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Special Announcement: Sandrasingh.com will be closed for shipping yarn from July 8-19th, you may order yarn during this time and it will be shipped after July 19th. PDF downloads will be emailed after purchase as usual.
Welcome Summer with beautiful new yarn & colorways from Schaefer, breathtaking shawl designs from Fiddlesticks Knitting and the clever crocheted designs of Knotsewcute, plus lots more summer ready projects.
In This Issue: Meet Nichole / Schaefer Anne /Fiddlesticks Knitting / Knotsewcute / Freshstitches / Gardiner Yarn Works’ New Collection / Katya Frankel’s Summer Tops for Girls / Athena Headband /
Meet Nichole
The Schaefer Yarn Company’s new Nichole is a smooth plied sock yarn crafted of 80% extrafine merino wool superwash for softness and 20% nylon for added durability. Each hank of Nichole is a generous 405 yards/5 ounces, enough to make a pair of women’s socks.
Also Schaefer has introduced their new line of colorways for Memorable Women, Kids and Solid Botanicals. Some colorways have been discontinued but many new beautiful shades await.
Schaefer Anne
Summer Knitty features Laura Nelkins Entomology Shawl and since Laura is Schaefer’s Designs Director this shawl is knit in their exquisite fingering weight yarn Anne.
Anne is crafted of 60% merino wool superwash, 25% mohair and 15% nylon and was dyed in two special potluck colorways for Laura’s shawl, Ashes of Roses and Bluebell, I’m taking special orders for both of these colorways. Anne is put up in generous 4 ounce/560 yard skeins and is On Sale for 25% Off!
Fiddlesticks Knitting
Sandrasingh.com is proud to welcome the exquisite lace designs of Fiddlesticks Knitting. When you think of Fiddlesticks Knitting patterns you immediate conjure up images of draping yourself in flowing, gossamer lace. Fiddlesticks’ luxurious shawl, stole and wrap patterns are the creation of Dorothy Siemens and she executes each design with exceptional attention to detail.
Pick a pattern that is right for you, the new Peacock Feathers Stole, or the Chantilly, Lotus Blossom or Romance shawls.
Knotsewcute
And Sandrasingh.com is also pleased to welcome the crochet designs of Knotsewcute. If you’re an experienced crocheter or have set out to learn this summer Knotsewcute’s patterns will get you hooking. The designs are the teamwork of two long-time friends, Kim Miller and Tara Schreyer.
As you explore their adorable baby & toddler felted slippers, hats and whimsical toys, clever yet practical home decor, cozy tea and coffee accessories and unique accessories for men & women you’ll be happy you discovered this charming duo’s crochet patterns.
Freshstitches
Speaking of crochet the Amigurumi genius, Freshstitches brings us two new precious projects, Rolph the Little Rooster, he won’t wake you at the crack of dawn.
And the floppy eared dog, Jeffrey, who you don’t have to walk! See all of Freshstitches Amigurumi, Hat, Keychain, Yoga, Holiday, People, Vehicle & Building designs.
Gardiner Yarn Works’ New Collection
Its the time of year you look forward to, the launch of Gardiner Yarn Works’ new knitwear design collection, Fall/Winter 2009. Start one of these projects today and you’ll be ready for the falling leaves and flying snow.
Chrissy Gardiner also introduces a new crochet projects, her Groovy Granny Scarf. And her new pullover design the Port Townsend is knit in Schaefer’s Danya. The sophisticated Gordian Twist Neckwarmer looks like a moebius, but its not, which means it doesn’t require a special cast on.
The stunning Ivy wrap features a leaf lace motif that you’ll enjoy knitting and wearing. And coffee lovers will adore Cappuccino, which was inspired by the delicate designs a talented barista makes with foam, and its knit with only one skein of Schaefer’s Heather.
Scarf for Ptesan-Wi is very special, its knit from one precious skein of buffalo down yarn and named for the Lakota holy woman also known as White Buffalo Woman.
And if you’re on Ravelry visit my group, Sandrasingh.com and join our KAL for Chrissy’s new scarf, Midnight Lace which is adorned with cables and lace. I’m also hosting KALS for the Mr Greenjeans pullover and Ilga Leja’s lace vest, In The Courtyard.
Katya Frankel’s Summer Tops for Girls
Quickly update your little girl’s summer wardrobe with Katya’s two new designs. Karys, a delightful tunic top worked in stocking stitch all over with garter trimming and easy finishing. And precious Lilli, a tank with a very simple shape and an intricate looking cable pattern to keep things interesting. You’ll have both finished in no time at all!
Athena Headband
Pull your hair back in easy summer style with Azalea & Rosebud Knits’ Athena headband.
Athena is a three strand headband worked in I-cord with a base of stockinette, and the bottom features a sewn in elastic hair band to prevent unsightly bumps. Its a great quick project that is stylish, useful and a stash buster.
Time to draw to a close, I know there are a lot of summer projects to get started on. Here in the US I hope everyone has a fun and safe Fourth of July celebration and to people everywhere make sure to get out and enjoy the warm weather. Thank you for sharing my news. I look forward to hearing from you with your questions and comments. And remember, I’m always happy to help with any of your fiber arts needs.
