A Black Girl Walks Into A Yarn Shop

As some of you who followed my other blog may know, I have PTSD. A nasty little side effect from having undergone a back-to-back emergency liver transplant and C-section. It was found that knitting was a wonderful form of therapy for me. Back is San Jose, I was prescribed a weekly does of knitting with a local knitting group. As you may recall, I ended up joining the same knitting group that the famous, Cookie A. is a part of. I fell in love with sock knitting because of her.

Well, now here I am in San Diego, and again, I must find a local knitting group to help keep me sane. I checked out Ravelry and then did a Google search. What I found was not a kitting group, but knitting classes right down the street from me at a local yarn shop.

I had only been to a yarn shop once in my whole entire life. It was a little shop in Sedona where I bought one ball of recycled silk yarn for $10 and felt like I wasn't really wanted at that store. So, I wasn't all to keen about entering another yarn shop. But I needed some outside knitting that would force me to socialize and keep that creepy little PTSD at bay.

The Needlecraft Cottage

The yarn shop is called The Needlecraft Cottage and is run by a wonderful little lady named, Liz. I found on the website that they were offering several knitting classes. The one class that caught my eye was knitting the blocks from The Great American Aran Afghan. They plan to do one block a month, meaning that the class would go on for two years in order to complete all twenty-four block. Sort of a big commitment, but at least it meant a regular schedule of continuous knitting.

Owner, Liz

I did a test drive one morning to see just how far the shop was from my house. A straight shot down the street, not too bad. Then, I called the shop to as about what I would need to do to take the class. Liz had just one copy of the required book left. That gave me the bit of confidence I needed to say, "Please put the book on hold for me. I'll be there shortly to get it." I got up the nerve to drive there, park and walk in. The shop really is a cottage inside. Small, over-filled with yarn, knitting & crochet supplies and all the needlepoint paraphernalia you could ever want. Liz greeted me and helped me get the supplies that I needed for the class.

You could definitely tell the regulars from those just coming in to browse. The shop was very much geared to the golden years crowd, but seeing the amount of grey hair in the shop, I understood that Liz had built her store around her very faithful client base. As always, I was the only black chick  in there and most likely one of the youngest people in their too.

The Great American Aran Afghan

The class I'm taking is every Thursday. By the time I started the class, it was already two weeks into the first block. The teacher is very nice and my classmates change weekly. It's a very open class. Come if you need help or just want to chat with other knitters. If you don't like a particular block being worked on that month you can skip the class or come to class with something else you are working on. Easy enough.

I'ts nice to just sit a listen to everyone talk about their lives and their latest troubles. Or to hear them go on a rant about their favorite yarn or how much they dislike a particular pattern or designer.

Cascade Yarns Cherub Aran

My first block is coming along okay. I'm knitting it using Cascade Yarns Cherub Aran in a soft navy color. It's my first time using this yarn. The teacher recommended a wool yarn because we will need to block the squares once we are done. But I have five military issued wool blankets already. I have reach my household wool limit. So, I'm working with a nylon/acrylic blend. I know how to make non-natural fibers bend to my will. (He, he, he!)

Oh, did I mention that The Great American Aran Afghan is all cable patterns? And did I mention that for years I have been avoiding knitting cables like it was the plague? Yes, leave it to me to start off with something hard as hell. On the bright side, I get to spend two hours each week surrounded by yarn and the sound of many needles clicking away. Not a bad form of therapy.

Call For Submission: The North American Suri Company

The North American Suri Company

Submission Theme: The North American Suri Company is planning to launch four yarn lines in late 2014. We are currently looking for designers to provide a collection of 5-6 patterns for each line. We can work with as few as one designer for all four lines, or as many as one designer per line. The vibe of the patterns can be found by looking at our mood board on Pinterest titled Accessible Fashion.

Deadline: February 17, 2014

Compensation/Support: All accepted submissions will receive yarn support. We are open to suggestions, but prefer to 1) pay a flat fee per pattern with us retaining full rights to the pattern OR 2) no flat fee, but we will allow the designer to retain electronic rights, and we will retain print rights for sale in yarn stores. In either case, we will provide the photos and layout. And again, open to suggestions/modifications.

Submission Requirements: Please provide a pdf with your name, contact information, years designing, photographs of previously designed garments, accessories, and/or home décor items, and any other qualifications you feel you possess. A further description of the yarns and type of patterns we are looking for is below in the Other Notes section. We will narrow down our search from this information and then send yarn for swatches and sketches.

Send To: Please send questions, comments, and/or your pdf to info@nasurico.com

Brief Description: The North American Suri Company is dedicated to the promotion of Suri Alpaca. We purchase fiber clips from growers all over the United States, sell a portion to yarn and textile designers in either raw fiber form or yarn form, and have begun to retain a portion for our own yarn promotion under the label Salt River Mills.

