Fashionknitsta Thursday: 1/28/10

Hello everyone and happy Thursday! I've been so excited to share these with everyone that I think we should just jump right in.

The first thing I have to share today is Imagine Knit's Elsa Tunic by designer Jamie Thomas. I think this is a relatively new pattern for us, I hadn't seen it before a couple of weeks ago and began pestering Sara to get it online (thanks Sara!).

I really love how versatile this could be, you could easily make it longer or shorter and color can go so far with this simple design. The yarn it calls for is Habu Tsumugi Silk (a yarn I've always been interested in) held double. Elsa takes at most 3 cones of the MC and 2 cones of the CC so even for the largest size this is still a less than $75 project. I wish I could find a picture of the back of this pattern, they use a ribbon for the neck ruching and it looks so beautiful tied in the back. I'd love to have this this little tunic for spring and summer, a shorter version would look great with jeans or dressed up for work, while a longer one would be a fantastic warm weather dress.

About a week ago I discovered Paris-based artist Aurelie Mathigot and I have been very anxiously awaiting sharing it with you.

These images are of her 2005 crochet installation "My Bedroom". I absolutely love the details, especialy on the dresser.

Gorgeous, just gorgeous.

On her website she says her work is "inspired by the notion of recovery and the necessity of talking about everyday life in another, new, way". She describes a few reoccurring themes in her work like "the will to hide, the need for isolation and for being overwhelmed by the textile material."

Of all of her work, this piece encompasses this idea best. "My Bedroom" was created during a 2 month stay in Rio De Janiero, and expresses “a quiet extravagancy” that came from her need for security in response to the “intense colors and violence” from the city.

These are two more of her pieces, on the left is part of her Food series and on the right is part of her installation "The Dinner". I wish I could find better pictures of this one, I think it is my favorite of her work. Just for fun here is one more of the food series (I love the lacy hamburger box top!):



The last thing I have to share today is the work of Melanie Porter. I happened upon her website a few days ago, she worked for years as a knitwear designer and now restores and reupholsters old chairs completely by hand. Here are a few examples of her absolutely beautiful work:


This makes me really inspired to recover all the chairs in my house. It would be so fun (and quick!) in Shibui Highland Wool Alpaca. If these interest you as well I would recommend checking out her website to see these and more.

Hope you enjoyed these as much as I did! I'm already looking forward to what I have found for next week's post (just a hint: crocheted snow!). As always, check back then for another edition of Fashionknitsta. Until then, stay chic, blogfans!

-Lindsay

30 minutes to go...

until Fearless Leader and I teach this week's Happy Hour class: The European Divide.  I've been practicing my English knitting (I still have some area for improvement) and the Norwegian Purl, which is a cake-walk.  If you're looking for something to do this evening, this class is looking quite worthwhile.

In other news, I managed to corner some customers during last week's Sip 'n' Stitch:

Literally, corner.  But, at least I have some customer projects for all y'all!  First, we have Jay's newest in-progress design:

I don't have a name for it... yet.  We'll have to wait and see.  Next, I also have Lew's in-progress "Dad's Sweater"...

From The Knitting Man(ual).  Unfortunately, I can't really read Lew's (or is it Lindsay's??) handwriting and am drawing a blank on the yarn being used.  Ah, well.  I'll try and get a FO photo and info when the time comes.

Lastly (in terms of projects), we have a Monster for Tika!  Meet Penelope the Empathetic Monster:

(she was feeling naked without her bow, so we lent her some eyebobs!)

{I'll get her a bow soon, promise!}

For those of you interested, Penelope was knit with one ball of Rowan All Seasons Cotton (not the three expected!) in each of Jacuzzi (honest) and Wisteria.  She was really easy and fun to knit (I feel a Danger Crafts! obsession coming on), so expect to see many more monsters around.


Wow, doing well with twenty minutes to go!  Next, I thought I might mention that we're having an Oleana sale - all Oleana products are 40% off (while supplies last). 

If you don't live in the area, give us a call (868-656-5648) for a list of the garments and colors in stock.

And, lastly, we have new Rowan yarns!  Oooh, the yummies...

