Here are a couple of my new faves…

Skirts

• Maxi crochet skirt by Conceptcreativeblog – lacy and lovely; can be made any length
• Herringbone skirt by Elisa Sugishita – great texture and some of the projects show it more streamlined without the bottom ruffle.  Many do complain about all the double crochet though.
• Mauve by Kim Hargreaves – fun use of granny squares!

Blankets

• Happy Colours Blanket – Fun excuse to use lots of colors
• Hexagon Table Runner – Could easily be a blanket.  Love the portability of the hexagons.
• As-We-Go Stripey Blanket – Stripes, polka dots and picots.

Bags

• Crocodile Stitch Owl Bag by Amanda Chapman – Owls!
• ACCROchet Granny beach bag by ACCROchet – patchwork, lots of options, great size
• Granny Square Tote by B.hooked crochet – subtle texture – great every day bag

Jewelry

• Noir Necklace by Melody Maria Fulone – crochet thread makes it daintier and it’s a great excuse for a few pretty beads
• Julie Cuff by Robyn Chachula – I don’t like the bulk of cuffs but a lighter, flatter one?  I think I can…
• Lotus Flowers Cuff by creativeyarn – Another cuff but this one has a nice curved edge

Towels

• MOMogram Dishtowel by Maria Bittner – pretty towel and a great use of embroidery too
• Crochet Edged Tea Towel by Kara Gunza – buy a towel and put a pretty edge on it
• Dorothea / Daily Grind Dishtowels by Lion Brand Yarn – Stripes with absorbent texture

Looking through crochet projects opened a whole new world.  New designers, new designs, lots to get lost in.  One thing I needed to adjust to – the amount of yarn used.  A couple thousand yards for a blanket or a skirt wasn’t unusual.

But they are fun and pretty.

I’ll catch you on the (purl?) side…

• great way to use up partial balls and leftovers
• fun excuse to use an unusual pop of color
• great reason to buy that pop of color (oh c’mon – I know you all love an excuse to shop for yarn.  blame me.)

Here are a few chevron designs that have popped on my radar lately.

• Chevron Delight Infinity Scarf – grays aren’t my thing but the design works so well
• Chevron Keyhole Scarf – I love being able to put a scarf on and not need to futz with it
• Chevron Scarf – larger swaths of color make for a more modern look
• Chevron Scarf – this one has eyelets
• Chevron Scarf – overlapping decreases give a pretty aesthetic
• Chevron Scarf – the columns of decreases are so tidy in contrast to the zigs and zags

• Chevrons All Round – the textures are great
• Favorite Scarf Ever – another take on the ubiquitous scarf, this one with a tidy edging
• Garter Stitch Chevron Scarf – no purls!
• Hypernova – Shawl and Shawlette – love the radiating design
• Rumple Scrap – the volume really makes a statement
• Monster Mitts – how fun would it be to look at those all day?

I can see myself wearing any of these patterns.  I like the thought of using “my” colors plus something else fun or different.  I browsed Design Seeds for a bit of color inspiration and came away with these 3 palettes that are me with a little something extra.

What do you think?  What colors would you try to branch out?  Yes there’s lots of purple, lavender and pink but also some orange and aqua thrown in too.  Definitely pushing me to try new colors and stay true to myself.

I’ll catch you on the purl side…

I often finish a shawl and have no idea what I’m going to do with it – what outfit?  at the pub?  at the office?  cold weather?  or warm?  As I browsed patterns and projects a few core ideas became patterns for me – a shawl outfit formula of sorts.

• Pair it over a neutral outfit.  Most of the pics are over a gray, black or brown outfit.  They let the shawl shine.
• If you have lace in your shawl, make sure it’s on top of something with good contrast so it allows the lace to show.
• If you’re pairing it with a color – coordinate it with one of the colors in the shawl.   And notice that coordinate doesn’t always mean *use* one of the colors.  Look at the green and white Toryn Gable shawl.  It tops a light yellow dress and looks stunning.

• Go casual – the Edison shawl looks so inviting paired with a white T shirt and denim.

