If you need me, I'll be watching all 8 seasons of That 70s Show--a great birthday gift from Oliver.
Showing posts with label discount. Show all posts
Showing posts with label discount. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
The 5th Anniversary of My 29th Birthday
If you need me, I'll be watching all 8 seasons of That 70s Show--a great birthday gift from Oliver.
Monday, May 12, 2014
Bound Off: 3 Shawl Extravaganza
In between designing, gift knitting, and long term projects (ie: 2014: Year of the Pullover), I've finished knitting 3 shawls!
I'm not usually a shawl person, but they've been calling to me.
In March I took part in a fun ancient civilizations swap, and finished this shawl for my spoilee:
This is a worsted weight shawl, knit with some Knit Picks Swish Tonal I overdyed a few years ago. The pattern is His Golden Lair.
You'll notice on the pattern page quite a bit of errata, but I didn't run into any major trouble in that regard--I think I noticed a small error in one chart, but didn't bother to let the designer know. Don't be like me! If you spot an error in a pattern, (nicely) inform the designer.
What bothered me a bit with this pattern was the use of non-standard symbols on the chart. To a certain extent, you can use whatever symbols you want, as long as they're properly identified in the key. That said, if you're using a dot to indicate a RS purl stitch, then, logically, any RS cable symbol that includes a dot should mean one of the cable stitches is purled. Just a matter of consistency, but overall a minor irritation.
If you're looking for a good first shawl, try this--it works up quickly in worsted, the heavier yarn is easier to handle, and you get to practice with some simple lace, shaping and blocking.
Next, I completed the lovely Xeni shawl, by Kitman Figueroa. When I am in the mood for lace shawls, she's my go-to designer.
This one a tough one to photograph--I can never capture reds. This was knit with some beautiful Forbidden Woolery Pride, a fingering weight yarn with just a hint of sparkle. The colorway is Arkansas Black, an exclusive club color.
Fingering weight shawls seem to fly off the needles for some knitters, but not for me--especially if the wrong sides aren't plain; this one took about 3 months to finish, but I think it was worth the wait. Or weight. Heh.
I actually used my blocking wires for once, too, though I didn't pin the shawl out as carefully, or evenly, as I could have. I don't think it will be obvious when worn.
And lastly, I'm happy to say I did manage to finish that Captivating Capelet for my mom for Mother's Day.
This pattern is part of the Gloss Collection, but I used a new (to me) yarn, Sweet Fiber Yarns Merino Twist DK in Sea Glass.
What a disaster. Both skeins were horribly tangled. The 1st I managed to get through in about 45 minutes--that's WITH a swift and ball winder--but the second took, literally, hours. And I never finished. I wound enough to get me through the project and stopped.
I'm sad it was such a terrible experience, because the color is beautiful, and the yarn was nice enough to knit with, but I won't be buying it again. I hope, for others' sakes, that it was just a fluke, but with 2 tangled skeins, I won't risk it.
The capelet looks a bit like a skirt here (which was my mother's comment--I told her I didn't think she'd have much use for a see-through wool skirt), so I took this lousy selfie to show you what it looks like on:
My mom is much smaller than me and not pregnant, so I'm sure it will fit her quite a bit better.
I really like the idea of a capelet--lacy like a shawl, but more apt to stay on. This might be my new thing.
And speaking of Mother's Day: 2 things.
1. The CCFA fundraiser continues. Let's honor all those moms, like mine, with Crohn's and colitis by raising that $$$! More details here.
2. In honor of the holiday, I'm offering a special promo code for my pattern store. Take 50% off any of my baby-friendly patterns with the code MAMA14. This includes Javi, Hugs and Smooches, Cielito and Nevado. Hurry, expires May 19th!
I'm not usually a shawl person, but they've been calling to me.
In March I took part in a fun ancient civilizations swap, and finished this shawl for my spoilee:
This is a worsted weight shawl, knit with some Knit Picks Swish Tonal I overdyed a few years ago. The pattern is His Golden Lair.
