Turnknit

Green Smoothie

2012-02-06T10:37:00.001-06:00

Today I tried my first green smoothie. I've been sort of morbidly fascinated with them for a while. But I'm really trying to take better care of myself and the first step for me was to eat more fruits and veggies and drink more water.

Thanks to Pinterest, I've recently discovered the Brown Eyed Baker. Yum! Everything I've tried from her site is amazing. So when I saw her green smoothie, I decided to give it a try. I mean it's got 5 servings of fruit and vegetables in 1 shot if you drink the whole thing. And it's only about 250 calories for a HUGE smoothie.

In the end, I liked it. There was no spinach taste at all. Just a citrus-banana flavor. And it was very filling. I drank the whole thing, but I might go ahead and make it smaller next time. I can see adding this to my morning routine.

As for knitting content? I'm working on a cute little baby hat and headband combo that I hope will be available next week. I just need to schedule the photo shoot with my sweet little model.

Heh.

2012-02-01T09:39:00.001-06:00

Source: cafepress.com via Suzan on Pinterest

Zoe Blanket

2011-11-22T14:05:00.000-06:00

Hey all! I've been a very busy girl lately. But that means I have brand new pattern to show you today. I'm proud to present the Zoe Blanket, published by the Sanguine Gryphon.

It's knit from 3 skeins (1350 yds) of Skinny Bugga! on US size 2.5 (3mm) needles. It's knit from the center out with a knit-on edging and just a teeny-tiny little seam to sew at the end. The majority of the blanket is soothing stockinette stitch, with a bit of textured stitches every so often to keep it interesting.

The design is named for Kris and Pamela's (of the Sanguine Gryphon) new baby girl, Zoe. Congratulations to the new parents, and I hope Zoe is enjoying her blanket.

Serendipity for Knit PIcks IDP

2011-10-21T11:33:00.000-05:00

I recently re-worked the Serendipity Earband for Knit Picks IDP. I knit it in Seraphim and Blackerry Cadena, which is a bulky wool/alpaca blend. For under $12 you can make 2 ear bands with the colors reversed. If it had been available at the time, I would have been tempted to try their new bulky, Biggo. But if you look at the pattern's Ravelry project pages, it looks fabulous in all kinds of colors! Go nuts!

We had a bunch of fun shooting the photos for it too. Doesn't my friend look adorable? I wish I had hair like that!!

Knitcircus Gift 2011

2011-10-13T10:21:00.000-05:00

I am so proud to be included again this year in the Knitcircus Gifts Issue. It has 13 patterns, a couple recipes (one is mine!), and a terrific article on knitting with beads by Laura Nelkin.

My pattern is called Winter Tide. It comes in 2 versions. A cowl and an infinity scarf. It features reversible cables and is knitted in the round. It's simple enough to make for great tv or travel knitting. I know the samples went everywhere with me.

The long version came be worn as a long loop or doubled up as shown. It uses 1 skein of Miss Babs Yowza - Whatta Skein. I used Light Turquoise.

The cowl is closer fitting but not tight. It uses half a skein (or about 280 yds). 1 Yowza will get you 2 cowls and head start on your holiday knitting!

Sneak Peek

2011-10-11T09:34:00.000-05:00

I've got a little something in Gifts Issue of Knitcircus and it comes out tomorrow! Here's a tiny preview.

More tomorrow!

Dolcetto Knitalong

2011-09-22T15:18:00.000-05:00

I designed this elegant 1 skein shawlette for the Fall issue of Knitcircus, and now we're having a KAL. Its a fairly quick knit, stockinette with a leaf lace spine and edging. It could be a great jump start for your holiday knitting, or a lovely little something to throw around your own neck this fall.

The KAL will run through October 10 in the Knitcircus Ravelry group. We've got prizes to give away!

Remote Cozy

2011-05-12T11:36:00.000-05:00

See what happens if you mock a knitter/crocheter with requests for toilet paper cozies and remote cozies? Eventually they will grant your request. Just maybe not how you imagined. :) (Ed, you were really a good sport!)

