My first Chiagu Pattern: Missy!
Even though this is the most recent project I've finished, I got it completely written and sized first, so up it goes on Chiagu! This is the first full-fledged sweater project at Chiagu, so it's in the "big" category, selling for $5.00. I'm proud to finally have one of my own patterns up, after successfully selling other's patterns for so long. (I do love selling other's patterns, too, so if you have submissions, send them along!)
This cropped cardigan features a diagonal buttonband, similar to a kimono closure. The sweater is fulled to give it a heathery texture, and also to keep it from stretching (that way it'll stay cropped!).
What yarn did I use for this? Why, my favorite yarn ever. Koigu. (like I had to tell you that!)
I held one strand of Aurora 4 and one strand of Koigu together to get this look. I call it "stretching the Koigu," and already have another project in mind with the same fabric. Here are pictures of the swatches, pre and post fulling:
This is before fulling
This is after fulling
(it's not really tighter, there are more stitches visible in this swatch)The stitch gauge doesn't change at all, but the row gauge gets tighter. The fabric goes from being drapey and fluid to being more solid and felt-like, without being stiff. The only way to get this fabric is to use yarns like fine and extrafine merinos, because they won't felt on you but do change in texture enough to give you a different fabric.
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New York had a collective moment of silence this morning. I am spending the day working on my patterns and website, reflecting on what happened the year I was a senior in college. I feel that spending the day creating, and working to expand my business, is a way to honor those who died that day. What the terrorists want most is for us to lose our way of live, to live in constant fear and paralized.
I refuse to give them that.
New stuff!
Look! The lovely Flowerbasket Shawl is modeling one of my new ladybug stitch markers! (oh yes, and the wonderful Addi Turbo also consented to this exploitation, with the condition that I publicly thank her for being the best set of needles a girl could own). Since these are size 7 needles, I'm using this marker on its second ring, and I just makes me happy everytime I look at it.
The little ladybug is marking my center stitch, which is actually helping me keep going on this shawl, even though I'm already bored and ready for something else. I have 9 repeats done and want to do about 14, so I'm close to being done, but since the rows get bigger and bigger, it's now taking what seems like forever. And it's too big to knit on the bus, so I can't even carry it around with me. But knowing that half-way through the row, I'll hit my happy little bug . . . well, it helps some. =)
I'm going after work today (if I get out early enough) to buy more beads and supplies, so check back at the Chiagu store often to see what else is new. And if anyone is interested in selling their handmade stuff in the Chiagu store, email me for more info.
And on a different note:
String is looking to hire a few people to do finishing work. The person must be able to come to the Manhattan store and pick up projects, do the finishing without supervision, and drop them off in a timely manner. If you're interested, please call the store or email us.
And another new pattern: Teach Me!
And another new pattern just went live at Chiagu. Congratulations to Tisra for a beautiful shoulder warmer!
Presenting: Rosey!
The newest pattern at Chiagu, this is Rosey, a scarf by Rona Ramos.
This pattern is the first to usher in the category system of patterns. This pattern is in the "accessories" category, which means it sells for $4.00 instead of $4.50, and the designer gets $2.00 instead of $2.50. The other patterns so far are in the "main" category. Future patterns can also be in the "large" category, which would include full sweaters (with sleeves) and other complicated patterns. Those will sell for $5.50 and pay $3.50 to designers.
Congratulations on a wonderful, unusual pattern, Rona!!
New Pattern: Cabled!
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Another new pattern up at Chiagu: Cabled!
Congratulations to Carolyn on the cute design!
ETA: This pattern has been retired. Sorry if you missed it!
