This is the second time I have had the pleasure of designing for Quince and Co.! This year I wanted to design a cowl that was simple enough for someone just venturing into the world of lace. Reversible, without being overly-complicated. A weekend of swatching and pondering yielded this new design.

Araminta requires basic knitting knowledge, including working in the round, increasing/decreasing, and finishing. Know how to knit, purl, yarn over, do simple decreases? Know how to do a twisted knit stitch? That's about all you need to know to make this cowl!

...And for those who have yet to work with Quince and Co. yarn, I encourage you to visit your LYS or order some online and give it a try. The colors are beautiful, and this particular yarn is soft, rustic, and familiar.

Of course, once you have the entire 14 pattern collection, it'll be hard to decide what to make first. There are options! Colorwork, cables, lace, pleats, asymmetrical wraps... the list goes on and on!

All the photography is stunning (as usual). It, along with the e-book layout is done by the uber-talented Carrie Bostick Hodge.

The yarn, I should say, is lovely. Owl is a favorite of mine because of its rustic feel. Not only does it work well with twisted stitches, it makes cables sing! Just a few weeks ago, Quince and Co. announced Owl Tweet! - the tweed version of Owl. I saw it at Stitches WEST and loved it. Perhaps someone will work Araminta in Tweet so I fall in love all over again.

There's a really great new book on the market for weaving using the rigid heddle loom! Woven Scarves features 26 different scarves and explores a number of different techniques among its pages.

Jane Patrick was the editor of Handwoven for years, and also worked as VP for Schacht Spindle. She knows her stuff when it comes to warp and weft!

Stephanie Flynn Sokolov has published and coauthored a number of books, and today (in addition she teaches in Bolder, CO).

The history and innovation of these two makes this book so special. Taking time to provide clear instructions on these techniques (and then branching out into other more unconventional fabrics) is what makes this book coveted.

3/21/14 - a day later than I hoped, but here are the results!

Congratulations to Nancy! An email has been sent to her giving her the good news. A copy of this great book is on its way to her!

Thank you to everyone for your comments and help sharing about this new book.

Kyle

I designed the Modern Motif Pillow for Universal Yarn's new book: Nazeli Garden 5: Bring Your Garden Inside. The book contains 18 designs for the home. One side is covered in a floral motif and the opposite side uses a geometric design created after studying Georgian era garden plans. 

Before sending the samples out to the publisher I took a few photos, and Dewey wanted to join the fun! He's so adorable I had to share one of those too.

The entire piece is worked in the round, and is finished with applied i-cord and sealed with a zipper.

The project is worked in the round and requires basic knitting knowledge, including knit/purl, i-cord, and finishing, including the installation of a zipper.

Learn more about the project HERE or visit the Ravelry page HERE. 

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

(or Why, Oh Why Do I Have All This Yarn?!)

Back in 2007, when I lived in Southern California I did a blog post HERE detailing my quite vast and large yarn stash.

Over 1,000 balls/hanks/skeins of yarn.

Looking back, (will I be sorry for saying this?) I believe that's too much yarn for one person to have. And when I moved to San Francisco, I sold or gave away almost all of it.

Here it is, seven years later (2014), I still have way too much yarn, but nowhere near the astronomical amount I had before. Today, I still hold onto sweater quantities that quietly wait for me to find the right pattern so it can be knit up. 

I have a few bags of random skeins that I like for one reason or another, and a few small bins with special types of yarn that are destined for certain types of projects (like felting).

I have a bin of yarn for swatching, and a big bag of spinning fiber (think big suitcase and you'll get the picture).

Of course, I also have the yarn and fiber and materials for my dyeing projects that I sell in my SHOP. 