Other Notes: For this project, the yarns you work with will primarily be Suri blended with various other fibers - muga silk, German angora, fine wool, or lustrous, long-stapled wool. As such, you should be prepared to design a collection of garments or home décor items that portray the elegance and beauty of these wonderful fibers. The first line (“Suri Decadence”) will be extremely soft with a high price point, so 1-2 skein items may be best. The second line (“Simply Suri”) is a soft yarn that can be worn close the skin, but with a broader application and lower price point. The third line (“Suri Textures”) is a textured yarn that will be best suited to garments such as hats and gloves or those worn over other garments (we are receiving rave reviews from designers on this line), and the fourth line (“Suri AcCeSuriEs”) will be best suited to accessories and/or home décor items.

Thank you, and we look forward to hearing from you!

You can follow the Ravelry thread here.

Paying It Forward

I remember how hard it was for me to find the information I needed to submit my designs to various publications. I always wondered how designers got to work with yarn companies or who I needed to contact at a magazine. I figured that I wasn't alone in my search for this information. So to help other inspiring designers out there, I'll be posting submission calls from various companies here on my blog. I hope this information will help both the companies, by generating more great design submission to choose from and for the budding designers out there who's pattern just may very well be the next big thing!

Sunset In Sedona Two Needle Socks REVISED!

Sunset In Sedona Two Needle Socks (Revised)

Finished sizes about: 6 ½- 7 (7 ½, 8, 9, 9 ½)” foot circumference.

Yarn used: 1 skein of Aslan Trends Natural Luxury Yarns Santa Fe 1334 yarn from their Kettle Hand Dyed Collection. 50g / 1.75 oz. 85% Merino Wool / 15% Polyamide. Approx: 180 yards / 165 meters

Needles size: One pair of straight needles size US 0-3 (2-3.25 mm) or whatever size is needed to obtain the gauge of 7 stitches per inch in St st. (Personally, I used US size 5 needles to obtain gauge, but I‘m just weird that way).

Other supplies: Some stitch holders or scrap threads to hold stitches on. You may find a row counter to be helpful in keeping track of rows while knitting the heel flap.

Special skills you need to make this sock: Flat seam (aka- Bickford seam)

Leg Portion

Cast on 44 (52, 56, 64, 68) sts. Work a 2 x 2 rib stitch (knit 2, purl 2), for one inch or until you‘re tired of knitting it.

Now, working in stockinette stitch, (knit on the right side and purl on the wrong side), continue until the sock measures 5 inches from the top. (And yes, I know what you are thinking, “It’s just a freaking square. I wanted a sock, not a wonky dishcloth. WTF!” Just hang in there with me, its about to get interesting.)

Dividing Section

 First row:  (With right side facing you), Knit the first 11 (13,14,16,17) stitches. Place these stitches on a stitch holder. Now continue knitting to the end of the row.

Next row: (wrong side) purl 11 (13, 14, 16, 17) stitches. Place these stitches on a stitch holder. Continue across remaining stitches.

At this point you should have 22 (26, 28, 32, 34) stitches left on the needle. These stitches will become your instep or top half of your foot. *Please note- it is from this dividing point that you will measure for your foot length.

With 22 (26, 28, 32, 34) stitches now on your needle, continue in stockinette stitch until the piece measures two inches less then your desired total foot length. (You are going to start the next row with the right side facing you. You have been warned!)

Touch Your Toes

 Row 1: (RS) knit 1, skp, knit to the last 3 stitches, k2tog, (knit two stitches together), knit 1.

(* Note- skp means to slip the next stitch, knit the following stitch and then take the slip stitch and pull it over the knit stitch. This creates 1 decrease.)

Row 2: Purl

Repeat these two rows until there are 10 (12, 14, 16, 18) stitches remain. Ending again with right side facing you.

Row 3: (RS) knit 1, skp, knit to last 3 stitches, k2tog, knit 1

Row 4: Purl 1, p2tog, (purl two together), purl to last 3 stitches, p2tog, purl 1.

Continue these two rows until 2 (4 , 6, 8, 10 ) stitches remain.

Place these stitches on a stitch holder. Cut yarn leaving a nice long tail for weaving.

(See, that was painless. Now for the fun part!)

Take the stitches that have been hanging out on the other two stitch holders, and with both right side facing you, place these stitches onto your needle.

Knit one row. Then purl the next row. (I know, amazing instructions there, right?)

Heel Flap Time

 Row 1: (RS) *Slip 1 stitch pwise, (purl-wise) wyb, (with yarn in back) knit 1; rep from*

Row 2: Slip 1 pwise,  wyf, (with yarn in front) purl to the end.

