Monday, April 27, 2009

Sock Summit class schedule is up!

I'm sure you are all on the email list, but in case you're not (or if it went straight into the junk folder) check it out:

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

Dearest Sock Summiteers,

WoooHooo and Yippy Skippy, the class schedule is up, and sanity is still in check. At least that is what we keep telling ourselves. Here it is: http://www.socksummit.com/classes/schedule/.

It is color coded (of course) for your viewing pleasure. There is a color key (it is a chart after all) at the top to explain how things roll. We are pretty tickled with it, so if you have issues with it please be gentle. As usual, any questions should be emailed us at info AT socksummit DOT com and we will do our best to answer you in a timely manner.

We have our FAQS page started so also look there. You might find some of your answers.

This email list was created to keep you informed while the website was still underway.

Since the website is now a full fledged site with a whole lot of information we will only be sending out emails from now on for big announcements such as registration.

We will be sending you an email notification about a week or so before registration, and then right again at registration. As of today, registration is scheduled for near the end of May. We have a healthy respect and fear about registration day.

Happy Knitting,

Your Sock Summit Team

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

Yes, I'm teaching Sock Design Workshop 3 times! Wow.

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Spring is evident, mood should be lifting

Hi friends! Rather than avoiding blogging for another day (like I've done for the last two weeks... yikes!) I thought I would jump in today and check in.

I'm just too busy right now. Everything around me is suffering for it. I used to have one of those blogs with good pictures and fun stories. USED to! Ack.

I keep thinking about the blogging I should be doing, about the stuff that is just about to happen. The truth is, all of my current projects are on a gag order and I can't share them. But I can tease them, right?

1. Designing a series of patterns based on the Wizard of Oz. I'll be able to show the first one off in June.

2. A little something coming out soon in Spin Off. It's small, but fun.

3. Another little something in an upcoming issue of Knitscene. I'll remind you about this later.

I know this is all pretty uninteresting without photos. I'm bored just typing it. I'll share some terrible pictures of this thing I shouldn't be doing: Sock Madness.

Talia's Wings

Tokena

Tropical Mer-tini

Despite working seven days a week, I am sneaking in some competitive speed knitting. I made it through the first three rounds, which is how far I got last year. I hit my goal. I'm happy. Last year I stopped because I moved to Portland... hey! I've lived here one year now! Amazing!

Guess that means it's time to move again. Seriously, I'm staying in Portland, but I have to move. Anyone know a bright, clean, cheap, and quiet place to live here?

If I can get this sorted I may actually have more time for blogging... right? But spring really is here so my mood should be lifting soon.

Thursday, April 09, 2009

Reality Check

Meet the 98-year-old quake survivor who knitted to stay alive here.

Maria D’Antuono told rescue workers she spent the 30 hours she was trapped under her bed knitting to keep herself busy.

Other sources say she was crocheting instead. Either way. This is my kind of person.

Thursday, April 02, 2009

Vogue Spring/Summer 2009

Have you seen the new Vogue Knitting?

I've got a sock pattern in there!

Lace Socks

What I didn't know: The theme...

A LACY AFFAIR
Boudoir accessories that are lacy and just a little racy.


Lace Socks

Here is a pic of the back, because you can't see that in the magazine:

Lace Socks

Weird things about being in this issue of Vogue:

1. They changed the name of the pattern to "Lace Sock." The original name is one I am fond of so I will use it again later, so I can't tell you what it is right now. But... Lace Sock? That's the name? Really?

2. Lacy = Racy. I learned that today. I'm not afraid of it.

3. They seriously enhanced the color of these socks. The pictures in the magazine look like a really fantastic blue. I prefer that color, actually.

4. They put my pattern on the last page. My awesome co-workers tell me this is good, because people flip to the back to find the patterns.

5. They put my pattern on the page next to the insanely gorgeous lace knee stockings. My socks could develop a complex about this.

6. If we're being technical, they actually named the socks "#29 Lace Socks" because the pattern is the 29th in the magazine. I'm also 29. I have been for years!

7. If you're still reading this, then you have overestimated my ability to itemize the experience. I'm just going to be happy for a while... yeah!

The whole issue looks good to me. What are you waiting for? Go get it!

Sunday, March 29, 2009

This week in bloggsville USA

Greetings yarnies!

Signs of spring are popping up all over Portland right now and I couldn't be more excited! Here is the latest from this side of town:

1. Sock Madness 3! I started late, am making the leg and foot longer, and am in the fastest division... but I'm not out yet. There are 9 spots left and I want to make it to the next round. I still insist that I am not competitive. Lookie the crazy afterthought heel!

Tropical Mer-tini

2. Class lists are now up on the Sock Summit site! I am now allowed to say what subject I am teaching: Sock Design Workshop: Know the Rules then Break Them. I will be talking about this class a LOT over the next few weeks and months. You have been warned.

