Classic Elite Yarns

Spring Outtake, Gatehouse

2012-05-25T08:49:00.000-04:00

It's not all business at the photoshoot for Gatehouse, our Spring 2012 Provence booklet...

Designer Spotlight: Talitha Kuomi

2012-05-22T08:42:00.000-04:00

Talitha is the designer behind the Joya Vest, this week's free pattern featured in the Web-Letter, as well as multiple designs in our Spring 2012 collection. Learn more about Talitha on her website and blog, and be sure to check out her other designs on Ravelry. Read on to learn about her creative process, how she got started, and to hear her advice for aspiring knit designers! Visit the CEY website to sign up for the weekly Web-Letter, delivering free patterns, news and more to your email inbox every Tuesday.

How long have you been designing?
I was a painfully shy kid who spent hours and hours in my room alone cutting and hand sewing outfits for my Raggedy Ann doll. It sounds very girly-girl, but actually I was sort of an introverted tomboy who loved riding my bike to the foot of a climbing tree so I could scale its trunk and nestle quietly in the branches to read a book. Surely Raggedy Ann needed new clothes, I thought, because how would she be able to have any fun in her long dress and white lacy knickers? I grew from that to writing poetry to say the things I couldn't find a voice to say. Then on to singing, eventually writing for and fronting a local blues rock band, all the while altering my clothes to make them just what I wanted them to be. I was eventually trained as a bridal seamstress and designed custom wedding dresses for a couple of years. I moved that business to the little work room at home when my babies were tiny. When they started outgrowing their daytime naps, curious fingers (often coated with jelly) didn't mix well with white satin and sharp pins. It was then that I returned to something I had always loved to do in my spare time, knitting. And because I have always had ideas of just how things should fit and drape, writing patterns my own way soon followed. So I guess, really, that I have been creating or designing in one way or another for most of my life.

How did you get started?
As far as publishing my first pattern, I was pushed. Really. I had been knitting alone at home at night and decided to find some other knitters to knit with. I wound up at the Taunton Stitch'n'Bitch where they welcomed me like an old friend. As we got to talking over the weeks, it came up that I had written some little patterns. They all but begged to see, they gushed when they did, and then they egged and prodded me on. I really might have just remained frustrated that my family was outgrowing my bridal work and not known where to go from there if it wasn't for these knittahs lighting a big encouraging fire under me.

The Loved crown, Talitha's first design

What's the first piece you ever designed?
My first knitting pattern was the result of my 7 yr old's imagination. She came to me one day and announced that she had been invited to a birthday party at the end of the week and she wanted to give her friend a princess crown that was two different colors and had points that ended with little balls at the top. When I asked her where she thought we might find just such a princess crown in only 4 days, she looked at me like I had quite lost my mind and said, "Mama, you're going to knit it. Of course". Her fierce confidence in me inspired me to create 'Loved'. It was hot off the needles as we wrapped it, in the car on the way to the party, but I did get it done and it was exactly what she had wanted it to be.

The Merida Pullover in Solstice, from Knitscene Summer 2012

What is the timeline for one of your designs, from swatch to pattern to sample?
This is so variable. I've gone from yarn arriving in the mail to knit sample on the way to a photo shoot and finished pattern done in 12 days. I also have ideas that I swatched a year ago that haven't gotten beyond a quirky little square tacked to one of my bulletin boards. Sometimes I'm on a roll and it all comes together at nearly the speed of light. Sometimes I muscle through propelled solely by the hot breath of a deadline on the back of my neck. And there are about a hundred different timeline scenarios that fall in between those two.

Approximately how many patterns do you publish a year?
When I first started, I published 7 nearly at once. These were all accessories which required very little sizing and were things I had done before I decided to "officially" design patterns at all. Then I spent a year figuring out how to size garments and released 15 patterns in the midst of working out the twists and turns of that. As I started to publish patterns with yarn companies and publishers, there was a delay that comes into play. It's about 6 to 8 months after the deadline for a pattern and sample being completed that it will actually be released by a bigger company. So, most of what I wrote in 2011 is being released now. The current number of new patterns of mine that will be released by the end of 2012 stands at 37, but the year's not over yet.

The Tremont Cardigan in Provence, from the CEY Spring 2012 booklet, Gatehouse

Do you use test knitters?
I have a friend and neighbor, Jean, who both test knits and knits samples for me. She knit the sample of Cedar in the CEY photos. She's super flexible and an amazing knitter. My patterns are always better because of her experience and suggestions. A good test knitter is not always easy to find and I recently met up with two more, which is very exciting. My friend, Kat, also does tech editing for me. She has a great head for details and a meticulous eye. Sometimes what makes perfect sense in my head doesn't come across plainly when I write it out. A second, or third, set of eyes is such a crucial thing. I really depend on all of them for their honesty and their willingness to share their ideas of how to make my work better and clearer.

Can you guess which CEY Spring 2012 design this came from?

What is your "design process"?
Do some people really have a cut and dried answer to this? I'm so all over the place. Still, I guess the generalized nutshell version goes something like this. I am walking my way through any ol' day. I might be in my little workroom in a 'designing mood', but it is just as likely to happen out and about in the world at large, when something catches my attention. Could be the smell of cornbread or the shadow my son's tricycle makes on the cement. Maybe it's unexpected laughter from my youngest girl, my friend Steve's newest guitar riff or the welcome return of a happy memory. It could even be the way a certain branch intertwines with the next or something from a magazine page at my doctor's office. The receptionist there is no longer surprised when I approach her with my fingers marking two or three pages of the newest addition to the waiting room reading material, asking if she would please photocopy pages 17, 23 and 41 ... but I digress. Whatever it is that catches me, I suddenly feel a bit energized and the urge to 'capture the moment' in some way overtakes me. I scribble down any words I can recall to remind me of the feeling. I sketch on the nearest scrap of anything paper-like. From there it's sort of just riding the wave as far as it will take me and then letting the stubborn determination to get the job done take me to the finish line. In this process, something always gets created, and sometimes it's a new pattern.

Where do you do your design work? What does your "creative space" look like?
My creative space is a combination of two spots that are night and day different. My actual workroom is small and packed to the gills. There are two wall-sized bulletin boards chock full of swatches and magazine pages, photo copies and sketches. There are a couple of guitars and my Grandma's old Singer sewing machine. There are favorite rocks from Maine vacations, cards from my husband, a collage that was a gift from my college roommate, the pvc pipe loom my dad made me, a poetic wall plaque from my mum, and things that each of my kids have made. There are verses and photos people have mailed to me, rough sketches drawn on paper bags from Wendy's and fabric I like too much to use just yet because I haven't found the perfect project for it. There is a little bit of everything that is important to me in this small room. It inspires me, but I can't knit there.

I dream in the midst of all that stuff, then I grab yarn and needles on my way to 'the knitting chair'. This tweedy tan thrift store chair sits in a quiet corner of the living room. Everything here is at a minimum. The walls are empty, the deep maroon faux leather couch is comfortably worn and the dark wood cabinet is a piece I grew up with. The windows are intentionally bare and there is little to nothing to visually distract me. This is where I knit and where I do the math for increases, decreases, sleeve caps and sizing. This is where I am calmed and relaxed enough to enjoy the process. It's a stark contrast to the over-stimulation of the workroom, but the combination of the extremes of these two spaces is exactly what I need to get through all the steps from raw idea to finished pattern.

