...and time to knit

Hearts & Flowers Sock Pattern

2011-05-01T11:43:00.004-04:00

This sock pattern is now on sale on Ravelry for $6.00. It includes a chart for the stranded knitting, and instructions for the non-stop heel. It is knit using two colors of sock yarn. More information and a photo of variations of this pattern can be found at this LINK.

To order the pattern, select this button:

Mouse Tracks Shawl Pattern

2011-04-26T09:57:00.005-04:00

Finally, I have a pattern for sale online as a printable, electronic file (PDF). I have about ten more almost ready to sell, and many more designs lined up behind those. Here is a brief description:

This variation of the vintage neck scarf pattern that crosses in the front through a channel to hold it closed includes strategically placed increases/decreases to lengthen the shawl in the back, and intermittent short rows to provide flare. The lace patterns (the diamond edge and the mouse prints neckline) are inspired by patterns in Gossamer Webs by Galina Khmeleva and Carol Noble, Interweave Press, 1998. This pattern includes instructions for altering the length of the shawl.

Yarn:
• Sport weight, sock weight, jumper weight, or fingering weight
• 11 oz (312gm) or
850 – 900 yds (780m – 820m)

Needles:
• Straight or circular (the shawl is knit back and forth)
• U.S. Size 2 or 3 (2.75mm or 3.25mm)

Every row of this shawl is charted. Garter stitch and a small amount of 1x1 ribbing are the basic techniques used throughout. 10-page PDF pattern

To order the pattern, select this button:

Tardy

2011-02-03T11:03:00.003-05:00

I fell off of the face of the earth for awhile and haven't added a post in almost a year. I'm still here and knitting and quilting and shoveling snow. I will soon be set up to sell knitting patterns so this site will grow.

Portuguese Style Knitting

2010-05-26T16:44:00.002-04:00

There is still time to pre-order Andrea Wong's new book, Portuguese Style of Knitting. She is offering it for 20% off of retail price until June 10th, 2010. Select this LINK to learn more.

Charting Software

2010-03-13T05:44:00.006-05:00

For those of you working on Windows computers who would like to test out new charting software for knitting lace and cables, try Brian Lamb's "Knit Design Studio" at this LINK. The name of his site, Savannah Winds, strikes my fancy.

Knitting and Publishing

2010-01-23T09:34:00.003-05:00

A new year and new projects—I'm focusing on publishing patterns and maybe even books this year. I hope to chronicle some of my experiences in that effort on my larger blog. One of my January posts there is about publishing a book by another knitting designer at this LINK.

Christmas Stockings

2009-12-13T11:56:00.004-05:00

I've been knitting Christmas stockings for grandsons. Do take a look at this LINK in the mid-December 2009 posts to see two of them. I used Kraemer Sterling Silk & Silver. It is Merino wool, silk, nylon, and sterling silver, fine sock yarn. The one pictured here has a dragon like the Welsh flag since it is going to Wales.

Love Blanket

2009-11-18T07:19:00.005-05:00

Fifteen knitters started this project the first week of October. The finished love blanket was presented to our friend, Gloria, this week. The center block is a square replica of the round labyrinth in New Harmony, Indiana. Select this LINK for more about this project.

DKG Photo Album

2009-10-31T11:01:00.003-04:00

The Photo Album for the 2009 Dayton Knitting Guild spring knitting retreat at Bergamo has been added to the DKG site. To browse the three-page album, select this LINK.

Knitting up a storm...

2009-09-17T07:22:00.002-04:00

I'm teaching another knit-to-fit sweater class at Sarah Jane's Yarn Shop this month. I also have a men's vest class starting next week. In my spare time, when I'm not working my day job, I'm getting a program ready for our annual knitting pilgrimage to New Harmony. I'll post photos next month when that project is ready.

Cabeled Vest

2009-08-27T09:59:00.004-04:00

This vest was knitted in the round as a pull over using four skeins of Cascade Yarns’ Lana d’Oro (50% superfine alpaca, 50% wool). I’m teaching a man’s vest class at Sarah Jane’s Yarn Shop this fall and have adapted this pattern for that event. To view full image and read more, select this LINK.