Tiltillating

2011-05-04T15:06:00.000-05:00

Knitcircus Summer 2011 is live today! I swear that every issue of this magazine gets better than the last. I'm so proud to be a part of it. I've got a scarf pattern on page 72 called Tiltillating. It's knit out of laceweight silk ( I used Andrea by Schaefer Yarn Company). I'm just stunned by how beautiful the photography is.

The issue is brimming with fabulous summer knits. I especially love the Girly Gansey by Marie Grace Smith, the Mughal Shawl by Kieran Foley, and the Star Rib Mesh Market Bag by Paula Levy.

I'll be heading to Maryland tomorrow to visit my cousin and attend the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival. I am so so excited! If you see me, come say hi! Oh, as for the weird remote cozy, I don't want to spoil the surprise, so I'll post pictures after I give it to the intended ~~victim~~ recipient.

2 More Days!

2011-05-02T16:27:00.000-05:00

2 more days until the Knitcircus summer issue! I have a little pattern in it, and from the sneak peeks I've seen, it looks like its going to brimming with gorgeous patterns.

In other news, I've just spent the afternoon crocheting a rather odd cozy. In general, I do not knit cozies. (Not that there's anything wrong with that!) But I have been mocked and the recipient richly deserves this special special cozy. Pics tomorrow.

Sunhats

2011-04-21T10:43:00.000-05:00

It is finally a beautiful sunny day! It's been about a week of cold and rain and decidedly un-springlike weather. I've been combating it by knitting tiny little sunhats in scrumptious colors. My friend from my lys is about to be a first time grandma to boy/girl twins. I can't wait to see them showing off these hats.

I knit these up with Plymouth's Baby Boutique. Just under a skein each of the coral and green, and about a half skein of the yellow. The pattern is called A Sun Hat by Kristi Pyatt. Quick and fun.

In other news, I'm so excited to see a sneak peek of one of my new designs today. You can see it too at Knit...something? Something about a circus, maybe? ;)

SALE!

2011-04-14T08:47:00.000-05:00

I am a terrible blogger and haven't posted in so long, but...I have been knitting. I have a secret project that I'll be able to show very soon too. In the meantime, I'm having a sale. Buy one pattern and get a second pattern free!!! No coupon code needed. Just place 2 of my patterns in your cart and the less expensive pattern will be free. Just a little thank you for all the support. Enjoy!

A Tour of Lorna's Laces

2011-02-21T13:30:00.000-06:00

This past Saturday I was part of a group that was lucky enough to tour Lorna's Laces. Owner - Beth Casey was so gracious! She told us how she came to own Lorna's Laces and taught us a bit about each yarn.

The best part was (of course!) the dye demo. We watched as Beth dyed 24 skeins of yarn for Jimmy Beans. It was amazing to realize that despite all the yarn Lorna's Laces turn out, each dye lot is only ever 24 skeins. Know why? That's what fits on the dye table. Cool, huh?

After all the dye is applied, it moves over to be heated so that the dye sets.

Then it gets a quick spin the washing machine and hung to dry.

After the tutorial, Beth turned us loose on some mill ends.

I picked up some beautiful skeins. I'm glad my sister was there too. We helped to keep each other in check. And, believe me, it was necessary! In the end I cam home a fairly reasonable amount that I am in love with. I got some Fisherman, Shepherd Worsted, Shepherd Sport, and Shepherd Sock.

My sister got some nice stuff too.

Last, I just wanted to show the a couple of cute decorations in the studio.

It was a really interesting and fun morning. Thanks, Beth!

Winter's Last Blast Sale

2011-02-17T15:50:00.000-06:00

I can hardly believe there was a blizzard just a couple weeks ago. It's 60 degrees today. It feels wonderful! But it's such a mess. That's the view of my backyard. Puddles and mud. Puddles and mud and 2 large dogs. Ugh.

It's going to get cold again next week, but for now I am enjoying this tiny taste of spring. It's wonderful to have the windows open and some fresh air moving through the house. It as always has me itching to cast on a million new things. I'm thinking about lightweight sweaters, sock yarn shawls, and lace. Lots of lace. I have to resist for now. I have some super secret deadline knitting underway. I chugging away, but that means I don't have anything new to show. It's killing me to not be casting on for baby project for soon-to-be-born nephew, but I have to stay FOCUSED.

So, since I can't indulge, here's a little something for you. Patterns in my shop are 20% off tomorrow February 18 - 28. I'll be back soon with baby knitting!

