Volteado: In Color

All photos courtesy of Tanis Lavallee / Tanis Fiber Arts

If you're planning to knit Volteado, I bet you're excited to pick your colors--that's half the fun, isn't it? Imagining all the possible combinations and how they'll look together. Deciding and then changing your mind, and then changing it again until you finally settle on the perfect color combo.

Or maybe not. Maybe choosing colors stresses you out. So much room for error. What if your chosen colors don't work well together--there's not enough contrast or one makes the other look washed out? Too much pressure!

The yarn used in my sample socks comes from Tanis Fiber Arts. Tanis has some of the most gorgeous and unique colorways I've seen, and I can't seem to stop myself from placing a couple orders each year--even though I have to pay for shipping from Canada! It's totally worth it.

No one knows these colors better than Tanis herself, so I asked her if she could suggest some color combos for Volteado, for the color-averse among us. Here are a few of her ideas:

Oh, I love this one. I ogle Lucky Penny every time I'm on her site, trying to decide what I would do with it. I already have a skein of Gold. I might have to just go ahead and grab Lucky Penny and make myself a second pair of socks.

So bright! So fruity! Lemongrass looks fresh and clean, and Grape would be a gorgeous complement.

Another one I LOVE! I also have a skein of Iris. I'd love to see how it would work in these socks.

A more muted palette, I love this combo of blues. This might work for a masculine take on the sock, too (the larger size could work for a gentleman whose feet aren't exceptionally big; you might also try playing with the gauge to make a larger size.).

And for fun, here are two combos I considered when planning my socks:

 Very autumnal and cozy looking.

And in contrast, very bright and spring-y!

Tanis also pointed out that Charcoal, Chris Grey, Natural and Sand are neutrals, so they work with pretty much every color--if you're just dipping your toe into color mixing, you might choose one of these for your contrast color, to make the decision a little less intimidating. You just have to narrow down your main color from this beautiful selection:

(That's just the ones I could fit in a screenshot!)

Incidentally, Tanis also said some very sweet things about the Volteado socks. Isn't that nice? I love fiber people.

I hope this look at color jump starts your planning process for Volteado. Be sure to visit Tanis' site to see all the colors she offers (she also has two other fingering weight yarns that would work for these socks: sparkly Cosmic Blue Label and Purple Label with cashmere!).

And if you are planning to knit a pair, would you be interested in a KAL? I'm consider hosting one in the MediaPeruana Designs group--maybe I could even rustle up a few prizes! But I want to gauge interest before I commit, so if you're interested in KALing, leave a comment here, or visit the Volteado pattern thread, and tell me you'd like to do a KAL!

ETA: The KAL is a go! Join us here!

Pattern Debut: Abrigado

Autumn is the season for knitting--and for new patterns! I certainly do have a lot of them for you this month. Here's the latest, Abrigado.

Abrigado is a textured throw knit in bulky weight yarn, and it's part of Knit Picks' new Creature Comforts collection. This collection features 8 cozy knits for your home that you'll want to snuggle up with when the weather turns.

I designed this throw with speed in mind--knit with thick yarn and large needles, the blanket features a textured chevron-style pattern that will hold your interest, but isn't as fussy or time consuming as cables or lace. The chevrons mix with slipped stitch columns, and the whole thing is set off by a simple garter stitch border. You'll have it done in no time!

The Creature Comforts collection is currently on sale as part of Knit Picks' book sale, so it's only $8.99--that's a steal! Or buy the individual pattern for just $4.99. If you're not quite ready to buy, show it some love over on Ravelry!

Pattern Debut: Narcisos

Socks are often thought of as the quintessential "any season" knit, but I'm going to put in a vote for fingerless mitts. Wear them as the weather turns cool or when it fails to warm up quickly enough, wear them when your office is over-air conditioned or under-heated, dressy or cozy, bulky or airy--they work in all seasons and situations, and it's essential to have a few pairs in your handknit collection.

