tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-135798032024-03-24T23:09:59.189-07:00BabyCocktailsTheahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05449949784468895570noreply@blogger.comBlogger1034125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13579803.post-13130884380600268762021-05-21T06:06:00.007-07:002021-05-21T06:11:29.782-07:00New Website<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtgf1tzXg2fYvGiPwXRquserCPIfY8isb6TuWpIFpN-CibkE3XNVx3l1JZ5GmH_YKl9IdUNQd5eIW8Wg5NShpJTZcMcl0LkNYKqF5ahaDJ92S25cFTGcWsVOLeM-51Ilq2f3M8iQ/s3780/IMG_0352.JPG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3780" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtgf1tzXg2fYvGiPwXRquserCPIfY8isb6TuWpIFpN-CibkE3XNVx3l1JZ5GmH_YKl9IdUNQd5eIW8Wg5NShpJTZcMcl0LkNYKqF5ahaDJ92S25cFTGcWsVOLeM-51Ilq2f3M8iQ/s320/IMG_0352.JPG" /></a>
</div>
This is my old website. <div><br /></div><div>The purchase functions still work and you can have fun
looking around at my old blog posts. </div><div><br /></div><div>However, you will not find any patterns
published after November 2020 here, and your purchase will still go through
Ravelry. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you are looking for the NEW website, go to
<a href="https://www.babycocktails.com/" target="_blank">www.babycocktails.com</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you!! </div>Theahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05449949784468895570noreply@blogger.com137tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13579803.post-10335120780678662902020-11-10T08:03:00.001-08:002020-11-10T08:03:37.534-08:00Boulevardier, a new collaboration with Julie Asselin...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSyRefkO5nfYlveKYMknMnsgQ_RDa5gNEQDhJmXuBr9XVstXG6nflwouHTCYv6Pdua-biRAGFI8NQ-sUX2CHLztC_ZqQjp4ClGeI9kiZFPKFLh3QmwsEn6oYf_yZiThsuEeG75Fw/s2048/IMG_9600.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSyRefkO5nfYlveKYMknMnsgQ_RDa5gNEQDhJmXuBr9XVstXG6nflwouHTCYv6Pdua-biRAGFI8NQ-sUX2CHLztC_ZqQjp4ClGeI9kiZFPKFLh3QmwsEn6oYf_yZiThsuEeG75Fw/w640-h426/IMG_9600.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/boulevardier" style="text-align: left;">Boulevardier </a><span style="text-align: left;">is all about the drama of this texture, worked in different "stripes" across the sweater. It's simple and completely addictive as each motif in the pattern is completed and the overall design grows. When worked in <a href="https://www.julie-asselin.com/blog/melange-n-1/">Julie Asselin's Melange N.1</a>, a soft and satisflying yarn with just a touch of drape, the oversized fit and lines of pattern lie beautifully for a casual but polished look. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXQVqdmqCFC_dfvLbvzRS0TZxha6e_sqtMeI5BF6tDeUCrO-Pqdvnt7cR93pAGBnHcJWYuKRBfgAzP4pMv-9ON4fYCGS0e5bRT8DQk28JiG1hlfllZRWfR2A6alpqBfkBf4RlkIg/s2048/IMG_9602.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXQVqdmqCFC_dfvLbvzRS0TZxha6e_sqtMeI5BF6tDeUCrO-Pqdvnt7cR93pAGBnHcJWYuKRBfgAzP4pMv-9ON4fYCGS0e5bRT8DQk28JiG1hlfllZRWfR2A6alpqBfkBf4RlkIg/w640-h426/IMG_9602.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Knit in pieces and seamed for stability, Boulevardier is worked from the bottom up. Once the body is seamed together, the collar is knit in the round and sleeves are attached last. I also included a bit of armhole shaping in the dropped shoulder construction for a better fit in this slouchy sweater. </p><p><a href="https://www.julie-asselin.com/blog/melange-n-1/">Julie's new Melange N.1</a> is dyed in vibrant shades with just a touch of subtle shading, which creates a stunning fabric for the Boulevardier. More information is <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/boulevardier">on Ravelry,</a> and the pattern is also available from WEBS and LoveKnitting. </p><p><br /></p><p>**Yardage by Size**</p><p>**Sizes**</p><p>41(43,45,48,50.5,53)(55,60,65,69.5,74.5)”/ 104(109.25,114.25, 122,128.25,134.5)(139.75,152.5,165,176.5,189.25)cm circumference around sweater body, based on finished fabric. </p><p>I'm wearing my Boulevardier with 8”/20.5cm of positive ease at bust. I suggest choosing the size that offers you 6-8"/15.25-20.5cm of positive ease at bust for fit as shown. </p><p>This sweater would work well with less ease if desired. I do not suggest choosing a size that allows for more than 8"/20.5cm of ease. If choosing a different fit, be sure to check all other measurements and modify if needed. Notes on altering sweater for length or width, for altering neckline, and for adjusting sleeves are included in pattern in spots where they may be helpful.</p><p><br /></p><p>**Yardage**</p><p>1200(1300,1400,1450,1500,1550)(1650,1700,1750,1800,1850)yds </p><p>1011(1190,1280,1325,1375,1420)(1510,1555,1600,1645,1695)m </p><p>If substituting, you need a heavy DK or light worsted weight fiber. I suggest a yarn without too much color vareigation, such as a speckle, tweed, lightly vareigated hand dye or a heather, to allow the detail to shine. </p>Theahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05449949784468895570noreply@blogger.com77tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13579803.post-55753116141605875392020-10-09T06:50:00.002-07:002020-10-09T06:50:56.859-07:00Prickly Pear Hats<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBFNKQQuZ-w3WQtx3phkCeQ2-ELRy-rCWpm8eApxO4EnleU4h4RvQTyliAFqhHwJiNSEYOoTQVeGWQo7S0IchCYtd9UEuHoKEO-XjvpTVbrAbU_0ix2hj2YAUxxVDwhrMv6E1Cfw/s2048/IMG_9382.JPG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBFNKQQuZ-w3WQtx3phkCeQ2-ELRy-rCWpm8eApxO4EnleU4h4RvQTyliAFqhHwJiNSEYOoTQVeGWQo7S0IchCYtd9UEuHoKEO-XjvpTVbrAbU_0ix2hj2YAUxxVDwhrMv6E1Cfw/w640-h426/IMG_9382.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/prickly-pear-hats">The Prickly Pear Hats! </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #757575; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px;">Click on the link above for all the info, but these two hats are the palate cleanser I needed between sweaters. No cables, easy knitting, and gorgeous yarn. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #757575; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #757575; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px;">Knit in <a href="https://thefarmersdaughterfibers.com/">Pishkun DK from the Farmer's Daughter Fibers</a> in gorgeous deep green (Evergreen) and bright, saturated turquoise (Mountain Man), the contrast here just made me happy. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #757575; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #757575; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px;">Bold chevrons and diamonds paired with delicate dots highlight the contrast between the colors and make for easy, geometric knitting. The first hat features a main diamond motif set against the background, with little highlight dots scattered throughout the design. The second one features the same dots, but paired with bold chevrons in a pattern that allows the background color to gradually become the accent shade and vice versa. I had a little fun at the crown on this one, creating a second colorwork motif at top. These flew off the needles, and I easily knit both out of the yardage in my two skeins, with more than enough to make a pom! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #757575; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #757575; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px;">Use the introductory Ravelry code PISHKUNS for 20% off the pattern until midnight on 10/11! </span></div>Theahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05449949784468895570noreply@blogger.com64tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13579803.post-37856507329560639982020-09-28T08:26:00.003-07:002020-09-28T08:26:28.670-07:00Western Rose, a Mosaic Knit! <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6sC6l55aHRFwn5nUxuqInEhOOp-yIVfP36cdWJTRnEJgCV239xzQOXyYP3JL7T2QaPEUkG9EPRyU_CKZvndJVR9J2sNOhKtygZOwmW5xi-2x3U0M7L_4AW_KVmXddh6RZWtHWzw/s2048/IMG_9199.JPG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6sC6l55aHRFwn5nUxuqInEhOOp-yIVfP36cdWJTRnEJgCV239xzQOXyYP3JL7T2QaPEUkG9EPRyU_CKZvndJVR9J2sNOhKtygZOwmW5xi-2x3U0M7L_4AW_KVmXddh6RZWtHWzw/w640-h426/IMG_9199.JPG" width="640" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/western-rose">Western Rose</a> is my first real foray into the world of mosaic knitting and I am hooked! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A deep panel of flowers in beautiful shifting color really stands out against the sophisticated navy blue heather of the stockinette body on this one. Some ridge detail at hem and cuffs adds a tiny bit of texture - and a raglan yoke, paired with a shallow folded collar gives it an updated and easy-to- wear shape. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A stockinette body means I have included lots of options for modifying the sweater to fit your body and your wardrobe, so the pattern has instructions for alternate necklines (see the test knits!), as well as how to alter width or length as needed. And I cannot WAIT to see your color combos!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/western-rose">Western Rose</a> is knit from the bottom up. Sleeves are joined at yoke and then both raglan shaping and short rows are added before working the final collar. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy0OaGI9EIBj3G_E6CNadKB6T1QaMeiLHGXPHxzQK7Cw7CGDX0F4UIykytwWmhl5fUbvOr1fYz8DmhzRoy_x6GSQS559DvD80lVEIhCZdR0qrp5BYhGdwcKE07eDJ7cprTBbqPjQ/s2048/IMG_9290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy0OaGI9EIBj3G_E6CNadKB6T1QaMeiLHGXPHxzQK7Cw7CGDX0F4UIykytwWmhl5fUbvOr1fYz8DmhzRoy_x6GSQS559DvD80lVEIhCZdR0qrp5BYhGdwcKE07eDJ7cprTBbqPjQ/w640-h426/IMG_9290.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The deep, dark sophistication of <a href="https://harrisville.com/products/nightshades">Harrisville nightshades</a> was the perfect backdrop to the fun colors of <a href="https://spincycleyarns.com/collections/dream-state">Spincycle Yarn's Dream State</a> for this - and it was really fun to pick and pair combos up! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's actually a very simple knit, and seemed to fly off the needles once I cast on. I think it took longer for me to decide on what Spincycle colorway to pair with which NightShades option! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I hope you guys have fun with this one, and if you want to share your color combos on IG, don't forget to use the hashtag #babycocktails so I can see them!!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Sizes</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">34.5(38.25,40.43.75,47.25)(51,54.5,58.25,61.75)”</div><div style="text-align: left;">87.75 (97.25,101.5,111,120)(129.5,138.5,148,156.75)cm.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Sizes are based on circumference of sweater around bust, in final blocked fabric. Sample is shown worn with 5"/12.75cm of positive ease, based on my bust, and a hip length. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Yardage by Size</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i>Background Color</i></b> Harrisville Designs Nightshades (100% American Cormo & Wool), 250 yds/229m per 3.5oz/100g skein). Shown in Last Call. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">900(1000,1150,1250,1350)(1500,1650,1750,1800)yds </div><div style="text-align: left;">835(915,1050,1145,1235)(1370,1510,1600,1645)m </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i>Accent Color </i></b>Spincycle Yarns Dream State (100% American wool, 150 yds/137m per 4oz/113g skein). Shown in Deep Bump. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">200(200,250,250,300)(300,300,350,350)yds</div><div style="text-align: left;">185(185,230,230,275)(275,275,320,320)m </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">*Note that yardage estimates may vary with modifications and with some substitute yarns.* </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">*When swatching, note that stitch gauge is more important than row gauge, as the depth of your body and yoke and the length of your sleeves can easily be modified.* </div></div>Theahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05449949784468895570noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13579803.post-53277055210064678012020-09-08T05:37:00.002-07:002020-09-08T05:37:36.856-07:00Cables, Texture - Two New Patterns and a Donation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYsCtysVSFh85x7OAgq4kVsK-2cc6Z36AJsB7UFG8yKkUrexO9y8UDTC8RxvIJszoLrwPbEtr6U26RTf_J8vVtwU_OZvniUVjKqKiXv8Dq8NCx6EKLiqUdC2tmnFyUW3iSDRR4w/s900/nfc+collage+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" height="976" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYsCtysVSFh85x7OAgq4kVsK-2cc6Z36AJsB7UFG8yKkUrexO9y8UDTC8RxvIJszoLrwPbEtr6U26RTf_J8vVtwU_OZvniUVjKqKiXv8Dq8NCx6EKLiqUdC2tmnFyUW3iSDRR4w/w650-h976/nfc+collage+2.jpg" width="650" /></a></div><br /><div><div><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bees-knees-6" target="_blank">The Bee's Knees Cardigan </a>and the <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/blue-wave-mitts" target="_blank">Blue Wave Mitts</a>. Both feature cables and texture and are knit in <a href="https://neighborhoodfiberco.com/collections/organic-studio-worsted#" target="_blank">Neighborhood Fiber Company's Studio Worsted</a> yarn. Since some of us have extra time on our hands these days and others have less knitting moments than ever before, you can play with this gorgeous yarn in either an entire sweater or treat yourself to a quick pair of mitts out of a single skein. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you've been following me for a while, you already know that I choose a few patterns a year and use my needles to help with and draw attention to causes I feel strongly about. These two patterns are the latest ones I'm using towards that effort. </div><div><br /></div><div>Right now, my biggest concerns are racial justice and voting rights, especially as we head towards November here in the US. So, instead of giving you the usual introductory discount on these, I'm going to direct those dollars out into the world. I've done this before, and it's amazing how fast these small bits of your purchases add up to a larger donation than I would ever be able to make myself. (If you want to see what your purchases and my patterns have supported in the past, go <a href="http://babycocktails.blogspot.com/p/about.html" target="_blank">here</a> </div><div><br /></div><div> <b>Anyways, in the hopes that we can make a small difference out there in the world --
