Knit 1 LA

the Coyle

noreply@blogger.com (Knit 1 LA) — Fri, 17 May 2013 17:55:00 +0000

I've known Kat Coyle for a couple of years now from working at The Little Knittery. Mostly in passing as we never worked together, but once she bought the store in October we've become a lot closer.

I admire Kat for her artistry & mastery of Lace, her gorgeous embroidery and most of all her endurance as an amazing single mom & shop owner.

So when I received a package of gorgeous yarns from Knit Collage my admiration turned to inspiration and I knew I wanted to make something that Kat would want to wear.
Thankfully she loves it!

So here it is, the Coyle... for S, M (L) made using #19's, 1 skein of Knit Collage's "Sister" yarn in Camel for the main body and 1(2) skeins of their "Rolling Stone" yarn in Poppy for the trim. This is a pretty simple construction for an intermediate knitter. There is some involvement on the knitters part to get the perfect fit as the pattern is based on the size shown with adjustments for larger or smaller sizes noted along the way.

Available as a PDF download. $6.50

LA Yarn Crawl & Knit Collage Yarns

noreply@blogger.com (Knit 1 LA) — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 05:36:00 +0000

The last couple of days were great fun at The Little Knittery. Meeting lots of area knitters & crocheters out and about for the LA Yarn Crawl (one day left).
Here's Kat wearing my new design for Knit Collage. Made using 1 skein each of Sister & Rolling Stone... pattern available next week.

I made this design first, but I have to make an adjustment to the sleeves so I didn't have it at the trunk show. This uses 2 skeins of Sister & 1 of Rolling Stone... the pattern will be available the end of May.

My free pattern "A Simple Shrug" made using 2 skeins of Rolling Stone.

And finally, it was so nice to see knitters returning from last years crawl to see me and as you can see here to show off a finished October Vest, thanks V!

LA Yarn Crawl and a Knit 1 LA/Knit Collage Trunk Show

noreply@blogger.com (Knit 1 LA) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 15:14:00 +0000

A little behind here on talking about the 2nd Annual LA County Yarn Crawl happening this weekend April 11-14, 2013. Check out details here.

Saturday April 13th I'm having a trunk show at The Little Knittery along with Knit Collage. I'll have this new crochet version of the Misti Brioche Honeycomb sweater on display along with a new sweater made using Knit Collage's gorgeous hand spun... photo's to come (so very behind!)

Hope to meet some of you there!

crochet version of the Brioche Honeycomb Sweater

noreply@blogger.com (Knit 1 LA) — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 17:13:00 +0000

Happy to have just finished this mini version of the Misti Brioche Honeycomb Sweater! Made using left over Magnum and an S hook it worked up so quickly. Thanks to my sister Katy for suggesting making a smaller size to play around with the proportions of the stitch patterns. I have a few adjustments to make but will have an adult version of the pattern available soon.

what's going on?

noreply@blogger.com (Knit 1 LA) — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 06:32:00 +0000

Just checking in... I'm working on a few things, more WIP's than FO's but isn't that life?!

Finished up Ursula's leg warmers.

Using Zauberball in color #2079 and with #2 DPN's I cast on 62sts using an Italian provisional cast on and worked a 1x1 rib for half an inch... should have been longer for it rolls a bit but they're finished now so no going back! Switched to #4's and knit for @13.5" before going back to the 2's and a 1x1 rib for @1.25". I bound off with a Kitchener bind off to match the top and was happy to cross these off my list, although I still have to make a second pair for big sis.

The 2nd pair has the same cast on as the 1st pair except I cast on 82sts and those extra 20sts are killing me. I have a feeling I might run out of yarn since she wants long ones so I'm starting the second one soon to see how far I get but I need a break from the #4's!

Started working on a crochet version of the Honeycomb Brioche Sweater (an S hook is a nice break from the #4 DPN's). I've wanted to add more crochet versions of my patterns and this one is the most requested. I've also had requests for a crochet version of my Openwork Kimono so look for that in the coming months as well as a couple of shawls... what was I saying about my WIP's in proportion to my FO's?