Introducing Narcisos--a light, airy pair of fingerless mitts just in time for fall's first chill (or equally lovely for spring, as seen in these photos!). As the air turns cool, keep your hands warm with these delicate mitts. Simple stockinette adorned with lace, top and bottom, for an airy feel, and knit in fingering weight wool for warmth against the early season chill.

Narcisos calls for a single skein of beautiful Forbidden Woolery Fortitude--Leann updated her shop this week and has some absolutely gorgeous skeins of this yarn available right now! It's a soft but sturdy fingering weight yarn, 100% superwash merino wool, with a generous 435 yards per skein. I'd grab a skein of Gillyweed if I were you!

A quick knit to welcome the fall season, and available in my Ravelry shop for just $3.99! And while you're over on Ravelry, check out the new group for Forbidden Woolery!



Details:

Size: 1 size, to fit hand circumference approximately 7.5” / 19cm

Gauge: 32 stitches and 36 rows = 4” / 10cm

Yarn: Forbidden Woolery Fortitude (100% superwash merino wool, 435 yards/100g), 1 skein; shown in Heather.

Needles: Set of 4 US sz 2 / 2.75mm double point needles, or size needed to obtain gauge.

Notions:
Stitch markers
Scrap needle or stitch holder
Yarn needle

Mitts are knit in the round. Lace portions are charted; chart reading required.

$3.99

Sock Yarn Scarves--winner!

We had a great response to the Sock Yarn Scarves giveaway--135 comments! No one can resist the siren call of free yarn, I suppose. ;)

So, our lucky winner is Commenter #38:

 

And that is a Ms. Cindy Smith! Cindy, I hope you remember to check the blog this week and see that you're our big winner! Shoot me an email (mediaperuana@gmail.com) with your mailing address, and I'll get your prize out ASAP.


Thanks to everyone who entered for your thoughtful comments about this collection and the individual patterns! And a special thanks to all the new blog visitors--I hope you'll continue to visit in the coming weeks, as I have 3 more new patterns debuting in September, as well as some additional giveaways planned!

In the meantime, here's an adorable behind-the-scenes video Knit Picks put together of the Sock Yarn Scarves photo shoot--enjoy!

Pattern Debut: Siempre

 

A new Knit Picks collection, Sock Yarn Scarves, debuted on Thursday, and it features my latest design, Siempre!

Siempre is an infinity scarf knit in fingering weight yarn--and Knit Picks has some beautiful ones to choose from. The yarn used in the book is Stroll Glimmer, which, as you can see, has a hint of shimmer. (I used a sunny yellow to knit up my sample, and as soon as things get settled around here, I'll dig it up to share.) It requires a single 100g skein of sock yarn to create this versatile fall accessory--wear it long like a necklace, or double loop it for warmth.

 

The scarf features complementary lace and cable patterns, and a slip stitch edge for a smooth finish.
It's knit flat from a provisional cast on, with the ends grafted together for a seamless look.

 
The individual pattern is available for download for just $4.99, or buy the whole collection: the ebook with 7 patterns is just $9.99. If you'd like a print edition (and who wouldn't?), that's available too, for $14.99.

I'd personally go for the ebook as the best deal, because it includes 7 beautiful designs perfect for fall--especially Estivate and the Bees and Honeybees Stole!

And Then There Were Four

We welcomed Oliver Martin into our lives on August 1! Despite being born at 39 weeks, he weighed just 5lbs 11 oz, and was 18" long--a peanut. Unfortunately some issues with low blood sugar have kept him in the NICU. We're hoping to bring him home tomorrow--fingers crossed! I'll be sure to share his whole story with you all as soon as I can.

In the meantime, check out the new collection Knit Picks released today, Sock Yarn Scarves, featuring my latest design, Siempre, an infinity scarf perfect for fall!