3. Shannon had her baby! (Shannon is one half of Twisted - the yarn shop where I work.) Yeah, I've been telling everyone it would be a boy. Obviously, Hazel is a girl's name... Therefore I am not good at predicting gender in utero. I can live with this. I am good at other things.

4. Memphis Mafia doughnut from Voodoo Doughnuts: vegan version. Well, I picked this beauty up in the wee small hours last night and am still working on it. This fritter is considered a "4-day doughnut" but I am tough enough to take it down in 2.

Memphis Mafia

5. A rant about facebook. Okay, I'm apologizing in advance, but I'm ranting anyway. Please stop using facebook like twitter. It's not interesting to share these kind of details:

- The grocery store is out of the kind of cereal I like.

- The bus is running late and it's cold out here.

- My kid doesn't like to brush her hair.

This is the kind of thing that is interesting:

- Hey guys, check out this rare Patti Smith video.

- Last minute free show happening in your town that you totally want to see.

- Look at this hilarious picture from 20 years ago.

End rant. Sorry if I stepped on your toes.

6. Rosemary shoestrings from Burgerville are on their way out. What will April bring? Don't know, but teasers suggest April is basil month. Hmmm...

7. Trifecta pattern hit the Malabrigo Projects Club over at eat.sleep.knit. If you love fast horses as well you should bookmark the site then pick up the kit or pattern when it becomes available.

Trifecta

8. Check out the free 35mm stitch pattern over at Leethal's blog: do stuff! While you're there, check out all the other amazing crafty goodness she creates so beautifully.

9. The couch to 5k running plan! I am in week 4 and it's going really well. I use this site to plan out routes. I'm organizing a team to do the Starlight Run on May 30th. We haven't agreed to a "theme" yet but it will likely be crafty and involve a sense of humor.

10. Monday morning will bring a trip to the post office - I'm sending something to Spin Off for a future issue! I'll let you know more when I can, of course. I can't help but tease some stuff, you know.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Trifecta

I've been traveling a lot this month but I'm finally home, getting caught up on all things knitting related in the free world. I've missed you.

I'd like to show off a new pattern called Trifecta - The March installment of the Malabrigo Projects Club over at eat.sleep.knit.

Trifecta

Trifecta combines three distinct lace patterns into one complete scarf. The warm cognac color of the Malabrigo lace reminded me of horses, specifically fast horses.

Trifecta

The yarn is soooooo soft it's hard to put down once you pick it up. I'd actually like to make a pillowcase out of it, but I don't have that kind of time right now.

Trifecta

One of the great parts (and there are many) of working at Twisted is now when I take photos of knitting, I have a good backdrop and lovely models (thanks Vivian!)

Trifecta

Perhaps a lady might wear such a lace scarf during a day at the races, striking her own trifecta of sophistication, style and simple beauty.

The pattern and kits will be available when the club ends through eat.sleep.knit. Thanks for looking :-)

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Sock Madness?

Obviously I don't really have the time, but I'm "competing" again this year.

Last year I was moving to Portland in the middle of it... I guess it's never a "good" time.

Of course, Sock Madness inspired this picture:

Splash Mountain Knitting

Ever knit where you just shouldn't?

Wednesday, March 04, 2009

Lantern Moon Event in Portland

You are cordially invited to Lantern Moon’s ‘Beat the Winter Blahs’ Special Event!

Thursday, March 5th, 6:30 p.m.
at the Lantern Moon Warehouse in Portland

It’s an evening to celebrate knitting, view the fashion show from the January National Needle Arts show, and learn about what’s new in knitting from local area yarn retailers.

I'll be there with Lee (Leethal) representing Twisted!

Portland knit designer Leigh Radford will be present to sign her latest book, AlterKNITS Felt

Refreshments will be provided and there will be an opportunity to purchase Lantern Moon products at 20% off retail prices.

Space is limited and reservations are required. Please call (503)460-0003 or email diana@lanternmoon.com to make a reservation to attend the event.

Lantern Moon Warehouse
7911 N.E. 33rd Dr. Suite 140
Portland, OR 97211
(503)460-0003
www.lanternmoon.com

located north of Columbia Blvd
across from the Oregon Food Bank

Mapquest map

Saturday, February 28, 2009

Wizard of OZ yarn club 2009-2010

I'd like to let you all in on a special club I'll be designing for this year... I'm doing 4 of the 9 patterns... (and they aren't all socks!!!)


















Fresh From the Cauldron's Wizard of OZ yarn club!

Sign ups: NOW!

Price includes, 2 hanks of yarn, 1 pattern, swag, and priority shipping each month.

Club dates: May 2009 thru January 2010.

There are 18 colorways, so 2 per month for nine months.

This is a yarn club not a sock club, therefore, fiber content and yarn weights will vary.