Happy Knitting & Crocheting,
Sandra Singh
The crochet designs of Knotsewcute are the teamwork of two long-time friends and business partners, Kim Miller and Tara Schreyer. As you explore their crochet designs for adorable baby & toddler’s felted slippers and whimsical toys, clever and practical Home Decor, cozy Tea and Coffee Accessories and Women and Men’s Accessories that are unique and beautiful you’ll understand how their design aesthetics compliment one another and how they encourage and inspire each other with each new pattern. Meet Kim Miller and Tara Schreyer: Hi my name is Kim Miller and I live, and have always lived in Beautiful British Columbia, Canada. When I met my husband I was a single mom with three small daughters, and my husband was a single dad with one lovely daughter of his own. I knew he was the one the first time that he sent me flowers. Not because I’m easily swept off my feet by flowers, but because tucked in with the dozen red roses for me were three pink roses, one for each of my girls. With that thought in mind, the most important thing to my husband and I were of course our four tiny treasures. As such, my husband never took work out of town that would take him away from our family and we both felt that it was important for me to stay at home with the girls.
To help with the family budget I made whatever I could. My friend once said that I could make curtains out of a piece of ribbon. A gross exaggeration of course, but it was during this time that I discovered crocheting. My first project was a misshaped, double crocheted, variegated afghan. I’m proud to say that this afghan still adorns my daughters bed. Hidden away under the comforter of course. They say that necessity is the mother of invention, so it wasn’t long before I was creating my own simple designs. So, how did it all turn out? Well, I’m still happily married and my four little ones have blossomed into nice young ladies. As for me, I now work from home doing what I love – crochet/ designing. The main inspiration for my designs still is and will always be my family.
Hi! My name is Tara Schreyer and I’m located in beautiful British Columbia, Canada. My grandmother taught me to crochet many years ago. My first project was an afghan that I made in grade school. I still have it to this day and I bring it out once in a while and I have to chuckle. I made it in three separate panels and then crocheted them altogether. Well, it’s some odd shape. Not really a rectangle…but leaning a little toward being a triangle! I was still so proud of my project. I even entered it in the fair’s exhibitions and won a prize! The judges were so good to me!! I’m happy to say I’ve improved since then. But perhaps that is why I tend to stick to smaller projects. Ones that I can finish in a short amount of time and manage to keep my tension uniform throughout.
It wasn’t that long ago that I was introduced to felting. It was then that I started designing patterns. I loved the look of the fabric you could create from a crocheted object. The possibilities are endless and I’m still exploring the different things you can do. The idea of crocheting with different materials also has me intrigued and I might try my hand at this someday. I’ve always been drawn to simple things. By that I mean simple lines, color and design. I think that you will find my patterns reflect these loves. They are quick and simple designs, that you will be able to dress up or dress down according to your own personality and lifestyle. I hope that you will be able to use these patterns over and over, continually creating wonderful gifts for your loved ones!
All of Knotsewcute’s patterns are sold as PDF downloads that are emailed to you after purchase. Visit my site to browse their Men & Women’s Accessories, Children, Coffee/Tea Accessories, Home Decor and Cell/iPod Accessories.
Many of their projects are eco friendly as well!
Here they are selling insurance.
And razor blades?! What do they do it they nick themselves?
And of course the HBO ads.
Episode 2 of Season 2 aired last night and it left me with more questions than answers, like if Lafayette would have escaped and made it to the hospital and police what could have the police done about Eric holding him captive anyway, Eric is a vampire for goodness sake.
But Jason Stackhouse (Ryan Kwanten) is adorable, so I’ll continue to watch.
We saw the amazing kaleidoscope quilts by Paula Nadelstern.
Museum curator Stacy C. Hollander said it better than I ever could…
“
Every artist must find a voice that feels true andstrong. Paula Nadelstern (b. 1951) found hers early in her career as a quilt artist, inspired by a bolt of sensuous and beautiful Liberty of London fabric. The bilateral symmetry of the design was an epiphany that stirred Nadelstern’s imagination and that yielded a seemlingly infinite vein of creative expression for more than 20 years. Focusing first on the kaleidoscopic quality in the symmetry, Nadelstern innovated new techiques and developed a highly redined, intricate and distinctive personal aesthetic. The incorporation of related crystalline forms, notably snowflakes, has continued to lead Nadelstern through an artistic evolution that has encompessed science, history, innovation and tradition. Each composition offers a fresh revelation of the complexitites inherent in Nadelstern’s labor intensive approach. Minute pieces of fabric are joined like slivers of colored glass into a magical whole, the masterful manipulations of color and pattern resulting in scintallating wheels, shifting ellipses, and other movements across the surfasces of the textiles. The hard edged, fractal structure of snowflake and kaleidoscopic images might seem inimical to the seductive softness of a quilt, but in Paula Nadelstern’s singular quilt idiom, this provocative tension erases the historical divide between art and quilt.”
We also walked over to the UN to see the Iran protesters. It was very peaceful with chanting and the group was cordoned off with the police milling about. CNN news was there, but we didn’t see ourselves on TV later. But it was very sad, many of the demonstrators held the photo of the woman who was shot and filmed dying on the street while surrounded by her friends. Will that country ever get any peace and democracy with religion separated from their government?