Penny Vest: 3 Ways

 When a new knitting pattern catches my eye, one of the first things I do is try to imagine how I would wear it. What would it go with? Dress up? Casual? Professional? How will this piece fit into my life--and my wardrobe? If I don't have any good answers, then I probably won't knit it, even if it's gorgeous.

It's little wonder that the new trend of designers "styling" their handknits has caught my attention. Seeing a knit worn in several different styles can be quite eye-opening. The right skirt can really dress up a sweater, or jeans and boots can make a lacy shawl more casual. But sometimes you need a little help to imagine the possibilities.

So without further ado, I present Penny Vest: 3 Ways.

Spring is in the air! No, it's really not. Tomorrow's high is 17. But I have it on good authority that spring IS coming. Eventually.

Wear Penny as a camisole, with a girlie pink skirt, denim jacket to give it a rough edge, and simple flats. A chunky bracelet finishes the look.

Penny can work in a professional setting (assuming your office isn't too stuffy). Try a dark gray pencil skirt, strappy heels in a matching shade, and rose gold accessories for a dressy finish.

 

And then before you know it, it's fall again. Before you have to really bundle up, try layering Penny over a button down. Jeans and riding boots keep it casual, and a light infinite scarf fends off any early chill.

(Click through any of the photos for more details on the featured clothes and accessories.)

So what do you think? Do you like the "styling" trend? Would you like to see more of it here?

Pattern Debut: Nevado

We finally got some decent snow yesterday, so it seemed like the perfect time to photograph and finalize my latest design: Nevado.

Nevado, which means "snow-covered" or "snow-capped," is available in 3 sizes, for everyone on your gift list, and knits up quickly in worsted weight--and if you've mastered cabling without a cable needle (which I highly recommend), it knits up even faster. Crown decreases are done in pattern, for a fun detail at the top.

It combines waffle stitch and a wavy 3 stitch cable for a stretchy hat perfect for boys and girls, men and women, and babies of all shapes and sizes.

My sample is knit in Wandering Wool Heights Worsted, in Cinderella, which is delightfully squishy. And you only need 1 skein, which is always a plus.

 Even though JJ doesn't look particularly thrilled about wearing his hat, I'm sure his head is warm, and that's what counts.

To celebrate its debut, Nevado will be half price--just $2.49--through Christmas Day, December 25. Pick it up in my Ravelry shop and use the code MERRYXMAS to snag it at the reduced price.

And stay tuned for a pattern giveaway!

Details 

 

Sizes: Baby (Child, Adult); finished circumference approximately 16 (18, 20)” / 40 (46, 50) cm. 

Gauge: 20 sts and 32 rows = 4” / 10 cm, in pattern, lightly stretched.

Yarn: 1 skein Wandering Wool Heights Worsted (100% superwash merino wool; 218 yds/100g) in Cinderella; or 100 (150, 200) yards / 90 (140, 180) m worsted weight wool or wool blend yarn. 

Needles: 1 US 7 / 4.5mm 16” / 40cm circular needle and/or set of DPNs, or size needed to obtain gauge.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Note: they do not make hand turkeys in Peru, so CP had no clue what this was.

Wishing you all a restful, relaxing, and happy Thanksgiving, full of food, fun, family and friends!

I'm so thankful for your continued support and encouragement.

To celebrate, please enjoy 25% off all patterns in my Ravelry shop, through November 30, with coupon code GIVETHANKS.

Javi Sweater: Button Up

The buttons on the Javi sweater have the potential to give the finished piece a special touch. I'd like to tell you that I took great care in selecting the buttons for the sample--and it's sort of true. I picked out some buttons I loved on Etsy. And waited patiently for them to arrive in the mail. And waited. And waited.

It turns out, they'd arrived while I was on vacation, and the post office SUPPOSEDLY attempted to deliver them. They left no note or anything, and apparently only bothered trying to deliver my package once before shipping it back to the sender.

So I was forced to cannibalize the buttons from another sweater that JJ had outgrown. Fortunately, I like these buttons quite well.

