Neoknits patterns, now available in JKnit format
Posted on | January 31, 2012 | 1 Comment
When Julia from JKnit contacted me about selling my patterns within their company’s new iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad app, I was intrigued. I had checked out other knitting apps for the iPhone before, but they really fell short of my expectations. Julia sent me a copy of the app, I immersed myself in a few video tutorials (short and sweet), and got started converting my patterns into the JKnit format.
The knitpoint.com store launched last week and I am excited to announce that four of my patterns (Grannie Smith, Cohansie, Sesame, and Idylewylde) are now available in JKnit format, with more on the way! With the recent update to the app, the user now has the option of purchasing patterns already formatted for JKnit along with the typical PDF file you’re familiar with (it now has a PDF viewer within the app).
Can I just say that I absolutely love this app! I really can’t say enough good things about it. JKnit has become a necessary part of my knitting and designing toolbox. To me, it’s one of those things like Ravelry, you don’t know how you ever lived without it. I use it every. single. day.
Previously, the user had to convert their knitting patterns into the JKnit format. The JKnit format is a special way of inputting the pattern so you can use it in the app. Basically, the app has a creating pattern section (available in Pro version only) and a counter section. To knit from the pattern, the knitter uses the counter function to click the counter after each row is complete. As you click each row, the pattern is displayed in a line by line format so you know exactly what to do. It keeps track of any stitch patterns, stitch counts, shaping (it even easily tracks “at the same time” directions!!!), and height “events” (JKnit speak).
If you’re like me and have ever knit a bazillion rows past your shaping because you’re in another world, forgot to do something “at the same time”, or missed starting your armholes when the back measured 15″ long, this app is a project saver. Having a counter that keeps track of where you are means you are less likely to have to frog any of your work back. You still have to remember to click the counter of course, but boy has it saved me a lot of time! Another plus? If you come back to your project a year later, no more wondering where you are in the pattern. Your place is saved for you.
If you’d like to learn more about the app, try the following links:
JKnit – main site
Knitpoint.com – online knitting pattern store
Vogue Knitting Live
Posted on | January 18, 2012 | 2 Comments
NYC has never been the same since VK Live came to town last year. Having thousands of knitters converge on the city for 3 days worth of knitting is just awesome. And not to mention all of the other events going on at various LYS while well known teachers and designers are in town!
I spent Saturday and Sunday exploring the marketplace and catching up with friends. There were book signings galore this year, so it was fairly easy to find everyone throughout the day. As for those designers who attended the show as “civilians”, I also managed to run into quite a few of them as well.
Cirilia Rose and I at the Skacel booth
This year, I really wanted to take Catherine Lowe’s couture knitting class, but apparently it is always the first to sell out. At the last minute, I decided to take a class about teaching and creating classes with Tricia Malcolm. While Tricia does not really teach knitting classes, she started her career as a teacher at an all girls school. It was a great class and I would certainly recommend taking it if that sort of thing interests you.
I also walked away with a few goodies, of course:
- Tiny Unicorn Kit from Mochimochi Land
- I loved the Long Island Livestock Company’s booth. Clean design, natural colored yarns, and sheepy soaps and lotions. I picked up some Shepherdess Salve and Bulky Alpaca/Cotswold Lamb – courtesy of Zack.
Yarn courtesy of Zack the sheep
- I just had to restock on Soak, cause it’s awesome. I purchased one of their new scents, Lacey. Apparently it was a pretty popular one, it flew off the shelf! I also finally purchased a soaking basin, I really don’t know why I didn’t pick one up sooner. I love it! I’ve already used it a bazillion times since last week. Ok, maybe that’s an exaggeration, but not by much!
- VK Live wouldn’t be complete without a stop by the Knitty City booth. Last year, I felt like their booth was the heart of the show and certainly didn’t disappoint this year. I popped in on Tanis Gray signing her latest book, Local Knits and Connie Chang Chinchio signing her first book, Textured Stitches. Both books will get a proper review on this blog very, very soon.