Expect to see Rowan Lima and Rowan Purelife British Sheep Breeds DK (that is a mouth keyboard-full!) in the next Newsletter.  Lindsay and Marjorie and I are seriously coveting the PBSB DK in the Bluefaced Leicester colors.  Just think of the gorgeous knit-and-purl patterns and cables one could make! 

But that is everything.  For now.  Check back tomorrow for another edition of Fashionknitsta Thursday!  Until next week, happy knitting!

-Sara

Cable Limerick Contest - VOTE!

We have to admit to some shock and awe over the fact that we had over 20 entrants (and 35 entries!) for our Cable Limerick Contest.  Who knew so many knitters were fans of poetry?  Well, after a strenuous "nomination" process (think the Academy Award... in which the staff of Knit Purl is the Academy), we have five contestants for our top prize, a Cabled Rib Wrap kit, and two runner-up prizes ($25 Gift Cards).

To vote for your favorite limerick, leave a comment (or reply to this post) and we'll tally up the responses.  The deadline to choose is midnight (PT) on Monday, January 25, 2010.  Please only vote for ONE limerick/ entrant after reading all five choices.  So, without further adieu, here are the nominees:

A
You’re a knitter and that’s undeniable.
Your devotion to the art is reliable.
        When your dreams through the night
        Are of handspun delights,
To some it may seem certifiable.
- Carol Y.

B
The bane of the knitter’s enjoyment
Was lost-cable-needle annoyment.
          So, She fashioned a sheath
          That attached to her teeth,
And held it for ready deployment!
- Anna-Lisa K.

C
 At ninety McGee took up knitting.
He knit day and night without quitting.
        “I am cabling fast
        To make up for the past.
And if I had teeth, they’d be gritting!”
- Carol L.

D
 There once was a brown sheep named Mary,
Who had lovely fleece but was quite scary.
       When getting a shave,
       She never behaved
And therefore remained quiet hairy.
- Karen F.

E
She thought that merino's divine:
He couldn't tell cashmere from twine.
       Their romance expired,
       When she finally tired
Of casting her purls before swine.
- Kim F.

Thank you for your input.  And, to everyone else who entered, thank you so much for participating!

Fashionknitsta Thursday: 1/21/10

Hello, everyone! Another Thursday is here and, with it, another edition of Fashionknitsta.  If you're a PDX local, I hope you've been enjoying this warm-ish (for January, at least) weather, as I know I have. I'm going to try something a little different today, because I've collected a couple great patterns for men and home ideas that I've been thinking about blogging about for a while. Enjoy!

The first pattern I have to share is my favorite men's sweater pattern in the store, the Zip Up Cardigan by Hannah Fettig (her name might ring a bell if you're familiar with the her Featherweight Cardigan).

The cardigan calls for a gauge of 3.5 stitches to the inch on a 10 1/2 needle, and I'd love to do this in Rowan's Purelife British Sheep Breeds Bulky. With a size range of Child's 2-16, and Men's S-2X this pattern is perfect for all the males in your life. Absolutely wonderful for those hard-to-knit-for teenage boys, this pattern is so basic, simple, and versatile I would make this for my dad, brother, or boyfriend husband.

Something I've also had my eye on for a while as a great guy gift is a knit tie. Lately I've seen good versions like this one at J.Crew, but really this is definitely a pattern even a beginning knitter could manage.

Lion Brand has free pattern for this seed stitch Knit Necktie on Ravelry. I really like the look of this one, I'd love to do it in Debbie Bliss Rialto Aran, or Shibui Knits Merino Alpaca. For a wintery version I'd also love to see it in Joseph Galler Prime Alpaca doubled.


The last pattern I have to share is one I've been thinking about for probably about a year now. I know my knitting resolution was to finish old projects and not start things, but I'm so close to finishing the blanket I've been working on it hurts. In light of that, I think its fair to take this a bit more realistically. The Cable Table Runner from the "Clever Ideas" section of Rowan Magazine 45 has been haunting me ever since the first time I laid eyes on it.


Isn't it just gorgeous? This understated and chic runner was originally done in Rowan Denim, which is a lovely yarn and practical for something on the table, but I've always envisioned it in Rowan's Lenpur Linen (color 566!). It would be absolutely fantastic to do a matching place mat set as well, simple with just the cable pattern going up the left side. What a perfect springtime project.