I opted for decorative wood buttons, but this is a place you could really have some fun. Try fabric buttons, buttons in fun shapes, or colorful buttons that work with your color scheme.

A red color scheme could be accented with strawberry buttons:

Photo courtesy of AMECOScrafts

These green frogs would've been adorable on the sample.

Photo courtesy of AMECOScrafts

Or celebrate winter with these more understated (if somewhat impractical?) snowflake buttons:

Photo courtesy of AMECOScrafts

The giveaway wouldn't be complete without the buttons to finish your sweater, so in addition to the yarn and pattern, the winner will receive these decorative wooden buttons:

Photo courtesy of AMECOScrafts

Don't forget to comment on the giveaway post to be entered to win. You have until Monday, September 30!

Pattern Debut: Limeño

Photo courtesy of Three Irish Girls

Design publication has tricky timing--you work on projects months, or perhaps years, apart, and then somehow, because of the often-lengthy process of test knitting, tech editing, photographing, etc., everything comes together at once.

Such is the case with THREE of my latest designs, which are all going to be published within the next month or so, despite the fact that I finished designing one project in October 2011, and another one last month.

And here's the first:

Photo courtesy of Three Irish Girls

Pattern Name: Limeño, published by Three Irish Girls
Yarn: 3IG Adorn Sock, 80/20 Merino-Nylon, in Lucky Penny
Price: $5.95 for the digital download
Raveled

A Limeño is a man from Lima. I married Completamente Peruano in October 2011, and sometime before that, probably cutting it too close, I set out to design him a special pair of socks to wear for the big day. I wanted something busy enough to keep me interested, but not too fussy, or they wouldn't look "manly" enough.

CP's original socks were knit in Dragonfly Fibers Djinni Sock, in the Pumpkin King colorway, perfect for our autumn wedding.

The front features a textured twisted moss stitch that tapers to a point at the toe:

While the back is decorated with simple cables; the center cables flow into a ribbed heel flap, while the side cables wind all the way down to the bottom of the foot:

The socks are knit from the cuff down, and the pattern written for knitting in the round on 2 circular needles. As they were originally designed for a man, the pattern features men's sizes: medium/8" foot circumference and large/9" foot circumference. Ladies may find the medium works well as a women's large, and for a smaller sock, can try adjusting the gauge.

You can download this pattern from Three Irish Girls' website for $5.95.

Bound Off: Super Secret FO Edition

It's no secret that JJ has put a rather large dent in my knitting time, but I must confess, the other knitting time suck has been a design I've been working on.

Last year, when I was still pregnant but in denial about the end result of pregnancy being a real live baby that eats all your free time, I submitted a design proposal for an upcoming pattern collection. The response I got wasn't quite what I was expecting--it turned out my design didn't work for that particular collection, but they wanted to include it in a different upcoming collection!

I said "Woohoo!" and got to work.

On Thursday, I sent the finished pattern off. The collection won't be published until October--which sounds like a million years away, but will almost certainly be here before I know it. Until then, the design is a secret, so I can only offer these wee peeks:

This is my first real garment, with sizes and everything. The sample currently resides on my dress form, Amelia, where it's waiting patiently for me to lose the rest of my pregnancy weight so it fits (I say, as I gobble down a Cadbury Creme Egg).

My pattern will be given to test knitters and tech editors, so there's still work to be done, but for now, I can put it out of mind, and with no other deadlines rapidly approaching, can devote more of my meager knitting time to personal projects. I've cast on my Coolbreeze cardigan, and am working on a few pair of socks/booties for JJ, as well as a sweater that I really ought to finish so he can wear it at least once before the weather warms up.

Last week I also caught wind of Quince and Co.'s new yarn, Owl, a rustic-looking wool/alpaca blend, and thought it looked perfect for a Twigs and Willows cardigan, so I ordered a bunch in a gorgeous, earthy yellow shade. Of course, I still have to wind it, so I won't be doing anything with it anytime soon.