Vega Beret Design Demo Video

I just finished editing a Design Demo video for one of my newest knitting patterns, the Vega Beret. As I mentioned before this pattern was part of the Brooklyn Tweed yarn company’s “Wool People” collection, and is available for purchase on their site and through Ravelry.

I’d like to add that the Brooklyn Tweed Shelter yarn was a delight to work with, and if you haven’t tried it out, I encourage you to do so. There’s just something about the beauty of the colors in this line and the quality of the yarn itself that really make it special. One thing that I’d like to think makes my patterns special, is that I really try to consider the experience a knitter has while knitting my patterns. I want to bring you all the joy, and none of the frustration that knitting has to offer. Using a quality yarn can really add enjoyment and longevity to your projects.

I hope everyone enjoys the video and please tell me what you think in the comments section below!

I-Cord Edging Tutorial

I’ve had a few requests recently for a tutorial on how to make a knitted-on I-cord edging. This simple and attractive edging is very easy and looks especially good on hand knits for men. You can see that I used this technique on my East Hale Cardigan pattern in the fall 2011 issue of Knitscene magazine.

Keep in mind that this technique is not suited for every yarn. The best yarn will be smooth enough that any uneven stitches will even themselves out when the work is stretched or tugged-on. In this tutorial I use Cascade Ecological Wool and size 9 needles, which are the same yarn and needle size that I used for the East Hale Cardigan.

This tutorial explains how to do a 3-stitch I-cord edging, but the same method can be used to make a 2 or 4 stitch I-cord edging as well.

I hope you’ve found this tutorial to be useful! I’d love to hear what you think about the video, so please leave a comment below. Also, if there are any other techniques for which you’d like to see a tutorial, please let me know and I’ll add it to my list.

Chivalry Mitts in Interweave Knits Holiday Gifts Magazine

I’m so happy to announce that my newest pattern, Chivalry Mitts, has just come out in the holiday gifts issue of Interweave Knits!

The pattern is for a pair of fingerless mitts with an adorable color-work pattern of little hearts. What makes this pattern special is that you can draw in your own letters or design into the thumb gusset (alphabet included in the pattern).

I love this pattern not only because it’s fun to look at, but also because it’s really fun to make. There’s just something about color-work patterns like this that keep me motivated to do just one more row!

Soooo, double-negative haters be damned, I can’t NOT mention the obvious here. Can it seriously already be that time again?! I’m still savoring the last little morsels of summer, in total denial of what must be nary a month or two away. And now, seeing a HOLIDAY GIFTS magazine on the shelf, is making me feel a bit nervous. Don’t panic people, but there’s only 100 more knitting days until Christmas!

By the way, I’m totally wearing a tank-top to work today.

I’d love to hear what you think in the comments section below. Also, if you’re working on this project, I’ve started a knit-along on Ravelry, so come on over and join the fun!

My Interview on Fiberstory.tv & Pattern Give-Away!

A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of meeting Johnny Vasquez for an interview on his site, Fiberstory.tv.

The interview was recorded via Skype and was my first time doing anything non-scripted on video. I was pretty anxious at the beginning (can you tell?), but soon loosened up because Johnny had so many interesting and insightful questions. After editing, the interview ended up being about 50 minutes. We really hit it off though and actually chatted for over 2 hours! I had such a great time, and hope to get an opportunity to do something like this again.

But WAIT! There’s MORE! Johnny is doing an awesome give-away of my Delancey Cardigan pattern! It’s super easy to enter the contest, just check out the page for my interview on fiberstory.tv for all the details.

Please watch the interview (yes, the whole thing!) and let me know what you think in the comments below.