Keep On Knitting In The Free World

Happy Chinese New Year!

2012-01-23T09:43:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-18T03:00:00.000-08:00

Willamette Scarf

2012-01-01T16:45:00.000-08:00

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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Willamette Scarf Tease #2

2011-12-28T21:52:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-27T20:35:00.000-08:00

2011-12-23T09:28:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-17T16:43:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-08T09:01:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-01T17:13:00.000-07:00

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
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The Socks For All Seasons e-book is $15.99 (limited time only) and provides you with a year's worth of sock patterns:
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Ramble with a bit of Dylan Thomas

2011-10-25T13:03:00.000-07:00

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

Stripey Leg Warmers - Tutorial

2011-10-11T08:23:00.000-07:00

Look at me, world!

photo by Vivian Aubrey

I wear skirts year-round. I also get cold easily. I needed something special to wear with or without boots... you know, like knee socks. Hard truth, I was a wee bit burned out on knitting knee socks, as I made about four pairs in the last year. (!)

I was actually craving some cozy, cheerful leg warmers. I wasn't really up to knitting them, so I got creative. One of the things I Know To Be True, is if you aren't afraid to put scissors to knitted fabric, the world is really yours for the taking. If you're curious, I'll tell you how I made these happy leg warmers. It's really too easy.

You'll need some supplies. Here is what I used:

Striped GAP sweater from Goodwill ($5)
Scissors
Knitting needles appropriate for your gauge. I used US size 00 (1.75 mm) 32" circular needle (or double pointed needles or 2 circulars, whatever method you like for small circumference knitting in the round)
Yarn of similar thickness to sweater yarn, just under 100 yards. I used Brown Sheep Nature Spun Fingering in five colors (there were eight colors in the sweater but I compromised in the interest of sanity) bought here.
Tapestry needle for weaving in ends

Step 1: Cut the sweater

Deep breath!

After I was really, really sure this was what I wanted to do, I put the sweater on the table and took the best scissors I had to it. Luckily, this was a striped sweater so I had a cutting guide. I started at the place where the sleeve connected to the body and cut along one stripe all the way around. I did this on both sides.

Nothing bad happened.

Step 2: Pick up those live stitches

A Fine Tangle

After congratulating myself a few times I started to get the sense that the real work was still ahead of me. I picked up the knitting needle and started finding all of those live stitches along the top of the sleeve. I counted what I had (97) and found the number was almost divisible by four, so I knit two stitches together at the end to get there. (96 stitches total)

I worked a 2x2 (knit 2 stitches, purl 2 stitches) rib all the way around in a comparable striping sequence to the rest of the sleeve for about 2.5 inches. I carried the different colors up the inside except when the distance was too great (red and pink) and in those cases I cut the yarn and re-attached later.

It was messy and somewhat unpleasant, if I am being honest. The balls of yarn tangled around constantly and I enjoyed cutting the yarn when it was time. Tangles be gone!

Step 3: Finishing

Are you kidding me?

I bound off using Jeny's Surprisingly Stretchy Bind Off which created a perfect edge that was both stretchy and elastic. Success!

Then it hit me that I had 14 ends to weave in, on each leg. That made 28 ends in total! I tried not to ponder the ridiculousness of that many dangling threads in such a small cuff and made it through while watching Murder She Wrote streaming on Netflix and eating Trader Joe's dark chocolate bar with caramel and black sea salt.

The result:

photo by Vivian Aubrey

I put them on immediately and haven't really taken them off yet. They are a nice break from my usual grey wardrobe. They are warm. They make me smile.

Step 4: Show them off

photo by Vivian Aubrey

I'm pleased with the result, and they were (amazingly) completed at the right time of year. Already the transition into the drizzly dark cloudiness has hit Portland. I'm prepared. I have sunshine on my legs.

The only question left is what to do with the sweater body?

If you made it this far, thanks for reading! Special thanks to Vivian, who knows how to turn a sludge-infected alley into a cozy secret passageway through her magical photography. She literally knelt in garbage-water to take these pictures. Love her! (She took the first picture and the last two, in case it isn't obvious)

Socktoberfest

2011-10-04T10:42:00.000-07:00

I don't recall having much of a summer but suddenly Socktober is here once again. It's the month that hits you, if you actually think you are going to knit any gifts for the holidays you better get cracking now.

Socks are an ambitious gift, but worsted-weight socks are a little more reasonable, and FAST. Which brings me to...

Long Night's Journey Into Day -- a cardigan-like buttoned sock.

Inspiration: It was a dark and stormy night. The teapot whistled and a fire was lit. She reached into the top drawer and slipped on the coziest pair among the bunch…

As the seasons change and the nights grow longer we need small comforts to protect us from the evening chill. This pair starts with the cuff, then stitches are picked up for the foot. You can even knit the foot in a contrasting yarn if you’d like, or perhaps make them taller socks. When completed, real buttons function like a cardigan sweater for added warmth. This pattern also includes some hot drink recipes for you to explore while knitting your own pair of extra thick socks.

Sizes: Women’s Small (Women’s Medium, Women’s 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).

Gauge: 20 sts/34 rows = 4" in st st

Needles: 1 set US #3/3.25mm straight or circular needles (CUFF) AND 1 set US #4/3.5mm (SOCK) 32” circular needles (magic loop), 2 sets of 24” circulars or double pointed needles, or size to get gauge.

Yarn: Worsted-weight yarn that gives you proper gauge. Sample shown: Dream in Color Classy [100% Superwash Wool; 250 yd per 4 oz skein]; color: Crying Dove: 1 (2, 2) skeins. Sample is a medium which used 300 yards.

Notions: Tapestry needle, cable needle, 10 - 3/4” buttons.

Thank you for re-visiting an October-inspired pattern with me today. I really wanted to share more poetry and music but you know, I like knitting too.

The pattern is $3.99
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This pattern is also part of the Socks For All Seasons e-book -- 13 patterns for $15.99 (limited time only)
explore the collection
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Available on Kindle

'Neath the cover of October skies

2011-10-02T17:29:00.000-07:00

On the second day of October I bring you another diversion. This gem was unearthed during my quest to find cool stuff that relates to this month. Why? Let's just say I am feeling particularly excited about the fresh air I am suddenly breathing. I welcome October. You couldn't have come at a better time.

I know this is a knitting blog but that "other things too" disclaimer up there makes it okay for all of these youtube videos and poems and other ramblings, yes? Good.

Moondance by Van Morrison - The Song, The Youtube Video

Yes, the font is silly.

Yes, "piano solo" in the middle is both distracting and not fair to the horns.

Yes, it's nice to see the lyrics anyway! I am feeling them. Are you?

Hi October

2011-10-01T21:19:00.000-07:00

Bittersweet October. The mellow, messy, leaf-kicking, perfect pause
between the opposing miseries of summer and winter. - Carol Bishop Hipps

I imagine there are many things to look forward to this month. You know, as long as you have things to look forward to, you're going to be alright.

I am looking forward to getting my next collection going, spending quality time with friends and family, and if I recall... this just might be the month pumpkin shakes return to Burgerville. What are you looking forward to?

I'm also looking forward to exploring new ways to connect with knitters... which reminds me:

My e-book Socks For All Seasons is now available on Amazon!

I sure like the way October is unfolding so far!

Knitting Machine Prints Photos!

2011-09-26T13:30:00.000-07:00

via Craft

I have a new thing on my wishlist.

Contest Winners

2011-09-26T10:04:00.000-07:00

It was a rainy Monday morning in September. A random number generator was consulted. The meaning of life was not revealed but three numbers emerged. These numbers were aligned with three names... we have some winners, people!

1. WordLily
2. Ridgely
3. Allison

You three have all won copies of Socks For All Seasons! Please let me know your Ravelry names (or if you prefer, your email) so I can deliver them to you.

Thank you for entering this contest! If you didn't win (I'm sorry) might you consider picking up the collection anyway? It's available at an introductory rate of $15.99 until December 19th. Then it will cost $24.99. Don't delay!

Socks For All Seasons - 13 patterns, only $15.99 (limited time)
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Book excerpt:

Life Cycle Socks - September

These socks pay tribute to the time of harvest, the culmination of a thousand tiny miracles that embody the growing season. Earthworms work the soil at your feet, restoring the biological dross of previous years to the promise of new life. A leafy stalk, heavy with fruit, bursts from the gusset on top of your foot; there to dry in the waning summer sun, in anticipation of the approaching harvest. Sow your stitches carefully and prepare to reap a beautiful pair of hand-knit socks…as the cycle of life continues.

Have a treat today, for it is Monday and you deserve it. For those with a real case of the Mondays, click here. This is for you.

New Club Tease #1

2011-09-24T14:24:00.000-07:00

Hello there knitter friends and friends of knitters,

The new club is coming soon and I'd like to let you in on the early details now. Got a minute? Pull up a chair and pour yourself a nice something. While you're at it, I'll take one too. Ready? Okay.

Introducing... Stumptown Knits

Stumptown Knits is 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?

photo by StuSeeger via flickr

This club will run for 6 months and will feature 6 patterns.

When finished, the club's patterns will be compiled into an e-book. The e-book will be included in the cost of the club.

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

Anyone who buys the Socks For All Seasons ebook (within a specified time range TBD) will also get a coupon code. More on this later.

Right now 3 of the 6 patterns are:

Socks with stripes and lace
Scarf with variegated sock yarn
Hat with cables

photo by rynosoft via flickr

Are you a Ravelry member? Vote here on what the last 3 patterns should be. Of course, I will have final say. We're not designing a camel here, people.

More details will follow as they unfold...

Hey! Before you go, be sure to enter the giveaway below if you haven't yet. The deadline is Sunday (tomorrow) night. I'm consulting the random number generator on Monday morning!

In closing, a word about the pictures here. The first one is a classic shot of the Willamette river dividing east and west Portland. The second is a classic scene of bikes parked (even though it is raining) and one of the bikes is a clown bike. This last gem is a unicycle rider in a kilt playing the Star Wars theme on bagpipes. I am not exaggerating when I say this is very very Portland.

Happy Hobbit Day!

2011-09-22T08:16:00.000-07:00

In honor of Frodo's birthday and Bilbo's birthday, I've got a one-day only sale happening!

I've got two patterns that are nerdy enough to honor hobbit-y things so I think they should go on sale today. That's right, better hurry!

The Hobbit Cakes Sock pattern is usually $3.99 - Today only it's $2
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Mithril Cowl is usually $4.99 - Today only it's $2.50
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Socks For All Seasons e-book!

2011-09-19T11:39:00.000-07:00

Hello lovely knitters. The day has come... I've got an 85-page, 13-pattern e-book to share with you! (and a giveaway!)

It all started long ago as a pattern club. Once a month for an entire year, members received a link to download the patterns that are now compiled into this collection. The patterns are now available for individual purchase or as one mega-collection - this here e-book.

Features:
-All of the patterns in the club plus one new one: Pinata Toddler Socks
-The cover is a collection of thumbnail images - click on any one to jump to the pattern
-All of the latest versions of each patterns
-Life Cycle Pattern had a complete overhaul and now has all new charts and instructions to be easier to follow
-Clickable Table of Contents allows you to jump to the Legend or any other place in the ebook easily.
-All of the patterns are represented here in the pictures in this blog post

The e-book is now available at an introductory rate of $15.99 for three months. On December 19th, 2011, the price will go up to $24.99.

Also, I will be announcing the details of a new club soon. I'm really excited about the designs for the new club - and it's not all socks! In preparation for the club I'd love to get some feedback about the last one. I set up a survey which is for you to anonymously give honest feedback about your experience. There are only 8 questions and I really hope you can spare a couple of minutes to fill it out:

take the survey

What's this about a giveaway? I will give away three free e-books to folks who leave a comment here on the blog. Just comment below and let the random number generator do the rest. Winners will be announced in one week - Monday, September 26th. Help me spread the word!

Thank you to the club members, testers, editors, collaborators, friends, and family from the bottom of my heart. This has been an amazing year full of challenge and wonder... I am so lucky to have shared it with you!

Love Always,
Star

13 patterns, only $15.99 (limited time)
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I chose this picture because she looks so darn happy

2011-09-18T11:16:00.000-07:00

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.
-Eleanor Roosevelt

I believe. Do you?

This is your thought for the day. I am going to try to keep it in my heart while I wrap up a project that has been in my life for over a year. Tomorrow, the ebook goes live.

Gilda Radner

2011-09-09T13:33:00.000-07:00

I seriously love this woman

photo by AbbeyRoad61 Via Flickr

"I wanted a perfect ending. Now I've learned, the hard way, that some poems don't rhyme, and some stories don't have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what's going to happen next. Delicious Ambiguity."
- Gilda Radner (1946 - 1989)

Song I woke up singing

2011-09-04T20:30:00.000-07:00

Will you still love me tomorrow?

Such a beautiful song! Written in 1960 by Carole King and performed by the Shirelles, the original recording has the honor of being the first song by an all-girl group to reach #1 in the US. This video here is an interesting live recording with some crazy band trying to put themselves into it in a weird way. Maybe I'm just used to the strings in the original?

I imagine people at the time feeling like this was a wedding song, just like people thought Bruce Springsteen's Born in the USA was patriotic or REM's The One I Love was a love song.

Alas, this is not a love song. This really isn't a wedding song. This is about trying to avoid a one night stand. AND it's a perfect pop song too.

Every time I hear this song I think about the millions of women who have their hearts broken. Those who wanted love and chose poorly. Those who gave up that thing in the hopes of something more. Only to find themselves sitting by the phone that never rang (In the old days phones were in your house, plugged into the wall. I know, crazy). There are so many ways for people to not get in touch with you now.

The phone thing has changed but the message is timeless.

More Trendy Knitting

2011-08-28T14:52:00.000-07:00

For some reason a blog post I wrote in 2008 pops up when you google "Trendy Knitting Patterns." At the time, I was exploring the most popular patterns according to Ravelry. Here we are, three years later... I guess this means it's time to make an update!

Ravelry has over 1.5 million members now! The information you read here is based on the statistics of their members. Obviously there are more knitters in the world than those who have joined Ravelry and uploaded projects but I find this to be interesting anyway. See what you think.