• Dress it Up – the Mystic Midsummer Wreath shawl takes center stage with a pair of fitted pants and a simple top.

These outfits made me look at my stash a bit differently – not just what color and fiber do I want to knit, but also what will I wear with it when it’s done?  And I think having the end game in mind could also help turn WIPs into FOs too.  Knitting things that I’ll actually wear.  Nice.

Do you have any tips for how to style knitted shawls?

I’ll catch you on the purl side.

Ah, memories <cue the dorky music>.

No surprise that I’m a big fan of Norah (like 98% of us knitters).  My familiarity with Norah’s designs are mostly within the past 10 years – here are some of my faves…

Fashionable Cables

Norah’s great at designing cables the are wearable, fashionable and don’t scream “I made this because I wanted to knit it” but rather “I made this because I wanted to wear it”

• Halyard – Just published yesterday, this one went into my faves immediately
• Sislana – Love the way the cables mirror the raglan decreases
• Lempster – Can you believe this one’s free (from Knitty)? I think the yarn somewhat obscures the beauty of the cable so make sure you take a look at the finished projects too.
• Forster – This one always makes me laugh because Norah swore she wouldn’t do top-down knitting.  And then she did.
• Emerson – A showpiece cable up the front plus *that cowl*.  Can you imagine wearing that when it’s snowing?  And knit in a chunky yarn it should go quickly too.
• Turbulence U-Neck – When I think about Knitting Nature this is the first thing that pops in my mind.  I remember walking around the Rhinebeck fairgrounds the year after the book came out and spotting many Turbulences.

Creative Stitch Patterns

Norah doesn’t end with just cables.  Here are a few texture and eyelet lovelies as well…

• Sturgeon – A shawl/wrap with awesome texture and openwork
• Nurmi – I must be on a mega-cowl kick because this one gets me too
• Flower Child – Great neckline detail – the perfect balance of that showcase element contrasted with a simple bottom
• Tilted Duster – I remember how crazy people went over this one when it hit the cover of Interweave Knits in Fall 2007.
• Anais – This one has been a perennial on my “someday I will knit you”
• Phyllo Yoked Pullover – Such a creative use of a stitch pattern that seamlessly flows into the garment shaping

Unusual Shapes

Not your typical boxy or hourglass shapes…

• Sanpoku – I love the Asian inspiration here – and who doesn’t like an excuse for another shawl pin?
• Cormorant – A cardi with an oversized, flouncy detail
• Plover – Ok one more cowl here, but this one is not your run-of-the-mill variety
• Violette-le-duc – When this one hit the streets in 2008 there was a ton of conversation about how this one can be worn upside down as well
• Prospera – Inset circles and lace in a feminine pullover
• Currer – This one looks as fun to knit as to wear.  The bottom half-circles give a unique shape to the bottom.

As I went through Norah’s designs there were several that I had forgotten.  She’s had a prolific career and damn – she’s talented.  Fun to knit and fun to wear.

I’ll catch you on the purl side…

I’m gearing up for the next My Sister’s Knitter KAL – this one is for Sock Yarn.  Perfect!

Since the KAL doesn’t start until Sunday I wanted to see what kinds of projects I might be able to make.

Of course there are socks…

• Twists & Braids – total love for the braid up the back – and I think this stitch pattern would work well on a fingerless mitt too
• Skimmer  – teeny liners to pad our feet
• Sock Around the Clock – intricate cables and twisted stitches make this one a stunner (and get this – it’s free too)
• Lilac – a mostly stockinette sock that looks like a lot more.  I’ve knit that stitch before and it was easy to get in a rhythm.
• Bordurensocken – take a look at the other pics too – this sock has great details on the top and back
• Anna’s – a lovely lace stitch gives this sock some detail without overwhelming the design.  It would work great with many handdyeds and solids.

