Great Northern

For the latest updates on Great Northern, please see the News section of greatnorthernknits.com.

WIPs Closet Confessions: The First One

Good evening, and welcome. Please draw up a comfy seat, light your cigar and enjoy a new feature I like to call...

WIPs Closet Confessions

...In which we open up our closet of shame unfinished projects, and talk about them.

Why are they still there? Who were they for? What are they made of? Should we rip 'em out?

I plan on posting every other Thursday, and want you to be a part of it. My friend Laura has agreed to show and tell with us, and hopefully more of you will join in. Use #WIPsCC to label your posts if you want in on this embarrassing, cathartic series!

(WIP, for those of you who are unfamiliar, stands for Work In Progress)

To get us started, here is a blanket I have been working on for, oh I don't know, seven years?

1. What is it?
This is an improvised, bias-knit blanket with a garter stitch border and stockinette stitch on most of it. Super simple. Perfect TV knitting.

2. When did you start it?
7 years ago, give or take

3. What's it for?
 A blanket for our couch, or maybe embiggened a little for our bed.

4. What's it made of?
Rowan Colourscape , which is discontinued. I think I have enough, fingers crossed. It's really pretty and I'm doing some alternating-skeins stripes when I feel like it.

5.Why isn't it done?
Mostly, because it's really hot to knit. Basically it's like having a blanket on you, so... I have to be in the right mood/season for that. Winter knitting tends to be gift knitting, and the blanket gets passed over again and again!
Plus, sometimes I love it and sometimes I think it's a hideous beast. Mostly I really love it, though.

6. What would it take to finish it, at least in time and materials?
Probably 15 hours and another skein or two.

7. Is it worth finishing, or consider ripping it?
Yeah, I'll finish it eventually.

8. Shame scale 1-5 
Probably 2. It's big and bulky so I want to get it done to de-clutter the closet, but I am fine letting this one sleep.

---

Want to do a Closet Confession? (Yeah you do!) Use these prompts in any way you'd like (do 'em all, pick a couple, do none of them) and let me know what you're up to!


1. What is it? (Pattern, inspiration)
2. When did you start it?
3. What's it for? (who or why)
4. What's it made of?
5.Why isn't it done? (this could take a while)
6. What would it take to finish it, at least in time and materials? (emotional toil notwithstanding)
7. Is it worth finishing, or consider ripping it?
8. Shame scale 1-5 (1 = I'm cool with this situation, 5 = Please no don't look at it, my heart is broken, my life is OVER and we shan't EVEN)

Medusa Loop Scarf KAL is complete!

Laura, Tricia and I are done knitting our new Medusa Loop Scarves, and I think they look pretty great!

Laura went for eye-catching BRIGHT pink and was rewarded with this gorgeous, huge beast of a scarf, Tricia went for a nice neutral and I used some coordinating scraps for a wild, stripey scarf.

Thanks for knitting along with me, ladies!

Great Northern - A Knitwear Collection Inspired By Twin Peaks

Ever since watching Twin Peaks for the first time years ago, I have wanted to design a collection based on the amazing sweaters worn by the female characters. I know I am far from the only knitwear designer to have had this same impulse -- when I've mentioned this idea to other industry people who are familiar with the show, they will say something along the lines of "Oh my gosh-- I almost did that!"

Twin Peaks is beloved by knitters for many of the same reasons that made it a cult classic. It was a groundbreaking show when it came out, incorporating cinematic and thematic elements into a weekly tv show in a way that was new and incredibly exciting. David Lynch's vision was fully realized with his team-- the attention to detail in characterization, wardrobe, cinematography and all aspects of production was impeccable. The show is hilariously funny, horrifying, truly bizarre and touching, often in the same episode.

And then, there are the sweaters.

Since I was late to this party (I was 7 years old when Twin Peaks originally aired), watching it a few years ago was like a shock to my system. "This show is AMAZING and it's been around this WHOLE TIME and I didn't know about it??!" I felt cheated of all the years, especially in high school, when I could have used some Agent Cooper, Audrey, and Lynchian weirdness. I saw the David Lynch movies that I could when I was younger, but somehow the show eluded my grasp. I knew it existed, but I didn't know what I was in for.

All of this is to say that I respect the legacy of the show, and I have given this all a lot of thought. Some of the sweaters I'm working on have been cooking in my brain for many years.

So, why now?

