my other students made hers in a neutral palette for a “surprise” gender baby, and we’re going to add flowers later if it’s a girl.

If you end up making a sweater, please send me a link or photo, I’d love to see it. And if you missed this class, don’t worry- I’ll be offering it again in a month or two.

Despite the fact that it’s 99 degrees outside where I live, I know fall is coming. For some of you. I read your blogs and I’m jealous.  For you, I designed this super cozy project, the Cotton Candy Cowl.

Special thanks to my sister Mary for modeling it in the 91 degree heat today! Thank goodness for that afternoon rain storm.

The cowl is worked from side to side in a simple 4-row repeat that makes it grow wider around the shoulders, but snug at the neck, as you go. You can work it in a #6 Superbulky yarn or hold 2 strands of  #5 bulky (or maybe even worsted) together. Due to the big hook and thick yarn, it’s a quick one. I wear lots of cowls *in the house* when it gets cold because I find that if my neck is warm, I am warm.

The pattern is available for purchase on Ravelry (click here for direct purchase even without a Ravelry account)  and Etsy for $4. I’d rate the skill level enthusiastic beginner–although it has lots of texure, it uses only basic stitches Despite the fun bobbled texture, there are no clusters involved, and the buttonholes are easy-peasy.  See more details on the Cotton Candy Cowl Ravelry page. And savor these last days of summer!

Almost two years ago, I started playing with a shell design while I swatched for something or another. I realized that when I changed colors every two rows, the shells sort-of looked like flowers. Actually, I must have been playing with my Lacy Shells Hat Pattern at the time. The lace pattern reminded me of papel picado (cut paper) and I thought it would be a great decoration for a summery fiesta. I was living in Montana, mind you, and freezing– so the idea of margaritas and colorful paper banners was a distant–but welcome–memory.  I thought the pattern would make a nice scarf, table runner, or blanket (in order of time/effort and yarn required to crochet such things!) but settled on table runner. I sent off my magazine pitch and waited.

In the meantime I stitched the blanket seen above from the same basic idea. I made it for my grandma, who had just moved into an assisted living facility. I enjoyed every minute of working on it, because I could do so pretty mindlessly. I designed it so that virtually every stitch is worked into a chain-space, rather than into a stich. The foundation chain is created with chains and taller stitches that combine to form loops as-you-go, so that you can count these loops and easily change the length depending on what you are making.  I love patterns like that- let’s face it, they’re just simpler, because you can crochet by feel, and you can use them as a jumping off point. At the time I was helping my sister and nephew with their upside-down life and I needed something relaxing. I used some lovely leftovers of Tahki Stacy Charles’ Cotton Classic along with my other cotton scraps.  I had just completed the manuscript for Crochet Adorned. TSC donated a lot of yarn for the stitch dictionary (thanks again!), and I had little oddments everywhere. I really loved the blanket, and so did my grandma. It only took about a week for it be stolen- SIGH- but I would give it to her all over again.

As it turns out, my proposal was rejected. I’m telling you that to let you know that’s part of designing life! My ideas get rejected all of the time–and it sucks–but I loved this idea, and even though it is relatively simple, I didn’t want to let it go. I sat on it for awhile, and used it to show off some Plymouth Ecco Cashmere (laceweight) that I couldn’t resist buying. I made a little airy collar/cowl with it, in a solid color. I wanted to see how far I could get with one skein–so I made this piece AND one knit airy scarf–that way customers could see it in both crafts.

And then I stumbled on Inside Crochet magazine, and saw my golden opportunity to re-submit the idea. They liked it, and we picked out some new  yarn–Queensland’s Bebe Cotsoy–then off I went to create my runner. It was just as enjoyable to crochet this pattern  yet again. The pattern is available (in British Terminology) in Issue 9 of Inside Crochet, where it’s also suggested that you could double the yarn and make a rug! There are so many possibilities,  I’d love to see what you come up with.

