By Hand, With Heart ... hand-knit designs

moving again ...

noreply@blogger.com (Mary G) — Sun, 01 May 2011 04:01:00 +0000

.... before you faint, no we're not moving physical abodes ... we REALLY like Virginia.

But we are moving to a full website with blog and other stuff that I think you'll enjoy. So re-set your favorite to:

www.marygildersleeve.com

Thank you for reading this note and heading on over ... click around and let me know what you think (remembering of course that it is a work in progress and may still need a little bit of tweaking)!Enjoy the journey

Mary C. Gildersleeve

By Hand, With Heart -- hand-knit designs

bhwh.mary@gmail.com

THREE new designs posted today!

noreply@blogger.com (Mary G) — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 21:24:00 +0000

I love Easter ... not just cuz now I can eat candy or because Jesus rose to conquer sin and death ... or even because dh has Easter week for Spring Break. I love Easter because I usually get lots of projects done. This week has been no exception .... here are THREE new designs I just posted in my Ravelry store:

Lapis Lazuli Lace Scarf (approx. 5" x 54") -- pdf download is $4.00

Royal Red Butterfly Shawl (approx. 33" x 15") -- pdf download is $5.00
NOTE: you must be able to knit from a chart for this design!

The Long and Winding Road Scarf (approx. 5" x 40") -- pdf download is $4.00

AND, I'm about two-thirds done with a cable sampler jacket! Cool, huh?

All three items above were knit with Spring Gate Farm's Cashmere(50%)/Silk(25%)/Merino(25%) blend in jewel tones. BTW, for those in the area ... I'll be at Graves Mountain Lodge's Fiber Festival on Saturday (9-4, free) with the lovely lady who breeds the cashmere goats that give us this beautiful yarn! Please stop by and say howdy ... these and other designs I've done for Spring Gate will be available as well as skeins and skeins of her lovely fiber!

Enjoy the journey

Mary C. Gildersleeve

By Hand, With Heart -- hand-knit designs

bhwh.mary@gmail.com

Look what I received in the mail today ...

noreply@blogger.com (Mary G) — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 23:46:00 +0000

It's BEAUTIFUL! More Knitting in the Sun: 32 Patterns to knit for kids is packed with wonderful knits (of all kinds) to make for kids for those hot, summer months! The designs are separated into: accessories, bottoms, sleeveless, short sleeves, long sleeves,and cardigans. My design is in the center of the cover ... Pippi's Lacy-collared top (pg 71-73) ... and the sleeveless section. Check it out ... you'll love all the designs in there!

Enjoy the journey

Mary C. Gildersleeve

By Hand, With Heart -- hand-knit designs

bhwh.mary@gmail.com

Spring is blooming ... and so is this baby blanket!

noreply@blogger.com (Mary G) — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 16:14:00 +0000

Just finished this beautiful baby blanket for a dear friend who just gave birth last week to a gorgeous baby girl.

Spring is Blooming is knit with Dale of Norway's Falk (a washable, sport-weight wool) but could also be done in a sport weight cotton! The design starts in the center with eight stitches and you keep working in circles, increasing as you go (and some of those increases are cleverly hidden within the lace panels) until you end up with 280sts and a 30" diamater baby blanket.

Spring is indeed Blooming!

NOTE: You must be able to knit from charts for this bounteous bloom.

If you'd like to download the pdf of this design, here's the link:

Spring is Blooming ($7.50)

or check out all my designs at my Ravelry store ....

Enjoy the journey

Mary C. Gildersleeve

By Hand, With Heart -- hand-knit designs

bhwh.mary@gmail.com

New Design and review of the knitting retreat yesterday ....

noreply@blogger.com (Mary G) — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 21:45:00 +0000

Here's a design that has just come off the blocking board, photographed and posted in my Ravelry store:

Spring Garden Wrap, done in a cashmere/bamboo blend, and a fun lace pattern. This design was so reminscent of a freshly planted garden, with it's furrows, that I just had to photograph it in front of our just-blooming dogwood!

The design, knit with Spring Gate Farm's medium weight cashmere (80%)/bamboo (20%) in a gorgeous springy sage green is perfect for all-year wear: it's got the warmth of wool with the cooling/evaporative properties of bamboo so it will be comfortable all year-round. The ends are tied and then buttoned (don't you love that button?) for keeping it closed. The construction keeps the shawlette on your shoulders, too!

$6.00 for immediate download.