With that I will leave you for today.  I hope everyone has a great weekend! As always, check back next week for another edition of Fashionknitsta. Until then, stay chic, blogfans!

-Lindsay

Drive-by blogging

Wow, what a week we've had!  Including (but not limited to) yarn crawlers (in crazy Classical hats, no less)...

E tu, Medusā?
(I tried to fit "Spartacus" in there, but it just doesn't decline right.)

Workshops like Kitchen-Safe Dyeing (lots of fun)...

Really. Honest.

Yarn Chop Suey, anyone?

And an amazing Sock Club kit that is getting rave reviews on ravelry.  (Say that three times fast)

Plus, we have a (small) Handknits for Tika progress report:

Yes, Penelope is looking a bit poorly right now (sans ears and arms and, uh, legs), but she should be finished by next week.  I'm making her out of Rowan All Seasons Cotton in colors #239 ("Jacuzzi" - I wouldn't make this up!) and #229 ("Wisteria").  And, yes, for those of you paying attention, Penelope is not Sammie, as previously discussed.  I lost my copy of the pattern and we're sold out.  Darn it. 

Also, Penelope is wearing Tika's "The Republic" chemo cap, knit with ShibuiKnits Merino Worsted in "Peony".  The (completely awesome) buttons were found down the street at the Button Emporium.

Hopefully, by next Tuesday, we'll have a finished stuffie (plus ears and arms and, uh, legs), blankie square, hospital bed socks and hat to give Tika.  If you're interested in contributing (even a 6" x 6" square will help!), please let us know and we'll put you on the list.  There might even be prizes involved.

Next, we have an exciting stock update.  Remember those lovely and exotic shawl pins that literally sprinted out the door in November?  Well, they're BACK IN STOCK!

We're down to three of the Black Pearl Shawl Sticks, so I suggest that (should you have been coveting one of these beauties... like moi), run (don't walk) to the Accessories section of our web site and get yours before we have to wait another two months for the next shipment.

Last, but definitely not least, be sure to tune in tomorrow for another fantastic edition of FashionknitstaThursday (trust me, I get to proof each article in advance) and check your inbox on Friday for a jam-packed Newsletter with new yarns, new books and the winner of our Cable Limerick Contest!

Fashionknitsta Thursday: 1/14/10

Happy Thursday, everyone! I hope your week is going wonderfully. I'm very excited to share with all of you some wonderful things I found this week.

The first find I have is the work of a really wonderful Dutch designer, Christien Meindertsma. I have seen her work from time to time, but until recently had never really looked deeper into her design philosophy. The thing I found most interesting was the ongoing Flocks project. Taking a "slow design" approach, the focus of her work is the connection between the farmer and the final consumer. In projects like the One Sheep Cardigans and she worked with one farmer to create pieces from a single sheep. The finished garments include biographies of the animal, their eartags, and any prizes the animal has won.

She has also made these beautiful mittens from the fur of one rabbit.

My favorite of the projects is the Aran Rug, knit from the wool of 18 merino sheep, it is an interesting exploration of scale. A traditional Aran motif is magnified and repurposed into a cozy rug.




Absolutely beautiful work. More information about the designer is available at her website and more info about the Flocks project specifically is available here.

The thing that first brought Christien back into mind was my friend Amanda sent me a link to her Urchin Pouf's. These beautiful home accessories are available for $1,600 for the larger size at Design within Reach, but I knew I had seen a free pattern for them somewhere.

A quick Google search brought me to Pickle's blog, run byAnna and Heidi Pickles, for this wonderful version (also available on Ravelry):


I would love to have a couple of these for my living room. You hold a super bulky weight yarn triple stranded and then stuff them with an old duvet. I cannot stop day dreaming about doing these in Shibui Highland Wool Alpaca in Seaweed, ooohhh, and Mulberry.

I couldn't help but keep browsing the Pickles blog for a bit, and I came across this really cute vest:


The pattern for the XS-M size Wild Vest is available for purchase from their website, or the large size is available for free. It looks like its done with about a DK weight yarn held double. I'd love to see it in Rowan Wool Cotton or Felted Tweed. Ooohh, or the texture might be absolutely lovely in Shibui Merino Kid.

