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I saw my first Texas sized Rattlesnake last night, early evening. It was still bright enough for me to see him. I was walking on the East side of your property, luckily looking down the whole time to avoid sticker bushes and wearing flip flops no less (I’ll never make that mistake again) when out of the corner of my eye I spy this huge, long brown and black patterned Snake! He sees me, or senses me, I see him and turn tail fast and began RUNNING! I shouted “Rattlesnake!” just as he, or she, began to make the ominous rattle with it’s tail. My DH who was about 30 feet away with the dog heard the rattle too.
LESSONS LEARNED: Never wear flip flops in the grass. Find out where the closest hospital is!
With a little investigation on Google we have learned that this part of the yard is probably this snakes territory. They roam about 140 feet for hunting. Lucky us!
The season changes sending gold-charged light through the trees. Leaves ripen burnished on the branches as cool chills the air. Celebrate the change with the Four Winds Wrap by Jane Thornley, a big, luxurious piece of wearable art to knit on large needles with lots of lustrous yarn in shades of luminous orange and toasted reds. One end sports a single big leaf dangling from an i-cord from which bands of drop stitch and seed gradually widen into a central long leaf motif in simple intarsia. Moving from the leaf motif to the other end, the wrap slowly tapers to a straight edge from which a trio of beaded leaves fall.
Sound complicated? Make it as complex or easy as you want, as big or small as you desire. Skip the leaves and tie on beribboned streamers or bypass the intarsia motif in favour of garter or continued drop and seed. In free-range knitting, the spirit moves you and every created item is one of a kind. THERE SIMPLY IS NO WRONG WAY.
Stitches used: seed, garter, drop, yarn over, i-cord and slip stitch (for the 3-dimensional leaves). The drop stitches create an open, flowing wrap with a lovely drape.
Remember that knitting free-range style requires a different approach than regular, pattern-driven knitting. Here, it’s necessary to release your expectations of achieving an outcome EXACTLY LIKE THE ORIGINAL. Free range knitting is about following your own knitting spirit and letting go. Make your creation uniquely your own (with a little help from Jane along the way), using a process as loose and flowing as the wind itself.
A PDF File will be emailed to you after purchase.
See for yourself their awesome selection of 21 new & FREE sweater, sock, hat and accessory patterns! Yes, I run this website but I’m all for FREE. Just part of who I am.
I think I’m going to do Mr. Greenjeans, which is knit in none other than Schaefer’s 100% Merino Wool, worsted weight yarn, Miss Priss. Which is now On Sale for only $18.00 a hank.
3[3, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5] balls Schaefer Miss Priss.
Miss Priss in Greenjeans
And a fun quick knit project and lovely gift, is the Foliage Hat, shown in Java Red, and knit with 1 skein of Malabrigo Merino Worsted, 100% Merino Wool yarn in a worsted weight. Which is also On Sale!
Have a ball exploring this season’s issue!
Knitting a Sweater is a big investment, it takes us time to find a flattering pattern and often even more time to select the perfect yarn in the perfect shade! And unlike a scarf or handbag where your major concerns are length and width, a Sweater requires actual thought about your real body parts! Fit is key, whether its for you or a loved one, a poor fit, no matter how soft the yarn or perfect the color, means all of your hard work is destined for dreaded ”Back of the Closet!”
With a little fore thought patterns can be altered and accommodations and improvements made while knitting. My dear friend Pat Feeley of High Country Knitwear has this sound advice and has put together a resource guide to help get the perfect Fit for all body types. So start thinking about your measurements, bust, waist, hips, girth, arm length etc and what flatters your assets the most.
Information on choosing a size, and altering to fit, for sweater patterns:
When choosing a size from a commercial pattern, measure first.
The size you chose should be the measurement of: Your bra band measurement + 2”/5 cm + the ease the pattern calls for. If you have a bra cup size larger than B, prepare alter the bust area with short-row shaping (about a vertical inch per cup size above B) to obtain a proper fit.
Measuring: http://fitcentral.blogspot.com/
Jenna Wilson for Knitty.com—all on fitting
Thinking Beyond the Pattern: Knit Smarter, Not Faster.
http://www.knitty.com/issuespring04/FEATspr04TBP.html
But will it fit…?
http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEspring05/FEATspr05TBP.html
First amendments: altering length in a knitting pattern
http://knitty.com/ISSUEspring06/FEATspr06TBP.html
First amendments continued: altering length in a knitting pattern
http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEfall06/FEATfall06TBP.html
The second dimension: adjusting knitting patterns for width
http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEsummer07/FEATsum07TBP.html
Ravellings on the knitted sleeve — Part I
http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEfall04/FEATfall04TBP.html
Ravellings on the knitted sleeve
Part II - Creating a set-in sleeve for a sleeveless body
http://knitty.com/ISSUEwinter04/FEATwin04TBP.html
Ravellings on the knitted sleeve
Part III - Set-in sleeves by the numbers
http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter05/FEATwin05TBP.html
Bonnie Marie Burns
On short-row shaping for the bust
http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEsummer03/FEATbonnetric.html
Resources for larger knitters:
http://www.ample-knitters.com/resources.html
This includes a recommendation of Amy Singer’s and Jillian Moreno’s Big Girl Knits, which is frank and accurate.