You'll notice on the pattern page quite a bit of errata, but I didn't run into any major trouble in that regard--I think I noticed a small error in one chart, but didn't bother to let the designer know. Don't be like me! If you spot an error in a pattern, (nicely) inform the designer.
What bothered me a bit with this pattern was the use of non-standard symbols on the chart. To a certain extent, you can use whatever symbols you want, as long as they're properly identified in the key. That said, if you're using a dot to indicate a RS purl stitch, then, logically, any RS cable symbol that includes a dot should mean one of the cable stitches is purled. Just a matter of consistency, but overall a minor irritation.
If you're looking for a good first shawl, try this--it works up quickly in worsted, the heavier yarn is easier to handle, and you get to practice with some simple lace, shaping and blocking.
Next, I completed the lovely Xeni shawl, by Kitman Figueroa. When I am in the mood for lace shawls, she's my go-to designer.
This one a tough one to photograph--I can never capture reds. This was knit with some beautiful Forbidden Woolery Pride, a fingering weight yarn with just a hint of sparkle. The colorway is Arkansas Black, an exclusive club color.
Fingering weight shawls seem to fly off the needles for some knitters, but not for me--especially if the wrong sides aren't plain; this one took about 3 months to finish, but I think it was worth the wait. Or weight. Heh.
I actually used my blocking wires for once, too, though I didn't pin the shawl out as carefully, or evenly, as I could have. I don't think it will be obvious when worn.
And lastly, I'm happy to say I did manage to finish that Captivating Capelet for my mom for Mother's Day.
This pattern is part of the Gloss Collection, but I used a new (to me) yarn, Sweet Fiber Yarns Merino Twist DK in Sea Glass.
What a disaster. Both skeins were horribly tangled. The 1st I managed to get through in about 45 minutes--that's WITH a swift and ball winder--but the second took, literally, hours. And I never finished. I wound enough to get me through the project and stopped.
I'm sad it was such a terrible experience, because the color is beautiful, and the yarn was nice enough to knit with, but I won't be buying it again. I hope, for others' sakes, that it was just a fluke, but with 2 tangled skeins, I won't risk it.
The capelet looks a bit like a skirt here (which was my mother's comment--I told her I didn't think she'd have much use for a see-through wool skirt), so I took this lousy selfie to show you what it looks like on:
My mom is much smaller than me and not pregnant, so I'm sure it will fit her quite a bit better.
I really like the idea of a capelet--lacy like a shawl, but more apt to stay on. This might be my new thing.
And speaking of Mother's Day: 2 things.
1. The CCFA fundraiser continues. Let's honor all those moms, like mine, with Crohn's and colitis by raising that $$$! More details here.
2. In honor of the holiday, I'm offering a special promo code for my pattern store. Take 50% off any of my baby-friendly patterns with the code MAMA14. This includes Javi, Hugs and Smooches, Cielito and Nevado. Hurry, expires May 19th!
Monday, December 9, 2013
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.
Friday, November 29, 2013
Holiday Weekend Shopping Deals: Yarn-y Edition
Thanksgiving has come and gone and now the shopping season is in full swing. I hope you're comfy in your homes today, instead of battling crazed crowds for mediocre deals, and there are still plenty of deals--good ones!--to be had from the comfort of your own home.
The awesome Marly Bird has compiled this AMAZING list of Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals from indie dyers, designers, and purveyors of all things knitting/crochet-related. You'll want to check it out immediately.
Craftsy is offering ALL classes for $19.99--or less! That's a super steal!
Alana Dakos of Never Not Knitting is offering her print books--Coastal Knits, Annie and the Swiss Cheese Scarf, and Botanical Knits--50% off!
The big Knit Picks sale is still going on--deep discounts on most of their yarn!
The big Knit Picks sale is still going on--deep discounts on most of their yarn!
WEBS is offering free shipping on $75+ orders through December 4.
And don't forget, 25% off all patterns in my Ravelry shop with code GIVETHANKS, through November 30.
Happy shopping!
Thursday, November 28, 2013
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.
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