We ended our day on a positive note, after walking Toffee we sat outside at an Italian place eating gelato, that was right before it started to rain again.
The stitch pattern used to knit Vallisneria will remind you of sea grasses gently swaying in the surf. From cuff to toe your stitches flow smoothly from one section to the next. Charts and written instructions are included for the cuff and leg stitch patterns. This pattern is written for double pointed needles but these socks could easily be adapted for 2 circulars or even the magic loop. This pattern makes a great summer time knit, perhaps while your relaxing at the beach!
The socks pictured were knit in Wooly Wonka Fibers Merino/Bamboo Blend, but the Kit is available in Cherry Tree Hill’s luxurious Supersock Merino yarn in both solid and handpainted variegated colorways.
Finished Measurements: Average women’s foot - 8″ [20 cm] foot circumference, Cuff length 7 ¾” [19.69 cm], Foot length 8 ½” [21.59 cm]
Materials: modeled in 1 Skein Wooly Wonka Fibers Merino/Bamboo Blend (60% Merino, 30% Bamboo, 10% Nylon, Fingering/378 yards) or 1 skein Cherry Tree Hill Supersock Merino (100% merino wool, Fingering/420 yards)
Needles: One set of 5 double points, size 2 US [2.75 mm], or size to obtain gauge
Kit includes the Vallisneria pattern (PDF download will be emailed to you after purchase) and one skein of Cherry Tree Hill’s Supersock Merino, choose colorway in Drop Down below.
Meet Jean Clement: In creating Desert Rose Designs in 2005, Jean Clement wanted to provide knitters with one-of-a-kind garments in classic styles, simple yet unique in their construction. When you complete one of her projects, you will be pleased with how well they fit and how often you wear them.
The reason for the superior fit of Desert Rose knitwear lies in Jean’s background; she is an accomplished seamstress and lifelong knitter who has been designing garments for most of her life. Jean therefore understands garment construction on the deepest level imaginable, and she puts great care into everything she makes. For this reason, the Rocky Mountain Trails Association has awarded one of her sweaters to a lucky member annually since 2003.
Jean also helps other knitters, advising them through her participation in the knitting web community Ravelry where she posts under the name Trailsmom. Join Jean’s group, Desert Rose Designs. Consequently she knows what knitters look for in pattern instructions and reflects that in her own patterns, making them among the clearest available online. Jean is always available to answer any questions a knitter might have about one of her designs.
Along with self publishing her designs, Jean has been working with DRG Publications (House of White Birches) to bring you new & interesting patterns. Look for her works in these books!
And to see more of Jean’s beautiful designs visit her website Desert Rose Designs
Wendy Bernard’s
Forever Tweed is a simple top down pullover, the perfect project for an advanced beginner comfortable working on circular needles. Starting with the dramatic cowl neck, the body is worked downward with raglan shaping. A cropped body and extra long sleeves make this basic sweater a little more funky. Don’t want the extra long sleeves, no problem you can knit them any length you desire.
Sizes
36 (39, 42, 46, 50)” bust shown in size 36″ with 2″ positive ease
Yarn Sakel Zitron Bottone Tweed (100% merino; 108 yd [100 m]/50
g): #1105 magenta, 9 (10, 11, 12, 14) balls
Gauge 16 sts and 20 rows = 4″ in St st with smaller needles
Tools Size 10 US (6 mm): 16″ circular (cir) needles, Size 9
(5.5 mm): 16″ and 24″ (or longer) cir needles and set of double-pointed needles, Markers, Large stitch holders or waste yarn and Yarn Needle
This pattern is in the Winter 2008/Spring 2009 issue of Knitscene along with 31 more patterns!
This season you’re all about planning your vacations & staycations and how you can get the most from your knitting time and stash. I bring you a wealth of new patterns just right for warm weather and the knitwear designers have packed a lot of information into each new design giving you opportunities to relax, work through your stash and create more than one look from the same pattern.
In This Issue: The Kindred Knits of Hannah Fettig / Jane Thornley’s Summer Free-Range Knitting / Cardiff Bay Handknits / Vallisneria Socks / Summer Time Lace /
The Kindred Knits of Hannah Fettig
You’re probably familiar with the talented Hannah Fettig and her designs from Interweave Knits, One Skein Wonders & her book Closely Knit: Handmade Gifts for the Ones You Love. This inspiring knitwear artist & author has launched her line of knitwear designs under the label Kindred Knits. Hannah’s creations for women & children are timely but have longevity thanks to their clean, simple lines. Hannah also understands the value of a dollar and the pleasure of creating something by your own hand and she’s made her patterns affordable and include instructions for both child and adult sizes.
Hannah’s charming Featherweight Cardigan is knit in Malabrigo Lace Baby Merino and is perfect for running your daily errands in style. If you’re attending a family reunion this summer, the delightful Yoked Cardigan pattern is written for women, children & infants. Her Summer Tweed Beret is a fun design for mom and baby. And her popular Whisper Cardigan is simple yet sophisticated.