First we will examine what is called "popular." Ravelry uses some kind of magic to determine popularity. I think it's a blend of number of projects, number of hearts (when another user "favorites" a project), and number of queues (others who want to knit it). If anyone knows the formula, please let me know!

Here is where I would put all of the questions about the magic formulas that determine popularity of people, places and things of the world throughout time and space. Just push that schoolyard junk out of your mind for now if you can. This is about knitting, people. Knitting is safe and we are all included in it. It's ours!

My Monkey Socks

On to the trendspotting!

Back then, the most popular knitting patterns (in order) were:
1. Monkey by Cookie A
2. Fetching by Cheryl Niamath
3. My So Called Scarf by Allison Isaacs
4. Clapotis by Kate Gilbert
5. Jaywalker by Grumperina

According to Ravelry the top five most popular patterns now (in order) are:
1. Ishbel by Ysolda Teague
2. Citron by Hilary Smith Callis
3. Traveling Woman by Liz Abinante
4. Turn a Square by Jared Flood
5. Star Crossed Slouchy Beret by Natalie Larson

Observations: three years ago it was socks, fingerless gloves, scarf, scarf/shawl, socks. Now it's shawl, shawl, shawl, hat, hat. Back then socks were more popular. Now, there isn't one sock pattern in the top 40 most popular patterns. Fascinating!

It's safe to say shawls are the thing now. Looking at the top 10 most popular patterns, 7 of them are shawls.

Also, let's look at price. Back then, all of the top five patterns were free. Now, three of them are. This is too small a sample to make a conclusion but it's interesting to me anyway.

Okay, let's now look at the patterns with the most projects. There is some overlap, but not as much as you'd think.

My Clapotis

The top five with the most projects right now are:
1. Clapotis by Kate Gilbert (18244 projects)
2. Fetching by Cheryl Niamath (17891 projects)
3. Baby Surprise Jacket by Elizabeth Zimmermann (15353 projects)
4. Monkey by Cookie A (14730 projects)
5. Calorimetry by Kathryn Schoendorf (13325 projects)

Observations: Even though patterns like Clapotis, Fetching, and Monkey aren't considered to be as popular as they once were, they have stood the test of time. They have been knit by many and will endure, I'm sure. Monkey is 53rd on the most popular list and Fetching is 145th! What was the formula for popular again?

Compare these numbers to the top five most popular projects right now:

Ishbel 10157 projects
Citron 7752 projects
Traveling Woman 6492 projects
Turn a Square 8791 projects
Star Crossed 7919 projects

The numbers are way lower. What does it all mean? Dunno. But it's neat to see.

Finally, the Baby Surprise Jacket needs a special mention. It was first published in 1968, making it the oldest pattern on the list by a good many years. It's 10th most popular and has the 3rd most projects. Everyone has an opinion on it and making one is a rite of passage. One could write a great deal about this pattern but I'll leave it for now. I just wanted to shine a tiny light in it's direction.

All of the patterns and designers mentioned here are awesome. It's likely you've knit or thought about knitting something on here. I've made the Fetching, Monkey and Clapotis. How about you?

Mithril Cowl

2011-08-25T15:04:00.000-07:00

Hi friends! I've got a pattern to share with you today. Meet the Mithril Cowl.

Mithril is a strong but lightweight rare metal appearing in J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Gandalf even rated Bilbo’s mithril coat (later inherited by Frodo) as "greater than the value of the whole Shire and everything in it."

While you might not need the same protection a hobbit on a long journey would, surely a fine lace cowl will provide some beauty along your own path. This pattern has two versions: a complex lace and cabled cowl or a simpler lace and stockinette cowl. You pick!

Details:

Cowl Size: One Size. Measurements taken after blocking.

Cowl Circumference: 28 inches (71 cm) Cowl Length: 11.5 inches (29 cm)

Needles: 1 set US #3/3.25mm 24” circular needle or size to get gauge.

Gauge: 22 sts/28 rows = 4" in Stockinette St.

Yarn: Any Fingering-weight yarn that gives you proper gauge. Sample shown: A Verb For Keeping Warm Creating [100% merino wool; 385yd per 100gr skein]; color: Asterix: 1 skein.

Notions: Stitch marker, cable needle (for complex version only), tapestry needle.

Skill level:
Simple version: Advanced beginner - Worked in the round with picot edges, simple lace and stockinette body.

Complex version: Intermediate to advanced -
Worked in the round with picot edges, complex lace and cabled stitches.

I hope you like it! If you are interested in knitting your own mithril cowl, follow the links below.

buy now

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Thanks to Sorren Kerr for modeling and test knitting and Vivian Aubrey for the photographs.

Mitten Time

2011-08-16T09:07:00.000-07:00

"For the compulsive knitter, hot weather need not put a crimp in his or her activity. Large projects may lie heavy and warm on the lap, but small things like mittens and socks are easy to carry about outdoors and can be made surprisingly fast. Stash them away as they are finished, and when the time comes, next winter, you can deal them out with a liberal hand." - Elizabeth Zimmermann (Knitter's Almanac, 1974)

photo by hyku

I am designing my first pair of mittens right now and I'm surprised by how much fun I'm having with them. Mittens, you say?

Mitten things:

1. Faster and easier than socks, but you still need to make two.

2. Designing one pair leads to designing several pairs. I have several new ideas now. Yeah!

3. I can count the number of times I've actually worn mittens on one hand. But not if that hand was wearing a mitten.

4. A list of five things is way better than a list of four things. Everyone knows that.

5. I could leave you with a cutesy rhyme of kittens with lost mittens but I am more inclined to share with you this gem from Northern Ireland instead:

A Mitten lost on Brighton Pier
by Patrick Daniel Toland

It is the most
inconsequential of things -
fallen there among wrappers,
fortunes and evening tears.

The karaoke bar is singerless,
the washing waves are morning post
waiting for the sort.
The seagulls pair and criss
and confident in their kind.

Out there, perhaps someone walks,
hand to pocket, unbalanced,
out of sight.

Sock Summit 2011 Aftermath

2011-08-14T20:56:00.000-07:00

It was a lovely event and I am lucky to have been there. I should have taken 100 photos but instead I have a few. Wanna see? (Click on any of them to see them bigger)

The location:

My Classes:

The stuff:

My first Signatures!

Thing-a-ma-hook:

Speaking of Spindle Cat Studios, here is the aluminum foil sock:

Here is Stephen HizKnit hizSelf:

I posed for a project connected to a neat new book, My Grandmother's Knitting by Larissa Brown. As you can see, it was my own grandmother who taught me how to knit. I'm happy to see a book that honors the tradition, instead of the typical "This ain't you grandma's knitting" type of marketing we've had to endure.

photo by Larissa Brown

In summary, I loved seeing old friends and making new ones. I loved the classes I taught and took. I loved the marketplace and having friends there to share it with. The best parts for me were the little things too small and numerous to list.

Also, I came away feeling like I will be able to start designing again in full force this fall. Thank you Sock Summit, you magical beast. I look forward to your return in 2013.

Yes, you are in the right place

2011-08-04T17:31:00.000-07:00

I updated the look of this blog!

The blog looked the same since 2006. It was time, people.

Heart of Gold

2011-08-01T00:23:00.000-07:00

Sock Summit ended today. I was very lucky to be able to attend and witness the full banana. After a little decompression I will share more of my Sock Summit experiences with you, promise. But for now, I am overwhelmed. Tonight I find myself unable to sleep.

Do you have a few minutes to spare? This is a gem!

Recorded live in 1971, here is Neil Young performing a then-new song Heart of Gold. This song was officially released the following year on the now classic album Harvest. Great album, yes. Can I say I always feel like there is a song that doesn't belong on there? I often skip it when I am paying attention. It's A Man Needs a Maid, and it's kind of a bummer (to me).

Regardless, take a moment if you would. Perhaps it's the insomnia talking but the lyrics seem to be really mirroring my life.

"Heart Of Gold"

I want to live,
I want to give
I've been a miner
for a heart of gold.
It's these expressions
I never give
That keep me searching
for a heart of gold
And I'm getting old.
Keeps me searching
for a heart of gold
And I'm getting old.

I've been to Hollywood
I've been to Redwood
I crossed the ocean
for a heart of gold
I've been in my mind,
it's such a fine line
That keeps me searching
for a heart of gold
And I'm getting old.
Keeps me searching
for a heart of gold
And I'm getting old.

Keep me searching
for a heart of gold
You keep me searching
for a heart of gold
And I'm growing old.
I've been a miner
for a heart of gold.

It Happened

2011-07-30T20:47:00.001-07:00

Sock Summit Flash Mob

2011-07-27T10:27:00.000-07:00

With the teacher dinner eight hours away from this here moment I find myself in a state of unfocused panic and excitement. I had to look at the Sock Summit website one more time to be sure it's real.

Then I stumbled upon this:

Just curious how many people are going to do this...?

I am also looking at twitter too much because there is a lot of Sock Summit buzz there. I happened to see this tweet from Interweave:

InterweaveNews Jaime Guthals
Free IW book (your choice) to the person who gets Ann Budd (sober) to do flash mob dance at #socksummit. 2 @IWBooks if you get it on camera

So many questions.

edited to add: Oh yeah, should I be knitting a sock during the summit? Why is this just occurring to me now?

Getting ready for Sock Summit 2011

2011-07-22T12:12:00.000-07:00

Good day party people! Our mayor has officially declared next week to be "Sock Knitting Week" in Portland so I better get on board with this significance asap.

(Yes, you may have to click on that one to read it)

Here we are, less than a week away from Sock Summit 2011. It's hard not to reflect on what the first Sock Summit was like and what it meant for me. I always find time for reflection when deadlines loom.

It was a magical experience. There was a convention center full of energized and joyful knitters. Everywhere you looked, someone was knitting. I belonged. We understood each other. It was like finally arriving at Hogwarts after living too long under the stairs in a muggle house.

In the broader sense I was crazy in love with my community, my friends, and my town. I had a million ideas and I was excited about everything. I felt connected to an ocean of potential and I had an awesome surfboard. My future was waiting. In short, I was just so happy.

photo taken of Sock Summit 2009 Ravelry party laughter by leethal

It's bittersweet to recall these times. The universe knows, my friends know. This go around my life looks quite different. I'll let someone else speak (poetically) on the subject: "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened." (attributed to Dr. Seuss)

This is a fresh start. It will be a different Sock Summit too. Last time we set a world record. This year there will be a flash mob. Last time my new friend Stephen hizKNITS bought me socks from Barbara Walker. THE Barbara Walker.

These are her actual socks. She knit them flat and seamed them up and wore them a great deal. I used to have them hanging by my front door. I've moved twice since then and I think they are now living in a box somewhere.

(I gave Stephen some homespun to say thank you. He seemed to like it.)

I'm happy to report that my classes are all booked up next week. I am looking forward to meeting old friends and making new ones. I wonder what else this period of time will bring and what the future holds for me now.

I plan on finishing the Socks For All Seasons e-book before the Summit. I plan on releasing details of my new club during the Summit as well. Now that I think about it, there are many exciting fiber-y happenings just around the corner. Stay tuned!

July 2011

2011-07-17T13:55:00.000-07:00

This is what summer has brought me so far...

And the Pursuit of Happiness

2011-07-14T15:51:00.000-07:00

With Sock Summit approaching and deadlines left and right I feel compelled to tell you something unrelated... A great book sits on my coffee table! Have you seen it?

Originally this collection was presented as a blog series in the New York Times and now as a wonderful book of (mostly) illustrations from Maira Kalman. This book takes you through an entire year's worth of exploring American democracy in imaginative and personal ways.

click on picture to read text. Really you must.

Highlight: Kalman visits the Pentagon and writes "I wonder, why does the building have to be as bland and as soulless as a hospital? Have they not seen any James Bond movies? Would it kill them to have some style?"

Thank you for allowing this detour. I needed a break.

To see Amazon's page for this book, go here:
And the Pursuit of Happiness (See all Social History Books)

Thanks to Mr. 12 and Tutu for the book. I love it!

For those with a case of the Mondays

2011-07-11T14:32:00.000-07:00

Photo by Dan Bush. Poem by Langston Hughes

Gather out of star-dust
Earth-dust,
Cloud-dust,
Storm-dust,
And splinters of hail,
One handful of dream-dust
Not for sale.

Adventures in Yogurtsville

2011-07-10T12:27:00.000-07:00

Really spell check? Yogurtsville isn't a word?

So, I make my own yogurt now. I feel very old fashioned and very modern at the same time. I especially love that there are no more plastic containers involved. If you are at all interested, this is what I use: Euro Cuisine Automatic Yogurt Maker, White

Here is how it is going so far:

First attempt: I used whole cow milk, real maple syrup, and greek yogurt as a starter. Results were amazing. I had seven little jars of sweet, rich, fresh yogurt. Lucky me!

Second attempt: I got cocky. I make yogurt now, I can do anything! The booklet said soy milk was fine. So I tried almond milk. The booklet didn't mention almond milk but I assumed that was simply an oversight. You know, I'm talking about milk made from almonds. What could go wrong? I used that with vanilla and nancy's non-fat yogurt as a starter. Results were different. I made a yogurt-y drink. Almond milk is too different to work it turns out. I drank all of it anyway. It was still tasty.

Third attempt is today. I am using whole milk, maple syrup, and greek yogurt again. While it forms I am going record shopping, Little Big Burger eating and then ice cream waffle sandwich indulging after that.

My goodness the things I do when I should be doing something else!

do stuff! » leethal Mystery Hat Knit-a-long!!

2011-07-08T15:23:00.000-07:00

photos by leethal

Here is my current list of knitting-related projects on my plate:

1. Finish Socks for all Seasons e-book

2. Finish proposal for new collaborative project that I will talk more about soon but my goodness it's exciting.

3. Crochet a dress for my niece's August birthday

4. Finish Rockin' Sock Club test knit

5. Finish gift sweater

6. There's more. I have to stop before I trigger a coronary episode. That's a thing, right?

But then this happened!

I signed up for Leethal's Mystery Hat Knit-a-long. Wanna make a hat with me? You can use any yarn and make it custom sized. Hard to beat that.

Confession: I've seen the hat in person. Trust me, it's A Very Fine Hat indeed.

To learn more: do stuff! » leethal Mystery Hat Knit-a-long!!

