KNITTER'S FROLIC

I had such a wonderful time at the annual Knitter’s Frolic that was held on Saturday, April 27th.  As I arrived at the Japanese Cultural Centre in Toronto where the event was held, I was instantly mesmerized by the kaleidoscope of colour and the smell of the yarn that tends to send us knitters into a bit of a frenzy. 

I was happily swept away with the crowd and quickly found myself caressing skeins of cashmere, mohair and alpaca – wonderfully luxurious yarns available in an array of beautiful colours.  There were about 60 vendors with something for everyone who loves knit, crochet and spin.  It was definitely a day to indulge in yarn and everything ‘knitting’.

There was such a sense of camaraderie and everyone I met excitedly shared stories of the wonderful yarns they had purchased, workshops they attended and new techniques they learned.  There was also a great deal of discussion about how to deal with the growing ‘stash’ at home although the consensus seemed to be that there is no such thing as too much yarn just a need for creative ideas about how to store (and in some cases hide) the stash.

I loved the display booth for Sheppard Handmade.  Laura had some beautiful pottery with really interesting texture and unique designs.  I picked up a piece to hold my DPNs which I will proudly keep out on display (they're usually tucked away in a coffee can). I also bought some buttons that will add some character and beauty to a sweater. 

    
 Simply a wonderful day...only 363 more sleeps!

BRICK STITCH

STITCH OF THE MONTH – April 2013

The Brick Stitch pattern adds unique texture and contour to a knitted fabric with purl rows and elongated slip stitches against a stockinette stitch background.  This stitch pattern works well for use in home décor items such as pillows, blankets and wash cloths.  The knitted fabric does not have a lot of drape due the texture of the stitch pattern.

Brick Stitch
(Multiples of 4 stitches + 1 stitch) 
Row 1 (RS)  K4, *k1 winding yarn twice around needle, k3; repeat from * to last st, k1
Row 2          P4, *sl1 purlwise dropping extra loop, p3; repeat from * to last st, p1
Row 3          K4, *sl1 purlwise, k3; repeat from * to last st, k1
Row 4          K4, *yf, sl1 purlwise, yb, k3; rep from * to last st, k1
Row 5          K2, *k1 winding yarn twice around the needle, k3; repeat from * to last 3 sts, k1   winding twice around needle, k2
Row 6          P2, *sl1 purlwise dropping extra loop, p3; rep from * to last 3 sts, sl1 purlwise, p2
Row 7          K2, *sl1 purlwise, k3; rep from * to last 3 sts, sl1 purlwise, k2
Row 8          K2, *yf, sl1 purlwise, yb, k3; rep from * to last 3 sts, yf, sl1 purlwise, yb, k2
These 8 rows form the Brick Stitch

FLORAL WRIST CORSAGE

Introducing the Floral Wrist Corsage. The five-petal flower is knit flat and the yarn is woven through the flower to create the petals and center of the flower. The bracelet is knit separately in a slip-stitch pattern. The flower is attached once the bracelet has been sewn together and blocked. 

I chose to knit the project using Qina by Mirasol yarns which is a worsted-weight yarn made from a blend of alpaca and bamboo yarn making the finished project incredibly soft.  Alpaca and bamboo yarns are naturally hypo-allergenic fibers which means that people with sensitivities can wear these fibers next to their skin.  

• Makes a great accessory for weddings and proms.  Choose a yarn color that is featured at the event or select a color to compliment any outfit.
• The bracelet can be made to fit any wrist size. Just take your wrist measurement and subtract 1.5 cm (1/2”) from the length.  The negative ease will help it stay in place on your wrist.
• Sewing beads or pearls in the center of the flower will add some drama and sparkle.

The pattern is available through Ravelry, Craftsy and Etsy.

LATTICE STITCH

STITCH OF THE MONTH - March 2013

The lattice cable stitch pattern produces a raised lattice (or diamond) texture against a stockinette stitch background.  The cable stitches are knit using both left and right twists which are produced by crossing two stitches over one another without using a cable needle.

How to Knit the Left and Right Twists
Left Twist (LT) - Skip the first stitch and knit the second stitch through the back loop keeping the stitch on the needle, and then knit the skipped stitch.  Slip both stitches from the needle together.
Right Twist (RT) - Skip the first stitch and knit the second stitch keeping the stitch on the needle, then knit the skipped stitch.  Slip both stitches from the needle together.

Lattice Cable Stitch Pattern
(Multiples of 8 stitches + 2 stitches)
Row 1 (WS) and all other WS rows:  Purl.
Row 2:         K1, *LT, k4, RT; rep from *, end k1.
Row 4          K2, *LT, k2, RT, k2; rep from *.
Row 6          K3, *LT, RT, k4; rep from *, end LT, RT, k3.
Row 8          K4, *RT, k6; rep from *, end RT, k4.
Row 10        K3, *RT, LT, k4; rep from *, end last repeat k3.
Row 12        K2, *RT, k2, LT, k2; rep from *.
Row 14        K1, *RT, k4, LT; rep from *, end K1.
Row 16        K8, *LT, k6; rep from *, end k2.
These 16 rows form the Lattice Cable stitch pattern.