Waterlily in Classic Silk, photographed on the Nashua River in Groton, MA

What is your favorite piece you designed for the Spring Collection? What was your inspiration?
Waterlily is my favorite. This picture makes me think 'vacation', 'free time', 'good company', and 'not a care in the world'. It captures the exact feel I was going for when I designed it. We spend two weeks every summer in this big cottage with three generations of my cousins: grandparents, grown kids and grandkids. We are pretty close to the beach there and trek down to the water at least twice a day. I was thinking, "instead of my standard old t-shirt and faded denim cutoffs, what would I rather throw on over my bathing suit to walk the two small town blocks to the beach?". This was my answer.

Waterlily in Classic Silk from the CEY Spring booklet Riverside

What advice would you give someone who is interested in knit design?
There are so many wonderful designers out there and so many great patterns (quite a few of which I'd like to find the time to knit myself). Because of this, I think the most important thing is to be yourself. I mean, do something that only you would come up with. Maybe that's a certain combination of stitches, or an unusual construction, or a color combo that really calls out to you. Figure out what makes your idea unique and then make it real with everything your own unique history can bring to it. Don't ever design things you don't like or bend away from your own personality just to be published. There's only one you, let yourself shine.

What's on your Spring Queue?

2012-05-16T10:45:00.003-04:00

Memorial Day is almost upon us, which means summer has almost (unofficially) begun! I hope that doesn't mean your needles and hooks are collecting dust...On my queue? Tremont by Talitha Kuomi in a to-be-determined palette of Provence, Fairfax (scroll down for the link) from Twist Collective in Brass Button, my hands-down favorite Solstice color, and the Emily Shawl in Firefly in the Mermaid colorway. Let me know what you're knitting in the comments or share it with our Ravelry group!

In the meantime, Classic Elite yarns are popping up in all my favorite magazines. See anything that catches your eye?

Vogue Crochet 2012 (Special Edition)

Circle Jacket, designed by Cristina Mershon, knit in Classic Elite Yarns Fresco and Pirouette; 8 (10, 13) hanks of Fresco in #5353 Strawberry and 4 (5, 7) balls of Pirouette in #4058 Alizarin. Photo by Rose Callahan.

Vogue Knitting Spring/Summer 2012

Slit Shoulder Top, designed by Margaux Hufnagel in Classic Elite Yarns Seedling; 3 (4, 4, 4, 5, 5) hanks in #4575 summer rain(gray), 2 (2, 3, 3, 3, 3) hanks each in #4501 Summer Cloud (white), #4581 Mint (green), and #4546 Glacier (blue). Photo by Rose Callahan.

Cap Sleeve Top, designed by Twinkle in Twinkle Handknits/Classic Elite Yarns Cruise; 9 (10, 11, 12) skeins in #35 Mint. Photo by Paul Amato for LVARepresents.com.

Knit Simple Spring/Summer 2012

Striped Boat-neck Sweater, designed by Mari Lynn Patrick in Classic Elite Yarns Provence; 3 (3, 4, 4, 4, 5) hanks in #2601 bleached white, 2 (2, 2, 3, 3, 3) hanks in #2650 New Moon. Photo by Rose Callahan.

I-cord Necklace, designed by Michele Muska in Classic Elite Yarns Chesapeake; 2 balls in #5919 carnation and small amounts each in #5955 Shanghai Red and #5925 Tokyo Rose. Photo by Rose Callahan.

Picot Trim Dress, designed by Jil Eaton in Jil Eaton/Classic Elite Yarns CottonTail; 4 (5, 6, 7, 9) hanks in #7554 Lavender, 1 hank in #7520 Aqua. Photo by Paul Amato for LVARepresents.com.

Interweave Knits, Summer 2012

Hana Shell by Ruth Garcia-Alcantud in Classic Elite Yarns Soft Linen:, 5 (6, 7, 8, 8) balls in #2256 Lavender. Photo by Carmel Zucker.

Knitscene Summer 2012

Robin Tank by Amy Christoffers, designed in Classic Elite Yarns Firefly; 4 (4, 5, 5, 5, 6) skeins of #7789 Pink Petunia. Photo by Nathan Rega, Harper Point Photography.

Merida Pullover by Talitha Kuomi, designed in Classic Elite Yarns Solstice; 6 (7, 7, 8, 10, 11, 11) skeins and #2338 Pine Cone, 3 (4, 4, 4, 5, 6, 6) skeins of #2358 Geranium. Photo by Nathan Rega, Harper Point Photography.

Twist Collective, Spring 2012

Fairfax, designed by Tanis Gray in Classic Elite Yarns Solstice; 9 (10, 12, 13, 14, 15) skeins in #2332 Magenta. Photo by Jane Heller.

Knitty, Spring 2012

Petal designed by Heather Hoefle in Classic Elite Wool Bam Boo; 7, 8, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13 skeins in #136 Mulberry.

Designer Spotlight: Elena Nodel

2012-05-01T09:15:00.000-04:00

Maya modeling her Summer Days cardigan

My name is Elena Nodel, and I am a mom to a very industrious, busy, ever curious and adventurous little girl. Her name is Maya, and she is my ever present inspiration for all my creative ideas, and the spark that reignited my interest in knitting and designing. I was born and raised in Russia, a place where knitting is part of a lifestyle. It is not uncommon to see moms and grandmas knitting in the parks and playgrounds while watching kids play. As a child I was curious and fascinated enough with their work to actually sit and learn from the ladies. I made my first knitted piece at the age 7. Afterward, I knitted a piece here and there, but nothing serious. Only when I started knitting for my own daughter did my passion for knitting truly blossom. I am a trained microbiologist/immunologist, and have spent years doing scientific research. It might be surprising to some people to see me as a knitwear designer now. People that know me well were not at all surprised when after our daughter was born I became passionate about knitting. I have always been artistic and imaginative from as long as I remember.

Elena's home in Norilsk, Siberia

How long have you been designing?
Kids wear is such a personal preference for parents, and I saw little in stores that I liked. So I picked up my needles again, and here I am, and I have been knitting and designing for the last 5 years now.

How did you get started?
My very first design was a sleeveless dress with some lace elements (Pink Lacey Spring Dress), which was dearly loved. I was so happy with my work, I absolutely had to bring and show it to Diane Debray, the owner of my favorite yarn store Wool and Wicker. It was Diane’s idea that I should make it into the pattern; with Diane’s positive feedback and encouragement over the next few months that followed I started to write down my patterns as my blog posts at first, and then started turning them into the actual patterns later.

How did you get started publishing designs?
I discovered Ravelry, and initially used it as my knitting notebook. I was very surprised when others showed such a great interest in my work. My original patterns had only 1-3 sizes the most, and the number of request to upsize or downsize my patterns was overwhelming. So it was only natural to create proper patterns and offer them to the online world. I have learned a great deal over the last 5 years, and developed a new respect for all the designers out there, as writing patterns is not always easy and there is always a lot of background work involved that regular knitters do not see.