50% of all the <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bees-knees-6" target="_blank">Bee’s Knees Cardigan</a> and <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/blue-wave-mitts" target="_blank">Blue Wave Mitts </a>sales, from now until Sept 22, will be donated towards BLM and voting rights efforts. Half of the funds collected will go to <a href="https://fairfight.com/fair-fight-2020/" target="_blank">Stacey Abrams Fair Fight 2020 </a>and the other half will got to the <a href="https://neighborhoodfiberco.com/pages/nfc-momentum-fund" target="_blank">Neighborhood Fiber Company’s NFC Fund</a>. Both organizations are linked in the text above if you want to see what they are doing out in the world, or if you want to get involved or donate to their work on your own. </b></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj28CbxTxQ7Hwmvml4x7O_QimJ4xxcreyAXxTAwgeumeBy0-i5GeC4zwugyig-5HWLW2gu_zBO1br-MIf2k-l4in3NkC5m0Q-6hyphenhyphenvCXzo58t3yb5eVHPwfO0pIfDOVmEGtMTI4ZvA/s2048/IMG_8875.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj28CbxTxQ7Hwmvml4x7O_QimJ4xxcreyAXxTAwgeumeBy0-i5GeC4zwugyig-5HWLW2gu_zBO1br-MIf2k-l4in3NkC5m0Q-6hyphenhyphenvCXzo58t3yb5eVHPwfO0pIfDOVmEGtMTI4ZvA/w500-h333/IMG_8875.JPG" width="500" /></a></div><br /><div><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bees-knees-6" target="_blank">Bee's Knees</a> is a cardigan that's all about cables and texture. The bold lines of the front panels stand out beautifully against the delicate textured lines of the body pattern, a departure from the seed stitch I often choose. As always it's the details that bring it all together - a gorgeous join at the back neck, a side "seam" that allows for easy adjustments to width, how the cable flows out of the hem, and the way the cable panels move subtly outwards along the V-neck shaping. Plus, I've added simple edge details to keep the seams neat and a delicate shawl collar that can be modified in number of ways. </div><div><br /></div><div>The sweater is knit from the bottom up, and separated into 3 pieces at armholes. Sleeves are knit in the round once shoulders are seamed, and the cable panel is worked upwards and joined at center back neck. Notes are in the pattern at points where you might want to alter things as always, and the cables and texture are both written and charted. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Bee's Knees Sizes</b></div><div>34.5(37.5,40.5,43,46.5,49.5)(52,55,58,62.5)”</div><div>87.5(95.25,103,109.25,118.25,125.75)(132,139.75,147.5,158.75)cm around bust,
worn closed. </div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">Choose the size that gives you
about 4-6”/10-15.25cm positive ease, based on your bust
measurement for fit shown. Sizes are based on the finished bust measurements of sweater in final fabric, so if you want a different fit, choose a different amount of ease. If doing so, be sure to check all other measurements on last page of pattern to ensure a good fit. <o:p></o:p></p></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Bee's Knees Yarn/Yardage per size</b></div><div>Neighborhood Fiber Co. Studio
Worsted (100% Superwash Merino, 400 yds/365m, per 8oz,228g skein) or Neighborhood
Fiber Co. Organic Studio Worsted (100% Organic SW Merino, 200 yds/183m per 4oz,
113g skein) Sample shown in the Oliver colorway. </div><div><br /></div><div>If substituting yarn, you want a worsted weight yarn without too much weight or drape. A solid, semi-solid, heather or tweed will show off the pattern best. </div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">1150(1250,1350,1450,1550,1650)(1700,1750,1800,1850)yds worsted weight yarn needed</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">1050(1145,1235,1325,1420,1510)(1555,1600,1645,1695)m worsted weight yarn needed. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">If altering sweater, adjust yarn quantity as needed.</p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNx39-O8H5yBWucEn7OjrHvrxhgEB2SOwCcx7_ynoq3lGVaBCrNyEKODliRw58CpdESg44AcwxqGcGr8BBbs7t19SY_OhjiJumKHsNPp7kJwSXay6piGX4JBKzHANlHn5agIQjbQ/s2048/IMG_8926+1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNx39-O8H5yBWucEn7OjrHvrxhgEB2SOwCcx7_ynoq3lGVaBCrNyEKODliRw58CpdESg44AcwxqGcGr8BBbs7t19SY_OhjiJumKHsNPp7kJwSXay6piGX4JBKzHANlHn5agIQjbQ/w500-h333/IMG_8926+1.JPG" width="500" /></a></div><br /><div>The second thing I have for you is a quick one-skein acessory pattern - t<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/blue-wave-mitts" target="_blank">he Blue Wave Mitts</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>I know the name is a little on the nose, but they are blue and they are wavy, and there is a cocktail. Plus, I figure if there ever was a time to be completely transparent about where I stand on things, it's now. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/blue-wave-mitts" target="_blank">The Blue Wave Mitts</a> are worked in the Hollins Market colorway. They feature a single, undulating cable along the top of each hand, placed on a background of 1x1 rib. Again, the contrast of cable against background is pretty perfect. Plus, the combination of ribbing with the squishy memory of the Merino makes for a really well-fitting mitt, while allowing the cable to open up beautifully when worn. Quick and easy and totally satisfying. </div></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Blue Wave Sizing Info</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">7.5”/19cm
around mitt laid flat, 9.25"/23.5cm long from cast on to bind off edge. </span></span></div><div><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Measurements based on final fabric, laid flat. Mitt stretches when worn. </span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Blue Wave Yarn/Yardage Info</b></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Neighborh</span>ood Fiber Co. Studio Worsted, (100% Organic SW Merino,
200yds/183m per 4oz/100g skein). Shown in Hollins Market. 175yds/160m needed per
pair. </div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bees-knees-6" target="_blank">More information</a> and all the test knits are <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/blue-wave-mitts" target="_blank">up on Ravelry</a> if you click on any of the pattern page links! Both patterns can be purchased in the patterns section of this website now, and will be on LoveKnitting and WEBS after Sept 15th. </div>Theahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05449949784468895570noreply@blogger.com60tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13579803.post-84191955423341605952020-08-04T07:05:00.000-07:002020-08-04T07:05:15.560-07:00Grey Ghost<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjudHrLJ8I37fcfdGPkx7c33mDKfhvUJJPUYMLQDpgH4LOSbo-uACazmATasEvXn_5-2vYWFhep1fHZjO8iY6bqzSOLvBs25UpjRHhMt-_QwLEViQbkcLOjHU7ld03N7O5pgIOA1A/s2048/IMG_8334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjudHrLJ8I37fcfdGPkx7c33mDKfhvUJJPUYMLQDpgH4LOSbo-uACazmATasEvXn_5-2vYWFhep1fHZjO8iY6bqzSOLvBs25UpjRHhMt-_QwLEViQbkcLOjHU7ld03N7O5pgIOA1A/s640/IMG_8334.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><b><br /></b></div><b><div><b><br /></b></div><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/grey-ghost-2" target="_blank">Grey Ghost</a></b> is a sweatshirt-of-a-sweater kind of pullover. Knit up in a sweater quantity of <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.knittersreview.com/elsawool-cormo/" href="http://www.knittersreview.com/elsawool-cormo/" target="_blank">ElsaWool's incredible Cormo</a> yarn that I had been saving in stash forever, it's a bottom up raglan - with a twist! I played with this until the shaping fell somewhere between Elizabeth Zimmerman's Classic Raglan and her Hurry Up Last Minute Sweater (which many of you will think of as a Carbeth). I went this way as I always loved the more pronounced shaping of the Last Minute Sweater, but I never felt that the bringing the sweater to a full point at center bust was flattering on me. <br /><br />Instead, the sweater is graded so the shaping leaves a bit of the front intact, and it's amazing how those few inches make all the difference. I also had a little fun and designed each size so the seams hit the pattern columns and line up perfectly under the collar at both front and back.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnzBqBhJU0tNLvpQwbSq8onF6FrA3rnLVoOeUFwRgmPbZbeHNINRCf9LHIAm-hWmyvhcf14rXt5-pknphGdR5I7fxHu_22zmajXy1SpXpuQwz9ekcpFfOrLT7VMA4I1MTOX17OvA/s2048/IMG_8228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnzBqBhJU0tNLvpQwbSq8onF6FrA3rnLVoOeUFwRgmPbZbeHNINRCf9LHIAm-hWmyvhcf14rXt5-pknphGdR5I7fxHu_22zmajXy1SpXpuQwz9ekcpFfOrLT7VMA4I1MTOX17OvA/s640/IMG_8228.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong style="text-align: left;"><br /></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/grey-ghost-2" target="_blank">Grey Ghost </a> (rav link) </strong><span style="text-align: left;">features a detailed front lace panel set on a garter background, and a complimentary garter rib pattern continues around the body. There's a hidden column under each arm that serves as a visual "side seam" and accomodates any shaping-modification needs, and stockinette sleeves keep the attention on the textures. A sweet little detail on the sleeve cuff plays off the body patterns, and a folded collar makes for a cozy finish. Details really make designing so much fun! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>One of the most magical things about this sweater, though, is the yarn! Years ago my friend Glenna recommended <a href="https://www.wool-clothing.com/" target="_blank">ElsaWool </a>to me as a farm that would be up my alley, and I had squirreled away these skeins for later, but they are absolutely perfect for <strong><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/grey-ghost-2" target="_blank">Grey Ghost</a> (rav link)</strong>. <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.wool-clothing.com/woolen-yarns/new/woolen-worsted-lightgray-10.htm" href="https://www.wool-clothing.com/woolen-yarns/new_index.php" target="_blank">The woolen-spun 2-ply</a> is round and light and lofty and knits up in a slightly larger gauge just beautifully. The fiber is soft, the heather is perfect (shown in 10% light gray), and the price is right - $22 for 350 yards of incredible farm yarn. I love nothing more than bringing your eyes to a female run company and a small farm, so I do hope some of you will check ElsaWool out!.<br /><br />All the information and the test knits will be <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/grey-ghost-2">up on Ravelry</a>. You can see a few examples of modifications there, as well as some sub yarns used if interested. <br /><br /><strong><em>The Ravelry code GGHOST will get you 20% off the pattern until midnight EST Friday 8/7/20. </em></strong><br /><br />Yardage and size information is below if you are not on Ravelry. <strong>Grey Ghost </strong>(and all of my other patterns) are also available on <a href="https://www.lovecrafts.com/en-us/user/maker/1e679099-b981-444c-ab90-34906e5d09eb" target="_blank">LoveKnitting </a>and through <a href="https://www.yarn.com/categories/babycocktails-patterns" target="_blank">WEBS. </a>I cannot offer discounts on those platforms, as I don't have the ability to do so, and also because these platforms charge me a larger fee. I have been working on a new website that will involve e-commerce for a while now, but it's not there yet. <br /><br /><strong>Sizes:</strong> 34.75(38,40.5,43.5,46.75,50)(54,59.5,62.75,66)” / 88.25(96.5,103,110.5,118.75,127)(137.25,151.25, 159.5,167.5)cm. Size reflects circumference of sweater body, based on final blocked fabric. Choose the size that allows approx. 4-5”/10-12.75cm positive ease at bust for fit shown.<br /><br />If you fall between sizes, choose the smaller one and modify as noted in the pattern to add width and/or body length as needed. I DO NOT recommend choosing a size with more than the recommended amount of ease on this sweater or adding extra depth to the yoke, due to the sleeve and shoulder construction. <br /><br /><strong>Yarn : </strong>Elsawool 2-ply, woolen-spun, sport weight yarn (100% purebred Cormo wool, 350 yds/320m per 4oz skein). 1200(1250,1300,1400,1450,1550)(1700,1750,1800,1850)yds/ 1100(1145,1190,1280,1325,1415)(1555,1600,1645,1690)m Sample shown was knit in 10% light grey.<br /><br />If substituting yarn, note that this woolen-spun sport is a lofty, lightweight and round fiber. A worsted-spun sport or DK weight yarn may not knit up to this gauge while still maintaining a stable enough fabric. You probably need a woolen-spun Sport or DK yarn, or perhaps a worsted spun DK, to get both gauge and a light, strong fabric if considering subs. Theahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05449949784468895570noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13579803.post-60692444597172230982020-06-29T10:57:00.001-07:002020-06-29T10:57:30.496-07:00Night Caps :)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img data-cke-saved-src="https://mcusercontent.com/4a62d116a05327787e2a71e59/images/274726e5-d14c-4813-b047-ffe4bbc259b1.jpg" data-file-id="5256713" height="600" src="https://mcusercontent.com/4a62d116a05327787e2a71e59/images/274726e5-d14c-4813-b047-ffe4bbc259b1.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: 600px; margin: 0px; width: 400px;" width="400" /><br />