Emerald Sweater

2011-07-07T15:11:00.000-07:00

"Oh - You're a very bad man!"

Oh, no my dear. I'm a very good man. I'm just a very bad Wizard."
— (The Wizard) L. Frank Baum (The Wonderful Wizard of Oz)

-------------------------------------

Oh yes my dear, here is the Emerald Sweater, which has nothing to do with the Emerald City but inspired a L. Frank Baum quote hunt anyway. First, the sweater:

I made it a while ago but didn't wear it because it came out differently than I imagined it. Then one day I decided to like it anyhow.

Pattern: Emerald by Amy Swenson

Yarn: Blue Moon Fiber Arts De-Vine in color: Manly yes but I like it too

Mods: I omitted the big button. Maybe with regrets.

Lately I have been drinking in tiny bits of wisdom wherever I find them. So please take this next quote with some salt and some cheek. Hey, why not toss in some chocolate and whiskey and call it a party. And invite me along already.

-------------------------------------

"As they passed the rows of houses they saw through the open doors that men were sweeping and dusting and washing dishes, while the women sat around in groups, gossiping and laughing."

What has happened? the Scarecrow asked a sad-looking man with a bushy beard, who wore an apron and was wheeling a baby carriage along the sidewalk.

Why, we've had a revolution, your Majesty -- as you ought to know very well, replied the man; and since you went away the women have been running things to suit themselves. I'm glad you have decided to come back and restore order, for doing housework and minding the children is wearing out the strength of every man in the Emerald City.

Hm! said the Scarecrow, thoughtfully. If it is such hard work as you say, how did the women manage it so easily?

I really do not know, replied the man, with a deep sigh. Perhaps the women are made of cast-iron.
— L. Frank Baum (The Marvelous Land of Oz)

-------------------------------------

Maybe I should call this my cast-iron sweater instead of my emerald sweater?

Christina's World

2011-07-05T07:00:00.000-07:00

Wow... Another post that has nothing to do with knitting? Yep. I was playing around in the creative commons and deconstructed one of my favorite paintings:

photo by Perrimoon

+

Photo by Julie Berlin

=

Photo by Joe Goldberg. Painting by Andrew Wyeth 1948

Okay, maybe not exactly. But it's a tricky job using random flickr results for words like "desolate." This is not a common tag for photos, thankfully. It's also kind of a bummer search it turns out. But hey! What fun in the end.

Shall I talk about the painting as well? This was not the kind of painting I encountered in art school. We have to go back a bit. I've had a fascination for this image since I first learned about it in elementary school.

Our teacher told us that the woman had polio, a disease none of us could contract. I fixated on her, broken and trying to get home. I loved how high the horizon point was. I loved the muted palette. I loved how the house looked like the one in Little House on the Prairie.

I have a reproduction of it now that I picked up in a second-hand shop. I just hung it up in my new apartment so I wanted to deconstruct the image for fun. I have knitting deadlines people. I always find something else to do when I have deadlines.

So this post is about knitting after all!

My new obsession

2011-07-04T15:45:00.000-07:00

old keys

This is a screen shot of one of my boards over at Pinterest. I'm even thinking about getting a skeleton key tattoo... A key I can never lose and never give away. It would stay with me forever.

Hmm.

do you dare to eat a peach?

2011-07-03T11:34:00.000-07:00

photo by Zephyrance Lou
headline by TS Eliot

Tour de Fleece 2011

2011-07-02T16:18:00.000-07:00

It's on, honey. Oh yeah it's on.

The real question is do I fork out the $30 to be able to watch the Tour de France streaming online this year? I don't have cable anymore. Tough decisions abound...

It's time! The Tour de France is here! It begins TODAY. I can hardly believe it's been another year but here we are again and I am really excited. Welcome to the sixth annual Tour de Fleece - an online spin-along for people who spin yarn and play with fiber.

The first Tour de Fleece was in 2006. We had 16 spinners and a lot of fun. 2007 was much bigger, with 138 spinners, and even more fun. 2008 was HUGE, with over 400 spinners. 2009 I stopped counting at 1500. I stopped counting in 2010 at 3800. I wonder how many we'll get this year?

The concept is simple, They spin, we spin. A real spinning themed spin-along.

Want to participate?

1. It's all on Ravelry... check out our group. If you're not yet on Ravelry, do yourself a favor and join. It's free of course, just do it already!

2. We also have a Flickr pool here. Join the group and show off your homespun in the pool!

If you want to give it a try, or just follow our progress, or are a fan of the Tour de France, JOIN!

Guidelines (NOT RULES):

1. Spin every day the Tour rides, if possible. Saturday July 2nd through Sunday July 24th. Days of rest: Monday July 11th, Monday July 18st. (Just like the actual tour)

2. Spin something challenging Friday July 22nd. (The Tour’s toughest mountain stage over the Col du Galibier for the second time, and finishing up on Alpe d’Huez.)

3. Take a button if you want one. Then we can use the button on our blogs in show of solidarity. Take it from here or grab a clean one from the flickr pool.

4. Wear yellow on Sunday July 24th to announce victory. Why not wear yellow on any day you feel particularly successful? (Yellow is the color of the race leader in the Tour - but here we are all ‘race leaders’)

5. Other colors if desired: Green (sprinter - think FAST), Polka-dot (climber - as in uphill), and white (rookie)

Teams: Join one, or many, or none. Sign up in the Ravelry group. (I can't stress enough how great the Ravelry group is)

- Peloton (The main group. Everyone is in the peloton at some point)

- Rookies (first years)

- Sprinters (fast and/or high mileage like lace)

- Climbers (conquer mountains, big personal challenges)

- Breakaway (Art yarns)

- Lantern rouge (You will participate as much as possible but you may skip days here and there. Cheerleaders welcome.)

- Wildcards (This is for people who want to form their own team. This includes sponsored teams, like those affiliated with a specific fiber shop or people who live in the same town, etc.)

The teams are inspired by the actual Tour de France.

Prizes:

So far we have some fantastic fiber-related prizes donated... yes we do. To win them you must play along on Ravelry.

On your marks...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
At last check: There are 4287 Tour de Fleece members on Ravelry! (and growing)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Paris-Roubaix Cuffs and Cowl

2011-07-02T05:00:00.000-07:00

Another pattern inspired by cycling? Yes. It was also technically my 50th pattern! I've had two more since then, but clubs throw off linear time cycles.

Beginning in 1896, Paris-Roubaix (Pair-ee Roo-bay) is one of the oldest road cycling races still running. The trek always leaves riders caked in mud and grit from the cobbled paths and rutted tracks of northern France's former coal-mining region.

The best part? The winner gets to keep a cobblestone as a trophy. With this project, you get a smart set of cuffs and matching cowl inspired by the winding tracks and cobbles of this spring cycling classic. Even though this event is nicknamed l'Enfer du Nord, or Hell of the North, this knitting project is more like freewheeling!

Cowl Size: 6.75” long. 20” circumference.

Cuff Size: 6.75” long. Circumference depends on preference.

Yarn: Any Heavy worsted-weight or Aran- weight yarn that gives you proper gauge. Sample shown: Berroco Remix [30% Nylon, 27% Cotton, 24% Acrylic, 10% Silk, 9% Linen; 216yd per 100gr ball]; color: 3930 Smoke: 1 ball.

A note about the yarn - It's made from 100% recycled fibers and is machine washable. Isn't that cool?

Needles: 1 set US #8/4.5mm straight or circular needle (or size to get gauge).

Gauge: 18 sts/25 rows = 4" in Stockinette St.

Notions: Tapestry needle.

Skill level: This advanced-beginner pattern is knit flat and sewn together. You’ll need to know how to cast on, knit, purl, increase, decrease, and bind off.

The pattern is $4.99
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If you'd rather buy a hard copy of the pattern already printed and ready to roll - head over to Twisted.

This pattern was test knitted and modeled by Sorren Kerr. Photographs by Vivian Aubrey. Many thanks!

Song I woke up singing

2011-07-01T15:16:00.000-07:00

"Harvest Moon" by Neil Young

Come a little bit closer
Hear what I have to say
Just like children sleepin'
We could dream this night away.

But there's a full moon risin'
Let's go dancin' in the light
We know where the music's playin'
Let's go out and feel the night.

Because I'm still in love with you
I want to see you dance again
Because I'm still in love with you
On this harvest moon.

When we were strangers
I watched you from afar
When we were lovers
I loved you with all my heart.

But now it's gettin' late
And the moon is climbin' high
I want to celebrate
See it shinin' in your eye.

Because I'm still in love with you
I want to see you dance again
Because I'm still in love with you
On this harvest moon.

Here it is later in the day and I'm still singing it. So I am also sharing it.

Oh yes, photo by Chris Heald appearing here thanks to creative commons :)

Bunnies

2011-07-01T10:49:00.000-07:00

I found this video on the Twisted blog today and had to post it here. Do NOT click on this link if you have a problem with cuteness!

Angora Rabbits from Patrick Russell on Vimeo.

They don't mention it in the video because fiber people know this but angora rabbits produce angora fiber. Angora goats produce mohair. I love both fibers but not in full force.

I have an angora sweater that I plan on recycling into yarn but it's a little itchy. Maybe I should hold one strand with something else together? Anyone have angora thoughts they want to share?

In conclusion, Bunnies are cute. Also, you need to see Desdemona, the cookie stealing rabbit if you agree.

Lantern Socks

2011-06-30T16:04:00.000-07:00

So now that we are getting caught up again, it occurs to me that there was a missing something...

Have you actually seen the final pattern in the Socks For All Seasons collection?

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 $3.99
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The Socks For All Seasons Club is $14.99 and provides you with a year's worth of sock patterns:
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I am still here

2011-06-19T17:50:00.000-07:00

Hi world, knitters, friends, you!

It's been a weird, difficult six months but I am looking forward to returning to the world of sharing (or over-sharing) my life and design stuff... starting today. Hi!

I'll catch you up on the last few patterns in the Socks for All Seasons club, the recent publications I've been wanting to share, and the status of the Socks For all Seasons e-book (drumroll... delayed!)...

AND did you think I would forget the 2011 Tour de Fleece? Sock Summit? Of course you did. I mean didn't.

To ease us back into hanging out together and again, today's post will have some photographic teases of posts to come.

This last one - Model: Sorren Puddlefish. Photo by: Vivian Aubrey. Many thanks.

Chirality, part 3

2011-01-15T12:29:00.000-08:00

It's here! Clue 3 of the mystery sock knit-along.

Click here to download both clue 1, clue 2 and clue 3:

download now

Chirality in progress

2011-01-13T16:41:00.000-08:00

Hobbit Cakes

2011-01-13T13:36:00.000-08:00

New pattern!

Having recently read “The Hobbit” I was intrigued by life in the Shire and the luxuries hobbits afford themselves on a daily basis. They love cake! These socks are meant as a celebration to honor the January 3rd, 1892 birth of J. R. R. Tolkien, creator of all things Hobbit.

There is a bonus crossword puzzle at the end of this pattern to commemorate Tolkien in an unconventional way. You cut out the puzzle and twist it into a möbius strip before solving, like an infinity ring.

Come, let’s sit and enjoy the Hobbit Cakes together, shall we?

Size: This pattern is written for 4 sizes: Small (Medium, Large, XL)

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: Fingering-weight sock yarn that gives you proper gauge, 350 - 425 yards; 20 yards each of 4 colors of Contrasting Colors; Sample shown: Size Large. (MC) Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks that Rock Lightweight [100% SUPERWASH Wool; 360yd per 127 gram skein]; color: Rose Quartz: 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 marker, tapestry needle.

Special thanks to Lorna for test knitting and Grant Law for the photos and the crossword puzzle.

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Chirality, part 2

2011-01-08T17:10:00.000-08:00

It's here! Clue 2 of the mystery sock knit-along.

Click here to download both clue 1 and clue 2:

download now

Chirality

2011-01-01T10:54:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! To get the year started right I am doing a free mystery sock knit-along. I'll release the first clue today and each subsequent clue once per week until the end of the month.

Wha? Yes!

The technique is mosaic knitting which I am quite fond of. No pictures yet, because that would spoil the surprise.

Sizes: Women’s Medium (Large)

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

Yarn: Fingering-weight sock yarn that gives you proper gauge. Sample shown: Barking Dog Yarns Opposites Attract [100% SUPERWASH Merino Wool; 200yd per 50 gram skein]; 1 skein each color.

Needles: 1 set US #1/2.25mm 32” circular needles or double pointed needles, or size to get gauge.

Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle.

Gauge: 32 sts/48 rows = 4" in st st

NOTES: This pattern is worked from the cuff down with two colors. It includes mosaic knitting, a heel flap, and a grafted toe. The slipped stitches create a fabric that is slightly less stretchy than standard stockinette st. Keep this in mind when choosing yarn and sock size.

What is mosaic knitting? Describing mosaic knitting is harder than actually doing it. Barbara Walker named the process of slipping stitches while alternating rows of color “mosaic knitting” because it naturally lends itself to geometric design. Unlike stranded knitting, you only work with one color at a time. You will slip stitches to give the illusion of colorwork. In this pattern, you will work 2 rows of one color across the round, slipping the stitches that are indicated as the second color, then work 2 rows of the other color, slipping the other stitches. In the charts, The MC is represented with white and the CC is shaded.

Download the first clue now

Redd Soxx

2010-12-31T12:53:00.000-08:00

Seeing as how January is right around the corner and I have yet to share with you December's offering from the Socks for all Seasons club, today seemed like the perfect day to do just that.

This month is a funny one for me. It combines a couple of guilty pleasures: gorgeous yarn and filthy comedy. My coworkers will tell you when the boxes of Malabrigo yarn show up, I start singing the Sanford and Son theme song, using the word "Malabrigo" for the melody. Aaaand guess who has a birthday in December? Redd Foxx! Just one day after mine in fact. So, Redd Soxx are here, and they are knee socks, even.

Comedian Redd Foxx is an unlikely inspiration for for a pair of knee socks, sure. In his autobiography Malcom X called Foxx "Chicago Red, the funniest dishwasher on this earth." He was one of the first black comics to play Vegas. And when things in my own life get tough, I can hear him saying “I’m coming Elizabeth!” Which was his character’s recurring statement when a situation turned stressful on Sanford and Son. Check out the coloring book page at the end of this pattern to see this moment, ready for coloring.

