Vintage Yarn

I found this lovely yarn at a thrift store. What should I make with it?

Yarn: Bernat Glenspun English Tweed 
Weight: Worsted (100% Virgin Wool) though it looks like it fingering weight yarn
Amount: 1 oz / 185 yards -- 2 Skeins
Color: 7798, Lot L -- Char Brown

*The label reads: "Spun exclusively for Bernat by one of Britain's finest mills.  Washable Color.  Anti Shrink and Stretch.  Permanently Moth Proofed."   

Acid Dyeing Yarn

I dyed some really yummy yarn!

I dyed some awesome sport weight yarn, 80% Merino/10% Silk/10% Cashmere yarn. I had about 1,250 yards:

Isn't it totally YUMMY?

 Now, I need to design a cardigan out of this lovely yarn!

Also, I had about 1,500 yards of some really lovely 80% Merino/20% Silk worsted weight yarn that I wanted to dye into another color. I chose Vermillion (a red color). I still need to take some photos of the yarn....

Shibumi Cardigan

I want to introduce one of my newest pattern creations: Shibumi 

Long Version

Buy the Shibumi Pattern for $5.50, receive a 2nd pattern of your choice FREE: 
(The link takes you to my pattern store/Paypal connected)

Shibumi  (Japanese) - [\shi-bu-me\ n. a subtle unobtrusive and deeply moving beauty]

The cardigan is worked in one seamless piece, from the top down, instructions are included for two different lengths. The set-in sleeves are worked by picking up stitches from the armhole edges and knit from the top down. (A photo tutorial is included in the pattern instructions.)

The lace instructions are in chart format and in stitch-by-stitch written instructions. 

I named this cardigan pattern Shibumi because it features one of my favorite lace and cable design combinations. The lace and cable design only looks complicated, actually it is a combination of fairly simple stitches and a 4 stitch cable.

SIZE:  XS [S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL]

[shown in size XL]

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS:

Bust: 34 (36, 40, 42, 44, 48, 52, 56) inches

Length:  Short Cardigan: 25.7 inches

Long Cardigan: 35.7 inches

Long Version

MATERIALS

Madelinetosh Vintage [100% Superwash Merino Wool; 200 yd/183 m per 3.88 oz/110g skein];

Long cardigan, color: Tart – 6 [7, 7, 8, 9, 9, 10] skeins/ 1,200 [1,300; 1,400; 1,500; 1,600; 1,700; 1,800; 1,900] yards

Short Cardigan, color: Moorehead – 5 [6, 6, 7, 7, 8, 9] skeins/ 1,000 [1,100; 1,200; 1,300; 1,400; 1,500; 1,600] yards

Alternate Yarns:

Cascade 220 Superwash [100% Wool; 220 yd/201 m per 3.53 oz/100g skein] or any worsted weight yarn with 18 sts/4" gauge

Recommended needle size:

1 U.S. 5/3.75 mm circular needle, 32 inches or longer

1 U.S. 6/4mm circular needle, 32 inches or longer

1 U.S. 6/4mm, circular needle, 16 inches

1 U.S. 6/4mm, DPN

1 U.S. 7/4.5 mm circular needle, 32 inches or longer

1 U.S. 1 or 2/2.5 or 3 mm circular needles, 16 inches

1 U.S. 1 or 2/2.5 or 3 mm circular needles, 32 inches or longer [always use a needle size that gives you the gauge listed below --- every

knitter’s gauge is unique]

Cable needle

Stitch markers (2 different colors)

Removable stitch markers

Waste yarn to hold stitches

Tapestry needle

Sewing needle and thread to match

9 – 12 buttons

GAUGE

18 sts/ 6 rows/4” in stockinette st using largest (US #7/4.5mm) needles, washed and blocked

Short Version

Short Version

Oak Leaves Shawl Pattern (FREE)

This shawl is knit in fingering weight, held double. Thanks to Premier Yarns it is a FREE pattern.