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I don't know about you guys, but mid-Summer knitting for me always involves a hat or two. it gives me a jump on my holiday gifts, gets a few skeins out of stash, and makes for a small lap project I can bring wherever I go. (Which, these days, is admittedly not that far, but I still prefer portability!)<br />
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Anyways, if you have been here for a bit, you already know how much I love my <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.magpiefibers.com/nest-worsted" href="https://www.magpiefibers.com/nest-worsted" target="_blank">Magpie Fibers Nest</a>, and I had these two gorgeous blue skeins sitting on the shelf just waiting for me. I had also been wanting to play with some of the beautiful cables in <a data-cke-saved-href="http://norahgaughan.net/" href="http://norahgaughan.net/" target="_blank">Norah Gaughan's Knitted Cable Sourcebook</a> , so I picked up the yarn and opened the book and after a few days of drawings and swatches, I made these two <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/night-caps">Night Caps</a>!<br />
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Both hats feature modified versions of the same slanted cable - and each one has details that lend themselves a little differently to the idea. I played with placement of the cables, customized the crown shaping for each repeat, and tweaked the overall fit of the hat to best suit each of the cables in different ways.<br />
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I then graded both hats in sizes from 13"/33cm around to 21.25"/54cm around, so these could fit almost anyone in your family. And, depending on the color of yarn chosen and your pompom preference, the designs are wonderfully unisex as well.<br />
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<img data-cke-saved-src="https://mcusercontent.com/4a62d116a05327787e2a71e59/_compresseds/1e51dc13-1617-44aa-a6e1-85d892e64dc9.jpg" data-file-id="5256745" height="400" src="https://mcusercontent.com/4a62d116a05327787e2a71e59/_compresseds/1e51dc13-1617-44aa-a6e1-85d892e64dc9.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: 400px; margin: 0px; width: 600px;" width="600" /></div>
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<strong>The <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/night-caps">Night Caps</a> PDF contains instructions for both hats, </strong> and you can easily pair either silhouette (beanie or longer top) with either cable patttern. Notes are in the document on how to modify the designs for length or width and the cable motifs are both charted and written. </div>
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A little about each:</div>
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<strong>10pm</strong> is worked in Twilight Magpie, a soft blue with a lovely heather to it. It's worked as a simple fitted beanie with the slanted cable repeated in the same direction across the body of the hat. This creates a beautiful diagonal across the hat and allows the ribs to open up below the detail, emphasizing the bold lines of the cables from top to bottom. It has a classic vibe when worn fitted, and the pom just makes things fun. </div>
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<strong>11pm</strong> is worked in Twilight Dark, a deep navy that will go with literally any jacket I own this winter. Here, the cables are placed much lower on the hat and designed to face one another in a wider motif. This allows for a beatiful brim and encourages the ribbing to become the focus up top, drawing attention to the shape on this hat, featuring a bit of a "peak" when worked to a depth that's just a little longer than needed. As someone who wears a bun often, I'm kind of excited about a little extra room up there, but I know that my daughter liked the cool vibe this added without any hair to hide, and it just looked good on my husband at this depth!<br />
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<em><strong><span style="color: brown;">Yardage information by size is below, broken out for each hat:</span></strong></em><br />
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<u><em><strong>10pm, sizes and yardage</strong></em></u><em>: </em><br />
13(15,17,19.25,21.25)”/33(38,43.25,49,54)cm around head, 7(8,8,8,9)”/17.75(20.25,20.25,20.25, 22.75)cm deep to center of crown. <em>Hat stretches about 2-3”/5-7.75cm when worn.</em><br />
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175(185,200,210,225)yds/160(170,182,192, 205)m including pom, shown in Twilight Magpie<em>. </em><br />
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<u><em><strong>11pm, sizes and yardage</strong></em></u><em>: </em><br />
13(17,21.25)”/33(43.25,54)cm around head, 8.5(9,9)”/21.5(22.75,22.75)cm deep to center of crown.<br />
<em>Hat stretches about 2-3”/5-7.75cm when worn.</em><br />
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185(200,225)yds/170(182,205)m, shown in Twilight Dark.<br />
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For anyone having trouble accessing Ravelry right now, the Night Caps (and all of my other patterns) are also available on <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.lovecrafts.com/en-gb/search?q=theacolman&o=newest" href="https://www.lovecrafts.com/en-gb/search?q=theacolman&o=newest" target="_blank">LoveKnitting.</a><br />
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Before I sign off, a special thank you to everyone who bought <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/new-york-sour">New York Sour </a>or another of my patterns over the Juneteenth weekend. With your help, I was able to send of $1,250.00 to <a data-cke-saved-href="https://blackmamasmatter.org/" href="https://blackmamasmatter.org/" target="_blank">BlackMamasMatter,</a> to help them fight inequality in maternal care, rights, and justice for black women.<br />
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Stay safe and healthy and please, please, please wear a mask, my friends! <br />
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<span style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , "marker" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18px;"><strong><em><span style="color: black;">xo, </span>Thea</em></strong></span></span><br />
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Theahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05449949784468895570noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13579803.post-80277333065252592872020-06-18T06:01:00.001-07:002020-06-18T06:01:51.341-07:00New York Sour, and a Juneteenth Donation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Introducing <strong><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/new-york-sour">New York Sour,</a></strong> a new sweater pattern designed to showcase the beautiful heather and varied colors of <a data-cke-saved-href="https://jilldraper.com/shop/ols/categories/ansel" href="https://jilldraper.com/shop/ols/categories/ansel" target="_blank"><strong><em>J</em></strong></a><strong><em><a data-cke-saved-href="https://jilldraper.com/shop/ols/categories/fingering-weight" href="https://jilldraper.com/shop/ols/categories/fingering-weight" target="_blank">ill Draper's new Ansel yarn</a></em></strong><a data-cke-saved-href="https://jilldraper.com/shop/ols/categories/ansel" href="https://jilldraper.com/shop/ols/categories/ansel">,</a> a fingering weight superfine merino, dyed in varied shades over the different natural colors of the fiber.<br />
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The overdye creates a subtle series of options in each color that's just beautiful! And the fiber is so soft and lofty and simply stunning, that of course I could not choose only one color.<br />
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<img data-cke-saved-src="https://mcusercontent.com/4a62d116a05327787e2a71e59/_compresseds/1e01070e-73d7-4a51-83b1-68175e3232d5.jpg" data-file-id="5245178" height="266" src="https://mcusercontent.com/4a62d116a05327787e2a71e59/_compresseds/1e01070e-73d7-4a51-83b1-68175e3232d5.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: 400px; margin: 0px; width: 600px;" width="400" /><br />
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The allover texture of the pullover really allows the yarn to shine, and results in a light and airy fabric that's just perfect for warm weather layering when knit on a mid-size needle (I've used a US#6 in this design. I've also added a few details here and there to ensure that all the transitions are neat and that finishing will be easy, but overall this is quite a simple knit, perfect for TV or the otherwise distracted knitting we all seem to be doing these days.<br />
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<img data-cke-saved-src="https://mcusercontent.com/4a62d116a05327787e2a71e59/images/f5761799-a15a-4a9e-9231-2bf0f478ddda.png" data-file-id="5245302" height="496" src="https://mcusercontent.com/4a62d116a05327787e2a71e59/images/f5761799-a15a-4a9e-9231-2bf0f478ddda.png" style="border: 0px; height: 496px; margin: 0px; width: 500px;" width="500" /><br />
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<strong><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/new-york-sour">New York Sour</a></strong> is intended to feature as many colors of yarn as you can't resist, but I chose two (Powder Puff 2 and 3, shown above), and worked them in a colorblock design. However, the pattern is written to be flexible, so you can play as want - stripes, more blocks of color or just a bit of detail at hem, cuffs and collar - it's pretty much ready for whatever combination, or even any solid color you want to use...<br />
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<img data-cke-saved-src="https://mcusercontent.com/4a62d116a05327787e2a71e59/_compresseds/bdb3fc82-4465-4a32-a00d-6b39e92bf584.jpg" data-file-id="5245206" height="600" src="https://mcusercontent.com/4a62d116a05327787e2a71e59/_compresseds/bdb3fc82-4465-4a32-a00d-6b39e92bf584.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: 600px; margin: 0px; width: 400px;" width="400" /><br />
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Zoe has stolen this sweater from me already, proving that the classic look of <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/new-york-sour"><strong>New York Sour</strong> </a>works really well for any age (or from 52 - 16?). I happen to think it also would work well on any gender, or could be knit as a unisex piece! I can't wait to see what you guys think up with this one. All the details and the test knits are on the Ravelry page, so you can check it out there.<br />
