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

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