Tanis and her new book, Knit Local
Laura Nelkin, Connie, and I with her new book, Textured Stitches
Some other highlights of the show:
Bijou Basin Ranch: their yarns are just so gorgeous, lovely, and fantastic to wear. I particularly fell in love with this felted crochet wrap: Belle Felted Wrap by Jill Wright
Belle Felted Wrap at Bijou Basin
Yellowfarm: it was nice to see more local farms at the show this year. I particularly liked their Jacob wool from Barton Hill Jacobs.
Ysolda: I got to check out her 2 new books: Whimsical Little Knits 3 and Saturday Treat, an accessory collection in Fyberspates yarn.
Yarnpop: Cute little project bags in fun prints.
And finally, a few random pictures cause I thought these dresses were cool:
Happy New Year!
Posted on | January 11, 2012 | 3 Comments
Happy New Year! I can’t believe it is 2012 already? Where does the time go?
I rang in the new year knitting up a storm on a book project (surprised?) and I have made fairly good progress the past 3 weeks. It always helps when you are on vacation for part of it!
This year I am more concerned about completing the remaining projects on my plate than making resolutions, but I have resolved that as soon as I am done, I will be knitting at least 2 sweaters for myself. I think it will be an appropriate reward for all the knitting I’ve been doing for other things! Hopefully I won’t swear off knitting entirely for awhile……
However, I am sure a few of you out there have made some nice knitting resolutions for the new year. Maybe it’s the hopeful journey into the UFO pile, knitting a sweater a month, or learning a new skill. Or maybe you just want to be more mindful of your knitting. What will be driving your knitting passion this upcoming year?
(Photo: I spent Jan 2nd basking in all my hockey glory at the Winter Classic in Philadelphia thanks to surprise tickets from my Dad. I am happy that I am able to balance my knitting and hockey time. Definitely can’t live without either!)
December? Already?
Posted on | December 10, 2011 | 1 Comment
During the last two months or so, I have almost completely disappeared off of the knitting radar. I think I sighed a little too large sigh of relief at half deadline.
But here we are in December and I have a book due in a little over 4 months! I have been working, but it hasn’t gone quite as smoothly as the first half. Mainly this was due to new responsibilities given to me at work. I was told 2 months ago that I was now responsible for the kids sweater division as well as my junior one. Lovely.
Thankfully things are starting to wind down as Chinese New Year draws closer. The factory closes for a month and we all get a little bit of a break and much needed rest!
For me, there will be no rest for the weary, but that’s OK. I am just glad to finally have dedicated time to devote to my book project.
I hope you all have a happy and safe holiday! See you in the New Year!
Our pink Christmas tree at work – because only designers would have a pink tree!
Half Deadline Time!
Posted on | October 18, 2011 | 2 Comments
Today was the official half deadline for the book. I can’t believe how fast time has gone. I think it has taken the same amount of time to realize that this is really happening! Today there was no questioning reality as I packed my seven babies up and sent them off to my editor at Interweave (it’s always so hard to send off one, but seven?). It’s been a busy few months full of hard work, late nights, and math, math, and more math.
Thankfully, before I started on this massive project, I received some very good advice from designer friends who have been there, done that. Without their frank and helpful tips, I don’t think I could have stayed very calm or grounded during these last few months. Don’t get me wrong, I still had a freak out (or two), but for the most part I stayed cool, calm, and collected.
Before I get ahead of myself though, there is still a lot of work to go! Even though it was my half deadline, half of the projects aren’t finished. I think it will be a little easier to buckle down over the winter months however. Summer days have a certain siren song that soggy, wet, snowy, cold, grey winter days just can’t match. Time to go light the fire and brew up a big pot of tea, it’s gonna be a long winter!