Anna and Heidi's blog is definitely worth checking out, its full of fun (and lots of free!) patterns and great ideas. Their Ravelry is also a good place to hunt. I'm finding I could do an entire months worth of blogs just with their stuff. I mean, just look at this beautiful crocheted lampshade (also a free pattern!):


And this gorgeous and simple wedding bolero!

I really suggest taking a peak at their stuff, it's really, really lovely.

Finally, just for funsies, I have found a really cute Etsy store with adorable patterns for the critter or science lover in your life. The Crafty Hedgehog is a really fun little shop with a range of things from patterns for these little guys...:

...to ready made hand knit lab rat disections:

(they also come in a frog version)

Shipping calls, so I must leave you with that for today. Have a great weekend, here's to hoping it won't be too dreary. As always, check back next week for another edition of Fashionknitsta. Until then, stay chic, blogfans!

-Lindsay

Itchy fingers?

My goodness, this is going to be a busy week.  We have a Sock Club package going out (which is awesome, I can't deny it) and a humongous yarn crawl hitting our fair city on Saturday and Sunday.  But, first, I have two worthy causes I want to bring to your attention:

• Handknits for Hard Knock Kids (deadline to donate: January 15, 2010). Last time I checked, we had 48lbs of clothing and it'd be simply fantastic if we could collect 50 lbs in total! We still have a couple of days left. That's totally enough time to whip up a child-sized hat or two (which is my goal for this week)... I'm afraid my attempt to knit mittens hasn't worked out too well, but I shall NOT be discouraged!  And neither should you.  If you've been working on a donation for our Hard Knock Kids and won't make the deadline, let us know and we'll run it over to the Oregon Foster Care office when you're ready!
• 
  
  
  Handknits for Tika (deadline: open-ended for now). Farrah (blogfans should know Farrah) is collecting handknit chemo caps and other "comfort" items for Martika, a 12-year-old girl she mentors. Tika has been diagnosed with cancer and will be spending the next four to six months undergoing chemotherapy treatments and lengthy hospital stays.  We'll also be collecting on Farrah's behalf, so feel free to send handknits to us and we'll make sure they get to Farrah. 
  
  (how can you say 'no' to this face, right?)
  
  
  
  If you're interested in donating, Tika's favorite colors are purple and pink (respectively) and she's not allergic to any fibers we know of. I would (humbly) suggest that all donations be machine-washable (just like for our Hard Knock Kids), because of the stressful situation the family is in. Also, it's important to know that Tika will be shaving her head soon and chemo caps made for her shouldn't measure above 18" in circumference.  I've done a quick survey on ravelry and found several suitable children's "chemo cap" patterns*:
  
  
  
  • "The Republic" Hat-Toddler Edition (and on ravelry) <-- I am making this cap for Tika with Merino Worsted in "Peony", so don't you copy me :P (please)
    
  • Floppy Brim Hat (on ravelry)
  • Rib-a-Roni (only available as a ravelry download)
  • Windy City Hat (on ravelry)
  • Pretty In Pink Ribbons (only available as a ravelry download)
  • Braid-Edged Cap (on ravelry)
  
  
  
• Or, for a change, you can make Tika a cute and cuddly handknit toy to hold while in the hospital!  (I foresee a run on Danger Crafts patterns...)
  
• Lastly, how about knitting a square for Tika's Patchwork Blanket? It has to measure 6" x 6", worked at 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in St st. (Purple and pink are preferred.)  This is a quick knit and can be done with stash yarn in an hour or less.
  

I'll definitely be making Tika a "The Republic" hat and a toy or two (Sammy the Sock Monster has caught my eye and heart...), plus a square (or two, they're quick!) for her blankie. Maybe I'll even have (some of) them done in time for next week's post (which will be next Wednesday, btw).  The yarn is bought and wound, too, so I have no excuse!