I’ve selected a winner for the giveaway, and it’s Lisa! Congratulations Lisa, I sent you an email to get your address. FYI, I used the random number generator to get the winner, which gave me 54, and counted down the comments to that commenter number. I was going to print all of the comments but there was no easy way to do it. Oh well!  To everyone who commented, tweeted and facebooked–thank you! That was fun.

Lately I’ve had a bit of a knitting obsession. I think it’s because I work in a yarn shop. And I have a lot of leftover yarns from design projects. And I really try to be good about using what I have. And sometimes if I have already crocheted something with a yarn, well, I want to do something entirely different with the rest of it! And also, knitting takes less yarn when it comes to garments (and I’m not small). Heck, there’s no need to justify my love of both needle crafts, is there?

Anyway, I had a few hanks of Malabrigo Rasta left from a recent project–lucky me, right? So I searched Ravelry to see if I could make anything with said bulky deliciousness. Because you know this  Texan  will get a ton of wear out of  a superbulky garment, and really enjoy knitting it during the 100 degree heat we’ve been experiencing lately.  Oh yes. My search led me to this Cropped Cardi pattern (ravelry link) from Knit.1 Winter 2008. The mag is sadly defunct, and I remember hemming and hawing over buying that last issue when it was on newsstands because it had a lot of awesome designs but I wasn’t a fantastic knitter at that point. I ended up not purchasing it, and then wanting to get a back issue, but it had sold out by then so I forgot about it. When I saw the cardigans that had  been knit up on ravelry, I really wanted the entire issue (because there’s also  this other cardigan, oh and this one and this one that I’m interested in) and I was lucky enough to snag a copy on E-bay– woot! (In case you’re lusting, you can also buy individual patterns in the Vogue Knitting  Store). I cast on for the Cropped Cardi the day that the magazine came in the mail, which was Monday, I think.

This is an easy and super quick knit. The photo above was my progress on Tuesday night, last night I finished the left half of the sweater. The construction is really fun, and I’ve got my fingers crossed that it will be flattering. Or at the least, not a knitted fat suit–I could use one of those just about as much as I could use a bulky vest in TX.  I’m concerned,  but plowing through with reckless abandon because sometimes you just have to stick with something in order to know. And honestly? I wouldn’t mind re-knitting these 500 yards of yarn. It’s just so squishy and lovely!  I’ll let you know how it turns out.

I’m teaching the Baby Sweater from my Layette Set in Knit Simple Fall 2010, and I decided to go ahead and work up a sample for Yarnivore while I teach. Knit Simple was kind enough to temporarily lend me the actual sample to display in the shop, which is great–but this one can live there when that’s gone.

*Yes, these flip-flops are still kicking.

I worked the smallest (0-3 months) size in Berroco Comfort DK, but made mine with short sleeves. My goal was to work the whole thing out of 2 skeins (Grand total, $7. Yes, you can buy inexpensive yarn at your LYS). I still have to edge it but I think I’m going to have enough.  Hooray!

I thought I’d show it to you on my blocking board because blocking is still a big mystery to a lot of crocheters. I’m not going to lie–for a very long time, I didn’t know what blocking was either. But when I started researching Crochet Adorned and working in yarn shops, I realized how dramatically it can improve the look of your projects. Here’s how I think of it. Let’s say you have a nice pair of pants. They’re going to look better if you iron them, right? Not everyone does, but you look more professional when you take the time to do it. Well, ironing is to those pants what blocking is to crocheting and knitting. (Note: I am in no way saying to actually iron your needlework!).

Blocking doesn’t have to be hard, at all. The first thing you need is a surface. I bought the foam tile pieces shown above from Lowes– a pack of four 2×2 tiles cost me $20. Since they are modular, I can change the layout to block scarves, baby blankets, sweaters, doilies, etc. They are nice and thick and I lean them against the wall to get pinned projects out of the way while they dry. As a designer, I sometimes have several things blocking at once. It took me 8 years of crocheting to “splurge” on the blocking board and I’m so glad I did. There are other surface options too, but this is my favorite. Unlike a padded ironing board or a towel on a bed (my old standbys) the foam doesn’t absorb the water, it just lets it evaporate on the surface. That means faster drying time for my stuff.