Lastly Happy Birthday to my favorite 4 year old, your style inspires me!
(sadly I did not make this cute butterfly sweater)

a New Year's cowl

noreply@blogger.com (Knit 1 LA) — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 04:22:00 +0000

I made this cowl for The Little Knittery's Holiday sample sale and it proved more popular with people wanting to make it than people wanting to buy it, so here goes... the easiest cowl ever!

@90 yards of super chunky yarn. Of course I used Magnum by Cascade.
#19 24" circular needle
Gauge: Just over 1 stitch per inch... @1.25 sts=1"
Finished measurement when laid flat: 13" x 15"

Cast on 40sts. Join and work a K3, P1 rib for 15". Bind off, weave in ends and enjoy!

Happy New Year! Wishing you all the best for 2013!

Holiday Party

noreply@blogger.com (Knit 1 LA) — Sat, 15 Dec 2012 07:04:00 +0000

If you're in the area today 12/15 come on over to The Little Knittery from 12-6 for a Holiday party hosted by owner Kat Coyle.
Lot's of gift ideas from supplies to finished pieces.
Hope to see you there!

available for the Holidays

noreply@blogger.com (Knit 1 LA) — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 16:38:00 +0000

I've been busy cranking out the pieces to have for a holiday sale. Infinity scarves, a few smaller cowls and a couple of Capelets, all available at The Little Knittery starting Friday. Feel free to email for more information.

Saw this on Cascade Yarn's facebook page... I think we can all relate!

the Openwork Capelet

noreply@blogger.com (Knit 1 LA) — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 22:45:00 +0000

This capelet is an easy modification to the Openwork Bolero and has been added to the bolero pattern.

A quick and easy pattern for at least an intermediate knitter this capelet uses 1 skein of Cascade's Magnum, #19 needles for the openwork portion and #17 for the garter stitch neckline.

A great gift to make for the Holidays... speaking of which, Happy Thanksgiving! Hope you all enjoy!

PDF Available

$6.50

an easy modification

noreply@blogger.com (Knit 1 LA) — Sun, 11 Nov 2012 05:53:00 +0000

I'm currently making a lot of small quick projects like this capelet (an easy modification of my Openwork Bolero pattern) for an upcoming Holiday sale. I really like the way this turned out so I think I'll add the modification to the pattern.

Not quite sure the date for the sale yet, but I'll keep you posted!

the crocheted Canadian

noreply@blogger.com (Knit 1 LA) — Sun, 04 Nov 2012 04:46:00 +0000

I'm currently working on a crocheted version of the Misti Brioche Honeycomb Sweater and as I was making swatches of different crocheted stitches, namely the Back Loop Single Crochet I thought this would make a nice cowl.

I was going to make a short cowl not another infinity scarf but when I started playing around with the stitch pattern directionally, déjà vu! This looked too familiar and as that rarely seems to happen between knitting & crochet I couldn't resist.
So... the crocheted Canadian:

1 skein of Magnum by Cascade (@112.5m/123yds)
25mm or U hook
Gauge: 1sc & 1row = 2.5cm (1")

This can be worked over any number of stitches.

Start:
Chain 62 on the tight side. This will pull the scarf in and make it lay nicely when finished.
Row 1: 1 SC in 2nd ch from hook, 1 SC in each ch to end, turn.
Row 2: 1 CH, skip first sc, 1 SC in back loop of each sc, ending 1 SC in 1 ch, turn.
Repeat Row 2 (7 times) or until piece measures 14cm/5.5".
Sew ends together.

Weave in ends, wear & enjoy!

Finished measurements measured flat: @14cm X 61-137cm or 5.5" x 24-60"
Cowl pictured was @152cm/60".
Work pattern for at least 61cm(24") for a shorter cowl.
If making a shorter cowl you can get 2 cowls out of 1 skein of Magnum.