July Detour

2009-07-29T11:01:00.004-04:00

I've detoured from knitting to quilting lately. I had nine unfinished quilting projects dating back twenty to thirty-five years. For some of them, I decided they needed to be machine quilted or never finished so now I'm down to six unfinished projects. I'll get back to the knitting soon since I have classes to teach in the fall. Meanwhile, check out the Dayton Knitting Guild site at this LINK.

Double Knitting Book

2009-06-03T08:25:00.005-04:00

Double Knitting: Reversible Two-Color Designs by M'Lou Baber (published by Schoolhouse Press) is full of stunning garment designs. The instructions are clear and the photos show the garments well. This is a good book for knitters who are fascinated by different techniques and new ways of seeing and thinking in textiles. Select this LINK for more information.

Knitting for a doll

2009-05-05T09:11:00.004-04:00

Doll clothes are fun to make and quick to finish. I often knit an item for my 18-inch doll just to see if the pattern pleases me enough to try it on a larger project. Select this LINK to read more.

Sweater Set Design

2009-04-03T10:39:00.004-04:00

A long, cold winter has inspired me to dream of the tropics. I'm working on a sweater set design using fingering weight Saucon Sock yarn. I'd knit a pair of socks using that yarn and decided it would make a nice summer sweater. Select this LINK to read more about the design project.

Double Knit Class

2009-03-15T05:31:00.004-04:00

I've been getting ready to teach a new spring class at Sarah Jane's Yarn Shoppe. This sample is made of cotton and is the size of a pot holder. It includes the basics of the technique. I'll also cover the processes for using this technique to cast on and bind off edges for other knitting projects.

Sweater Class

2009-02-19T15:01:00.004-05:00

This sweater is designed to fit anyone by allowing adjustments in stitch count under each arm. The textured design cn be replaced with any of the knitters choice depending upon the skill level of the knitter. Select this LINK for more.

Knitting Classes

2009-01-24T06:44:00.006-05:00

I've been having such fun teaching knitting classes at Sarah Jane's Yarn Shoppe. Most of the classes include some form of stranded knitting. We have made mitts, hats and socks. Soon, we will be starting a class about knit-to-fit sweaters.

Knitted Lace of Estonia

2008-10-23T06:11:00.003-04:00

Knitted Lace of Estonia, Techniques, Patterns and Traditions—Learn about the history and techniques of Estonian knitted lace. This new book by Nancy Bush is available this fall. In addition to the Lilly of the Valley pattern, the book includes 14 patterns, with graphs, for shawls and scarves. To learn more or to order the book from Nancy, select this LINK.

Ravelry

2008-09-28T12:11:00.005-04:00

I've joined ravelry and it is such fun. This is a community of knitters and there are well over 180,000 people in the community. That is larger than most towns. If you would like to join, you can put your name on the membership list at this LINK.

Correction

2008-08-08T09:16:00.005-04:00

An error has been found in the Chart Symbol Key on the back cover of my knitting instruction book, The Tongue River Sock Collection. For more information, please select this LINK .

Rachel Misegades

2008-06-29T08:23:00.006-04:00

Rachel Misegades learned to knit from her grandfather when she was six. She knit for almost ninety years. In her later years, she recorded an audio memoir that is being reproduced, story by story, on a new weblog at this LINK.

Toe-up Sock

2008-06-16T08:53:00.006-04:00

This is the heel on a sock that I knit from the toe up. It worked well and was easy to turn. I was surprised because I usually knit socks from the cuff down. During the week of June 22, I'm offering instructions for knitting this sock. To read more, select this LINK.

Andrea Wong Knits

2008-06-11T10:56:00.002-04:00

Ohio-based knitting designer and teacher, Andrea Wong, has launched a new blog. It is interlinked with her website where she sells patterns, knitting pins, and instructional DVDs. To browse Andrea's blog, select this LINK.

Happy 2008

2008-01-04T08:21:00.000-05:00

I plan to include more blog links and other links of interest on this web log this year. If you have an encouraging place that you like to visit and read, let me know. you are welcome to email me at this LINK.