Yesterday's knitting retreat hosted by Dog House Yarns out at Graves Mountain was glorious! I drove out with a dear knitting friend, chatting the whole way (which was excellent as by the time I got there, I wasn't nervous or anxious at'all!), and although the day was overcast and a bit misty, it was gorgeous! This was the first time I'd been to Graves Mountain, but it definitely won't be my last ... especially since they are having their 1st Annual "Let's Get Naked: From Toes to Clothes" fiber festival on Saturday, April 30th.

The retreat itself was well attended -- almost 50 ladies of all ages knitting away while listening to me tell them all the wonderful facts about fiber (and NOT the breakfast kind). We then had an all-you-can-eat, traditional family-food lunch (meatloaf, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables au gratin, spinach salad with fresh strawberries, homemade apple cake with ice cream, etc) .... what a feast! The afternoon sessions included a few break-out/small group sessions: I facilitated a "tips and tricks" session where ladies asked me how to fix this or that which of course led to more questions and more answers; I then did an overview of short-rows: when to use them and how to do them! It was great fun.

The best part: after spending a day with wonderful folks talking about one of my most favorite subjects .... I came home to a ready dinner, a clean house and a family who missed me! What more could I want?

Next weekend, it's off to the Olde Liberty Fibre Faire in Bedford!

Enjoy the journey

Mary C. Gildersleeve

By Hand, With Heart -- hand-knit designs

bhwh.mary@gmail.com

Support creativity and get some bang for your buck!

noreply@blogger.com (Mary G) — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 17:19:00 +0000

Last week, I found out about the coolest thing ... a way to support creative efforts, fledgling artists, published designers do even more. Shannon Okey (the brains behind the phenomenal publishing house of Cooperative Press, hand-knits designer and all round amazingly creative woman) has started a month-long campaign to do even more for indie knitting designers, using a program called Kickstarter.

Here's a video that shows some of the designs that are going into the new series Shannon is publishing:

I have some designs in these upcoming books -- a set of knitted dolls for Fresh Designs: Toys and a set of southwest-inspired sofa pillows in Fresh Designs: Home.

Now, these books will be published this summer regardless of Shannon matching (or even better, beating) her goal of $5000. The important thing here ... and why I've already pledged a bit ... is that this is a chance to help an indie publisher, indie hand-knits designers, and a host of other folks do something very cool ... very creative. Any pledge, large or small (even $1) will help. There are some cool incentives for different pledge points -- including copies of the 10-book Fresh Design books!

So what are you waiting for? Go make a pledge, would ya? And thanks .... from one of many independent hand-knits designers!

Enjoy the journey

Mary C. Gildersleeve

By Hand, With Heart -- hand-knit designs

bhwh.mary@gmail.com

New "old" design ... September in Colorado

noreply@blogger.com (Mary G) — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 00:01:00 +0000

Here's a design that was published in the online magazine, KnitCircus (Fall 2010). After six months, the design reverted to me, so I've posted it for sale in my Ravelry store.

The artist modeling September in Colorado!

Close-up of the yoke design

the full sweater

September in Colorado (sizes XS-XL) is a great exercise in colorwork/stranded knitting. An original charted yoke design contains all the colors of Colorado in September -- the green on some trees, the yellow aspen leaves, the shades of brown, and of course, the white of the "surprise" snow falls!

This design is available for immediate download for $4.99 from my Ravelry store (the link below works whether or not you're a member of Ravelry)

Enjoy the journey

Mary C. Gildersleeve

By Hand, With Heart -- hand-knit designs

bhwh.mary@gmail.com

KP IDP: another design for your knitting pleasure ....

noreply@blogger.com (Mary G) — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 18:50:00 +0000

... and just in time for the warmer weather:

Victoria's Tee (XS - 5X):

Paired with a close-fitting undertop or all by itself, this year-round top is sure to please. A flattering fit is obtained by the unique construction of this top: the body is knit sideways in a traditional Victorian-era lace-edging pattern and then the bodice is knit in the round, finishing off with the slight capping on the shoulder and a wide, squared-off neckline. As fun to wear as it is beautiful to look at, this design is knit with an easy care cotton-blend yarn that looks and feels wonderful to wear.

The design is $4.99 for download

from Knit Picks' site (where you can order the yarn and the design at the same time!)

order from my Ravelry store (buy now).

NOTE: This makes a nice round one-dozen designs for Knit Picks!

Enjoy the journey

Mary C. Gildersleeve

By Hand, With Heart -- hand-knit designs

bhwh.mary@gmail.com

Here's where I'll be in the next few weeks ...

noreply@blogger.com (Mary G) — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 11:58:00 +0000

... why don't you join me?

