Reducing the Stash

Lately, I find my yarn stash (and my other crafty stashes) overwhelming. When I moved earlier this year, I did a small reduction, but it didn't seem to put a dent my collection. Even though I am lucky enough to have an entire room with a walk-in closet dedicated to my knitting/sewing/crafting, it was packed to the gills. I would love to be a complete crafty-minimalist and only have enough yarn, fabric, etc. on hand for a few projects, but I don't think that will be happening any time soon.

So. Much. Yarn.

WIP: Cyllene

Poor Cyllene (sə-LEE-nee), this cardi was started in April 2013 - YIKES! After finishing my latest pattern collection, Poseidon's Realm Part Two, I felt very guilty about neglecting this project.

Dictynna is now available and THANKS!

Single skein version in Arco Iris

 My Dictynna shawl pattern in Malabrigo Rasta has just been released! This is just the thing if you need to knock out some quick holiday gifts. Super bulky yarn means that these shawls knit up in hours, not days or weeks. The split square shape is interesting to knit, it helps it stay on your shoulders and creates cool shapes when wrapped around your neck.

Two-skein version in Azules

New to super bulky yarns? Check out my previous post, Working with Super Bulky Yarn. It includes tips for knitting with super bulky yarns, brands of large circular needles and helpful notions.

Since this is a time in the US that we take to be thankful for what we have, I just want to say thanks to you! I know I often neglect my blog and take some publishing hiatuses, but without you guys I would have given up long ago. Thank you for supporting me so I can do what I love! Now through 11:59pm EST on November 28 2014, use the code "thanks" in my Ravelry store and receive 25% off your purchase...all self-published patterns and eBooks are included.

Also, since I have totally spaced on posting about it here, I am participating in the Indie Design Gift-A-Long. It is a huge event featuring close to 300 inde designers. There are multiple daily prize drawings, KAL/CALs and tons of fun. The event runs through the end of December so there is still a ton of time to join in!

Working with Super Bulky Yarn

Malabrigo Rasta in Azules shown with KA US19 circulars.

So super bulky yarn...seems to be a bit of a love/hate thing (though, I guess that is pretty much everything in the fiber arts world)? Personally, I love it! There is nothing like whipping up a lace shawl in a few hours. Plus, the colors of yarns like Malabrigo Rasta and madelinetosh A.S.A.P. are gorgeous. However, I see complaints all the time about working with knitting needles that could double as broom handles. Now, I can't promise to make you love knitting with broom handles, but I do have some tips that might make it marginally more enjoyable!

Choose your needles well. I almost always use circular needles, even with super bulky yarns (SBY from here on out). Of course, circular needles size 19 (15mm) aren't the easiest thing to find. Most big box craft stores will carry plastic Lion Brand circulars, I have a pair but I almost always use my KA Bamboo circulars. Addi makes metal circulars in size 19. Quite a few other brands including Knitter's Pride and Susan Bates make larger circulars. Find a pair you like and it will make knitting SBY easier on you!

Figure out the stitch marker situation. I know not everyone likes or uses stitch markers, but I always include them in my patterns because it gives any easy reference point for me to refer the knitter to. I use these stitch markers that I picked up one of my local craft stores. They are nothing fancy, but they do the trick. The main thing to watch out for is super bulky yarn overs jumping to the wrong side of the marker or the yarn getting caught under the markers. If you find it easier, you can just use loops of waste yarn.

madelinetosh A.S.A.P. in Moonstone shown with Clover jumbo stitch markers.

Gigantic plastic yarn needles! Big ol' ends need to get woven in somehow. I suppose wood or metal work too, but I have only ever seen the super huge plastic ones locally...again at the neighborhood craft store.

Malabrigo Rasta in Arco Iris shown with Susan Bates plastic yarn needle.

Finally, take your time and take breaks. Knitting with SBY is already super fast, so there is no need to try to set a new knitting world record! Big needles, big yarn and big stitch markers are clumsy and awkward...best to take it slow so you don't have to rip out any work and breaks will help keep your hands (and wrists and arms) happy.

I give you these tips to prepare you for the release of my next SBY pattern, Dictynna, which will be available next week. Dictynna joins my other two SBY patterns: Ovate and Cordate. To date Ovate is my best selling pattern, so maybe not as many people hate SBY as the forums would have you believe...or maybe they just tolerate it for an FO in no time? What do you think of super bulky yarns?

Finery's up, Crinaeae's on deck and Poseidon's Realm Pt. 2 is in the hole!

Since things have been back on track for a bit, it is nice to finally start seeing some progress! The great sample knitter experiment is underway. So far, so good.