PoemArt Palace Blog

2007-10-15T08:18:00.000-04:00

This Long Island artist expresses herself through an illustrated journaling technique that she calls PoemArt. This raises keeping a diary to a whole new level. It focuses the author on her perception of the world. To browse the PoemArt Palace, select this LINK.

Dayton Knitting Guild

2007-09-27T10:21:00.000-04:00

The Dayton Knitting Guild website has been updated with the fall and winter schedule. The site also includes free patterns, a photo album, and a directory of knitting supply shops in the Ohio area. To browse the guild website, select this LINK.

Hoc Age Blog

2007-09-25T09:04:00.000-04:00

Spinning, knitting and lovely photos of Alaska are featured in this blog. I especially enjoyed the moose eating the shrubbery. This also presents a nice variety of lace, garments, and fiber. To read Hoc Age, select this LINK.

Daily Stitches Blog

2007-09-11T10:06:00.000-04:00

There are Norwegian mittens on this blog that are simply lovely. This blog author includes a wide variety of interests including sewing, spinning, quilting and embroidery. She also has links to many other fascinating sites. To read Daily Stitches, select this LINK.

Replaceable Sole

2007-09-07T07:20:00.000-04:00

I've been experimenting. Several blog readers have asked about reinforcing just the sole of a sock. I've worked several versions so far and happened upon this solution. The foot is worked back and forth on two needles instead of working in the round. To read more about the construction details for this sock, select this LINK.

The Wonderful Wallaby

2007-09-03T11:52:00.000-04:00

Last week, I knit this child’s size 8 Wonderful Wallaby. This is a hooded sweater with front pouch. The pattern is designed by Carol Anderson at Cottage Creations. It is such fun to knit. To read more about the construction details for this sweater, select this LINK.

Stringplay Blog

2007-08-24T06:25:00.000-04:00

This knitter perseveres in spite of the summer heat in Georgia. She must be a real lace person—I love the piece of tatting in the corner, and the Hardanger embroidery on the table scarf in her August 23 post. And silk stockings? I'm inspired to knit a pair myself. To browse her blog, select this LINK.

A Work In Progress Blog

2007-08-09T09:07:00.000-04:00

This Ohio knitter used Kool Aide to dye the yarn in the photo. She is knitting a lacy pair of socks on two circular needles—a technique introduced by Joyce Williams. I also enjoy her non-knitting posts. Take a look at the sculptures in the park. Wow! To browse her blog, select this LINK.

pine cone lodge blog

2007-07-31T15:32:00.000-04:00

"Knitting. With a little greyhound." This blog author has a wide variety of interests in addition to being a prolific knitter. Photos of her greyhound buddy are sprinkled among images of her projects—images that reveal an attention to detail and expert craftsmanship. To browse her blog, select this LINK.

Hyldemor Blog

2007-07-29T10:45:00.000-04:00

Anni, a Danish blogger, points out that "Hyldemor" is a Danish name meaning ‘Elder Mother’, ‘The Little Elder-Tree Mother’ or ‘Ellen of the Elder.’ Her blog includes nuggets of wisdom and interesting thoughts in addition to dying, spinning and knitting. For me, it is enriching. To browse her blog, select this LINK.

Knitting Traditions Blog

2007-07-23T08:24:00.000-04:00

Beth Brown-Reinsel now has a blog in addition to her web site. Beth travels around the country a lot as she teaches classes and workshops. Her traditional knitting designs and her focus on techniques take us to the next level in knitting. We can now travel with her, and keep up with her latest inspirations. To browse her blog, select this LINK.

Still Knitting

2007-06-19T17:37:00.000-04:00

I haven't posted to this blog in awhile, but I'm still knitting. I'm on my fourth pair of socks in the past month. Socks are easy to carry while traveling and that is what I've been doing. Take a look at my other projects at this LINK.

Patricia's Scarf Pattern

2007-05-08T07:53:00.000-04:00

The scarf is finished and I'd like to share the pattern. This version was knit using a light DK weight yarn and US #3 needles. The back collar hangs to a point in the back as seen at this LINK. To download a two-page, printable PDF file of this pattern, select this LINK.

