I'm happy to share with you my latest hat pattern!  This time it's a design inspired by old quilt patterns.  Using a number of different colors throughout the hat, it's fun to knit... and the pattern would be a great opportunity to use scrap yarn (perhaps some leftover sock yarn?) 

What's involved in this pattern?  It starts with a provisional cast on and a lining worked in the round using a main color and smaller needles.  Once a turning row is completed, the stranded knitting begins.  I worked most of this hat on circular needles, switching to double points for crown shaping.  (Some people would use magic loop at this point.)

Once the project was complete, it was time to find a place to do photography.  I did a lot of research, looking for an exterior location that would offer the right feeling.  I settled on the Palace of Fine Arts.  San Francisco is an amazing city for photography - lots of hills, water everywhere... and even the fog can make things interesting.  Anyway, The Palace of Fine Arts was built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Expo. Built out of paper mache,  It was only meant to exist for a few years and actually fell into disrepair until the 1960s.  After some generous contributions, it was re-created out of concrete and lasted for a good while.  The past few years brought a re-furbishing of the monument and visiting it was truly a magical experience.  I look forward to discovering more places in my hometown for photoshoots!

We took photos in a few different spots at this location.  The doors in the background of this photo are used in a lot of wedding photography.  I thought it was really interesting how the pattern in the door is almost identical to the motif in the hat!

Knitting this pattern went pretty quickly.  The chart is easy to follow, and the color changes encouraged me as I worked.  I am excited to see the color combinations others come up with!!

I'll leave you with a few images of the architecture around the Palace of Fine Arts.  I hope you like the new hat!

This past week I created a Kyle William Facebook fan page.   On the page, I'll be announcing updates to the shop, the publishing of patterns, and offering other tidbits of creativity and fun.  I invite you to join me and "like" the page!

Yesterday I asked the question "What color combination would you like to see on this BFL roving?" - and got a number of really lovely responses.  Of course, I am overflowing with color combinations myself, and really love the way color can affect the material.  

The latest colors to be released are Eleanor and Emerald; both of which are currently available in the shop.  I also dyed up more of Isobel yesterday, and worked on some other projects that have been calling my name.  

In hand spinning news, I finished working up a 2-ply yarn using my Sherwood colorway.  It's currently out of stock but I plan on making more very soon.  It's lovely color combination of teal, evergreen, copper and lichen.

If you ever want or need a custom colorway of hand dyed roving, just get in touch with me; I am happy to create roving in the colors you select!

Have an amazing week!!!

It's time to re-visit my other favorite craft... ceramics!  I dusted off my tools the other day in preparation for day 1 of ceramics class in San Francisco.  Monday morning I ventured out early, headed off to class and to meet my new instructor.  

He seems very nice... has been teaching at Fort Mason (in view of the Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, & Alcatraz) for around 20 years, and has been working in clay for over 30.  It's a different setup than I had in Los Angeles, but I'm happy that the opportunity exists for me to delve back into clay 2 days a week.

I'm prepared to head back tomorrow with my tools at-the-ready, and to remember what it is about ceramics I love so much.  (Actually, I remember very clearly - and I'm VERY happy that it's time to get dirty!)

Other news includes releasing a new colorway of hand dyed roving.  This time it's on rambouillet and is named "Sherwood".   Hand dyeing roving is a fun adventure as well - and believe me it's hard to post and sell the roving instead of spinning it myself.  (Confession:  I dyed 2 sets of this one but promptly took one to spin as a sample... it's on my wheel right now calling my name).

If you're interested in this or other rovings, check out the shop. 

Last but not least, I'm really happy to announce custom dyed roving service offered through the shop.  With this service, YOU get to select your very own color combination.  Want green/purple/orange? OK.  Prefer grey/brown/tangerine? Okey-Dokey.  NEED purple/lilac/indigo?  Whatever your heart's desire, I'll be happy to make it for you.  Turnaround should be quick but I specified 5-7 business days.

Click on the "Custom Dyed Roving" image to the left to get started.

Have a great week!