Do you use test knitters?
Always! After my prototype is made, I write and size my pattern, then send it to my test knitters to make sure that my math holds to the actual test. Since my patterns cover sizes from baby to teenagers, I want to be sure that my adjustments for each age group are proper and the garment fits each age group as intended. I am very fortunate to work with a group of very talented knitters who test knit my designs, always challenge me to be a better writer, and trust my ideas no matter how crazy they might seem. We have a great dynamic and constantly learn from each other. Some of my designs would not be available in so many sizes without these wonderful people.

The Maxi Dress

What's the first piece you ever designed?
As I mentioned earlier, my very first piece was Pink Lacey Spring Dress, however I did not feel like I made a proper design till I created Maxi Top/Dress. It was my first fully written, sized, and tested pattern. I wanted to create a design that would grow with my girl, that would be easy to knit, and easy to wear for a little kid. I think I have succeeded with my goal and more. This design is the one I have knitted the most, both as gifts to others and as staple wardrobe pieces for my daughter. It was also my very first exposure to properly sizing a pattern. I remember being very intimidated by the process.

What is the timeline for one of your designs, from swatch to pattern to sample?
Some designs transition from the idea to the garment easily; I sketch the idea, choose yarn, stitch work, do my math, and start knitting. Other patterns can take months to develop. For example, it took me only 2 days for my Tropical Fish Skirt and Summer Days top to transition from the idea to the actual prototype garment. Yet, it took another couple of months to write, size, and test the patterns before they were presented to the knitting community. On the other hand, my Tomboy Cardigan was months in making. I had the idea long before I started working on the prototype, and I must admit that I lost some sleep over it, thinking of every little detail I wanted to be there. I had Tomboy cardigan in sketch form for about 5-6 months until I found a construction method that fit perfectly with my idea of what the design should be like. Since the construction method is fairly new (contiguous set-in sleeves), it took a couple of prototypes to finalize the design. Overall the whole process for this particular design took about 8-9 months to transition from the original sketch to the fully written and tested pattern.

The Tomboy Cardigan

What is your “design process”?
I put a lot of thought and effort in each of my designs. My “design process” always starts with an idea and or inspiration that transition into a sketch. I do not start working on the prototype unless I am absolutely sure about every single detail that will go into the design. While working on a new design, I can spend hours looking for the right yarn and color, making several swatches. I would sometimes rip the whole garment out and start from scratch just because the construction method I chose was not working exactly as I envisioned, the elements I was trying to combine were not flowing together well, or the yarn I chose was not quite right for the project. As you can see it is quite a process, but I thoroughly enjoy it, otherwise I would not be designing! One thing I don't like doing much is seaming, therefore I tend to knit and design in the round as much as possible or find ways to bring down seaming to a bare minimum.

Where do you do your design work? What does your "creative space" look like?
Nothing says Zen to me like being surrounded by lots of colorful yummy yarn. My knitting and yarn followed me everywhere in the house, or rather every room had yarn and one of the numerous projects I always have on the go. That was the case till I got my own work room! I have a computer desk that has my working notebook, markers, scissors, calculator, and measuring tape right in front of me. All my other tools and yarn for all the projects in progress are within an arm’s reach on a study desk next to me. I have a very comfy Lazy Boy chair, where I like to sit and knit, while watching Netflix on my computer. And of course, it is also surrounded by yarn and projects.

My Honey Cardigan from the Spice Girls 2 eBook

What is your favorite piece you designed? What was your inspiration?
My newest project tends to be my favorite, though I do have a couple of designs that stand out for me for one reason or the other. My newest release is “My Honey” cardigan for my Spice Girls 2 ebook. It was a bit challenging to design as I wanted to have lace yoke and at the same time keep it very simple for a large range of sizes. I found a very elegant solution and was very happy with the result. I would say it was one of my knitting experiments that went very well. My other two designs that I really love are “Color Me Pretty Hat” and “Fancy Guppy Skirt”. I love the hat because it provides the knitter with so many different color possibilities and fits. I have made 6 of those hats myself, and there will be many more next winter! I love the skirt because it is so “IN” right now with the fashion, and it is such a great stash buster for all the odd left over yarns. It also provides a lot of visual fun while changing and combining various colors together; the design lends so many different possibilities to a knitter. Another reason I love this skirt so much is because it was inspired by my beloved Missoni line.

Missoni-inspired Fancy Guppy skirt

What advice would you give someone who is interested in knit design?
Follow your inspiration - there is no wrong or right, don’t be afraid to start. If you have an idea, write it down; you will be surprised how quickly you might forget it! If you are very new to the whole scene, find test knitters and treat them very nicely– they will help you a lot along your way, and who knows, you might build long lasting friendships. I sure did! Designing knitwear is a constant learning curve; challenge yourself, do your research, but most importantly HAVE FUN!

To learn more about Elena Nodel and her work, visit her website or her Ravelry page.

Do you want all 28 Booklets from our Fall 2012 Collection?

2012-04-25T11:19:00.000-04:00

Of course you do! We have over 130 patterns being published this Fall, all wrapped up in a record-breaking number of booklets chock-full of gorgeous photography. And all those patterns could be yours!

We are thrilled to introduce Spring-O! I hope you think it's as fun as we do.

Here's how it works...Print out the official Spring-O scorecard from classiceliteyarns.com. Then start filling it in! All you need is one bingo (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal) to qualify to be in the drawing, but once you have one, why not go for the big one?

One person will receive the entire Fall 2012 pattern collection--that's 28 booklets packed with new patterns, over 130 in all! Twenty-eight yarns are represented, including five new yarns that are still a secret. They will also get enough yarn to make one project of their choice! Ten additional entries will be chosen at random to receive all 28 booklets.

(If you're not on Ravelry, you are about to be introduced to one of the most glorious procrastination tools in a knitter or crocheter's toolbox. Head over to Ravelry.com to sign up!)

Click to enlarge

Once you're a member, check out the Ravelry how-to page about adding projects. Don't forget to tag your project with the tag "Spring-O" so we'll know how to find it, and share it with the Classic Elite Knitters Group on the Spring-O forum thread.

Click the image below to download a printable copy of the Spring-O board.

Happy knitting!

Solstice in the new Twist Collective!

2012-04-19T15:10:00.001-04:00

As someone who works in the yarn business, I eagerly await knitting magazines so I can see how designers are using Classic Elite yarns. But as a knitter, I really look forward to them so I can fill up my queue! I LOVE the piece from Tanis Gray in Solstice, Fairfax. (All pictures courtesy of Twist Collective, photos by Jane Heller)

She must be a fan of Solstice...remember the Lodi Cardigan and our office knitalong? (I would love to do another one, if any CEYarnies are reading this...ahem, ahem)

If you haven't tried Solstice, you have to get your hands on some. I admit that I was unconvinced of how devoted I could be to a wool and cotton blend, but I was thoroughly seduced. Bright, rich colors, a perfect and bouncy ply, and a hand that feels very woolly indeed. And for a gal who despises weaving in ends, it will even spit-felt for you.

Did I mention it's organic? With Earth Day coming this Sunday, what better time is there to try it out in one of these glorious colors?

