Finished Model: Tress Gradient Poncho

Have you got to work with any of the new gradient yarn sets? These sets come in multiple skein sets, each skein a slightly different color from the next. When you knit them up, this is what happens:

The shawl started out with a dark pink, red. Every time I changed skeins the color was slightly lighter. The result was a fun poncho that will be great for extra warmth that won't fall off your shoulders. If you make this pattern, please send me a photo of the finished item, I would love to see it! This one stayed in the same color family, but what about one that transitions from one color to another? That would be a fun way to have your best color at you face, but still be able to use another color. Pattern is available on Etsy at Linda's Wearable Art Emporium.

I hope you didn't miss my last newsletter. Lindsay Lewchuk was kind enough to let me interview her for May's edition. Reading her answers you will see that sometime we all struggle with something, but if you keep working on it great things happen. Sign up to get June's edition in your inbox.

When Is a Knit Skirt Not Knitted?

Or, what does a knitter sew?
As you probably know by now, I love knitting. If I'm not knitting, I'm thinking about knitting. What you may not know is that I learned to sew long before I learned to knit.

Jo-ann's Fabric Store had a sale on fabric, the same time I decided new wardrobe pieces would be nice. Starting with skirts seemed like a easy way to get back into sewing.

Sewing is so much faster then knitting! The fabric and pattern were purchased Monday, Size chosen and two pattern pieces laid out to cut Wednesday night. Cutting the fabric, and all the sewing was completed Thursday. Then the new skirt was worn Saturday. Usually in this amount of time you would have had the swatch knit!
The pictures:

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"Knit My Skirt" Book Review

After winning a copy of Knit My Skirt by Candace Eisner Strick on the Yarn Thing Podcast by Marly Bird, I had to share my favorites with you. The book title links to the Ravelry page where you can check out all the skirts, these are just some of my favorites.

Randomly:

The designer's last name, Strick, means knit.
Many reasons why people don't think they like knit skirts can be fixed by knitting the right size skirt. The rest are fixed by knitting these skirts.
Many of the patterns are shown with variations. This is a great way to see how yarn choice affects the garments, and will give you ideas for your own skirts.
As soon as I got this book (only a week after winning, Thanks XRX books!) I started matching my yarn stash with skirts. I want to knit and wear most of the skirts in the book. The others have given me ideas for skirts to knit.
The skirts are divided by method of knitting, top down, bottom up, or side to side.

Top Down

This is the author's favorite way to knit a skirt, with more than half the books in the pattern knit this way. Top down is very useful if you have aged yarn in your stash and want to use all of it, and can't get more.

My In the Groove Skirt
Love the slanted hem line, deep ruffle, and ability to use fun yarn.

My Swirling Skirt
Such a fun hemline, and great use of texture. Plus I love the color.

Side to Side

My Ruffles Have Ridges
Color changing yarn does all the work! Can't decide if some yarn I have will be for this one, or the next.

Bottom Up

My Look At It From All Angles Skirt

This skirt has it all! Great colors and fun hemline are just some of the reasons I love this skirt. 

Which skirt is your favorite? 

I recommend getting this book, not just for the great pattern, but for all the tips and help for making skirts you will wear and look great in. Please check for this book at your local yarn store. If you purchase it here, on Amazon, this affiliate link will give me credit.

Stay tuned for when is a knit skirt not knit?

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Carnation Shawl pattern in the works

Remember when I said I had lots of new ideas? Today I get to show you the swatch for one of them. This is just a swatch, the final shawl will have the edge stitches on the both sides, and the ends will both have the borders. I can't wait to get started on the sample! The pattern just needs a little more polishing, and as soon as I can get a sample for photos, the test will go up. Sign up for my newsletter, or join my Ravelry group to be the first to hear of new pattern tests. This ones working name is Carnation Shawl, but it might not stick.