Sizes: Women’s Small (Women’s Large)

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

Yarn: Fingering-weight yarn that gives you proper gauge. Sample shown: Malabrigo Sock
[100% SUPERWASH Wool; 440yd per 100 gram skein]; color: Ravelry Red: 2 skeins.

Needles: 1 set of US 1 (2.25 mm) AND US 1.5 (2.5 mm) 32” circular needles (magic
loop), or 2 sets of 24” circulars or double pointed needles in size to get gauge.

Notions: Stitch markers, cable needle, tapestry needle.

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

Special thanks to Lorna for test knitting, Shawn X for the sample knitting, and Grant Law for the coloring book page.

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Day of the Dead

2010-11-04T18:47:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the 9th month in the Socks For All Seasons Pattern club! We have options for you this month. The pattern is written for multiple gauges and you can knit the sock as is, or add embroidery when done!

Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) is 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).

Traditions connected with the holiday 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 a time for mourning, so knit and decorate these socks using bright, festive colors and wear them to party.

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.

Special thanks to Lorna for test knitting and Grant Law for the photos and the sugar skull paper craft.

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Pancreatic Craftacular Part 2

2010-10-03T09:49:00.000-07:00

So, remember when I decided to donate $1 for every sale in August towards Pancreatic Cancer Research?

I wanted to update you on how that turned out...

This morning I added everything up and...

it wasn't really very much!

So I rounded up and donated $50 anyway - YAY!

Thanks to everyone who donated. Have a pretend cupcake!

Long Night's Journey into Day

2010-10-01T12:20:00.000-07:00

Socktober is here once again. It's the month that hits you, if you actually think you are going to knit any gifts for the holidays you better get cracking now.

Socks are an ambitious gift, but worsted-weight socks are a little more reasonable, and FAST. Which brings me to...

Welcome to the 8th month in the Socks For All Seasons Pattern club! I decided to look ahead to the changing seasons and embrace the cooling weather with a cardigan-like buttoned sock.

Backstory: It was a dark and stormy night. The teapot whistled and a fire was lit. She reached into the top drawer and slipped on the coziest pair among the bunch…

As the seasons change and the nights grow longer we need small comforts to protect us from the evening chill. This pair starts with the cuff, then stitches are picked up for the foot. You can even knit the foot in a contrasting yarn if you’d like. When completed, real buttons function like a cardigan sweater for added warmth. This pattern also includes some hot drink recipes for you to explore while knitting your own pair of extra thick socks.

Sizes: Women’s Small (Women’s Medium, Women’s 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).

Gauge: 20 sts/34 rows = 4" in st st

Needles: 1 set US #3/3.25mm straight or circular needles (CUFF) AND 1 set US #4/3.5mm (SOCK) 32” circular needles (magic loop), 2 sets of 24” circulars or double pointed needles, or size to get gauge.

Yarn: Worsted-weight yarn that gives you proper gauge. Sample shown: Dream in Color Classy [100% Superwash Wool; 250 yd per 4 oz skein]; color: Crying Dove: 1 (2, 2) skeins. Sample is a medium which used 300 yards.

Notions: Tapestry needle, cable needle, 10 - 3/4” buttons.

I hope you enjoy the fat gauge this month. Special thanks to Lorna for test knitting and Grant Law for the photos and the Tom & Jerry recipe. (did you think I would come up with a hot, eggy drink?)

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I guess it's fall now?

2010-09-17T09:43:00.000-07:00

Not that we had much of a summer around here! I'd like to take a break from my busy non-blogging schedule to update you on what's current here in the free world.

1. Vogue Knitting Fall 2010! I've got a pair of over-the-knee socks in this issue. Check out the 360 video here. The story line is called "Steppin' in Style - Exquisite knee-highs dress up the fall's must-have minis."

These were a fun project and the cashmere yarn from Artyarns was downright luxurious. I still feel like the pattern would have worked better in a solid yarn though. Oh well!

2. Interweave Knits Fall 2010! The pattern is Pizzicato Scarf from the Pure and Simple storyline. The project is a three-color brioche knit but you can't tell from the magazine.

So, here is my version, in a similar pose (!)

3. Here is where I tell you I've got 2 more knee sock patterns coming in the next issue of Vogue! So, that's why I'm not here as much as I should be.

4. Got a new bread machine (thanks papa and tutu!) so accepting the return of fall will be met with yeast and salt and sugar.

5. I have to get to the library to pick up the ten bread machine baking books I put on hold this week.

Have a great weekend! I'll be at the pirate festival in Cathedral Park... knitting.

Life Cycle Socks

2010-09-02T08:58:00.000-07:00

September is here, somehow. My thoughts are wandering to the cozy months ahead that bring rain and cold. I'm imagining pots of hot tea and time spent inside spinning and knitting.

September also brings a new pattern for the Socks For All Seasons club: Life Cycle Socks.

These socks pay tribute to the time of harvest, the culmination of a thousand tiny miracles that embody the growing season. Earthworms work the soil at your feet, restoring the biological dross of previous years to the promise of new life. A leafy stalk, heavy with fruit, bursts from the gusset on top of your foot; there to dry in the waning summer sun, in anticipation of the approaching harvest. Sow your stitches carefully and prepare to reap a beautiful pair of hand-knit socks...and the cycle of life continues.

Details:

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).

Sizes:
This pattern is written for four sizes: Women’s Small (Women’s Medium/Men’s Small, Women’s Large/ Men’s Medium, Men’s Large)

Yarn:
Any Fingering weight yarn that gives you proper gauge. Sample shown: Wollmeise 100% Merino Superwash [100% Merino; 575yd per 150g skein]; color: Olio Vergine; <1 skein. NOTE: Sample socks used 88 grams/337 yards for the Women’s Medium size.

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

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

Notions:
Tapestry needle, scissors, 5 stitch markers, cable needle.

IMPORTANT:
This advanced-skill level sock pattern is worked from the toe up using multiple charts. Stitches include, bobbles, cables, lace, twisted stitches and dropped yarn-overs.

Pattern includes bonus earthworm trivia!

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Pancreatic Craftacular

2010-08-03T21:52:00.000-07:00

I was looking around this evening at my favorite craft blogs and saw my pal Lee is participating in a fundraiser for pancreatic research and I had to jump in.

First I bought her new Swerve pattern for (a mere) $2.50. She's donating $1 of that sale to the cause and I get a fabulous new pattern to play with. She INVENTED a new cast on for these, so that alone should intrigue you. I've been hearing about it for a while and can't wait to try it out!

Then I wanted to do more. My grandpa died because of pancreatic cancer when I was 13 and it still feels unfair. Everyone in my family misses him. He was the sort of guy who made friends everywhere he went. Plus he drove a taxi in New York for a bit. I wish I could hear those stories!

So...

From August 5th through September 1st, $1 of every pattern and club membership I sell on my site and through Ravelry will go to The Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research inspired by Kim Werker’s Pancreatic Craftacular. Kim is trying to raise $2500 by Sept 12th along with many other designers, yarn makers, and crafters too.

Here is the Ravelry page where you can see all I have for sale if you want to support the cause that way. You can donate directly on Kim's site too.

Thanks to Kim for starting this and having the moxie to give it such a bonkers name. Thanks to Lee for sharing the idea of participating. Thanks to you for reading this :-)

Pinata Socks!

2010-08-01T11:40:00.000-07:00

This is August 1st, which means it's time for another pattern release. This offering is the August installment of the Socks For All Seasons Club 2010. Have you joined yet? Come on already! Ravelry member? Peek here.

Welcome to summer, full of picnics, aguas frescas, piñatas and calcetines calientes! This top-down sock pattern is full of texture, especially created to showcase bright, variegated yarns.

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).

Yardage Requirement Chart: (just approx. - always have enough yarn!)

Women’s S:
Fingering: 350
Sport: 275
DK: 250

WM/MS:
Fingering: 375
Sport: 300
DK: 275

WL/MM:
Fingering: 400
Sport: 325
DK: 300

WXL/ML:
Fingering: 425
Sport: 350
DK: 325

Gauge: This pattern is written for four different gauges:

9 sts per inch / US 0 (2 mm) / Fingering
8 sts per inch / US 1 (2.25 mm) / Fingering
7 sts per inch / US 2 (2.75 mm) / Sport
6 sts per inch / US 3 (3.25 mm) / DK

Pattern includes a bonus crypto-gram puzzle!

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Freshman Cabled Socks

2010-07-13T14:10:00.001-07:00

It was a year ago now that Knitscene Fall 2009 hit the shelves with a sock pattern I designed...

I’m still really inspired by the way you can draw simple lines and geometric shapes with basic cables; the design happens from the placement of the cables, rather than the detail of the cable itself.

This project uses cables that are elongated and stacked in a spiraling, angular design. The left and right sock mirror each other for added interest.

I originally wanted these socks to be like your freshman year in a new endeavor… jump in and get started!

But maybe these are just socks to wear to the library. Either way. Many people actually call these library socks. (I'm looking at you Lucy Anne!)

I recently updated the pattern to include two sizes and information how to modify the pattern to make an in between size too. Yay!

Buy the new and improved pattern here for $5.50:

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Tour de Fleece 2010

2010-07-02T10:43:00.000-07:00

It's time! The Tour de France is coming again! It begins on Saturday, July 3rd. I can hardly believe it's been another year but here we are again and I am really excited. Welcome to the fifth annual Tour de Fleece - an online spin-along for people who spin yarn and play with fiber.

This year we will have teams and prizes, just like last year!

The first Tour de Fleece was in 2006. We had 16 spinners and a lot of fun. 2007 was much bigger, with 138 spinners, and even more fun. 2008 was HUGE, with over 400 spinners. 2009 I stopped counting at 1500. I wonder how many we'll get this year?

The concept is simple, They spin, we spin. A real spinning themed spin-along.

Want to participate?

1. It's all on Ravelry... check out our group. If you're not yet on Ravelry, do yourself a favor and join. It's free of course, just do it already!

2. We also have a Flickr pool here. Join the group and show off your homespun in the pool!

If you want to give it a try, or just follow our progress, or are a fan of the Tour de France, JOIN!

Guidelines (NOT RULES):

1. Spin every day the Tour rides, if possible. Saturday July 4th through Sunday July 25th. Days of rest: Monday July 12th, Wednesday July 21st. (Just like the actual tour)

2. Spin something challenging Thursday July 22nd. (The Tour’s toughest mountain stage from Pau up the legendary Col du Tourmalet)

3. Take a button if you want one. Then we can use the button on our blogs in show of solidarity. Take it from here or grab a clean one from the flickr pool.

4. Wear yellow on Sunday July 25th to announce victory. Why not wear yellow on any day you feel particularly successful? (Yellow is the color of the race leader in the Tour - but here we are all ‘race leaders’)

5. Other colors if desired: Green (sprinter - think FAST), Polka-dot (climber - as in uphill), and white (rookie)

Teams: Join one, or many, or none. Sign up in the Ravelry group. (I can't stress enough how great the Ravelry group is)

- Peloton (The main group. Everyone is in the peloton at some point)

- Rookies (first years)

- Sprinters (fast and/or high mileage like lace)

- Climbers (conquer mountains, big personal challenges)

- Breakaway (Art yarns)

- Lantern rouge (You will participate as much as possible but you may skip days here and there. Cheerleaders welcome.)

- Wildcards (This is for people who want to form their own team. This includes sponsored teams, like those affiliated with a specific fiber shop or people who live in the same town, etc.)

The teams are inspired by the actual Tour de France.

Prizes:

So far we have some fantastic fiber-related prizes donated... yes we do. To win them you must play along on Ravelry.

On your marks...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
At last check: There are 2516 Tour de Fleece members on Ravelry! (and growing)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tour de France Socks

2010-07-01T09:37:00.000-07:00

Welcome to another month in the Socks For All Seasons Pattern club. This time I felt compelled to design something in honor of the Tour de France. I have been a little obsessed with le tour for almost ten years now and finally got around to making some socks.

These socks have all that the Tour de France promises and more: cobblestones, winding roads, and a mountain peak inspired by the Alpe-d-Huez (The most famous climb in the world of cycling).

Seed stitch suggests the famous cobbles of Paris and cables act as a twisting road winding it’s way through the French countryside and up Alpe-d-Huez. It’s not the longest or the steepest mountain, but it sure takes it’s toll on a cyclist. It means something to make this journey, and in some ways it symbolizes the Tour de France itself. Cyclists know what it takes to survive the climb, and it bonds them in a unique way.

To me, that is the heart of knitting a fine pair of socks by hand. They aren’t the hardest to do, but they require time and effort. Pull on the maillot jaune and cast on now!

The bonus included with this month's pattern is a connect the dots puzzle crafted by my pal Lee Meredith, aka Leethal. Check out her adventures in crafting on her site here - If you like connect the dots, you should be warned that she makes stitching kits with connect the dots puzzles screened on fabric. So cool!

I hope you enjoy the cobbles and cables this month. Special thanks to: Lorna for test knitting and tech editing, Lee for the connect the dots puzzle, and Grant Law for the photos.

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William Smart Socks

2010-06-04T12:30:00.000-07:00

Greetings! It's rained 20 says in a row here in Portland and I'm entertaining the idea of building an ark. Lacking ark-constructing skills, I may just knit instead.

William Smart Socks!

The story:

Even though father’s day has only been an official holiday in America since Richard Nixon made it so in 1972, there is no shortage of silly junk marketed as appropriate gifts for pop. Making your dad hand-knit socks lets him know he’s worth the time, effort and yarn invested. It says you care enough about him to not get him a tie with a golf tee motif.

My own papa is famous for reading, questioning authority, and attracting a hand totaling 12 in blackjack. I wouldn't dare buy him such a tie. But I digress... let me tell you about my latest sock design!

Details:

Sizes (4): 1. Women’s Small, 2. Women’s Medium/Men’s Small, 3. Women’s Large/Men’s Medium, 4. 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).

Gauge: 32 sts/48 rows = 4" in st st

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

Yarn: Fingering-weight yarn that gives you proper gauge. I’m using: Zwerger Garn Opal Uni Solid 4-ply [75% Wool, 25% Nylon; 465yd per 100 gram ball]; color: 1416: 1 ball.

