Animated Starry Night!

I think this is how Van Gogh saw it.


Starry Night (interactive animation) from Petros Vrellis on Vimeo.

Mt. Hood Snow Cap

Welcome to February! I hope you are all well and managing your winter with good cheer. I am excited because today marks the release of my first (but not last!) hat pattern: Mt. Hood Snow Cap.

Marcia Sanders-Guard braves the blustery snow on Mt. Hood

Inspiration: Mt. Hood is the tallest mountain in Oregon and can be seen from almost any location in Portland. On the southern flank sits Timberline Lodge, built in the 1930’s as part of the WPA.

Marcia shows off the snowflake crown while warming up inside Timberline Lodge

The exterior was made famous as the Overlook Hotel, where all work and no play made Jack lose his mind in The Shining. Most people, however, associate the lodge with playing in the snow and drinking hot cocoa by the fire. The Mt. Hood Snow Cap was inspired by this sort of experience. Wear it frolicking outside on a cold day or maybe just inside on a hot cocoa day instead!

Anatole cuddles up to Marcia

This advanced-beginner pattern is knit in the round. The mountain flap is knit first, then additional sts are added for the ribbing. The crown shaping mimics a snowflake, with optional bobbles. You’ll need to know how to cast on, knit, purl, increase, decrease, and follow written instructions.

Child's Fitted Hat with Bobbles

Yarn: DK-weight yarn. Samples shown: Madeline Tosh DK [100% Merino superwash wool; 225yd per 100gr ball]; color: Chambray (small fitted hat), Burnished (large slouchy hat) Cove (child fitted hat): 1 skein. Hat uses approx 160, [170, 180] yards.

Gauge: 22 sts/30 rows = 4” in stockinette stitch

Needles: 1 set US #4/3.5mm 16” circular needle and double pointed needles OR size needed to obtain gauge.

Left: Chambray; Center: Cove; Right: Burnished

Hat Sizes: Child [Adult Small, Large]

Hat Circumference: 18” [20,” 22”] OR 46 [51, 56] cm

Notions: Tapestry needle. Optional: Contrast yarn or thread for embroidery.

Simple snowflake embroidered over mountain flap

This pattern was test knitted by Roxanne Powell and cthulhulovesme. Child hat knitted by Roxanne Powell. Hats modeled by Marcia Sanders-Guard, Gabe Sanders-Guard and Anatole. Photography by Vivian Aubrey and Gabe Sanders-Guard. Many, many thanks!

Large Adult Slouchy Hat without Bobbles

This pattern is available for download $4.99
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Marcia... you cutie!

Want more? This pattern is part of the Stumptown Knits Collection: a monthly pattern club featuring 6 accessory patterns inspired by the place you live and the place you love. For me, it's Portland, Oregon.

Benefits for joining the club:

• When finished, the club will be compiled into an e-book. The e-book will be included in the cost of the club for those who join.

• Half the cost of buying the individual patterns.

• Individual patterns as well as finished e-book (at the end of the club) can be stored in your Ravelry library.

• Knit-a-longs! This time we will have official knit-a-longs each month with prizes! See my group here for info in January.

• 20% off discount codes to use at Twisted. All of the yarns used in this club are available for purchase there and if you want to match the yarns I’m using, you can!

Join now! Only $15.99
buy now
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Snowflake crown and bobble detail

Before you go, I want to remind you that we have knit-a-longs going on Ravelry. Just be sure to stop by the group here. The January prizes included a pouch from Namaste and lip balm from Bar Maids. February prizes will be announced in the Ravelry group!

If you want to knit along with us but can’t finish your project before the end of the month, don’t worry. There will be a prize thread at the end of the club for any finished pieces done after the deadline... still more chances to win something!

Thank you so much for joining me on this tour of the places I love. I hope you are enjoying the patterns, and even perhaps finding your own renewed interest in your places too.

Warm Regards,
Star

Happy Chinese New Year!

The year if the dragon is upon us, people. I don't know about you but I am ready to put the rabbit year of 2011 aside and welcome some new power and change into my life. A little luck might be nice too, if that's on the menu.