This one will be a rectangular shawl. You start with the garter based edging shown, work the shawl following three separate charts, then work the edging again. Do you  think it would be okay to begin the testing with only part of the model shawl knit? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments. 

Monet's Favorite Scarf Model Release

In February I was knitting this beautiful scarf, Monet's Favorite Scarf by designer Linda Lehman. I highly recommend the pattern (link to Ravelry page above) to anyone that is going to want a cable and lace warm scarf for next winter. 

You knit both ends in the pattern stitch, then the center of the scarf is knit in 2X2 ribbing for wearablity and warmth.

Pattern for Monet's Favorite Scarf is also available here in the Wearable Art Emporium on Etsy.

Knitting Happening

As you know, I love knitting a little too much sometimes. When people ask me to knit a project for them, saying yes comes so easy. I promise when this current batch of projects is knit up I will work on mine patterns. Several are in the planning stages waiting for my hands and needles to be free.

I'm excited about the yarns these proejects will have. One is a bamboo alpaca blend. Also coming are bright cheerful yarns from a favorite dyer.

We are also going to be moving this summer, so i'll have a huge sale on stitch markers. Stay tuned!

While you are here, don't forget to sign up for my newsletter. Pattern suggestions and craft tips delivered to your inbox monthly.

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Winter Knitting

Winter is such a great time to be a knitter. What a better excuse to stay inside, drink something hot, and play with yarn, then a huge snow fall. This area, like many others this weekend, saw record snowfall, with some ice.

Last winter I was working with some nice winter wear, perfect for knitting and wearing this year also. The first is Plymouth Yarn 2874 Aran Pullover in Galway Worsted. 100% wool, this will keep you warm on even a cold day. Don't you love the heart shaped neckline?

Next is one of my new favorite yarns, Plymouth Yarn's Homestead. This is 2877 Vest make it for the men in  your life. Because it is an aran weight yarn it will still be a fast knit.

What have you been working on?

Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter, click the tab above. The questions sent to designers have resulted in some fun and informative answers. The first will be sent out soon!

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Snowflake Shawl Testing, New Pattern, Newsletter

Things have been happening here at 100Creations. This month I had a pattern released in a magazine, opened my own group on Ravelry, started testing a shawl pattern, began building a newsletter, and of course knit every spare moment. 

Ravelry Group

My Ravelry group is 100Creations by Rachel. Please join  me there for test knitting opportunities, patterns releases, and sales. Currently testing is being done on the Snowflake Faroese Shawl. It is a top down shawl with shoulder shaping that allows you to adjust fit and placement of the snowflakes.

Join me in the testing thread to join in testing, or ask for an earburn when the pattern is published. Hat patterns are also being developed, with the hope to start testing them soon.

Pattern Release

The February 2016 issue of I Like Knitting magazine includes my Intertwining Cables Scarf pattern. 

Unlike typical cabled scarves that feature orderly lines of cabled stitches, this beauty showcases two side cables that hug the lines of the center cable. The effect is a complex-looking scarf that is as fun to knit as it is to wear.
(from the February 2016 issue of I Like Knitting)

Newsletter

I'm starting a newsletter. Beginning with a monthly issue, it will feature a designer interview, tips and hints, pattern suggestions, and current projects. Knitting and crochet designers and patterns will be included. Feel free to suggest designers that you love. Sign up here, or on the newsletter page here on my blog.

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Fair Isle Pattern Recommendations

Browsing Ravelry recently, I came across some fair isle patterns that needed to be mentioned. 

Fractured Fairy Tale Hat
I love the purple and grey version, but this one shows the pattern best. Aren't the flowers fun? Great to brighten up your winter!

Xanadu Snowflake Cowl

Snowflakes have never been so warm. Love all the snowflake patterns, and the cozy halo in this yarn. 

Black Rose Potholder

Love the rose motif. Use this motif in your own project, it will look great in any color.

Have you knit any fair isle lately? Read about my fair isle project the Veliki Hat and Mittens for Juniper Moon Farm.  Share with me your projects and wishlist. 