Personally, though I think that triangular shawls are very pretty, they do not like to stay on my shoulders. This is how I came up with this shawl idea, since it fits nicely around the shoulders.

The pattern is available for download from the  Permier Yarns' Website (click on the link), as a PDF file. You may also "follow" the shawl on Ravelry (click on the link - but you need to be a member of www.ravelry.com, a free website for knitters & crocheters).


The shawl was featured at Premier Yarns' Fashion Show at Vogue Knitting Live in Los Angeles, CA:

Please note, the pattern was published with the lace charted. I have the lace instructions available in written, row-by-row format. Email me at sunfunliving@yahoo.com for the written instructions. I have not figured out how to post a pdf file onto this blog. 

More Adventures in Dyeing Yarn

On Friday, I dyed this yarn:

I dyed a total of 3 skeins of Patons Classic Wool (210 yards/skein) using a crock-pot, with yellow liquid food dye, Wilton's icing dyes in two different colors of blue and purple. I tied knots into different areas of the skein and put it back into the crock-pot in order to get the different colors. I also used plenty of vinegar which actually made the yarn soft!

Here is what I knit out of it:

I casted on 83 stitches and knit "away" in stockinette stitch until I almost ran out of yarn.

In the bind-off row, I dropped 1 stitch every 4 stitches.

It turned into a beautiful shawl! It is about 70" long and 25" wide.

Raverly's "Hot Right Now" Patterns

Several of my patterns were released yesterday. That is exciting enough, but what makes me feel even more excited is that on Ravelry four of my newest patterns are listed as in the TOP-TEN of "HOT RIGHT NOW" patterns:


# 2 Princess Ruffles Shawl

(C) Vera Sanon

(C) Vera Sanon

Free Download: download now 

Materials:

Cascade Heritage 150 Solids (75% Merino, 25% Nylon) – 492 yds (450 m) – 2 skeins

Cascade Heritage Silk  (85% Merino, 15% Silk) 437 yds (437 m) – 2 skeins

Cascade 220 Fingering (100% Wool) – 273 yds (250 m) – 4 skeins

US 6 (4 mm) – 40” circular needle

54 Stitch Makers

Tapestry Needle 

#3 Pacific Brioche Collar Cardigan 

(C) Vera Sanon

(C) Cascade Yarns

This pattern can be downloaded as a FREE pattern, thanks to Cascade Yarns: LINK

This cardigan is worked from the bottom-up, has rounded edges in the front, v-neck shaping, and set-in sleeves. Ribbing for the sleeves is worked in Half Fisherman’s rib. Once the cardigan is sewn together, stitches are picked up all around the collar and cardigan edge and a beautiful Two-Color Brioche rib is worked for 16 (32 double knit) rounds. Detailed explanations are included in this patter on how to work the Half Fisherman’s rib and the Two-Color Brioche rib.

Size: S (M, L, XL, 2XL) 
Chest Measurement: To fit 36 (38, 40, 44, 48) inch chest.

Materials: 
Cascade Pacific (60% Acrylic, 40% Merino) (213 yards/skein) – 6 (7, 8, 9, 9) skeins – Main Color; 1 (1, 1, 1, 2) skeins – Contrast Color.

1 set of US # 8 (5 mm) –40” circular needle or needle size to obtain gauge 
1 set of US # 7 (4.5 mm) – 40” needle 
* 40” circular needle is needed for collar that is worked in the round. Instead of using multiple length needles, the cardigan pieces can be worked in 40” length needles.

Optional: 
1 set of US #2 (3 mm) –40” circular needle (this needle is used to pick-up stitches for the brioche collar. Using a small needle for picking up sts results in a smooth edge.) 
1 set of US #15 (10 mm) – needle (this needle is used to BO sts on Brioche collar, if not using the tapestry needle bind of method, to ensure a very loose BO.)