In any case, I am ready to be a dragon - bright, fierce, and magical! Are you with me?

Good. Now I'd like to share with you a sock pattern that honors this time of year - Lantern Socks:



Lantern Festival is celebrated on the last day of Chinese New Year. Traditionally, thousands of colorful lanterns are hung or paraded around during the full moon at the beginning of a new year. At this time, people try to solve puzzles written on lanterns, eat yuanxiao (元宵) (glutinous rice ball) and enjoy a family reunion.



Knit your own beaded lantern socks today, and solve the riddles at the end of the pattern for fun.



Size: This pattern is written for 3 sizes: Small (Medium, Large)

Foot circumference: 7 (8, 9) inches 17.5 (20, 23 cm) unstretched. Will stretch to fit 8 (9, 10) inches 20 (23, 25.5 cm).

Yarn: Fingering-weight sock yarn that gives you proper gauge, 350 - 425 yards; Sample shown: Hazel Knits Artisan Sock [90% SUPERWASH Wool, 10% Nylon; 400yd per 120 gram skein]; color: Wheatberry: 1 skein.



Needles: 1 set of US 1 (2.25 mm) 32” circular needles (magic loop), 2 sets of 24” circulars or double pointed needles OR size to get gauge.

Gauge: 32 sts/48 rows = 4” in Stockinette Stitch.

Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle, tiny crochet hook (I used a steel 10 – 1.25 mm), 28 size 6 seed beads.



The pattern is $4.99
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The Socks For All Seasons e-book is $24.99 and provides you with a year's worth of sock patterns:
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Party on, fellow dragons!

Wednesday Morning, 3 AM

Willamette Scarf

Happy New Year, Friends! I hope this year has started off in the very best of ways. If this isn't the case for you, allow me to point out that there is plenty of time to course-correct.

Today is exciting for me because I get to release the first pattern in the Stumptown Knits pattern club! The Willamette Scarf is inspired by the flow of water that runs right through the center of Portland.

A cold day along the banks of the Willamette river in Portland

The Willamette river is a vital, multi-functioning tributary of the Columbia, rich with life, commerce, and recreation. It runs like an artery up the middle of Portland, crossed often by distinctive bridges and the occasional beaver. The linen stitch and herringbone stitch in the Willamette scarf mimic the ripples, waves and stones of the water.

Color: Star

The yarn is dyed by the talented Melanie at Black Trillium. There are two colors pictured here: Star and Columbia. I've been eager to work with the Star color which was named after me. (How cool is that!?) I like how the variegation plays with the textured stitches.

Color: Columbia

The Columbia color was a natural choice here. Since Black Trillium is based in the Pacific Northwest it makes perfect sense she would have locally inspired colors. I like how the watery blue is integrated with salmon. Quite accurate!

Under the Burnside Bridge, with orange gloves

Scarf Size: Adjustable. Sample is 80” long. 6” deep at widest part. 

Notions: Tapestry needle.

Gauge: Gauge is not critical.

Needles: US 8 (5 mm) straight or circular needles.

Skill level: This advanced-beginner pattern is knit flat using some unusual stitches. You’ll need to know how to cast on, knit, purl, slip stitches, increase, decrease, bind off and follow written instructions.

A detail of the Herringbone and Linen stitches (waves and pebbles)

This pattern was tested by Bev Love and Minttu. Columbia Scarf sample knitted by Bev Love. Photography by Vivian Aubrey. Many thanks!

Willamette Scarf Pattern is $4.99
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Hey, wait! Did you know that this pattern is part of a larger collection?

Stumptown Knits: An accessories collection designed to honor the place you live and the place you love. For me, it’s inspired by Portland, OR. What will it be for you?

This pattern-only club runs for 6 months and features 6 patterns. 

Club costs $15.99 to join.