There's a part of me that finds comfort in knowing that I have yarn "Just In Case"... but the reality is I rarely knit projects with it. I wonder if others do this same thing:

1. Decide I must knit something "new"
2. Find a pattern after much sorting and ruffling of papers, and digging online and Ravelry
3. Feeling happy that I just purchased 2 or 3 new patterns on Ravelry that I LOVE but am not quite ready to knit.
4. Go to stash.
5. Dig through stash and make a giant mess of the studio, looking for a certain yarn that HAS to be in here. Somewhere.
6. Find yarn I love but have no pattern to match with it.
7. Get frustrated and decide I really want to knit one of the patterns I bought, but have trouble finding the right yarn in my stash
8. Head out to my LYS and look at their yarn
        8(a). Try not to be distracted by other yarns calling my name.. or needle felting... or quilting... or needlepoint... or... (you get the picture)
9. Find the PERFECT yarn (but not for the pattern I had decided to knit) - now I want to knit a different pattern but of course I didn't bring that one with me
10. Stand in the middle of the yarn shop with my iPhone logging onto Ravelry or searching for yardage and yarn details for said pattern.
11. Find (or not) the details, settle on yarn, support the yarn shop by making a purchase, and head home.
12. Get home, and cast on.

See? A big dig through the yarn hoard and nothing found. I STILL ended up going out to buy yarn (and of course, the yarn that's in my stash was also purchased... meant for a project, someday...)

The stash that never gets used is sort of like having a refrigerator full of food but not finding anything appealing to eat. (It's a lovely problem to have, I suppose!) -and sometimes the yarn bought for a project in the above scenario ends up in the stash because the pattern didn't work out, or for one reason or another the project got frogged.

I don't really know what I want to do with my stash yarn. Chances are it'll just sit right where it is until I need to do this ritual of digging through it only to find what I want isn't there.

So here's my question: What do you do with your stash yarn? Do you buy yarn in anticipation of finding the "right" pattern? Do you like "The Matching Game"? Or are you someone who likes to mix it up and work freeform projects? I'm curious how much yarn is in your stash, and what causes you to buy yarn or fiber when you have plenty at home. Waiting. In your stash.

It feels good to see an idea come full circle. My very first published knitting pattern was designed with plans to raise money for a nonprofit focused on helping people facing breast cancer. A few years later, I was able to collaborate with other designers to create the first volume of the Good Deeds series in an effort to boost the visibility of the nonprofit benefiting from the project by offering an entire collection of patterns!

Folks who work in fiber (knitters, crocheters, spinners, weavers, etc.) are amazing. We use our talents and devote our time to help those in need by not only making hats, scarves, blankets, and sweaters, but also by talking about the issues that impact our lives.

Good Deeds, Volume One: Hats was launched in October, 2013. All proceeds from the purchase of this collection benefit the wonderful and worthwhile works of Breast Cancer Connections in Palo Alto, CA.

At the beginning of each new year, I will post the sales and donation totals for the previous year. Now that the production costs are covered, each new purchase creates a donation of $14.25 (less the cost of any ads). A total of 40 copies of the collection were sold October - December, 2013, and after expenses, that makes for a donation in the amount of $425.03 going to Breast Cancer Connections.

It's a treat to be able to make this first annual donation to this great nonprofit. They provide support for people facing cancer, and even opportunities such as talks on how to be an effective caregiver for those providing assistance to others. Recently, they expanded their mission to include support for women facing ovarian cancer as well. They offer writing workshops, mindfulness meditation, and even Tai Chi / Qi Gong to their clients, and even a boutique where clients can select hats and wigs that might help them to be more comfortable as they face the rigors of chemotherapy.

Projects like this thrive on the energy that comes from folks talking about and sharing the news. Thank you to the designers who donated their talents, the models that donated their time, and to everyone who has blogged and posted about the project. Here's to more good deeds in 2014!

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! 

Deciding what to get for the holidays can be stressful. Fear not! I have created a list of suggestions for things I'm loving this season. Click on an image or link to be directed to the websites.

Handmade ceramic yarn bowls from Mud's Evolution Pottery! Crafted in Raleigh, NC, this cute bowl was thrown on the wheel and altered. Then the artist applied adorable little lambs cast from a hand carved mold.