Booyah!

2011-02-09T15:42:00.000-06:00

Honey Baby by Ann Hanson

I used Miss Babs Yummy in Light Violet and US size 5 needles (US size 3 for the edging). It took 6.5 months. It's 3 months late. It is shipping our tomorrow. I love it so much that it's going to hurt a little to give it up. But, Baby Violet, I think you're worth it. Enjoy, sweet girl.

Sweet Tart

2011-02-02T12:42:00.000-06:00

Knit in Madelinetosh tosh DK with Us size 6 needles. Worked in the round, Sweet Tart begins with hemmed picot edge and continues up the body in a sweet lacy heart motif. (I think it would be adorable for Valentine's Day. There's even enough time to knit it still if you focus.) The upper body is knit in stockinette and splits to be knit back and forth at the armhole. The shoulder are finished with a 3-needle bind off. The neck and armholes are finished with a simple garter edge. No sewing required.

Visit Knitcircus to check out the rest of the spring collection. The entire collection is available for download for $7.99.

Comment on this post by midnight February 8, CST for a chance to win a copy of the Spring Collection. I'll pull winners on Wednesday, February 9.

Spring Knitcircus goes live on Wednesday!

2011-01-31T09:17:00.000-06:00

I've got a sneek peek at the cover of the spring issue. Doesn't that scarf look gorgeous? I am so ready for spring, but it's not be jut yet. Chicago is bracing for a blizzard and 2 feet of snow right now. I will enjoy planning out some spring knitting while the snow comes down at least.

I've got a new children's design this issue. I can show you just a teaser....

Check back in. I'll be hosting a giveaway for the spring pattern collection.

Josie Tam

2011-01-25T09:06:00.000-06:00

Some people look cute in hats. My sister in law looks fabulous in every hat I tried on her. My daughter looks adorable in hats. Not so much for me. When I wear a hat I look warm. Period. No fashion statement, no je ne sais quois. Just warm.

Which is really too bad because I love hats. I want terribly to rock a hat, but I've mostly given it up. Some people are not hat people. So I have taken to knitting hats for all those in life how do look good hats. But it nagged at me.

When I was small, my mom used to buy me gorgeous little fair-isle patterned tams. I loved them and I still do. Thinking about those tams, made me wonder if maybe, just maybe, I could pull off a slouchy tam.

I'm not sure that I look amazing in it, but it's a quite a bit better than most. Plus, it was a lot of fun to make. It's named for my grandma, Josie, and it's knit form the bottom up. The lacey rib pattern is a 4 round repeat that is quickly memorized and becomes intuitive. It's also easy to adjust the amount of slouch to just the right proportion for you.

Josie a quick knit on US size 6 needles and just a skein or 2 dk weight yarn. I used Valley Yarns Superwash DK in Misty Lilac, which is soft and oh-so-springy. Just an evening or two will do to create your own Josie tam. Josie is available as a pdf download here. Keep an eye for matching fingerless mitts too. The pattern should be available by next week.

I hope it keep you warm, while not making you look...um, warm.

The Great and Powerful Oz Socks

2011-01-03T15:56:00.000-06:00

The Great and Powerful Oz Socks are now available through Woolgirl's Oz Club. The kit is delicious! The yarn,"Oz", is from Pigeon Roof Studios and the extras are so.much.fun!

Monster Pocket - Kindle Cover

2010-12-28T11:42:00.013-06:00

It seems like everyone I know got a Kindle this Christmas. On Christmas eve morning, I realized that we had forgotten to get my sister a cover to go with her Kindle. Generally, for me, Christmas eve is not the time to be adding projects to the queue for the next day. Usually it involves coffee, tears, and frantically knitting the projects to be given later that evening.

This year I am proud to say that I kept it in check and finished all the knitting and blocking by noon on December 24. One reasonable knitted gift for each of my nieces and nephews. See...

Leaving me time to contemplate a quick Kindle cover. I took a quick dive in the stash and found some soft and squishy super bulky yarn. I knit it up on US size 13 needles to make a dense fabric to better cushion everything. In about an hour, it was ready for buttons. That's when my daughter said, "Mama, it's so cool that it looks like a monster!" Yep, I guess it kinda does.