Juniper Moon Farms, Veliki Hat and Mittens

Juniper Moon Farm released Veliki Hat and Mittens patterns, one my model knits. This yarn is wonderful! The set is cozy warm and soft, you need to make a set for this winter. Don't let the fairisle scare you, if I can knit it, I know you can.

Come back Monday for some more fair isle pattern recommendations!

Review: Hanna Maciejewska, Hats On!

One of my favorite independent designers, Hanna Maciejewska, has just released a new ebook, Hats On!.  Like most of her pattern, the focus is on textures that are fun to knit, and will be great to wear. My favorite hat is Long Walks, I can see this being one I wear all the time. I would probably modify it to a beanie fit for me, but love this one too.

What new pattern has caught your eye?

Cashmere Passion & Angora Hood, yarn review

I was excited when I was asked to knit a hood in Plymouth Yarn's Cashmere Passion and Angora yarns. These yarn made for some enjoyable knitting time. First you cast on with the Angora, then switch to the Cashmere Passion. Expect the Angora to shed! But the contrast of yarns will make this hood fun to wear.

Cashmere Passion is one yarn I can't wait to knit with again. 80% Merino, 20% Cashmere and completely soft. This yarn glides through your fingers, and feels great even against your most sensitive skin. Most of the projects on Ravelry are for shawls, cowls, and hats. You will agree that this yarn needs to be kept close! Tntc commented that the yarn went limp after blocking, keep this in mind when planning your project.

A simple knit that will keep you warm and cozy!

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Review: Cold Weather Crochet by Marly Bird

If you listen to Marly Bird's Yarn Thing Podcast, you have already heard her talk about her new book, Cold Weather Crochet. Listen the podcast in which Tammy interviews Marly about this book, after you read about my favorites. Be sure to read the show notes on the blog, and say hi to Marly in the comments there. This is a book that you need to see in person. Photography just looks best in print.

First, the Green Mountain Spinnery Hood on the cover is a great winter accessory. Hoods keep your head warm, with out giving you the dreaded hat hair. And they look great. And are just fun. So make this one!

The Pretty in Pink Infinity Cowl would look great in your favorite colors, though I'm loving the pink and grey combination.

Last of my particular favorites, the African Flower Afghan uses a favorite stitch pattern, and great colors. Guaranteed to brighten up your winter!

Get your copy from Amazon. Which pattern is your favorite?

This post contains affiliate links. 

Project Finish

From the time a project is cast-on thought must be given to the finishing. For example, if you start the cast on with too short a yarn tail, weaving in invisibly will be difficult. Or that too tight cast on prevents the project from being blocked enough to show the lace stitches. A loose and sloppy cast on can detract from the beauty of your item. But we were supposed to be taking about the finishing.

Just like swatching, some people don't like finishing their projects. It can be hard when you finally get into the rhythm of the stitches to stop, bind off, and be faced with pieces rather than a finished object. But picking up the sewing needle and joining each piece with care can bring its own satisfaction. The satisfaction of a job well done.

Be sure to block your pieces before sewing, it is much easier! Some think blocking sounds scary, but sheep get wet, it won't hurt the yarn. Then just lay it flat on a clean surface, a towel on the floor, spare bed (unless you expect it to dry really quick!), or counter or table top for smaller pieces. After laying them out, I like to pat the piece out to the schematic. Pins are usually only necessary to help prevent rolling edges. 

While the project is drying is the perfect time to start the beginning of a new project. Unless you are already to the middle on project two, then you can  just knit. 

When dry, careful seaming can take an item from homemade to handmade. A subtle distinction, but one that helps separate the "you made that, didn't you," comments from the "where did you get that." comments. Plus, you spent how many hours knitting, now is not the time to skimp on attention.

Now the really fun part, put it on! Don't forget to take pictures and share them, we want to see too. 

