Indie Designer Day

Designer: mome
Rav ID: mome
Some Great Designs: mome's Rav Projects Page

Today's designer is a knitter after my own heart. In her Rav "About Me", she writes:
"The best part is starting a new project, that is where all adrenalin is!"
And how!

But she certainly does well with her finished designs.
Check out her Honey, I'm home! (pictured right). I superlove this texture, and the deep ribbing on the sleeves and waist. A cool twist on a classic cardi.

Texture is something mome's really got down. Witness the cute skirt Gone, with its dancing cables and wee lace eyelets.

While Future dress isn't actually said garment, it's lovely in its current form. I can imagine how fab the dress version would be! Like Honey, I'm home, deep cuff detailing adds interest to this sweater knit.

Finally, I'll direct your attention to a sweater she designed for her daughter, Pink lady. Texture abounds! The fun things you can do for a little girl's garment! I'm particularly a fan of the bobbles-used-to-perfection on the flowers :)

The Case of the Camping Cat

I've been here, there and other whereabouts this summer.
I've got a few posts up my sleeve; thought I'd first share the tale of my (one time) feline roommate.

A rather unenthused Christmas gift recipient, my parent's cat Dante paid me a three day visit a few weeks ago. They were all off camping for the weekend, and said kitty cat would have been super unenthused to accompany them for the whole shebang.

So, to my apartment he went (and truly, reader, my bedroom/canary room he did not enter. My boys would have been super DUPER unenthused by his presence.)

I had a bit of fun confusing him with a singing, moving plastic American Goldfinch.

Then, for one night, he was toted along with me up to the campsite.

There was plenty a sight to be seen, but he was very happy indeed to chill in the trailer.

I, on the other hand, enjoyed my time canoeing.

Dad and brother take canoe off car.


CanaryLady takes arty shot of water.


Yet again, naked trees and cattails.


And the prettiness of roots half-submerged.

Indie Designer Day

Designer: Iryna Klionava
Blog: Knotting Noodles
Rav ID: klionik
Some Great Designs: klionik's Rav Designer Page

While the leaves are still green on the trees, I'd like to show you the beauitful work by klionik.

Namely, her hat Liffey, pictured right. Now those are what I call scrummptious cables! With a dramatic interplay between cable, wee bit of lace and subtle texture, this hat has it all! PS: the tie in the back = adorable.

A very functional and sweet little knit, klionik's Peyote Pincushion would be a wonderful addition to your sewing (and knitting!) basket.
(that is, if you indeed have a basket that's large enough for your stash. Oh, you do?.... you mean, you aren't living in a sea of yarn, sometimes threatening to overflow from the bounds of closet, hamper, cedar chest and other random hiding places?)

Finally, I'll point you to her stylin Green Grocery Eco Bag. It's got a purty mesh lace pattern, and "has been tested on 3 kg of oranges: will hold more." I love that; pre-testing its weight load!

Robin Hood and Gothic Arches; Or, White Horse Hill

Pattern: White Horse Hill (buy now)
Yarn: madelinetosh sock, 2 hanks (really, one and a third)
Needles: 2.25mm circs

In May I explained how a hottie McGee in an awesomesauce movie captured my attention.
Oh, how inspired I was :)
And now, finally, is the completed pattern!

I was so excited to knit this piece. I did more planning for this wee wrap than I have for almost any other pattern I've knit. I knew precisely what I wanted it to look like, and guess what: this time, I actually achieved it!

It's knit from the top down, with charts to guide your way. Featuring Gothic arches (or at least, my humble attempts at such reproduction) made from fun cables and twisty twists.
The bottom section, that ruffly bit there? That's mainly just moss stitch, with the main arms of the arches extending downwards to anchor the "windows" to the edge of the wrap.

I hope this is one of those (rare) instances when a ruffle is a good thing. It was mondo fun to knit.

This was also in part due to the stunning beauty of the yarn. Not only is it unbelievably soft and springy, the rich, rich colour is almost hypnotizing.

I've worn it around a few times; it's a pretty adaptable piece. The ribbon lacing means that you can wear it tighter or looser, depending on your desired look. Personally, I'm a fan of the long ends dangling down and dancing in the breeze (which, believe me, I tried to get a nice photo of. The wind, she no cooperated! Shifty nature... you just can't reason with it.)

Brave New Knits: My Milk Maiden

Pattern: Milk Maiden
Source: Brave New Knits

I've been waiting what feels like ages to post about this here knit.

I couldn't believe it when Julie Turjoman asked if I'd like to be included in her book about knitters and the interwebby blogosphere. I was so very, very excited! But it was, of course, all to be secret knitting.

