Knitting Patterns Free

Sandnesgarn Jacket

Our anniversary is at the end of next month and I thought I'd ask DH for yarn for a sweater. Initially I thought I'd go ahead and ask for Heilo to make Whistler for him. (I previously attempted to make it with a less expensive yarn but had serious problems with row gauge.) But then I saw this lovely sweater - it is called "Elegant Jacket" in the Sandnesgarn 0210 pattern book. It looks like a dream to knit and fortunately there is very little boring non-stranded knitting. (You can also purchase the yarn and pattern as a kit HERE.) It is also finer gauge which means I might be able to wear it inside occasionally.

The only problem is the designated yarn - Sisu is a machine washable sock yarn and I have no clue how well it will work for the cut armholes. I did look at the yarn page on Ravelry and see that some people have used it for sweaters with cut armholes. Unfortunately I did a Dale of Norway baby sweater years ago in 20 colors of a Norwegian superwash yarn and it was ruined because the yarn was so slippery even knotting wouldn't keep the ends from working their way loose. So before I commit to knitting the sweater I'm going to knit a big swatch and cut it. (What is the right term for the Norwegian version of steeking again??)

I know the background color will be the light lavender on top and the others are for sampling. I also realized I don't even need to do a third background color around the edges - instead I could use some wonderful Norwegian braid. Of course it will need some killer Norwegian buttons as well - Nordic Fiber Arts has a spectacular selection.

Buttons for the Retro Cardi for Girls

In my last post I told you I was going to get the buttons for the Retro Cardi for Girls.

They are round, with clear apple green edges, and a square opaque apple green center. I love the fact that will be tone on tone, adding interest but not too much interest!(They came from Windsor Button in Boston.)

They will look wonderful on the green cardi don't you think?

New Glove Booklet

Thank you everyone for your great suggestions on baskets and cashmere yarn for gloves! I did try Colourmart but couldn't find my color; it is good to know that their stock changes so I will keep checking back.

I still plan to get you the free colorwork scarf pattern for you soon; I just need to grab DH to model it. I also have a mitten FO to photograph this weekend.

I'm reconsidering my decision to publish a second glove booklet with step-by-step photos for beginners using both dpns and circular needles. My original Glove Knitting booklet recently received a poor review on Amazon HERE (unfortunately it is the only review). One thing the reviewer was unhappy with was the cost of the booklet and I do understand - pricing is always a struggle for me. The print costs are really high for self-published color booklets and I've often thought of not offering print booklets at all. For a $14.99 booklet sold in print I make between $1 and $2 dollars on Lulu and on Amazon. I just can't do the beginner's glove booklet economically as I have so many photos and it would be difficult to keep the page number below 40 pages. Currently I'm putting it off indefinitely.

Bubbles is enjoying our warmer, sunnier weather. If there is a patch of sun anywhere, she plants herself there immediately.

The Retro Cardi for Girls a Companion to the Retro Cardi for American Girl Dolls

I am done knitting the Retro Cardi for Girls, the companion sweater to the American Girl Doll Retro Cardi.

I basically kept it really close to the doll sweater, with the 2 lace panels on each side of the folded over button bands. I used the same technique as for the retro cardi for dolls, creating a clean sharp fold with slipped stitches.

I decided to make the sleeves a little shorter (way more practical for active little girls!)

I love how the lace pattern is showing up in the Cotton Classic.

I will pick buttons tomorrow. I have my eyes on some very retro, vintage looking clear green buttons... I am also looking forward to sewing the strawberry skirt!

I will work on the actual pattern, and sizing over the weekend. At least I hope so...

Questions For You

When I look through my photos I always find a billion sunset photos. I guess I am just fascinated with the New Mexico skies.

Today I'm looking for some recommendations from everyone.

I've decided to buy myself a knitting basket. I want something that looks good in the living room, will sit on the floor, and is large enough for colorwork projects (let's say 10-20 skeins of yarn). I like some of the Pottery Barn choices but for the size I need the price is too high to pay for something that Bubbles might be tempted to chew. (I don't think she will - she is quite a well-behaved rabbit - but you never know.) Can anyone recommend something for me? I think I'll go check at Pier 1 and Cost Plus the next time I'm in town. I know there are specialty knitting baskets as well which would work as well.

Also, I'm seeking some fingering weight 100% cashmere in a solid color (pale lavender or periwinkle) to make myself a pair of really long gloves. Can anyone recommend a good source? I am looking for a high quality smooth plied yarn that doesn't shed if such a thing is possible.