Well, I've finally done it, taken the plunge and joined Facebook.
You can find me here. Stop by and say hello!

the Canadian

noreply@blogger.com (Knit 1 LA) — Sat, 20 Oct 2012 22:44:00 +0000

My girls love to bird watch and living near the LA river we see a lot of them. Many nights at dinner time we hear flocks of geese headed towards the river. Every time the girls get up and run out onto the porch to watch them. The first time this happened their shouts of "geese, geese!" turned to proud proclamations of recognition "and they're Canadians!" In my girls eyes they are no longer geese they are "the Canadians".

In the meantime I've noticed a lot of my patterns sales are coming from up north filling my head with visions of the maple leaf or that time I got pulled over for indeterminate reasons at the border crossing near Detroit but that's a another story.

So! with Canada on my mind & in homage to my Canadian friends preparing their warm woolys for the cold months to come here's my latest offering "the Canadian".
"le Canadien" french translation coming soon.

Materials:

1 skein of Magnum by Cascade (@112.5m/123yds)
#16mm (#19 US) straight or circular needles. I couldn't find a Canadian needle measurement for a US #19.
Gauge: 1st & 1row = 2.5cm (1")

Finished measurements: @14cm X 61-137cm or 5.5" x 24-54"
Work pattern for at least 61cm(24"). This will make a shorter cowl.
Cowl pictured was 137cm/54".
If making a shorter cowl you can get 2 cowls out of 1 skein of Magnum.

Stitch Pattern:
Multiples of 3+2
Row 1: Slip 1, Purl across, end with K1
Row 2: Slip 1, * Skipping the 1st stitch, Knit the 2nd stitch then Knit the 1st stitch and let both stitches slip off the needle, P 1 * end with a K1

Start:
Cast on 14 sts.
Repeat Rows 1 & 2 until desired length (at least 61cm (24") for a shorter cowl) and bind off.
Sew cast on & bind off edges together.

Weave in ends, wear & enjoy!

This shows the slipped stitch edge and a portion of the wrong side.

This is how the stitch pattern looks as it's worked up.

a look back & a couple new things

noreply@blogger.com (Knit 1 LA) — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 06:21:00 +0000

When I was designing pieces for display in the windows of my yarn shop in Chicago I would always ask myself what's going to attract the most attention. That's how I started using the yarn Magnum so much, it had great street appeal because you could really see the stitches.

A few weeks ago my friend Terry and I were talking about knitwear design and using basic shapes within those designs. It got me thinking about a couple of pieces I made a few years back for the windows and how I really have a thing for this simple yet attractive shaping.

This piece was made with a combination of Magnum in a dark charcoal color and a white alpaca thick/thin hand spun I asked my friend Sandy to spin for me. The needles were a pair my husband made for me that are somewhere between a #35 & a #50. The alpaca makes this piece pretty heavy and it sheds terribly, regardless I've worn this a lot.

It's basically 2 triangles that were joined by finger crochet along the back. When I wear it I usually cross the front pieces and tie them behind my back. I have a vintage womens jacket from the 40's that looks great under this but it was close to 100 degrees yesterday when we photographed this so I was trying to keep the layers to a minimum.

This piece was in the same display with the piece above. I was on a black & white with angled edges theme. I forget what the 3rd piece was, I always had 3 pieces in the window.

This was made with more of my friend Sandy's yarn. The curly yarn at the neck and the winter white is her hand spun.
The black isn't Magnum but another Cascade yarn I really like a lot named "Eco Wool". Each skein is @478yds and it's never that expensive. It's a great basic wool that I like to use with anywhere from a #8-#10.5.

Didn't get a good shot of this from the front. This was the last shot we took and both our brains had melted by this point.

So thinking about these 2 pieces influenced me to make this next piece. That and the fact I just happened to have some extra black & white Magnum laying around.

I was going to make this like the Magnum/alpaca hand spun piece above that wraps in front and actually did make it like that but when I finished it and wrapped the front it just didn't look good.
I ripped the whole thing out and remade it so the back is worked to come to a point but not the front. Also unlike the wrapping piece above I sewed the front shut so you wear it like a shrug.
This took almost 2 skeins of each color of Magnum & #35 needles. It's a very simple pattern that I'll write up and post next week.