The pattern is available for free!

Happy Holidays Sale!

2010-12-21T19:14:00.002-06:00

Brisk and Moose's Argyle Vest are 25% off now through January 1, 2011. Happy Holidays!

Brisk

2010-11-28T17:45:00.001-06:00

Brisk - Ravelry link.

This shawlette / scarf is work from the top-down in one piece, ending with charming ruffle. This versatile piece will be just the thing when the weather turns brisk.

At just under 500 yards of worsted weight yarn, size 9 needles, and completely seamless, this shawl is a quick knit. There's probably even time to whip one up by the holidays!

The pattern is available here for $3.50

Well, crap.

2010-10-15T12:40:00.002-05:00

I am knitting Honey Baby by Anne Hanson. It is gorgeous and fun to knit. It is a gift for some really special friends who live far away. Their adorable new baby was born Wednesday evening. I still have 20 rounds left, that near 800 stitches each, and then a knitted on edging. I am hoping to finish by Tuesday and ship it Thursday after blocking. The gift will then arrive before the baby is even 2 weeks old.

That sounds doable, right? Right? Not crazy? Not I-can't-do-anything-not-even-make-dinner crazy right? I really want to avoid that because my kids really don't need to eat takeout that many nights in a row. So, tell me people, am I looking at a slice of crazy pie right about now?

Knitcircus Gifts Issue

2010-09-15T10:56:00.007-05:00

Knitcircus has published it's first ever Gifts Issue.

And I was lucky enough to have my latest pattern included!
Serendipity Earband

It's a quick project knit with Classic Elite Ariosa and US size 10 needles. One skein each of two colors will make two earbands with the colors reversed. The body of the band is knit, but the pattern comes with instructions for both a knitted flower and edging, and crocheted flower and edging. You can mix and match!

The pattern is available for $3.50 or you can purchase the whole collection for $6.50. It is chock full of gorgeous gifts that will make your holiday knitting a snap.

You can find the design on Ravelry here.

*all photos are copyright Knitcircus Magazine.

I love blocking!

2010-06-02T14:05:00.007-05:00

Zetor Scarf
Used about 3/4 of a skein of Zephyr on size 6 needles. It was given to Mag's teacher today as a retirement gift. Lovely, straight-forward pattern. I just might have to try this one again.

Sparrow

2010-05-14T10:46:00.002-05:00

Sparrow by Marie Grace Smith

Easy, relaxing, fast knit. I knit it in about a week, but then got distracted and it languished with just one side seam left to finish. I used Plymouth's Baby Boutique with was just a pleasure to knit with. I didn't get gauge, so I knit the size 4, but followed the pattern for a 10 for length.

Maggie loves it. I'm already thinking about another. Maybe some leftover Knitpicks Shine Sport or Plymouth Jeanee? I've got a roadtrip to Texas coming up in a few weeks and I need to plan out my car knitting. 18 hours each way, plus a week vacation in between. In the meantime, I've been knocking out some old UFO's. It feels really good to get them done (or frogged as the case may be). Anyway, I'll have a bunch of new things to show soon.

Happy knitting!

Designs on Knit Picks IDP

2010-03-11T18:03:00.002-06:00

As of today, two of my designs are live on Knit Picks IDP!

Spring Sprouts Tank Top - Knit in Knit Picks Shine Sport

Butterfly Dream Mittens - Knit in Knit Picks Swish DK

It's been a absolute pleasure to work with Stacey at Knit Picks. I think this is a really interesting opportunity for designers, and I've always been a big fan of Knit Picks. I'm curious to see how it will work for me. I certainly have high hopes.

So...go...check'em out!

Go check'em out!

48 Hours

2010-03-08T12:39:00.005-06:00

I am smitten. Head over heels in love with my new project. Sparrow by Marie Grace Designs.

I've been doing a lot of stealth knitting as well as working on some old UFO's. Unfortunately, none of them are relaxing. Lots of charts and notes. This sweet new design was just what I was looking for. I picked up some yarn (Baby Boutique by Plymouth) on Saturday and cast on right at my lys. The yarn is a luscious springy microfiber/nylon blend. I'm happiest with the fabric it produces on a US #7, necessitating some tweaking to fit my gauge to the pattern. In the end I am knitting the size 4 for width and somewhere between the 8 and 10 for length.