and shawls…

• Centurion – great for leftovers or even a gradient yarn
• Collinear – another creative use of garter and two colors.  I think I’ll cast on this one on Sunday.  It’s possible I have some yarn on its way to me.
• Scrollwork – love those cables and the stockinette wedges make for some nice rest areas
• Tonnau – another great gradient option and this one works especially nice in warm weather fibers
• Aichmo – yep, another take on the two-color garter stitch shawl
• Aubergine – so yeah, a third two-color garter stitch shawl.  Obviously I have a thing for them right now.

and mitts…

• Hidden gusset – creative gusset placement reminds me of Cat Bordhi’s pathway socks
• The Galway – love the intricate cabling
• Zostera marina – fun lace pattern in the new Knitter’s Curiosity Cabinet volume III
• Padina pavonia – simple mitts that would be great for slightly variegated harnddyeds (also from Knitter’s Curiosity Cabinet volume III)
• Autumnal – a lovely cable adds some interest along the mitt
• Transition – you guys know I hate colorwork but these are calling to me.  I’m all about the gradients right now

Lots of sock yarn patterns for lots of sock yarn.  Maybe you’ll find a new favorite in this bunch.  If you have a fave please share it in the comments.  I’ll catch you on the purl side.

It’s very likely caused by not having heat in our home for 5 days.

But this morning our house is warm again and the idea of one of these pullovers is still looking like a great idea.  So if you’re like me, or if you’re further north and in for a couple month of cold (sorry!) then these might be for you too.

And if not, fall is only 7 months away.

Hoodies

Miranda by Josee Paquin – love the way the pocket melts into the cable pattern.

Sturgeon by Melissa Schaschwary – the deep V and shorter sleeves would also make this a great transitional pullover.

November10 by ANKESTRICK – the overlapping V for the hood makes this one functional and stylish.  I do however need to mention the pattern instructions.  I bought this pattern and the instructions are not clear – no indication of RS and WS, stitch counts that use different ways to count the stitches (in one place you include the raglan sts, and in another you do not but there’s no indication of that change, and numerous others).  I did CO for this project but I might just use the concept of the neckline and do my own top down pullover.  It’s a shame because it’s a cute design.

Pullovers

Ease by Alicia Plummer – two neckline options and long ribbed sleeves make this one a go-to all winter.

Such a Winter’s Day by Heidi Kirrmaier – look at that cowl!  And the combo of the yarn (Brooklyn Tweed Shelter) and the knit-purl texture makes it stand up beautifully.

Downeast by Alicia Plummer – Another awesome cowl and love the offset cable down the body.

Lawrence by Melissa LaBarre – Yes, another cowl and another Brooklyn Tweed Shelter design.  The combo obviously works.

Maija by Mari Muinonen – gorgeous asymmetric cables flowing all the way to the high neckline

Overlynd by Melissa Schascawary – this one hasn’t been released yet so I’m linking to Melissa’s project page.  Love the simplicity of the front contrasted with the deep cables on the back.

These are the kinds of pullover I’d reach for every weekend.  Now where’s my knitting pixie dust so I can whip one up for tomorrow?

I’ll catch you on the purl side.

I’ve selected mostly shawls because I have 8? sweaters-worth of yarn.  That didn’t stop me from adding one design to the list that I’m *dying* to start RIGHT. NOW.

Coalesce by Alicia Plummer – Two colors of bulky weight yarn, combining them without any stranded knitting (it’s slip stitches).  You guys know how I feel about stranded knitting.

Cabaletta by Melissa Schaschwary – The subtle texture and sweet ruffle is romantic without being too twee.

Sunlit by Melissa Thomson – Two weights of the same color – one silk and cashmere.  I LOVE the look and will be looking for a special combo for this one.

Riverbank also by Melissa Thomson – Great combo of texture that can be worn as either a cowl or a capelet.  Lately I’m all about the capelets.

Interlochen by Carol Sunday – Total love for this design!  At 1,720 yards it uses more than many garments though.  Would I ever finish it?

Yellow Brick Road by Mona Schmidt – Kristy is a huge fan of the stitch pattern and look at all the ways you can wear this simple cowl.  In worsted weight it’ll knit up quickly too.