Repeat these two rows until a total of 22 (26, 28, 32, 34) rows have been made. (And yes, the number of stitches you have on the needle right now is the same as the number of rows you will knit for the heel flap. It was a total freaking mind-blowing epiphany when I realized that!)

Let’s Take This Heel For A Turn

 Row 1: (RS) Knit 13 (15, 16, 18, 19) stitches, skp, k1, turn your work.

Row 2: (WS) Slip 1 pwise, purl 5, p2tog, purl 1, turn.

Row 3: Sl 1 pwise, knit to the 1^st stitch before the gap made from the previous row, skp using the 1^st stitch before the gap and the 1^st stitch right after the gap, K1, turn.

Row 4: Sl 1 pwise, purl to the 1^st stitch before the gap, p2tog using the 1^st stitch both before and after the gap, purl 1, turn.

Now repeat rows 3 and 4 until all the stitches have been worked. Do NOT freak out if you find that you can not end with a knit 1 or purl 1 in your repeats. Depending on your initial cast on number, you may end that last repeat with a skp or a p2tog. Make sure to end with the right side facing you.

Guess What? It’s Gusset Time!

 For this gusset, you will be picking up one extra stitch at the selvage edge corner. I find that adding that extra stitch at the corners helps make for a cleaner sewing edge when the time comes. Don’t you worry though, you will make these extra two stitches disappear shortly after both sides of the gusset in done.

(Of course you can knit this section without the two extra stitches and it will still turn out just fine. It's just something that I like to do. I'm allowed my little quirks from time to time.)

Now, using the needle that your stitches are already on, pick up 12 (14, 15, 17, 18 ) stitches along the salvage edge. Now knit across these stitches and the stitches that were already on your needle.

Once you reach the end of the row, with the same needle, pick up 12 (14, 15, 17, 18 ) stitches on the other side of the salvaged edge. Now, purl across all stitches. (Your stitches will feel and look a bit bunched up on your needles, but don’t fret. Things will start to loosen up in a bit here.)

Knit 11 (13, 14, 16, 17 ) stitches, skp, knit across heel turn stitches, k2tog, then knit the remaining 11 (13, 14, 16, 17 ) stitches.

Next row: Purl

(See, I told you that you would send those two extra stitches away!)

Row 1: (RS) knit 1, skp, knit to last 3, k2tog, knit 1.

Row 2: Purl across row

Repeat these two rows until 22 (26, 28, 32, 34 ) stitches remain.

Now continue in straight St st until piece measures 2 inches less then your desired foot length.

Toe Time!

 Row 1: (RS) knit 1, skp, knit to the last 3 stitches, k2tog, knit 1.

Row 2: Purl

Repeat these two rows until there are 10 (12, 14, 16, 18) stitches remain. Ending again with right side facing you.

Row 3: (RS) knit 1, skp, knit to last 3 stitches, k2tog, knit 1

Row 4: Purl 1, p2tog, purl to last 3 stitches, p2tog, purl 1.

Continue these two rows until 2 (4 , 6, 8, 10 ) stitches remain.

Graft these stitches with the others you have sitting on the stitch holder.

Now you have some hand sewing to do. No moaning allowed. It’s not as hard as you think.

To seam the sock we will NOT be using the mattress stitch and I will tell you why. *Stepping up on top of soapbox* The mattress stitch subtracts rows from the sides of the foot and the back of the leg. Also, it leaves a bulky seam that, even after you steam it down, can still be felt.

Instead, we will close the seams by using the Flat Seam, also sometimes called the Bickford Seam. It makes a flat, clean seam that is almost invisible when done correctly.

The Bickford seam is one of those things that you have to see to understand, so please stop right now, go check out an online video on how to do it, then return to your sock and seam it up. (I’ll still be here waiting when you get back. I promise.)

Once you seamed up your sock, maybe you should seriously consider knitting the other one. Socks are usually better in pairs. (If you just want to relish in your one sock glory, I’m cool with that too. I won't judge.)

So, now you've got both socks knitted and seamed. Guess what? You’re done. Yup, that’s it. You’re finished. Now make like a hockey stick and get the puck out of here!

Re-knitting An Old Friend

A while back, when I first started designing, I made grand plans to take over the world with my two-needle sock knitting. I even created my first minion, "Sunset In Sedona" sock, which was to be the start of my sock army.

Well, a lot has changed since then. I no longer have plans to take over the world, (just my own little corner of the world). I also found that even though I love knitting socks, I much prefer knitting other accessories- especially those that are worn around the neck.