Notions: Tapestry needle, cable needle.

Please note that because of the cables, this pattern uses more yarn than a plain sock.

Backstory:

While mother’s day has been a holiday for around 100 years, father’s day has only been official in America since Richard Nixon made it so in 1972. The first father’s day is believed to have been observed on June 19th, 1910 in Spokane, Washington. A young woman named Sonora Smart Dodd attended a mother’s day sermon at the Central Methodist Episcopal Church on a Sunday in May, 1909. She was inspired by the message and immediately thought of her own father’s sacrifices. Sonora’s dad, William Jackson Smart, was a Civil War veteran. When his wife died, he took over the parenting of all six children.

Sonora spent a year arranging a tribute to her father in the spirit of the first mother’s day, organized by Anna Jarvis. Anna handed out carnations for mothers, and Sonora handed out roses for fathers. A red rose honored a living father and a white rose was worn in memory of a deceased father. Sonora even traveled around town in a carriage, delivering roses to folks who were house-bound.

Dodd supported the newly growing commercialization efforts of the holiday. In this way, father’s day evolved differently from mother’s day. Anna Jarvis used to protest the commercialization of her mother’s day, where Sonora Dodd personally endorsed organized efforts to increase commercial potential.

The concept of father’s day as an official holiday was slow to catch on. Despite support from YMCA and YWCA, the public thought of it as a joke. Congress refused to make the holiday official, even though President Wilson supported it in 1916. Coolidge tried in 1924 to make father’s day a holiday but it never gained momentum. President Johnson proclaimed the third Sunday to be father’s day but it wasn’t until 1972 that it became a national holiday thanks to Richard Nixon.

Oh yeah, this pattern includes a bonus puzzle of cryptograms: Father’s day crypto-quotes!

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Anna Jarvis

2010-05-01T09:14:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the first of May in the Free World. Have a cookie, yes?

I have a new sock pattern out today!

Instead of buying your mom flowers this year, why not knit her some instead? The Anna Jarvis Socks resemble a basket of flowers but last a lot longer.

Details:

Sizes: Women’s Small, Large

Foot circumference:
7 (9) inches 17.5 (23 cm) unstretched. Will stretch to fit 9 (11) inches 23 (28 cm).

Needles: 1 set US #1/2.25mm 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 St.

Yarn: Any fingering-weight yarn that gives you proper gauge. Sample shown: Crystal Palace Yarns Panda Silk [52% Bamboo, 43% Superwash merino wool, 5% combed silk; 204yd per 50gr ball]; color: 3020: 2 balls.

Notions: Cable needle, tapestry needle.

NOTES: This advanced sock is knit from the cuff-down using charts. One way to alter the size of this sock will be to change gauge: For an 8” circumference sock, work the Small at 7 sts per inch or the Large at 9 sts per inch.

Now, I'd like to tell you a story about Anna Jarvis, who is credited with creating Mother's Day in America and after whom these socks are named.

Mothers’ Day hasn’t always been about flowers, greeting cards or brunch with the family. In fact, this sweet holiday is a direct result of one of the most violent eras this country has ever known.

A Civil War battlefield was a brutal place, but the simple canvas tents that served for operating rooms weren’t any better. The Surgeon General of the Union Army suggested that the war was fought "at the end of the medical Middle Ages." Little was known about disease. Surgical techniques ranged from barbaric to barely competent.

Doctors and nurses worked in deplorable conditions, often surrounded by mosquito-infested swamps or piles of decomposing bodies. Without fresh water or method of sterilization, germs were passed from one patient to another. Civilians and enlisted soldiers on both sides were horrified by what they saw but helpless to do anything about it. The staggering death toll suffered during this era might have been even greater if not for the selfless work of a young nurse.

Ann Jarvis was a young Appalachian woman who was overwhelmed by the human suffering and answered a profound call to take action. Eventually Ann reached her limit and decided to take action. She created a program called “Mother’s Work Days.” Ann organized women to clean anything and everything. Her goal was to disinfect the entire nation… (And you thought your mom was tough?)

Ann and the women she inspired improved sanitary conditions on both sides. In many ways, Mrs. Jarvis’ efforts assisted in the development of modern medicine in the United States. The medical establishment and public at large gained a greater understanding of the relationship between cleanliness, diet, and disease. Ann Jarvis was a Very Important Woman who inspired thousands of people, but perhaps none more than her own daughter, Anna.

Anna Jarvis decided to establish the “work day” as an annual celebration in tribute to her mother. In 1907, she passed out white carnations to every mother in her congregation, marking the very first American Mother’s Day. The holiday gained in popularity each year and soon products were manufactured and marketed for the occasion. Clearly holiday consumerism is not a new concept.

Two decades later Anna became soured by the commercialization of Mother’s Day. Remarkably, in 1920 she was arrested for protesting the holiday she helped create. "I wanted it to be a day of sentiment,” she said. “Not profit."

Anna spent the rest of her life campaigning against the crass commercialization of Mother’s Day. Her New York Times obituary explained how she had become embittered by the popularity of the manufactured – not homemade – greeting card. "A printed card means nothing except that you are too lazy to write to the woman who has done more for you than anyone in the world. And candy! You take a box to Mother—and then eat most of it yourself. A pretty sentiment!"

This project is dedicated to the Anna Jarvis’ of the world. These are socks you can’t buy at a big box store. They must be hand-made by an intrepid knitter. By making things by hand, we are able to live a richer, more thoughtful life.

Oh yeah, pattern includes a bonus chocolate chip cookie recipe!

$3.99 for the pattern
buy now

add to cart

OR Join the club for the whole year here.

Red Velvet Cupcakes

2010-04-03T17:53:00.000-07:00

Holly Golightly: It's useful being top banana in the shock department.

Red Velvet Cupcakes are sleeves inspired by something Holly Golightly might wear in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. They were created to bring some feminine elegance to any occasion.

Details:

Sizes: Women’s Small (Large)

Wrist circumference:
5.5 (7) inches 14 (17.5 cm) unstretched. Will stretch to fit 7 (8.5) inches 17.5 (21.5 cm).

Gauge: 32 sts/48 rows = 4" in St st

Needles: 1 set of US #1/2.25mm 32” circular needles (magic loop) OR 2 sets of 24” circulars (two circulars) OR double pointed needles.

Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch marker.

Yarn: Black Trillium Pebble Sock. [100% SUPERWASH Merino; 400yd/366m per 100g/3.53oz skein]; color: Mean Reds; 1 skein. Or any Fingering weight yarn that gives you proper gauge.

Backstory:
Melanie from Black Trillium came up with the richest red sock yarn and challenged me to make something inspired by the film Breakfast at Tiffany's. It's been a while since I've seen it, to be honest. I recall a shocking character played by Mickey Rooney (you know what I'm talking about, I expect) and shuddered. I knew there was also a ton of chic style in this movie, but what was I to do?

Then I got the yarn. It's amazing. It's not Tiffany blue. It's red. Melanie had just watched the film and was taken by the mean reds. So...I googled the term "mean reds" and found this:

Holly Golightly: You know those days when you get the mean reds?

Paul Varjak: The mean reds, you mean like the blues?

Holly Golightly: No. The blues are because you're getting fat and maybe it's been raining too long, you're just sad that's all. The mean reds are horrible. Suddenly you're afraid and you don't know what you're afraid of. Do you ever get that feeling?

Paul Varjak: Sure.

Holly Golightly: Well, when I get it the only thing that does any good is to jump in a cab and go to Tiffany's. Calms me down right away. The quietness and the proud look of it; nothing very bad could happen to you there. If I could find a real-life place that'd make me feel like Tiffany's, then - then I'd buy some furniture and give the cat a name!

I think I know that feeling. Melanie also reminded me that all of the ladies wear elbow length gloves throughout this movie. Okay, done. I knew what I had to do.

This little number is available now as a kit from Yarn4Socks. The pattern will be available individually starting May 1st, 2010. Hey! That's pretty soon!

In conclusion, (yes, I was having fun with these quotes) I have to leave you with this gem:

Holly Golightly: You could always tell what kind of a person a man thinks you are by the earrings he gives you. I must say, the mind reels.

Spaghetti Season

2010-04-01T08:45:00.000-07:00

AKA April Fool's! Check out my new (real, no joke) pattern inspired by trickery:

April Fool’s Day is observed everywhere. No one really knows where or when it started. My favorite pranks involve trying to get people to believe ridiculous things. One such gag was orchestrated by the BBC in 1957 regarding a bumper crop of spaghetti trees. Check out the full story here:

That's the backstory. Now, let me tell you about the socks.

These socks are both really simple and really unusual. The prank here is that a simple pair of socks emerge in the strangest fashion. Because the pair is knit all at once, there will be no second sock syndrome... And if you can’t bear cutting the socks open, you can always wear your creation as a cowl!

This is a pattern for multiple gauges/sizes!

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).

Sizes: This pattern is written for four sizes: (See foot circumference to determine best size) Women’s Small (Women’s Medium/Men’s Small, Women’s Large/Men’s Medium, Men’s Large)

Yarn: Any Fingering, Sport or DK weight yarn that gives you proper gauge.

Yardage Requirement Chart: (approx.)

Fingering:
Women’s Small: 350
Women’s Medium/Men’s Small: 375
Women’s Large/Men’s Medium: 400
Men’s Large: 425

Sport:
Women’s Small: 275
Women’s Medium/Men’s Small: 300
Women’s Large/Men’s Medium: 325
Men’s Large: 350

DK:
Women’s Small: 250
Women’s Medium/Men’s Small: 275
Women’s Large/Men’s Medium: 300
Men’s Large: 325

You’ll also need waste yarn in the same thickness in a contrasting color, 4 yards.

Notions: Scissors, Tapestry needle, and (optional) a stitch marker to indicate the beginning of the round.

Gauge: This pattern is written for four different gauges:

Fingering:
9 sts = 1” - US 0 (2 mm)
OR
8 sts = 1” - US 1 (2.25 mm)

Sport:
7 sts = 1” - US 2 (2.75 mm)

DK:
6 sts = 1” - US 3 (3.25 mm)

Needles: 1 set of 32” circular needles (magic loop) OR 2 sets of 24” circulars (two circulars) OR double pointed needles.

NOTES: This intermediate sock pattern is worked from the toe up. The technique is unusual, but it is not too hard. The toe is worked, then the short-row heel, the leg, the cuff, a few rounds of waste yarn are worked, then another cuff, leg, heel and toe. This produces a two-ended sock which will be cut open at the section with the waste yarn. Live stitches are picked up and bound off. This technique produces a pair of socks knit as one piece.

Join the club for the whole year here.

or

$3.99 until April 30th only!

or

add to cart

March Madness

2010-03-30T08:55:00.000-07:00

I don't know where I've been exactly but... hi, hello and how do you do? I'm busy on secret things but I'm pretty tired of keeping everything to myself.

I'm swimming in a mish-mosh of taxes, passport renewals, designing, and daydreaming.

Here is a wee update of the march madness of sorts happening in the free world:

1. Socks For All Seasons is going strong!

Thursday is the last day to buy the Ides of March pattern by itself. If you join the club you'll get the pattern anytime, though.

Buy this pattern now here: $3.99

OR

Read all about the club and maybe even sign up for the whole year of sock patterns for only $14.99 here.

April 1st is right around the corner which means a fresh new sock pattern will drop. Let me just say it's a doozy.

2. Did someone say passport renewals? Yep! I'm going to Scotland this August to teach at the UK Knit Camp! I've never been to Scotland and I'm pretty excited about the opportunity. I'm trying to sort out a side trip too, while I'm so far from home.

Might you join us in Scotland? Learn more here.

3. Something bright?

My pal Vivian is always patient with me when I ask her to pose in something I made. It's a bulky cowl you're looking at and the pattern will be available soon-ish.

4. Speaking of patterns, the Not-So-Socks Club from Yarn 4 Socks will feature something fun in April too! My pal Melanie at Black Trillium Yarns has dyed up something special inspired by the film Breakfast at Tiffany's and I got to make up a project with it! Not a sock pattern but made with sock yarn. Cool! It was really quite fun and I'll show pictures on the first of April, no joke.

Q. What does the Y4S Sock Club consist of exactly?
A. The Y4S Sock Club runs every other month. The 2010 installation will start in April of 20109 and will run until February of 2011. This year, the theme is Movie Classics.

Q. How do I sign up for the remaining months?
A. You can sign up for the entire year of Sock Club until February 15, 2010. Starting February 1st you will be able to purchase April's club by itself. The price for each individual month is $35.

Q. What do I get for $35?
A. For $35 you will get a sock pattern, a skein of sock yarn enough to knit the attached sock pattern, shipping to the US and sometimes a little surprise.
For US and Canadian participants, please select "Will Call" at check out to not be charged an extra shipping fee. For all other countries, please pay the shipping that comes up automatically when you select the country to ship to.

If you have any other questions you'd like to have answered, feel free to contact them at yarn4socks at yahoo dot com

Learn more or sign up here.

5. I'm late for work. I've got more to share and another update will happen here on Thursday.

Thanks for stopping by today!

Blue Moon

2010-03-26T17:20:00.000-07:00

Feeling like somebody. But I don't know who.

Have you seen Tina's latest blog post?

I'm in it!

Ides of March

2010-03-01T11:52:00.000-08:00

The first pattern for the Socks For All Seasons club has dropped! I'm excited to tell you about it right now.

The Ides of March was once a festive day dedicated to the Roman god Mars. In modern times, the term Ides of March is best known as the date that Julius Caesar was assassinated in 44 B.C. This sock design was inspired by ancient Roman tile. Just go ahead and jump in - there is nothing to beware of here!

Sizes available: Women’s 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).

Gauge: 32 sts/48 rows = 4" in st st

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

Yarn: Two contrasting colors of fingering-weight yarn that gives you proper gauge. You’ll need approx 50 (70, 90) grams of the Main Color and 30 (35, 40) grams of a Contrasting Color. Sample shown is knit with Shalimar Yarns Zoe Sock (100% SUPERWASH Merino wool; 450 yd per 4 oz skein), color: cayenne; 1 skein and Dream in Color Smooshy (100% SUPERWASH Merino wool; 450yd per 4oz skein), color: purple rain; 1 skein.