Jane Thornley’s Summer Free-Range Knitting
Jane’s philosophy is simple: beautiful yarn is meant to be explored, played with the way we played with color for the first time as children. Unleash yourself and paint with yarn with Jane’s new book the Summer Free-Range Knitting Guide. It offers three patterns, the Leaflings and Seascape Shrug or Wrap and the Tuscan Rose Scarf. It gives you these guiding designs plus techniques & options to explore knitting as creative self-expression. Each design is open to any yarn, accommodates any size and all samples favor easy, lacy styles perfect for warm weather.
Purchase any 5 of Jane’s patterns and receive a complimentary hank of Cherry Tree Hill’s Sachet Ribbon or purchase any 10 and receive a hank of Cherry Tree Hill’s cotton Ariel. No shipping fees and offer is good in the US and Canada. The purchase of a Book counts as two patterns.
Cardiff Bay Handknits
Just in time for summer Beth Q Beck of Cardiff Bay Handknits brings us 5 cool & easy designs for girls. Sweet Emma is a simple, close fitting knit tank with wide crossed straps in the back fastened by natural shell buttons. The Sienna Crocheted Tee is a quick-to-crochet classic tee. Delightful McKenzie is a perfect cardigan for layering with a tank or cami and features a touch of crochet for the openwork cap sleeves.
The simple but charming Kaylee is a sleeveless A-line tank that knits up quickly while the color and pattern changes keep you interested. And every little girl will adore the Kenzie Handbag, an easy to knit bag with grown-up style.
Cardiff Bay Handknits specializes in beautiful, yet practical knit & crochet designs for women & children that will take you through your busy day in ease. See all designs, Women Garments & Accessories and Children.
Vallisneria Socks
For your upcoming getaway sock projects will travel well, no matter if its across town to the pool or across country to the ocean.
The stitch pattern for Desert Rose Designs’ lovely Vallisneria socks will remind you of sea grasses gently swaying in the surf. From cuff to toe your stitches flow smoothly in Cherry Tree Hill’s Supersock Merino yarn.
In the middle of the Atlantic two powerful currents merge, whirling in an unending dance. At the center is a place shrouded in mystery, the Sargasso Sea. Inspired Cindyknits wrote the sock pattern, Sargasso Sea. The Kit includes the Pattern, Ball & Skeins’ Supersock yarn & a Seashell Stitch Marker.
And give cables a try with Gardiner Yarn Works’ Wavelet Socks, worked in Cherry Tree Hill Supersock Merino from the toe-up on either double points or two circulars. Cherry Tree Hill’s Supersock Merino is 25% Off.
Visit my Sock Kits to see more Kits in Schaefer’s Lola & Heather and Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Worsted.
Summer Lace
Summer is also the ideal time to while away the hours working on light and airy lace and this season’s best designs are classic shawls, capelets and the lace vest. Through The Loops Designs two new shawl patterns are lovely and knit with reasonably priced yarns. Ulmus is knit with Malabrigo Sock and Jeanne is knit with one skein of the Schaefer Yarn Company’s Anne.
Lorna’s Laces’ Paw Print Shawl & Scarf was designed to be knit in the exquisite Helen’s Lace and is two patterns in one. And Goddess Knits takes design cues from Celtic lore and brings us two new creations, Samhain and Persephone.
Or try a lace capelet with Ilga Leja’s new In The Garden. And this summer Ilga brings us two lace vest creations, Portside, a long tunic style and In The Courtyard. Join us in my Ravelry group Sandrasingh.com for Ilga’s In The Courtyard KAL.
Go Green
As I grow my Go Green pattern collection I expand my knowledge of how to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle and I hope you do too. Please share these environmentally friendly ideas, the Schaefer Yarn Company’s Ashlee Market Bags, pattern is free with the purchase of an in stock colorway of the cotton yarn Laurel. And the Fickleknitter’s Go Green Collection featuring patterns for the Reusable Produce Bag, Paper Towel and Swifter Cover.
Thank you very much for taking a moment to share my June News. By emailing you my Newsletter I reduce my carbon footprint. I also format my Newsletter myself, saving money & allowing me to keep my costs low so I can pass the savings on to you. Please use this Coupon Code: june01 for 10% Off your next Yarn order, offer not valid for La Lana Wools products and cannot be combined with other sales.
My Newsletters are also published on my Website and in my Ravelry group, Sandrasingh.com
Do you Twitter? If so follow me, sandrasinghcom
Happy Knitting & Crocheting,
Sandra Singh
Lately I’ve not had any time to blog about my own knitting & travel adventures, I’ve been consumed with my website’s 4 Year Anniversary. Since mid January I’ve been dividing my life between Austin, TX and New York City. As if this hasn’t made me busy enough I spent a week in Chicago, back in April with family & friends celebrating my mom’s 80th birthday.
Since landing in NYC I’ve had 3 visitors already. First my fabulous sister, Karen Jack, who is the textile artist extraordinaire behind KarenJackDesigns.com in Toronto, Ontario.
