Showing posts with label knit design. Show all posts
Showing posts with label knit design. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

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 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



Monday, May 18, 2015

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:


 photo nJu5T51431698715_zpscjhpwzlr.jpg 



Thursday, April 23, 2015

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.

Friday, March 27, 2015

In the works

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



Friday, February 20, 2015

Monday, February 9, 2015

Synergy shawlette in Creative Knitting Magazine

I am very pleased to tell you that my shawlette pattern Synergy is in the current issue of Creative Knitting Magazine! Spring 2015 is looking bright and lovely.



This is a variation on my Double Deco wrap, which is huge and long. Synergy is much smaller with different shaping and striping and is perfect for spring. A quick knit with simple details!

If you can knit, pick up stitches, and decrease, you can do this. Pick 4 colors and go for it!