Indie Designer Revisit

© A-Ko

Designer: Anna Kuduja
Blog: Lõngakera
Rav ID: kuduja
Some Great Designs: kuduja's Rav Designer Page
Original Indie Designer Post: April 16, 2010

This designer has published so many great patterns since I first profiled her, that I'm gonna bullet-point it for ya:

-Tallinn Shawl
(pictured). This piece shows how talented kuduja is with creating interest from a set of simple shapes and textures. Plus, it's photographed beautifully! (thanks for the photo permission, A-Ko!)

-Hall hõlmik is a basic side-to-side cardigan, but looks so cool and interesting with its variety of texture and very wearable style.

-Magenta Wrap is really a loose and flowing cardigan, open at the front, and worked from the centre-back outwards. Simple yarn overs create interest in this wardrobe-staple kind of knit. I can see myself wearing it all the time!

-BFL-sweater is a pretty lace pullover. If you're looking for a solid, simple sweater pattern, check this one out!

To note: kuduja is a member of Artemis Adornments. If you're interested in reading more about them, see this link to their ravelry group.

Summer of the Romper!

I do declare this as the summer of the romper.

RIGHT ON!

Here you see my romper #2. Or #3, if you count my crappy one from last year.
Anyhow, I always feel like I'm channeling my inner disco queen with these guys.

Up next: I swear, I have knitting to show. Soon.

Indie Designer Day

Designer: Rebecca Shepler
Blog: Dusty Tree
Rav ID: dustytreeknits
Some Great Designs: dustytreeknits's Rav Designer Page

I really like profile very new designers!

This week's indie designer has but two pattern listed on ravelry, and both of them are certainly worth a peek!

First up is the Going Up Cowl (pictured). It might be the colour choices, and it might also be my love of cowls, but you've got to admit the colourwork there is interesting and pretty in its simplicity.

There's also her Raleigh Mitts. What this pattern shows is her ability to work with both colourwork (Going Up Cowl) and lace. Again, a prettily simple lace, in an attractive and functional design.

Certainly a designer to keep an eye on! I'm looking forward to seeing her next designs.

ETA: She's let me know of an idea she has brewing for a collection, which I think sounds fantastic!
It's focusing on short rows (which I love!) used in a variety of ways. She says, "The collection will include accessories (hat, shawls and mittens). I’m inspired by how my young kids are discovering new things in nature."

Vacation Recap: Beach Time!

I've just spent a week away on a beach.
So yeah, it's been quite a thing to get back in the swing of real life. Especially when I'm writing up a vacation recap!

Here's some pics from the trip.

Excited at the airport!

Poolside laying. Yeah, there's a lot of these pics...

Oceanside laying!

What!? There were a bunch of pools!

Beach at early morning.

And now on to the drinks portion of the post!

Best Pina Coloada EVAR!

Mojito yum.

"Hey, you done with that fish or what?!"

So many of these little anoles running around!

Doggie buddies!

Beautiful museum in Havana.

This guy lived on the second floor.

Beautiful colours everywhere.

View from lunch on patio.

Cathedral of Havana.

Playground in Varadero.

Yay beach!

Garden A-Growing

I've made it something of a habit in the last few years to document (what usually ends up being the failure of) my garden.

My first little community plot.
Exploits of the Evil Cat.
The PumpKings take over.
And they do it yet again.

So, to add to this list!

This is the second year I've had my very own backyard garden. I decided to expand it a bit from last year as well, to give ample, ample room for my butternut squash plant to colonize.

Planted this year was a scant few types: two different tomatoes, lettuce, butternut squash, and garlic. I have my strawberry and raspberry bushes well established, and my grape vines are coming along quite well!

 
So, this is probably where the garden gods look down upon me and blight my poor veggies for my assumption of good growth.

All remains to be seen!

Swatchin' and Washin'

I got me some Eucalan Wrapture samples at TNNA in June, and was keen to try them out.  I've never used Eucalan before, sticking instead to my variety of Soak scents.

I thought it might be nice to give a nod to this one of several sponsors from Marly Bird's Designer Dinner, and review their generously donated product.

The Eucalan did the job well. My swatch blocked out nicely, and the scent of the Wrapture stayed with the knit.

My one caution would be for the scent-sensitive. It's quite a strong scent, (and as I sit here typing I can still smell it a bit on my hands from the soaking this morning).
Of course, not every scented product is to everyone's tastes, so if you're looking for a soft, clean, flowery-scented knit, then get thee some Eucalan Wrapture!

Indie Designer Day

Designer: Michele Bernstein
Blog: pdxknitterati
Rav ID: pdxknitterati
Some Great Designs: pdxknitterati's Rav Designer Page

Do you dig cute shawls and scarves? If you do, you need to check out this week's designer, pdxknitterati.

Webfoot Shawl and Scarf is pictured here, and is the latest pattern from this designer. It's also quite representative of the great things about her work.  Her strength is the focus she has on this type of accessory, each and all very pretty, with pretty edgings, lace, and a hint of texture.

