Just for fun

 

The more I design, the less time I have for personal knitting.  I miss it.  I miss the mindless knitting. I miss dressing my kids in handknits.  So I've gotten in the habit of having something else going.  Someone else's pattern or a no pattern sock.  It takes me forever to finish anything, but it's nice to have some relaxing knitting even if it's just a few rounds here and there.

These little Watermelon anklets were my relaxation knitting for the past several months.  Yes, months.  They were inspired by the Sporty Striped Peds from The Purl Bee .  I used the leftover Miss Babs Yummy from my Color Affection.  I cast on 60 sts on US 1.5 needles in the accent color. 5 rows of 2x2 rib. Switched to the main color and worked a short row heel.  Continued down the foot and added 3 accent stripes across the instep.  Worked a wedge toe in the accent color.  I switched the colors for the second sock.  Easy peasy.  Relaxing.  And, best, the first thing I've knit for my daughter in over a year!

Now it's back to work.  But, I did start a nice simple sock in one of my favorite sock yarns, Felici by Knitpicks.  It's rainbow (one of my favorites!) and my personal no-pattern sock recipe.  I also finished up the grey Impetus.  I think it came out beautifully.  I should have photos soon!

Cocktail time!

You know how we pin all these amazing DIY projects on Pinterest and then never make them?  Well, I don't know about you, but I never make them.  Unless it's recipes.  I've made tons of Pinterest recipes.  But the home projects?  Not so much.

A while back, I was checking out all the cool DIY patio furniture and I came across a bunch of pins for these tables with containers built in for drinks.  I showed my husband, who happens to be a pretty handy guy.  He liked it and said, "I can make that."  AND THEN HE DID.  Those who know my honey will be surprised as well.  But, what man doesn't love a table that will keep his favorite beverage frosty and he never has to leave his seat?

We have a long narrow deck, so our table is 7 feet long and a bit thinner than usual and it is perfect!  Here's the night we tested it out.

 

Yes, that is my husband hiding behind the boards at the far end.  When the ice troughs are not in use, the boards he's holding lie right on top, making a the tabletop whole.  Pretty cool, huh?

In knitting news, I've been working up a sample of Impetus for the Knitpicks IDP out of 1 skein of Stroll Tonal in Thunderhead.  I'm halfway done and hope to finish it up by tomorrow.  I'm really liking the colorway!

Spot the Dots

Just a spot of love is all you need to put together this fun and cheerful blanket. Using a classic knit/purl method in a effortless repeating pattern, you can create an eye catching blanket for the one’s you love. How long did it take you to spot the dots?

Twined Together

Twined Together was originally available exclusively through Woolgirl as part of the Linus Kit.

As of today they are also available for download.

With 3 sizes includes, it's knitted from the cuff down, with a cable panel that is both written and charted.

I think it's a nice design for both men and women.  I'm thinking about knitting them in a chocolate brown for one of the dad people in my life.

Chicago Scarf in Knitscene Accessories

I'm so excited to announce that I have a pattern in the new Knitscene Accessories!

Winter in Chicago isn’t so much about the temperature but the windchill. It makes you wish your scarf was just a bit thicker and longer to cover you up just a bit more...

The Chicago Scarf is simple yet sophisticated. It is worked all in one piece lengthwise in a delicate lace pattern bordered with garter stitch using aran weight yarn. Increases on either end, every right side row to create tapered ends and an unusual trapezoid shape.

Knitscene Accessories will be in stores June 4, or you can download the digital version now.   For download or just to preview all the wonderful patterns go to KNITSCENE. 

Impetus

Impetus is now available! 

It's a sideways shawlette, knit entirely in garter stitch.  The lace edgings are both written and charted.

The sizing/yardage needed is completely adjustable.  I knit the sample using Miss Babs Yummy  in Sugar and US # 5 needles.  (about 400 yds) 

But you can achieve an entirely different look by changing up the weight of the yarn and size the of the needles.  I think this pattern would also work extremely well for a variegated yarn.

I think it's a perfect little grab and go accessory for spring and summer.  Wear it with a pretty little sundress or toss it in your bag for just case or over-chilled restaurants and movie theaters.  You can this in just a couple days too! 

For the first week of it's release, I'm offering it at 20% off.  Just use the coupon code Impetus20.

Resilience is now available!

When the season’s change and a bright chill is in the air, Resilience is the perfect project to welcome that new time of year. Worked from the neck down to the edging, this pattern offers a number of main or edging pattern repeats that allow the shawl to be fully customized. As is its namesake, Resilience has the ability to adjust and become something new. In fact, it’s the perfect something new for you!

Both charts and written instructions are provided.

Finished Measurements
65” wide and 26” 165 x 66 cm long, after blocking.

Gauge
20 sts and 32 rows = 4” 10 cm in Chart B pattern, after blocking.
Gauge is not critical, but note that changes in gauge will result in different yarn req’ts’.

Yarn
Tess’ Designer Yarns, 100% Merino (500 yds/457 m, 1.76oz/50g skein), 2 skeins or 650 yds

Needles
US 5 (3.75 mm) circular needles, 24 or 32”; or size required to obtain gauge

Supplies
Stitch markers (6), yarn needle, pins or wires for blocking