It's been just about 48 hours now and the back is done. I'm did some short row shaping for the shoulders and then I'll do a 3 needle bind off. I love the texture on the upper half of the top. I think I just may be done with this before the end of the week.

Hello-o-o-o-o?

2010-01-20T16:22:00.003-06:00

Well...it's been a while. I never intended to stay away for so long, but life has a way of changing even the best of intentions, I guess.

I'm still finishing up the Christmas knitting. Don't laugh! I'm almost done. Just one more sock for my sister and half a scarf for my dad and I'm home free. Then I'm itching to tackle a couple of UFO's. My goal is to have the sock by the end of the day tomorrow and the scarf by the end of the weekend.

On the design front, I've got a new design for a head scarf / ear warmer. I think it's super cute, but I've sold it to my lys exclusively until September. If you're local, you can check it out at Gene Ann's Yarns.

I've been thinking a lot about the Moose's Argyle Vest pattern and I've decided that as of February 1, 2010, I am going to change it to a pay pattern. It's been free for more than year and I want to give anyone in progress a chance to make sure they have a good copy. It will still be available as a pdf download. I realize that this decision will make some people unhappy, and I'm sorry for that. Unfortunately, times are hard for everyone right now, including my family. I hope to release more free patterns in the future, but for now, the Cabled Thank You Socks are and will remain free.

5 (or more) on Friday

2009-07-17T12:35:00.004-05:00

At the beginning of the summer, I promised myself that we would not waste it just hanging around the house. So, we have been going and doing and playing. The Chicago weather hasn't allowed us to do alot of pool time, but it has been great for outings. We've been to Brookfield Zoo, the Shedd Aquarium, Navy Pier, Millennium Park, and horseback riding. Our friends from Texas have been to visit. My nieces have been here from downstate. I've been pushed into giving knitting lessons tMaggie and my nieces. Maggie lost her first front tooth.

I'm exhausted!

1. Untitled, 2. Millennium Park, 3. The Bean, 4. Millennium Park, 5. IMG_3410, 6. Inside the Bean, 7. IMG_3402, 8. IMG_3401, 9. IMG_3420, 10. IMG_3419, 11. IMG_3398, 12. IMG_3395, 13. IMG_3394, 14. IMG_3382, 15. IMG_3381, 16. IMG_3378, 17. Taste of Chicago, 18. Taste of Chicago, 19. Buckingham Fountain, 20. IMG_3355, 21. Taste of Chicago, 22. Spring Sprouts, 23. IMG_3350, 24. Spring Sprouts, 25. Spring Sprouts, 26. Knitting Lessons, 27. IMG_3335, 28. IMG_3333, 29. IMG_3320, 30. IMG_3317, 31. IMG_3314, 32. IMG_3307, 33. IMG_3310, 34. IMG_3266, 35. IMG_3279, 36. IMG_3265

What I haven't been doing is knitting. I think I needed a break. The knitting mojo just hasn't been there. I'm plodding along on a new sock design that I hope to make available next week. In the meantime, I'm headed out to see Harry Potter and Half Blood Prince tonight. Tomorrow I'll be at the Midwest Fiber and Folk Art Fair. I always come home inspired (not to mention loaded with new yarn)!

Schools Out!

2009-06-14T17:21:00.004-05:00

Just a drive-by posting today. Last week was the first week of summer vacation and we're all adjusting. I just had to post a picture of the adorable monkey I made for Maggie teacher. She has a monkey theme in her classroom, so this was perfect. I hope he keeps her company and makes smile in class for many years to come.

Pattern: Boyish Monkey by Barbara Prime
Yarn: Cascade 220 and Wool of the Andes - just a little of each
Needles: US # 5

There's a few more pictures here on Flickr.

Just a little stash enhancement

2009-06-02T13:18:00.004-05:00

I have been on a yarn ban with my group of knitting friends since January. I have done very well. Knitting only from the stash with only 2 purchases. I bought 1 ball of Plymouth Encore to finish a blanket. ( I totally don't think this purchase even counts as I needed it to finish.) I also bought 4 balls of Knit Picks Shine Sport to test knit the spring Sprouts Tank because I had nothing appropriate in the stash. I also fell down and got a couple skeins of Felici at the same time because the color I was coveting was almost gone. Don't judge. It's my favorite sock yarn. Anyway...

