San Francisco has mild (but unpredictable) weather. Traveling across the city folks who live here know it's wise to always carry a jacket. In the cooler times of year, a finely knit cowl or scarf also comes in handy. Inspired by architectural detail in San Francisco's War Memorial Opera House, Cabaletta is a fine knit that uses two different yarns from Crystal Palace to create a lightweight (but warm) cowl.

The name “Cabaletta” is a term in Italian opera defining a brisk aria that usually follows a more contemplative one. The word was derived from the Italian “Cavallo” (horse) and often the music accompanying the cabaletta can be reminiscent of a horse’s gallop.

I love the way this cowl feels. It's the perfect weight... I also think that for colder climates this design would be nice if the height was doubled.

The pattern is available on Ravelry (via the link below). 

$4.00

There really is nothing like working with handspun yarn. And wearing a hat made from woolen-spun yarn is a comfy, cozy, toasty treat! 

I designed this hat for PLY Magazine's Winter 2013 issue using woolen spun 3-ply yarn made with Kyle William dyed BFL in the colorways Silver Thaw and December Sky (often available in the shop HERE).

Carefully spun by NY spinner Aaron Bush, it was really a treat to be able to make a hat using materials that had been so lovingly prepared.

The fibers come in 4 ounce quantities, and the hat uses under 100 yards of each color. When Aaron spun up the fiber, he blended the colors together by creating rolags of built-up tufts of fiber. This method created an evenly-varigated finished yarn.

If you aren't yet a spinner, talk to other fiber friends, or check artist sites like www.etsy.com for options. Compare the yarn you're considering to the details in the project, and if it's close, chances are, it'll make a nice finished hat.

And for those who prefer commercially spun yarn, a light worsted or DK yarn should fit the bill. This pattern is a little more difficult than others to re-size since the pattern repeat is so large. Altering needle or yarn size will change the finished dimensions.

...and beyond my small contribution, I have to tell you. PLY Magazine is chocked full of thoughtfully worded articles and beautiful images. Want to learn to spin? Already an expert? Seriously, this magazine has a lot of great information (it even includes some great product reviews!)

I hope you'll check it out while you can! 

Kristin Omdahl has written the kind of book I can wrap my imagination around. Knitting Outside the Swatch spends half the book explaining all the different motifs, and then the second half shows examples of motifs in ten different projects!

I love the special bind off Kristin used for the motifs in the Shania medallion hat for the book cover!

Kristin is known for imagination and talent with mathematics... and it shows through the pages of this latest title. She's created a lot of really interesting patterns for this book, and I believe that this resource is well worth adding to your library. Over 40 motifs are included, and with clear instructions on each piece, it's like having Kristin right there with you, showing you the way!

As a lover of freeform knitting and crochet, I think of this book as an inspiration library. These small motifs use only a little bit of yarn, and they are creatively designed. One of my favorite motifs uses yarn wraps to hide a join, creating a beautiful finish. It's also a great chance to use up leftover yarns or for sample skeins. My plans include using this resource to knit up bits to include in a freeform wrap that I started a while back... These patterns are really a breath of fresh air!

I also believe that motif collections like this help us to come up with new motif variations on our own. Work a few new pieces, and add them to your freeform scrumbles. See how these new bits might inspire new experimentation in your other work.

The book is available in paperback or by digital download. Click the image above or button below to get yours right now, or head to your LYS to pick up a copy.

If you'd like to dive right in, Interweave has a solution for you!  Take your choice (digital or paper) and go ahead and order it now:

Want a free copy of Knitting Outside the Swatch? I have one to give away to a very lucky reader.

Here's how to enter -

Post in the comments, and tell me what is your favorite thing to knit?  It could be one of her designs from the book, or it could be some other project... as specific as a certain pattern, or as generic as "socks!"


Post your comment by 11:59PM PST Saturday, November 16, 2013 to enter.

Be sure to include your email address when posting your comment so that I can contact you if you're the lucky (random!) winner.

Thank you for sharing this post with your friends on Facebook or other social media sites!

As always, thank you for taking time to read the blog. If you have any questions or comments for me, feel free to send me an email using the comment tab on the website!