Review: Wood House Knits Vol. 5

Jennifer Wood gives us 3 new patterns in her newest ebook, Wood House Knits Vol. 5. As you would expect, each pattern has been tech edited and test knit, ensuring your knitting enjoyment. Lets take a look at the patterns, shall we?

Carina

Just the thing for your special fingering weight yarn. You will only need a skein or two for the 400 to 575 yards needed to knit this shawl. Testers agreed it was fun to knit, and wonderful to wear. You know I love knit on borders.

Ahava

Featuring just enough cabling, this sweater gives you the fun of cables, the speed of aran weight yarn in stockinette, with out being a heavy, bulky sweater. Love the cable detail at the hem.

Cossette

Cables and lace, need I say more? From the combination of stitch patterns, the button band, to fingering weight yarn, this is a sweater that has to be knit. Wear it everyday, and for dressing up too.

This one needs two photos.

Wood House Knits Vol. 5 can be found on Ravelry. 

In The Middle of a Project

Yarn, pattern, needles and knitter have been tested and project cast on. Don't just cast on to get to the project! Remember your cast-on is usually going to stick around. You want it to look as polished and professional as the rest of the item.  Ribbing usually comes next, and can seem to take a while, especially if worked in smaller needles than the main section. But settle into the rhythm of the knits and purls, they will end and a new stitch will begin.

I love that point when you can just pick up your project and knit. You have memorized the stitch pattern, so no stopping to check charts. Especially if you don't have to worry about shaping, you can just keep knitting until you might be close to the number of inches you need. 

Then you stop and measure. Knit some more, stop and measure again. I will admit, I have measured, knit for what seemed like a long time, and when measured again the item was the same length as the first time. Being sure to always lay the item out flat can help. Don't get to eager to bind off, make sure you will have the length you need after blocking. Other times, I have been enjoying the knitting so much measuring revealed the item was too long.

After the knitting is finished, you move on to finishing a project. This stage has it's own challenges and enjoyments, come read about them next week. 

Review: Vogue Knitting Fall 2015

Vogue Knitting Fall 2015 brings a variety of stylish patterns, challenging knits, and wardrobe additions. Just a few of the stand out projects are included here. 

Stylish Patterns

Style + Intricate Knitting

# 21 Graphic Sweater

Multiple two color motifs guarantee you won't lose interest knitting this sweater. Just don't lose your mind keeping track of the pattern. Black and natural colors recommended. 

Challenging Knits

Push your knitting boundaries to their maximum.

#26 Segmented Shawl

Lace and cables combine to make this shawl one you won't soon forget. Forget right side and wrong side, this one is double knit. Double the work, but double the fun. Of course, I love the color.

#28 Double-Knit Beanie

Not quite the challenge of number twenty-six, get a taste of double knitting with this beanie. When you are done, you get the fun of choosing the right side. 

Wardrobe Additions

Fun to knit + Wearable

#6 V-Neck Vest

Use the cables shown, or substitute your favorites. This will provide just the right amount of warmth, but knit faster than a sweater. Plus the color will banish winter blues.

#9 Arrowhead Top

Plain name for a top that mimics ready to wear hemlines. Knit in worsted weight, you will be wearing it before the weather warms up. This could also be worn as a vest, but the center ribbing would be bulky.

All photos copyright SoHo Publishing. More patterns can be found in the magazine, Vogue Knitting Fall 2016, or viewed on Ravelry. 

This blog is supported by affiliate links and ads. Thank you for your support.

Starting a Project

Some times I don't like the start of the project. I just want to knit, and the beginning of a project is more than knitting a swatch. Finding the needles, notions, even picking a project bag. Then you can finally knit the swatch, but this can go slow because you haven't learned the stitch yet.

But other times the beginning of a project is fun. You get to combine a stitch pattern, choose just the right yarn, and figure out how they can go together for the item you want to make. Then the swatch is a visual aid that show you just how stitches need to placed, what gauge shows off the yarn and stitch best, and so much more. 