Tapestry Needle 
Stitch Markers

Gauge: 18 sts/24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette on US # 8 (5 mm) needles or needle size to obtain gauge

#4 Japanese Butterfly Neckwarmer 

(C) Cascade Yarns

This pattern can be downloaded as a FREE pattern, thanks to Cascade Yarns: LINK
This lovely cowl can be worn by showing the right side or the wrong side. Both sides are absolutely beautiful and stunning! The neck warmer is knit in the round and thus the lace pattern is not difficult.

Size: Lower Edge Circumference – 24” 
Upper Edge Circumference – 18” 
Height – 10” 
Size is accomplished by wet-blocking the cowl to those dimensions.

Materials: 
Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash Sport (100% Superwash Merino Wool) (136 yards/skein) – 2 skeins

1 set of US # 7 (4.5 mm) –16” circular needle or DPN 
Tapestry Needle 
Stitch Markers

Gauge: 
20 sts = 4 “ in stockinette on larger sized needles

Pattern Notes: 
(1) “-” in the chart is a purl stitch 
(2) last row of the lace pattern is 24 (not 25 - typo) 
(3) pattern is worked in size 7 needle (no other needle size is needed)

#6 Summer Waves Cardi

(C) Cascade Yarns

This pattern can be downloaded as a FREE pattern, thanks to Cascade Yarns: LINK

This summer cardigan is great for wearing over a tank top or a sundress. Because the Ultra Pima Cotton is relatively light, it is great to wear even on a super hot summer day, but also works great to ward off an evening or air conditioning chill. 
The cardigan is worked seamless, from the top-down. The pretty lace panels are worked by picking up stitches from the front side seams. Because it is a top down knit, the cardigan can easily be lengthened or shortened.

Sizes: XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL) 
34 (36, 39, 44, 46, 52, 55)” finished chest measurement 
21 (21, 21, 23, 23, 23, 25)” finished length at center back

Materials: 
Cascade Ultra Pima (100% cotton – 220 yds) – 4 (4, 4, 5, 5, 6) 
U.S. 7 (4.5 mm) 32” circular needle -- or size needle to get gauge 
U.S. 7 (4.5 mm) DPN needle – or size needle to get gauge 
U.S. 5 (3.75 mm) 32” circular needle 
U.S. 5 (3.75 mm) DPN needle 
Optional: U.S. 1 or 2 circular needle – to pick up stitches

Stitch Markers 
Scrap Yarn to hold stitches 
Tapestry Needle

Gauge: 20 sts & 28 rows – 4”

Vogue Knitting Fashion Show

Me showing off the entire Oak Leaves Shawl

My Oak Leaves Shawl was in the Vogue Knitting Live Fashion Show sponsored by Permiere Yarns.

The pattern will be available around October 15, 2011 as a FREE Pattern through Premiere Yarns.

Back View 

Side View 1

Side View 2

Fashion Show Program 

Twisted Grapes Cardigan

I had 13 skeins of wonderful 100% Merino Superwash Sport yarn (about 17,000 yards/650 grams/22.75 oz) in a bright orange mandarin color (that I surely did not like for "my garment").

I dyed one skein with 5 packs of Grape Flavor Kool-Aid:

Original orange yarn on left/ re-dyed yarn on right

Like I mentioned above, I really like the quality of the yarn and once I was able to re-dye the yarn into a color I liked, I designed the Twisted Grapes Cardigan:

I am not completely done with the cardigan yet... I ran out of yarn (had used 10 skeins) before I finished the second sleeve... So I just dyed another skein to finish up the last 12 rows of the sleeve.

Oh yes, before I forget, the cardigan is knit from the top-down with set in sleeves = completely seamless (not sewing!).

Amie Cardigan

Introducing my newest cardigan: 

Amie

I love knitting from the top down because there is not seaming involved. Once I am finished knitting, the garment is pretty much ready to be worn.