First up is Finery, which was released on Friday. I love doing fun and colorful striped and patterned cardigans like Coastal Hoodie and Thyone, but sometimes it is nice to have a classic cardigan that will go with anything! That was the idea behind Finery. A simple, easy to knit cardigan with a few fine details to dress it up a bit.

Also, as an aside, I just got my haircut and I LOVE it! I hate taking a ton of time to do my hair, so nothing beats the magic of a wash and wear style for me. Especially in the summer, in the south...the local weatherman described the weather for this week as "an oppressive stretch," I can't wait. Fall always takes too long to come!

On deck is Crinaeae, a cable and lace cardigan, also with a coordinating hat. I have almost finished up the samples, which have taken forever due to my CTS. I figured it was best if I finished them instead of sending them off to a sample knitter halfway done. My main concern was that the it would be pretty hard to get an exact gauge match and I didn't want a noticeable line on the cardigan where there was a pinch knitter (to keep the baseball references going)! I don't have any shots of the set for you right now, but I am hoping that everything will be ready to roll on this very soon!

There had to be a Part 2, right?! I had originally intended the second in the Poseidon's Realm series to be done within 6 months of the first, but yeah, that didn't happen. The bonus is that it was supposed to only have 3 patterns, but now will have 5 and maybe even 6 new shawl patterns. One sample is already done and 2 have been partially completed by sample knitters, so I am planning on this one to be ready early October. Here is a look at Dictynna in lovely Rasta in Arco Iris:

I love Rasta so much, nothing like instant gratification. Especially for someone like me that doesn't get that very often. I know some of you hate knitting with large needles, but at least it is only for a very short amount of time, right?!

Changing Your Style.

Knitting style, that is. In an effort to reduce stress on my wrists and maybe even speed up my glacial pace a bit, I have been trying different knitting styles. I am sure you have seen the debate that rages on about changing styles. At least once a week or so, a thread will pop up in the "Techniques" forum on Ravelry asking which is the best, fastest, etc. knitting style. Of course, the responses tend to run the gamut from "knit more to get faster at your current style" to "Continental is obviously the fastest" which is then countered by "the world's fastest knitter knits English" and on and on. At least most people tend to agree that it is good to have more than one style in your arsenal.

I think it tends to be a lot like running. When I was a marathon coach and still now, working a few hours a week at a running store, I am always asked if it is a good idea to change your running style. It is also often for the same reason that knitters want to change their style: to get faster, more efficient and to prevent injuries. But, changing a style that has become second nature can be quite difficult, whether running or knitting.

Knitter's Ailments and a Designer's Woes, Pt. 2

Here I am with the second installment of solutions I have implemented to help with the common knitter/designer issues I have come up against this year. Check out Part 1 for the first bit and back-story.

The next solution on my list is to stop sitting so much! I did that, but my productivity suffered quite a bit. I could only sit for so long, either knitting, sketching, or at the computer. If I ended up sitting for too long sketching, I would be done for the day on any other sitting work that needed to be done. This one is definitely not a cheap solution, but only 24 hours in and I am in love: a standing desk. Here is a little cell phone shot of my new baby...after the jump.

Knitter's Ailments and a Designer's Woes, Pt.1

I am sure that many of you have noticed that I am not around nearly as much as I used to be. My pattern releases have been less frequent, I only pop into Ravelry occasionally and I am sure that you can tell from the lack of posts here, I have been neglecting this blog the most. So what's the deal? I have fallen prey to the most common of knitter's ailments: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

This is nothing new for me. I have small wrists, so that made me a likely candidate no matter what career path I chose. It is one of the main reasons I gave up cosmetology, plus an allergy to perm solution made a job in a salon pretty miserable for me! With knitting, I have always done well managing it, but lately it has just been wearing me down.

In addition to the CTS, my lower back has been killing me lately...I think I have officially crossed into "getting old" territory. It has made sitting for long periods quite uncomfortable. Of course, when typing or knitting, I usually end up in a seated position. 

So, what are my plans to overcome these issues? Find out after the jump.

New Releases and a Sale!

I have spent most of the winter and early spring working on some secret stuff, so that is why I haven't been around. Unfortunately, I can't drop any hints for awhile yet, but I hope it will be worth it! Lets move to subjects I can discuss.

Last week I released both Adrastea and Heliades! It is probably a little late in the year for hats for those of us in the northern hemisphere, I just could not wait until fall to release it. Of course, if you are one of those that likes to get an early start on your winter knitting, it is perfect timing! At least Heliades is great spring/summer knitting.