I waited until I had designed a number of sweaters and was confident in my garment design before attempting to put this all together. Around the time I started kicking this around in my head for real, Teresa Gregorio reached out to me about doing a collaboration. This turned out to be fortuitous timing, and she fully got on board when I explained my idea. Teresa's design aesthetic is playful, feminine, and incorporates fun colorwork and textures into fantastic designs-- basically, we're a great match to design a collection together.

After about a billion emails, Teresa and I finally met in person at TNNA last month. We schemed, sketched, filmed, and made lots of lists.

We're working on a Kickstarter video and will launch the fundraising this summer. We will release the collection in Fall 2016! Great Northern will include 10 sweaters and a number of accessories and home goods. We will publish the collection as an e-book AND a print book, which we are very excited about!

It should be said that the sweaters will not be direct knock-offs of the show wardrobe. We are taking the silhouettes, textures and styles of our favorite sweaters and made them our own, while still keeping the style intact-- Audrey, Donna, Norma, the Log Lady, Maddie and Lucy would be proud to wear them.

So, stay tuned! We're using the hashtag #greatnorthernknits to give you glimpses of what we're working on until we release the video! We've also got a simple website where you can sign up for our newsletter for updates. I hope you do!

Short Rows are Great!

For some reason, beginner/intermediate knitters are scared of short rows. All that wrapping and turning, it just makes them nervous. Are you one of those people? With this post (and my article in Holla Knits Warm Weather Accessories) I hope to change your mind!

There are so, so many awesome projects that utilize short rows. If you don't believe me, scroll through the Ravelry search here for short row patterns! I mean really, how cool are all those shapes and curves and color blocks and stripes.

Here are two of mine:

Short row tutorial posts are plentiful on these here Internets, so I'm linking to a good one to get you familiar with the mechanics.

Once you've got the basics down (and really, it's not that hard!), it's time to get creative. In my article, I demonstrate how to turn a 4-sided geometric shape into a knitted piece.

A shape to knit

Maths! 

Victory!

These shapes can then be linked together to form a scarf, a blanket, a shawl, pillowcase, sweater, poncho, stuffed animal... the possibilities are endless. Short rows open up a new world of multi-dimensional knitting and designing. You are no longer limited to a rectangle!

If you haven't tried knitting short rows before, I hope you'll give them a try. Go forth and create!

_______

The Holla Knits blog tour continues...

May 18: Holla Knits Warm Weather Accessories Issue LaunchMay 19: The Sweatshop of Love / Knitted Bliss – kit giveaway, issue giveaway
May 20: Ruby Submarine – fringe tutorial
May 21: Handmade by Stefanie – pattern and yarn giveaway

May 26: Doog Knits – kit giveaway
May 28: Canary Knits – issue giveaway
May 29: Laura Reinbach – pattern giveaway

June 1: Gynx Yarns Podcast – pattern and yarn giveaway
June 2: Ruby Submarine – issue giveaway
June 4: Rock and Purl – giveaway

June 8: Handmade by Stefanie – Take 5
June 9: Hands Occupied – issue giveaway

New YouTube Show: YarnTalk!

We love yarn!

I'm so excited to share this with you!

Allyson, Heidi and I are now producing a bi-weekly show on knitting/crochet/yarn trends! YarnTalk will feature our favorite designers, knitting news, and the projects we want to cast on this week. Check out episode 1 here, and subscribe to our channel!

Talk yarn with us by using the hashtag #yarntalk, or email us at yarntalkshow@gmail.com to suggest a segment or designer interview for a future episode.

See you in two weeks with Episode 2-- our TNNA show! I bet I'll be less awkward in front of the camera...

Fringe Madness!

This week, my pattern Taken by the Wind was released in Holla Knits Warm Weather Accessories, and I rejoiced that my fringey-shawl-baby was in the world. I've been thinking a lot about yarn fringe since I designed this thing, so a post about fringe seemed appropriate for this stop on the Holla Knits Blog Tour!

Remember that time I went pom pom crazy? This was much less strange.

Here we go! Here are some ways to make fringe and tassles that I found on Pinterest. Did I succeed? Did I fail spectacularly? Let's find out!


1. Your basic pull-through yarn fringe
Technique here.

This is essentially the technique I used for my fringed shawl, although they show multiple strands being pulled through each spot, and I only did a single strand in each spot (and the spots are very close together). This gives a nice, even layer of fringe without too much weight or too many gaps.

Ok, looking good! This is the simplest, most straightforward way of applying yarn fringe to something knitted or crocheted. Time to take things to another level...

2. Fancy knotted fringe
Technique here.

This one takes the strands a step further-- we're going to knot the fringe in a way that hopefully looks nice and finished and not like something that got caught in a vacuum cleaner.

Eep I'm tying knots in my precious shawl!

I really like how this turned out! I just worked the knots over the center point of the shawl for the photos. While I am not going to tie the entire shawl (at least today), I really like this technique! It's simple, looks fancy, and is a fun way to kick the fringe up a notch.

4. Fringe-as-you-Garter Stitch
Technique here

It needs a trim when finished, but you get the idea.

This is my favorite technique for fringe when you're just plain knitting-- making a length-wise scarf and leaving some yarn on each end of each row to create fringe. I knot the yarn as I go (the technique mentions just pulling it tight) to make sure things are secure.

Best thing ever for scrap knitting!
--

My fringe exploration is far from over, but that will have to do for now. I really want to try the knotted fringe again, and would recommend it to those playing along at home. It was surprisingly fun and pretty quick.

More Holla Knits blog tour to come! Check out the schedule below for posts and prizes!

May 18: Holla Knits Warm Weather Accessories Issue Launch

May 19: The Sweatshop of Love / Knitted Bliss - pattern giveaway, issue giveaway

May 20: Ruby Submarine - fringe tutorial

May 21: Handmade by Stefanie - pattern and yarn giveaway

May 26: Doog Knits - kit giveaway

May 28: Canary Knits - issue giveaway

May 29: Laura Reinbach - pattern giveaway

June 1: Gynx Yarns Podcast - pattern and yarn giveaway

June 2: Ruby Submarine - issue giveaway

June 4: Rock and Purl - giveaway

June 8: Handmade by Stefanie - Take 5

June 9: Hands Occupied - issue giveaway

Taken by the Wind -- New Fringe Shawl pattern!

It's finally here! I have been so excited to share this one with you. My new shawl pattern is inspired by springtime magic and... Stevie Nicks!

Taken by the Wind is a lightweight shawl knit in a loose gauge (for the body) with a lovely lace border and miles of loooong fringe. The fringe part is optional, but really, why wouldn't you want to fringe the heck out of it?

(By the way, don't miss my upcoming post on fringe techniques on Wednesday, part of the Holla Knits Blog Tour!)

No fringe... still adorable!

Feelin' like a superhero

A little short-row shaping, a little lace, a lot of fringe... this one is a lot of fun! Perfect for throwing around your shoulders on a blustery spring day or chilly evening. Witchy magic for any time, any place.

About to jump on my broomstick in 3... 2... 1...

I hope you enjoy this flight of fancy!

The pattern can be found here, click the pic and then scroll down to purchase for $4:

 

Medusa Loop Scarf KAL

Hey knitters, let's do a KAL! This is one of my most popular patterns, the surprisingly easy Medusa Loop Scarf. If you can knit, purl, bind off and cast on, you can do it!

Are you into it? Grab about 330 yards of chunky, fluffy yarn (shown in Plymouth Baby Alpaca Grande and Malabrigo Chunky), some big circular needles, the pattern, and jump on in!

Head over to the Medusa Loop KAL thread on Ravelry and leave a comment to join. Hope to knit with you soon!

New Knitting Classes!

Allyson is a good sport when I bust the camera out unexpectedly!

It's spring, and big things are in the works! I am so happy to be offering classes again-- the Sweatshop of Love Studio is now open for workshops! Allyson, Laura and I are all offering new classes this spring in our new space, and we are pumped to share it all with you. 

Here are the classes I'm teaching:  
Short Rows: This intermediate-level technique class is for those who want to take their knitting in new directions! Learn how to create geometric shapes with short rows, a versatile technique used in garments, accessories, and knitting projects of all kinds. You will learn the "wrap and turn" as well as how to create your own little knitted art piece. Please bring US size 7 needles and several balls of worsted weight yarn. These can be odds and ends! The more colors you bring, the better. Graph paper and other notions will be provided.  
Saturdays May 9, 16, and 30, 2-4pm - $80.





Intro to Lace: Have you been eyeing all those gorgeous lace shawls, but are unsure how to tackle Lace Knitting? This class will teach you the basics of lace knitting, from simple eyelets to more complex stitch patterns. Learn the theories behind lace structures in the first two classes and take the optional third session to design your own stitch pattern! Please bring US size 7 needles and worsted weight yarn. Graph paper and all other notions will be provided. 
Sundays May 10 and 17, 2-4pm - $55. 
Add a 3rd class period (Design your own motif!) on Sunday May 31, 2-4pm - $80. 