I began work on Milk Maiden in early spring of 2009. At that time, the museum I work at had an exhibition featuring printwork of a number of Dutch masters. In particular, Lucas van Leyden's Milk Maid caught my attention.
While my own Milk Maiden isn't a totally faithful repro of van Leyden's barefoot farmworker, I took a few pieces of ephemeral inspiration from his engraving.

It's a fairly basic bottom-up raglan construction (you can't stop me on those sweaters!), with a bit of a fun twist with the ribbing on the bust and wee bit of lace detail knit separately and then stitched on afterward.

These pictures were taken around May 2009, just before I mailed the pullover off to Julie for photoging and promotional purposes.

It's really very cool to see the same piece I knit being worn by a real model!

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you, dear readers. If not for your continued support, I wouldn't have been much of a blogger. Would have missed out on so much inspiration. Certainly wouldn't have caught Julie's eye - it's all thanks to you that she thought to contact me, and I got to be involved in this great book.

Thanks so very much!

Indie Designer Day

Designer: Susi
Blog: runningsusi
Rav ID: runningsusi
Some Great Designs: runningsusi's Rav Designer Page

Now, before I head out on that sweet, sweet camping trip, I have to share with you this week's well-timed designer, runningsusi.

Well timed because, well, my chilly weekend camping trip would do well to have a beautiful toque like the pictured Free Spirit Hat. The colourwork on this piece is amazing. I love how it's totally unisex, and a perfectly portable knit for camping!

In another demonstration of colourwork smarts, runningsusi's Fair Isle Stash socks are a beautiful and wonderful way to use up all those wee remnants from various and sundry socky knitting!

Lastly, I'll direct you to her very cool Knitted Tee. How awesome is that stitch pattern and texture?

...And The Winner Is...

Congratualtions to Allyson! You can just email me your mailing info, and the book will be on its way to you asap.

Thanks to everyone who participated, and all your kind comments!

Now, I'm off to spend what is shaping up to be a rainy, rainy weekend in a couple of tents with five other knitters.

WOOOOO!

There's always a silver lining: perhaps the excessive precipitation will encourage reams and reams of knitting to be completed. Oh, the productivity!!

Brave New Knits Book Giveaway

Today is the day!

Brave New Knits is on the bookshelves, and the author Julie Turjoman has kindly sent me a signed copy of the book to give away.

Just comment on this post to be entered in the draw.

I'll be doing the draw at 7:00 pm EST on Thursday.

Good luck to all!

Indie Designer Day

Designer: Janneke
Blog: nog even nadenken
Rav ID: bloemenjansje
Some Great Designs:bloemenjansje's Rav Designer Page

It's a shame bloemenjansje only has three patterns posted - I'm intrigued by her diverse style.

First I'll point you to her Natalya Hat (pictured). This lovely piece makes great use of a bobbled cable pattern for a striking and stylish winter accessory.

Then there's her very cool Intrepid gloves. This piece has colourwork, flared cuffs, varying texture and picot edging. I really love her tendency towards a "medival style" in this garment.

Finally there's the whimsy that is Odobenoplasty. This piece (which you've gotta see, btw!) defies gravity with its grand walrus-like tusks. I'm sure you'd not complain of the cold with this knit on!

Aw Shucks :)

Quick wee post today to point out the honour a good friend of mine has bestowed upon me:

A talented spinner and dyer, mousewife has named her latest yarnny creation after moi!

See pretty photo right, and flattering bloggy post here. I think my favourite part about this whole dealy¹ is that she thinks of me when she sees these kickass colours.

You can check out her etsy shop here.

¹Not sure why, but this post has a proliferation of Y endings to words. I guess I'm in a cutesy mood.
hardy har.

My City Rawks

I live in one of those cities with an unfortunate reputation. It's a very blue-collar kind of place; its historic growth and boom were based on industry. Specifically, steel.
My dad worked in a steel factory. So did both my grandfathers, and about four uncles. My brother works there now too.

This city was founded on hard, dirty work.
And that is why I really love the unlikely juxtaposition that is the vibrant, thriving and incredibly fun local art scene.

A few years ago, when the wee gallery district was first up-and-coming, a monthly Art Crawl was begun. I've made it my mission to visit this fabulous event as much as possible.

The second Friday of every month sees all the galleries and shops open their doors; there's food, fun, openings, talks, performances and so many people to be seen.

Oh yes, and things to be bought!

