Tuesday, April 26, 2011

The Inbetween Times

Not Dreaming of Sheepn..ts Socks
In between writing patterns, I like to whip out simple projects that give a feeling of instant gratification. Since I sent out my most recent design the other day, I decided it was time to reward myself. I noticed a contest on Ravelry - knit Allison Janocha's Insomnia socks by the end of May and get entered to win a gift certificate to Pulling at Strings. Well, I adore Pulling at Strings and Allison is a fantastic designer so I decided to jump on it. I chose to cast on with Three Irish Girls Kells Sport in the limited edition Sheepn..ts colorway.


 What a pleasure they were! The texture of the pattern did a wonderful job of preventing pooling, something that I really don't like very much. I cast off yesterday and have been wearing them all day. Happy!




L - R: Bryn on Springvale, Berocco Vintage
What next? I should have started work on my next project but since I caught my son's cold, I decided to cast on a second pair of instant gratification socks. This time I chose the yarn before the pattern - Three Irish Girls, again. I decided to use Bryn on Springvale Super Merino, one of my favorite yarns for making boot socks. It's so squishy and soft AND it wears like a dream. I also noticed that I had scraps of Berroco Vintage in a purple that matched exactly which meant that I was going to knit up a plain vanilla pair of boot socks in Bryn (to show off the gorgeous colors best) with purple contrast cuffs and toes. Simple, east, fast, and fun. I can't wait to see how they work up. I hope the colors don't pool!

Friday, April 22, 2011

Off and running...

Today is a pretty exciting day for me. I'm off to the post office to mail my newest design sample to the lovely folks who want to publish it! I'm really happy with the design and I hope they will be too. It's due to be released this summer and I just can't wait to share it with everyone. I wonder if I can post a teaser? I'll have to look into that.

In the meantime, my patterns are now available through Coveted Yarns in Gloucester, MA in addition to being sold through Ravelry. They are the first retail store to ask to carry my designs and I think it's pretty amazing. They were launched during the North Shore Yarn Crawl last month and recently were added to Coveted Yarns' online catalog as well.

Cranberry Tart Socks
Snowbound Sock

Kelpie Socks
Coveted Yarns is my LYS and they are a great shop to have down the street. The selection of yarns is incredible and Robert, the owner, is adding more lines almost daily. If they don't have what I'm looking for in stock then he's always willing to place an order for me. Oh, and I need to mention that they have a treasure trove of Brown Sheep overstocks. Can you say large man's wool sweater for under $50? I like to enhance my stash with sweater quantities now and again.

In other news, I've got a new, non-knitting project underway for a change. I've always loved creating clothing for children and I'm finally at a point where I can start to explore that more fully. I've got a sweet selection of dresses for little girls that I am creating for just for summer. They are one of a kind confections and such a treat to create. I'm looking forward to sharing them.