I'm not the only one who loves Tanis Gray...learn a little more about her on Kristin Nicholas's fabulous blog, Getting Stitched on the Farm. She did a great interview there to promote her new book Capitol Knits.

Happy knitting!

Yarn "Sticks" for Fall 2012

2012-04-13T11:33:00.000-04:00

Inca Alpaca, so soft! Readying materials for Fall 2012.

April Liberty Print Colors are here!

2012-04-11T16:24:00.001-04:00

April's two new colors of Liberty Wool, part of our Liberty Wool Subscription Program, have been released and are available at LYS's across the country!


7866-Red Hot Blues		7867-Glacier

We also have two exclusive new patterns, available free only with the purchase of yarn from subscribing LYS's for the month of April. Is your LYS a subscriber?


Easy Striped Tam	Double Breasted Baby Cardigan

The Easy Striped Tam and the Double Breasted Baby Cardigan will be available for purchase through Patternfish starting on May 1^st.

Remember, March's patterns are now available for purchase. Head to Patternfish.com to download the Hooded Scarf or the Easy Moebius Cowl.


Hooded Scarf	Easy Moebius Cowl

Happy knitting!

MillaMia Knit-a-Long (with a prize!)

2012-04-05T14:45:00.000-04:00

Love MillaMia? We do too. When we first met these two charming sisters at TNNA last year, it was a partnership made in heaven.

And if I'm dragging late in the week or early in the morning, all I need to do is look through their adorable photography from one of their three awesome books of knitting patterns for children, and my mood instantly improves.

Do you own any of these books? Do you want to? Join the MillaMia Knit-a-Long on Ravelry, organized by the lovely Max (moderator for the very active MillaMia Ravelry group)!

Participants will be knitting the Inspiration Blanket (Rav link) by Louise Zass-Bangham, a gorgeous colorwork blanket in MillaMia Naturally Soft Merino. From the designer, "A beautiful project for developing your skills, or a fun adventure into the cool things you can do with humble garter stitch. Shown in MillaMia Naturally Soft Merino, this is a great lap blanket or cherished baby blanket that won’t be outgrown."

If a blanket sounds a little too daunting, you can also make a pillow cover or tote. There's information included in the pattern for modifying the size of your FO. Either project would count as an entry to WIN!

Step 1: Download the pattern. The lovely Louise is offering her pattern at a discounted price until the end of the Easter weekend (9th April) - £3 instead of £4 – just use code ‘philomena’
Step 2: Buy the yarn. Head to shopmillamia.classiceliteyarns.com to have your order fulfilled by a LYS nearest you.
Step 3: Post your FO in the MillaMia KAL thread on Ravelry to be entered for a chance to win. Project must also be posted to the knitter's project page with pictures to be eligible. Project must be finished and posted by May 31st, 2012.

Step 4: The winner will be selected randomly from all entrants on June 1st, and will win their choice of a signed copy of one of MillaMia's gorgeous books, The Close Knit Gang, Wonderland, or Bright Young Things. Copy will be signed by the two sisters behind the brand, Katarina and Helena!

This KAL is open to all knitters internationally. Project must be in Naturally Soft Merino to be eligible.

Remember, in order to be entered, you must join the KAL hosted by the MillaMia Ravelry group. Happy knitting!

An Extraordinary Knitter...

2012-03-24T13:43:00.000-04:00

As soon as Cheryl pointed this project out to me, I knew we had to feature it here on the blog. Silky Alpaca Lace is the perfect yarn for heirloom pieces, and what day is more special than your wedding day? Amanda Robertson, the extraordinary knitter behind this piece, was kind enough to answer some questions for us.

Are you a big lace knitter?
I don't really consider myself a big lace knitter, but I'm always up for new knitting challenges. Before my shawl I had only knitted one other lace project, which was a stole for a friend to wear at her wedding.

What made you decide to undertake such a complicated piece? What was your inspiration?
I knew I wanted to have a very handmade wedding, so a knitted shawl seemed like an obvious piece of that to me. I honestly have no idea why I picked such a complex pattern - I don't think I knew what I was getting myself into! I looked at tons of patterns and projects and fell in love with circular shawls worn as veils. Spanish Peacock really stood out to me and I love that it was a project Meg Swansen created for her daughter's wedding. I didn't wear mine as a veil in the end, but that's where my inspiration came from.

How did you find the experience? The yarn?
It was frustrating to knit at times, but really rewarding. It took me ages to get the cast-on right, I made some major mistakes, and I struggled with parts of the pattern, but it was so fun to see the pattern emerge and the shawl grow. I loved the yarn! It's so soft and in six balls I didn't have a single knot or flaw. I initially fell in love with the color (I had a certain shade of orange in mind), and it also happened to be fabulous yarn!

How many hours a day did you devote to it? Were you a "monogamous" knitter?
At times I was working on it 3 or 4 hours a day. At another point it was in a zip-lock for 5 months straight when it was summer, we were moving, and I couldn't stand to look at it anymore. I took a couple of breaks to knit other small projects, and plenty of breaks to sew and craft for the wedding. I guess I was a serial monogamist!

Do you have any advice for someone who would want to attempt something like this themselves?
I say go for it! Do your research and read the project notes from the many wise people on Ravelry - I learned so much from the notes of folks who knit Spanish Peacock before me. Also be sure to give yourself plenty of time to take breaks and fix mistakes!

What's on your needles now?
I just started on Evie, a cardigan by Kim Hargreaves from Thrown Together. I'm such a slow knitter, so I think it will take me awhile!

Indie Designs in Classic Elite Yarns!

2012-03-13T09:00:00.000-04:00

I am always eager to open my mailbox (virtual and actual) at the turn of the seasons...each knitting magazine brings with it colors and textures of the season through patterns, exciting features, and visually exciting spreads. Spring is no different. Who says yarn is just for the wintertime?

Vogue Knitting Spring/Summer 2012
Slit Shoulder Top, designed by Margaux Hufnagel, in Classic Elite Yarns Seedling. Photo by Rose Callahan.

Cap Sleeve Top, designed by Twinkle, in Twinkle Handknits/Classic Elite Yarns Cruise. Photo by Joe Amato for LVARepresents.com.

Knitscene, Spring 2012
Fleurette Camisole, designed by Mercedes Tarasovich Clark, in Classic Elite Yarns Firefly. Photo by Nathan Rega of Harper Point Photography.

Flying Buttress Tank, designed by Andrea Rangel, in Classic Elite Yarns Allegoro. Photo by Nathan Rega of Harper Point Photography.

Interweave Knits
Evolvere Shawl, designed by Erica Jackofsky, in Classic Elite Yarns Classic Silk. Photo by Carmel Zucker.

Interweave Crochet
Lattice Tank by Natasha Robarge, in Classic Elite Yarns Firefly. Photo by Harper Point Photography.

Knitty
Petal by Heather Hoefle, in Wool Bam Boo. Photo by Jason Hoefle.

Clotheshorse Magazine
Willow by Andrea Rangel, in Classic Elite Yarns Allegoro. Photo courtesy of Clotheshorse Magazine

More New Liberty Wool Print Colors and Patterns!

2012-03-07T09:00:00.000-05:00

We know you love Liberty Wool Print; if you haven't tried it yet, what are you waiting for? Head over to our website and click the "Buy Now" button to order some from a LYS near you.