New Pattern: Adina
Posted on | October 11, 2011 | 3 Comments
Introducing Adina:
Light and drapey with an interesting construction, Adina is the perfect autumnal cardigan. This clean and modern cardigan is well suited for weekend getaways or early autumn evenings. Worked on larger needles in fingering weight yarn, the fabric is open without being sheer. Neat rolled edges are kept in place with spots of ribbing and the placket and neck trim is worked at the same time as the body. Finally, an eyelet pattern finishes the cardigan at the yoke.
When I sketched out the idea for Adina, I wanted a cardigan that was loose and flowy on the body. I achieved this look with a box like shape that, when hanging, it forms a handkerchief like hem. Madelinetosh tosh merino light was an obvious choice for the fabric of the cardigan. Although the yarn is on the thinner side, knitting it up on a larger needle makes the fabric light and drapy. Using a larger needle also helps speed up the knitting process!
Originally, Adina did not have any stitch interest at the yoke. I had intended this design to be all about the shape of the cardigan and I was going to work it entirely in stockinette stitch. But as I was knitting, I felt it needed a little something to keep my attention. I chose a simple reverse stockinette eyelet stitch that adds a bit of texture (and knitting interest), but still allows the silhouette to speak for itself.
Finished Measurements
30 (34, 36, 38, 42, 46, 50)” bust/chest circumference, buttoned. Cardigan shown measures 30″ and is worn with 3” negative ease.
Materials
Madelintosh tosh merino light (100% Merino Wool, 3.5 oz, 420 yds), 4 (4, 5, 5, 6, 7) skeins Baltic
Size 6 (4 mm): 24″ circular (cir)
Tapestry needle
7 x 1/2” -diameter buttons
Sewing needle and matching thread
Gauge
24 sts and 33 rows = 4″/10 cm in St st with US size 6 (4 mm) needles
To save time, take time to check gauge.
$7.00
Purchase the pattern at One Planet Yarn and Fiber.
Purchase the kit (yarn + pattern) at One Planet Yarn and Fiber.
Sportster
Posted on | October 3, 2011 | 5 Comments
It’s been a little while since the Twist Collective Fall issue came out, but I’ve been so busy I never got a chance to do a proper post about Sportster.
Sportster is an asymmetric jacket knit up in a heavy worsted wool (think quick knit!). I think my biggest challenge for this sweater design was choosing a stitch that looks good on both the right and wrong sides since both show. In the end, I narrowed it down to the Sand Stitch, which gives a nice texture, is easy to knit, and looks very nice on either side.
When my Mom and Dad were dating, my Mom bought him a fantastic leather motorcycle jacket to use when he was riding around on his Honda. I had my eye on the jacket when growing up, but even with all my pleading he wouldn’t let it go. It fit me fairly well, except for sleeves that were a little too long for my short arms. It would have looked perfect with my high school uniform: a 60′s shift, fishnets with colored tights underneath, and my Doc Martens.
Two years ago, my Dad said he had a surprise for me, we went out to the car and he handed me a bag. I reached in and pulled out the much coveted motorcycle jacket. Sportster is my knitted version of the jacket that I longed for all those years. It’s a shame that I didn’t knit during high school, Sportster would have been my go to cardigan that I would have worn to bits.
Fishnets and Doc Martens aside, Sportster lends itself to many wardrobe choices. It’s easy to pair with a cute striped tee, jeans and ballet flats. Or how about a flared or straight skirt with high leather boots (with cute hand knit socks peeking out of course!). It could also be a cute addition over a dress. My choices below are a little on the edgier side (just my style), but flirty, girly pieces could work too. Try a ditsy floral print dress with flats instead of boots or add more color instead of black.
What will you pair with your Sportster?
Review: Vogue Knitting Knitopedia
Posted on | September 12, 2011 | No Comments
The kind people at Sixth & Spring Books sent me a review copy of the Vogue Knitting Knitopedia: The Ultimate A to Z for Knitters at the beginning of the summer, but I have been so busy it’s been hard to write a proper blog post about it. The book definitely warrants more than a hurried mention, so I waited a little bit.