And lastly... I've been meaning to make a pair of these for years after I made something similar to wear tucked into the sleeves of my coat to cover my hands like little muffs.

The part you don't see tucked into the boots are made with @30yds total of Magnum and the curly yarn is more of Sandy's hand spun @50yds total with a #15 they work up quickly. The picture on the right shows the topper worn with the curly yarn folded over.
Love the way these look with these boots... now if only the temp would dip below the high 90's so I could think about wearing them!

a couple updates & a bit of a change

noreply@blogger.com (Knit 1 LA) — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 05:51:00 +0000

Just a note to say I've updated a couple of patterns.
For the Magnum Capelet #4 the knit version I added a couple technique photos and for the October Vest I rewrote how to work the front panels simultaneously, hopefully making it a little easier to understand.
If you purchased this pattern but didn't receive your update please email me a copy of your receipt and I'll email it to you.

My friend Carrie just had a baby boy, Ethan and I've been debating about what to make for him. Carrie was one of my most loyal customers, part of a group of gals that came to the shop every Wednesday night when I owned Knit 1 in Chicago so I want to design something special. Another blanket? Wash clothes? A toy? Another friend suggested bibs... any ideas?

I know a couple of you have been waiting for me to finish the pattern for this red coat and I was really hoping to have the pattern finished by now. I've started helping out at my friend Annette's garden shop and it's seriously cut into my knitting time! I'm pushing for the end of September.

One more thing and I'll sign off...
Since starting at the garden shop I've become plant obsessed. It's always something I've wanted to know more about and now I have to so I decided to start another blog about plants and outdoor spaces as part of my obsession: "follies of a wanna be gardener".
Check it out & wish me luck, I'm going to need it!

Baby Nico's Blanket

noreply@blogger.com (Knit 1 LA) — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 20:32:00 +0000

I seem to have a lot of babies to knit for lately! Another friend had her boy about 10 weeks ago and I finally finished a blanket for him. For this blanket I used 3 skeins of Lion's Brand "Nature's Choice" and a little bit of Noro Taiyo for the crocheted border. I was coveting this particular brown in Nature's Choice and was glad to have something to use it for and for some reason Joann's Fabric Store had it on clearance... I hope they're not going to discontinue this yarn. It's such a nice soft cotton that holds up really well to both washing & drying.

For the stitch pattern I picked one that was reversible and only had a 2 row repeat.
Row 1 will look like the image on the left and Row 2 the image on the right.

Always slip as if to purl.
If altering the pattern always use an odd number of stitches.
On Row 1 slip the first stitch with the yarn in back then bring the yarn between the needles to the front to work the first purl stitch like you would when working a regular rib.

Mock Ribbing
Row 1: Sl 1, * P1, K1 *
Row 2: With yarn in front Sl 1, * Sl 1 wyif, P1 *
Repeat rows 1 & 2.

Materials:
3 skeins Lion Brand's "Nature's Choice" organic cotton 103yds each. I used the color Espresso.
Scrap yarn for the border maybe between 10-20yds
#10.5 needle. I used a 24" circular
J crochet hook for border
Darning needle for finishing or use your hook.
Gauge: 3.5sts = 1" of above stitch pattern. I took the measurement on the Row 1 side
Finished measurements unblocked: 22.5" x 25.5"
I blocked it out to @23"x26"

Cast on 75sts and work the above stitch pattern until piece measures @25". Bind off.
I had a small ball of yarn left but I didn't want the blanket to look oblong.

With the J hook and the scrap yarn single crochet twice around blanket.

Weave in the ends and enjoy!

Crochet African Flowers

noreply@blogger.com (Knit 1 LA) — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 05:28:00 +0000

This Saturday I'm teaching a class at The Little Knittery on these cute crochet African Flowers (thanks Julie for the photo!).

For these I used Cascade's Cotton Rich DK and an F hook for what I thought gave the best results. I tried a worsted weight but I think the smaller stitches give it a delicate look while the bright colors of Cotton Rich really make them stand out. Here's a flickr group for African Flowers worth browsing with the pattern posted at the bottom.

As I was making the samples for the class my girls kept asking if they could wear them. I don't think they cared how I would make the flowers wearable they just wanted them. I liked the way the flowers looked without the last round of double crochet and thought they would make cute hair clips or even a bracelet. For the clips I put a bobby pin on the back and for the hair-tie/bracelet I tied a hair band to the back. They wanted to wear them to bed but I convinced them while they might be cute they wouldn't be comfortable! Sewn together as a baby blanket though...

Baby Iselle's Blanket

noreply@blogger.com (Knit 1 LA) — Thu, 31 May 2012 23:02:00 +0000

My friend Jenny had a baby girl a couple of weeks ago and when I got the message about Iselle's arrival this sinking feeling came over me. I didn't make anything for her!
Jenny is part of a group of moms I teach crochet to every week while our kids are having their art class so I can't just run out to the Gap, I have to produce! It wasn't a surprise announcement, I had plenty of time and why it didn't hit me until I got the news I have no idea. But I had a few days before I saw her so I thought a small blanket would be perfect. And here it is, Baby Iselle's Blanket.

Yarn used: 2 Nature's Choice organic cotton by Lion Brand in Strawberry; 1 ball in Pistachio for the crochet border. I love this super soft yarn! I think I need a simple jacket out of it.
Needle & hook used: #10.5 24" and a J hook for the border.
Gauge: 3sts & 4 rows = 1" in Chain stitch pattern.
Finished measurements: 20.5" x 22"

Chain stitch pattern
Mulitple of 4
Row 1: Sl 1 * k2, p2 * k3
Row 2: Sl 1 * p1, yo, p1, k2 * p1, yo, p2
Row 3: Sl 1 * k3, p2 * k4
Row 4: Sl 1 * p3, k2 * p4
Row 5: Sl 1 * k1, k2tog, p2 * k1, k2tog, k1
Row 6: Sl 1 * p2, k1, yo, k1 * p3
Row 7: Sl 1 * k2, p3 * k3
Row 8: Sl 1 * p2, k3 * p3
Row 9: Sl 1 * k2, p1, p2tog * k3
Row 10: Repeat from row 2

Cast on 56 stitches and work the Chain stitch pattern until the piece measures 20.5". Bind off.

With a J hook and the 2nd color, single crochet around the blanket twice. Border should measure .75".

Weave in the ends, block blanket and enjoy!

A little disclaimer about the blanket:

Updated 6/1: If you received my original post you know I didn't make the blanket with a balanced stitch repeat. It started with K2 & ended with P2 (the selvage stitches not counting). The original disclaimer said if you wanted it balanced by starting with K2 & ending with K2 you would have to figure it out yourself. Well, I couldn't leave it alone it was still bothering me that I made what for me felt like a mistake (though Baby Iselle hardly minds!) so this morning I did a small swatch and adjusted the pattern above so it will in fact start & end with K2. See photo at right. Enjoy!

Sweet Baby Iselle.

summertime knits

noreply@blogger.com (Knit 1 LA) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 19:24:00 +0000

the Bayside, a summertime pullover

Available as a PDF download $6.50

These 2 pieces were knit using a new Trendsetter cotton yarn "Rosita" sent to me by The BagSmith.

Knit using #19 needles for the pullover and #17 & #19 needles for the vest they obviously work up quickly. Both pieces are knit as one big piece then folded and joined. I obviously still have the openwork bug but it's hard to resist an open stitch pattern for summer or for hand dyed yarn.

I enjoyed working with this yarn and wish they made it in solid colors as well. I would love to have a few T-shirts made with this super soft 100% cotton. And did I mention it's not a weighty cotton? It's another yarn that is made using a woven tubular structure, but this one is loosely woven giving it a more casual look which fits in perfectly with the well washed feel of it.

I would rate these as patterns for an intermediate knitter.

the Lakeside, a summertime vest

Available as a PDF download. $6.50

LA yarn crawl, a trunk show & 2 new designs

noreply@blogger.com (Knit 1 LA) — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 05:51:00 +0000

I just shipped 2 new designs today to The BagSmith for Stitches South. Both pieces were knit using a new yarn by Trendsetter that The BagSmith is currently offering called "Rosita". This hand dyed bulky weight cotton is surprisingly light weight due to it's loosely woven tubular structure. It was easy to work with and it's super soft. Imagine your favorite T shirt that's been washed hundreds of times and that's what this feels like.

I'll post more details and the patterns in the next couple of days.

This weekend LA area yarn shops are sponsoring the 1st annual LA yarn crawl. I'll be at The Little Knittery Thursday the 12th & Friday the 13th from noon-8pm.

From 6-8 on Thursday (that's tonight!)we're having a trunk show of some of my more popular designs for those who missed it in December and on Friday we're having a trunk show for Kat Coyle.

Should be a fun weekend long event, hope to see you there!

the Openwork Kimono

noreply@blogger.com (Knit 1 LA) — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 06:48:00 +0000

Finally! Do I seem to say that every other post? It feels like it! I first showed the Openwork Kimono at my Little Knittery trunk show way back in December. It took me awhile to get it together for this piece but happily here it is!

This, like the Openwork Bolero was inspired by this stitch pattern's swatch I had draped on my dress form. Also on my mind was the Misti Brioche Honeycomb Sweater. I've wanted to make that into a cardigan/kimono for some time but really wanted something new for the show.

It's a one size fits most with easy adjustments noted in the pattern for petite and large. I used #19 needles (24"-32") with 2.5(3) skeins of Magnum (123yds each) by Cascade in the main color and for the contrasting waistband @60yds or half a skein of Magnum. If making it one color 3(3.5) skeins are needed.

I would rate this as a quick and easy pattern for an intermediate knitter but more of a challenge for a beginning knitter since I've manipulated this particular openwork pattern a bit to where I think it might throw off someone not solid in their skills.

Pattern available as a PDF download. $6.50

Next I wanted to share a couple of pieces I made a few years back when I had my yarn shop in Chicago.

These were made with Eden by Madil a beautiful bamboo yarn and #5 needles. Yes, I know hard to believe with all my chunky knits!

I do love the way a fine gauge knit looks and I would love to be able to say I have a couple of these as my next patterns but who has the time?! Look how long it took me to get the Kimono pattern posted!

I will have a few spring/summer patterns I'll post soon (2 I'm hoping within the next month) but nothing with smaller than a #15 needle. Maybe if I start now I'll have it together by next year!

the modified Modernist

noreply@blogger.com (Knit 1 LA) — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 08:19:00 +0000

I was getting ready to ship the Modernist to Becca of The BagSmith for Stitches West when I started thinking about a scaled down version, one that would use only 1 skein (300yds) of Blissa Bling and here it is.

This version has a slightly smaller neck opening, the shorter sleeves and is a bit more fitted.

I used the whole skein with very little left and in keeping it a one skein piece the size is a S/M.

This version has been added to the original pattern and is available as a PDF for $6.50

the Modernist

noreply@blogger.com (Knit 1 LA) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:42:00 +0000

This is one of those pieces that I'm sorry to see go, but it's packed up and ready to ship to The BagSmith who's taking it to Stitches West the weekend of 2/24.

This is a super simple pattern and a quick knit using #15 (10mm) needles and 2 skeins of The BagSmith's Blissa Bling. A wonderfully lightweight alpaca/merino/metallic yarn that is so lofty I have a hard time believing it's rated as a bulky! It certainly doesn't feel like one when you're wearing it. It has a beautiful drape and the metallic gives it a nice flair. I'm definitely making one for myself!

Available as a PDF download. $6.50

the Grandpa Sweater

noreply@blogger.com (Knit 1 LA) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 06:57:00 +0000

Finally! I started this for myself in the summer, a slightly over sized belted sweater to throw on for fall. You know how it is though you get side tracked with other projects, but I did finish and have been happily wearing it nonstop since.