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In addition to the sweater news, I also want to let you know that I will be making my Q2 BabyCocktails charity donation this week to honor Juneteenth, <strong><span style="color: red;"><em>giving $2 of EVERY one of my self published patterns I sell on Ravelry from now through Sunday at midnight </em></span>to <a data-cke-saved-href="https://blackmamasmatter.org/" href="https://blackmamasmatter.org/" target="_blank">Black Mamas Matter Alliance</a></strong>, an amazing organization working to improve maternal health, rights and justice for black women, One of the many ways that systemic racism exists in our society is healthcare inequality, and there is a great deal of <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.nationalpartnership.org/our-work/health/reports/black-womens-maternal-health.html" href="https://www.nationalpartnership.org/our-work/health/reports/black-womens-maternal-health.html" target="_blank">data </a>to show the effect this has on black women. As mothers, they face a variety of social, economic, and heatth challenges during pregnancy and motherhood that need to be addressed, and if you've been following me for a while you know that family issues are ones that I often choose to support and highlight with my quarterly donations. The work Black Mamas Matter is doing is the kind of change that can really make a difference for families and children moving forward, so I wanted to throw a few eyes and some financial support their way.<br />
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I hope you'll join me, either by purchasing New York Sour -- or another of my patterns you may have had your eye on for a while -- before Sunday night, <b>and I'll take $2 out of each pattern purchased and send it their way. </b><br />
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If you are wondering why I chose the name <strong><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/new-york-sour">New York Sour</a>,</strong> maybe the pic below (from my Imbibe magazine, because it's only 9am right now) will help explain. A New York Sour is really a Whiskey Sour with a red wine float - layerd in kind of a colorblock, right?<br />
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<img data-cke-saved-src="https://mcusercontent.com/4a62d116a05327787e2a71e59/images/d7ab8ad3-2f38-4f05-956c-e2af1ec1d179.jpg" data-file-id="5245374" height="496" src="https://mcusercontent.com/4a62d116a05327787e2a71e59/images/d7ab8ad3-2f38-4f05-956c-e2af1ec1d179.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: 496px; margin: 0px; width: 500px;" width="500" /><br />
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2 oz rye or bourbon<br />
1 oz lemon juice<br />
.75 oz simple syrup<br />
.5 oz red wine<br />
1 egg white (optional but it makes such a nice foam!)<br />
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Place all the ingredients, except the wine, in a jigger with ice and shake, then strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Next, gently pour the red wine over the back of a spoon into the glass so it creates a layer on top. Garnish with a lemon wheel if desired. </div>
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<br />Theahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05449949784468895570noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13579803.post-65743687920363778612020-05-08T05:58:00.003-07:002020-05-08T05:58:59.105-07:00Dolin, a new cardigan pattern...<span style="font-family: inherit;">I hope this finds you all at home and healthy, and if you're like me in this quarantine, keeping the needles and yarn close by for a meditative break from all the chaos out there. As the weather turns and the days are sunny, I'm lucky enough to have a little porch and yard to get outside in and I remind myself that the longer I stay here, the sooner we can all get back to our jobs and schools and lives. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I keep telling myself that one of the many things I can do now, while looking towards life after quarantine, is to make something to wear when it's over. Because that stash isn't going to knit itself, right? </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy4qyjWDnCW_x3ROwFpqWhtp8VUwAdpTShWJR8PjgqnSvoWD1zvqDVxB6_LXiWjLj1RE5W6dgX1iKwwnEMQHlnJKOL1_CN1zbn2pqxAjh0TAGeeiz34-fO-nFoPZIwSNPDxxvFPw/s1600/IMG_7217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy4qyjWDnCW_x3ROwFpqWhtp8VUwAdpTShWJR8PjgqnSvoWD1zvqDVxB6_LXiWjLj1RE5W6dgX1iKwwnEMQHlnJKOL1_CN1zbn2pqxAjh0TAGeeiz34-fO-nFoPZIwSNPDxxvFPw/s640/IMG_7217.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dolin">Dolin</a> is a cardigan I designed and knit earlier this winter, knit in some gorgeous <a href="https://knit-wit-yarn-shop.myshopify.com/products/owl?_pos=12&_sid=5749811f8&_ss=r">Quince and Co Owl </a>years ago, on one of my first trips up to Portland Maine to visit friends.<br /><br />There's a lovely shop there named <a href="https://knit-wit-yarn-shop.myshopify.com/products/owl?_pos=12&_sid=5749811f8&_ss=r">KnitWit</a> and they carry EVERYTHING Quince, so I really couldn't resist, plus I was in a yarn store with 4 other designers, and we may have egged each other on a bit. This deep green is gorgeous, plus the dark gray heather mixed in there is just perfect.- and although I love these skeins, they sat in stash for a few years while new yarns or deadline projects came and went. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">As did a number of other really beautiful skeins that I had similarly bought on trips or with friends or just because I loved them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So, I had a plan in early 2018 - new yarn would only come in after I used a similar quantity from stash. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />I actually did design a few things from stash under this new plan - <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/kahlua-2" href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/kahlua-2" target="_blank">Kahlua</a>, <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/lillet" href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/lillet" target="_blank">Lillet,</a> <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/violet-aster" href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/violet-aster" target="_blank">Violet Aster</a>, my <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vsop-mitts" href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vsop-mitts" target="_blank">VSOP Mitts</a>, <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dolin">Dolin</a>, and my next sweater design that's currently in testing. Stash progress was being made! But now Covid has happened, and I may or may not be on a yarn buying bender to support a whole bunch of businesses I love, so the stash curve isn't looking good anymore.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />But my yarn cupboard sure is, so I better stay on the plan.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwgpL8Ie-w0-O1-JA7HVoAoSMw2eFj1tVT75zHSfp5wCaElKkWaC-im4LyxCreXOhLBz0sIieDQNa_n4G2c594iHUBsHgT8j9uXtWNHHSy7jJML6pJujvcniYkwLCMQVO8NT6_vg/s1600/IMG_7121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwgpL8Ie-w0-O1-JA7HVoAoSMw2eFj1tVT75zHSfp5wCaElKkWaC-im4LyxCreXOhLBz0sIieDQNa_n4G2c594iHUBsHgT8j9uXtWNHHSy7jJML6pJujvcniYkwLCMQVO8NT6_vg/s640/IMG_7121.JPG" width="426" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">With that in mind, I've got <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dolin">Dolin</a> ready for you. It's exactly the kind of knit I want right now. Bold and simple and easy to both make and wear. The motifs are straightforward and once established, this can be your TV binge watching project. It features gorgeous undulating lines, with one large lace cable echoed by accent cables on both front and back. There's lots of stockinette, plus a V-neck, 3/4 sleeves, and a beautifully finished neckline.<br /><br /> Maya is wearing my sweater with about 7"/17.75cm of ease, and she's chosen to accessorize it with the garden flamingos that were in our basement, but you can wear yours as you please. Notes are included in the pattern on altering length, width, or sleeves as you desire. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As for the flamingo, I'm super lucky to have a willing model in the house, so I'm going to let her do whatever she wants so that she thinks this is fun.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">For more details and a bunch of gorgeous versions of this sweater, <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dolin">see the Ravelry Page</a> - the test knit on this one resulted in some really beautiful knits!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I know this has been a pretty chatty post (sorry, isolation does that) so if you've read this far, you also get <strong>25% off your Ravelry purchase of the Dolin PDF with the code CHAT, valid until 5/10.</strong> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Again, stay home and safe you guys. I'm scared of all the states just opening up right now without paying attention to science or facts - be careful and mindful that even if you aren't afraid of getting sick, your actions can easily affect others without you even realizing it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">You don't NEED to go to the beach, get a new pair of shoes, or see a movie -- you just want to. And maybe right now, what we want isn't that important, because others out there NEED to stay safe. We are lucky enough to have a hobby that makes staying home kind of fun. And we can literally save lives by doing so and ordering some takeout. How many times is that going to be the case? </span></div>
Theahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05449949784468895570noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13579803.post-45854054278752509252020-04-17T08:02:00.004-07:002020-04-17T11:55:33.952-07:00We Did a Thing!! And then I designed a hat <br />
YOU GUYS. THANK YOU.<br />
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$6,600 went to the Center for Disaster Philantrhopy with all of your support. It's amazing what a whole bunch of small actions can do when added up all together, and every time I ask you all for help in doing stuff like this I am reminded and amazed of that power.<br />
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I also owe you all a thank you as those sales came in just as my husband got his salary cut, so the little cushion that those extra sweaters you're knitting created for my family is appreciated as well.<br />
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Now, in the background while the <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/the-oban-cardigan">Oban Cardigan</a> was out there working some March Mayhem magic, I was in here finding a simple, satisfying rhythm with some beautiful yarn. It's what my head really needed in all the chaos of the last month, I tell you. Between the extra distractions in the house, the ongoing news outside the house, and my general state of mind, I found my fingers needed a certain type of knit.<br />
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Simple, quick, and satisfying - with a pattern that would reward me early on with emerging detail - but that wouldn't require too much attetntion to said detail.<br />
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I had two bases of <a href="https://dapper-dye-works.myshopify.com/">Dapper Dye Works</a> yarn on hand, sent to me recently. They are creating some beautiful fibers in deeply gorgeous shades and soft yarns, and they also reminded me that I kind of like working in a superwash merino!<br />
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This worked so well, I ended up making versions of the hat in both yarns.<br />
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<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/grasshopper-hat-2">The Grasshopper Hat</a><br />
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The pattern is written for both Seger - an aran, and Stapleton - a worsted weight - and I tweaked things a little for each. All the details are <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/grasshopper-hat-2">on the Ravelry page</a>!!<br />
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I know that Dapper Dye Works is planning a yarn update later this weekend, and I'll share those details when I have them, for those of you who want to try either of these yarns..<br />
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<b>The Ravelry code CABLED will get you 20% off the pattern until 4/20. </b><br />
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In case you are home and in need of a simple, quick, and satisfying project like I was....<br />
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<br />Theahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05449949784468895570noreply@blogger.com297tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13579803.post-26174964659513004902020-03-26T10:17:00.001-07:002020-03-27T06:39:12.205-07:00Time to do a thing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Shown, Sazerac, an old but favorite pattern that I happen to be wearing today. </i><br />
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You all know how I need to deal with things, and this year has honestly been pretty overwhelming from the start in terms of figuring out where and when anything I may choose to do might make a difference.</div>