We had a ball trying to get into museums, which were all closed
on the days we went, so we hit all the museum shops instead which were open, interesting how they do this. Did I say shop, our first day we went to an art exhibit/sale of Pre Columbian Art & Textiles. Many of the artifacts should have been in museums. There were amazing rhino hide shields from Africa, gorgeous textiles from Japan, India and other exotic locales and my favorite the carved wooden boxes and totem poles of the Pacific Northwest Native American tribes. Unfortunately the exquisite Japanese wooden door with the carved lion sculpture sold before I could make an offer. My sister scored though with some beautiful hand crafted sterling silver jewelry from an artist in Thailand.
And every day there after we found a reason to visit Soho, China Town and the East Village all related to specific shops. My sister paid her first visit to ABC and was as overwhelmed and impressed as I knew she would be. Sadly our trip John Derian’s store was a bust, he too is closed on Monday, I don’t know why, its not like he can go visit a museum!
We also visited the UN, here my sister and I told the General Assembly what’s what!
And my sister got to listen to the translator speak Canadian.
I was sad to see my sister leave.
One funny thing about visitors though, as they plan their list of “I’ve just got to do this,” they inevitabley look at us and say, “So what have you been doing since you got here?”…”Well yesterday we went to Duane Reade to get some toilet paper.” This never seems to interest our guests.
And yesterday I had my third, very special visitor, the fiery redhead and sock knitter Sharon from Houston, TX. One of the cool things about running a website is I meet people from literally around the globe. We chat on Ravelry, email a lot and if I’m lucky I speak with them by phone. Sharon who I’ve known only by phone for the last four years, told me she was going to be in NYC this week and wanted to get together for a Yarn Shop Crawl. What a great idea, I’m in! So I finally got to get out of my apartment, away from work and my computer and go look at yarn, thank you Sharon.
We met at the delightfully small Purl Soho at 137 Sullivan St where I got to fondle the new bamboo & silk yarn Pearl by Lorna’s Laces. One of the enthusiastic shop girls was using it to knit Clapotis and I was impressed with how this yarn knit up. I thought the bamboo would stretch but it had a lovely drape and was soft. We stopped by their sister shop Purl Patchwork which sells quilting supplies, but neither Sharon or I quilt so that was brief. We wanted to hit the Point, but it had recently closed.
Sharon at downtown yarns.
So we hopped in a cab and headed over to Ave A between 3rd & 4th to visit downtown yarns, small but pleasant. And I was impressed to see a few knitters gathered for an impromptu sit-n-knit on a weekday. And the owner invited me to stop by any time with my knitting and she would be happy to help me with it.
Me at downtown yarns, owner in background on right.
I had an interesting revelation about myself, I’m NOT a solitary knitter. At each of these shops I asked about day time classes, like my day time classes back home in Austin at Hill Country Weavers, not only does HCW have day time classes but on three different days at two different times. And I know everyone and miss everyone.
I digress…next Sharon and I stopped for a brief lunch and to get the correct address for our next shop, Seaport Yarn.
It was back in a cab and a winding ride through China Town and past the Brooklyn Bridge to Seaport at 181 Broadway. Apparently since Seaport’s move from William St to this new location 13 months ago, there has been some misinformation floating around the web about their actual address. But we persisted and found them, along with the delightful owner Andrea.
Andrea & I at Seaport Yarn.
This shop was more like I’m accustom to by Texas size standards, it was fairly large. But alas it too only had Saturday classes.
It was after this that Sharon had to head back to her family in Brooklyn. We sadly said our goodbyes and she jumped in a cab and I on the 6 and headed home. As for me, well its nose back to the grindstone time, I’ve got to get as much work done as possible because early July I get three more, very lively house guests, my brother from Dallas with his boys 9 year old Charlie and 5 year old Justin.
Yes its that time again, my fifth Ravelry Projects & Stash Drawing! Three lucky winners will receive a Schaefer Yarn Company Sock pattern of their choice. Entries may be submitted June 1-30, 2009 and winners will be contacted via Ravelry and will be announced during the first week of July. Submissions are Not Judged, winners will be drawn randomly. Rules & How to enter. 2) In your Ravelry Notebook enter either… 3) On the Sandrasingh.com group, under this thread ”Ravelry Projects & Stash Drawing V” Your entry you may include more than one project or yarn. You may enter as many times as you like. If you have entered or won before you may enter again with a new project or yarn. Only one prize per person.
1) Log onto Ravelry and join the Sandrasingh.com group
a) PROJECTS, enter a finished project or a work in progress created with Yarn or a Pattern (or both) purchased from Sandrasingh.com. Upload a photo and you must link to Sandrasingh.com under Purchased At, OR
b) STASH, enter yarn purchased from Sandrasingh.com. Upload a photo and you must link to Sandrasingh.com under Purchased At
c) Share entry with the Sandrasingh.com Group
a) Describe your Projects or Stash entry
b) Include a link to that page in your Notebook
c) Post a picture of your work
And Now…Drum Roll Please…We have a Winner….Georgi from Littleton, CO. Georgi blogs at ToknitandWrite stop by and tell her Congratulations!
I had fun with this and judging from the comments a lot of other people did too, and since we’re all in the Sock frame of mind I thought, why should the fun stop? It’s time for another of my Ravelry Projects & Stash Drawings in my Rav group, Sandrasingh.com
Winners are drawn randomly and three lucky winners will receive a Schaefer Yarn Company Sock Pattern of their choice!
