Learn to knit lace with the Loida shawl!
Today I'm excited to introduce you to my new easy lace shawl design, Loida! You can purchase it here.
I designed this pattern with the beginning lace knitter in mind, and wrote it with plenty of commentary, descriptions, and notes.
When you buy the pattern, you actually get two files:
1 - A 3-page "Getting Started with Lace Knitting" guide
2 - The shawl pattern instructions, in two written forms (verbose and concise) and in charted form.
What's in "Getting Started with Lace Knitting"?
In this 3-page-long introduction, I cover basics of knitting lace. Everything from typical lace stitches, complete with the why of how they're used in constructing lace to the how of actually working them (with links to videos!). I also talk about reading lace patterns, keeping your place in the pattern, reading a chart, and more.
And the pattern?
As for the pattern itself, it's my most detailed pattern to date.
It's almost like 3 pattern versions for one design:
There's the "concise" instructions, which are what a typical lace pattern like this would look like. They're written out and charted.
Then there's the "verbose" instructions, which take the written part of the concise instructions and explain them. You'll see row instructions followed by notes, comments, hints, and tips.
And of course the pattern is fully charted, so if you want to skip all the words (and there sure are a lot of them in this one!), you can just go to the last page and start knitting immediately. (can you tell that's what myself I normally do with patterns? ha!)
The Shawl Itself
This shawl is like my perfect version of lace knitting: beautiful and elegant finished project that can be worn with anything without overwhelming your outfit (or you!), plus a fun-to-knit, easy pattern where every-other-row is purl only. I love patterns where the wrong-side rows are all the same, as it means you can totally zone out for about half the project!
That's especially great when you're near the end of the shawl and the rows are super long. Just as you feel like you can't work one. more. purl., you turn and start knitting and yarn-overing (no that's not a word) again! Such a wonderful pace for a project.
In case you can't tell, I'm rather enamored of this project and pattern!
Launch Special!
To celebrate the launch, I'm offering the pattern for only $3.00 until October 1st 2012, when it will go up to the regular $5.00 price.
Want to knit along?
I'm finalizing the details and will announce the KAL shortly, but you can go ahead and sign up for the discussion list now by clicking here.
And yes, there will be prizes . . .
Looking forward to hearing what you all think of Loida!
All Koigu Minis, all the time
And I'm not kidding. It's already time to make more minis!
I realize I was late last month, but it feels like I just finished making that last batch! Thankfully they're really really cute so I don't mind petting tiny Koigu skeins for a couple of hours ;o)
If you've been thinking of joining in on the fun, there's still time to sign up! The August shipment will go out this weekend, so if you sign up by the end of the day Friday you'll be in this round.
Click here to find out all about the club and sign up!
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PS -- how the heck is it August already???
Introducing Sybil's Sweater!
I'm super excited for my latest pattern release: Sybil's Sweater from Downton Abbey!
As you know if you've been reading here, this sweater was designed based on the one Lady Sybil wears in season 2. You can read more about my design process for creating a sweater pattern based on the show here.
Now that the season is over you can keep the Downton love going by knitting and wearing the knitwear from the show!
This heavy cardigan is quick to knit on size 10 needles, and even though it's based on a garment from 1917, it still fits beautifully in today's wardrobe:
I'm modeling it without the belt here as that's how I wear it when I'm not channeling British ladies, but you could definitely wear the belt when wearing it "the modern way" too.
I've made the sleeves extra long to give it a great cozy feeling.
And the sailor collar? So cute! Reminds me of a blouse I had when I was about four years old that I loved wearing but wasn't allowed to except for on special occasions.
The pattern in sized from 32" to 56" bust sizes and is knit flat with seams.
Buy it for $6.00 either from my website or through Ravelry. And be sure to share your finished photos!
The Sybil Sweater pattern is coming tomorrow!
I just got the photos back from Seth so thought I'd tease you a bit!
Here's Sybil styled for 1917:
And for 2012:
I'm psyched for this new pattern and the great photos!
Another pattern release! The Eldridge Slouchy Lace Hat in Madelinetosh
I was in Knitty City recently and fell in love with a skein of Madelinetosh ToshVintage in the color Celadon. It told me immediately that it wanted to be a slouchy lace hat (what? don't tell me that yarn doesn't talk to you this way!) and before I knew it, I had sketched, swatched, and finished this design!
I've decided to name it Eldridge, after one of the streets in my neighborhood here in NYC, and today I'm releasing it into the wild. I hope you like it!
Eldridge is a slouchy but not-too-slouchy hat in an allover lace pattern that's simple to knit. Knits, purls, decreases, and yarn overs in a simple 8-row repeat is all it takes. If you've never done lace before, this could be a great place to start!
Here's a detail shot of the lace texture:
I love how it accents the gorgeous, subtle colors in Tosh Vintage. There are so many stunning colorways in this yarn, I think I may have to make myself multiple hats in different colors! And just yesterday The Loopy Ewe got like 70 colors of this yarn in stock, so it's pretty much decided that I'm buying some more. I'm just trying to limit myself to at most 5 before I click that checkout button . . .
But back to the pattern! It's written in 3 sizes and is now available for immediate download for $4.00. You'll need size 7 needles, both 16" circulars and double-pointed needles, and one skein of Madelinetosh Tosh Vintage.
Oh and if you've bought the Chiagu Collection 2012, you've already received your copy! Check your email for the update from Ravelry. =)
I've got lots more in store for you in the near future, so stay tuned! It seems like I've fallen hard for Madelintosh recently . . .