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For now, I’m still part of a two-income household but I realize that window may close soon, as my husband was one of the last hires at his company and his job is one they created in September so it may go away again. In the meantime, I think I’d better do my part while I have the ability to do so.</div>
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Stuck at home, my own sense of powerlessness is getting a little overwhelming and help is needed in just so many categories that even while typing, I can feel my emotions start to rise at just the sheer amount of EVERYTHING.</div>
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I spent the morning looking at different charities doing all kinds of local and international work, and again - the amount of need is too much. I don’t know how to focus on one thing, and I can’t choose one need the other, so I’m choosing to place that decision in the hands of the <strong>Center for Disaster Philanthropy</strong> for now.</div>
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You can read more about what they are doing here:</div>
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<a href="https://disasterphilanthropy.org/cdp-fund/cdp-covid-19-re...">https://disasterphilanthropy.org/cdp-fund/cdp-covid-19-re...</a></div>
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But basically, they are trying to cover it all, with a giant quilt made of nonprofits and NGOs both here in the US and abroad.</div>
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<strong>I’m going to try to go for the biggest bang i can in a short timeframe, so from now until April 4, I will donate 50% of all my Ravelry sales to the fund.</strong></div>
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As with so many things right now, I’ll take a look at where we are on April 4 and either add a week to this, or step back if I need to.</div>
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Feel free to spread the word, and let’s see if we can’t at least make a tiny dent?</div>
<br />Theahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05449949784468895570noreply@blogger.com116tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13579803.post-60331962393763081222020-03-20T07:56:00.000-07:002020-03-20T07:56:18.666-07:00Creme de Yvette<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/creme-de-yvette">Creme de Yvette </a>is my latest design in <a href="https://o-wool.com/products/chunky-merino">O-Wool's</a> lovely, organic fibers. A simple pullover, featuring a lovely ribbed detail panel at hem and cuffs, this sweater was the cozy, simple thing on my lap right after the holidays. It's quick and satisfying and super easy to work on when things are, I think it's safe to say, a little unsettled.<br />
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Knit in <a href="https://o-wool.com/products/chunky-merino">O-Wool's Chunky Merino</a>, it knit up in no time - and if you want to work in the same yarn, O-Wool is offering free shipping through the end of March, plus she's adding some sweet enamel pins to any orders over $50.00. You can also buy her yarns at a number of <a href="https://o-wool.com/apps/store-locator/">local yarn shops</a>, if you are trying to support your LYS right now. Many of them are offering delivery and curbside pickup to keep their doors open during the crisis.<br />
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Knit seamlessly from the bottom up, with a bit of short row shaping for the neckline, it's easy to modify for your own taste or needs, and notes are in the pattern as always. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRcz0pEXNLM3_zYRAeZ-xL3JgW4jEW50CQz7ORFgsy9GORFDqfIoOuCGahCvrshpPWZU-wqOYNFsl66fAHT3qMEyw0iZzKS1Z7_H3DrvtDXAY8P4i6_LiiHKkYhIBYBO35YYGb_g/s1600/cc+shoulder+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRcz0pEXNLM3_zYRAeZ-xL3JgW4jEW50CQz7ORFgsy9GORFDqfIoOuCGahCvrshpPWZU-wqOYNFsl66fAHT3qMEyw0iZzKS1Z7_H3DrvtDXAY8P4i6_LiiHKkYhIBYBO35YYGb_g/s400/cc+shoulder+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>And from now until March 30, the Ravelry code CREME will get you 20% off the pattern</b><br />
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I'm still keeping things here on the blog pretty short and sweet, but I do hope that you are all safe and home during this strange and uncertain time. Stay home if you can . Wash your hands if you have to be out, and even if you don't feel at-risk yourself, please do keep in mind those of us that are.<br />
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I'm thankful that I have my knitting to keep my hands and mind occupied, and I'm doing my best to support the friends and businesses I feel are at risk, but I know this is a strange and powerless time for many of us. <br />
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Virtual hugs to all of you.<br />
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Theahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05449949784468895570noreply@blogger.com64tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13579803.post-1327021392230696792020-02-20T08:20:00.000-08:002020-02-20T08:20:01.381-08:00Peated Whisky, my modern aran cardi...<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/peated-whisky">Peated Whisky!!!!</a><br />
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This one really feels like I've been working on it forever, even though I didn't pick up a pencil until this Fall to begin working on it. But I've been mentally designing my perfect updated Aran for years - turning over details and shaping options in my head. Long? Short? V-neck or crew? Saddle shoulder or drop? And what cables? It may or may not surprise yout that when I've often evaluated cables and details on this when I couldn't fall asleep for as long as I can remember....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVvbeUnx0jMrctAJghkH0sZ9_plkvig_virQdXGhVRajPSt69B2XJxuftTQ0w1ICXfvcXQqStegucoVlC9LKboeG6RLameRjbwSI4WVh-z0REBUaqyjffO6G1x1GLkDl7I1dmstA/s1600/IMG_6064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVvbeUnx0jMrctAJghkH0sZ9_plkvig_virQdXGhVRajPSt69B2XJxuftTQ0w1ICXfvcXQqStegucoVlC9LKboeG6RLameRjbwSI4WVh-z0REBUaqyjffO6G1x1GLkDl7I1dmstA/s640/IMG_6064.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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But when this <a href="https://thepluckyknitter.com/products/yakkity-aran">Plucky Knitter Yakkity Aran </a>yarn arrived last Fall - squishy and lofty and in the perfect heather gray - surprisingly NOT so sheepy. Cause it's 100% YAK, people - soft and light and super wearable. And then, I just knew that it needed to be knit into the Aran Cardi. I'd wear this one.<br />
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Maybe I'd been holding off for a soft fiber, who knows? But as soon as I swatched this into a few cables, I was sure.<br />
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I wanted to keep it simpler than it looks - so with the exception of those two diamonds, the rest of the cable and texture is SUPER SIMPLE. Once it's setup, you'll have it all memorized in no time. And I even found the diamonds to be pretty intuitive, but if you need it, there are charts and written instructions for those! And in this weight yarn, it knits right up.<br />
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Details such as pockets, hidden spots for mods, and armhole shaping that works into the edge detail at each cable pattern make this one really special - and you can knit it to a hip length, as shown here OR a longer mid-thigh version.<br />
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I'll stop now, but all the details and a bunch of photos are up on Ravelry - plus there are some really stunning test knits - <b>and the Rav code PEAT will get you 20% off until 2/24/20.</b> Enjoy!!!<br />
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<br />Theahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05449949784468895570noreply@blogger.com71tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13579803.post-16441529236717885012020-02-07T09:50:00.002-08:002020-02-07T09:50:49.025-08:00The Balvenie Hat<br />
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<b>Use the Ravelry code BALVENIE for 20% off this pattern until Monday, Feb 10, 2020!</b></div>
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My goal this time was to for a hat that would be simple, unisex, and really easy to throw on with pretty much anything once it was completed. The <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/balvenie">Balvenie</a> hat is written for both Sport and Worsted weight yarns, stretches to fit a head pretty nicely, and works both with a little extra depth and as a fitted beanie.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLC_M6ADYUFh05GJR9IVoDgveagKlYru9OQIGHCCQvted6E5z7BId31AodyQdv54OsQBlbqyAUwfwpHkY9tFw8P5_K8rorn426NUeY_kdwXUgqSTgPp0KgqNQ1TXW0pnXBC7Ac6Q/s1600/IMG_5865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLC_M6ADYUFh05GJR9IVoDgveagKlYru9OQIGHCCQvted6E5z7BId31AodyQdv54OsQBlbqyAUwfwpHkY9tFw8P5_K8rorn426NUeY_kdwXUgqSTgPp0KgqNQ1TXW0pnXBC7Ac6Q/s400/IMG_5865.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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It's based loosely on a hat I saw years ago. One that the lines of just never left my mind - a combination of simple cables, single ribs and thicker ribs. Over the years, the mental image I had probably changed a bit, but the overall look of the <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/balvenie">Balvenie</a> hat is exactly what I was going for.<br />
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Worked in gorgeous tweed from <a href="https://harrisville.com/collections/yarn">Harrisville Designs</a>, the simplicity of the design really allows the subtle shades of the yarn shine.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRBzHNQA1VpqB6XSzbdhJqwkrSvhWHmwAW0FoAVUH_gpUthgfPyc0qu1p55braQJRM48qs7MmyfxamdhTAbDDdvr0WY0tjKxaouT6OMZ02mIYe6sGgP4WRTPMCP1nrRQN8eP8cqg/s1600/IMG_5955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRBzHNQA1VpqB6XSzbdhJqwkrSvhWHmwAW0FoAVUH_gpUthgfPyc0qu1p55braQJRM48qs7MmyfxamdhTAbDDdvr0WY0tjKxaouT6OMZ02mIYe6sGgP4WRTPMCP1nrRQN8eP8cqg/s400/IMG_5955.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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It was a quick knit as well, one that gave my cable-addled mind a break! Cables, a few slipped stitches, a deep brim and a distinct crown.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg0eyJGXF8nFSeKOOroTj9LYMZdivVwoK8i8NDgSHTl3xXfLcE_O5HUX0J917Q14izcq255cddzvIAhOf7-EKn9vqorlJrD-bsLwoooc_YI2pJiJgNOnfPSUHY1aa9i7LYrqH2iQ/s1600/IMG_5881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg0eyJGXF8nFSeKOOroTj9LYMZdivVwoK8i8NDgSHTl3xXfLcE_O5HUX0J917Q14izcq255cddzvIAhOf7-EKn9vqorlJrD-bsLwoooc_YI2pJiJgNOnfPSUHY1aa9i7LYrqH2iQ/s400/IMG_5881.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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And, as often happens around here, the hats were claimed quickly by both Maya and Phil, another one of her good friends, and another college student/knitwear fan.<br />
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<br />Theahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05449949784468895570noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13579803.post-9726193616861042662020-01-15T12:36:00.003-08:002020-01-28T12:27:20.784-08:00I'm a little behind! VKL Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPFIoVR5jMDrxf7kCZWN0PEYhRyBEL9shpsgMaO4aEW1zyX_HldzRTpQfDD28IWb4WGQVW0IaXJ52YDC4BBca0n_7kPUHISOvyde9B_XdluRyYiduNewRHKqi8zcjH8ge2Ylde3g/s1600/VKL+collage+20%2525+code.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="400" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPFIoVR5jMDrxf7kCZWN0PEYhRyBEL9shpsgMaO4aEW1zyX_HldzRTpQfDD28IWb4WGQVW0IaXJ52YDC4BBca0n_7kPUHISOvyde9B_XdluRyYiduNewRHKqi8zcjH8ge2Ylde3g/s640/VKL+collage+20%2525+code.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
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Apologies, guys! I've been remiss and completely forgot to blog about <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/gin-and-juice">Gin and Juice</a>, my first cardigan of 2020!</div>
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But... now I get to blog about <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/gin-and-juice">Gin and Juice</a>, plus two new designs - <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/averna">Averna</a> and <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dos-equis">Dos Equis</a> - plus share a discount on all four of the designs above, which will be featured by mYak and Magpie Fibers at VK Live this weekend in New York. </div>
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<b>Through 1/19/20, the Ravelry code VKL will get you 20% off Averna, Gin and Juice, Michelada and Dos Equis!</b></div>
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I'm off to Vogue Knitting myself this week, where I'll be hanging out in the Magpie Fibers booth with these three new designs in their fantastic <a href="https://www.magpiefibers.com/nest-worsted">Nest Worsted </a>- above you see my <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/michelada-2">Michelada </a>hat in their Twilight Honey, <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/gin-and-juice">the Gin and Juice cardigan </a>in Twilight Rose, plus my brand new cowl named <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dos-equis">Dos Equis</a> (because all those Xs) in Twilight Magpie. </div>
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Cables and more cables in this gorgeous heathered Corriedale. </div>
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In addition to my love affair with all things Nest, I'm also launching the <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/averna">Averna shawl </a>with mYak that I'm really excited about. Knit in their <a href="https://myak.it/usa/shop/yarns/tibetan-cloud-wool/">Tibetan Cloud,</a> this is the light and lofty piece I've been reaching for to wear all day. Simple lace, some unexpected ribs, and a lot of garter made for some fun knitting and the gorgeous fiber makes this something I just don't want to take off. </div>
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And mYak added a discount to the yarn itself - the code Averna15 will get you 15% off this gorgeous yarn on the <a href="https://myak.it/usa/shop/yarns/tibetan-cloud-wool/">mYak website</a>! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPufgslKsZ-HpDU-nY7qbffjLkwZElnm-VxoZFZ5UdXNIeq6GZZ0NQa1t0vf0UOx1EoOC6SApKC5nIpIaMvvX15xh-FRD0y3XCN-z-DE49f9X-3jAU3PXkyMWtlLq5TNb6J5ceJw/s1600/IMG_5405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPufgslKsZ-HpDU-nY7qbffjLkwZElnm-VxoZFZ5UdXNIeq6GZZ0NQa1t0vf0UOx1EoOC6SApKC5nIpIaMvvX15xh-FRD0y3XCN-z-DE49f9X-3jAU3PXkyMWtlLq5TNb6J5ceJw/s320/IMG_5405.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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So, apologies for the lack of blog posting, but I hope you enjoy these! </div>
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xo</div>
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Theahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05449949784468895570noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13579803.post-80645427464496374192019-12-13T06:44:00.001-08:002019-12-13T06:44:42.383-08:00Quick Knits to Gift or Not - the VSOP Set!<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, "Lucida Sans Unicode", "Lucida Grande", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1.25em; padding: 0px;">
So, I’m really going to try to knit down some of my stash this coming year, and I don’t know about you guys - but I have TONS of gorgeous worsted weight wools hanging around - some leftover from other things and some single skeins that I just wanted to try.</div>
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And I also need a few quick, small things to knit this time of year. Honestly I’m not even knitting gifts, I just have all the distractions of the holidays and the puppy and I really, really can’t just knit sweaters ALL the time.</div>
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So, I saw a cable pattern on some Russian website and I had a half skein leftover from the Bijou Sweater of yarn that I could NOT see going to waste….</div>
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And I made mitts. <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vsop-mitts">VSOP Mitts</a> because of all the Vs, right? A simple hand and a cabled wrist, and it took all of 2 days to knit them, from start to finish!</div>
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<img alt="IMG_4851.JPG" height="333" src="https://www.ravelry.com/forum-images/babycocktails/3rwwa-l00wox" style="border: none; cursor: zoom-in; max-width: 670px;" width="500" /></div>
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I also then saw THIS VINTAGE PLAID WOOLRICH JACKET on Ebay for $26.00 and was obsessed with the idea of them together.</div>
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But once I was done, I realized I wasn’t done. You guys have seen this before - I get a cable in my head and need another go before I can let it go.</div>
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So, back to the stash, where I’d just bought this gorgeous new yarn from Hudson & West. It’s called Forge and it’s kind of a perfect worsted - and I figured I’d give it a go in the cable….</div>
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<img alt="IMG_4969.JPG" height="500" src="https://www.ravelry.com/forum-images/babycocktails/3rwwn-243kzc" style="border: none; cursor: zoom-in; max-width: 670px;" width="333" /></div>
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And I made a hat, the <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vsop-hat">VSOP Hat</a>, and that took about 2 more days to knit once I planned out the crown and ribbing.</div>
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And now I think I’m satisfied? We’ll see….</div>
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I love how these two make a set that’s not matchy - but they both match my fantastic new jacket!</div>
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<strong>If you’d like to knit both patterns, the Ravelry code VSOPSET will get you $3.00 off the pair. Put both in your cart together for $10.00!</strong></div>
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Or they can be purchased separately for $6.50. All the details are up on Ravelry - and I look forward to playing with a little cognac (the VSOP kind!) tonight.... </div>
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cause when it's this cold out, a drink will be needed. </div>
Theahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05449949784468895570noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13579803.post-26811878720064786992019-11-27T04:45:00.002-08:002019-11-27T04:45:25.180-08:00Michelada, and a new yarn for you to try...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPddtkCtGbegg7n6FEmtB5XrAeKPCTE-81EBp-68yGIElPbZWEIkN1Cq8jkuMmVCWOLRi1sHmqffpdEE8lXdEnJm5ey7u55C5a4L4SmJztclfCKn91i05YxCyK7rLFmcWgzlAwbA/s1600/IMG_4489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPddtkCtGbegg7n6FEmtB5XrAeKPCTE-81EBp-68yGIElPbZWEIkN1Cq8jkuMmVCWOLRi1sHmqffpdEE8lXdEnJm5ey7u55C5a4L4SmJztclfCKn91i05YxCyK7rLFmcWgzlAwbA/s640/IMG_4489.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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Introducing <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/michelada-2">Michelada!</a><br />
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And Magpie Fibers new non-superwash worsted weight yarn, <a href="https://www.magpiefibers.com/nest-worsted/twilight-honey-nest-worsted">Nest </a>- it's 100% Corriedale, and Dami has created this gorgeous Twilight series of colors, all dyed over the natural gray - so the heathers really add some gorgeous depth to the fiber.<br />
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Pair one skein of Nest with a few cables - I chose this mix of narrow traveling lines and thicker twisted columns, to create a motif with a bit of movement to it - and voila! It's quite the dramatic, but actually very simple hat! <br />
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And a hat is the PERFECT thing to be knitting right now - portable travel project, much-needed gift knit, or just an excuse to get a skein of a new yarn and try it out!<br />
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Until Sunday 12/1 at midnight, the code NESTNOW will get you 20% off the pattern if you purchase from me on Ravelry - just to try and coerce you to give it a go!<br />
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I've got some cornbread stuffing and a puppy waiting for me, so pardon the short post. <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/michelada-2">All the details are on the Ravelry page....</a>Theahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05449949784468895570noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13579803.post-27956455616750387052019-11-12T06:18:00.000-08:002019-11-12T06:18:16.914-08:00Pendennis Clubs!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGEkpmcDvAfNKqluXLcsHN2R5I9ikveDU3pzah5vv6e4s1kL3YLHHChH15Ms4VGh4PUIQ8EVA7WMdqKI0I5ZTAl7ycuX_LRuJSbalqFoV6yeh8RM53npkEWMfySd2QOmuPk3NH4g/s1600/IMG_4618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGEkpmcDvAfNKqluXLcsHN2R5I9ikveDU3pzah5vv6e4s1kL3YLHHChH15Ms4VGh4PUIQ8EVA7WMdqKI0I5ZTAl7ycuX_LRuJSbalqFoV6yeh8RM53npkEWMfySd2QOmuPk3NH4g/s640/IMG_4618.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Introducing TWO new designs featuring Jill Draper's gorgeous tweed yarn, that named for her hometown - <a href="https://jilldraper.com/shop?olsPage=t%2Fkingston&page=2">Kingston</a>! It comes in so many beautiful shades that when it came time to design with this, my mind went to colorwork, so I could use a couple of them, rather than just choose one.<br />
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<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pendennis-club">Pendennis Club</a> and the <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pendennis-club-hat">Pendennis Club Hat</a>!<br />
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<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pendennis-club">The Pendennis Club</a> sweater features two shades of Kingston, accented with yet another of Jill's fibers - a marled skein of <a href="http://rockwell./">Rockwell.</a> I love how the bits of color in the tweed match my Rockwell shade pretty perfectly, adding a whole extra layer of richness and depth to the combination.<br />
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The sweater itself is a simple pullover - bottom up construction, worked in the round, with raglan shaping. Mods for length and width are easy and included in the pattern - plus I created colorwork motifs around both arms and body that would lend themselves to alterations in stitch count fairly easily.<br />
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The simple geometry of a Peerie square stripe separates the upper and lower sections of the fabric, and an elegant leaf motif is featured on both front and back of the body, below the armholes.<br />
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And after all the cables that end up on my needles, this stockinette number was fast and satsifying and could be brought to work on in all kinds of situations! I liked it sooo much that I really wasn't done when the sweater was finished, and thanks to Jill's generous yardage, I had a few yards left to play with.<br />
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SO...<br />
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I designed a hat as well. Another skein of Rockwell found its way out of my stash and looked just perfect with the partial skein of Gage St that remainde after the sweater was done and blocked.<br />
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Some stranded medallions, a little texture to really allow the contrast to pop, a bunchy crown and yep, a pom. The <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pendennis-club-hat">Pendennis Club Hat</a>! <br />
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And although I didn't use matchy-matchy motifs, they really ARE meant to be published as a pair, so if you buy both patterns together on Ravelry, you'll get them for $11, which is $3.50 off the total price if purchased separately. <br />
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There are some really beautiful test knits on Ravelry of both <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pendennis-club-hat">hat</a> and <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pendennis-club">sweater </a>- go take a look! All the yardage and other details are there as well.<br />
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And the Pendennis Club Cocktail?<br />
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2 oz gin<br />
1 oz apricot liqueur<br />
.5 oz fresh lime juice<br />
and a dash of Peychaud's bitters.<br />
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Shake in a jigger with ice and pour into a coupe glass!<br />
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<br />Theahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05449949784468895570noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13579803.post-89514760743279422022019-10-10T09:12:00.001-07:002019-10-10T09:12:14.400-07:00A Little Shandy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWSA-0O-Ij1xB3teXV2CboWoUDFUndhqFqWefcsd6F0d-dtlrgcQex2QVx6LqfzIkkKRTAxHmzAsSUXrD9g49PJ67yKyxHj-dQN7nds_LEvKMLoaO8AUl_trTVliCmIKojIT6tkw/s1600/IMG_3690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWSA-0O-Ij1xB3teXV2CboWoUDFUndhqFqWefcsd6F0d-dtlrgcQex2QVx6LqfzIkkKRTAxHmzAsSUXrD9g49PJ67yKyxHj-dQN7nds_LEvKMLoaO8AUl_trTVliCmIKojIT6tkw/s640/IMG_3690.JPG" width="425" /></a></div>