She has other types of knits too, like the dance of colour that is the Pippi Earflap Hat. This is the sort of design that works almost universally, on any age or gender. Simple geometric shapes, with a plethora of options when you throw in your preferred colours.

And there's also the Thrumbelina slippers. Cute and warm!

Vacay Away!

It's funny: I don't usually go away in the summer, and yet this year I'm continent-hopping like a mad duck¹.

I'm off off and away on a beach vacation from July 7-14.
I've never been on a vacay like this before, so I'm interested to see how well it fares with me and my go-go-go-must-get-work-done-self.

So yes, if I don't reply to your email in a speedy manner, it's because I'm in some sort of internet black hole.

Happy summer everyone!

____________
¹Wouldn't a mad duck be cute?

Indie Designer Day

Designer: Ekaterina Blanchard
Blog: Katy Tricot
Rav ID: KatyTricot
Some Great Designs: KatyTricot's Rav Designer Page

I usually line up these Indie Designer Posts weeks, months, in advance. I'll write little notes for myself to aid in completing the post, and for this one, this sentence sums it up:

Mostly kids patterns, mostly hats, but so damn cute want for ME!

I think you'll agree. Whether you have a wee kiddie to knit for or not, KayTricot's work will make you smile and want to knit all the things!

They're all so cute, but I think my fave is Zaïka (pictured). Doesn't that look so comfy and cute? I love that texture and awesome shape, making it not only look interesting but I'm sure be very functional (looks like it hugs the shoulders and neck well, keeping that cold wind off your skin).

Another sweet knit is Frill Set. This is the best use of overall frill and ruching I've ever seen. Now, when I say that, you think "Hm, overall frills and ruching? That's can't possibly be good." But really, click on that link and see. It certainly works on these kids knits, but I'd argue it may work well for adults too.

Last I'll link to the super sweet Foxy & Wolfie. Fox face as hat. I'm just sayin'.

Elbie is Famous!; Or, Embarrass the Bird in July

July bring Canada Day. Here's Constable Elbie, of the RCMP.

June, as a very dashing Red Coat.
May, as Indie!
April, as the WWI fighter pilot Billy Bishop.
March, as a sea captain.
February, as a debonair monsieur.
January, as a Bavarian.

Indie Designer Revisit

Designer: Iryna Klionava
Blog: Knotting Noodles
Rav ID: klionik
Some Great Designs: klionik's Rav Designer Page
Original Indie Designer Post: September 10, 2010

More delightful little knits from this month's indie designer revisit, klionik.

The picture on the right is her adorable Little Cupcake Newborn Hat.  Let me tell you, if I had me an infant, it would be dressed up like food (and perhaps various fun and interesting movie characters) like, all the time. As long as I have control over the wardrobe it's CUTE STUFF FOR YOU! Muwhahaha.
But I digress.
Really, they're very cute! Keep this pattern in mind next time you have an emergency baby shower to knit for!

For yourself, there's the pretty Zigzag Tunic. It's a great summery knit, perfect for these hot and sunny days. I love the colours she's picked for the sample, too. Very nautical!

Finally, I'd like to point out her On the Wing (knitter neckerchief). A double-sided shawl, this piece is a great one to work on in the summer, and have ready to go for the first crispness of the autumn!

TNNA Summer 2013: Recap

The radio silence on the blog is mainly due to this past weekend's very exciting and absolutely wonderful TNNA.

Hotel lobby. Squee! TNNA!

What that is, technically, is the National Needle Arts annual trade show. While the summer show is the "big one", they have others throughout the year.

This is where yarnny people connect.

I can't tell you all how much fun I had!
(well, I'll try...)

Picture it: Columbus Ohio, June 2013. It's hot outside and freeeeezing in the packed-full Convention Center. People's eyes are dazzled by yarn and patterns and all other sorts of goods and exciting news. Their bellies full of delicious ice cream.

While my ability to take photos was drastically reduced by this state of overwhelmed-stupor, I do have some to share.

I got to meet so many wonderful people!

Photo courtesy of Allyson Dykhuizen.

Here's me and the ADORABLE Allyson Dykhuizen from Holla Knits and the Sweatshop of Love. We were roomies. She rules. Seriously, running Holla Knits and the Sweatshop of Love?

She sported a whole bunch of great knits (and crochet!) over the weekend. Check out her TNNA recap.

We also roomed with the very talented Alison Green. See her great patterns here. I'm really keen on her latest, the Budding Garden Pullover. She's also got a bunch of pretty new designs with Juniper Moon Farm yarns.

MarlyBird Designer Dinner swag.

I was lucky enough to score an invite to MarlyBird's Designer Dinner. She has a great podcast. If you dig listening to them, check it out. She's so upbeat and delightful!