Goddess Knits has brought us two new Shawl patterns in time for fall. First her Sweetheart Shawl which is knit from the bottom up and has a simple repeat that can be worked as many times as desired to make the shawl as small or as large as you want. Finished size: 74″ x 41″
Requirements:
- 1 skein (490yds, 50gr) Louet Kid Mohair
- Size 7 (4.5mm) circular needles
- Stitch markers
And her Etain Shawl which was inspired by the Goddess of this namesake, who celebrates transformation and beauty. With changes in color as well as changes in stitch patterns, it is a great project for using leftover yarn that you are sure to have in your stash! Finished size: 84″ diameter
Requirements:
-
7oz (approx 2200yds) JaggerSpun Zephyr, total of all colors
-
Size 6 (4mm) 16″ and 24″ circular needles and double point needles
-
Stitch markers
Both are sold as instant PDF Downloads.
Over the last few months I’ve added the patterns of many talented Indie Knitwear Designers to the site and September brings two more. Please give a warm welcome to the classic Christmas Stocking designs of Annie’s Woolens and mitten & sock patterns from Madelinetosh. And 3 of your favorite designers have brought us new patterns for Fall, Gardiner Yarn Works, Dawn Brocco & Stitch Diva. Its also Back to School time, the crisp weather of Fall & Football season is just around the corner and Holiday Knitting! But you’ll be ready for it all with new Fall styles, worsted & lace weight yarns, gift ideas & knitting accessories from Vogue Knitting, Jordana Paige, Berroco, Karabella, Louet, Margaret Stove, Lorna’s Laces, Kookaburra, Clover Takumi and Cherry Tree Hill.
In This Issue: Christmas Stockings from Annie’s Woolens / Mitten & Sock Patterns From Madelinetosh / Gardiner Yarn Works / Cup Of Tea? / Trapeze Jacket / Celebrate 25 Years of Vogue Knitting International / New Berroco Yarns & Patterns / Luscious Angora / Louet Gems / Margaret Stove Gossamer Lace / Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Bulky / Kukaburra Woolwash / Clover Stitch Markers / Technocolor Dreams / Sweet Yarn Deals! /
Christmas Stockings from Annie’s Woolens
Get an enjoyable head start on the holidays with Annie’s Woolens’ Christmas Stockings, they’ll add an old-fashioned charm to your home for the holidays. Her 11 delightful designs, the Ragg, Peace, Joy, Love, Holly, Evergreen, Moose, Snowman, Bear, Angel & Cabin, will be cherished and look wonderful trimming your mantel or tree. Available as Patterns & Kits and each includes an Alphabet Chart to personalize your stocking.
Mitten & Sock Patterns From Madelinetosh
Be set for the cooler weather with Madelinetosh’s new Mitten patterns, Simply Mittens and the fingerless Daisy Mitts and her latest Sock ideas, Dimpled, Elves & Elms and Slippery. All designed to be knit in her soft, handpainted yarn Madelinetosh Sock.
Gardiner Yarn Works
Gardiner Yarn Works is also offering warm and cozy mittens, their Hearts & Snowflake Mitten & Hat set will have your little ones set for their next snowball fight. And their new Mix-And-Match Toe-Up Sock pattern will teach you how to knit socks from the toe-up. Need a luxurious, yet practical quick knit gift for the Holiday season, the Spa Cloth Set features coordinating his and her wash cloths. And wrap yourself in luxury with their new Feather Lace Shawl.
Cup Of Tea?
Dawn Brocco also has a quick and thoughtful gift idea, she brings us the novel Citrus Tea Cozies for our next pot of tea. Inspired by her own tea-drinking habits, many tea drinkers put a slice of lemon in their tea, but she prefers orange juice. So she thought, why not make tea cozies to represent these citrus fruit we love! Hence, the lemon, orange, and lime slice cozies were designed, knit them a little larger than desired and felt.
Trapeze Jacket
Jordana Paige’s Trapeze Jacket is a versatile “IT” jacket for a modern wardrobe, it puts a fresh, knitted twist on classic “Jackie-O” styling. Sweet yet sexy, it is the perfect attire for stylish layering in any season. Pick your sleeve length, then knit this no-hassle jacket from the top down using a try-on-as-you-go technique. Finish off by finding a unique brooch to accent the neck closure and you will make this sophisticated little jacket your own.