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Another design, this time modeled by my good friend Margaux, so I'm going to lead with the #rarestitch on the sleeve. If you follow me you already know this is something I do for Margaux on many of my designs - this one stitch in thousands knit in a different color to stand out. It's done as a nod to Margaux and her son James and as a reminder to all that rare diseases are out there and the people who they affect need help and support and visibility. Margaux does TONS to raise awareness and money to help her son and to fight AHC. You can read more about it here...<a href="http://cureahc.org/">http://cureahc.org/</a><br />
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And you can see all the things Margaux does by following her at @1010_studio on Instagram. Tote bags, cowls, pom-pom earrings and other crafty endeavors raise $$ and show off her amazing skills!<br />
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Now, about that sweater?<br />
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I love the subtle, not-subtle quality of these scallops and cables together. Knit in a soft, heathered wool-alpaca mix with an easy, high-hip fit, this cardigan is one I'm already reaching for with almost any kind of outfit!<br />
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The yarn is a gorgeous fiber from <a href="https://gorwm.com.au/product/polwarth-suri-dk/">Great Ocean Road Mill </a>in Australia called Eva, and this yellow shade was dyed by <a href="https://www.happygoknitty.co.nz/">Helene of Happy Go Knitty.</a> She's unfortunately not dyeing this base right now, but she has lots of lovely other yarns on offer, and her colors are beautiful!<br />
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All the info on the design is up on Ravelry, along with 10 test knits in lots of various yarns. <br />
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You can see them <a href="http://here./">HERE.</a><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/shandy-2">https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/shandy-2</a><br />
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<b>And don't forget, I'm in the middle of donating $1 from EVERY RAVELRY PDF SOLD until 11/4 to Stacey Abrams and her FairFight2020 initiative. We've got about $500 already and I'm hoping to keep adding to the pile throughout October. </b>Theahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05449949784468895570noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13579803.post-10539453635346154772019-09-26T11:41:00.000-07:002019-09-26T11:41:42.017-07:00New Sweater, New Donation<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">I’ve been waiting a little while to share this squishy sweater with you! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pamplemousse-4">Pamplemousse</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Cables and slipped stitches and a cowl, knit in the most beautiful hand-dyed yarn ever. It’s Taiga, Canadian Dorset, naturally dyed by <a href="https://www.bleupoussiere.com/">Shani of Bleu Poussiere</a>, to the most subtle, delicate but sophisticated pink ever.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Right?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I’ll let you check out the test knits and the rest of the photos and info <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pamplemousse-4">on Ravelry</a> for yourself, and you know I'll pop into my group to answer questions as they arise!</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you want to find Shani’s Taiga, she’s having an ETSY update tonight 9/26 at 7pm EST<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/BleuPoussiere"> HERE</a></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And I'm also starting a new donation, as promised, now that my husband is employed and I have a little wiggle room to pay the bills once more. This time I'm not going to tie the donation to a specific pattern, but make it apply to all my sales. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>From today until November 4th, 2019, I am going to donate $1 of EVERY SELF PUB I SELL ON RAVELRY to Fair Fight 2020.</strong> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">You can read more about <a href="https://fairfight.com/">FairFight 2020 here</a>, and my thoughts on their mission are below. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I think Stacey Abrams is a hugely effective organizer, speaker, and all-around human. I trust her to do this right, and I want to amplify her message about the importance of next year’s election. and the urgency of getting organized now. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Personally, I feel strongly that in order to address the inequality in our systems, there needs to be accountability in our voting process, and I don’t see it now. I feel strongly that Institutional, political changes will only happen when everyone is represented and has a fair chance to be heard at the polls, and that’s what Stacey Abrams is trying to do. You can read more on her website or in the article here, but she’s organizing legal action and local mechanisms to protect our elections in 20 different states, and she’s organizing it all now so it’s ready when we need it next year.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 1.25em; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I know some of you may won’t agree with me using my business to promote the voting rights issue. I’m sorry if this offends you, and that’s not my intent. It’s not partisan, it’s about everyone having the same rights. My intent is to fight for equality and representation for everyone under the law.</span></div>
Theahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05449949784468895570noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13579803.post-28425397576571995532019-08-29T10:06:00.001-07:002019-08-29T10:06:35.641-07:00Back For Fall<br />
If you've been following me elsewhere, you know it's been a long, strange summer. I spent a whole month without children for the first time ever, my husband spent the last 4 months unemployed and trying to find work somewhere in the world, which by the way has turned into a giant dumpster fire (that I'll try to deal with somewhere not here in this post), and I'm deep in the joy that is menopause - experiencing the joy of a hot flash at least a few times every hour these days.<br />
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When confronted with things I can't control or don't exactly know how to manage, I bury my head in the few things I CAN do, which this summer, was to work - so that we would be prepared to pay the mortgage and the tuition, and the non-work sponsored healthcare without having to sell the house or uproot the family without a plan. <br />
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So I did that, and soon you'll be seeing ALL the things come down the pike. Fair warning: there's a lot. I may need to space things out better.<br />
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The good news (besides all the knits) is that my husband IS employed again (as of last week!!) and although menopause and the dumpster fire continue, I can at least check that one thing off the list. Menopause we will just deal with as best we can (ice cubes in everything and tank tops in January?) and you'll soon see me doing what I can to help with the world again.<br />
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But, how about we just focus on a few knits for now?<br />
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I've released three new things this week!<br />
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First, a satisfying and soothing cowl just to clear your head and ease into the bigger knits this season. Worked in a beautiful cormo from <a href="https://www.wingandaprayerfarm.com/">Wing and A Prayer Farm</a>, this one features a geometric lace that's bold and geometric and makes a lovely statement piece for pretty much anything you want to wear this winter. Pattern is written for 2 sizes (this is the bigger one), with lots of notes for modifications to gauge, size, and even a little tweak you can play with in the pattern itself if you want to choose your own adventure. <br />
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<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/simple-daiquiri">Simple Daiquiri</a><br />
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And next, a sweater in two versions. The Bijou features a lovely shoulder/neckline treatment and is written in fingering weight with short sleeves as the <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bijou-tee">Bijou Tee</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3tdMosm6kh2vyv1FlqCO8iSqg9cFfoh5QCuxcxe2p7As6fMvYKG1M2E7Wq0aj1tYPtBlOxL6n7S2GN9-M23eVbCcohoEDz0M19zAlRHfdSBkOpUIysXuxRP6k8aZeIVf3m0aMLw/s1600/IMG_2064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3tdMosm6kh2vyv1FlqCO8iSqg9cFfoh5QCuxcxe2p7As6fMvYKG1M2E7Wq0aj1tYPtBlOxL6n7S2GN9-M23eVbCcohoEDz0M19zAlRHfdSBkOpUIysXuxRP6k8aZeIVf3m0aMLw/s400/IMG_2064.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
AND in worsted weight, with long sleeves, as the <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bijou-sweater">Bijou Sweater</a>. It's a great knit, in <a href="https://www.barrettwoolco.com/pages/yarn">Barrett Wool's</a> Wisconsin Woolen Spun yarn - the tee in fingering weight, the sweater in worsted. It's easily modified and notes are in the pattern(s) as per usual - plus, this one is also REVERSIBLE. We found that out pretty late in the game. Actually Gabriella herself decided to wear it this way (see that "I told you so" face?) But it's true. It's reversible - and it looks great both ways.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9hfKQL5628Z2smtDk-05BRFjZLJ4c_JU793XDbPqn6W6sMjV7zR4QfLXHeGgSKxN1WGdN5u4FFx5xNYDmSJdERj-4KPwGj2l5BGaKiyxulUW97dxnc3UdeW_ksNL62bhdzHPN1A/s1600/IMG_2782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9hfKQL5628Z2smtDk-05BRFjZLJ4c_JU793XDbPqn6W6sMjV7zR4QfLXHeGgSKxN1WGdN5u4FFx5xNYDmSJdERj-4KPwGj2l5BGaKiyxulUW97dxnc3UdeW_ksNL62bhdzHPN1A/s320/IMG_2782.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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More info is up on Ravelry if you're interested.....<br />
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<br />Theahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05449949784468895570noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13579803.post-13437011127817009272019-07-16T08:26:00.001-07:002019-07-16T09:02:07.228-07:00Thoughts <br />
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<br />
<br />
If you've been following me for a while, you already know where I stand on racism and hate, and I am sorry that it has taken me a few days to gather my thoughts and find some words now that events are unfolding in the knitting world again.<br />
<br />
I am disgusted by the sentiment behind the poem and the actions taken by both Nathan, the Sockmatician, and his husband Benjamin. Their intentional stirring of emotion, their lack of responsibility, their aggression, and their racist behavior is unacceptable. When I saw what was happening over there, the situation was well out of control and changing daily, and to be honest, I was unsure what value my words would have added.<br />
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I am sorry that I failed in not just calling out their actions then.<br />
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I value the whole community around me in both my knitting world and in my life without needles, and I pledge to you that I have been and will continue to be responsible for the spaces that I create and the things that are done within them, to ensure that people of any race, color, gender, orientation, size, or disablility feel welcome.<br />
<br />
<b>I will not </b>tolerate any form of hate, any act of violence (written or physical), or any statement that is designed to harm another person in my Ravelry group, on my Instagram account, in any class I teach, any event I attend, any group I am standing in, or here on my blog.<br />
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<b>I will</b> <b>not</b> participate in any retreat, travel to attend any event as a guest, submit to any publication, collaborate with any other maker, or use any yarn in a design if I am not fully comfortable with those who are behind it and what their intentions are towards this goal. I have already turned down opportunities and decided not to travel to events based on comments I have seen, words I've heard said, and views I have heard aired that I was not comfortable with, and I will continue to do so.<br />
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<b>I will </b>continue to seek out new collaborations and avenues that allow me to work with people in the LGBTQ/BIPOC and other marginalized communities who I am excited about, and to use my voice to share their work.<br />
<br />
<b>I will </b>continue to talk with anyone in a position of influence that I have the chance to, to make sure we are all doing our best to create the best version of the spaces I describe above.<br />