So, to block- hand-wash your pieces BEFORE you put them together. It’s much easier to sew things together that are the same size. It’s also much easier to see if there’s a glaring error BEFORE you sew things together, so you can fix it without having to rip back your seams. You can even leave your ends free until after you block if you think you might have an error. This would be especially useful if you expect the length of a piece to grow, and want the option to shorten it.  I usually do weave my ends in, but before that I mark the right side of each piece with a  marker so I don’t get confused later. Trust me, it’s easier to set up a visual reminder than to try to guess– I learned that lesson the hard way when I sewed a set-in sleeve in backwards once. Don’t worry, the recipient never noticed and I never told her.

Anyway, back to blocking– pin the wet pieces into place with T-pins (rust-proof metal pins). Stretch them gently, if necessary, to match the schematic or desired measurements. Let them dry. That’s it! And, if you’re in a hurry or just want to do a light block, you can just spray the piece with water until it’s saturated, and repeat the rest of the procedure. Try it a few times, and I’m sure you’ll see the difference.

Monday night is the last class for the Baby Sweater and we’ll all be sewing our pieces together (hopefully!). I’ll be sure to share the finished sweaters when I have a chance. I’ll offer the class again in a month or two, and I know my friends at the Bozeman Yarn Shop are offering it for fall, too–call them if you’re interested. And in case you’re curious, the September classes are on the Yarnivore calendar.

PS: Still time to enter the giveaway, if you’re reading this before midnight, Wednesday 8/18/2010.

The winner has been announced and this giveaway is now CLOSED. Thanks to all who entered!

I’ve been meaning to do a giveaway for a while now, but have been drowning in  yarn and writing over here. Nevertheless, I wanted to share some cool products that I’ve been given to give to you.

Here’s how it’s going to work: to enter the giveaway, leave a comment below. For a second entry, either tweet (@lindamade)  this post, join my facebook fan page, or link to this post on your blog, then come back here and comment again telling me you did so.  I will check up on you cause I stick to the rules like that, so just be honest. It’s free stuff! You have until Wednesday, August 18th at 12 midnight (central) to enter.

The first set of goodies is all from Boye/Simplicity, and would be great for crocheters and knitters alike. Included are: some “Crocheted By” sew-in tags,   yarn sleeves (for keeping your yarn from becoming yarn barf), a gauge check,  removable stitch markers, beaded stitch markers (these would only work for knitting, but you can always give them to a friend), a hairpin lace tool (might I suggest you make this?), and yarn talkers. The yarn talkers are the only non-self explanatory thing in here, they are little tags that say things like “right side” and “large” and “sleeve.” I’m a big believer in making things as easy as you can for yourself, so I love these. It’s much easier to remember what the right side is after you work the first row of any crochet project (as it typically is the first row, while it’s facing you), so I’m constantly telling my students to mark it while they still know what it is. Some labeles are also helpful if you know a project will sit for a while–as projects that need seaming often do– so you  can easily identify the pieces even if it’s been a while. The words are on one side in raised lettering, and I’ve also been using the other side with my own sharpie-written reminders. Yes, I kept some of these for myself.

I also have a few sets of cute Knit Knotes that I’ll throw in the bunch. These are from designer Meg Strong’s new collection of cards (which are available on etsy and at your local yarn store). I love the cheeky sentiment. Each set comes with 4 cards and the messages are cute and fun. We sell these at Yarnivore and I think they are perfect enclosures for handmade gifts.

To the pile, I’m also throwing in a size XL “Handmade is Better” shirt from Craftster (photo is directly from the Craftster site). I actually ordered this shirt for yours truly, but it was the wrong size. (There’s an involved story where I did try to get the right size, but sizing between different colors of the same cut apparently varies. I gave up even though the customer service was excellent). I’d say this fits a size medium, truly. A size large if you like feeling like a sausage. But the shirt itself is very cute and I only wish I’d ordered it in the right size. It’s not doing any good in my closet, so I hope one of you will enjoy it!