This spring we are releasing two new colors of Liberty Wool Print every month along with new patterns to support them. It's time to show two of our newest prints, Watercolor Rainbow and Brick Road!


7862-Watercolor Rainbow		7863-Brick Road

And we wouldn't release new colors without giving you something to knit with them! The Technicolor Scarf from Meg Myers is a cushy brioche-knit scarf in Brick Road and Slate, a solid colorway. The pattern includes instructions for a one-color gauge swatch, helpful for measuring gauge and practicing your brioche technique.

The February Baby Cardigan from Susan Mills is an adorable stockinette cardigan with garter stitch cuffs and a chevron collar and bottom hem. Such a fun piece to see how Liberty Print's colors develop!

Visit us at classiceliteyarns.com to buy Liberty Wool Print, and visit Patternfish.com to download these and other fabulous Liberty Print patterns!

Designer Spotlight: Meg Myers

2012-02-28T09:00:00.000-05:00

We are lucky enough to work with Meg Myers here in our Billerica office. She is not only an accomplished knit and crochet designer, but also our graphic designer and web administrator. She is the most willing of all of us to get in front of a camera, which pretty much makes her our permanent de facto Web-Letter model. Visit her Ravelry designer page to get an idea of just how prolific she really is (36 original designs and counting)!

How long have you been designing?

I taught myself to knit during my senior year of high school in preparation for the long commute from my hometown in southern Colorado to college in Boston. I've been "designing" ever since.

I grew up in a rural farming area without a LYS, and Ravelry didn't exist yet, so I had no idea there were so many patterns and resources available. My choice was either to knit garter stitch scarves and dishcloths forever or make it up as I went. Do you know how many cool things you can make (should I say design?) with just a rectangle and a seam or two?! Purses, pillow covers, sachets, table mats…

Eventually I happened across one of the Stitch'n'Bitch books and learned read patterns. However, I never developed the discipline to follow patterns as written. If I hadn't grown up in such an isolated area that forced me to be creative, I may never have started designing.

How did you get started publishing designs?

While in school, I got a job part-time at my LYS and was finally introduced to the endless array of yummy yarns, magazines, patterns and talent in this industry. It was consuming (in a good way) and I wanted a way to combine what I was studying at school (advertising) with the craft I loved. I already had original designs, so it felt natural lay them out and offer them to the online world.

What's the first piece you ever designed (not necessarily for CEY)?

The first piece I set out to design was the Soft Linen Beret for Web-Letter 135 in April of 2010. I knit two at the same time, one to practice the stitches and decreases, the other to confirm the design was working. It was comically difficult – the lace panel up the side was my solution for a double decrease that would have required moving the beginning-of-round marker. Now I know that moving the marker would have been no problem, but at the time it seemed like an impasse.

However, I didn't feel like a real knitwear designer until finishing the pattern for the Soft Linen Wisteria top from Perennials. Designing one sweater was easy. Designing a yoke, top-down sweater in six sizes was a feat! That was for CEY's Spring 2011 collection, and I haven't slowed down since!

What pieces did you design in the Fall 2011 Collection?

In the CEY Fall 2011 collection, I have one sweater, Watercolor in Magnolia, and accessories: Delicious in Chesapeake, Painterly in Magnolia, Crystal in Ariosa, Sheaf in Woodland and Adorn in Wool Bam Boo.

What is the time line for one of your designs, from swatch to pattern to sample?

I like to sketch, swatch early and let the design grow in the back of my mind for a few weeks. Then I write a tentative pattern and begin knitting, modifying the pattern as I go. Recently I wrote a cap pattern and knit the piece in two days, all based on a few swatches from months ago. An upcoming wrap pattern took me three weeks of swatching and charting before the pattern was ready to be knit, then the knitting took a few more weeks.

Do you use test knitters?

Normally I do all of my own knitting so the design can evolve. Occasionally when the stitch and not the shape is the feature of a particular pattern, I will swatch until it is just right, then pass the pattern on to a test knitters. Watercolor was knit by a test knitter and she did a beautiful job!

What is your "design process"?

When a design comes to mind, I sketch first and write a few important design notes with the sketch. Usually I sketch with a yarn in mind because what makes the yarn special is often the same thing that makes a pattern work. Then it's on to swatching, swatching, swatching. I put the sketch and swatch away to ripen for a few weeks. Then I write the pattern and only after that, do I cast on. While knitting, I tend to make a few more changes the pattern – another reason I try to do most of my own knitting.

Where do you do your design work? What does your "creative space" look like?

I keep my notebook in my purse at all times, just in case inspiration strikes. For pattern writing, I have a desk below a skylight with all of my tools at arm's reach. My home is I decorated with yarn that is organized in cubes, just like at my LYS, with swatching yarns in bowls. I also have lots of plants, light and one very interested kitten.

Recently I started a blog to be my online space – www.my-meg.tumblr.com. It's just a place for my daily musings, inspirations and random photos. Like my real space, it's simple and full of fiber.

What is your favorite design? What was your inspiration?

"Whatever is new" tends to be my favorite, only to be replaced by the next new design. This week I really like the Kumara Filigree Cap, but I still think the Magnolia Healthy Heart Hat is pretty great. I just finished a lacy design for the Web-Letter and it might be my favorite design ever, stay tuned to see the whole thing!

Liberty Wool Print Log Cabin Blanket

2012-02-24T13:13:00.001-05:00

In their wonderfully funny book, Mason Dixon Knitting, Kay Gardiner and Ann Shayne explore knitting their way. The subtitle says it all, "The Curious Knitters' Guide: Stories, Patterns, Advice, Opinions, Questions, Answers, Jokes and Pictures Created for Knitters Everywhere Who Share the Give 'em Hell Spirit of Picking up the Needles and Making Stuff".

The Log Cabin Blanket is based on the construction of a traditional log cabin quilt. You start with a garter stitch rectangle in the middle, and pick up stitches around it in gradually increasing concentric rectangles. With 25 solid and 19 available colorways, machine-washability, AND super softness, Liberty Wool seemed like a logical choice for Betsy's Log Cabin Blanket (that's Betsy Perry, the owner of CEY). And it's gorgeous.

Also introducing her adorable granddaughter--she's modeled for us before, you may recognize her! I love the combination of prints and solids...

And its not just for people-lounging. It's for the whole family!

Pick up a copy of Mason-Dixon Knitting, if not for the patterns, then for Ann and Kay's sharp wit, funny stories, and sometimes self-deprecating knitting humor. One of my favorite lines captions a photo of a large log cabin blanket covering a queen size bed. "Don't be shy about letting company see that you've knitted an entire bedspread. (They already know you're crazy.)" Ha!

CEY, Past and Present, with Patternfish

2012-02-17T11:47:00.000-05:00

Julia Grunau approached us a few years ago with a simple vision...she wanted to get all the great out-of-print and discontinued patterns into the hands of knitters and crocheters across the world! As a company that has always been known for outstanding pattern support, we had plenty. Boxes and boxes of printed pamphlets to be exact. Julia deserves all the credit in the world for painstakingly scanning, cataloging and writing descriptions for hundreds of our patterns on her site, Patternfish. Visit this link to see all our patterns in chronological order, and check out some gems below.