One of the three of us will be on hand for the Expert Help series: 
Need a helping hand with that next challenging knitting, crocheting, embroidery, or cross stitch project? You've come to the right place! Take advantage of Allyson, Leah, and Laura’s many years of experience with teaching, designing, and fixing mistakes, with this guided class. Bring in your pattern and materials, and get instant, attentive help with each step. You'll be able to confidently finish that ambitious project and learn lots of new skills along the way! $20

Tuesday April 28, 7-9pm

Thursday May 28, 7-9pm

Sunday June 7, 10-12pm

To sign up for any of these classes, email allyson@thesweatshopoflove.com.

I hope to see you there! Let's celebrate Spring with some yarn, tea and nice company.

Seraphim Cardigan knitting pattern

Heavenly and light, with the softness of angora. Seraphim has three-quarter sleeves, elegant pleated details... it's the perfect layer for spring!

Seraphim is worked top-down with raglan shaping, with stitches picked up around neckline to work large, soft pleated collar. Collar is shaped with short rows and pleated at intervals for a lovely, increasingly rippled texture. Slightly fitted waist, long tunic length, cozy yet refined.

I am absolutely in love with this one. The yarn was pure joy to work with and I am wild about how the design came together!

Seraphim Cardigan knitting pattern PDF

$7

In the works

Got some fun fun fiber creations happening over here... can't wait to share these with you!

This Winter will be Different

So. I have long underwear on, and mixed feelings. I love my long underwear, they're comfy and warm... but wearing them means that Winter Is Coming (or here), which is a little scary.

7 years in southern California made me realize I am not a Winter Person. I just don't like it in long stretches. A week or two? Awesome! Snow is fun! Warm clothes are nice! Four months? Kill me now!

And last winter was BRUTAL. If you live in a place with actual seasons, you know what I'm talking about. It was my first winter back in the midwest, and nearly made me turn right back around again. As a born Wisconsinite, I am ashamed to admit that, but there you go.

But. THIS WINTER IS GOING TO BE DIFFERENT! It will, because I am going to make it way better. Seasonal Affective Disorder, bite me. Maybe you'll join me in some of these fall/winter activities to make the cold months more enjoyable!


1. Exercise
Warming up from the inside! So far I've instituted a "One Solo Dance Party Per Day" policy, which has been fun. Even when I don't make it to the gym, once a day, I drop what I'm doing and boogie by myself.

2. Weather-Appropriate Crafting
You know what's fun? Making something warm and then wearing it to be warm! Very satisfying.

3. Seeing Family and Friends
We're all in this together! Sharing the time with people you love is key to surviving the long cold dark months.

 4. Tea
Lots of hot drinks. Stay hydrated and happy.

5. Travel
Let's face it, sometimes you just have to get away for a hot minute. I'm planning my February escape to California as we speak.

Do you like the wintertime? How do you handle the cold months? Leave a comment and let me know your tricks!

Styling Cape Vertigo

Have you been tempted by all the amazing cape styles out there this season? I know I have. Capes are a warm, stylish, practical way to stay warm when dressing up or down. They are very versatile and it can be a little intimidating to know how to wear them. 

In honor of the Holla Knits Selfish Knitting pattern sale, let's take a look at three different ways of wearing my Cape Vertigo pattern, shall we?

The first thing you should know is that Boots are a Cape's best friend. Got some boots? You're more than halfway there to creating an awesome #capelyfe look.

   

Look 1 - Like a Boss: Cape + Jeans, Jacket, Boots

Can't touch this.

  

Wear your bad-assest boots, leather jacket and snug jeans. Wrap the cape loosely around your neck starting with one end and fling the other end over your shoulder.

...Or center the cape on your neck, gathering the length into some cozy ripples. Let it hang.

Look 2 - Sweet n Cozy: Cape + Dress or Skirt, Boots, Legwarmers or Tights

Wear a sweet skirt or dress, legwarmers or tights, and your favorite boots. Wrap the cape flat and tight around your neck, keeping the rolled collar exposed, for a smooth shoulder warmer.

  

Look 3 - 70s Office Glam (just go with me here): Cape + Dress Pants, Blouse, Gold Belt, Gold Bracelet, Gold hoop earrings, Attitude

Just drape it on top, casual-like. Yeeaaah girl. Now swagger.

Let's continue to pretend I've photoshopped the remote shutter out of my hand.

Look 4 - On Your Lap: Cape + Sitting Down

The coziest lap blanket of all time.

Get in there.

Cape Vertigo is on sale for $4 this week! Head over to the Holla Knits site to get the pattern at a discount this week only.