Patterns: 
Sock yarn scarf (shown)
DK-weight hat 
Sock yarn shawl 
Socks 
Armwarmers 
Cowl

Benefits for joining the club:

• When finished, the club will be compiled into an e-book. The e-book will be included in the cost of the club for those who join.
• Half the cost of buying the individual patterns.
• Individual patterns as well as finished e-book (at the end of the club) can be stored in your Ravelry library.
• Knit-a-longs! This time we will have official knit-a-longs each month with prizes!
• 20% off discount codes to use at Twisted. All of the yarns used in this club are available for purchase there and if you want to match the yarns I’m using, you can!
  
  I hope you will join me in my exploration of this beautiful place through knitting. Have questions? Just ask! On Ravelry? Join the group and join the discussions here.
  
  Yes, join now!

$15.99

buy now

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Willamette Scarf Tease #2

January 1st is a time for a great many things! I am sure to ramble a bit here quite soon about the upcoming transition to 2012. Also, a new pattern will be released...

A cold day along the banks of the Willamette river in Portland

A detail of the herringbone and linen stitch (waves and pebbles)

Under the Burnside Bridge, with orange gloves

Stay tuned for more details. For now, I should tell you that the lovely yarn is Black Trillium Lilt in colorways "Star" and "Columbia"

Thanks to Vivian Aubrey for the lovely photos (We had way too much fun that afternoon)! See more pictures in the Stumptown Knits collection just hatched on Flickr, if you wanna.

Song I went to bed singing

As I am too busy to write blog posts, and you surely are too busy to read them I'll keep this brief:

Today only get $1 off Stumptown Knits pattern club here. Use coupon code LastMinute

It's not too late to treat yourself or another knitter...

Support indie designers!

Today ONLY!

!

Stumptown Knits

Okay party people! It's ON!!!

Willamette Scarf

Stumptown Knits: An accessories collection designed to honor the place you live and the place you love. For me, it’s inspired by Portland, OR. What will it be for you?

This pattern-only club will run for 6 months and will feature 6 patterns. The first pattern will be released on January 1st, 2012.

Anyone who was a Socks For All Seasons club member will get a $1 off discount code to join Stumptown Knits if they want to.

Anyone who buys/bought the Socks For All Seasons ebook (Before Dec 1st) will also get a $1 off coupon code.


I have emailed out the coupon codes already - if you didn't get yours and you are eligible, let me know!

Club costs $15.99 to join.

Patterns: 
Sock yarn scarf (shown)
DK-weight hat (shown, sort-of)
Sock yarn shawl 
Socks 
Armwarmers 
Cowl

Benefits for joining the club:

• When finished, the club will be compiled into an e-book. The e-book will be included in the cost of the club for those who join.
• Half the cost of buying the individual patterns.
• Individual patterns as well as finished e-book (at the end of the club) can be stored in your Ravelry library.
• Knit-a-longs! This time we will have official knit-a-longs each month with prizes!
• 20% off discount codes to use at Twisted. All of the yarns used in this club are available for purchase there and if you want to match the yarns I’m using, you can!

Mt. Hood Snow Cap

That’s it for now. Sign-ups start NOW! I hope you will join me in my exploration of this beautiful place in a non-sock way. Have questions? Just ask! On Ravelry? Join my group and join the discussions here.

Join now!
$15.99

buy now

Stumptown Knits - coming soon

I am excited to announce the details of my new club now! I've got two pictures to share as a tease as well. 

Willamette Scarf

Stumptown Knits: An accessories collection designed to honor the place you live and the place you love. For me, it’s inspired by Portland, OR. What will it be for you?

This pattern-only club will run for 6 months and will feature 6 patterns. The first pattern will be released on January 1st, 2012.

Anyone who was a Socks For All Seasons club member will get a $1 off discount code to join Stumptown Knits if they want to.

Anyone who buys/bought the Socks For All Seasons ebook (Before Dec 1st) will also get a $1 off coupon code.

Club costs $15.99 to join.