DESIGNER STYLE CHALLENGE+AWARDS

The results are in for the People's Choice Awards from the Designer Style Challenge at the Creativ Festival.  The winner in the Knitting & Crochet category is....

The Challenge
Create an original mixed media work of art -- we're searching for the best in Canada! There's an incredible array of talent out there, some known and some yet undiscovered. We're excited to invite you to showcase your expression of creativity.

The Theme is "Celebration" with a touch of silver
The theme is celebration and because it's Creativ Festival's 25th SILVER anniversary a touch of silver (from minimal to maximum) is required as the continuous thread throughout all entries. Otherwise open ended to encourage creativity.

The Awards & 8 Categories
As part of Creativ Festival's on-going evolution and one of its many new 25th SILVER anniversary initiatives, Designer Style Awards will give recognition to those who excel in the arts of quilting, beadwork & jewellery design, needle art, knitting/crochet, fashion sewing & design, fibre art/surface design, paper art and the hot trend of upcycling.

The Judging Criteria
- inspiration and creativity
- craftsmanship and quality
- intricacy and complexity of the design
- innovative use and diversity of materials
- finishing

The Submission
A double-pendant lamp shade accented with silver seed beads throughout the fabric and hanging Swarovski crystal beads set against a knit lace stitch pattern. The mixed media included lace knitting with seed beads, plain stocking stitch knitting, Swarovski crystals to add 'jewelry' to the lamp shade and a hanging double-pendant lamp-shade. The touch of silver was the use of 525 silver seed beads knit into lace stitch pattern throughout the fabric.

Thank you to everyone who voted for 'Starry Nights' as their favorite design!

PANTONE FASHION COLOR REPORT FALL 2013

Pantone® today released their fashion colors for fall 2013 during the first day of New York Fashion Week.  The colors are described as a ‘Palette of Many Moods’. These moods range from sophisticated and structured to lively and wild.  “Just as the leaves change in autumn, the consumer will enjoy the ability to change their ‘look’ and try a new approach to their wardrobe for brisk days ahead,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.  “The fall 2013 palette allow for that versatility and experimentation.”

The color palette is diverse and reflects the use of unconventional color combinations that designers have embraced - it provides an exciting opportunity to mix bold, vibrant colors with a neutral staple.

The following are the top 10 colors for Fall 2013:

1. Deep Lichen Green      lush, mossy shade of green 
2. Acai                              deep purple inspired by the acai berry
3. Emerald                        lively, radiant lush green - color of the year 2013
4. Mykonos blue               bold blue named for the seas off a Greek island
5. Turbulance                   dark mercurial gray - a neutral staple
6. Samba                          fiery and spirited red
7. Linden Green               yellow-toned green
8. Carafe                          warm, rich coffee brown
9. Koi                                a variation on Tangerine - the 2012 color of the year
10. Vivacious                      deep fuchsia

Pantone is the global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industry.  The Fashion Color Report is used as a reference tool by designers in the fashion and home furnishings industry.  The colors will be seen this fall in fashion and home, jewelry and cosmetics.

HORSESHOE LACE

STITCH OF THE MONTH - February 2013

Horseshoe Lace is a popular, classic lace stitch pattern.  The lace stitch creates lovely scalloping at the cast-on edge which makes it a good alternative to use at edgings rather than typical ribbing patterns.  The bind-off edge will have a straight edge instead of the scalloping effect.  This is not a bulky stitch pattern and will offer excellent drape to a garment.

It is an ideal choice for those learning to knit lace patterns as it is simple, but that elegant simplicity also appeals to experienced knitters and designers which is why it continues to be a popular stitch pattern.

Horseshoe Lace Stitch Pattern
(Multiples of 10 stitches + 1 stitch)

Row 1 (RS):        K1, *yo, k3, sk2p, k3, yo, k1; rep from * to end
Row 2 and all WS rows:  Purl
Row 3:                K1, *k1, yo, k2, sk2p, k2, yo, k2; rep from * to end
Row 5:                K1, * k2, yo, k1, sk2p, k1, yo, k3; rep from * to end
Row 7:                K1, * k3, yo, sk2p, yo, k4; rep from * to end
Row 8:                Purl
These 8 rows form the Horseshoe Lace stitch pattern.

Abbreviations
sk2p       slip 1 stitch, knit 2 stitches together, pass slipped stitch over
yo           yarn over

BAUHAUS SWEATER DRESS

I’m so excited to announce...the Winter 2012/2013 issue of Clotheshorse Magazine is now available online and features my design of a graphic sweater dress.  It’s been named BAUHAUS and is included in the 'graphic’ collection of the magazine.  I really love how it's been styled and photographed…and the model is perfect!

Bauhaus was knit in Louet Kid Mohair yarn in rich, vibrant colours.  The graphics are created using colour blocks of cream, tomato red, green apple, black and spicy pumpkin.  It's been designed to be a loose-fitting sweater dress with 6-8” positive ease.  The lace-weight mohair knits up beautifully on US 5 (3.75 mm) needles creating a lightweight fabric with a deep saturation of colour.  