This Drawing will run from June 1-30, please visit my Rav group for details.
Malabrigo Sock is 100% superwash merino wool kettled dyed in Malabrigo’s famous rich colorway. This fingering weight yarn has 440 yards per hank and is perfect for knitting up a pair of machine washable socks or a shawl or scarf.
And don’t forget, for the month of May as part of my 4 Year Celebration all yarn orders in the US and Canada will get FREE SHIPPING. Use the Coupon Code: freeship during checkout. Offer not good for La Lana Wools’ products or only the purchase of patterns sold as PDF downloads.
Since this is my 4 YR Anni there are 4 ways to Enter, this Drawing is also being run on Darcy the Knotty Knitters blog, please only enter on one blog:
1. Visit Sandrasingh.com than leave me a comment on my blog saying what you liked about my site.
2. Blog about and link back to this Drawing and leave a comment on my blog saying you did.
3. Join Sandrasingh.com’s Ravelry group, introduce yourself and come back to my blog and leave a comment saying you did.
4. Add Sandrasingh.com’s Button & Link to your blog’s sidebar and leave a comment and link on my blog saying you have and you’re entered 4 times!
Good luck, deadline is May 28, 2009 at Midnight.
We’re into week three of my 4 Year Anniversary Party, this week we celebrate with Jane Thornley’s Shell Dance Capelet.
Shell Dance Capelet
Drape Jane’s luxurious capelet over your shoulders and set off on a leisurely stroll along the beach. If you’ve ever been captivated by the soft, undulating colors inside a seashell you’ll understand the inspiration for Jane’s design. Like many of Jane’s projects this is a great stash buster, mix beautiful handpainted yarns of different weights for a glorious effect. And add a ribbon, Cherry Tree Hill’s Sachet or
Baby Sachet for just the right touch of shine and texture.
Special Offer buy any 5 of Jane’s patterns and receive a hank of Cherry Tree Hill Sachet or Baby Sachet for FREE! While supplies last, color and ribbon will be selected for you, no shipping fees.
Jane is always inspired by the natural beauty that surrounds her in her native Nova Scotia and has introduced a new design for Spring/Summer 09 that was also inspired by a seashell, the Paua Shell Topper. To see all of
Jane’s designs visit my website.
Paua Shell Topper
And don’t forget, Free Shipping in the US & Canada for all of May, use Coupon Code: freeship during checkout. NOTE: Please do not use the code for La Lana Wools’ products or patterns sold as PDFs.
FYI if you didn’t get the two Free Ilga Leja patterns from last week please email and THANK YOU for celebrating with me.
Garden Babies book features all five of her delightful garden inspired
baby blankets, the Strawberry, Butterfly, Watermelon,
Pumpkin Patch and Flower. Dawn tells how she was inspired to
design these blankets…”One day I saw a flower quilt and thought, how adorable!
Then I wondered if I could knit a flower. A large flower! That thought led
to the Flower Baby Blanket, which was just the beginning. Immediately, I made a list of flowers, vegetables, fruit and other flora and fauna which could become fun, whimsical baby blankets to knit for one’s own little ones or to give as shower gifts.”
The blankets are knit in Cascade Yarns Eco+ and worked with doubled strands of yarn, so all the projects are quick to make. These designs are certainly useful as blankets, but they can also be used to add colorful art to the nursery as wall hangings.
The book is 37 pages in length, full-color, with 5 blanket designs, in text and charts.
This book, like all of
Dawn Brocco’s Patterns, is sold as a PDF download and will be emailed to you after purchase with no shipping fees.
My 4 Year Anniversary Party continues with two free patterns from the exquisite Ilga Leja!
Wrap your neck in pure luxury with Ilga’s Beech Wood cowl and stylish Opera Necklace.
Beech Wood is worked in the round in a sport or DK weight yarn, the Schaefer Yarn Company’s alpaca yarn Judith would be ideal. This little cowl is a quick knit and the perfect accessory.
The Opera Necklace is an easy way to dress up the plainest garment in time for summer. Knit as an I-Cord in a fingering weight yarn and decorated with knots and applied pearls, it would look spectacular in Cherry Tree Hill’s Supersock Merino.
Ilga resides in Halifax, Nova Scotia and as you can see from her design collections she loves to work with patterns and color. Her designs reflect her interests whether its handpainted yarns, lace or experimenting with textures Ilga is always creating timeless garments that will give you years of pleasure.
For this Spring & Summer season Ilga has added to her City Collection. Lace knitters will rejoice with her new In The Courtyard and Portside vests, the Summer in the City poncho and In the Garden capelet. Visit my site to see all of Ilga Leja’s Collections.
And Free Shipping for the US & Canada continues, use Coupon Code: freeship during checkout. NOTE: Please do not use the code for La Lana Wools’ products or only patterns sold as PDFs.
Thank you for celebrating with me, Sandra Singh
If you’re not on my Newsletter list please send your email, sandrasingh@sandrasingh.com
An Updated Classic Favorite: The Summer Cardigan
A light weight, cotton cardigan is always a Spring & Summer time favorite. The simple lace pattern, open front and 3/4 length sleeves of the Laurel Seamless Cardigan Sweater, designed by Laura L’Esperance, make this cardi just right for cool spring or summer evenings. Knit in the round with minimal finishing.