My sister Peggy lovingly calls this my "Grandpa Sweater" a bit big & a bit masculine yet with a nice femininity about it.

The "Grandpa" is knit from the top down with set in sleeves. The body & sleeves are worked in stockinette stitch with a seed stitch for the collar, front facings & belt.

The yarn I used (Cascade's Pastaza, a 50/50 blend of wool & llama) holds up well when worn a lot, with little pilling making it one of my favorites for outer wear. It's a heavier worsted that calls for a #9 though I used a #10.5

A lot of people have asked me why I slip my edge stitches. My patterns almost always call for slipping the first stitch of every row and the 2 photos above show why. I'm wearing the sweater inside out and if you look at where I picked up stitches from the slipped stitch edge (around the armhole & for the front facing) it's very clean; it gives it such a polished finish. Even if you don't pick up stitches your edges look good.

Here you can see the sewn hem & the underside of the collar. I like the challenge of getting a garment to look as good on the wrong side as it does on the right side.

I wasn't planning on writing a pattern for this. Peggy told me I should... I don't know maybe in time for fall? Add it to the ever growing list of things to do!

Happy Birthday Mom

noreply@blogger.com (Knit 1 LA) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 08:43:00 +0000

One of my favorite photos of my mom.

My mom was the kind of woman who made everything she did seem effortless. From sewing matching outfits for her 6 daughters, to painting beautiful watercolors, to making a massive donkey pinata in our dining room for our parishes Mardi Gras celebration (one of my personal favorites) everything she did was always with ease.

It was 7 years from when my mom passed until I had my own kids & I don't think I fully understood what an amazing mom she was until I too became a mom. Every day I wonder how the hell she did it and I only have 2!

My mom was a modest woman and she wasn't very sentimental so I know she wouldn't want me going on about her. It is her birthday though so a few words... Today I'm thinking about how thankful I am to have had such a wonderful woman in my life who continues to inspire me with her artistry, her grace and her unflappable perspective to life (my favorite quote from my mom she said to my dad upon learning the house our family had just moved into had burned down & was a total loss, she's in a new town, no friends and pregnant with her 9th child, "how many people get the opportunity to start over in their life" that in a nutshell was my mom).

Happy Birthday Mom, you're greatly missed & always loved!

the Openwork Bolero

noreply@blogger.com (Knit 1 LA) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 01:34:00 +0000

This pattern was inspired by the Openwork Infinty Scarf.
While flipping through a fashion mag I saw an image of a fur bolero and loved the shape so when I was playing around with openwork patterns and draping the swatches on my dress form this shape was fresh in my mind.

I took the laced version to my trunk show, it was great to see it on so many bodies and it looked fantastic on each and every one of them. It's one of those pieces that really does! I think that was one of the best things about the show was being able to see the finished pieces come to life on bodies other than my own.

Like the Openwork Kimono I loved seeing it every time someone put it on (pattern coming soon).

One piece I wasn't sure about bringing because it needed (and still needs!) a few finishing details was this new coat design. I was happy I did though because it got a great response. It's top down with set in sleeves and when I complete this pattern it's going to be very detailed about this type of construction.

Currently, of the 3 the only pattern ready is the Openwork Bolero.
One size fits most using one skein of Magnum and #17 & #19 needles, straight or circulars since the piece is worked flat.

The opening of the bolero is left of center and while laced is a bit restrictive if you feel the need to have your arms above your head, though the button version is quite open.

I would rate this as an easy pattern for an intermediate knitter and a bit of a challenge for a beginning knitter. I've manipulated this particular openwork pattern a bit to where I think it might throw off a knitter not solid in their skills. It is a quick knit though, a couple of nights work tops.

Pattern is available as a PDF download. $6.50

My girls are really into their baby dolls and wanted beds for them for Christmas. Everything I saw was plastic and I'm so tired of that. I found an old crochet pattern for a small Moses basket and improvised using my Magnum leftovers to make bigger ones; with having to make two they had to work up quickly. A couple of nights later I was very pleased with the results, hopefully their babies will be too!

Happy Holidays everyone!

Love this tree!