CONGRATULATIONS! to Cheryl! She won the copy of Knitting Outside the Swatch, and I hope she has a wonderful time working the new motifs!

While so many fiber folks are posting, sharing, and commenting about their fluffy finds at Rhinebeck, I'm here in the studio working on layout and final edits for the upcoming ebook: Good Deeds, Volume One: Hats"! The project is almost ready, so I better get back to work. I just wanted to say "Happy Rhinebeck!" to everyone who is lucky enough to be there.

While you're perusing the fiber, perhaps you'll pick up a couple skeins of yarn to knit a hat for charity?

Full details about this design are included on the pattern page HERE.

This men’s half-zip pullover uses a gently shifting motif to create a modified houndstooth motif. Carefully tailored with set in sleeves, and solid cuffs and hem, a zipper finishes off the neckline and completes this timeless design. 

This pattern is worked flat and requires basic knitting knowledge, including knit/purl, increasing, decreasing, reading charts, stranded knitting, and finishing.  

Among the many projects in my queue, the CYC Certified Instructor Program Level 1 has lived comfortably ignored for much of the past year. This certification is mostly for teaching beginning knitting (or crochet) courses at big box stores. I felt it'd be a good exercise and its lessons guide the student through the steps of creating a lesson plan, and gauging class time. I finished the bulk of the work pretty quickly, but then left it to hibernate in my studio and queue on Ravelry. After much delay and procrastination, I finally completed the swatches for this level.

There should be some sort of award for completing levels. (Actually, there are many: A feeling of accomplishment, Receiving feedback from the instructor, Growing as a craftsperson and becoming more critical of the work you produce, Turning the tables on yourself and thinking as a new student)... 

It will be nice to hear back from my instructor, to complete any updates or re-do that needs doing, and to move to the next level. 

Working on that program, I spent time thinking about what it meant to be recognized for accomplishment. Many of us get awards at work or through our good deeds, but what about our knitting? A friend of mine has considered the same conundrum and created Dr. Lace's Badge of Accomplishments.  

Beautifully presented on a letterpress card, this badge sings honor for knitting a first scarf (or first project, for that matter!) I think these would be a perfect reward for a "learn to knit" class... and every yarn shop should have them as special treats for those who need that extra encouragement.

Learning a new skill can feel daunting, but I promise. Everything we do gets easier with time and practice and determination. 

Sometimes, a little encouragement from our friends or community is all we need to step out of our comfort zone and press on into the unknown!

Want this badge as an award for yourself or a friend who has learned how to knit? Post a comment telling me who taught you to knit and I'll randomly select one entry as the winner of this beautiful pin!  Deadline: Saturday, September 28, 2013 at 
11:59PM PST.



UPDATE: - Congratulations to Michelle who was the winner of this contest! Visit www.drlace.com if you'd like to purchase a badge of your very own!

I had a great time working with Cascade Casablanca knitting this cowl!  It's a new (FREE!) pattern up on their website and it's a fun way to watch the colors interact with each other.  The pattern is part of their collection of free designs and is a great project for someone new to stranded knitting!

Worked in the round, this cowl features a geometric pattern that comes alive with Cascade’s Casablanca yarn.  Choose two similar colors for a subtle cowl, or go for the dramatic by picking two contrasting colors.  Whatever you decide, the result will be a fun, warm cowl full of graphic interest that’ll be well loved when winter arrives.

This pattern requires intermediate knitting knowledge including: cast-on, working in the round, reading charts, and simple stranded color work, on circular needles.

Call for Submissions

Submission Deadline : Friday, August 16, 2013, 6pm PST
Finished patterns and completed samples must be received by: September 25, 2013
Project scheduled release: November 1, 2013


Designs benefitting Breast Cancer Connections will be an e-book of knit and crochet hat patterns created to raise funds for this worthwhile organization.  The e-book will be sold through Ravelry, and 100% of the net proceeds will benefit Breast Cancer Connections. www.bcconnections.org

Designers generously donate the pattern and finished hat sample to the project.  Each pattern will be formatted to be included in the e-book and designers will receive full credit for their contribution.  Previously published patterns will be accepted.

Samples will be made by designers and submitted along with their pattern.  Patterns should be tech edited and tested prior to submission.