Amie Cardigan

This beautiful cardigan can be worked in a lace yarn that is doubled, in a sport or DK weight yarn. It is knit at a looser gauge so that the result is a cardigan with beautiful drape. The cardigan features a pretty and simple lace design.

The overall length can easily be adjusted because of the top-down construction. Sleeves are set-in and are worked top-down, knit in. This cardigan has absolutely no seaming! 

The pattern features, step-by-step instructions
with photos and website links to teach you how
to knit top-down sleeves that are set-in.

Size: S (M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL)

Chest Measurement:  to fit 36 (38, 42, 44, 48, 52, 56) inches

Gauge: 18 sts & 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette on larger sized needles, wet blocked.  1 lace pattern repeat = 1 inch in height.

Materials:

2 ply lace yarn - 1,550 (1,600; 1,660; 1,800; 1,900; 2,000; 2,200) yards

4 ply sport yarn or DK yarn – 775 (800; 830; 900; 950; 1,000; 1,100) yards

1 set of US # 5 (3.75 mm) –32” circular needle or needle size to obtain gauge

1 set of US # 6 (4 mm) - 32” circular needle 

Optional: 1 set of US #0, #1, or #2 (2, 2.5, or 3 mm) – 32” or 40” circular needle (to pick up sts for shoulder seam, sleeves & neckline ribbing)

Tapestry Needle

Stitch Markers 

Scrap Yarn (to hold stitches)

Short Rows

Many knitters are afraid of knitting short rows. Trust me, they are simple to knit and once you have "gotten your feet wet" (so to speak), you will always use them.

Here is my explanation that I put into my patterns:

w&t (wrap & turn):  

To wrap and turn on a RS row, knit to point specified in pattern, bring yarn to front of work between needles, slip next stitch to right-hand needle, bring yarn around this stitch to back of work, slip stitch back to left-hand needle, turn work to begin purling back in the other direction.

To wrap and turn on a WS row, purl to point specified in pattern, bring yarn to back of work between needles, slip next stitch to right-hand needle, bring yarn around this stitch to front of work, slip stitch back to left-hand needle, turn work to begin knitting back in the other direction.

Working Wraps Together with Wrapped Stitches: When working rows which follow short rows, work the "wraps" at the turning points of the short rows, together with the stitches they wrap, as follows:

When working a RS row: Knit to wrapped stitch. Slip next stitch from left needle to right needle, use tip of left needle to pick up "wrap" and place it on right needle, insert left needle into both wrap and stitch, and knit them together.

When working a WS row: Purl to wrapped stitch. Slip next stitch from left needle to right needle, use tip of left needle to pick up "wrap" and place it on right needle, slip both wrap and stitch back to left needle, purl together through back loops.

Kelley Petkun from Knit Picks has a great tutorial video available:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfGpKiNfQmk

CoCo Knits has a great explanation on how to do work short rows using the yarn over method:

http://cocoknits.com/info/tutorials/shortrows.html

Overcoming Sock PTSD

When I was 10 years old, I had already become a pretty accomplished knitter. Because of that, my expected contribution to my family was to knit socks for one of my grandfathers and one of my uncles. Both of them worked outside and only wore hand-knit wool socks. 


Thus, as a 10-year-old, I was cranking out men-sized socks (sizes 13) at a rate of 2 pairs of socks per month. However, these socks were not much fun to knit since grandpa and uncle only wanted black or charcoal gray socks in 100% wool. 


It seems that most sock knitters love knitting socks because of the varied lace and/or cabling patterns and the lovely bright sock yarns that these socks can be knit in. But "my socks" neither had fun patterns, unless K2/P2 ribbing and stockinette stitch counts as such and my socks only came in two color choices of black and charcoal gray. 

"I want to be a pair of socks!"
I have three skeins of this pretty colored sock yarn in my stash.

Last weekend, I met a lovely lady by the name of Jackie. She is a fairly new knitter who really wants to knit socks for her boyfriend. She is excited about the prospect of knitting his socks. I do not know what happened. I do not know how I got caught up in her enthusiasm for sock knitting. But before I knew it, I said, "I know how to knit socks! If you want to, we can have a sock knit-along." 