 Adrastea

Heliades

As a spring treat, and for those of you participating in MadMay, all of my patterns (including eBooks!) are 25% off through May 4th (11:59pm EDT). Just use the code Spring14 when checking out in my Ravelry store, Lachesis and Co.!

Indie Design Gift-A-Long

Getting ready for the holidays? Feeling overwhelmed already? Well, a bunch of indie designers have teamed up to make your holiday crafting fun instead of just another item on your to do list with the Indie Design Gift-A-Long.

So what’s in it for you (other than creating amazing gifts to give or keep for yourself)?! All of the participating designers are offering 25% off select patterns from Nov. 1-15 (GMT), see all of the patterns/designers here (all of my self-published patterns, including eBooks will be eligible for the discount and GAL prizes), just use the coupon code giftalong at checkout. The GAL will run from Nov. 1 - Dec. 31. There will be prizes, threads to chat with other gifters and support along the way for those last minute gifts ;) I hope you will join us!

Here is a sampling of my patterns that will be available (plus any patterns released during the sale will be eligible!):

Housekeeping?

Heh, well I guess it isn't so much housekeeping as it is venturing into the cobweb draped corners of the attic that haven't seen the light of day in ages! Anyway, I want to clean this place up a bit and get it back to a functioning "living" space. So, hopefully I am back...I know I have said that before and then disappeared into the ether, but I'll try harder this time!

I won't get into a ton of excuses for my absence. Mostly, there were just other things that took my attention away from knitting and blogging for a while. My plan to prevent this from happening is to add some content other than strictly knitting, kind of like what I did for the holidays a couple of years ago. This way if I am distracted from knitting for a time, it won't take me away from the blog...and for those of you here only for the knitting I hope that doesn't bother you!

So, you might be seeing some make-up/nail art posts, maybe some baking or cooking, running and random crafts in addition to the knitting stuff. I have been meaning to get some videos together, too, so once I get iMovie figured out, those will be added to the mix. Also, if anyone is still out there, I will gladly take suggestions on what you guys would like to see here like tutorials or any burning questions you've got  :)


One last thing...the Everything Nice Hoodie from Fresh Designs: Sweaters is now available as an individual download! Check it out here!

WOW...

I am so sorry for my extended absence! I became completely overwhelmed by my self-imposed knitting goals and had to take a little break from it for my sanity and to indulge a bit in my other hobbies (nail art, anyone?!). At this point, knitting is definitely no longer a hobby, but a job.  While I still love it, it does no hold the relaxation or enjoyment that it did before it required deadlines, meticulous notes and hours of typing. Now, don't get me wrong....I am definitely not complaining that I get to sit home and knit, while many others head to work! It has just become like any job...without balance it can become overwhelming.

In addition to my little burn out, I was out of town for a couple weeks doing some more skiing and taking care of my nephew while my sister and brother-in-law welcomed my adorable niece to the world! And...I was sick for 2 weeks, plus the summer heat arrived incredibly early here, so all of that helped throw a wrench in my knitting schedule as well. I do have adorable pictures of S in the (too big - she's such a peanut!) hat that I knit for her, if that helps make up for it ;)

Since I have gotten my mojo back...I have decided to start working on another shawl eBook.  Currently I am planning to include 4 designs, but I may decide to add more! The other day, I got to see the final proof of the Fresh Designs: Sweaters book from Cooperative Press that has a pattern of mine in it! I can't wait until the book is published!

Also, I have promised to put together a little video on top-down pockets...there isn't much out there for top-down pockets. I found that quite surprising considering the popularity of top-down sweaters, though, maybe it isn't as popular as I think?! So if you know of any top-down pocket videos/tutorials, definitely let me know...I love finding more resources to point people towards if they want to add pockets to their Zephyr or Gamine and I want to make sure I am filling a gap in the currently available information!

I'll be back soon...I promise ♥

FAIL, a sale and Cordate is out!

Oy...hey there, so I made no progress on my WIPs this week  >_<  At least I did finish up and release Cordate! Annnd....2/17 through 3/2 all patterns in my Rav shop will be 25% off...no code needed!



$4.50

Swatch It: Alluvion

This poor sweater has nearly been swatched to death! It is still a WIP, actually it has been languishing a bit. I am almost done with the body, but I have just been soooo easily distracted lately...plus my niece is scheduled to enter the world at the beginning of March, so baby knitting has taken priority :)

Anyway here is a look at the ridiculous amount of swatches...







So...what's with all the swatches, right?!? Well, this is what happens when I really want to work with a yarn that I have never used before! I was trying different patterns to check out the stitch definition, making large swatches to check the drape and mostly trying to find out what the yarn wanted to be.  By the way, the yarn is Blue Sky Alpacas Techno and it is unlike anything I have used before. It is extremely light and fluffy and just different. It does not have any twist, as it is a silk net tube with baby alpaca and merino "blown" into it.

The winner ended up being the swatch in the third picture, I like how the simpler antler cable and garter rib compliment the yarn better.  Also I worried that the fuzziness of the yarn might end up obscuring the more detailed texture patterns over time. Don't worry, though...they will be making appearances in other designs at some point!

I am heading out of town again for a bit (more skiing!), but before I do, I hope to make some more progress both on Alluvion and some baby knits! So before the week is out I should hopefully have at least a WIP shot and a cute little FO or two :)

OPP's: Parisian Twist

Oh, I love this...so quick, too! I kept seeing ads for this in my Rav notebook and I needed something to keep my ears warm while my hair was in a ponytail...serendipitous! I present to you, my Parisian Twist:







I really love working on other designers' patterns.  It is a nice break from the work of designing, I mean I am able to just sit down and get knitting...no math, no pressure! I try to keep it to small accessories and the like, though, so I don't feel guilty that I am taking away too much time from my designing!

Swatch It: Gamine

Here's a look back at the beginnings of Gamine...if you look close you can even see the origins of Cordate in this swatch! This was actually the fourth or fifth swatch for Gamine.  As I said in a previous post, Gamine was the first garment design idea that I sketched out in my little design notebook.  I wanted to take a lot of time with it to make sure that it was right!



This was the first swatch that was done in the final color. I know a lot of you anti-swatchers might think I am crazy...but my original swatches were in another color, that didn't end up being quite right. The different colors felt a bit different weight and drape-wise, so I went ahead and did another swatch in the final color. Obsessive, maybe...but it ensures that my pattern will come out the correct size and so will your FO! 

How I Wore It: Coastal Hoodie

Can I just say I love my Hoodie!?! It really is the perfect weight for our mild Southern winters. I  wore this quite a bit apres ski with my awesome Teva snowboots, a couple days it was quite warm and I didn't need anything over it...though it is a nice weight for layering under jackets.



This is like my daily uniform, I just alternate between jeans and T's :) Also I am still crazy in love with RadLab, if you couldn't tell ;P

An Interview...

Hey there, just a quick little post for you today! I was interviewed by Robin Hunter on her blog, check it out.  It was really fun and the questions were quite interesting and thought provoking for me. Thanks, Robin!

Right now I am working on putting the finishing touches on Cordate, so hopefully it will be ready to go next week! I also have to edit all those photos I took so I can show you guys some more of my Swatch Its, How I Wore It and an O.P.P. (Other Person's Pattern) that kept me warm on the slopes.

And...I am back!

Sorry for my absence, I was on vacation! I would have posted to let you guys know, but I had planned on scheduling posts while I was gone. Obviously that did not work out  >_< I did get all of the photos taken at least! To be honest, I am not sure why I thought I would have time to edit photos, write and schedule posts all while preparing for a week-long, multi-stop road trip!

I did enjoy my vacation...I still bear the bruises! First we stopped up at my sister's so I could have a joint birthday party with my nephew...he turned three and I turned...a lot more than that (like +29)! I am happy to report that he loved his little monster and promptly named him "Shark."

After our stop there we headed about 2.5 hours SW (well it actually took a lot longer than that because there was fog thicker than pea soup on winding mountain roads!) to Wintergreen, VA. There, Ken and I skied for the first time...of course he took to it like a duck to water and I took to it like a duck about to be flambeed!
Why yes, I do have video evidence:

This brilliant bit of skiing was after 2.5 days on the slopes, one group lesson and about an hour into a 3 hour private lesson. Even better, we are going to Utah in a few weeks, maybe by then I will progress to actually using poles ;P

Here are some shots on the mountain, Eagles' Swoop:



And The Plunge tubing park (I was really good at this, heh):

OPP's...Other People's Patterns

Occasionally, I make the time to knit other designer's patterns.  It is very rare though, since I feel guilty that I am not working on my own designs.  But, sometimes...I just need a break, or I want to try something new or I just want to knit without all the preamble that designing requires.  

Yesterday I made a Monster Chunk, these guys are so cute and so quick! I do have Rebecca Danger's The Big Book of Knitted Monsters and I love the monsters in the book, but I wanted something super-fast...so the Chunks won out! This weekend I am heading up to VA to have a little joint birthday party with my adorable nephew and this a little present for him.



Isn't he cute?! I used Malabrigo Merino Worsted in Apple Green and Blue Surf, the safety eyes are from 6060 on Etsy and I grabbed the felt at A.C. Moore.