The Vogue Knitting Knitopedia is a really great reference book. Whatever knitting (or crochet – they don’t discriminate) question you might have, the answer most likely can be found in its pages – and that is not limited to just techniques. The book’s entries are in true encyclopedic form covering techniques, stitches, knitting history, and people. The best part, since this is a knitopedia, the entries are in alphabetical order. What a huge time saver! While I have my favorite reference books that I go back to time and time again, trying to find the info I need quickly isn’t always that simple.
Want a quick summary on Aran or Bohus knitting? Covered. Confused how chain stitches are counted? Covered. Not sure what the difference is between a saddle shoulder and a drop shoulder is? Covered. Want to know more about Pam Allen? Covered. You get the point.
While it may not be the type of knitting book that you read cover to cover (although who says you couldn’t), it makes a very nice addition to any knitter’s reference shelf. When in a pinch and you need an answer quick, it would be handy to always keep the Knitopedia close by your yarn basket (or yarn mountain – hey I’m not here to judge).
Remember Me?
Posted on | September 9, 2011 | 1 Comment
Yes, I am still here! The book is coming along well, but is sucking up all of my time for the moment. My first deadline is a little over a month away and I am a little nervous about that. So, I don’t really have as much time to spend here, there, or anywhere for that matter.
Even though working on a book is extremely labor intensive, it has been an interesting process. Scheduling my time accordingly has been the hardest part. Not so much that it is hard to sit down to knit and work, but that my full-time work schedule has been a little more involved than I would have liked. Summer is usually a slow time in the fashion industry, but this year it just wasn’t so. In fact, it seems like I was just whining about missing out on the summer fun, I blinked, and now it’s fall (or just about anyway)!
I can’t wait for it to get just a touch cooler so I can start pulling out all of the hand knits. Fall truly is my favorite time of the year: apple picking, turning leaves, Halloween, Rhinebeck …… so many things to look forward to.
And speaking of something to look forward to, I just might have a new pattern that will be available soon. I have been working on it for quite some time, but with my world spinning around it has taken a little time for me to finish it up. I will tell you that it was knit up in Madelintosh tosh merino light and will make a nice layering piece for the fall. I hope to post some preview pictures in the next week or so. Hopefully the weather co-operates this weekend for picture taking!
Spin Expo 2012
Posted on | July 20, 2011 | No Comments
Occasionally my full time job brings me across something interesting enough to share with you on the blog. Spin Expo is a yarn show for the manufacturing end of the industry that is held in Shanghai and New York every year. It’s kinda like our TNNA to compare it in hand knitting terms – only not as cool or fun.
With the way the yarn prices have been lately (ie: through the roof) I usually can’t do anything more than dream of using most of these yarns for my collection. I design for a price conscious Junior label, so yarn cost is everything. Even though most of the vendors are out of our price range, it’s always helpful to check out what the new trends and hot yarns are for the next season.
This year, two hand knit companies had booths, which was a nice surprise: Alchemy Yarns of Transformation and Knit Collage. Typically hand knit companies don’t cross over in the machine knit business, but with the trendiness of hand knit garments right now they fit right in.
In the trend area of the show, the key themes all seemed tied together by the idea of hand knitting and crafty ideas – very interesting for a show that revolves around machine knits. Crochet was very well represented along with chunky knits. The Heritage theme (which has been in the pipeline for some time) also made an appearance – chunky cables, naturally dyed yarns, plaid, and color work.
In a separate section of the trend area was a nice presentation on eco-friendly and naturally dyed yarns. While eco-friendly isn’t exactly a new idea, it’s been slow to be adopted by the mass market part of the industry. While cost shouldn’t be an excuse, sadly it is a reality when cost is so closely monitored.
In the main show area, there was also a great booth set up by Mohair South America with the winner and two runners up of the design competition they held earlier in the year. I believe the designers have been be profiled in the Early Fall 2011 issue of Vogue Knitting. The winning garments were absolutely stunning. Particularly the second garment. It is in Hand Maiden Fine Yarns Maiden Hair and is hand painted!
I will now leave you with a bit more eye candy:
