New Pattern Release: Blush Hat

Sorry for the long absence but it has been a busy few weeks here. College visits, work, soccer, and band have made for a hectic month for us. However, lots of knitting has been happening behind the scenes (even if it is in the car).

Even though the hat is for designed for winter and we have had a preview of spring weather, this hat knits up quickly in a weekend and would make the perfect gift. I just love how the hat worked up in Malabrigo's Cactus Flower colorway.

Finished Measurements: Approximately 10 inches tall and 21" circumference (Women's Size Small)

Yarn: 1 skein Malabrigo Worsted in Cactus Flower [Kettle Dyed Pure Merino wool, 210 yards/100 grams

Needles:  US 6/ 4.0mm and US 7/5.0 mm circular needles in 16 inches. US 7/5.0mm DPNS

Gauge: Approximately 4.5 stitches=1 inch in stitch pattern. Gauge may vary and will depend on the yarn weight and needle you choose for the pattern



Snow Day and A Pattern

I'm not sure who was more excited for a snow day...me, my DH, or the two kids. After two years with very little snow, DH finally got to try out our snowblower. My oldest headed over to a friend's house at 7:30am to watch the U.S. Hockey team play in live time (for those that may not know-he's a diehard hockey fan). I never saw him get up so quickly with his alarm. He even shoveled a path so he could walk in the feet of snow we got overnight. I'm glad to know that he is able to wake up on his own...maybe he won't miss his 8am college classes next fal1? My daughter is hanging out with her best friend and all I hear is lots of giggling coming from her room. I love that sound:)

As for me, I caught up on some work that I have let pile up for just this sorta day and I even managed to finish a design that has been in the works for a few weeks. I was motivated to get some pics of DD modeling my new Duchess Hat in the snow.

Enjoy! If you are homebound today as a result of the weather, what are you knitting?

Duchess Hat

Finished Measurements: Approximately 10 inches tall and 22" circumference

Yarn: 1 Skein Cascades 220Yarns in Cascade 220 Purple [100% Peruvian Wool, 220 yards/3.5 oz]Worsted in Purple

Needles:  US 6/ 4.0mm and US 7/5.0 mm circular needles in 16 inches. US 7/5.0mm DPNS

Gauge: Approximately 5 stitches=1 inch. Gauge may vary and will depend on the yarn weight
and needle you choose for the pattern

A DIY Home Project and an FO

Yesterday was a busy but productive day. I love those types of days where you wake up and feel like you have accomplished so much before lunchtime. For some time now, I have wanted to paint our red brick fireplace white. While it seemed simple enough, I knew that this was a permanent thing I was doing. However, a friend and coworker (who happens to be a fabulous DIYer-she even carries paint brushes and caulk in her car) convinced me to do it. She showed up at my house at 8am and by noon we had transfomed my fireplace. The time flew by, but probably because we hadn't seen each other in several months and we were catching each other up on the latest and greatest in our lives.

Here's the before picture...

And after the transformation...

After we finished, we rewarded ourselves with a trip to Stone Tower Winery in Leesburg where we met friends, hung out and enjoyed the rest of the day catching up with folks.

Oh, I also recently completed a textured cowl that we managed to get a few photos of my friend Laura modeling it outside the winery. I still need to write-up the directions for the pattern so look for that in the next few days.

Stay warm friends!

A New Pattern Release--The Gris Cowl

Happy New Year! It's been too long since I last posted. Between work, the holidays, and family activities, the last few months have been a whirlwind. However, lots have knitting has been going on in the background. All the traveling during the holidays provided lots of time for knitting in the car. To kick off the new year, I have designed the Gris Cowl which is a fun textured infinity cowl. I love Shepherd's Wool and that coupled with large needles made for a quick, relaxing knit.

And, thanks to my friend Karyn for modeling it for me. Doesn't she look beautiful in it?

Finished Measurements: Aprroximately 72 inches long (full loop circumference unstretched)

Yarn: 2 Skeins Sheperd's Wool Worsted in Pewter and Natural [Worsted Spun Fine Wool, 4 oz./250 yards)

Needles:  US 11/8.5mm circular needles in 40 inch

Gauge: 12 rows x 10 sts=4 in/10 cm in pattern, with yarn held-doubled. Gauge may vary and will depend on the yarn weight and needle size.

A Time for Thanks

Since November marks the beginning of the holiday season, I am offering 25% off my Transitions Cowl pattern for the holiday season. This cowl would make the perfect assessory for a mother, daughter, sister, aunt or even that special teacher that your child loves. The price was originally $4.00 but has been lowered to $3 until December 31.

Enjoy!!

A Trip to a LYS and a Finished Project

A few Saturdays ago, a group of coworkers met in Frederick, MD for a day of fun and pampering. Frederick is a cute town with lots of great boutiques and antique stores along with fun restaurants. Of course, I stumbled upon a new knitting store called the Knot House. The store has lots of staple yarns by Classic Elite and Malabrigo as well as some indie yarns. The staff were super friendly and knowledgeable. If you are ever in Frederick, be sure to stop in.

Ever since I saw the pattern Sproutlette by Tanis L. of Tanis Fiber Arts,  I have been wanting to make this darling little dress for someone. Unfortunately, most of my friends are past the baby stage and are preparing to send their teenagers off to college next year. However, when a coworker announced she was having a baby girl, I jumped at the opportunity to knit this pattern since I already had it my queue. I chose Miss Babs Yummy sock yarn in the Violets colorway and I am very happy the result. This project was a pleasure to knit up and it took less than a week of evening knitting. The pattern directions were very clear and I made no modifications to it.

Front of dress

Back of dress

Isn't it darling? Now I need to start working on some winter accessories!

2013 Wine Tour Recap and A Pattern Preview

This past Saturday, 13 of us braved the bad weather and took part in what has become known as our annual tour of Northern Virginia's wineries. Despite the rain, we all managed to have a great time! We visited five wineries, including one that isn't open to the public until spring 2014. Some of the vineyards included Doukenie, 868 Estates, and Notaviva. With all the stress and uncertainty going on with the partial government shutdown, this was the perfect way to spend a Saturday with both old and new friends. Thanks to my dear friend Shannon for organizing this day for us and I can't wait to do it again next year (though we don't have to wait until next year to go visit a winery)!

For those of you that read my last post, I did indeed finish my Stockholm Cowl and it came out beautifully. Unfortunately, since the weather did not cooperate, I do not have many good pictures of me in it on Saturday. However, here's a group photo of us enjoying a wine tasting at 868 Estates.



2013 Wine Tour-868 Estates

With the shutdown, I have had some more time to devote to designing knit patterns. Yes, I'm trying to look at things with the glass half full. Anyhow, I've been working on a hat design and I really like the way it turned out. Here's a quick preview of it with my favorite model. We managed to sneak in a quick photo shoot this morning when the sun peaked through the clouds for the first time in almost a week.

Look for a pattern release shortly!