The Graphics collection features bright colours and bold patterns – stripes, zigzags and geometrics.  'Wear with colours equally as bright or make a plainer outfit of neutral colours ‘pop’ with a blast of colour and pattern.  A fun mix of yarns and textures add to this collection that is sure to brighten up your day.' 

Graphics have been making a return to the runways with all-over patterning, strong geometric shapes, and bold colours.  Graphic prints will continue to be a trend in Spring 2013 as seen on the fashion runways.

The pattern is available to purchase and download directly from Clotheshorse Magazine, on pages 86 & 87 of the Winter 2012/2013 issue.  It is also available through Ravelry by visiting Bauhaus.

Many thanks to Clotheshorse with a very special thanks to Mindy Brown and Heather Dixon.

TRIANGLE SHAPES

STITCH OF THE MONTH - January 2013

The triangle shape can be used in a variety of ways when developing new patterns.  It can be used as an edging, an inset in a sweater or skirt, it can be integrated into a geometric or modular design, it can also be knit separately and sewn on as an embellishment or used to create knit jewellery.

To knit a triangle, cast on the desired number of stitches (must be an odd number of stitches).  You will need to have 3 centre stitches for decreasing with an equal number of stitches on either side of the centre.  To calculate this, divide the total number of stitches by 2 and minus 3 stitches = “x” number of stitches to work on each side of the 3-stitch centre decrease.

The following instructions are for the swatches as shown.  The same number of cast on stitches have been used to knit both swatches; however, the end result is different for each method.

Triangle Shape – reduce by 2 sts every other row
The following method creates an elongated triangle with an upward, left-slanting centre stitch (as shown above).
CO 31 sts
Row 1 and all WS rows   Purl
Row 2          k14, sk2p, k14
Row 4          k13, sk2p, k13
Row 6          k12, sk2p, k12
Row 8          k11, sk2p, k11
Row 10        k10, sk2p, k10
Row 12        k9, sk2p, k9
Row 14        k8, sk2p, k8
Row 16        k7, sk2p, k7
Row 18        k6, sk2p, k6
Row 20        k5, sk2p, k5
Row 22        k4, sk2p, k4
Row 24        k3, sk2p, k3
Row 26        k2, sk2p, k2
Row 28        k1, sk2p, k1
Row 30        sk2p
Pull yarn through remaining stitch to finish.

Triangle Shape – reduce by 2 sts every row
The following method creates a narrower, shorter triangle (as shown above).  The 3 stitch decrease that is worked on every row creates a criss-cross spine through the centre of the triangle.  
CO 31 sts
Row 1          Purl
Row 2          k14, sk2p, k14
Row 3          p13, p3tog, p13
Row 4          k12, sk2p, k12
Row 5          p11, p3tog, p11
Row 6          k10, sk2p, k10
Row 7          p9, p3tog, p9
Row 8          k8, sk2p, k8
Row 9          p7, p3tog, p7
Row 10        k6, sk2p, k6
Row 11        p5, p3tog, p5
Row 12        k4, sk2p, k4
Row 13        p3, p3tog, p3
Row 14        k2, sk2p, k2
Row 15        p1, p3tog, p1
Row 16        sk2p
Pull yarn through remaining stitch to finish.

Abbreviations
p3tog   purl 3 sts together
sk2p     slip 1 st, knit 2 sts together, pass slip stitch over 

EMERALD GREEN: Pantone's Colour of the Year for 2013

This week Pantone® announced Emerald 17-5641 as the Colour of the Year for 2013, a lively, radiant, lush green.

“Green is the most abundant hue in nature – the human eye sees more green than any other color in the spectrum,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “As it has throughout history, multifaceted Emerald continues to sparkle and fascinate. Symbolically, Emerald brings a sense of clarity, renewal and rejuvenation, which is so important in today’s complex world. This powerful and universally appealing tone translates easily to both fashion and home interiors.”

The intense and radiant emerald green is most often associated with the precious gemstone.  Emeralds have been highly-valued in many cultures since ancient times and are believed to have unique healing properties.  They are said to promise good luck, inspire insight and enhance our sense of well-being.

Emerald green will feature prominently in fashion, beauty and home interiors in the coming year. 
Fashion - There has been a steady increase in the prevalence of green for several seasons and has been seen both on the runways and the red carpet.
Beauty - Expect to see this colour in beauty products including eye shadow and nail polish.
Home - This hue will rejuvenate home décor adding a touch of luxury through accessories and paint.

A departure from the spirited Tangerine Tango that was the Colour of the Year for 2012, Emerald Green evokes a sense of balance and harmony.

MOSS STITCH

STITCH OF THE MONTH - December 2012 

The moss stitch is a variation of the seed stitch.  This simple knit and purl stitch pattern has a lovely subtle texture and is completely reversible.  It produces a fabric that doesn't curl at the edges so it’s well suited for used in borders.

Even number of stitches
Rows 1 & 2          *k1, p1; rep from * to end
Rows 3 & 4          *p1, k1; rep from * to end

Odd number of stitches
Rows 1 & 4          *k1, p1; rep from * to last st, k1
Rows 2 & 3          *p1, k1; rep from * to last st, p1