Again, to enter simply leave a comment below by Wednesday, August 18th at 12 midnight (central) . For a second entry, either tweet (@lindamade) this post, join my facebook fan page, or link to this post on your blog, then come back here and comment again telling me you did so (leave a link to your blog or twitter name, etc).  Please remember to leave your email so that I can contact you if you win.

Good luck!

This week I was finally able to put the finishing touches on my * favorite * ever crochet project. (I think that might actually be a true statement). Now presenting, my Garden Path Shawl!

The pattern is by LilyGo and it is great, well worth the $6. I worked exclusively from the diagrams, I am sure I would have pulled my hair out if there were none. It was really nice to have a challenging project…this one required a lot of focus and so I worked on it bit by bit. Generally, before dark. And yes, I had to go get my eyes checked due to working this pattern (they’re fine. I need to rest them!).  FYI. I used a size 3.0 mm hook and just one strand of Mountain Colors Winter Lace (love, love love!)–I ended up with just a bit left. The blocking is what really brought this shawl to life, and yes, the 359453 picots were totally worth it. If you are looking for a challenge, go for it! I think the key is to pace  yourself,  alternate between this one and a simple project, and don’t stress about finishing by a certain deadline.

I was working on this project at TNNA, where I met several knitwear designers including Cecily Glowik-Mcdonald (who has an awesome new book, New England Knits, check it out!) and Ysolda Teague. When I got home I decided it was time to cast on for a sweater, because, or so went my thinking, if I can knit a baby blanket, I can knit a sweater. I just so happened to have frogged most of my Market Bag (sorry, but I just wasn’t using it) and saw that one of Ysolda’s patterns, Liesl, was made with the very same yarn. So, crossing my fingers that I had enough- 4 skeins- to hopefully make at least a vest, I cast on for  my first knitted sweater. And six weeks later, here it is!

I did have to rip back a few times when I misplaced a yarn over or decrease, but luckily I have lots of experience with that through fixing other people’s projects at Yarnivore. I can still remember when I first started working at the Bozeman Yarn Shop… I would be so scared to rip back a customer’s work. Now I am a pro! I am very proud of this little vest. It’s a bit short, but I used all of my yarn, so there you go. I would make it again, too–it was quite enjoyable. I think I’ve finally come to realize that I actually need knitting patterns with lacework or stitch patterns of some sort, because stockinette is boring. I’m not sure why it took me that long to notice, but now I know. I’m already thinking about the next one.

Anyway. I am feeling extremely satisfied, and for a minute wondered what I would work on next. But when I got back from teaching my Crochet Layette Class this evening, there was a box of yarn waiting for me. I should really never worry about not having a project!

It’s been a busy summer for me. I’m trying to juggle lots of freelance work (which is great) with teaching/working at Yarnivore (which I love) and you know…having a life? Unfortunately the third thing on the list falls to the wayside sometimes when numbers 1 and 2 ramp up. I feel like I’ve been glued to my computer and the couch for the last couple weeks, working like a fiend, for what I like to call “Christmas in July.”  You see, with publishers needing to work in advance, it often turns out that I work on holiday projects during the summer. And of course even publishers who don’t regularly do things want to do holiday projects. All of which means that in prime vacation time, I’m freaking busy! I haven’t even had time to get my hair cut, it’s almost at pony tail length, and if you know me, you know I do not do long hair!

But, I have been having some fun too. Yes, some crafty fun which I’ll have to get back to you on (I finished my first knitted sweater! But have not taken pictures yet!). But also just summer fun. Last week we took a couple days off to spend with my family at the Stonewall Valley Ranch outside of Fredericksburg, TX. We had a lot of fun just sitting on the porch, seeing the animals, and being worn down by a two year old. I am really enjoying being closer to my family, and I can’t believe it’s been almost a year since we moved back to Texas. It feels like home. It always has, so I’m glad to be back.