First, on April 9th, I'll be the main speaker at Dog House Yarns 1st Annual Knitter's Retreat out at Graves Mountain. My morning talk will be on "The Ins and Outs of Using This for That" ... in other words I'll be talking about substituting yarns and how to avoid making expensive (both monetary and time) mistakes. For all of you who want to sub non-wool for a wool pattern ... or don't have the $$$ to knit up a musk-ox sweater ... this is the talk for you! We'll talk about fiber, blends, why designers use certain yarns, and generally have a wonderful time talking knitting all morning. After an all-you-can-eat luncheon, I'll be leading two break-out sessions: "short-rows" and "tips & tricks".

Then, on April 16th, I'll be heading down to Bedford, VA to participate in the Olde Liberty Fibre Faire, where all the proceeds go to Bedford Hospice House. I'll be available at two times during the day (more specific details coming) to explain short-rows and discuss substituting yarns. Stop on by and I'll be happy to talk about whatever problem, question, or issue you're having with your knitting. One of the time-slots, I'll be with Jane in the Spring Gate Farm's booth -- she'll have my cashmere patterns for sale as well as her luscious Virginia-grown/raised cashmere fiber. The other time, I'll be hosted by Leslie of Greenberry House ... she's got amazing stuff, too. Note: there will be no food available on-site at the OLFF - the organizers, in their infinite wisdom, opted to avoid having food vendors. Which means, BYOL and save the money for shopping (or there are tons of places right outside the location).

Don't you need a fiber fix? Mark your calendars, grab your needles and knitting and be sure to stop by and say hi if you are able to attend either (or both) of these fiber-rich events! Fiber -- more than a breakfast option!

Enjoy the journey

Mary C. Gildersleeve

By Hand, With Heart -- hand-knit designs

bhwh.mary@gmail.com

I'm back ...

noreply@blogger.com (Mary G) — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 11:02:00 +0000

... after my two-week, self-imposed internet hiatus (did you miss me?)....

I'm not sure about whether I'll get the miracle (I'm just going to leave it in God's hands), but I do know that I had a very productive two weeks -- lots of changes ahead, some book reviews to post and two new designs ready for your knitting pleasure:

"Victoria's Tee" is available for immediate download ($4.99) and is sized from XS-5X. Knit in a fingering-weight, cotton-acrylic blend, this is a great year-round top -- looks wonderful over something or alone!

Malcolum's Cluthar (very rough Gaelic translation for Malcolm's Cozy) with cap and toy cube is available for immediate download (4.99). The blanket is knit in worsted weight, organic cotton and the cap will fit a baby 0-6mo. The cube is a large, 7-inch toy with bells buried deep inside for the baby's amusement. A lovely set for a dear friend's first baby.

Oh, and for those of you in the area (or want to come visit): I'll be the morning speaker (as well as doing a couple of afternoon sessions) at Dog House Yarns' knitting retreat on April 9th out at Graves Mountain. Stop by and say hi if you're able to come out and join us!

Enjoy the journey

Mary C. Gildersleeve

By Hand, With Heart -- hand-knit designs
bhwh.mary@gmail.com

Prayer, fasting and abstinence for a special intention ...

noreply@blogger.com (Mary G) — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 22:41:00 +0000

will mean this blog will be on hiatus for the next 14 days.

We have seen a house that is available for sale ... an 1838 house that is in a perfect spot, cutting dh's commute 30 minutes EACH way, near all the friends we have down here, and more than 1.5 acres around the house (so LOTS of play area for the kids). I SOOO want to move to this house ...

BUT

we'd need a major miracle to have all things come together. In asking God's divine providence to "kick in", I am planning to fast (drinking only tea/water/coffee and not eating any sweets), to pray more (by going to daily Mass and carving an hour out of each day for prayer time), and to (and this is a BIGGIE for me) abstain from the Internet (by only checking email twice a day and not doing anything else online).

We are asking for a clear sign from God whether or not to pursue this house ...

So I will update you all on this intention on March 1st (which is also String Bean's 11th birthday). Will you please add your prayer to my self-imposed sacrifices while I'm away?

Enjoy the journey

Mary C. Gildersleeve

By Hand, With Heart -- hand-knit designs
bhwh.mary@gmail.com

KP IDP: my tenth design just went up!

noreply@blogger.com (Mary G) — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 12:11:00 +0000

I now have a total of 10 designs available on Knit Picks' website, the latest being the Cabled Cottage Cozies. Here are quick links to these designs (both available on the KP site and in my Ravelry store) for immediate download:

Cabled Cottage Cozies (KP - $3.99) or Ravelry $4.00

Celtic Closure in sizes XS-4X (KP - $4.99) or Ravelry $5.00

Completely Cozy & Reversible Scarf for Him - (KP - $2.99) or Ravelry $3.00

Elegant Eliza Ballerina Bunny - (KP - $2.99) or Ravelry -$5.00 (the Ravelry design has Exquisite Edgar Bunny included)

Season-Spanning Cardi in sizes XS-1X - (KP $4.99) or Ravelry $5.00

Fun Felted Saddlebag with matching accessories case - (KP $2.99) or Ravelry $3.00

Memories of Eire vest in sizes XS - 1X - (KP $4.99) or Ravelry $5.00

My Favorite Sweatshirt and Mitts in sizes XS-5X (KP - $4.99) or Ravelry $5.00

Patrick: An Irish Lad's Jacket in sizes 2T to 10 - (KP $4.99) or Ravelry $5.00

Rib Tickler Hoodie in sizes XS-1X - (KP $4.99) or Ravelry $5.00

My Ravelry store has lots of other patterns for immediate download ....
check it out and let me know what you think!

Enjoy the journey

Mary C. Gildersleeve

By Hand, With Heart -- hand-knit designs
bhwh.mary@gmail.com

More Easter knitting ... Eliza and Edgar Bunnies!

noreply@blogger.com (Mary G) — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 14:27:00 +0000

Here's a great addition to the Fabric Baskets I posted on Sunday ... Elegant Eliza and Exquisite Edgar!

These knitted bunnies are 13" and 15" inches in height and are easy for little hands to hold. Since they're made in one-piece with removable clothes, little ones can pull and play and chew and play and not tear these dolls. Knit in worsted-weight, washable cotton (the samples shown were knit using KP's Comfy Worsted), the dolls are easy-care, too!

Wouldn't your little ones love these in their Easter baskets? For $5.00 you can download this lovely pattern for both bunnies ... just click the button!

You can check out this and my other knitting designs on my Ravelry site ...

Enjoy the journey

Mary C. Gildersleeve
By Hand, With Heart -- hand-knit designs
bhwh.mary@gmail.com

Easter knitting .... a fun set of nested baskets

noreply@blogger.com (Mary G) — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 22:13:00 +0000

... that are "green", too!

I just finished writing the handcrafts column for the Spring issue 2001 of mater et magistra, an issue with lots of editorial space dedicated to celebrating Easter. And what better way to celebrate than to make a set of nested basket knitted using a re-purposed sheet?

If you don't want to wait for the Spring issue (altho, if you are Catholic and have kids -- even if you DON'T homeschool them -- you probably WANT to subscribe) ... this pattern is available for immediate download from my Ravelry store
($4.00 for the pattern which includes tips on working with fabric "yarn" and other info).

Enjoy the journey

Mary C. Gildersleeve

By Hand, With Heart -- hand-knit designs
bhwh.mary@gmail.com

Birds in Flight ... a cowl ... a headband ... a classic!

noreply@blogger.com (Mary G) — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 13:34:00 +0000

Birds in Flight cowl/headband knit in Spring Gate Farm's Lace-Fingering Weight Cashmere .... available for instant download for $5.00. This 27-stitch lace pattern is easy to memorize ... making the knitting a joy to do, especially since the yarn is 2-ply 100% cashmere ...

When only the best will do .... CASHMERE!

Enjoy the journey

Mary C. Gildersleeve

By Hand, With Heart -- hand-knit designs
bhwh.mary@gmail.com

Latest Design: I "heart" Austria .... a vest and matching cap

noreply@blogger.com (Mary G) — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 20:10:00 +0000

I "heart" Austria vest and cap is a labor of love: ten years ago, we were blessed to move to a small village an hour south of Vienna, Austria. My husband was earning a Masters degree and we lived in the shadow of an ancient Carthusian monastery, homeschooling our (then) four children. We were only able to stay two years but Austria got into our hearts, and remains there to this day.

We took home a lifetime of memories and our yougest son, born during our sojourn in Niederoesterich. Now, almost eight years later, I have finally created a design worthy of our memories.

I Heart Austria ... a vest reminiscent of the Austrian knitting -- garter stitch insulation with cable panels of lots of diamonds. The knit-in pockets and simple collar are pure Austrian. The cuffed watch cap will keep you warm even in on the Austrian slopes ... the turn-up cuff recreates the six diamond variations with a 3x3rib underneath to hold the cap close to the head and also increase insulation. The vest is sized for Sm, Med, Large, 1X and 2X; the cap is a one-size fits most adults.

Knit in a washable all wool ... this design is classic with a twist!

Enjoy ... you can purchase this pattern for immediate download from my Ravelry store (even if you're not a Ravelry member ... altho I don't know why you wouldn't be) for $5.00. You can check out my other designs if you just go ahead and join Ravelry (it's free and a treasure-trove of all things knitterly or even crocheterly)

Enjoy the journey

Mary C. Gildersleeve

By Hand, With Heart -- hand-knit designs
bhwh.mary@gmail.com

Blue Ridge Sunset: Simple elegance that's practical too ...

noreply@blogger.com (Mary G) — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 11:18:00 +0000

Blue Ridge Sunset Hat and Scarf ... a bit of colorwork, the softness of cashmere, an elegant design ...

Enjoy the journey

Mary C. Gildersleeve

By Hand, With Heart -- hand-knit designs
bhwh.mary@gmail.com

Browsing Amazon's upcoming knitting titles ...

noreply@blogger.com (Mary G) — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 10:54:00 +0000

I came across this one that is ready for pre-order and scheduled to be published in April/May.

More Knitting in the Sun: 24 Patterns to Knit for Kids, edited by Kristi Porter. The designs are all knit in summer-type yarns (cottons, linen, etc) for kids to wear in the summer-time. So the knitting is summer-able and so is the wearing.

Don't you love this cover .... don't you love the sweater in the middle?

That would be mine! Cool, huh?

I knew the book would be coming out this spring from Wiley but that's all I'd heard. Browsing Amazon's knitting books (ALWAYS looking for more to add to my library) ... I came across this. Was I thrilled! I also like the other designs on the cover and can't wait to see the whole book ...

I'll be posting more details as the book nears publication, but so far this is all I can share!

Enjoy the journey

Mary C. Gildersleeve

By Hand, With Heart -- hand-knit designs
bhwh.mary@gmail.com

Knitting around the world .... see what happens when ...

noreply@blogger.com (Mary G) — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 14:21:00 +0000

... a bunch of knitters get together to celebrate Cardigan, Wales' 900th birthday. Isn't it wonderful? 200 knitters came together to make this wonderful visual history of Cardigan that measures 10ft x 3ft. Even the school children got involved.

I love this quote from the article:

We have used cable stitch throughout and the many threads twisted together become strong, representing our community.

Gotta love knitting!

Enjoy the journey

Mary C. Gildersleeve

By Hand, With Heart -- hand-knit designs
bhwh.mary@gmail.com

Review: Debbie Bliss' Design It, Knit It: Babies ....

noreply@blogger.com (Mary G) — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 00:47:00 +0000

... is definitely getting added to my rather eclectic (and large!) knitting book library. Definitely!

I love designing for babies ... some of my best-loved, most successful designs are those for babies:

Exquisite Edgar and Elegant Eliza dolls -- really easy for little hands to hold (and since they're made of washable cotton-blend, they can be wet-loved to death and still wash up well)

Hearts a Poppin' blanket -- a beautiful blanket with just a bit of lace (so it works nicely for the boys!)

Me and My Doll -- Irish Sweaters -- matching sweaters for little girls and their 18" dolls

Patrick: An Irish Lad's Jacket -- want to try an Irish sweater ... this one is down-sized to knit quickly and warm the hearts of all the boys

Jillian's Jacket and Blanket Set -- easy enough for a beginner, this set is all garter!

So I was thrilled to find out that my public library had finally gotten a copy of Debbie Bliss' new baby book. Today, I picked up Design It, Knit It: Babies from the library and have already ordered my own copy from Amazon. Yep, it's that good.

First, a disclaimer: I LOVE Debbie Bliss style -- classic, clean, gorgeous colorways. Her books are well done and sincere ... it really sounds like she knows what she's writing about (not always true with the plethora of knitting books currently available). Further, she always has a nice variety of designs -- sweaters, hats, blankets, leggings. But additionally, her Design It, Knit It books (her first, Design It, Knit It, has been well-used around here!) share her thought processes when she's designing -- and designing for babies is quite different than designing for kids or adults. As she quickly explains (the first sentence in the first paragraph): "Babies are basically tube-shaped ..." points out the difference from the get-go. Babies need comfortable ... non-fussy ... easy-on/easy-off styles that adults don't. Babies need to have diapers included in measurements as well as chubby legs!

Bliss covers it all in this volume:

sizes and shapes
soft and gentle is necessary
color
small and perfect (for preemies and newborns)
rough and tumble (once they're toddlers)
specialty dressings
embellishments
accessories -- heads, hands and toes

She then caps her book with a chapter "design workbook" which suggests options for different necklines and styles, samples of knitters' graph paper (after all sts don't usually equal rows ... thus graphing on square paper doesn't really work, does it?), charts for alphabets and intarsia work.

This really is a book worth adding to your library -- whether you have babies in the house ... due any day ... or just love to design for these wee ones. Bliss does it again!

Enjoy the journey

Mary C. Gildersleeve

By Hand, With Heart -- hand-knit designs
bhwh.mary@gmail.com

The one problem with knitting ....

noreply@blogger.com (Mary G) — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 00:49:00 +0000

... early on in my knitting journey (I've been knitting for over 40 years!), I vowed that I would never start the next project until the current one was done. Boy, is this tough ... I often start thinking about my next project about three-quarters of the way thru the current one so that after about 90% of a project, I'm ready to move on!

This is not a good thing. I get frustrated and want to just finish the darn thing. I know I could put it aside ... but then I know I'd NEVER finish it. So, I plug away.

This is all to say that I'm just about done with my vest (and will post the pattern soon) ... and ready to get started on my cashmere headband for Spring Gate ... here's the chart I've created to begin ...

who knows what it will look like when I'm done (it definitely won't be green and white .. altho I LOVE green!)

I'll keep you posted ....

Enjoy the journey

Mary C. Gildersleeve

By Hand, With Heart -- hand-knit designs
bhwh.mary@gmail.com

New Year's Resolution: to post more on here!

noreply@blogger.com (Mary G) — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 11:47:00 +0000

So, 2011 is on its third day and I have a resolution to post more on this lovely knitting blog! The upside is I was so busy knitting the last few days that I haven't had TIME to post ... but that begs the question of posting more a bit doesn't it?

On my knitting needles: finishing a vest (originally planned to be a cardigan, but the yarn told me to stop already!) and planning my next Spring Gate Farm cashmere project -- a two-color headband.

On my reading table: re-reading for the umpteenth time Maggie Righetti's classic, Sweater Design in Plain English. This really is a must-read for anyone wanting to make sweaters that truly fit. It's a bit dated (she doesn't even mention blogs or Ravelry or much internet-y stuff) but well-worth the read. St. Martin's Press is coming out with a "second edition" in April 2011 -- I'm trying to get a review copy (and maybe a copy or two to giveaway) so I can see just what they've added (some 100 pages to the original count)! Will keep you posted.

Happy 2011 and may all your knitting time be frutiful ... may you felt when you want to (and not by accident) ... and may you show thru your love of knitting just how cool and fun it is!

Enjoy the journey!

Mary C. Gildersleeve

By Hand, With Heart -- hand-knit designs
bhwh.mary@gmail.com

KP IDP: My Favorite Sweatshirt

noreply@blogger.com (Mary G) — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 19:50:00 +0000

Knit Picks just posted another of my designs .... My Favorite Sweatshirt and Mitts! This is done using KP's organic Simply Cotton worsted yarn ... which knits up like a dream and looks and feels so wonderful to wear. [This is the same sweatshirt that I completed for my NaKniSweMo project! and is also available thru my Ravelry store.]

Happy knittin'

Mary C. Gildersleeve

By Hand, With Heart -- hand-knit designs
bhwh.mary@gmail.com

Merry Christmas from our house to yours ....

noreply@blogger.com (Mary G) — Sat, 25 Dec 2010 04:06:00 +0000

Happy knittin'

Mary C. Gildersleeve

By Hand, With Heart -- hand-knit designs
bhwh.mary@gmail.com

Designs: another in cashmere ...

noreply@blogger.com (Mary G) — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 12:46:00 +0000

I just finished the fingerless mitts that coordinate with the Snow on the Mountains Scarf ... introducing the Snow on the Mountains Mitts ...

Cool, huh? You can buy the pattern from my Ravelry store or directly from Spring Gate Farm. Remember, if you buy the cashmere directly from Spring Gate, you can get the pattern free!

Happy knittin'

Mary C. Gildersleeve

By Hand, With Heart -- hand-knit designs
bhwh.mary@gmail.com