Some are famous...


Uma, is that you?

Some are eminently wearable, even today...

Rainy Afternoon, by Norah Gaughan

Some look like a lot of hard work.

At Rest in the Garden, from Kristin Nicholas

Some are for entire families...

And some are for the quieter members of our families.

Some have incredibly cryptic titles (can't help but wonder if this is a statement about knitting in general!)

Pattern 845, The More You Know, The Less You Understand

Some are really old...

The Elite Sheep Sweater, 1985

While some are completely new.

The Short Row Triangle Scarf in a new color of Liberty Wool Print

When did you start knitting? Have you ever picked up one of these classic patterns?

New Liberty Print Patterns and Colors!

2012-02-10T12:11:00.000-05:00

Every month this spring, we are releasing two completely new colors of Liberty Wool Print and patterns to support them. It's all part of our Liberty Wool Subscription Program for retailers! Here's how it works: a shop signs up for a subscription, and is guaranteed to receive a bag of each new color as it's released, delivered automatically to their shop. They also have access to exclusive patterns to give to their customers when they purchase Liberty Wool Print. Is your LYS a subscriber?

Our new colors released in January are:


7860-Berry Brambles		7861-Golden Pagoda

I love the bright pinks and reds of Berry Brambles, and the wild color variations of Golden Pagoda really caught my eye, so much that I cast on a cowl right away (this free pattern is awesome!)

We released five new patterns in the new Liberty Print colors, all available for download now on Patternfish for $3.00 each.

Fingerless Mitts


Easy Granny Hat	Granny Patchwork Hat


Striped Short Row Scarf	Short Row Triangle Scarf

Things to do with Liberty Wool Print!

2012-01-31T09:54:00.000-05:00

I've always loved Liberty Wool...what's not to love? Squishy, soft, machine-washable, and the perfect gauge, it suits me completely. As soon as the first Liberty collection came out in fall of 2010, I cast on for the Elizabeth sweater ("the Magic Sweater" as we called it around the office), but made it in a solid color. As a knitter that tends to shy away from bright colors, Liberty Wool Print took a little longer to embrace, but the compulsion hit me hard.

As soon as this week's free pattern was completed, Meg and I both cast on the Splash of Color cowl, one in each new colorway (12 new colors are being released this spring as part of our retailer subscription program). Meg's is in Berry Brambles, mine is in Golden Pagoda. The colors are bright, but what a great way to add an accent color to your outfit.

If you love cowls, this pattern from Kelly J. Knits, the Key to Warmth Cowl, knit here in Liberty Wool Solids and Prints, is brilliant.

We also dressed up our office with Liberty Wool Print. Machine-knit, the installation is 60' total length in 20 colors of Liberty Wool Print...overall 8900 yards and 8 pounds of wool with 73 color changes!

Putting the Liberty "knitdown" on foam core for our office decoration.

Finished! All 60 feet of it!

Downtown Knits in North Carolina has another beautiful display idea using the Molly scarf, one of our best selling patterns. Owner Michele Riggs knit one ball of each color into a scarf, and as new colors are released, she just adds a little more to it.

Betsy, the owner of Classic Elite Yarns, knit up a Log Cabin blanket (with the help of the Mason Dixon ladies) in multiple solid and print colorways of Liberty Wool.

Hub Mills Store here in N. Billerica knit up a chair cushion in each color to soften up the chairs for Knit Night. You also catch a glimpse of the Aldred scarf over the chair, an independent design that uses Liberty Print's color variegation very cleverly.

How do you use your Liberty Print?

TNNA Recap and Spring Sneak Peek

2012-01-26T09:00:00.000-05:00

The National Needlearts Association hosted its semi-annual spring trade show this weekend in Phoenix. TNNA trade shows are the perfect place to see old industry friends and meet new ones, show off your newest collection of garments and yarns, meet retailers and designers, and, most importantly, to sell some yarn!

Meg Myers

Meg Myers, our resident web administrator and graphic designer, headed out to Phoenix with Betsy, Heather and Susan for her first trade show experience. Here is her TNNA recap in pictures.

Hello Phoenix!

The famous "Yarn Wall", one skein of every CEY brand yarn.

New Spring Accessories!

Liberty Wool Print colors, awesome display idea!

Two new kits to support Stitch Red, a campaign to fight heart disease

MinnowKnits designs in CottonTail

MillaMia, a new line of patterns and washable Merino for kids.

MillaMia offers contemporary takes on traditional techniques

Their photography is guaranteed to make you smile.

Excited for spring knitting?

New yarns for spring 2012


A garment from our first dedicated Silky Alpaca Lace booklet, Summer Breeze, #9178

VKLive New York!

2012-01-19T09:00:00.000-05:00

I suppose I'm a little biased, with New York being my hometown and all, but how fabulous is Vogue Knitting Live NYC? We were lucky to be included, and snapped some quick iPhone pictures while we were there.

With two events already under their belts, VK had plenty of practice for this one...and it showed! There were art installations, unique vendors, an amazing class line-up and expert panels. Our very own Betsy Perry was on the "When Knitting Becomes a Career" panel, and was heard saying something we're used to hearing around the office here in Billerica--"On a bad day, I can say 'Well, at least I got to play with yarn today'"

Unique display/storage containers for crafty stuff

White wedding indeed...an art piece made of yarn!

Some cool yarn-focused prints and postcards from Carol E.S. MacDonald

Knitting pottery by Alyssa Ettinger at the gallery

And with a magazine that's world-renowned for its fashion expertise, who could forget the fashion shows! Betsy snapped some photos of garments knit in Classic Elite Yarns from the Vogue Knitting Spring/Summer Issue. For a clearer look, you'll have to wait till springtime!

Seedling at the VK Fashion Show

Twinkle Cruise at the VK Fashion Show

Cotton Bam Boo Crocheted at the VK Fashion Show

For all who missed this one, or for any knitter who hasn't yet experience VKLive, get ready for Vogue Knitting Live Chicago this October! Were you at VKLive this month? If so, head over to our Facebook wall and post some pictures for us...we would love to hear about your experience!

Knitting and Yoga Adventures!

2012-01-10T09:23:00.000-05:00

I asked CEY Creative Director Susan Mills to share some words about Knitting and Yoga Adventures here on the blog. Read on to hear about her experience!

The Monhegan gang in 2010

I've gone on the week long trip to Monhegan for 6 years. In 2011, Lisa added a long weekend in Vermont and I went and taught the Ariosa Reversible Cabled Cowls, this week's free Web Letter pattern. Knitting classes are usually project-based and I try to come up with something new each time (for returning attendees) and structure the classes for all skill levels.

Lisa Evans, founder of Knitting and Yoga Adventures

The yoga is suitable for all levels – The yoga teacher, Melora, is fantastic and caters to everyone’s level with special emphasis on shoulders and neck – possible problem areas for knitters. And you can’t forget the massages. Mary Alice gives a wonderful massage – some people go for 2 or 3 massages. The camaraderie on these trips is incredible – women of all ages who all share a passion for knitting. And hiking and yoga. Schedules are very relaxed but there is a ton of stuff to do.