One of my new favourite places is a sweet shop called the White Elephant. Inspiration and beauty abounds here. Items from very cool leather work by Shoot From the Hip, to vintage clothing and housewares.
Browsing through their bounty of goodness made me realize I absolutely had to make myself a little stitched Ontario, as well as a cascade of felt flowers for my hair. Methinks there will be cascades of felt flowers in every colour, quite soon!

There's also the Maker's Market. In the good weather it's outside; you get to browse all sorts of handmade lovelies. Last time I got me some delicious-smelling lemon hand cream and a beeswax wall hanging (which scents my room with honey!).

That unfortunate reputation might be turned around by art. That's what I think.
I'm a great defender of my city - it's fabulous here. Come for a visit!
Art is the new Steel!

Brave New Knits

Last December I got a wonderful and surprising dose of flattery.

Julie Turjoman¹ messaged me on Rav and asked if I was interested in participating in her upcoming book, Brave New Knits.
You can imagine how much happy squee-ing went on. I don't think I've stopped since! (and, more on my design and happiness working with Julie on this project to come in future posts!)

My very own copy arrived in the mail just last week, and methinks there's a great number of projects that need to be knit by me!

Beautifully written, designed and photographed (by the greatly talented BrooklynTweed!), this book focusses on the impact the internet, blogging, Ravelry and other such wonderfulness has had on our yarnny craft.
Designers range from the lowly wee me to great new designers like the Yarniad and superstars like Ysolda and Connie Chang Chinchio.

Not only is there a diversity of designers and stories, there's a wide array of types of garments, from pretty little socks, to lovely shawlettes, scarves and loads of great sweaters.

It hits the bookstores on August 31.

¹Check out Julie's site for links about the book, including the Brave New Knits Facebook Page, with info on the book tour, as well as her designer spotlights, where she updates what all the designers have been up to since the initial interviews for the book last year.

Indie Designer Day

Designer: Kristin Alexandra
Blog: Voolenvine: Knitting and Design
Rav ID: voolenvine
Some Great Designs: voolenvine's Rav Designer Page

How totally cute is Vinelle (pictured right)? I can't believe this pattern's been out since April, and only has 28 projects! It's a lovely example of the top-buttoned cardi trend that's been raging in the pattern community for a while now.
The delicate texture seen in Vinelle is a great intro the Voolenvine's design aesthetic.

See her cute Hilde slouchy hat. I've recently developed a crush on twisted rib, and this pattern employs that stitch, along with a perfect wee willow-bud-cable, excellently.

Cozee is a bulky-weight, classic and amply warm-looking sweater. I love the button-up neck. This seems like a wonderful pattern to show off some very beautiful buttons :)

And, for something a little different, Voolenvine demonstrates her ability with colourwork in Sugar Plum Hat. I have to say, the multi-colour pom-pom rawks my world!

Indie Designer Day

Designer: Dorota Maria Kowalczyk
Rav ID: devorgilla
Some Great Designs: dev
orgilla's Rav Designer Page

Mmmm.... cables....

This week's designer is absolutely fabulous with cables. Clicking on her designer page l ink given above will reward you with a huge array of designs.

Once you see them I'm sure you'll agree that it's something of a task to choose a favourite, but I've included a photo here of her Celtic Knot #4.

Truth be telt, I can't figure if my admiration for the scarf is heightened at all by the lurvely yarn colour she chose!
Under her designer page, you will also see six full patterns listed, all wonderful pairings for her classic and beautiful cables.

Indie Designer Day

Designer: Sara Kucharik
Blog: The Yarndest Thing
Rav ID: Yarniv0re
Some Great Designs: Yarniv0re's Rav Designer Page and Rav Projects Page

I love coming across designers who are on the verge of something big.
And, with the creative talent shown by the Yarniv0re, I'm super excited to see what wonderful knits get published next!

Currently she's posted one pattern, the "Cushion the Fall" Cell Phone Cozy, a very cute yarnny "hug" for your favourite electronic gadget.

And yes, there's more!

A wealth of unpublished, lovely knits can be found on her Rav projects page, and I've included just a wee sampling here to show you her great work.

There's a couple versions of a pullover utilizing a fab honeycomb pattern, here listed as Honeycomb Raglan v.1 and Honeycomb Raglan v.2. Both these sweaters demonstrate a great understanding of attractive, wearable, classic and harmonious-looking knitwear. I particularly like the sleeve detail on each.

Also, check out her Belted Raglan Cardy. Again, a very classic looking piece, with a cool detail - the belt is woven through the waist ribbing (you can see a good pic of it if you scroll down the project page a tad).

Just one more: her Allover Aran 3/4 Sleeve. A seamless aran sweater? Yes, please!

Looking forward to any and all new designs!