This club uses all luxury fibers; i.e. silk blends, cashmere blends, bfl, etc. I've got some of them here and I must say they are really nice!

Patterns will be applicable to one, if not both, colorways per shipment.

Price has been set to $75 per month. This includes 2 hanks of luxury yarn, priority shipping in the US, 1 pattern, and swag (Jen is known for fantastic swag, people).

International members are more than welcome :)

FINE PRINT: This club is limited to 15 spots and 9 are already filled. Hurry!

If you're on Ravelry go directly here to sign up.

Other links of interest:

Squib Stitcher's Blog

Fresh From the Cauldron Etsy Shop

Fresh From the Cauldron Ravelry Group

Friday, February 27, 2009

Errata - Prairie House Shawl

This is no proud moment for me but despite outside test knitting and proofing, there is a problem with the early version of the Prairie House Shawl pattern.

This is how the "Center Panel" instructions should read:

Center Panel:
7 Eyelet Stripes:
Work Eyelet Lace Pattern A. (96 sts)
Row 13: Sl 1, yo, ssk, ssk, yo, *k2, ssk, yo; rep to last 3 sts, k3.
Row 14: K1, p to last st, k1.
Row 15: Sl 1, yo, ssk, k to end.
Row 16: (and all even rows until the end) K1, p to last 3 sts, p2tog, k1.
Row 17: Sl 1, yo, ssk, k1. *k2tog, yo, k2; rep to last 3 sts, k3.
Row 19: Rep row 15.
Row 21: Sl 1, yo, ssk, k1, ssk, yo, *k2, ssk, yo; rep to last 3 sts, k3.
Row 23: Rep row 15.
Row 25: Rep row 17.
Row 27: Rep row 15.
Row 28: Rep row 16. (89 sts)

If you bought the pattern, you should have been emailed this information along with a link to download the latest version. Let me know if you have any problems!

Thanks for your patience, and I am deeply sorry for the error. All patterns purchased after Feb 27th, 2009 will be fine.

Friday, February 20, 2009

This week in the free world

Whatta week! Here are the top ten events of the last seven days:

1. The teacher list was announced today for the Sock Summit. Go ahead and look, then come right back. I'll still be here.

Are you kidding me?!

I know!!!!

I'm one of the teachers, along with Barbara Walker, Meg Swansen, Nancy Bush, Cat Bordhi, Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, etc. etc. etc. Let's just say I'm a wee bit nervous and will probably do something to embarrass myself within moments of arrival. If not sooner.

Also, trying to explain to muggles why this is a big freaking deal isn't fun. You people get it though, yeah? I believe this picture explains sock knitting very well:

Splash Mountain Knitting

2. I talked to Stephanie Pearl-McPhee on the phone. For over 20 minutes. Pretending it was normal.

3. Actually, I have a borderline psychotic outgoing message on my cell phone voicemail. It pleases me to no end that she had to listen to it in order to leave me a message. And she complimented me on it.

Yes, the first 3 were all about the Sock Summit. It was by far the biggest thing that happened this week, obviously.

4. A promotion at work! I work at Twisted yarn shop. I've been made assistant to the regional manager. And I got a fancy pen. Jealous?

5. What a lovely response to the Prairie House Shawl pattern (modeled by Brooke). Thanks all!

Prairie House Heather Shawl

6. Movies! The Portland International Film Fest is nearly over but I've thoroughly enjoyed the ride.

7. New brake pads. I'm enjoying the sudden ease of stopping. I suffer the $400 price tag.

8. Got the Knitscene project shipped. You'll know more what this is about in July or so.

9. I love Portland, but I missed California a bit this week. There. I said it.

10. I've been waiting many years to make this happen... you see, I really wanted to go see the Harlem Globetrotters this weekend. I couldn't think of anyone else who would want to see them. (see #9) Oh well. Maybe next year?

Friday, February 06, 2009

Prairie House Shawl

New pattern alert!

This project was inspired by something a young Laura Ingalls Wilder might sport in anticipation of spring. (Cue Little House on the Prairie theme)

Prairie House Shawl

Peaks and valleys (or knots and eyelets) make up this pretty and practical shawlette using only 350 yards of fingering weight yarn. 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.

Prairie House Heather Shawl

The middle shawl here is knit from Schaefer Yarns Heather (55% Merino wool Superwash, 35% cultivated silk, 15% Nylon; 400 yards [365 m] / 4oz [113 g]), 1 skein.

Prairie House Shawl

The shawl pictured here and in the first pic is knit from Claudia’s Hand Painted Yarns, Fingering Weight (100% Merino; 175 yards [160 m] / 1.75oz [50 g]), 2 skeins. Color: Desert Dusk.

Closing credits: Many thanks to my lovely models Brooke and Vivian!

(End of episode, get a snack)

$4 buy now