New Pattern : Tia Cowl

Well, here it is, what you've all been waiting for- a brand new pattern!

This is the Tia Cowl. It is named after one of my nieces who was also my model for many of my knitting adventures. This cowl reminds me of her and is definitely something she would wear.

I was unsure about publishing the pattern so late in the season, but the recent storms on the east coast has reminded me that its not time to put away the winter clothes just yet. Hopefully this pattern will help keep a few necks warm that desperately need it.

The pattern is knitted using yarn from the lovely folks over at Made In America Yarns. The company has been around since the 1904's, producing wonderful yarns right smack in the place of brotherly love, Philadelphia.

Made In America produces several different yarns in gorgeous colors. It was hard for me to settle on just one. But eventually, the American Lamb yarn in color Wine Glass won me over. American Lamb is a bulky yarn, but it has a great feel and fluid movement on the needles.

Knitted with two strands held together on large needles, this project is indeed a quick knit with lots of style- instant gratification!

I am hoping to work with Made In America Yarns again sometime in the near future. I'm thinking a lace scarf made with their Wayfarer yarn. What do you think?

On The Eleventh Day Of Christmas

On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me,

Crochet patterns from Eleven Handmade!

Crochet Infinity Scarf/Cowl Pattern

Crochet Shrug Scarf/Hoodie Pattern

Las Vegas Inspired: Tournament of Kings at the Excalibur

I had the wonderful opportunity to spend several days in Las Vegas recently. While there I was able to take in three wonderful shows. My postings this week are inspired by these Las Vegas Shows.

The Tournament of Kings is one of the oldest shows running in Las Vegas. Full of knights riding on horses and beautiful dancing ladies, it is a show fit for a King. A nice plate of food is provided with the entertainment and there is no limit to the liquids you can decide to fill your goblets with.

Tournament of Kings in Las Vegas

A family show for all ages, it can get down right rowdy in there, but its all for fun. Cheer on you favorite knight as he participates in the medieval games and watch what unfolds when the dragon knight decides to blow off a little heat!

The show performed at the Excalibur

This classic show is full of action and spectacle. It never gets dull and just keeps getting better with age.

Knightly by Stephen West

Get a little knightly action of your own with this well-titled hooded cowl by Stephen West called "Knightly".

My Cowl Is In Knitscene Accessories 2012!

Yup, you read that title correctly. I just had the honor of having one of my designs published in Knitscene magazine. Yes, it's a secret that I've been keeping from all of you for some time now, but don't you think it was worth the wait?

[caption id="attachment_1504" align="aligncenter" width="399"] Knitscene Accessories Magazine[/caption]

This week, I opened the mailbox to see a package from Interweave waiting for me. Inside was a complimentary copy of the Knitscene Accessories 2012 issue along with a tearsheet of the layout and pattern that I can use in my portfolio.



I love the layout and the model that they used. The whole image is fun and funky. Both yarns used in the cowl are from Knit Collage and they were yummy to work with. A simple pattern that even after two martinis you could still knit without any mistakes. ;-)

[caption id="attachment_1507" align="aligncenter" width="507"] Moon Rings Cowl[/caption]

The whole process of working with such a well-known company was a great learning experience for me. Anyone who has ever considered submitting a design to any of the Interweave publications, I strongly encourage you to do so. I honestly didn't think I had a snowball chance in hell of getting published. I just submitted my design to get in the practice of submitting to companies and look what happened!

[caption id="attachment_1506" align="aligncenter" width="392"] Moon Rings Cowl by ME![/caption]

Thank you God and thank you to everyone at Knitscene for this wonderful opportunity!

Free Knitted Cowl Pattern

Yup, you read it right. I've returned with a new pattern and its Free! I designed this cowl called "Give It To Me Straight",  for Galler Yarns. A quick knit that is unisex in design. Made using Pima cotton, it is lightweight enough to be knitted during the summer and be ready to wear once the weather cools off. You can find the pattern by clicking here, clicking the on the picture below or going to my pattern page.

[caption id="attachment_1485" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Give It To Me Straight Cowl[/caption]

Phoenix Rising

I'm loving my ever-growing collection of knitwear that has now grown into a large enough collection that it requires its own plastic bin. (My Boy Toy mentioned to me lately that I have so many bins under the bed that if the bed rails ever gave out we wouldn't notice for months.) Despite the ever decreasing space under the bed, the work that I'm producing lately has been uplifting and continues to drive me forward.

I'm taking a cue from my brother-in-law to not be afraid to reinvent myself. He went from working in a lonely cubical in some really bad remake of "Office Space", to being a chef at Disney. I've learned from him that it's okay, in fact its downright healthy to be a Phoenix and be born again from the ashes of your previous life.

So, with that thought in mind I present to you my ode to the Phoenix in this cowl called the Phoenix Tail.

[caption id="attachment_1335" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Phoenix Tail Cowl"][/caption]

People Might Think You're Up To Something

So what is a knitter like myself doing inside on a nice warm day like this? I must be up to something. . .