And now that I've twanged your heartstrings enough, onto the yarn crawliness.  If you should have a reason to visit us this weekend, please do not be surprised if you are met with the sight of dozens of knitters literally jammed into our tiny downtown store.  Seriously.  Last year was... wow.  As far as we've been told, there will be 150 knitters swarming in downtown PDX (expect to see lots of knitting on the MAX and Streetcar!), that will be visiting LYSes in smaller groups.  Just don't say we didn't warn you.  Right now, I have a short list of  upcoming Portland Yarn Crawls:

• Seattle-to-Portland Yarn Train (January 16th)
  
• Seattle-to-Portland Yarn Train Overnight Trip (January 16th & 17th)
  
• Portland Yarn Crawl (March 5th, 6th, 7th)
  

And we'll probably have a few more to add to that list in the coming weeks.  

Next, have you read the most recent Newsletter?  Do you know about our Cable Mania KAL & the Cable Limerick Challenge?  As of this afternoon, we have rather shockingly, actually, 14 entrants and 23 limericks so far!  Apparently quite a few of our Newsletter subcribers are poetry fans.  Or they just really want a Cabled Rib Wrap kit.  It could go either way, I'm sure.

If you're feeling poetically inclined, we'll be accepting entries through January 18th (yes, MLK Jr Day), so go and put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard.

Finally, don't forget that the Gratis Knits deadline is this Friday, peeps!  We've raised the honorarium to $100 in store credit (which can be used online, in the store, or over the phone - we're that easy) and are looking for a fun winter pattern.  Wristlets or a hat would be nice.  It doesn't have to be complicated.  Just a pattern that uses a yarn we carry (currently) and is something people will want to make.  (Like I said, we're easy)  If you have any questions, feel free to email us.

I'm afraid that's everything of note.  I have no new staff projects (well, one or two that are Top Secret, but that's something else entirely), though I swear we will have some by next week.  Come heck or high water!  Until then, why don't try your hand at writing a limerick or pattern?  Or knitting a chemo cap?  At least you won't be bored ;)

*It's so sad that if you search "child chemo cap" more than a dozen patterns pop up :(

Fashionknitsta Thursday: 1/7/10

Happy New Year, everyone! I know I'm a few days late (sorry about that!), the early arrival of Haapsalu caught me completely by surprise. In any case, I'm very excited to be back and blogging again this week as I have been saving up quite a few things to share.

The first thing I have today some of you may have seen, as its made it into the most popular patterns on Ravelry, the Burberry Inspired Cowl Neck Scarf by Julianne Smith.


This wonderful (and free!) pattern is available via Julianne's Ravelry, and on her blog. It takes just about 200 yards exactly of a bulky weight yarn, and though I love the slight sheen of the merino silk blend she chose, I'm torn between wanting to try this with Malabrigo Chunky or the new Malabrigo Twist (coming to the website soon, promise). BUT if you read Sara's last post I will be beginning absolutely no new projects until I complete at least of few of the thousand I have going, so sadly this will have wait. Oh, but it could be so quick...

This next lovely little accessory I found on Ravelry is also going to be hard not to start (and leave half-finished for a month). Dapper, by Andrea Satterlund, is an adorable (and free, and quick!) pattern that I think is very now, and I love it; but, then I'm a bow person.

Can be worn as a headband or bow tie, done entirely in garter stitch, and adjustable this would be really fun to have for spring. Andrea has a really great crafty blog that I recommend checking out as well if you're interested.

If you, like me, have an Etsy browsing problem you may recognize the next lovely piece I have to share today. I first saw this beauty from Vart's shop when it was featured on Etsy's Holiday Gift Guides: Statement Gifts list and I have been thinking about it ever since.


This beautiful hand felted shawl is made of 100% merino and is embellished with silk and Swarovski crystals. Really one of the most gorgeous nuno felt pieces I have ever seen and truly inspirational. Vart's shop is full of other wonderful nuno felted accessories including bowls, bags, and jewelry. I really recommend checking it out. And, if you wanted to maybe try your own hand at nuno felting we have both a beginning and advanced class coming up with our fabulous felting teacher, LeBrie Rich of PenFelt.