This past Saturday was the annual anniversary sale at Gene Ann's Yarns. It was 50% off everything. Ban over, right? Right! I limited it to only a few items for a couple designs I have brewing. I got a few skeins of Cascade Alpaca Lace for a cardigan. Yep - lace weight cardi. Remind me later that I thought this was a good plan.

I also picked up two skeins of Anne by Schaefer Yarns. I love these semi solids. They are both for new sock designs, as well as gifts for my mom and sister.

That's it. This is officially the least I have ever spent as this sale, but it's the start of the summer yarn show season and I have plans to attend Midwest Fiber and Folk Art Fair, Stitches, and maybe Wisconsin Sheep and Wool. Despite what I'd like to believe I just don't knit fast enough to justify more. Let's not discuss what's already marinating in the stash.

Squee!

2009-05-26T10:37:00.002-05:00

Designing and still so new to me. I get so excited about each new design and all the possibilities.

I found out last night that 2 of my patterns were accepted for the Knitting Pattern a Day Calendar 2010! Moose's Argyle Vest will be used for August 18 and the Butterfly Dreams Mittens are the bonus pattern for September. Both of these patterns were originally published in KnitCircus' Fall 2008 issue and are available here and on Ravelry.

Spring Sprouts Tank

2009-05-22T12:36:00.005-05:00

The Spring Sprouts Tank pattern is now available!

Sizes 2, 4, 6, 8, 10
Finished Measurements:
21, 23, 25, 26, 28"

Gauge: 20 sts and 28 rows to 4" in stockinette on US #5 needles

DK or Sport Weight Yarn:
260, 310, 390, 460, 500, 550 Yards

Sample knit in Dale of Norway Svale

US #5 needles, 20-24", Circular
US #6 needles, 20-24", Circular
US #5 Double Pointed Needles

Explanation in pictures

2009-05-20T12:34:00.003-05:00

I finished the test knit of the Spring Sprouts Tank. I think and hope it's rather straight forward, but there is a small section (the shoulder straps) I thought might benefit from a photo tutorial.

In picture 1, I've completed the 1st section of applied i-cord and continued to make the i-cord shoulder strap.

Here are the remaining stitches waiting on the holder.

I've transferred the stitches to a needle.

I've added the 3 i-cord stitches in front on those remaining stitches.

I begin the second section of applied i-cord.

Here I've completed the last of the applied i-cord.

Now, I just need to graft the strap to the beginning.

I pick up 3 stitches and graft / kitchner stitch them together.

Done!

I'm working on the final copy of the pattern now. It will go live on May 30, or maybe a little sooner if I can manage it.

Happy Monday!

2009-05-18T11:12:00.002-05:00

It's been quiet weekend, which means I got quite a bit of knitting time. The weather was beautiful, so I sat in the yard and worked on the test knit of Spring Sprouts while the kids played on the swing set.

I'm ready to do the decreases for the empire waist and then it's on the bodice. It should be done in a day or two. While we were in the yard I got the cutest picture of our Sheepadoodle ( 3/4 standard poodle and 1/4 Old English sheepdog ) puppy, Sock. He's the youngest and biggest of our pack of 3. He just turned a year old on Friday.

I've had a little idea for a new sock rattling around in my head for days, so Sunday afternoon, I finally cast on. I think it's going to work out. It's a toe-up anklet with a feathery lace pattern off centered in the top of the foot. I'm working it up in a leftover ball of Regia Silk. I hope there's enough.

Moving in

2009-05-15T14:27:00.003-05:00

Well, I guess it was time to have a home base of my own. I'll still try to pop in at Insaknity now and then though.

I've been working on setting up the blog today and learning how to add patterns to the side bar. It wasn't too hard, but I'm not telling you how long I spent on it. I'm not 100% happy with it all, but I think it's good enough to move ahead.

You may notice that the side bar shows the new pattern Spring Sprouts. It's in test knitting now. (Thank you LeaAnna and Karen!) I'm loading it to Ravelry today and hope to release the pattern by the end of May.