As you know I love ceramics. If this bowl is gone, consider a beautiful bowl. Useful for display of yarns and also works to hold yarns in progress.

$54.00
www.etsy.com/shop/MudsEvolutionPottery

Darn Good Yarn is a fantastic fiber company founded by Nicole Snow. They use their business to empower women in Nepal and India while reducing waste.

This year, Darn Good Yarn became the U.S. distributor of llama wool yarn from the Andes Mountains in Chile. Purchasing this yarn means helping out the Chilean farmers and their llamas.

For the fiber connoisseur, llama is super warm, strong, washable, and even flame retardant! It's a less common fiber and one sure to be admired (and enjoyed)! This particular line of yarn is of the highest quality and promises to be the beginning of a cherished finished object.

Darn Good Yarn also offers recycled silk and sari yarns, and a selection of ribbons. If you're unsure of what to get, consider a gift certificate.

50 gram, sport weight, 163 yards
$26.41/skein
www.darngoodyarn.com

I. LOVE. THIS. DOLL. Yes, It's true. Part of the "Lovey" doll collection and made in RI, it features a cashmere body and handspun art yarn for the locks of hair. Carefully (and wonderfully) made, this is an adorable piece that could sit on a desk at work to remind the fiber lover of the spinning/knitting/crocheting/weaving fun that awaits them after a long day.

Kate of Dragonfly Fiber Art is a fiber magician (and a good friend!) - I love her creativity and passion for making. There are a few pieces listed in her etsy shop, including this adorable piece!

$65.00
www.etsy.com/shop/DragonflyFiberArt

Schacht Cricket Looms are a perfect introduction to weaving for someone who is interested in broadening their horizons. I'd recommend buying the 15" width between the two, but either loom will easily make scarves, table runners, and placemats!
They come with everything you need to get started (except the yarn) but if you talk to the good folks at Purlescence Yarns they can suggest some yarn to include in the shipment. 

Call them to plan the ultimate gift! (408) 735-YARN (9276)

$145.00 10"
$169.00 15"
www.purlescenceyarns.com

Michael Woody from Long Beach, CA makes beautiful and simple drop spindles. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this walnut parasol spindle.
Hand turned with a special finish, this specimen is 3.75" dia x 10.5" long and weights about one ounce.

Here's a little-known secret: I owned a few drop spindles long before I ever spun fiber into yarn. They make me happy sitting in a vase and from time to time I will take one out and marvel at its beauty and simplicity... remembering how so much yarn was spun from a tool this simple.

$30.00
www.etsy.com/shop/SpindlersCottage

Natalie of Namaste Farms offers beautiful breed boxes. If you are buying for a spinner, consider one of these carefully curated collections.

Each containing an ounce of 10 different breeds, it is a lovely introduction into cleaning raw fleece and trying out different fibers.

(Oh.. and Natalie is AMAZING! She runs her CA based farm and works hard to educate others about the work involved in caring for a fiber flock.)


$39.00
www.namastefarms.com

Wild Fibers Magazine
Celebrating a decade of fiber excellence, Wild Fibers Magazine is the "National Geographic" of the fiber world. Dive headfirst into exotic destinations and learn all about the people (and animals!) that contribute to the crafts.

Beautiful imagery and writing educate and inspire.

A US gift subscription begins at $30.00
www.wildfibersmagazine.com

Stonehedge Fiber Mill makes fantastic yarn. My favorite (and a real eye-catcher!) is Stonehedge Crazy. Each skein is unique. They are made up of random bits of llama, alpaca, and wool in unpredictable colors.
$8.50 / skein

www.stonehedgefibermill.com

How about a knitting (or crochet!) bag that works for guys or gals? The SWIFT from Tom Bihn is still my favorite even after owning it for a few years. Offered in a variety of color and material combinations, it includes two clear interior zippered pockets, and an o-ring and key snap.
It also comes with a Yarn Stuff Sack which is a clear bottomed drawstring project bag that will also become a fast favorite.

Made in the U.S.A.