Some people don't like knitting swatches, but usually I enjoy them. Sure I want to get to the actual project, but it helps if you view the swatch as a mini project on its own. It is your introduction to working with a new yarn, letting your fingers memorize the stitch pattern. When you finally get to cast on the full number and work the stitches, you will have fewer mistakes, and hopefully less tinking. Make sure you knit at least on repeat of each stitch pattern used in your pattern. This will help you learn the pattern, but also learn how each on will change when blocked.

Beginning a project can be frustrating when the combination of yarn, needles, and knitter aren't producing the required outcome. Relax! It will come, and your project will be better for it. Having to knit a new swatch is much better then reknitting some or all of the sweater. 

Don't forget to wash your swatch, lay it flat, and measure after it is dry. You want the item to fit after it gets wet, and blocking can really make the item looked finished and professional.

After all the figuring that the beginning of a project takes, then comes the middle. Read about it here next week!

Review: Knitty Deep Fall 2015

Welcome! Join me in looking at a few of the new patterns in Knitty's Deep Fall 2015 issue. As usual, Knitty continues to be the free online magazine with patterns that we all love, and love to knit.

Must Knit

Serendipia

This pattern is going to be a favorite with everyone who has ever fallen for a self striping yarn, then wanted to knit something more then plain stockinette stripe. This one in knit in strips, making the most of short striping yarn. Love the Swirl!

Resonator

Featuring cables with crispness and flair, you are going to love knitting these mitts. Fingerless mitts are a great introduction to knitting small diameter items, and these will be finished before winter ends. Cables! Great stitch definition makes this yarn a must.

Rail Yard

Also show casing cables, this cardigan uses waist shaping to show off your curves. Or make it look like you have some. Great stitch definition, and love the color. I don't think I would change anything, and that is saying something. Love it so much you get two pictures.

Honorable Mentions

Not must knits, but knits to keep in mind for special projects.

Brick Wall Waterfall Pullover

Love the brick wall texture, and the deep cable. What do you think? I'm not sure why this is in Honorable mentions instead of must knit. Maybe it need cuffs.

Urban Tribe

Love the yellow and grey color combination. Picture says the rest!

Tartessos

Use every scrap of yarn in this graphic shawl. This size means it can be worn as a scarf too. 

I love how the pattern is strong enough to hold up this self striping yarn.

Wow

Pierrot

Color work like this bold sweater takes a courageous knitter. But what better way to showcase your skills?

More

Check out all the other patterns at Ravelry, or start knitting at Knitty. Which is your must knit?

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When You Have to Rip

I'm sure there is someone some where that has never had to suffer through ripping out a project. That perfect knitter will want to read another blog, she wouldn't understand. 

As Soon As Possible

Sure you can leave the mistake, fooling yourself into thinking it doesn't matter. No one will notice. It isn't that big. Who really looks that close anyway? But you know the truth. Every time you look at it you are going to see the mistake. Ripping it out as soon as you notice the problem is best. Continuing to knit is just going to give you more to rip out.

Maybe You Can Fix It

If you can fix it with out ripping all of your knitting down to the mistake, go for it. Some times it is possible to drop a few stitch down to the mistake, reknitting those correctly. This can even be possible with mis-crossed cables. I recommend having a crochet hook or dpns handy, and possibly a removable stitch marker. 

There is Hope

The good news is as soon as the mistake is fixed, however you choose to do it, you can get to back to the fun part. Knitting. That is why we put ourselves through this after all. Because it is supposed to be fun. 

Just a reminder that if you leave the mistake now,  you might find yourself having to rip out even more later. Ask me how I know!

Check out these classes at Craftsy: Save Our Stitches, Fixing Lace Knitting Mistakes with Laura Nelkin  and Save our Stitches, Fixing Knitting Mistakes with Ann Budd. Thanks for supporting this blog through affiliate links. I appreciate it!