Patricia's Scarf

2007-04-28T11:14:00.000-04:00

KNIT ALONG—Information and instructions are posted so that blog guests can knit along as a pattern is being designed. The first stage is posted at this LINK.

Ohio Star

2007-04-25T08:29:00.000-04:00

Suzanne Atkinson from Ontario, Canada taught us how to make this quilt block at the annual Dayton Knitting Guild retreat. She also showed us how to insert it into Elizabeth Zimmermann’s Surprise Jacket pattern. These are just a couple of the highlights of the retreat. For more on this topic, select this LINK.

Linen Stitch

2007-04-01T10:04:00.000-04:00

Linen stitch makes flat fabric that drapes nicely. I'm making a flowing jacket called a cocoon using mostly silk yarn. The rows alternate between verigated and plain color yarns—two rows of each on an even number of stitches. Row 1: k1, sl1 with yarn in front. Row 2: p1, sl1 with yarn in back.

I've been knitting

2007-03-28T09:54:00.000-04:00

It has been a month since I've posted. I've been knitting (among other things). In a spare moment, I'll get out my scanner and post a closeup of a linen stitch garment I'm working on. I'll also post a link to the pattern. For now, I wanted to make sure folks knew I'm still here.

Mitts

2007-02-23T10:15:00.000-05:00

These mitts are worked in stranded knitting using a wool/angora blend for warmth. They are handy for working at a keyboard during the chill of winter. For more information, select this LINK.

Designing a Sock

2007-02-16T11:53:00.000-05:00

Once a sock knitter has a little experience, he/she can alter a basic sock pattern using unique design ideas. This cuff and leg are the beginning of designing a sock on the needles. For more information, select this LINK.

February Sock

2007-02-13T08:22:00.000-05:00

Treat your loved one to warm feet for Valentine's Day. The February Socks from …and a time to knit stockings use both stranded knitting and a dab of lace knitting. For more information, select this LINK.

Edie's Sock

2007-02-05T07:07:00.000-05:00

Edie Stern in Yorktown Heights, New York sent me this photo of a pair of socks she knit using the “Waves & Rivulets” pattern in the Tongue River Farm Sock Collection. It uses the same heel-turn technique as the little sock below. For more information, select this LINK.

Little Sock

2007-01-28T11:34:00.000-05:00

This odd little sock was designed as a workshop project. It leads the knitter through several techniques including mosaic and stranded knitting, but is mainly designed to present the non-stop heel turn. It would fit a toddler or infant. One workshop student knit it in red and white to hold small Christmas gifts. For more information including the pattern, select this LINK.

Schoolhouse Press

2007-01-18T09:36:00.000-05:00

I am honored that Meg Swansen's Schoolhouse Press is now offering my new CD book through their mail-order business. I was encouraged to design the socks for the original book when I attended Meg's Knitting Camp in Marshfield WI. For more information about Meg Swansen’s Schoolhouse Press and Knitting Camp, select this LINK.

One-Handed Stranded Knitting

2007-01-15T11:01:00.000-05:00

A two-handed method is commonly taught for managing two strands of yarn. I tried that long enough to get proficient at it, but was not happy with the results so I experimented with other ways to hold the strands. The method shown here produces the smoothest results for me. For more information, select this LINK.

Another Retailer

2007-01-11T16:01:00.000-05:00

Cheryl Dawson of Nestucca Bay Yarns is also carrying my new CD book in her internet store. She carries patterns designed by Jolene Treace as well.

Retailers

2007-01-11T11:56:00.000-05:00

My new CD book can now be purchased at two retailers; Cass Street Depot in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Wooly West online. The photo at the left shows the January sock. It is a stranded knitting pattern that uses a verigated yarn for the dark color. It is fun to watch how the colors fall as you knit.

Stranded Knitting

2007-01-07T09:26:00.000-05:00

Stranded knitting describes the process of carrying two colors of yarn while knitting a color pattern. One color strands across the back while the other color is being knit. This is a skill well worth learning. For more information, select this link: MORE >>

Knitting Ganseys

2007-01-03T11:25:00.000-05:00

Beth Brown-Reinsel wrote the book, Knitting Ganseys. It is clear, concise, and fun to work through.There are other really good books about Ganseys, but I found this to be the most practical when you have yarn and needles in hand. More information about Beth's book and workshops can be found HERE on her Knitting Traditions web site.