Patterns: 
Sock yarn scarf (shown)
DK-weight hat (shown, sort-of)
Sock yarn shawl 
Socks 
Armwarmers 
Cowl

Benefits for joining the club:

• When finished, the club will be compiled into an e-book. The e-book will be included in the cost of the club for those who join.
• Half the cost of buying the individual patterns.
• Individual patterns as well as finished e-book (at the end of the club) can be stored in your Ravelry library.
• Knit-a-longs! This time we will have official knit-a-longs each month with prizes!
• 20% off discount codes to use at Twisted. All of the yarns used in this club are available for purchase there and if you want to match the yarns I’m using, you can!

Mt. Hood Snow Cap

That’s it for now. Sign-ups will start on November 15th. I hope you will join me in my exploration of this beautiful place in a non-sock way. Have questions? Just ask! On Ravelry? Join my group and join the discussions here.

Día de los Muertos

Hi November! Are you seriously here already? As I sit in a puffy vest waiting for the kettle to boil I must admit the truth. There is no denying it. The fall has returned. I have to re-negotiate an arrangement with the thermostat. I have to do something about the damp windows. I also get to reflect on the things I've lost...

Plus, socks!



Can I tell you about a pair of socks that are associated with this season of change?

These socks here are in honor of the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos). It's a holiday to be spent gathered with family and friends to remember loved ones who have died. The celebration occurs on November 2 in connection with the Catholic holidays of All Saints' Day (November 1) and All Souls' Day (November 2).

We can gather online if we can't gather in person. This year I am remembering. I am also letting go.




Traditions connected with the Day of the Dead include building altars honoring the deceased using decorated sugar skulls, marigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed. The Day of the Dead is not necessarily a time for mourning, so knit and decorate these socks using bright, festive colors and wear them to party!

This here pattern is written for multiple gauges and you can knit the sock as they are, or add embroidery when done! What a great use for bright scraps of sock yarn leftover from other projects.



At the end of the pattern you will find a sugar skull paper craft pattern. Decorate that too! These socks give the knitter options. A simple sock can be decorated by embroidering marigolds along the eyelets. A skeleton can be embroidered along the side if desired.

Sizes: This pattern is written for four sizes: (See foot circumference chart to determine appropriate size) 1. Women’s Small (2. Women’s Medium/Men’s Small, 3. Women’s Large/Men’s Medium, 4. Women’s X-L/Men’s Large)

Foot circumference: 7 (8, 9, 10) inches 17.5 (20, 23, 25.5 cm) unstretched. Will stretch to fit 8 (9, 10, 11) inches 20 (23, 25.5, 28 cm).

Yarn: This pattern is written for four gauges: (See yardage requirement chart to determine yarn selection) Sample shown: sport-weight: Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks that Rock Mediumweight [100% SUPERWASH Wool; 380yd per 155 gram skein]; color: Pallas Athena: 1 skein.



Needles: 1 set of 32” circular needles (magic loop), 2 sets of 24” circulars or double pointed needles in size to get gauge.

Notions: Stitch markers, scrap yarn or embroidery floss, tapestry needle.

Because of the large file size, this time the "extra" is in a separate pdf file. Both the pattern and paper craft are available to you through the link.



The pattern is $3.99
add to cart
show cart
buy now

The Socks For All Seasons e-book is $15.99 (limited time only) and provides you with a year's worth of sock patterns:
add to cart
show cart
buy now

Ramble with a bit of Dylan Thomas

Fall has fallen. I am finishing the last few rows on a sweater for a ghost. I am burying nuts. I am returning library books and looking for bigger dreams.


photo by Nicholas_T via Flickr

Later this month I will talk about knitting, specifically in regards to some Day of the Dead socks, but for now let's just look at these lovely pictures and ponder the October-ness of today.

 
photo by Fesoj via Flickr

Especially when the October wind

With frosty fingers punishes my hair,

Caught by the crabbing sun I walk on fire

And cast a shadow crab upon the land,

By the sea's side, hearing the noise of birds,

Hearing the raven cough in winter sticks,

My busy heart who shudders as she talks

Sheds the syllabic blood and drains her words.

- Dylan Thomas, Especially When the October Wind