Slip it on over a tank or cami and have instant style. It was designed to be knit with only 3 skeins of Schaefer’s 100% mercerized pima cotton Laurel.
Women’s Sizes: 32-34(36-38, 40-42)
Finished Bust Measurement: 36(40, 44)”
Knitting Needles: size 6 US (4mm) 29″ and 16″ circulars and a set of double points or size needed for gauge
Size G (4mm) Crochet Hook
Gauge: 20 sts/28 rows = 4″
Notions: 1 button
This pattern, like all of Schaefer’s Patterns, is sold as a PDF file and the file will be emailed to you after purchase with no shipping fees.
May 2009 marks Sandrasingh.com’s fourth year on the world wide web and this year its all about You. I appreciate all your support
and for making Sandrasingh.com a huge success. And since we’re
literally spread out across the globe I’m hosting an online party:
Celebrate from Head to Toe with Sandrasingh.com.
May Each week in May instead of sending my Newsletter and Sales Announcements I’m emailing you a gift, a Free Pattern from one of your Favorite Knitwear Designers. If you’re not signed up to receive my Newsletter email me, sandraingh@sandrasingh.com
Let’s get this party started with Through The Loops Designs’ Throop!
Kristen Kapur’s, whimsical, top down earflap hat Throop is
the perfect unisex design that allows you to explore color. Its
knit in Malabrigo Yarns’
Chunky yarn, which is currently 15% Off along with my entire line of Malabrigo Yarn.
Kristen Kapur of Through The Loops Designs generously donated this
pattern to help celebrate. Kristen’s designs often feature
stranded colorwork and playful shapes, her garments and accessories
for men, women and children are fun and colorful. Through the
Loops Designs is especially known Hats and Socks, to see all of Through the Loops Designs visit my site.
FREE SHIPPING for any order in the US and Canada, Yarn,
Paper Patterns, Knitting Magazines, Books, Knitting Needles & Crochet Hooks, is also a part of my month long celebration! Enter Coupon Code: freeship during checkout and you’ll instantly be credited the $6.99 shipping fee.
NOTE: Please don’t use this coupon code for the purchase of La Lana Wools’ yarn or kits and for only PDF patterns, there is never a shipping charge for patterns sold as PDF downloads.
And thank you for celebrating with me.
Hello Yarn Dash Players! Did you just play the last Yarn Dash? The Gift Pattern was from me, Sandrasingh.com, The Schaefer Yarn Company’s Rose Trellis Shawl. This beautiful shawl is knit in Schaefer’s 100% cultivated silk lace weight yarn Andrea.
Each generous hank is over 1,000 yards. I’m more than happy to order any colorway you need, order online, call or email.
And make sure you play Yarn Dash again in June, that’s when my website will be participating.
In the meantime stop by my site and browse. Email or call, I’m always happy to help with any of your fiber arts’ needs.
And if you’re on Ravelry make sure to visit my group, Sandrasingh.com we’d love to hear from you.
Enjoy this new pattern from Dawn Brocco! Dawn’s ladies’ Houndstooth Mittens come in tons of options: 2 weights of yarn, 2 and 3 color Houndstooth patterning, up to 3 sizes, and 2 thumb styles. They are sampled in Cascade Yarns’ 220 Wool and 128 Solids and Tweeds. Make a fun pair of mittens for yourself or for a gift!
Sizes: Worsted: S / M / L (Chunky: S-M / M-L)
Finished Measurements Mitten Length: 10 / 11 / 12 (11 / 12)”
Length Wrist to Fingertip: 6.5 / 7.5 / 8.5 (7.5 / 8.5)”
Hand Circ.: 6.66 / 7.33 / 8 (7.5 / 8.5)”
Yarn:
Worsted wt. - 2 colors: Cascade Yarns Cascade 220, approx 220yds / 100 g hank, 1 hank each: #9404 Rich Red and #8622 Camel
Worsted wt. - 3 colors: Cascade Yarns Cascade 220, 1 hank each: #7803 Magenta , #8393 Navy and #8010 Natural
Chunky wt. - 2 colors: Cascade Yarns 128 Chunky Tweed, 90% Peruvian Highland wool / 10% Donegal, approx 128 yd / 100 g hank, 1 hank #7625 Tan and Cascade Yarns 128 Chunky Solid, approx. 128 yards / 100 g hank, 1 hank #7628 Natural
Chunky wt. - 3 colors: 128 Chunky Solid, 1 hank each: #9469 Hot Pink, #8559 Tangerine, and #8910 Citron
Needle Sizes Sizes 5 (3.75 mm), 6 (4 mm) and 7 (4.5 mm) for Worsted wt. mittens. Sizes 7 (4.5 mm), 8 (5 mm) and 9 (5.5 mm) for Chunky wt. mittens
Gauge: 24 sts and 24 rnds (19 sts and 19 rnds) = 4Ó over patt with size 7 (9) ndls or size to give gauge.