Finally, the last thing I have to share today is the work of Miami-based artist Frances Trombly, someone I remember hearing about in school who has recently been brought back to my attention. Using embroidery, weaving, crochet, and cross-stitch, Frances creates by hand things that are normally mass-produced. Here are a couple of my favorite pieces:

Mop, 2008
Hand spun silver wool and cotton, wooden mop handle

52 X 14 X 13 inches

Box (Broward Paper and Packaging), 2008
Hand-woven fabric, embroidery, packaging tape

Dimensions variable


(being in shipping, I love this one especially)

Untitled (pile), 2005
Hand-Woven and crocheted cotton

Dimensions variable


These are amazing, and I have to stop or I'm going to post them all. You can see the rest of her work on her website.

Well, ok, just one more:

Garden Hose, 2007
Crocheted cotton and metal hook

32 linear ft
Site Specific installation at Casa Lin, Miami


I hope everyone had a great holiday season and is getting back into the swing of things easily. Have a wonderful weekend and check back next week for another edition of Fashionknista. Until then, stay chic blogfans!

-Lindsay

Brace yourself.

It's a New Year and the time for new opportunities and to make new resolutions. And, boy, have we got some resolutions this year. I took a little sampling of our staff's goals for 2010 and, I have to say, I'm not too surprised that we're really pushing ourselves:

• Lindsay: to cut wips by down 50%, and learn to knit Continental and to knit two socks at one time.
  
• Marjorie: to learn to knit two socks at one time and how to knit lace.
  
• Mine: to master Fair Isle.
  
• Darcy: to finish her Habu sweater and learn to knit Fair Isle holding both yarns in one hand.
  
• Eva: to make her first sweater.
• Jenny: to finish her boyfriend's Christmas present (gloves); which, incidentally, is her first knitting project.
  

Do you have a knitting New Year's resolution? We'd love to hear it!

On top of setting (slightly unreasonable) goals for ourselves, we've also got some great store updates to share:

1. We have collected 47lbs of clothing for Oregon Foster Care children! We'll continue collecting through the 18th, too. So keep on bringing those handknits and hand-me-downs in. Questions about what to donate? See our Handknits for Hard Knock Kids post.
   
2. We DID have Malabrigo Twist in stock... for about 5 minutes. I'm really sorry, blogfans, but it sold before I could get it on the web (or even photographed). And, before you complain, I swear we ordered two bags of every color. People just really like this yarn. But, don't worry!, we have some scheduled to arrive next week and I SWEAR it will go up on the web and be featured in the Newsletter.
3. We're looking for a new Gratis Knits pattern and have decided to increase the gratuity to $100 in store credit. That's right. Get your pattern up and in view of over 11,000 knitters and get a $100 gift card as an additional reward. See our updated Submission Guidelines (or the upcoming Newsletter) for more information!
   

Let's see what else we've got... A couple of weeks ago (while I was sick and not posting), Andrea sent us photos of two cushions she had finished for Christmas gifts:

The pattern is the Cable & Twist Pillow from Interweave's recently released Knitted Gifts. The yarn is (was) ShibuiKnits Merino Kid in Pagoda and Seaweed, held double to get the correct bulky gauge. Andrea also posted these lovelies on her ravelry journal, if you want more information about the project.

I, however, have not been that conscientious. Sorry. In lieu of other staff projects (my coworkers claim that they have none on their persons. I think they LIE.), I present my current traveling sock (and knitpod):

Which is currently traveling a lot back and forth between home and work. The yarn is Handmaiden's luscious Casbah (love, love, love) in the color "Fleur" which was a new release at Sock Summit (I think). We don't carry the color currently, but I think we have it on order. I also just finished a pair of mitts and a WhatsIt (see below for both), since we're so low on projects to share today (hint. hint. hint.*):

And, because it was a rainy day (like we really need an excuse), Lindsay and Eva and I might have gotten a little carried away taking photos for the blog this afternoon...

Sometimes seriousness is way overrated. See our how silly we can be set on flickr if you need a quick giggle.

That seems like everything, but I feel like I'm forgetting something. What could it be?

Oh, wait. It might just be our upcoming KAL, the details of which are still under wraps. Check your inbox this Friday for an awesome Newsletter that will include some breathtakingly beautiful yarn, a limerick contest and a lot more! Until then, stay dry**, blogfans!

*Don't make me pull out the pointy stick, guys.
**If you're not in the PNW, maybe that should be "stay warm"!