Notions: Cable needle, Tapestry needle, and (optional) a stitch marker to indicate the beginning of the round.

NOTES: This advanced sock pattern is worked from the cuff down with two colors. It includes a sideways cabled cuff, mosaic knitting, a heel flap, and a grafted toe. The slipped stitches create a fabric that is slightly less stretchy than standard stockinette stitch. Keep this in mind when choosing yarn and sock size.

Oh yeah, the pattern comes with a word seek puzzle at the end, just for fun!

Buy this pattern now here: $3.99 (Only available for individual purchase now through the end of March)

OR

Read all about the club and maybe even sign up for the whole year of sock patterns here.

The Ides of February

2010-02-10T13:51:00.000-08:00

It's been quite a week here in the free world...

1. Today is my mom's birthday - happy birthday mama!

2. Working on top-secret projects for Interweave Knits and Vogue Knitting... So cool!

3. I'm pretty excited about the Socks For All Seasons club!

I just finished knitting up the first pattern for March, it's being checked out by the test knitter right now. All I can say is that it's um, you know what? I can't say anything about it yet. No spoilers here!

It's not too late to sign up. Details here.

In fact, I finally started a Ravelry group! It's called Keep on Knitting in the Free World and it will be a pace to post pictures of your club projects, chat, get help, whatever! The Ravelry group is here. I hope you'll join me!

4. Hey! Interweave is selling the Freshman Cable Sock Pattern I designed for Knitscene Fall 2009! It's available here, exclusively.

5. Tomorrow is my pal Lee's birthday. Go on and wish her a happy one, and while you're there, check out her connect the dots stitching kits!

Dorothy's Basket, now available

2010-02-07T18:12:00.000-08:00

This pattern was on lock-out for about 8 months - I'm happy to say it is now available to the public!

While daydreaming of a world over the rainbow, a farming girl from Kansas would have to also be practical. She would need a light shawl to wear while walking her dog to the mercantile. This project was inspired by something a young Dorothy Gale might sport to coordinate with her gingham dress and hand basket.

Because this project is worked side to side, it is a great way to jump into lace knitting without the casting on or binding off of hundreds of stitches.

How about a pic of the shawl in action? Thanks to my work buddy, all around foxy moxington and hairspirational BFF Vivian for always having a good attitude about posing with my hand knits!

Size: One size

Measurements:
Elongated triangle. 70” long, 24” deep at center, blocked.

Gauge: 24 sts/32 rows = 4" [10cm] in Stockinette stitch

Yarn: About 525 yards of any lace-weight (or fingering, really) yarn of your choice. I used Fresh From the Cauldron MCN Lace (80% Merino, 10% Cashmere 10% Nylon; 565 yards [517 m] / 4.06oz [115 g]), 1 skein.

Needles: 1 set US #4/3.5mm circular needles or straight needles, or size to get proper gauge.

Skill level: Intermediate. You will need to know how to cast on, increase, decrease, work simple lace, and follow written or charted instructions.

Pattern PDF = $4.99

Juliet

2010-02-04T21:15:00.001-08:00

Another finished sweater?

Yarn: De-Vine by Blue Moon Fiber Arts in color Jasper

Pattern: Juliet by Sarah Johnson (Zephyr Style)

Buttons: Spalted oak hand-made by etsy seller wooden treasures.

I love it!

Opal Creek Cowl and Mitts

2010-02-03T16:26:00.000-08:00

Living in Portland, Oregon, I am surrounded by countless expanses and pockets of overwhelming beauty. Opal Creek is a wilderness area located in the Willamette National Forest on the border of the Mount Hood National Forest. It has the largest uncut watershed in Oregon. Early prospectors waded in Opal Pool and remarked on the natural glory of the crystal water. The stitch pattern in this cowl suggests gentle currents and leaves, inspired by Opal Creek.

It's the February Installment of Twisted’s Single Skein Club 2010!
(Available to the public May 1st, 2010.)

This new pattern set also includes a crossword puzzle. Check out Twisted here.

Thanks to Vivian for the lovely photos!

Arctic Blast Mitts

2010-02-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

It's been a long wait, but this pattern is finally available!

Despite illusions of spring arriving, we are very much in the heart of winter. It was this time last year I put together a pair of armwarmers for Twisted's Single Skein Club.

Backstory: December 2008, Portland. A snow storm hit our town hard. Some called it Snowpocalypse. It was offically named Arctic Blast. So too are these fingerless gloves I was knitting at the time.

(Thanks to Vivian for being such a fun hand model!)

Yarn: Malabrigo Silky Merino (50% Silk, 50% Merino; 50 grams,150 yards/137 m) 1 skein

Some people live in towns that expect two feet of snow. These towns have snow plows and salt and intrepid spirits that function despite the challenges.

I live in a town that panicked. We had some plowing of the major streets, with sand instead of salt. But if you didn't have chains, you weren't driving anywhere.

I did what I had to do... I stayed at home with some hot tea, bad movies, and knit some armwarmers. And now I get to brag that I officially survived the Arctic Blast of Ought Eight.

This intermediate level pattern includes instructions to make a pair of lacy wrist warmers. You’ll need to know how to read a pattern, cast on, work simple lace, and work in the round. The lace pattern is charted as well as written; take your pick.

$4.99

Socks For All Seasons 2010 Pattern Club!

2010-01-20T16:55:00.000-08:00

I'm really excited to share with you (finally!) a pattern club I've been working on for a while: Socks For All Seasons!

What is Socks For All Seasons?

Socks for All Seasons is a modern almanac of sock knitting!

This club will take a knitter through an entire year with different techniques, skills and patterns to learn along the way. Each month will feature one original sock pattern that will celebrate the season or highlight a special holiday. (or maybe one you didn't know existed?)

The club starts March 1st, 2010. It runs for 12 months, and has 12 patterns. Each pattern will also contain one extra, like a recipe, word game or crossword puzzle, just for fun! The PDF file will be sent to your email address on the first of the month. I have no spoilers for you, the patterns will be a surprise for now.

Patterns are exclusive to the club for the duration of the year. When the club is over, the patterns will all be available to purchase individually, or together as an e-book (downloadable PDF collection).

Club Details:

You can join the club with different options, your choice:

1. Just sign on for one month, any month. You choose. $3.99

2. Sign on for three months. Any three months, you choose. $9.99

3. Sign on for six months. Any six months, you choose. $12.99

4. Sign on for the whole year! Yay! $14.99

The E-Book (available March 2011) will cost $15.99. It will be a complete collection of all 12 patterns plus a bonus secret pattern!

The good news: If you join a club, the price you pay will be deducted from the e-book if you wish to purchase it. Meaning, if you sign on for three months, for example, the e-book will only cost you $5.00 ($15.99 minus $9.99). Get it?

Questions? Leave a comment here. What are you waiting for? Go for it! Make your selection from the drop-down menu and I'll handle the rest.

Daybreak

2010-01-15T17:49:00.001-08:00

No Place Like Home

2010-01-08T16:40:00.000-08:00

Hi again! I hope everyone enjoyed their little time away from this blog as much as I did. I am ready to come back and share some recent adventures and hope you're still along for the ride!

2010: A year for action. And doing what makes you happy.

Speaking of happy, I've got new patterns to release on February 1st. Until then, I'll tease the last of the Wizard of OZ patterns I designed for the Fresh From the Cauldron Wizard of OZ Club: No Place Like Home.

Once upon a time a farming girl from Kansas named Dorothy found herself wearing a magical pair of shoes. Their secret remained hidden for quite some time while Dorothy skipped along the yellow brick road having adventures with her ragtag friends. Please don’t stay home wearing these lacy, beaded socks. Have a night out in the Emerald City and paint the town red with your pals. Click your heels together and get to where you want to go!

It's not like me to make lacy socks with silver sparkle and beads. I am stretching my wings, for sure. In fact, I'm going to design some sweaters this year in addition to the usual accessories I can't stop knitting.

2010: A year for challenging yourself.

I have big plans for this year. I'm also excited about the stuff I don't even know about yet. I know that makes sense, really.

I hope you're excited too; let's jump in together!

Miss Marple Sock Pattern

2009-12-08T15:37:00.001-08:00

You've been so patient with me, many thanks for that! I am finally ready to unleash this exciting new pattern on you (with pictures!): Miss Marple!

NOTE: This pattern includes a BONUS Mystery/knitting themed crossword puzzle at the end! Seriously, people. You read that right.

This sock was originally designed as a mystery, with the pattern divided into clues. The mystery design was inspired by Miss Jane Marple, the fictional crime-solver created by Agatha Christie. She’s sharp, clever, and a knitter, of course. Now the pattern is complete and ready to knit as a whole… the only mystery left is to unlock the crossword puzzle at the end!

What is mosaic knitting? Describing mosaic knitting is harder than actually doing it. Barbara Walker named the process of slipping stitches while alternating rows of color “mosaic knitting” because it naturally lends itself to geometric design.

Unlike stranded knitting, you only work with one color at a time. You will slip stitches to give the illusion of colorwork. In this pattern, you will work 2 rows of one color across the round, slipping the stitches that are indicated as the second color, then work 2 rows of the other color, slipping the other stitches.

Pattern Details:

Sizes: Women’s Medium, Large

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

Gauge: 32 sts/48 rows = 4" in st st

Needles: 1 set US #1/2.25mm 32” circular needles or double pointed needles, or size to get gauge.

Yarn: Knit Picks Risata Sock Yarn [42% Cotton, 39% SUPERWASH merino wool, 13% Polyamide, 6% Elite Elastic; 196yd per 50g ball]; colors: Seedling: 2 balls, Cocoa: 1 ball. (Or any fingering weight yarn that gives you proper gauge) You will need two contrasting colors. You will need more yarn in the MC than the CC. You’ll need at least MC: 75-100g (300-400 yd) CC: 25-40g (120-175 yd). The lower numbers are for a medium foot and the larger numbers are for a large foot. The length of your foot will impact the amount of yarn you need.

The best part: The pattern is only $1.99!

Miss Marple, Clue 4

2009-11-22T09:38:00.000-08:00

The dramatic conclusion!

Download all 4 clues now.

NEW: Link not active. Use this instead:

buy now

Miss Marple, Clue 3

2009-11-14T20:43:00.000-08:00

Do ya wanna see what happens next?

download now

NEW: Link not active. Use this instead:

buy now

Miss Marple, Clue 2

2009-11-08T11:56:00.000-08:00

Okay party people, here is the second clue:

Download Miss Marple clue #2 now

Please please please do not be scared of the charts. You can totally do this.

NEW: Link not active. Use this instead:

buy now

Miss Marple

2009-10-31T20:11:00.000-07:00

I love a good mystery.

Miss Jane Marple is a fictional crime solving old lady who knits while sleuthing. Obviously she's a role model for me.

When I was asked to design a mystery sock for Sock Knitter's Anonymous (a huge Ravelry group) I was honored and set right to work on the mystery theme.

So, no pictures yet. But if you want to knit along, here is the first clue:

download Miss Marple clue #1 now

The pattern will be released in 4 clues, one a week for the month of November. Sometime in December it will be reformatted with pictures and available for sale for $1.99. I'd suggest you take it while it's free, if you prefer.

And, because this is a blog, I'll link to the Miss Marple Wikipedia page. I wasn't going to but it's standard operating procedures.

NEW: Sorry - links not active anymore. Use this instead:

buy now

Emerald City Mitts

2009-10-15T11:07:00.001-07:00

New pattern alert! Available now to members of Fresh From the Cauldron's Wizard of Oz club, available to everyone else in early 2010.

The Emerald City beckons with these arm-warmers inspired by the stylized buildings of OZ. Gothic Lace starts on cuff and flows into twisted lacy cables, ending on the hand with a motif that echoes the silhouette of the Emerald City.

Wear these when you need a dose of the magic of OZ.

Look at my beautiful friend Emily, modeling these armwarmers! (Thanks Em!)

Yarn: Fresh From the Cauldron MCN Sport Yarn [80% Merino, 10% Cashmere 10% Nylon; 250yd/229m per 113g/4oz skein]; color: Emerald City; 1 skein.

Needles: 1 set US #4/3.5mm 32” circular needles (magic loop), 2 sets of 24” circulars, or double pointed needles, or size to get gauge.

Gauge: 24 sts/32 rows = 4" in st st

Wrist circumference:
7 inches (17.5 cm) unstretched. Will stretch to fit 10 inches (25.5 cm).

This pattern is the third of four in a collection inspired by the Wizard of Oz. I'm swatching the last design now and will share it with you in December. I'm a little sad to be nearing the end of the series but also looking forward to starting on the list of projects I get to design when these are all done.

I keep thinking That I want to write a whole book of patterns inspired by the Wizard of Oz. Actually, I have about a dozen pretend books I want to write. I usually keep this to myself because in my fantasy I may one day knock them out, one at a time. I guess I better start knocking out those proposals, one at a time, and see if any click.

2010: a year of more dreams, including a starting knitting book? I guess I should put on these mitts and drink in a dose of the magic of Oz.

$4.99 for the pattern

buy now

add to cart

show cart

Sweater Curse - broken!

2009-10-05T11:26:00.000-07:00

2009 has been a year with big dreams, goals and breakthroughs.

One such goal was knitting a sweater that fits. Yes, a simple goal, but one I had failed to achieve until this year. How embarrassing to admit!

I've cast on and frogged dozens of sweaters in my life. There was always a Problem. Sometimes it was the yarn, sometimes the pattern. Often it was the knitting. The story is nearly the same every time.

It was three years ago I attempted to make a simple cardigan.

I wanted a raglan style cardigan that I could fall in love with. A sweater that I would end up wearing every day. A simple, natural, old fashioned, plain-and-tall hand knit cardigan. Alas! It was not meant to be.

If I could pinpoint where the sweater went wrong I would say it was in the expectations phase. I wanted the sweater to be what it could never be. I was looking for the stuff only dreams are made of... cozy, soft, perfect, timeless, classic, flattering, etc. I may as well been hoping to knit a unicorn. That was the first problem.