Each of us had a packed-full loot bag. Some of the contents:

-cute gift tags from the knit- and graphics-designer Jill Zielinski
-two cute Chic-A bags
-some new Eucalan Wrapture
-the new issue of the Love of Knitting, with a beautiful duster pattern from MarlyBird herself

I got to meet freshstitches, rock and purl, Carina Spencer, Lee Meredith, Amy Palmer, Andrea Rangel, Stacey Winklepleck, Rohn Strong, Cirilia Rose, Carol Feller, Chris Church, Shannon Okey, Elizabeth Green Musselman, Knitterella, Mari Knits, Jean Chung, Angela Tong and many others. Designer Dinner WIN!
 

The show floor.

Spud and Chloë swag!

Cute pin from Lee Meredith.

mmmm.... Jeni's....

Photo courtesy of Allyson Dykhuizen.

 Yay ice cream! Here's me, Rohn Strong and Alison Green enjoying some Jeni's.

Lucania, in Zen Yarn Garden's booth.

I was super stoked that Roxanne, the creative director of Zen Yarn Garden, entered my new pattern Lucania into the fashion show! Gah!

Yay! Lucania was in the fashion show.

Me and Hilary!

And I finally got to meet a long-time internet bud, Hilary Smith Callis. She is such a sweet and kind person!

Her booth was fantastic (which she shared with Irish Girlie Knits). Check out those mini Citrons-as-bunting! Very cute, eh?
And just because it makes me smile: Hilary, me, AND Alison all have the same birthday? Cool beans!

(ps: mini pattern preview! I just might be wearing a very-soon-to-be-released design here!)

Pretty Anzula.

I got me some absolutely beautiful Anzula yarn. Swatching will commence soon. I can't wait!
Ok, so a run down on some of the nummy yarn and other goodies:

-lots of exciting bright yarns! Malabrigo, Anzula, Manos and many others are all jumping on neon like it's HAWT! (which it is, btw).
-got to check out the new issue of Knitscene, and a sneak peek at some upcoming Knit Picks collections (which I'm glad to say I'll be a part of!) as well as the VERY COOL Doomsday Knits.  Cooperative Press does such awesome and interesting things!
-got to see the new madtosh colours (and yeah, if you're not a fan of the neon, there's nothing to worry about. Madtosh has you covered with lovely soft shades).
-got to see some great new (to me) yarns from Red Barn Yarn and Baah Yarn.


So, I have returned from the whirlwind (wherein I drove 7 hours each way. Yah, I totes did it. Car did not explode into flames with the flaming hot heat flames of late June). I consider that a victory.
Amongst all the other awesomeness of this weekend.

Home.

Indie Designer Day

Designer: Lena Fedotova
Blog: Sea Snail Shell
Rav ID: ravliki
Some Great Designs: ravliki's Rav Designer Page

I don't feature much crochet on this blog, but you know, sometimes there's some crochet that just needs to be seen!

This week's designer, ravliki, has a great array of crocheted pieces.

See Sands (pictured). How pretty! Very wearable crochet. I love the v neck, I love the ripple, and I love the ruffle. It looks very soft and comfortable. So, get your hooks out, peeps! This one's a keeper!

Pond Ripples is pretty in the same sort of way as Sands. Very wearable, warm-weather top. I love the modularity of the piece, and its lacy effect.

And, one of my favourites, Ocean Samba Skirt.  Here's a bit about it: "The combination of techniques - hairpin lace crochet and knitting in garter stitch with a gentle lace touch - is easy and very quick to make. And the pattern instructions will help you to create a skirt of any size and length."
You've got to see this skirt. There's some great pics on the pattern page on rav, including some action-shots of it in full swing!

Indie Designer Day

Designer: Ambah O'Brien
Blog: Ambah: confessions of a serial crafter
Rav ID: ambahobrien
Some Great Designs: Ambah's Rav Designer Page

So, here's the problem: you love the knittings, but you hate the heat?
Well, this week's designer has a great wee pattern for you!

Look at Petarli.  Uniting some of the most happy things about knitting and yet, being knittable and wearable in this summery summery heat. It's so pretty! But, Ambah has a selection of other pretties to check out.

Magine is a pretty shawl/scarf. Delicate and geometric.

Billo is for those cooler times of year. Again, it has a very nice geometric texture, structured on a simple (unisex) knit cap.

Elinya is the last one I'll point out to you today. It's another lovely shawl, but this time large and cozy. I love that pretty picot border!

Still Sewing!

I'm so dern pleased with my latest dress, I just had to share.

This one is from a pattern that (very much looks like) it's from the late 1950s. It's actually quite a simple dress, but I'm glad it seems I'm getting better at zippers.

The pattern isn't even my size; it's about one size too small. But, I'm thinking either a) I like the ease to be less than is generally given for a sewing pattern or b) I have somehow drastically mis-read my actual size.
This isn't the first time it's happened, that sewing patterns are supposed to be my size and end up with too much room all over. Here's to hoping that will raise my alterations skills!