I sent out a Newsletter asking for suggestions for new designs for 2014-15 season. The overwhelming response was for patterns for boys. I am also interested in adding in patterns to top down garments so here is my first one out of the gate.

A relatively simple pullover in Cotton Tweed (Rust) with ribbed sleeves, sizes 2-8 years old. I thought this would be easy to work but working multiple sizes with a stitch pattern is pretty interesting (that means my eraser got a huge work out and my calculator was smokin'). Getting the stitches to come out at the bottom of the yoke close to the size so that the underarm cast on stitches would work out for the sleeve & body is a trick. It took several erasing and as usual I didn't quite have it worked out until I actually put yarn to needles and knit. It's always easier for me to think while I'm knitting.

I added ribbing down the sides. I like that it really breaks up all the stockinette stitch needed for the body.

I got quite a bit more done at our Knitting Guild meeting last night. A very portable knit once the Great Divide is finished and the side ribbing is set up.
-Deb

Steek Cutting

I'm ready to get cut my steek. I've altered my capelet. Altered, meaning frogged a whole lot of it since I discovered I'm not a capelet person. Who knew. I've taken it back so I can make it a sweater since I know for sure I'm a sweater person. But I'm going to cut it now to show you my method of cutting a steek.

My sewing machine is set up for a short stitch with a loose tension. I sewed 2 lines up stitch#2 and stitch#4.

I turn it inside out so I can see the sewing lines.

Cut right down the centre being very careful not to cut any of the machine stitching.

As easy as that.

The steek wants to roll to the back on each side. Next step would be to pick up stitches for the buttonbands. Steeks are easy to do and so effective. I'm not very good with my sewing machine and I find this quite fun to do.

Just one more tool for your knitting toolbox. You might start to look at pullovers differently from now on knowing that they can be converted to a cardigan with just a little bit of sewing and a pair of scissors.
Deb

We took some photos of the Circular Yoke sweaters for the upcoming book. Early days still but I'll post some photos over the next couple of weeks so you can see how it's shaping up. There will be colourwork:

 

This is a traditional style worked in Northern Lights Chunky weight wool, High neck, 1 Band of Pattern and Raglan shaping worked below the patterning to finish the Yoke. The neckband stitch pattern is the same as the Transition Bands above and below the colourwork. It's almost done, needs some more length on the bottom and then to the blocking board.

 

Here's me in my A-line tunic with 3 Bands of Pattern this time, no raglan shaping and cap sleeves. Worked in Cotton Tweed DK weight yarn with Garter Stitch neckband and Transition Bands (worked between Bands of Pattern).

This circular yoke has a Scoop Neck and 2 Bands of Pattern, one worked in lace and one worked in colour. Interesting isn't it.
There's more to come, stay tuned,
-Deb

Need An Accessory?

As you've seen ,we've been knitting lots of small accessories. And now, ta da, the Need An Accessory? book is ready. YAY!! It's available as a pdf download on the patternfish site: Need An Accessory?. The mobile version will be up soon and as we speak, the printer is busy printing hard copies.

Each of these accessories is knit "in the round" can be knit in any gauge from sock weight to chunky weight yarn. Use something in your stash or go to your local yarn store and pick your favourite colour and get knitting. Knit a mittlet, mitten, cowl, infinity scarf, hat, bag or capelet. Make a set of several garments by transferring one of the 10 Stitch Patterns onto the garment pattern page you want to make. Small projects are great to knit in the summer.
-Deb
P.S. Rust tops the votes on the 3 new colours. And the denim gets a vote too. I think they are both keepers. Thanks for your comments.

This week is photography week for the Need An Accessory book. Here's a little sneak preview of some preliminary shots.

Lots more work to be done yet.
Deb

Finished the bag. I really found working the slip stitch pattern a breeze. Worked most of it in the car. And working with only one colour every 2 rounds makes the knitting very easy. A good colour burst with no complications.

This stitch can also accommodate really bright colours. I'm very happy with the orange which can sometimes overwhelm a garment. This bag can take it!

The handle is worked by picking up stitches from the cast on edge at the top. It's worked like a large buttonhole, cast off stitches in one round and cast on more stitches on the next round. Then work for 1" and Cast Off. The Cast off is going to keep it from stretching because as we all know, a tight cast off will not move at all. One more garment, can we call them garments(?), finished for the Accessory Book. Now to finish the matching mittens.

-Deb

Counting down to the end of our Need An Accessory book, due out in July. My goal today is to finish a tote bag I'm working on and the matching mittens. Rather a flamboyant colourway, orange and blue in a slip stitch pattern working only one colour each row. I'm really liking it, bright colours make me smile.

- Deb