I had enough natural wool to make the project, but there were many questions. Could a girl my size, shape and complexion look okay in a bulky knit shapeless, colorless sweater? Probably not. Was my gauge consistent? Not especially. Did I knit the whole thing anyway, including seaming and weaving in the loose ends perfectly? Of course. I'm no amateur.

Put kindly, the sweater could have fit a small horse. More honestly, it would have fit a full grown alpha-male gorilla. I wore it around the house for a day or two, in denial. I kept checking the mirror to see if it looked okay, and it never did. I posed like they do in knitting magazines when the shaping on a garment is bad. I hugged myself, I reached for an apple in an imaginary tree, and I twirled around, laughing. It helped a little, but the sweater was hopeless.

{IMAGE NOT AVAILABLE}

It was The Stupid Sweater. I undid everything and returned the wool from beast to balls, which now live in a rubbermaid container in my closet. In January I made leg warmers out of 2 of the balls:

Knitting the yarn into something new helped erase the memory of the ugly. But what about some new yarn, a new pattern, and a new start?

Pattern: Glee by Zephyr Style.

Yarn: Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks That Rock Heavyweight in color Mossay.

Strong start:

I started this new sweater in January. I cast on for the medium size but eventually I discovered it was too big, so I switched to making the small size partway through with some creative decreasing. I convinced myself this was a smart decision, considering my personal shape and curve locations.

So, it fits me funny, which totally my fault.

It’s roomy, and that’s fine. It will be nice in the winter over a long-sleeved shirt. If I make this one again I’ll make the small. I have a hard time knowing what size I am.

If I had made the small all along I would have had enough yarn to make it longer; that would have been nice too. I just knitted until I ran out of yarn basically.

I learned a lot on this sweater. In fact, I have since made two more sweaters (yes, I'll show them off too) and have the 4th on the needles right now. I know, it's really fantastic!

2009 was a very big year for me in many ways big and small, including the breaking of a life-long specific knitting curse. I'm going to dream a bigger dream in 2010: designing sweaters... Stay tuned!

Randomness and a contest winner

2009-10-01T12:44:00.000-07:00

Dice image belongs to MissTurner, used here thanks to a creative commons license

I often like to use this blog to share random collections of thoughts or ideas that swirl around my life in the moment. Now that the seasons are changing I find myself back in a contemplative frame once more. It's a natural transition from lazing about, daydreaming with posicles to preparing yourself for the impending chill and burying nuts, like the squirrels are doing under the lavender plant in my front patio.

We call those kind of thoughts random, but that actually wasn't a random thought at all. Maybe none of my so-called random thoughts aren't really random?

Today I've been thinking about the very idea of randomness. I don't really know what I am talking about and I'm certainly not going to bust out the Schopenhauer or anything, but it is interesting to think about the ways we interpret randomness, as well as the ways the seemingly random is influenced.

This all started when I consulted the mighty random number generator to pick a contest winner. I had a thought that it might be nice if someone local won, to save on postage. Then I immediately felt guilty for having this thought. It flat-out isn't fair for folks who live in other places. So I let the random number generator decide, as promised.

This is what's known as a tease.

This is the book I am giving away. Check it out here, by the way:
The Joy of Sox: 30+ must-knit designs

A word about the random number generator, a concept I am always entertained to ponder... In fact, as a ridiculously bad math person I do secretly love numbers. In college, I took statistics because it was the closest to philosophy of numbers someone like me could handle. I challenge you to read the basic introduction to randomness here and still not find all of this terrifically interesting.

But really, you're here to see if you won the contest. So, okay. You've waited long enough.

They say patience is a virtue. It's easy to say things like that when you're the one demanding it of others. Thanks to all of the people who entered the contest to win a copy of The Joy of Sox. I'm happy to announce the winner today:

Lobug - who said, "I love socks b/c of the seemingly infinite variety of techniques you can use to knit them!" The winner was randomly chosen, yet lives locally. I assure you I did nothing to influence the number generator. But it made me think about if it was possible somehow. Which made me write this ridiculous wordy blog entry about nothing.

Lobug, get in touch. Leave me a comment with a way to contact you!

I loved reading each and every comment about why you love socks. I'm going to quote many of you here over the next few weeks to share the love. Very inspiring!

I'll end now with a final thought regarding randomness (sort of):

Oh, many a shaft at random sent
Finds mark the archer little meant!
And many a word at random spoken
May soothe, or wound, a heart that's broken!
—Sir Walter Scott, Lord of the Isles

Blog contest is over

2009-09-27T17:35:00.001-07:00

Winner coming soon!

Joy of Sox, with contest too!

2009-09-17T16:17:00.000-07:00

The Joy of Sox: 30+ must-knit designs

Have you seen it yet? Joy of Sox has hit the market and it is good, people.

There are over 30 patterns in this book and I'm really impressed with the diversity of designs and overall awesome-ness of the package. I'm a huge fan of the hardcover with spiral binding too, which makes it a very practical book as well.

Have I mentioned that I have a pattern in there? It's called Girl's Best Friend and they are thigh-high socks with a lace panel, worked from the toe-up.

I kind of think hand-knit socks are better than real diamonds. You don't have to agree with me.

Do not let the length of these socks or the mohair content of Schaefer Anne scare you, or the size 0 needles either. I have fallen in love with these socks after having some doubts initially. Love is like that, if you can get past the crazy and the fear you'll be warm and fuzzy in all the best ways.

This brings me to the contest: I'm giving away a free copy of this book! This contest is open to everybody. To enter, simply leave a comment (see below) here by the end of the day, Saturday September 26th. I'll let the mighty random number generator decide the winner. Details:

1. Include your name and a way to contact you. If you don't include a way to contact you, be sure to check back to see if you've won and then contact me! We'll sort out your shipping address privately.

2. In the comments, tell me one thing you love about socks.

3. By leaving these comments, you are giving me permission to blog some of my favorite responses. I'll give you credit, of course.

If you're curious to know more, the first review on Amazon is pretty fantastic:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great sock book!, August 31, 2009
By Anne -
"I own just about every sock knitting book ever written. I had to review this one because I like it so much! It has great sock patterns, a lot of patterns (32), beautiful photographs, and a spiral binding. What makes it unique is that it has little narratives and fun statistics sprinkled throughout that make it a sock book that you can actually read. The "Joy of Sox" double entendres in the book are kind of cute too! This is now one of my favorite sock books."

Check it out here:
The Joy of Sox: 30+ must-knit designs

End of summer vacation

2009-09-09T11:10:00.000-07:00

I'm traveling over the next week so I won't check in much for a few days. I wanted to say a quick hello before I get on that plane. Hello there. Sit down, have a slice.

First, I have a giveaway planned for when I return. I was going to launch it today but then that would be foolish, with me getting on a plane and all. So yeah, look for a fun giveaway next week! Yes, it is knitting related.

Finally, I really enjoyed reading the comments from the other day. Telling stories from other jobs is something I like to do and I'm glad I get to do it here. My life has changed a lot since then and I appreciate having a mirror of sorts to reflect in.

Enjoy the last days of summer. Eat the last blackberries and tomatoes. But prepare for the change in the air. Bury some nuts. If nothing else, get back to your stitches.

Alias Socks, redux

2009-09-04T20:32:00.001-07:00

It occurs to me that outside of my immediate family, no one I know has read my blog since it first began. There was a time when I worked as a writer in TV production. I also had it in me to write every day. Blogging was a joy!

Let's revisit those times, shall we?

Here is an old story that will be new to you. It combines sock knitting with acting. It's the kind of story I love to tell, but rarely do anymore.

< start timewarp >
Here is the story of one sock, which eventually became a pair. The yarn is Simple Stripes (colorway "Vineyard") from knitpicks and the pattern I made up as I went. It's my first "afterthought heel", and that was okay. (Afterthought = You knit a tube, and where the heel goes you put in some waste yarn, then you go back after the sock is done, pick up stitches and work the heel.)

This is also a story about knitting at work. When I'm not working as a tv writer, spinning, knitting or blogging, I get work as an Extra. You know, the people who walk around in the background in tv shows and movies? We also go by the term "background artists" which I enjoy for it's pretentiousness. I have a LOT of stories about this kind of work, and here is one that includes a knitted sock!

First of all, this never happens to me. Usually I have to hustle work for myself. I got a call from the casting company asking me to be in Alias. Well, they asked my car to be in Alias, and that means I have to drive my car, therefore they want me to be in Alias. It's to be a scene in Europe, filmed in Los Angeles of course.

After getting lost a few times I discover the "London street” is actually off of Olvera street downtown Los Angeles, next to China Town. And next to the "London street” is the "Rome street". A few blocks away is the Russian subway scene. I park my car in the Roman Piazza and join base camp where catering is already set up. A guy has a custom omelet station going right next to the taco truck and the build your own burrito bar. A hamburger stand sits at the end of the line and I take it all in while pouring myself a tall iced tea. I stupidly postpone eating for later. This is breaking one of the cardinal rules of background artists: always eat when you have the chance.

Immediately I am beset by a desperate man who will be playing a secret service agent. I tell him he looks like one. I am making conversation. He is encouraged by this and gives me his card. He hosts a podcast about the entertainment industry. He explains to me what a podcast is like I am a caveperson. He tells me Brad Pitt got his start as an extra. One hears this a lot on set, but looking around I don't see any "next Brad Pitts." I start to look for a way out but no one else will make eye contact with me.

The assistant director (AD) comes and checks us in and sends us to wardrobe. I am wearing one outfit and brought two with me just in case. They hate all of it. They even criticize the pearls around my neck. They give me clothes to change into and I go into the tiny space where three other women are already changing. So embarrassing. I am reminded of the fact that I have lied about my dress size to get cast in this role and that there are consequences for such dishonesty.

The blouse is sheer and I am wearing a black bra. The skirt is cutting into my stomach and the jacket doesn't completely clear my chest. I walk out for approval. They hand me another outfit. I change again in front of three new girls. This time the skirt is stretchy body hugging with a long slit that is obscene. I go out for approval. They give me a third outfit and I go back to change. By this point every woman I will be working with today has seen me naked. They all seem to change once and that's that. Pretty soon I will be the last one left.

The new outfit makes me look fifty years old. Perfect. They love it. And now they love my pearls too for some reason, as if they hadn't hated them before. I overhear one wardrobe person yell at an extra: "Do you have wax in your ears? Listen when I talk to you!" I look at the ground in fear. They want me to come back for a hat. I say ok and leave. I have no intention of coming back for that hat.

The car people are told to go sit in their cars. Everyone else gets to eat. Whoops. Well this is the punishment one draws when lying about dress sizes I suppose. I schlep the rest of my clothes to my car and put them in the back seat. This is great! My stuff is already in my car. I sit in the passenger seat and knit a sock for a while.

Another AD comes over and tells me he likes my car. Then he tells me I shouldn't be in it. That I should be with everybody else in "holding". He tells me like I am really stupid and rebellious at the same time. I go to holding where the wardrobe lady finds me and gives me a hat. I look at my reflection and I look like Mary Poppins. Or Miss Marple. They tell me I look like a proper English lady. I feel ugly but persevere. I make small talk with a nice and smart woman in tweed and argyle. She's also a car person.

I knit for a while and people ask me if I am knitting a sock like it's the most insane thing I could be doing at that moment in time. I explain that it's not as hard as it looks and yes, I know you can just buy socks at Target. The one nice wardrobe lady asks me about the fiber so I got get excited. Then she goes on to tell me about her wool allergy in great detail. And she also wanted to make sure I wasn't going to carry my knitting into the scene. Oh well.

And then it's time for the London action. They use the Honda, the BMW and the Jetta. They ask me to leave my Mini Cooper in "Rome." I find it funny that the one car they choose not to use is the only one actually manufactured in England. I switch gears and play a pedestrian walking down the street with a young man in a dark suit. I think from a distance I may appear to be his mother but I pretend he is my paid escort for the time being. We walk arm in arm down "Portobello Road" mouthing a conversation in silence, having the time of our lives. An extra must be silent at all times, while appearing to be having a lovely conversation. My partner mouths the word "watermelon" over and over and I reply hub bub? Hub bub?

And then it is time for the great Rome scene. While the crew moves everything around the corner, wardrobe instructs us it's time to change clothes again. Are you kidding me? The extras are a bit angry and by now all of the women have discovered the chatty podcaster is creepy so he's stuck talking to the elderly. I get in line for more clothing-related humiliation.

They hand me another XS knit top and ridiculously shiny bolero pants and I go back into the tiny room of demoralization. And then I see it. My skirt! The skirt I wore there and left behind in the trailer that got separated from my clothes and I'm so glad I found it and I'm so stupid for losing it. And then I put it on as if I was told to do so and shove the ugly pants in the hamper bin. I put on the top and stretch it over my torso to the point the seams are about to rip. I walk out and they give me a long hard look.

"I'm going to be in a car for the next scene. You won't even see me." I beg. But they have very important jobs to do dressing the background players in the season finale of Alias. They give me another shirt to try on. They say nothing about the missing bolero pants.

Eventually I make it out to my car and I am to drive around the "piazza" halfway and then quickly return to starting position in reverse. It hits me, I'm meant to drive quickly in reverse around a great many curves, avoiding the hundreds of people and millions of dollars in gear like a stunt driver. No pressure. I actually do this about 100 times in rapid succession because the sun is fading and that may be the most important thing to know about shooting. The sun dictates the schedule.

It was a mere 12-hour shoot and I hadn't eaten during any of it. While waiting to be signed out I made a hasty peanut butter sandwich and ate it in three bites along with some tic tacs. But the day wasn’t over yet! Some of the group were randomly being chosen to stay on and do the Russian subway scene. (Yes, Los Angeles has a subway.) We all looked at our feet and prayed we weren't to be picked. It would be a 24-hour day (and night) if you were so unlucky. Somehow I wasn’t picked. Although I was tremendously relieved, I started to feel resentful too. Wasn't I good enough? Professional enough? Pretty enough? I'm actually part Russian too. Fools!

As I drove home with pains of hunger rolling through my body, I questioned why I take these sort of jobs. And then I remembered it's because I don't have any better offers. I never watched the show when it aired but my pal Scott did and he said he saw a woman with a ponytail driving a Mini with racing stripes through the streets of Europe. I asked him if he liked my skirt but for some reason he couldn't see it while I was driving. As if it didn'’t matter what kind of ugly pants I was supposed to wear or not.