Substitute Yarn Weight: worsted (chunky)
Skill Level: Intermediate
This pattern, like all of Dawn Brocco’s patterns, is sold as a PDF file and the file will be emailed to you after purchase.
Bring home a little piece of the farm home with Freshstitches’ Brian the Rooster. The good thing about Brian, he won’t wake you up in the morning!
Or with Jackie the Cow. Jackie measures about 8″ long when complete.
Skill Level: All three of these projects are Easy, projects using yarn with basic stitches, repetitive stitch patterns, simple color changes and simple shaping and finishing.
All of Freshstitches’ patterns are sold as PDF filesa and will be emailed to you after purchase with no shipping fees.
Sophisticated knits with clean lines and exquisite details usually make knitters think, “Uh oh, complicated!” But Lia Knits has proudly put an end to this knitting myth with her line of cool, classic and polished knitwear designs for women and children.
Her styles are sophisticated yet fun, attention is paid to details that make fit look tailored and with a few simple yarn changes many of her children’s outfits can be for baby boys or girls. So be inspired to pick up your needles and create wearable, unique outfits and accessories for you and your family.
Meet Lia Moya of Lia Knits: Lia Moya grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, and now lives in Madrid, Spain, surrounded by an extended family which she single handedly has made knit again after many years of hiatus.
Lia Knits was created in 2006 and aims to offer contemporary knitting patterns for kids and adults that have clean lines, easy construction but little design features that give a twist to the pattern.
We hope you enjoy knitting these patterns and everyone loves wearing them. If you need pattern support, please feel free to contact Lia at patternsupport@liaknits.com.
Enjoy Lia Knits’ Designs.
Women: Start the Olalla swing coat this Spring, finish it up over the Summer and be ready for the compliments this Fall.
Accessories: Dress up any outfit with the beautiful Dalia flower brooch, a perfect beginner flower pattern.
Long and colorful the Coco Scarf will keep your neck & spirits warm on the dullest days of winter.
Keep your hands warm with the long, moss stitched Cornelia mittens.
Whimsical Leonora, a pear shaped hat & scarf set, will be adored by kids, tweens, teens and can even be pulled off by a trendy adult!
Children: The polished Nora jacket is just right for layering over a special party dress or for wearing to a casual play date.
And a pullover is always right for school or the weekend, Alvaro is a basic ribbed design with an interesting stitch pattern.
And Leo is adorned with buttons and stripes.
All of Lia Knits’ patterns are sold as PDF downloads and will be emailed to you after purchase with no shipping fees.
Dawn Brocco’s striking Sweet Heart Baby Blanket is knit in Cascade 220
wool yarn. The center panel is knit in the round in 2 or 3 colors with
a steek, or knit back and forth - your choice. The depth of color interest comes from duplicate stitching 2 of the colors throughout the piece. Garter stitch edges frame the heart graphic.
It’s not a quick project, but the result is worth it, and a lovely heirloom for that very special baby!
Size: approx. 30″ wide x 40″ long
Yarns: blanket: Cascade Yarn 220 Wool, 100% Peruvian wool, approx. 220 yards/100 gram hank: 4 hanks #7803 Magenta (A), 2
hanks #9478 Cotton Candy (B), 2 hanks #4147B Lemon Yellow (C), and 2 hanks #8010 Natural (D)
swatch 2 (below - boys’ colors): Natural #8010, Yellow #4147, Turquoise #9468, and Navy #8393
Gauge: 21 sts and 23 rows = 4″ (10 cm) over colorwork pattern
with size 8 needles or size to give gauge.
Substitute Yarn Weight: worsted
Skill Level: Intermediate
This pattern, like all of Dawn Brocco’s patterns, is
sold as a PDF file and the file will be emailed to you after purchase.
Cardiff Bay Handknits’ designer Beth Q. Beck brings us this delightful cardigan for little girls, the McKenzie. McKenzie is a perfect Spring cardigan for layering with a tank or cami. Knit in softest cotton/acrylic yarn, it features contrasting color at the hem, and a touch of crochet for the openwork cap sleeves.
Finished Chest Measurements: 28 (29, 30, 31)”
Yarn: 4 (4, 5, 5) Plymouth Jeannee (worsted, 110 yards, 51% cotton & 49% acrylic) and 1 Plymouth Linen Isle (worsted, 106 yards, 50% cotton, 30% rayon & 20% linen)
Knitting Needles: size 8 US (5mm), size H Crochet Hook and Yarn Needle
Buttons: 4 natural shell 5/8″ for small sizes and 7/8″ for larger sizes
All of Cardiff Bay Handknits’ patterns are sold as PDF Downloads that are emailed to you after purchase with no shipping charges.
The flattering Zickzack Tunic by Melissa Wherle of Neoknits is comforatble without much cling. The zigzag lace pattern and ribbing along the hem accommodate many body types.
Finished
Size 33½ (36½, 39, 42, 45, 47½)” bust circumference. Tunic shown
measures 36½”, modeled with about 2½” positive ease.
Yarn Fiber Trends Naturally Dawn (50% wool, 50% silk; 171 yd
[156 m]/25 g): #09 blue midnight, 9 (10, 11, 12, 1