Pattern Release :: Troian

Hi everyone!

It's been a while since my last post, hasn't it? While I took a bit of a break from blogging and being online much to enjoy the 48 days of no rain (!) in Washington, I assure you I was still busy knitting away and designing as much as possible these past few months! :)

Just a few days ago on Ravelry and today on Craftsy, I released the pattern for Troian:

It features cables against a reverse stockinette background:

Fun toggle and snap closures, for a little something different than the norm:

And, it's knit from the top-down using set in sleeve construction.

This was my first design using this top down construction and I absolutely loved it! I was able to  use some fun and pretty nifty techniques that I haven't been able to use very often, including the Invisible Provisional Cast On, which I also made a YouTube video for. Be sure to check it out below and let me know what you think!

Overall, I'm incredibly happy with how this piece turned out and hope you love it, too! :)

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ABOUT THIS PATTERN

Troian (pronounced troy-an) is a sexy but sophisticated cardigan featuring cables, stockinette, and simple rib details. The cuffed, elbow length sleeves draw the eye up and to the textured front and fun snap and toggle closures placed from the collar to just below the bust.

This cardigan is knit seamlessly from the top down using set-in sleeve construction. The yoke and bodice are knit first to the bottom hem. Stitches are then picked up around the armholes for the sleeves, which are initially shaped by using short rows and then worked seamlessly in the round from the top down.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS 

At high bust, button bands overlapping: 27 ½ (29 ¼, 32, 34, 36, 37 ¼, 40, 41 ½, 44, 45 ¼, 48 ½, 50)” / 70 (74, 81, 86, 91, 95, 102, 105, 112, 115, 123, 127) cm

Finished Measurements noted represent the circumference of the finished knitted piece at high bust (the circumference of your chest at underarm level) when worn closed and button bands are overlapping. When worn open, cardigan has no ease. This cardigan is intended to be worn with approx 2” (5 cm) negative ease at the bustline. In order to achieve the fit as shown, choose a size with a finished measurement that is approx 2” (5 cm) smaller than your actual bust measurement.

YARN 

946 (1006, 1100, 1169, 1238, 1281, 1376, 1427, 1512, 1556, 1668, 1719) yards / 865 (920, 1006, 1069, 1132, 1171, 1258, 1305, 1383, 1423, 1525, 1572) meters DK weight yarn. Use a plied yarn for best results.

• Brown Cardigan shown in 32” (81 cm) size and Pigeonroof Studios Cassiopeia DK DK, 75% Superwash Merino Wool, 15% Cashmere, 10% Silk, 260 yards (238 meters) per 100 gram (3.5 oz) skein in colorway ‘Etude.’
• Teal Cardigan, also shown in 32” (81 cm) size, used Madelinetosh Tosh DK DK, 100% Superwash Merino Wool, 225 yards (206 meters) per 100 gram (3.5 oz) skein in colorway ‘Norway Spruce.’

NEEDLES 

• US 6 (4 mm) circular needle, 32” (81 cm) or longer 
• US 4 (3.5 mm) circular needle, 32” (81 cm) or longer 
• Appropriate needles of the same two sizes for your preferred method of knitting sleeves in the round

Change needle size if necessary to obtain correct gauge.

GAUGE 

20 stitches and 28 rows = 4” (10 cm) in stockinette stitch, using larger needles

NOTIONS

• (8) Stitch markers, color A
• (2) Stitch markers, color B
• Cable Needle
• Tapestry Needle
• Waste yarn
• Sewing needle & thread
• Buttons OR toggle buttons
• (2) US 3 (3.25 mm) double-pointed needles for making i-cords
• Size 10 (21 mm) sew-on snaps

$6.50 USD

the official release of Julissa's scoop neck version

Hi lovelies! Today, I'd love to officially introduce you to the scoop neck version of Julissa, released just two days ago on Ravelry and today on Craftsy.

As you all know, this pattern has been in the making for quite a while (nearly 6 months to be exact!), so I'm absolutely ecstatic about finally being able to release this pattern!