Starting at $90.00
www.tombihn.com

A collection of 15 hat patterns donated by designers across the United States and Canada, I created this volume of Good Deeds to benefit Breast Cancer Connections (a nonprofit based in Palo Alto, CA that offers support and resources to women facing breast cancer).

This e-book is a great gift to give because it provides a library of hats to make, and all the proceeds from the sale of the project benefits a deserving nonprofit.

$15.00
www.kylewilliam.com/good-deeds.html

Spinning yarn takes time, patience, and skill. The artistry of Ilga shows up in her shop over and over. The time it takes to make yarn is worthy of proper compensation. I did a lot of searching for a good example of handspun yarn and settled on this WA based spinner because the pricing is set at a fair amount for the work that goes into the product.


Fiber: 25% silk / 75% BFLwool
Weight: 8.1 oz., 229 g
Length: Approx. 820 yards, 750 m
YPP: Approx. 1620
WPI: Approx. 18-22
Ply: 2 ply

$82.00
www.etsy.com/shop/EdgewoodGardenStudio

The best set of needles I own? Addi Turbo Long Lace Clicks. I like the longer length and sharper points of these needles, and REALLY love that I can change the length of the cord to suit my project. For VERY VERY VERY big projects (think blankets), there's a connector to join two cords together.

Camilla Valley Farms has a great webpage that details the available sets and I'm sure if you get in touch with them they'd offer advice as to what they think your fiber lover will like based on what they knit.
Their online shop is not automatic - you'll need to fill out their order form or give them a call: (519) 941-0736 to place an order. They also have gift certificates... so if you're totally confused, that's always an option!

Begins at $169.00
www.camillavalleyfarm.com

What items are on your wish list this season? Share in the comments and include website links if you have them. Here's wishing you and your family have a safe, happy holiday season!

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!

This is something that I have wanted to do for quite a while. Finally, the announcement can be made that Volume One of Good Deeds is released! At the bottom of this blog post is the first of a few drawings to celebrate the release!

This project is a fundraiser for Breast Cancer Connections; a non-profit based in Palo Alto, CA that offers support to those dealing with breast cancer. In addition to support groups, they also provide opportunity to attend discussions with medical providers who are able to answer questions regarding treatment, symptoms, and prevention.

More than this, Breast Cancer Connections also organizes a boutique where clients can "shop" for wigs and hats (all provided at no charge!), and they have an oncology esthetician who meets with clients to offer beauty tips!

The collection is available as an e-book (.pdf) download via Ravelry, and 100% of the proceeds benefit Breast Cancer Connections. There are many ways you can contribute:

• Purchase the e-book for yourself, or as gifts for friends on Ravelry - Everyone gets a varied collection of knitting (and one crochet!) patterns that they can make for themselves, or give as gifts
  
• Use the patterns to make some hats for Breast Cancer Connections - have each member of your craft group purchase a copy of the collection (raising money for BCC), and then do a drive to make and donate hats. Mail them in with notes of support as a goodwill group effort
• Blog/Chat/Share the good deeds: Talk with your online and social media friends about the collection and the importance of self exams, checkups, and preventative care. Use your voice to provide support to others. Contemplate and discuss other ways to help others in your community
  
• Donate - either time, talent, or money to help improve the lives of others.
  

The slideshow below shows the different patterns available in the collection. Use the arrows or the thumbnail images below to navigate, and click on an image to be directed to the pattern's page on Ravelry.

There are prizes to give with this launch! The amazing folks at Blue Moon Fiber Arts have donated a $100 gift certificate as one of the prizes!

Want to enter? (I know you do!!) - here's how:

Post a comment on this blog post, sharing an example of a good deed you do for others, or that someone does for you.  (Be sure to include your name and email address so you can be contacted if you're the winner!)

Deadline to enter: 11:59PM PST, November 10, 2013

The winner will be announced on November 11, 2013.

Enter as many times as you like before the deadline. All winners will be selected by random number generator. Thank you, and good luck, good deed-doers!!