Monhegan Island, from our Shoreline booklet shoot, 2010

Every trip has a slightly different flavor depending on the combination of participants but there is always a lot of laughing. Monhegan is extra special because it is an incredibly quaint little island, artist colony and fishing village 10 miles out to sea.

The Vermont countryside

The Vermont trip is great, and may be more accessible, being only 4 days instead of the full week. And you still get to hike, knit, laugh and relax!

Visit the Knitting and Yoga Adventures website to learn more about their upcoming trips, and visit their blog to read more from Lisa and her incredible team.

Designer Spotlight: Sweaterbabe!

2012-01-03T09:00:00.000-05:00

"As knitters, we can and should knit things that don’t just mimic the styles we could easily find at stores. . . it’s all the fine details, careful knitting, yarn choice, and interesting project elements that make each knitting project worthwhile."

Sweaterbabe is a pretty hard name to forget, and once you see her work, you'll have even more reason to remember it. Katherine Lee has been designing for about 10 years and knitting for over 30. Her designs are flattering and contemporary, and feature special little details that add a touch of femininity. Her fans couldn't agree more; Ravelry shows almost 4,000 projects knit in her designs! Katherine was kind enough to answer some questions, hope her answers leave you feeling inspired!

How long have you been designing?

I’ve officially been a knitwear designer for about 10 years. Throughout my 30+ years of knitting, I’ve always improvised and altered patterns to suit my needs though, and the designing process has since proven to be my strength in this business. Now, I really consider it my job to design interesting knitting projects that feature unexpected and interesting details that can define a project as hand-crafted and make the time my customers’ spend knitting them really fun and rewarding!

How did you get started?

I started by designing knitwear to be produced and sold in stores. I designed entire lines of knits in baby alpaca, from sexy knit lace dresses to monogrammed baby cardigans. In order to be able to produce the same designs more than once, I had to take meticulous notes and create charts to serve as really detailed production specifications.

This was only a few steps away from formally writing up complicated hand-knitting patterns...

As it became clear to me that I preferred the designing process vs. dealing with all of the production, marketing, and distribution issues that come with selling finished goods, I shifted towards developing designs where the knitting patterns themselves were the products. I quickly discovered that all the feminine, interesting, and textural details that I can include in my hand-knitting patterns (that were the costly design elements I had avoid when designing for production knitting) are the things that keep me and my customers happy and make my SweaterBabe.com line unique and special!

Ruffled-Strap Tank from Sweaterbabe.com's Fabulous & Flirty Crochet

I created SweaterBabe.com as my online shop to sell patterns directly to knitters, but to also offer a lot of advice and information on knitting that I did not find on the web at that time, e.g. like a Yarn Shop Directory that was comprehensive, free, and easily searchable. That Yarn Shop Directory is still a very important service on my site and my pattern line has grown since to over 120 patterns! Now, I have a mailing list of over 45,000 knitters and crocheters, hundreds of knitters who belong to my SweaterBabeClub.com to enjoy all of my new patterns as free downloads each month, and a strong presence on Ravelry.com.

And, I’m able to do this on a flexible work schedule so I can still be a stay-at-home/part-time working mom! My 3 girls are still young, aged 3 to 8, and it’s so nice be a working mom with lots of flexibility and control over my time.

Shawl Collared Wrap Cardigan from Sweaterbabe.com's Fabulous & Flirty Crochet

What's the first piece you ever designed (not necessarily for CEY)? How have your ideas/aesthetics changed since then?

One of the first knitting patterns I offered through SweaterBabe.com is a simple wavy lace scarf.

It is like many SweaterBabe.com patterns in that it features a stitch pattern that creates a lovely, complicated-looking texture, but is actually quite easy and repetitive to learn. It is a scarf that I still wear very often because it’s classic, but has an up-to-date feel (wider and longer than “old” scarves). I still very much like to design things that can be wearable for many, many years, but never look dated because the details are modern.

Also, that scarf design required using a classic yarn that would show excellent stitch definition. Back then, and ever since, I’ve always preferred classic yarns (like Classic Elite!) vs. the novelty ones, because of their long wearability, sophisticated colors, and how they allow the true skill of the knitter’s work to be showcased.

What pieces have you designed in CEY yarn?

I've designed many of my most popular knitting patterns in Classic Elite yarns! My #69 Cables and Lace Kimono Wrap Cardigan in Princess (on Ravelry here) and #70 Lush and Lacy Cardigan in Lush (on Ravelry here) have been incredible best sellers.

I’ve also used Classic Elite yarns in at least 10 more designs, including several of the projects featured on the front and back covers of my book, SweaterBabe.com’s Fabulous and Flirty Crochet (Rockport, 2006). Most recently, I’ve used Classic Elite Montera yarn to create two fun one-ball hats, which I know will be great-selling patterns!

Three New Hat Designs

What is the timeline for one of your designs, from swatch to pattern to sample?

Lately, my design process can vary very much in length based on how many designs I’m simultaneously creating. Generally though, I’d say 1 to 2 months from the first swatch through a finished pattern that’s been tech edited and is ready for sale. Wow – that sounds faster than it feels!

Approximately how many patterns do you publish a year?

Because I give at least one new pattern to my subscription-based SweaterBabeClub.com members every single month, I currently publish at least 15 patterns each year. I’d do more if I could find more time for it...and I plan to when my youngest begins Elementary school in a few years ;-)

Two sweater designs from Sweaterbabe.com

Do you use test knitters?

No, never have. I always knit the sample myself because much of my design process involves determining fit and detailing as I see the project progress. Proportion and fit are very important to me, so I am constantly trying the sample on myself and sometimes ripping out entire sections to perfect the shaping and placement of details, like pockets or fancy waist shaping.

Also, I’ve never felt a strong need for test knitters because I do have an excellent tech editor AND a loyal audience (especially my Knitting Club members!) that often knit up my new patterns incredibly fast. They are also not shy about telling me if they spot any errors. My best customers and Club members end up being great test knitters!

What is your "design process"?
I usually start with a yarn and a very vague idea of what I’d like to design. It’s very often based on what I want to add to my closet to wear that same season!

I then get inspiration from people watching, shopping online, flipping through magazines, or just thinking about how best to use the yarn. I’ll do a very simple sketch with notes on possible design details. I’ll hunt for stitch patterns that will be incorporated into the design, and then I’ll swatch to get the different gauges needed. The swatching always takes longer than I’d like, but I know that I need to do it since I can be extremely picky about how a yarn feels after it’s knit up in a certain stitch pattern and at a certain gauge. Sometimes, even bumping the needle size up by one size can make the resulting fabric feel that much softer or let the stitch pattern show up that much better. . .

#69 Cables and Lace Kimono Wrap Cardigan in Princess

Once I’ve got the gauges, I begin a lot of math to determine stitch count and stitch pattern placement, shaping, etc. I knit and adjust, knit and sometimes rip back, knit, knit, knit – all the while taking lots of notes down on what I’m doing!

Once the finished sample is to my liking, I have to sit down and write out the pattern in additional sizes and do a lot more math, as well as making stitch charts, etc. This pattern writing part can take a while, but I’ve got a process and pattern writing standards that my customers really appreciate!

Where do you do your design work? What does your "creative space" look like?