Brandywine Falls by Robin Ulrich – Great stitch pattern, aran weight and it can double as a shawl or a capelet.  Plus it’s a great excuse to buy a new shawl pin.

Clintonville Collar by NorthbrooKnits – The versatility of the button plus the drawstring ruching makes for a custom fit without the fiddliness of knitting it just so.

And last but certainly not least…

3 in 1 by atelier alfa – An excuse for buying 5 colors of yarn!  I love being able to add pops of color at the bottom of the pulli.  I’ll be looking for a sockweight merino/nylon or merino/cashmere/nylon.

This’ll be our second year at VKL and I love the timing – smack dab in between Rhinebeck and Maryland just when the doldrums of winter are at its peak.  Are you going to VKL?  If you see me be sure to say hi!

I can’t wait to share what I got with you all on Sunday!

I’ll catch you on the purl side.

These designs fit the bill.  Some of them use biased stitches to show off the variations of hand dyed beautifully.  A few have asymmetrical shaping to show off the yarn.  A couple have big cowls as the starring role.  And most have a looser gauge so you can take advantage of that gorgeous TML drape.

Be sure to look at the FOs as well – there are a few stunning examples done in TML.

• 5200K by Suvi Simola
• Afterlight by Amy Herzog
• Bello by Joji Locatelli
• Folded by Veera Valimaki
• Frost Thread by Veera Valimaki
• Gavotte by Cecily Glowik MacDonald

• Obsidian by Lisa Mutch
• Plain and Simple Pullover by Veera Valimaki
• Poison Oak by Carina Spencer
• Prelude by Annamaria Otvos
• Raindrops – Adult Version
• Vertex Cardigan by Carol Feller

What did I miss?  What are your fave tops for this type of yarn?  Given the crazy popularity of TML I’m sure you’ve all seen some beautiful FOs.

I’ll catch you on the purl side.

Brooklyn Tweed Fall 13

Cables?  check Thick scarves and wraps?  check Cushy textures?  check

Rhinebeck Sweater

Some of our favorite designers in a tribute to knitting’s fall classic.  I can’t resist a sweater called Artichoke French.

 Knitscene, Winter 2013

In classic Knitscene style, a collection of 24 stylishly simple knits and accessories.

Lace One-Skein Wonders

For all those spare skeins and impulse buys of *the* perfect sock yarn.  Because fall knitting doesn’t have to be bulky.

Changing leaves, brisk breezes and hot chocolate mugs.  Knitting meet overdrive.  Oh yeah – it’s on.

I’ll catch you on the purl side.

Here’s a sampling of some of my faves.

Domino Star Stashbuster – Great for leftovers.  The pattern is written for fingering weight, but it could easily be adjusted to sport or even DK.

Hue Shift Afghan – This one came on my radar a few weeks ago.  I even briefly considered making it out of the green sock weight yarns I bought for a blanket a few years ago.  I talked myself down from that brainstorm, but I keep looking at that pic.  And oh yeah, I did buy the pattern.

POP blanket – Noro and cream – great combo.  This one’s in aran weight, but like most blankets a variety of weights would work.  And who doesn’t love a good polka dot.

Color Block Blanket – The variety of textures will keep it interesting.  And the tactile feel will keep you obsessed after it’s done.

Four Corners Baby Blanket – Just four big squares to make an even bigger blanket.  Some of the FOs are in 2 or even 1 color and they all look fantastic.

Baby Shane Blanket – Another creative use of simple patterns. Four big squares done on an angle.
Barn Raising Quilt – Simple squares made from sock yarn.  Knit a couple each time you finish a pair of socks and insta-blankie (not really but it’s a great thought, right?).

Moderne Baby Blanket – Big chunks of solid garter stitch – this screams squishy, cuddly and cozy.

Double Vision – The clever part of this blanket is the combining of 2 yarns to create an entrancing gradation.  The FOs have been done in a variety of shades – from soft pastels to drab olives to rainbow.  They’re all gorgeous.

There you go – 9 of my favorites.  What about you?  What are your favorite blanket obsessions?

I’ll catch you on the purl side.