No sooner had I uttered those words, a wave of black and charcoal gray sock trauma thoughts overcame me. What was I thinking! How could I have said those words! 


Jackie became even more enthusiastic about knitting socks for her boyfriend. She told me that she would meet me this Saturday, same place and same time to start with the sock knitting. 


I really like Jackie, she is fun, smart and I'd like her as my friend. But, all week, I was dreading our next get together. I tried to be cheerful because I have three hanks of really pretty sock yarn in my stash. I even took out one hank and wound it into a pretty yarn cake. All the while, I was convincing myself that I would love knitting some socks in pretty colors.


Yesterday, I went to the arranged sock knitting meeting place, while secretly hoping that Jackie would stand me up... because I really do not want to knit any socks! But Jackie is not a flake, she cheerfully showed up at the arranged time with just as much sock knitting enthusiasm as last week. 


Fortunately, the air conditioning went out at the meeting place and it was so hot that after having made a swatch and helping her to cast on the necessary stitches, it was so hot (90 degrees) that even Jackie's sock knitting enthusiasm waned. 


End result? 

• My yarn is still in a pretty cake and my DPN's are stitch-less little chop sticks... 
• BUT, we are supposed to meet up next weekend to start knitting those socks...
• I offered two of the hanks to my Ravelry group for a possible yarn swap...

Apple Valley, CA - Fanciwerks

Thursday, June 30th:


We had an absolutely amazing workshop at Fanciwerks yarn store in Apple Valley, California. We met with 20 knitters who wanted to start the Lacy Butterflies Cowl. 

Fanciwerks Yarn Shoppe (Front)

The store's set-up is amazing with other craft stores in the immediate area. What a fun place to visit!

Workshop Photos

More Workshop Photos

Workshop Photo

Lynn, the owner of Fanciwerks Yarn Shoppe is such a nice lady. She gave me a Denise Interchangeable Knitting Needle set as a thank you for coming!  

Inside the store (front room)

Shop Photos - If you look at the top right, you see a red cardigan -
it is the Summer Lace Wrap Cardigan - one of my patterns! 

The shop has a really nicely varied selection of yarns!

I was invited to come back for another workshop in September. I am really looking forward to meeting all the nice knitters again!

Albuquerque, NM - The Yarn Store at Nob Hill

Wednesday, June 29th:


We had the chance to visit and start a knit along for the Lacy Butterflies Cowl at The Yarn Store at Nob Hill (www.theyarnstoreatnobhill.com). 


If I ever had a chance to create my own yarn store, I would want it to look and feel like this store. Everything fit together so well, the store is Fung Shui in all aspects. 

From the minute we stepped into the store, we felt at home, the owner (Teresa) and staff member (Liz), the knitters, the environment, the lovely yarn... everything just calls out to you:  "Come, sit down, relax, knit, create... make friends and laugh!"


The store has five different areas where knitters can sit and knit (open knit during store hours).

One of the Sit & Knit Areas

Another Seating Area - Look at the Needlework Supplies!

The selection of yarns was great too. It was almost as if my patterns were designed for the selection of yarns the store carries. 

The Yarn Shop carries at least 6 different yarns that are perfect for
the Hollywood Flair Top-Down Tunic

My Crazy Aunt Purl's Tank Top displayed in the Yarn Shop - perfect yarns are Berroco's Seduce, Gedifra's Amara and Lang's yarns whose name escapes me at the moment. 

The Yarn Store carries three different yarns
that are perfect for this tank top.

Many of the yarns are made by environmentally concerned and fair trade concerned producers. Other yarns are produced by smaller independent dyers from the New Mexico area. 

Hand Dyed Yarns!

Great Selections!

Some more shop photos:

The store has the most wonderful natural sun light throughout which is great for knitting!