I do all of my design work at home, mostly in front of the TV at night, sitting next to my dear husband. I prefer to do the knitting sitting comfortably on my couch vs. at a desk or work table. Once the sample is finished however, I do take all my handwritten notes and the sample and park myself at my computer to do the sizing and writing up part.

Besides working on the couch in the living room and at the computer, I also have a room where I store all of my yarn and hundreds of samples in a big shelf. I call this my “yarn wall.” This room is also where my big blocking table and other knitting supplies are located.

What is your favorite piece you've designed in CEY yarn and what endears it to you? What was your inspiration?

My current favorite Classic Elite project is the #70 Lush and Lacy Cardigan! When I designed it, I remember having a great a-ha moment deciding to create the nipped in back waist detail and then echoing this as part of the sleeve design.

#70 Lush and Lacy Cardigan in Lush

That little change really transformed a nice little cardigan into a very feminine, flattering, and “designed” sort of signature piece. This pattern has also had many lives because of sites like Ravelry.com, where I’ve seen this pattern knit up by so many people, some of whom have done it multiple times in totally different yarns!

I believe the inspiration for the Lush and Lacy Cardigan really was that I wanted something that was unique, but in its subtle, lovely details, which is something I strive for in all of my designs. As knitters, we can and should knit things that don’t just mimic the styles we could easily find at stores. . . it’s all the fine details, careful knitting, yarn choice, and interesting project elements that make each knitting project worthwhile.

Happy New Year!

2011-12-29T11:28:00.000-05:00

Did you accomplish all you set out to accomplish this year? I outlined three resolutions in my New Year's Post for 2011:

Learn to knit Continental-style.
I did! I've knit two sweaters and a hat this way, and it gets easier every day. And guess what? It IS faster!

Attend a big knitting event.
I went to two knitting events in 2011, Vogue Knitting Live and TNNA in June. Go me!

Put all my projects on Ravelry.
On this goal, I sadly fell short. I did improve my Ravelry notebook though!

I had another goal of completing a sweater every month in 2011...I did get through 11 of them (11.5 if you count an Aran knit baby sweater I made for a friend in the fabulous Liberty Wool), but Christmas gifts dominated my month of December and I just couldn't pull through. I do have a fellow knitter who went above and beyond...

Cheryl, aka Snuzy. May I present to you her 20 Sweaters of 2011!!!!

She wants you all to know that she will be finished with more sweaters by 12/31. Stay tuned for an addendum.

What are your knitting resolutions this year?

Image credit Sally M

Hello Billerica! Moving, Pt. 2

2011-12-22T13:49:00.001-05:00

We're finally settling into our new spot, and everything is falling into place quite nicely. It's strange to move from an historic mill building, which has its pluses (character!) and its minuses (lots and lots of dust!), and into a completely new spot.

No more boxes on the floor!

Yup, all this yarn had to be shelved. There were TONS of it. Literally.

We spent a whole week just unpacking yarn...

TNNA bound in just a few weeks, can you believe Spring yarns are coming soon?

The crane we used to get mill equipment out of the giant doors.

This crazy thing survived the move. A little bit of an anachronism in our new modern digs.

My favorite part is my outlet, that sits at waist height in my office. Is that weird? I'd show you a picture, but it's really boring.

A much more exciting addition, a forklift!

Anyway, goodbye, Lowell!! It's been grand!

See ya later!

CEY, Hot Off the Press

2011-12-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

Even if I knit a sweater a month (ambitious!) I wouldn't make it through my queue of cold-weather sweaters until SEPTEMBER 2012! Sigh, I still couldn't resist casting on for a project from one of the new Winter knitting magazines. Given my current lust for angora, can you guess which one it is?

See projects in Classic Elite yarns from new editions of all your favorite magazines here!

Vogue Knitting, Holiday

Arm Warmers by Twinkle 1 hank of Twinkle Handknits/Baby Chunky in #81 Amethyst #28. Photo by Paul Amato.

Textured Jacket by Pat Olski, sized for X-Small/Small, Medium, Large 15 (19,23) hanks of Vista from Mountain Top/Classic Elite Yarns in #6003 Ash. Photo by Paul Amato.

Interweave Knits, Winter

Pan Am Jacket by Ashley Rao, Classic Elite Yarns Mountaintop Collection Crestone, #5103 smoke, 14 (16, 17, 19, 22) skeins. Photo by Carmel Zucker.

Interweave Knits Accessories

Pointilist Hat by Nikki Wagner, Classic Elite Yarns Princess: #3409 proud peacock, 2 skeins. Photo by Harper Point Photography.

Two Ribs Infinity Scarf by Susan Pierce Lawrence, Classic Elite Yarns Kumara: #5736 thistle down, 4 skeins. Photo by Harper Point Photography.

Knitscene, Winter

Francisca Hat by Amanda Scheuzger, Classic Elite Yarns Lush, #4466 peach fuzz, 2 skeins. Photo by Brad Bartholomew.

Knit Simple, Winter

Drop-Shoulder Cardigan (#6) by Mari Lynn Patrick, photo by Paul Amato, Classic Elite Yarns Montera for Sizes: Small, Medium, Large, X-large, 1X, 2X; 9 (9, 9, 10, 10, 11) hanks in #3853 black cherry

Twist Collective, Winter

Oscillate by Amy Herzog, Classic Elite Yarns Lush: #4412 Banana, 7 (8, 8, 9, 10, 11, 11, 12, 13, 14) skeins. Photo by Jane Heller.

Knitcircus, Winter

Duplicity by Talitha Kuomi, Classic Elite Yarns Woodland, from the Verde Collection, 2 balls. Photo by Tracy Harris.

Jile Vest by Jean Clement of Desert Rose Designs, Classic Elite Yarns Liberty Wool Solid and Print. Photo by Tracy Harris.

You Can STILL Knit This Stocking!

2011-12-14T08:00:00.000-05:00

We have a winner!!

And don't worry if it's not you. These stocking kits are available for purchase! Just click any of the images in this post to buy one from an LYS near you. Or scroll down to see where you can buy them in person!

Candy Cane (4 balls of yarn plus the pattern)

Cables (3 balls of yarn plus the pattern)

Nordic Star (3 balls of yarn plus the pattern)

You can buy stocking kits from the retailers listed below.

WEBS, Northampton, MA, http://yarn.com
Yarn Garden, Portland, OR, http://www.yarngarden.net
Stitch House Dorchester, Dorchester, MA, http://www.stitchhousedorchester.com
Sweet Pea's Yarns and Gifts, St. Clair, MI, http://sweetpeasyarn.com/
Hub Mills Store, N. Billerica, MA, http://www.hubmillsstore.com

Lastly, here is the winner, as chosen by random out of the 154 commenters:

cynthiapoppe said...

I prayed for a man to love. What showed up was a cat with a heart shaped patch of white wool on his nose! We are fast friends. I'd love to knit him a stocking filled with kittie goodies to decorate his food dish. This would splash up a sweet corner of the covered porch where he nestles into a box of felted alpaca scraps from me wee herd. ahhh family...

We hope you and your beloved pet enjoy it! Email me at chelsea AT classiceliteyarns DOT com to claim your prize!