<br />
<b>I will </b>continue to use my design work to raise money for women, children, and marginalized groups as best I can in my current situation, and I will resume my quarterly system as soon as my husband is employed again.<br />
<br />
<b>I will </b>continue to do weekly work in my community for homeless and at-risk children, and come Fall I will be tutoring immigrants in English again. Soon, I will also be working to get marginalized voters to the polls before 2020.<br />
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In the spirit of being completely transparent, and to explain the last bold point up there, please know that Instagram is not my main vehicle for change. I tend towards actions that I can tangibly feel and participate in, and I have been doing them for years. I don't say that to center myself, but to point out that IG is only one vehicle for change and that working towards change can and should happen in many arenas.<br />
<br />
Please also know that I am NOT dismissing those for whom IG is their chosen vehicle, nor am I saying I will not use IG to call out things that I see in the future. I just feel strongly that there needs to be a quilt of sorts in place - Instagram is one square, but we can also each find the action that feels the most organic and effective to us, and allow that to become our square - and I believe that with many squares we can eventually cover an issue completely. The trick is that we all need to be looking for and creating our squares.<br />
<br />
Thank you for listening. I am not looking for validation or kudos here, so don't feel the need to give any in the comments. I just want to be clear about where I stand and how I am currently adding my voice to this fight. I'm still learning and I imagine more things will be added to the above as time goes on. <br />
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<br />Theahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05449949784468895570noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13579803.post-12090343146904130022019-07-15T18:18:00.004-07:002019-07-16T18:51:06.595-07:00Two Frozen Cocktail-Popsicle Recipes <div>
Both of these were fantastic!! Sorry, no photos, but you can see them on my Instagram feed, where I am @theacolman.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Giving proper credit where it's due, if you want more of these, the book is called <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ice-kitchen-poptails-nadia-roden/1127088607?ean=9781849499583&st=PLA&sid=BNB_ADL+Core+Generic+Books+-+Desktop+Medium&sourceId=PLAGoNA&dpid=tdtve346c&2sid=Google_c&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-5bV4Z-44wIVBZ-fCh0M2wQ-EAQYAiABEgITQfD_BwE">Poptails</a> by Cesar and Nadia Roden and they ALL look delicious. This book was a surprise gift to me in the mail from the lovely Sue (sioux666666) who has test knit and been a Ravelry friend in my group for years. Much appreciated, Sue!!!</div>
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<div>
I did change the recipes just a bit, so these are not exactly what was in the book: </div>
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<div>
<b>Bourbon Vanilla Pops</b></div>
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<div>
1.75 cups whole milk</div>
<div>
2 table spoons cornstarch</div>
<div>
1.25 cups of heavy cream</div>
<div>
2/3 cups of sugar</div>
<div>
1/3 cups of bourbon</div>
<div>
6 dashes of orange bitters</div>
<div>
zest of one orange</div>
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<div>
First, mix 3 tablespoons of the milk with the cornstarch in a small bowl until it's a little thick.</div>
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<div>
Put rest of milk, cream, sugar in small pan and simmer on low for a few mins, then stir in milk/cornstarch liquid. It will thicken a little. Add bitters and zest. Stir for about 2 mins more.</div>
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<div>
Let sit off burner for a bit to cool, then stir in bourbon. Allow to cool more for about 20-30 mins, so you can pour into plastic mold.</div>
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Pour into mold and let freeze overnight.</div>
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<b>Paloma </b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
.5 cup of water</div>
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.5 cup sugar</div>
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finely grated zest of 2 limes. </div>
<div>
Thinly sliced lime crescents </div>
<div>
.5 cup fresh lime juice</div>
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2.25 cups grapefruit juice</div>
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8 tablespoons tequila</div>
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<br /></div>
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Pour water, sugar, and lime juice in small pot and heat until sugar dissolves. </div>
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<div>
Take pot off heat and stir in the lime zest, grapefruit juice and tequila. Let cool so you can pour into molds.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Drop one lime crescent in bottom of each popsicle mold and then pour in mixture over crescent. Freeze overnight. </div>
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:) Stay Cool! </div>
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Theahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05449949784468895570noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13579803.post-64496242971079561122019-07-11T08:21:00.004-07:002019-07-11T08:21:46.364-07:00The Oban Cardigan, next in a series<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIzqx5E7R157TtOEgfQ9SaYFvHPmVw0ZhP_6DApAKLFEZTsLiPMJFr240EaRpUtjUcbK1XnfwLXd2_6aIFNDoPIN53z5hNxTAkeNQ8dN-9F0SvXjhmhWRP_gkGcJcjZr5djPCiqA/s1600/IMG_2877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIzqx5E7R157TtOEgfQ9SaYFvHPmVw0ZhP_6DApAKLFEZTsLiPMJFr240EaRpUtjUcbK1XnfwLXd2_6aIFNDoPIN53z5hNxTAkeNQ8dN-9F0SvXjhmhWRP_gkGcJcjZr5djPCiqA/s640/IMG_2877.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Yep, a third Oban design.<br />
<br />
What can I say? I'm seriously powerless when it comes to these cables, plus Anne Hanson's gorgeous <a href="https://www.barenakedwools.com/">Bare Naked Wool </a>- the squishy fibers and her gorgeous natural shades just pull at my heartstrings. <br />
<br />
So yes, even though I have the <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/oban-hat">Oban Hat</a> and the <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/oban-sweater">Oban Sweater,</a> I really really just needed to design an <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/the-oban-cardigan">Oban Cardigan.</a> Extra points were given because this sweater quantity of Kent Worsted had been purchased a few Rhinebecks ago, fully categorizing this as not only a new design, but a stashdown. <br />
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And since this was something I was designing for fun, without a deadline, I had time to think about all the details - so pardon the many photos on the pattern page. There are a lot of little moments in this sweater that make me smile. <br />
<br />
I paired the cables with both honeycomb and rib detail, highlighting both the delicate shawl collar and the pockets (!!pockets!!) just so. Double cable panels on the fronts keep things simple, and a wider panel at back is what really catches your eye - but it's the overall combination of textures and lines that I think works so well here.<br />
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And as always, hidden in those lines are spots where modifying for fit are easy, and the pattern is full of notes and hints for altering things if needed. <br />
<br />
ALL the details, plus the test knits are <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/the-oban-cardigan">over on Ravelry.</a> The PDF is also available in the Patterns section of the website here.<br />
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<br />Theahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05449949784468895570noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13579803.post-78206938528049797842019-06-27T05:11:00.003-07:002019-06-27T05:11:34.988-07:00Violet Aster - and Giving Back once more. If you have been following me for a while, you know that I've used my voice in the past to help causes I care about and it's been a bit since I've done a charity pattern. I've been acutely aware that there's a need out there. I was waiting for my husband to find a new job, as he was laid off in April and things are a little tighter than usual around here.<br />
<br />
However, I know that we are fine in so many ways, and we are lucky in so many more - and there are many families hoping for better lives right now that are not OK - families who are separated, families trying to start over, families in trouble, without the resources we take for granted - who need serious, real help. As my fury at what's happening out there continues to grow, it's really just high time to bite the bullet and add a few dollars to the cause. If you follow me on Instagram, you know I just sent a $400 check to help, and that felt like something - but it didn't feel like enough.<br />
<br />
**Until midnight on Sun 6/30, I will donate 50% of the proceeds from all sales of this pattern to <a href="https://www.raicestexas.org/">Raices Texas</a>, who is working tirelessly to help immigrants and refugees at the US border:**<br />
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<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/violet-aster">Violet Aster </a>is my foray into the world of yokes. I wanted something simple but bold, and decided to use lace for a more seasonal design. With that in mind, the sweater features a beautiful leaf-like motif around the body at hem and again on the yoke, paired with a garter stitch background to create a striking combination of lace and texture on a simple stockinette pullover.<br />
<br />
The detail in each band of lace around the sweater features subtly different versions of the motif, each worked in a more delicate design than the one below it, as the sweater is worked upwards.<br />
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The yarn I chose for this is <a href="https://dererumnatura.fr/shop/en/yarns/14-produit-generique1.html">De Rerum Gilliatt</a>, which I'd had in stash for years (yay for some great stashbusting!!). It's round and soft and bouncy and shows the detail beautifully. This heathered shade of purple is gorgeous in both stockinette and detail, and it's a perfect weight for year-round wear.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYCZu_96w_5ZoRNfm0jHxS9F6K2QVnFv8V7dPlj13PJlRNT1rgWy3-w3CEZExX8j-nQVp469a42HjhY2LrCWPzXw0GWKA8wAmBcgPImGWRwcxGY5mSoFrr5lV_aLITs8sFyIWpQ/s1600/de+rerum+hero+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYCZu_96w_5ZoRNfm0jHxS9F6K2QVnFv8V7dPlj13PJlRNT1rgWy3-w3CEZExX8j-nQVp469a42HjhY2LrCWPzXw0GWKA8wAmBcgPImGWRwcxGY5mSoFrr5lV_aLITs8sFyIWpQ/s640/de+rerum+hero+1.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
The sweater is worked seamlessly from the bottom up. Sleeves are knit separately and joined at underarm, and the yoke is then shaped in one piece to neckline. Modifications for fit have been considered, and the pattern includes notes and suggestions throughout to alter length or width, as well as notes on modifying the neckline. Sleeve instructions are written out for either 3/4 or long sleeves.<br />
<br />
More photos, details, and the test knits can be found on the Ravelry page. I had a fantastic group of test knitters, so keep your eyes out for their versions as well.<br />
<br />
The PDF is available <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/violet-aster">on Ravelry </a>or on the Pullover page of the website here. It won't be available for sale in shops until after the weekend, so that all sales will be part of my charity initiative.<br />
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Named for the violet in Creme de Yvette and the shade of the yarn, I created my OWN cocktail for this one. Suffice to say that I could not find a good cocktail that matched this sweater that I actually wanted to drink, so experimenting began:<br />
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<br />
<br />
1 part bourbon<br />
0.5 part creme de yvette<br />
0.5 part fresh lemon juice<br />
2 dashes angostura bitters<br />
white of one egg.<br />
club soda<br />
ice<br />
garnish - lemon balm<br />
<br />
Shake bourbon, creme de yvette, lemon juice, bitters, and egg white in a shaker WITHOUT ICE for about a minute. This is called a dry shake and will get you a nice froth.<br />
<br />
Then take top off shaker, add ice, and shake again for another minute.<br />
<br />
Strain into coupe glass, top with club soda, and garnish with lemon balm.<br />
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:) <br />
<br />Theahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05449949784468895570noreply@blogger.com19