Category: Knitting Fun

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We Are Knitters :: Steam Coat and Giveaway!

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Drama, texture, and wardrobe staple. That is the definition of my new Steam Coat by We Are Knitters.  Seriously, I finished this super fun vest last night (on a 90+ degree day here in Michigan), and the first thing I did was put it on!  I am so looking forward to adding this piece to my autumn / winter wardrobe.  And the other really fun fact is that I will be living in southern Texas, where my hand knits will shine and not be covered up by a big, bulky coat!! Layered over a cotton tee, or long-sleeve thermal, this is the ultimate statement piece.

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The Steam Coat kit came with everything I needed to knit up this garment – including the yarn, shown here in Spotted Beige, giant wooden knitting needles, a small pamphlet of the pattern, garment tag and tapestry needle. The pattern was simple to follow and super fun!!  I had not tried “loop knitting” before, and was very intrigued by the look this technique creates.  Almost like I’m wearing a sheep’s coat!  With the generous gauge of the yarn and needles, super bulky and size US 19, this vest knits up so fast.  I made only one modification – I did not seam the ribbed edge at the bottom. I love the split hem look, so I decided to try it out!  You can check out my Ravelry project page for more photos and details! 

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So funky and fresh.  I think I’m going to give it a good blocking before I wear it this coming fall / winter.

GIVEAWAY TIME!!!!!  I know you were waiting for this!! One winner will be chosen on Friday of this week to receive a KIT OF YOUR CHOICE from WeAreKnitters.com (with a $100 value or less)!!  To enter, all you need to do is:

  1. Comment here on this post telling me your email address and which kit you would love to knit (and color choice, too if you want!!)
  2. Sign up for the We Are Knitters newsletter – follow this link, here. That’s it!!

Again, I will choose a winner this coming Friday, June 17, at 8pm Eastern time.  I will announce it in the comments here on the blog, as well as send the winner an email to let them know.  Only entries from the US, Canada or Europe are eligible at this time.

Also, be sure to take advantage of a 15% discount using coupon code KNITGRAFFITIWAK on their website!!

Happy knitting, friends!!

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2016 :: the year of the shawls

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A new year brings all kinds of joy, plans and…. sifting through ALL the yarn! After taking a little time off during the holidays to rest, relax and really spend time figuring out where I want my knit design career to go, I have decided that 2016 will be the year of the SHAWLS!!  I spent 2015 finding my knitting “voice”, researching, learning new techniques (aka BRIOCHE), knitting sweaters and building exciting relationships that I hope will blossom more and more this coming year.  And now, I’m organizing my thoughts (and my yarn) to see how many shawls I can knit this year!

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These shawls are almost equal parts personal designs and those that have been in my knitting queue for months.  Some very special yarn has been set aside for design ideas (from top left, to bottom right) – Baerenwolle, Madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light, Manos del Uruguay, Havirland, House of A La Mode, Hedgehog Fibres…..and of course, my current design: using custom hand dyed Fern Fiber Organic Merino wool, and Republic of Wool Twist Fingering.

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More about this design later this winter, when it’s released.

One of my favorite things about being a fiber artist are collaborations, working with indie yarn dyers, yarn shop owners, and other fabulous knitters and designers.  I am very excited about several projects that I will be working on this year and can’t wait to share them all with you!

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Besides shawl designs, I also have a few shawls that others have designed calling to me – like Alluvial Plains, designed by my dear friend, Karen MaCall. The yarn pictured above is destined for that piece of loveliness that I look forward to throwing over my shoulders. From left to right: Madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light in Fragrant, Havirland sock in Toxic Ooze, and Hedgehog Fibres Sock in Graphite. Exploration Station by the amazing and inspiring Stephen West is next, followed closely by Quicksilver, designed by shawl genius Melanie Berg. What shawls are on your MUST KNIT list for this year?

Not pictured are a few of my other favorite yarns: Quince and Co., Infinite Twist, Shepherd’s Wool, The Flying Kettle, Fancy Tiger Crafts Heirloom Romney, La Bien Aimée, and O-Wool.

On top of all this, I still plan to continue learning, knitting sweaters, and playing with new yarn.  Stay tuned for another post about my favorite tools for knitting with this gorgeous yarn!

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Wool and the Gang – Josie Gloves

Happy Star Wars week!!! Do you have your tickets yet?  My husband and I have had ours for months and are SO excited to see The Force Awakens on Saturday!!

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Now, back to knitting.  My most recent FO [finished object] are the Josie Gloves, pattern and yarn by Wool and the Gang! This is a fabulous knitting kit that comes with everything you need to create a rockin’ pair of mitts in NO time.  Seriously, I knit up one of these mitts in a matter of hours one evening while binge watching Sex and the City [for the second time].

I love everything about Wool and the Gang, their aesthetic, their modern knitwear….and their YARN!  This particular pattern came with Sheepaca, a luscious blend of baby alpaca and merino wool, making it pretty much the softest yarn ever.  The ivory white spoke to me, which was a little strange, since I’m always so drawn to color.

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I knit these mitts per the pattern, using the Sheepaca yarn held double.  But I did make a small modification to the right mitt pattern.  In order for the right and left mitt to match, I changed the following for the instructions for the Right Mitten:

Line 3: “Knit until you have 12 sts left of the round….” instead of the 11 as written.

As it was written, the knit column of the ribbed cuff was not lining up with the knit column of the cable, so I shifted it over.  Then I modified accordingly with thumb gusset placement.  This modification was for myself, and I still feel the pattern was very well-written and easy to follow.  There are tutorials, and links to videos to help with all of the techniques.  Even a brand new knitter could pick up this pattern in the morning and have a pair of mitts by supper time!

I blocked my mitts by soaking them in water and wool wash for about 10 minutes, then folded them into a towel to absorb a lot of the moisture.  I laid them out on my blocking mats without pinning until they were dry; they are pretty thick so I did have to flip them over a couple of times. They are a perfect fit!

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See my Ravelry project page for more photos and information!  Happy knitting and may the force be with you!