I know this is a long story, but I've been itching to talk about something other than the Tour de France. Did you see I knit almost a whole sock in this story? It's relevant!

< end timewarp! >

I work with some really creative people!

2009-08-29T12:01:00.000-07:00

This week in yarnia

2009-08-28T16:25:00.000-07:00

Howdy partners! It occurs to me that I should check in with you today and share some yarn-related highlights of late. Perhaps some non-yarn joy as well. I never know where these stream of consciousness posts will lead.

1. Yarn Acquisition:

Vivian the beautiful and I met our pal Alex the talented at Abundant Yarn to see what they had on hand, and to say goodbye. They are closing their brick and mortar shop but will carry on with their dyeing and online business. Their fun staff and fiber selections will be missed by many.

So, I fell into some Rowan. I picked up these four balls of Felted Tweed with intentions of colorwork mitts of some kind.

And then came Scottish Tweed. I don't need any more yarn. But. Well. It's Vivian's fault. She picked out these lovely balls of yarn to make a fair isle hat. She was mentioning how tough it was to find the right pattern. So I HAD to get the same yarn and challenge myself to come up with a really great hat pattern, right?

It will be fun to see two stranded hats in the same yarn but of different designs. Kind of an experiment, I think.

2. Scottish Tweed, you say?

Perhaps this was a good omen, because I then found out I get to teach at the UK Knit Camp next year in Scotland! I am really excited about this, even though it is a whole year away.

3. The other exciting thing this week was receiving this package: (I forgot to include the pen in the pic, sorry)

The first installment of Leethal's Quick Knits Club! I know some of you are doing this club with me and I hope more will join me. Go on, sign up for next month - the deadline is September 1st. It's really really worth it! More of my enthusiasm for this club here.

4. One other wave of fantastic-ness washed through Portland this week. I will share it with you next week, because it involves a giveaway. That's right, I'll be giving away something pretty neat right here next week. Something currently unavailable and desirable. Are you going to come back and see what it is? I hope so!

5. Lantern Rouge:

Every now and again I share a poem, usually by Langston Hughes. How about one today? Do with it what you will. I have taken it to heart.

Gather out of star-dust
Earth-dust,
Cloud-dust,
Storm-dust,
And splinters of hail,
One handful of dream-dust
Not for sale.

Sock Summit Aftermath, part 2

2009-08-21T12:39:00.000-07:00

Okay, my last post regarding the Sock Summit was more of a collection of images and random thoughts. This will likely be no different. I'm sorry to anyone or thing I forget to mention. I just can't list everything that happened. Surprised? Of course not. Why?

Because the Sock Summit is a unicorn. You can't capture it. Yes, it's magic chases away evil. But it is also elusive and rare. Maybe you only get one sighting in your whole life.

OR, maybe it's because I taught three long classes, took two long classes, wandered the marketplace, attended dinners and panels, sat in the Lucy Booth (advice, 5 cents) partied, and made about a hundred new friends. In four days. I've had enough time to process it, but I still don't know if it was all just a dream.

Still with me? Great. I'd like to try to start with a quick review of the classes I took. The first one was Colorful Stitches with Tina Newton and Anna Zilboorg.

This picture is of the tote the teachers got, but if you look closely you'll see a tiny swatch tied to the top. This is what I made in that class.

Tina is the genius behind Blue Moon Fiber Arts, makers of the iconic sock yarn - Socks That Rock. Anna Zilboorg is a Turkish knitting expert. Both are color savants. Both are so much more than those tiny descriptions.

Anna Zilboorg told us that she never really saw color until she discovered something in the 1960's... "killer weed." Yes, it was as plain as that. She was Harvard educated and helped found the Humanities department at MIT, where she taught for a long while. She is elegant, funny, charming and classy. I want to be her when I grow up.

Tina created over 500 colorways at Blue Moon. She has a raven book coming out this fall that you will all want to own. She told an amazing story about ravens and how they inspired her to do a series of colors all playing on black. All beautiful, none of them flat.

I won't talk too much about what happened in class in case I step on proprietary-type toes. Those are giant cranky toes with nails that scratch (sorry, gross). I will say Anna Zilboorg teased me about breaking the rules. Which, ordinarily would be great. It would be so great that I would ask her to write it on my body in Sharpie as a badge of honor. But in this case, she was trying to liberate us from matching colors, and I just went ahead and coordinated colors anyway. I am the worst kind of rule breaker: The one who isn't free!

The next class was Engineering New Stitches with Cat Bordhi. Cat Bordhi is one of the most original thinkers I've ever run across. She is best known for knitting moebius type garments or inventing several new sock architectures known as sockitectures. She too, is so much more that that.

My brain is still processing all of the information shared in that class. I feel like I can now write my own stitch dictionary. I can combine stitches in new ways. In short, I can do anything. This is probably the best feeling humans get to have.

And now, as promised, I present to you Barbara Walker's socks. She knit them, she wore them. She sold them for $5. They now hang over my front door as a good luck charm. But you know what's crazy? (No, you haven't heard the "crazy" part yet) These were knit flat and them seamed up the front. React as you will.

The marketplace was bonkers. I was overwhelmed the entire time I was in there. I managed to pick up a few things and actually took a couple of pictures. This is not the entirety of what came home with me but I don't want to get a reputation.

The first yarn up there is Bugga from Sanguine Gryphon in the color Rainbow Scarab. I was lucky enough to sit next to Gryphon in Cat Bordhi's class and she is so cute and fun and interesting. Of course her yarn is too. With 20% cashmere content, this yarn is not going to become socks. It will be something about the neck.

The Usual. Nothing usual about it. I love this yarn and the colors are great. The one on the left was a gift from my friend Nancy and I actually started crying when she gave it to me. It was a combination of her generosity, the beauty of the yarn, the fact that I hadn't eaten more than a handful of trail mix in 18 hours, and some other things. But mostly her generosity.

I'm so lucky to live in Portland, with so many amazing and talented friends. The place where the first Sock Summit happened. The place of unicorns.

Sock Summit Aftermath, part 1

2009-08-15T14:45:00.000-07:00

I'm likely to ramble on a bit about the Sock Summit here and there and everywhere for the rest of my days. I'll just start now with some random thoughts and images. Part 2 will come soon.

Yes, it was a convention center full of yarn. There are that many of us.

Amy knitty playing the ukelele at the opening reception. She told me I had bright eyes and also complimented me on my pattern frankensocks. I just kept giggling and nodding and screaming like a banshee (that last part was just on the inside).

I also got to take part in the breaking of a world record as defined by Guinness: The most number of knitters gathered together to knit at the same time. We did it for 15 minutes and used straight needles.

I was lucky enough to sit right behind Barbara Walker, but was too shy to talk to her directly, of course.

Here is Lee of the Leethal blog, attending the Luminary panel in the handknit ski mask she made. If you click here, you can see silly pictures of ME DANCING at the Ravelry party. I was not drunk, but so sleep deprived that my criteria for good decision making was severely compromised.

So, yeah, some random highlights. In our next installment, I'll tell you more about the classes, the marketplace, and the story of how I came to own a pair of Barbara flipping Walker's very own personal handknit socks!

Saddle Mountain

2009-08-10T20:40:00.000-07:00

I am recovering from the beautiful chaos of the Sock Summit. Really, stories will come soon. But for now I'll answer I question I got a lot.

This is where I earned my sunburn:

Quick Knits Club!

2009-08-03T18:09:00.000-07:00

I'm lucky enough to live and breathe and craft in the Republic of Portland. We have a quality of life here and plenty of inspirational creative folk rockin' us left and right.

One of my favorite crafters here is my pal Lee. If you've read my blog before, you already know this. I mention it every other week or so. Anyway, she's hit on a brilliant idea and I want to make sure everyone knows about it:

Quick Knits Club!

Frankly, it's too hot to have a sweater on your lap right now. Seriously, people. I'm signing up and I want you to join me. Let's play with hand dyed hand made recycled yarns and things!

The details:

It's a monthly club, and you can join for as many or few months as you'd like.

Each month’s package will include:

* a 15 yard mini-skein of recycled hand-dyed yarn
* a 10 yard mini-skein of spun recycled yarn
* quick knit pattern exclusive to the club
* any crafty bits called for in the pattern (e.g. buttons)
* extra mystery leethal goodies and/or bits of crafty fun

Jump on this right now, because Wednesday is the last day you can sign up for the very first month.

Go ahead, I'll wait here while you sign up. Tell her Star sent you. Wink.

Our mayor declares this sock knitting week!

2009-08-03T12:13:00.000-07:00

I am not joking.

Ye Olde Timey Cycling Stockings

2009-07-28T14:10:00.000-07:00

Show and tell time... I bring you knee socks on the hottest day of the year! (or, confirmation of my increasing insanity)

Photo by Vivian

Pattern: "Cycling or Golf Stockings with Fancy Cuff in Trellis Pattern" by Nancy Bush from the book "Knitting Vintage Socks."

Yarn: Wollmeise Sockenwolle. Color: Spice Market, Dark. Contrast color Wollmeise 80/20 in Frosch Harmonic.

Needles: Hiya Hiya Stainless Steel, US size 1 (2.25mm) Magic Loop method.

Pattern Review: Brilliant and fun. Nancy Bush is a legend. For those of you who don't know, this book is a collection of vintage patterns updated and reworked for modern yarns. In short, it belongs in your library, people.

The pattern introduced a new heel technique for me and while I liked the turn, I didn’t love the yarn overs. No biggie though. I enjoyed the pointy toe - I’ve never seen a toe like it and it fits me well.

Photo (C) 2009 Leethal

The instructions are easy to follow and have great results. The socks are worked from the top down, with a folded cuff. I opted to make a few changes there.

Modifications: I worked them with the stranding motif on the top of the sock instead of folding the cuff over. I like the idea of doing these as written but I was afraid they would be too tight on me. (My gauge was a little tight)

Also, I made the leg nice and long to fit me.

Yarn Review: The beloved Wollmeise. This is some pretty special yarn and I couldn't be happier with it. The colors are amazing and the feel is pleasant. The yarn base is composed of many plies, tightly spun. When washed, the socks soften up quite a bit.

I realize there is something obnoxious regarding bragging about hard to get yarn. And yet, I am doing it anyway. I am trying not to keep it precious but to actually knit with it.

Photo (C) 2009 Leethal

Overall: This project combines several of my loves:

1. Knee socks.

2. Vintage knitting.

3. Cycling. Bonus points for Olde Timey Cycling.

4. Chocolate and pistachios. Oh, well, technically it's spice and frog, but they're my socks and I'll think of them as I like.

5. Fancy German yarn.

I'm glad I was able to USE the Wollmeise. I was just leaving it on the shelf out of fear of ruining it.

Lesson of the day: Use your good yarn. If I can, you can.

Photo by Vivian

I also had confirmation on something I've known for a while but have been trying to push out of my mind. Since I took up running and cycling this year, my calves and ankles have gotten bigger. So what, Right? Just vanity speaking. Posting it here is my way of telling my calves I appreciate what they do, even if they had to get bigger to do it.

In conclusion, I love these socks! I’d like to photograph these while on my bike. Hopefully I’ll make that happen soon!

Freshman Cable Socks

2009-07-13T22:43:00.000-07:00

I haven't seen the new Knitscene yet but it's hitting the stores really soon.

I have a pattern in there: Freshman Cable Socks... Wanna see a teaser?

(Thanks to emilyshmemily for modeling!)

I’m really inspired by the way you can draw simple lines and geometric shapes with basic cables; the design happens from the placement of the cables, rather than the detail of the cable itself.

This project uses cables that are elongated and stacked in a spiraling, angular design. The left and right sock mirror each other for added interest.

I originally wanted these socks to be like your freshman year in a new endeavor… jump in and get started!

But maybe these are just socks to wear to the library. Either way.

This week in knitting and spinning and other thing

2009-06-30T17:36:00.000-07:00

Hi again! Isn't summer just the bestest? I'm loving the late sunsets and fresh fruit and skirts with knee socks. I'd like to share some current events from this side of the free world:

1. I was interviewed for a podcast! The Knit Pick's podcast! It can be downloaded for free (anytime after Wednesday July 1st) from the Knitting Community or through iTunes. I subscribe through iTunes.

Kelley and I chatted about a few subjects: The Tour de Fleece, Sock Summit, and Spin Off. I am certain I stuck my foot in my mouth a few times, but I have learned to live with this trait of mine. Overall it was really fun and I'm happy I had the opportunity.

2. Tour de Fleece you say? Yes! Welcome to another year of the Tour de France themed spin-along. Telling muggles about a sock knitting convention is one thing, but trying to explain handspinning yarn along with a French cycling event is really pushing it.

And yet, there are over 1150 of us signed up to do it, and nearly 60 prizes to give away! It's not too late to sign up and it's not to late to donate a prize either. The event is hosted entirely on Ravelry now, in the Tour de Fleece group. Go there, won't you?

Here is yarn I spun during 2007's Tour:

3. I'm not done talking about the sock summit.

4. Black Sheep Gathering was a smashing success. And it included Brownie Batter Blizzards and a Value Village stop in Salem on the way home.

This is a picture my pal Lee took and I'm totally stealing it but it is of me and I am telling you now to visit her flickr and blog because she is so flipping talented!

5. So twice this week I'm out running and I spot a lemonade stand. Different lemonade stands. So twice I bought street lemonade from young entrepreneurs. Twice I gave tips. Twice I heard "oh boy!" These kids really need to set better prices. What costs 25 cents anymore?

6. Speaking of running... I'm attempting to do the First Thursday run this week. Any other Portlanders into it?

7. Cold brew coffee. It's always there, in my fridge. Calling to me. So delicious. Make room for some in your fridge too?

8. And I'm still knitting, of course:

worldwide knit in public day

2009-06-16T17:00:00.001-07:00

pix on worldwide knit in public day
Originally uploaded by -leethal-

What can be better than this:

- knitting in public on "World Wide Knit in Public Day"

- hanging out with one of the most talented and lovely people in the universe.

- knitting a giant olde timey cycling stocking out of Wollmeise

- experiencing the caffeine and sugar genius that is PIX