Submission Requirements

Please send your design submission as a .pdf, including an image of the finished hat (or swatch & sketch), and schematic with sizing/dimensions.  Projects should follow the CYC Standards, and can be in one or multiple sizes.  Include a short statement about the design, the project yarn requirements (either what you used or what yarn and colors you hope to use), and contact information.  If you’ve used handspun in your project, include WPI, TPI, angles, and a commercial yarn equivalent.

This project does not include yarn support. Completed patterns will be submitted in .doc format, and all charts and schematics should be sent as separate .jpg attachments. 

Photography | Finished samples will be mailed at designer’s expense to Kyle William and will be photographed for the publication.  Designers will be able to use these photos for their website, ravelry page, etc. as long as they keep the copyright information with the photo. 

Release | The project is scheduled to be released as an e-book on November 1, 2013.  Patterns donated to the project will be available through purchase of the e-book as a collection.  Designers can sell the pattern individually on Ravelry or their own website.

After the project is released, sample hats will be sent to the project beneficiary, Living Beyond Breast Cancer.  If you would rather keep your sample hat, we will ask you to cover the cost of return shipping.

Proceeds | All money from the sales of the e-book, less fees (Paypal, Ravelry, etc), will be donated to Living Beyond Breast Cancer in an annual payment, and the amounts donated will be updated on the book’s ravelry page and on a dedicated page at www.kylewilliam.com.

Email any questions and all submissions to: [email protected] with "BCC Collection" in the subject line.

The Jack cardigan began its life back in October when I talked with Classic Elite about contributing to a collection of men's garments for release Fall 2013.  After a few emails, we agreed on design, materials, and colors.

This design began as a swatch in different yarn, and different colors... but once I got going on it I was infatuated with the sheer luxury of Classic Elite Yarn's Inca Alpaca. 

I LOVE. LOVE. LOVE. this yarn.  Seriously.  It was glorious to work with (and I want to work with it again VERY soon) and the finished cardigan is so comfy and soft it was really hard to send away.  I want to knit another for myself for chilly San Francisco days!

The pattern is part of Classic Elite Yarn's new booklet #9231: Leader of the Pack, available for purchase on Ravelry, and pattern and yarn both should be waiting for you at your local yarn shop.  More information about this and the rest of the collection can be found HERE. 

Back in mid-March, I mailed off a little bundle to Amy Clark Moore and her staff at Interweave.  My very own contribution to the Unofficial Harry Potter Knits!  Here it is, 4 month later, and I am finally able to share this project with you.

The Order of the Phoenix Winged Vest uses Zitron Lifestyle (100% extrafine superwash Merino) in #54 Nutmeg and #33 Corn.  It features a solid front and, when worn with a jacket, others can't know the secrets it holds.

The inspiration comes from the idea of the "hidden identity" of everyday superheroes.  People (like policemen, nurses, and counselors) in our communities work hard to protect, educate, and serve.  Out of uniform (or out of the office!) they blend into the crowd, unnoticed.  We don't recognize they are the ones that do so much good when duty calls.

It is interesting to me how these individuals carry with them such strength and knowledge, and others can so easily be unaware.  They walk by us... on the streets or at the mall... but at work; when they're needed, they dive in.  Head-first.  Selflessly.

While I was designing this vest I had in mind this idea of carrying around that "hidden identity"... it's more than the "secret powers" of heroes like Harry Potter - it's the real power of knowing what to do when a problem arises.  It's also important to note that everyone has the ability to make a difference in the lives of others.  Listening... Offering emotional support... Teaching "the tricks of the trade" to someone new to your field... Taking time to write a letter... Visiting people in the hospital.  The small efforts we make turn us into true heroes in the eyes of others.

I hope the Order of the Phoenix vest will help others appreciate the heroes of their communities, and to find time to recognize the knowledge and talents of those around them.

The Unofficial Harry Potter Knits will be available at your Local Yarn Shop or through the Interweave website.  If you can't wait to cast on this (or any of the other AMAZING projects) in the magazine, you can hop on over HERE and download an electronic copy right now!  (Due to copyright restrictions, this magazine is only available for sale in the U.S.)