I hope you all love it as much as I do, and I look forward to seeing your sweaters, if you decide to make a Julissa of your own! :)

By the way... For those of you who have already purchased the pattern for the original Julissa on Ravelry, a discount will automatically reflect in your cart when you purchase the pattern for this version using the same Ravelry username. If you are purchasing both patterns at the same time, a discount will reflect in your cart as well :)

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ABOUT THIS PATTERN

This rendition of Julissa puts a new spin on the original, boat-necked pullover. The lower, scooped neckline along with a bit of waist shaping and flattering sleeve length all together create a modestly flirty and feminine piece that will complement a variety of body types. 

This pullover is knit seamlessly from the top down using raglan shaping and a worsted weight yarn, which lends beautiful stitch definition to the cable and lace details. Choose from cap or three-quarter length sleeves and wear with a neutral or colored camisole underneath.

SIZES

2X-Small (X-Small, Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, 2X-Large, 3X-Large)

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

30 ¼ (32, 34 ¾, 36 ½, 40, 43 ½, 48, 51 ½)” / (77, 81, 88, 93, 102, 110, 122, 131) cm circumference at high bust

Intended to fit with approximately 0-2” (0-5 cm) negative ease. Choose a size up to 2” (5 cm) smaller than your actual bust measurement.

YARN

804 (850, 923, 969, 1062, 1155, 1275, 1367) yards / 735 (777, 844, 886, 971, 1056, 1166, 1250) meters worsted weight yarn, with 3/4 length sleeves

Pullover shown used Madelinetosh 80/10/10 Worsted MCN [Worsted, 80% Merino, 10% Nylon, 10% Cashmere, 187 yards (171 meters) per 100 gram skein]

NEEDLES

• 32” (82 cm) long or longer circular needle, size US 6 (4 mm) 

• 32” (82 cm) long or longer circular needle, size US 5 (3.75 mm)

• Appropriate needles of the same two sizes for your preferred method of knitting sleeves in the round

Change needle size if necessary to obtain correct gauge.

GAUGE

18 stitches and 28 rows = 4” (10 cm) in stockinette stitch, using larger needles

NOTIONS

• (4) Stitch markers Color A 

• (6) Locking or Split Ring stitch markers Color B

• Cable needle

• Waste yarn

• Tapestry needle

Both written and charted instructions are included, as well as instructions for 3/4 length and cap sleeves.


Pattern File Size: 16.5 MB


$6.50 USD

Julissa's getting a makeover

Hi all! Wow, is it really already March 11th? This month - no, make that this year - is just going by way too fast. I can't complain too much though. After what has been a pretty crazy Winter, Spring is starting to make an appearance here in Washington and the sneak peeks of sunshine we've had over this past week are much appreciated. I'm ready for Summer. :)

Anyway, about that title! For those of you who follow my projects on Ravelry, you may have seen my most recent Julissa work in progress. For my third iteration of my first sweater pattern, I wanted to change things up a bit, and what better way than to change the neckline?

After I posted this picture on Ravelry, I got several comments and messages requesting that I write up this pattern variation. It meant so much to get this kind of feedback, and I figured, why not?!

Unfortunately, since I had no plan whatsoever while knitting this lovely green version of Julissa for myself, I didn't take into account the things I normally would while working on a design piece, like, no fudging allowed! ;) So, this is only a rough prototype and idea of what the final pattern sample will look like. Since I do need a proper sample knit up for this new pattern however, this past Wednesday, I happily cast on my fourth Julissa (does that make me crazy?). I'm very happy with the way it's coming along:

I chose some very yummy Madelinetosh 80/10/10 Merino Cashmere Nylon worsted weight in the color 'Carmine,' which I'm absolutely in love with!

This version of Julissa will no doubt be more feminine, a bit flirty, less sporty, and also, perfect for a summer sweater worked in a cotton or bamboo blend yarn. I plan to make the bottom ribbing shorter since there will already be a lot less of the front cable and lace panel running down the center, and I'll also include instructions for super cute cap sleeves, in addition to the original 3/4 length.

I'll be knitting like a mad woman over the rest of the weekend and into the week, so stay tuned for more photos very soon! :)

New Pattern Release :: Meira

After last weekend's preview, I'm so excited to announce the release of my new shawl design, Meira! 