Chill Chaser #1

2007-01-01T08:33:00.000-05:00

The first garment in my new design collection, Great Lakes Chill Chasers, is the Buckeye Gansey. Unlike traditional Ganseys, this pullover is two-toned. It is knit seamlessly using a DK weight, woolen yarn. READ MORE >

Dayton Knitting Guild

2006-12-26T07:00:00.000-05:00

Dayton Knitting Guild meets once a month, and offers workshops, knit-ins and an annual retreat. This group of mid-western knitters are as warm and welcoming as the items they knit. Select this LINK to see their web site for more information, and free patterns for their community projects.

Owain's Hat

2006-12-21T15:07:00.000-05:00

I purchased Leicester wool when I was at Noah's Landing in Ohio. My daughter spun it into yarn and encouraged me to knit it for our little Owain. If you are interested in knitting this pattern, I've made a PDF version that you can print at no charge. Select this LINK to download the pattern.

New Arrival

2006-12-15T06:28:00.000-05:00

My new e-book, ...and a time to knit stockings, has arrived. I am mailing out copies to all who took advantage of the prepaid order offer. Next I will contact retail business and post a list of places where copies of the book may be purchased. This is a milestone for me, and I am delighted with Disc Makers' production quality.

E-Book Shipment

2006-12-13T08:27:00.000-05:00

My new e-book, ...and a time to knit stockings, has shipped. When the UPS truck arrives tomorrow, I'll be able to see the fruit of my labors. I'll also ship copies to everyone who has ordered it sight-unseen. My gratitude overflows to all of those folks.

Marshfield Sock

2006-12-10T05:47:00.000-05:00

This sock pattern is knit using Brown Sheep, sport weight, Nature Spun yarn. You may click on the image to view a larger photo of the sock. I designed this while attending Meg Swansen's Knitting Camp in Marshfield, WI. Techniques for this pattern include stranded knitting for the color changes, and a non-stop heel.

Select this LINK to download a printable version of this pattern.

Designing Small

2006-12-09T08:21:00.000-05:00

When I get an idea for a design, I often work out its details on a small project like socks, mittens, a hat or a new outfit for my doll, Elizabeth. If you click on her photo, a larger version will open in another window.

Elizabeth is a Magic Attic doll. She is 18″ tall like the American Girl brand, but her body shape and composition makes her easier to fit. Elements of this Christmas outfit could be easily adapted to larger projects—especially clothing for a child.

Sock Workshop

2006-12-08T07:16:00.000-05:00

There are two patterns for Gansey-style socks in my new CD book, ...and a time to knit stockings.

In October, I offered a nine-part workshop on my other blog that leads a knitter through the process of knitting one of those socks. A printable PDF version of this pattern can be downloaded at this LINK. The pages for the sock workshop can be found at the bottom of the left column at this LINK.

This offers you a free preview of the patterns in the new book as well as an opportunity to warm your feet with a pair of socks that are fun to knit.

Double-Crossed Cast On

2006-12-07T07:33:00.001-05:00

This is one of my favorite cast ons, especially for socks. It is not only decorative, but it is very elastic. This technique has several names and is a variation of long-tailed or two-tailed cast on. Select this LINK to learn more about it's origins, and to view step-by-step instructions.

E-Book Production

2006-12-06T08:29:00.000-05:00

My new e-book, ...and a time to knit stockings, is in production at Disc Makers. They are duplicating the CDs, silkscreening lables onto the discs, and producing the wallet packaging. As soon as the CDs are delivered, I'll mail copies to each person who sent prepaid orders.

A Fiber Arts Blog

2006-12-05T14:22:00.000-05:00

I have a blog on Wordpress and have been researching other blog services. Yesterday I set up a blog for one of my clients on Blogger.com. It worked well so I've decided to divide my content between two blogs. I plan to use this blog mainly for fiber arts and the other blog for my other interests.