I also got to finally meet one of my fellow Texas crochet designers + yarn shop owner extraordinaire, Sheryl Means. Sheryl and I have been chatting online for a while now, and she was in town anyway so she stopped in the store. I was so excited, it’s great to meet someone as enthusiastic about crochet as I am. Now I need to swing by her shop sometime! Check out her blog and while you’re there, tell her she should publish the pattern for the tank she’s wearing!

In other news, I took a breather today to make some good food. I really suck at cooking when our schedules conflict (um, all the time), but I love homemade meals. This morning I whipped up a beer/orange/onion marinade from the latest issue of Sunset, and our steak is soaking in it so that Paul can grill it tonight. I never really knew about Sunset magazine until my friend Susan turned me on to it. I recently subscribed, and I’m really digging it as a lifestyle mag. They have a little bit of everything- travel/outdoors, cooking, gardening,  living green, etc. If you’re into that, check it out.

The other thing I just finished was making some pickles using this recipe. Our cucumber plants are doing great (so much so that I think they killed the beans…sign) so I wanted to try making pickles. I started with 8 cucumbers–I pick them when they are smallish so the plants keep producing, but it only took me a few days to get that many.

I ended up with two and a half quart-size jars full of pickles. These aren’t the typical labor-intensive preserve-forever pickles, but they will stay good for a few weeks to a couple of months in the fridge. Plus, you can make them in small batches as you go.  If they are any good, I’ll be making them again soon.

That’s what’s going on around here. I guess I should get back to work now….or go drink the beer left over from the marinade.

The September/October issue of Crochet Today–which is surprisingly already available for preview–has a special section focusing on patterns for those new to the hook. Keeping in mind what I’ve learned through teaching, I designed three of them, each focusing on one main stitch for beginners to practice.  However, you don’t need to be a beginner to enjoy these patterns– you can always add a little embellishment if you feel they need more going on. If you’re a complete beginner, working all three of these patterns would be a great way to move into more involved designs.

Start with the Super Simple Pillow, which is worked all in single crochet–and fast! Chunky yarn makes it really quick, so quick that I was tempted to work up a few for my own sofa. I think it would look great with some surface embroidery or applique, or you could make each side a different color (or one side striped, one plain) to give yourself options. This is a good way to practice counting  your stitches and maintaining an even count from row to row.

Next, work the Perfect Granny Scarf . Many people learn on a granny, because working into chain-spaces is easier than working into stitches–but I do think that knowing basic stitches first is helpful. Here I made the scarf all in one color for a modern look, but of course you can work with scraps, too. It’s a great way to start working in the round,  practice double crochet stitches, and learn to join and edge squares.

And lastly, my favorite– the Beginner’s Beret. This one will teach you to work in the round, increase, and practice your half double crochet stitches. In the interest of keeping it simple, there are no decreases in this pattern!  I really liked the style of this hat (which can also be worn more as a slouchy hat instead of a beret) and I may need to make one for myself. Of course, I can’t even think about needing a hat in the heat of a Texas summer, but thinking of Fall will get me through it. Again, you can check out all of these projects plus a load of cute 9 to 5 office wear and Halloween costumes in the Sept/Oct 2010 Crochet Today.

***

Locals, I also wanted to mention that I added my August Classes to the Yarnivore Calendar. I’m most excited about the Baby Sweater (or Blanket) class on Monday nights. We’ll be working from my Layette pattern in Knit Simple, and I’ve even arranged to borrow the sample so y’all can see it up close. If you take on the sweater, you’ll learn how to wrangle yarn during colorwork, simple shaping, increases and ribbing, and how to seam garments. All of which can be applied to adult garments, of course. Call ahead to reserve a spot!  Also in August: Learn to Crochet, Crocheted Sun Hat, Broomstick Lace and Crochet Fix (the fix it and share group). And there’s still room in Intermediate Crochet in July (Saturdays, the 24th and 31st).

I’m off to a few relaxing days with my family this week, but I’ll be back soon with a giveaway!