Celebrate 25 Years of Vogue Knitting International
For 25 years, Vogue Knitting has delivered topnotch needlework technique and high-end fashion to hand knitters around the globe. This Special Collectors Anniversary Issue celebrates with 70 patterns, designer exclusives, the best knitwear from the industry’s top talents and expert advice. Fashion designs in outerwear, cardigans, pullovers, jackets & pants, dresses, skirts, wraps, scarves, hats, mittens & gloves and bags you’ll enjoy now and for many seasons to come.
New Berroco Yarns & Patterns
Getting your family ready for Fall & Winter is always easy with Berroco. For your next worsted weight project try their easy care yarn Comfort, a 50/50 blend of Super Fine Acrylic and Super Fine Nylon, spun into a luxury twist, with easy machine wash care and allergy free. Berroco has also added two new 100% fine merino wool yarns to their fall line up, Pure Merino Nuance, a worsted weight available in 5 complimentary shades dyed in a chiaroscuro effect. Its shrink resistant and machine washable. And Jasper, a 100% Fine Merino Wool roving yarn spun from pre-dyed tops and engineered to create a unique self-stripping effect when knit.
Their newest pattern booklet, 269 The Family Comfort Zone celebrates your loved ones with 17 big and small projects from pullovers, cardigans, a purse, afghans and more for everyone on your list.
Luscious Angora
Karabella yarns has introduced a new Angora yarn, Chloe. Chloe is a super soft blend of 20% Angora, 30% Cotton, 30% Viscose and 20% Polymide available in 14 beautiful solid colors. And if you’re searching for a hand painted angora you’ll enjoy working with Lorna’s Laces Angel, a blend of 70% Angora and 30% Lambswool hand painted in Lorna’s multi and nearly solid colorways.
Louet Gems
Using the custom spun Louet Gems superwash merino yarn, Cherry Tree Hill’s owner Cheryl Potter brings her signature colors to another great sock yarn! Louet Gems is a worsted spun with a tight twist to minimize pilling while maintaining a high elasticity. Its steamed for the softest touch. This combination allows for excellent stitch definition. It works up sensationally in all of your fingering weight knit and crochet projects, socks and lace and so snuggly soft you’ll want to do baby projects too.
Margaret Stove’s new Gossamer Lace Merino is a silky soft 16 micron range quality Merino wool that has been spun as a worsted 2 fold yarn. Each skein is wound by hand and 4 skeins is all you need to knit a traditional heirloom shawl which will pull through a wedding ring. And of course I have Margaret’s Artisan Lace in over 19 beautiful solid and handpainted colors!
Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Bulky
If you’re searching for a terrific hand dyed, super soft yarn 100% wool yarn that is machine washable, for your next sweater project look no further! Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Bulky is the right yarn. You’ll love its feel, incredibly soft, and its a sheer joy to work with. The gauge is very popular in patterns and it can be easily substituted.
Kukaburra Woolwash
I now carry 16 ounce bottles of Kookaburra’s Woolwash which is recommended for all fine fabrics as well as woolens. It was originally developed for sheepskin and woolen products, but has proved to be great for laundering bed linen, babies’ items and clothing for asthma sufferers where dust mites are a critical matter. A gentle cleanser and conditioner, it contains no harmful detergents, phosphates or enzymes and is totally biodegradable. I also carry their Power, Delicate and Scour washes.
Clover Stitch Holders & Markers
Clover Stitch Holders & Markers are a must have for your knitting bag! Jumbo Stitch Holders are handy & come in two sizes, 7.5″ & 6″. Jumbo Stitch Markers come in two sizes also and fit needle sizes US 11-35. Split Ring Markers make marking stitches for increasing and decreasing a breeze and can easily be removed mid project. And Stitch Ring Markers come in two different colors and sizes, 10 small and 20 large, perfect for marking beginning and end of stitches.
Technocolor Dreams
With all the beautiful hand dyed sock yarns to choose from its no wonder you’re feeling inspired to create your own special multi and nearly solid colors. And now with a little help from hand painter extraordinaire Cheryl Potter of Cherry Tree Hill you can dream in Technicolor! Each of her Dye Kits are packaged with Instructions and 6 Pro MX Dyes (10 grams each) in Mixing Red, Mixing Blue, Leaf Green, Reddish Purple, Sun Yellow and Cotton Black. And the wetting agents and acid you need, a 57 gram bottle of Citric Acid Activator and a half ounce of Synthrapol. Designed to be used with Cherry Tree Hill’s Supersock, Supersock DK or Sockittome yarn, sold separately.
Sweet Yarn Deals!
Pick up some of your favorite yarns at 50-15% Off! Visit my Close Out Yarn or Specials sections to see what’s On Sale or Click on your favorite below.