I can't say exactly what inspired this piece, to be honest. All I know is that all of the elements that came together in this shawl, and especially how they fit together, spoke to me the same way every time I sat down to sketch some new ideas. I knew I had to get this off paper and onto the needles as soon as I found the perfect yarn. Madelinetosh Pashmina definitely added to the beauty of the finished product, wouldn't you say?

After getting the charts in order, the knitting itself didn't take long at all and made for a very fun and enjoyable knit. I'm very happy with the finished result, and hope you love this shawl as much as I do!

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ABOUT THIS PATTERN
A beautiful balance of stockinette, lace and texture come together to create Meira, a crescent shaped shawl knit in a versatile, sport weight yarn. This piece will be easily worn throughout the year, no matter the season! Its generous wingspan wraps gracefully around its wearer in a variety of ways, providing just enough warmth on a crisp Spring day, a cool Summer’s eve, or bundled under a coat during the Fall and Winter.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Length: 68” (173 cm) across the top edge
Width: 13” (33 cm) down the center stitch

Measurements were taken after blocking.

YARN
• (2) skeins Madelinetosh Pashmina Sport, 75% Merino/15% Silk/10% Cashmere, 360 yards (329 meters) per 100g skein. Shown in colorway ‘Tart’
• OR approximately 515+ yards of any sport weight yarn

RECOMMENDED NEEDLES
• 32” (82 cm) long or longer circular needle, size US 6 (4 mm)
• (1) US 10 (6 mm) spare straight or circular needle (used for bind off only)

GAUGE
21 sts and 32 rows = 4” (10 cm) in stockinette stitch, unblocked

Getting exact gauge is not critical, but it will affect the final size and yardage needed for your shawl. Final size is also dependent on how gently or aggressively you choose to block your shawl.

NOTIONS
• (19) Stitch markers
• Tapestry needle
• Several rust-proof pins
• Blocking wires or smooth, strong string

$6.00 USD

A Playful Day podcast, and a new pattern preview!

As a designer, I have had the wonderful privilege of meeting and befriending many knitterly people through Ravelry and Twitter. I don't know very many knitters in person, so it's nice to have a dedicated way to communicate with like-minded creative people!

More recently, I've had the opportunity to chat with the voice behind A Playful Day blog and podcast. If you haven't already tuned in to her show, be sure to check it out! She is very fun and a joy to listen to, and in her most recent episode, Episode 23: Stop! Sweater Time!, she talks about Julissa, which totally made my day. A very special thank you goes out to her! :)

In other news, I have a new design to share with you today!

I'd been wanting to do another textured yet lacy shawl since designing Sarai, and after some sketching and picking up the perfect yarn (Madelinetosh Pashmina in Tart-yum!) at Sock Summit last Fall, came up with this piece.

The pattern is in its final stages now, and I hope to be able to release it very soon. Stay tuned! :)

Introducing Sacha ~ April 2011 Design

I'm beyond thrilled with the beautiful weather we've had recently. In the past, I've had to fight rain and snow and darkness to get pictures taken for my designs, but yesterday my husband [the photographer], my dear friend Brooklynne [the model] and I [the designer/photographer's assistant :O)] took advantage of the beautiful outdoors and shot photos of my new design 'Sacha.'

Sacha is the triangular interpretation of another design of mine, Charlize. Since Charlize is personally my most worn shawl to date, I got the idea to make a triangular version as well and I couldn't be any happier with the result! I love it!

Brooklynne did such an amazing job modeling. It was so inspiring to watch her behind the camera. The photo shoot was pretty much the final touch to this pattern writeup, so Sacha is now available for purchase on Ravelry. Go buy, fave or queue it and check out the rest of the photos  :)

The overall pattern is pretty simple, with classic triangular shawl shaping and easy to read charts and written instructions. One stitch it utilizes is called the 'ssk-sl-pnso-sr' in this pattern. The pattern includes step by step written instructions on how to perform this stitch, but if you find yourself having trouble, I've created a visual tutorial:

I hope you love this design as much as I do! I know I'll personally get lots of wear out of it :)

Buy now for $6.00 USD