But the Sunset In Sedona sock is still one of my most popular patterns. Many people have commented about how it has helped them to make their first sock and get over the fear of knitting with small needles. Those who have found it awkward to knit in the round have shown relief in finally being able to enjoy the pleasures of sock knitting.

However, the pattern did have a few glitches in it and as more people attempted to make the socks, they brought to my attention those pieces in the pattern which needed some correction.

So, currently, I am revising the pattern in the hopes of making it more user friendly. I still plan to have the pattern available for free. I believe it is an excellent pattern for beginners and I enjoy reading the wonderful comments from beginner knitters who find the written out instructions to be very helpful.

I hope to have the pattern back up and running this week for all to enjoy.

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?

Never Enough Stitches

I just picked up the book, "400 Knitting Stitches", by Potter Craft. It was one of the gifts I gave to myself using a Michael's gift card I got for Christmas.

 I've been looking for a stitch dictionary for awhile. They help greatly when you find yourself stuck in pattern design. And just like yarn, you can never own too many.

I love the detailed images of the stitches in this book. On many of the patterns they even show how it looks from the back, giving another dimension to pattern design.

I'm not very fond of the charts used. They are a bit too small for my taste, but I'm able to manage.

I do hope in the new year that I will be able to add a few more of these books to my collection. Already, I have two designs on the needles based on thee stitches found in this book.

Cooking Up a New Pattern

There is something I've got cooking in the sink and its almost ready for its debut. I have to confess just how much I love this yarn. This is the first time I've worked with this yarn company and I'm pretty sure it won't be the last.

So, when is this pattern going to be released, you ask? This Friday, I plan to show off this pattern to the world. Considering the heavy weather hitting the east coast, I think this little number might come in handy.

Sorry for not much details, but what is a pattern teaser without a little tease? You'll just have to wait until Friday to see this pretty thing in all its glory.

On The Road

Living now in San Diego with most of our family in Arizona means lots of road trips. Almost every other weekend it seems we are on the road to Arizona for quick visits.

I'm slowing learning the art of road knitting. At first it was impossible for me to knit with having such bad motion sickness. But over time I have been able to find a combination of seat adjustment, ginger chews and music that allows me the pleasure of knitting in motion.

Now road trips are filled with productive work of knitting and sometimes even crochet.

Currently working on a men's scarf that will be called, "Straight, No Chaser", named after one of my favorite bands. This scarf has taken way long to knit then it should have. I'm hoping to finally get it done this coming week. The pattern is already written down. Just need to type it up and covert to a PDF for publishing.

I have a few other projects I brought with me for this road trip, but you'll have to wait for another posting to find out about those. :-)

On The Tenth Day Of Christmas

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

Ten classes at Stitches West, please! (plus money for yarn, too!)

Let The Yearning Begin!

Too Much Yarn For Our Own Good

On The Eighth Day Of Christmas

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

The figure 8 stitch on a new set of long looms!

Long Loom Knitting Set

On The Fifth Day Of Christmas

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

Five books I really, really need!:

We All Love Those Quick Knits

Finally, Another Use For Sock Yarn

The Ultimate Knitter To-Do List

Lets Keep Our Home Nice And Cozy

It's nice To Learn About Our Fellow Addicts

On The Third Day of Christmas

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

Three tape measures (because I keep loosing the last one you gave me):

Tape Measure by Embellish By Andrea

Yummy Tape Measures by 2 Good 2 Eat

Girl Measuring Tape by Felt Mates

Coming Up For Air

I'm stepping away from the turkey dinner to remind you that this coming December I will be post a "12 Days of Christmas" series which will include quick knit gift items and stylish gifts to give the yarn lover in your life, (or for yourself. Don't worry, I won't tell anyone.)

Okay, they just brought out the pumpkin pie. I'm off again. Happy Thanksgiving!

Black Friday Knitting

Black Friday is soon approaching.  Many people will be camping out in their cars the night before to get those doorbuster deals as soon as the mall doors opens. Others will be up until midnight to be the first to cash in on those online sales.

I've never been one to dive into the fray and fight the crowds. I get enough of that just trying to get a salted caramel hot chocolate from Starbucks on a Monday morning.

No 'one day sales' for me. Instead of busting down doors, I plan to do some stash busting instead. What better way to spend the busiest shopping day of the season then playing with yarn at home?

I've been going through a few patterns that are great stash busters. What's even better is that these patterns are all free!

Stashbuster Scarf by Sarah Anderson

This crocheted scarf is a wonderfully quick way to burn up those small balls of yarn from previous projects. This project also doubles as a last minute holiday gift.

Riot Shawl by Sandra Paul

Who can resist a good looking shawl, especially when you can reduce your stash of odds and ends at the same time? I adore this shawl and love the fringe. I may have to buy some more yarn just to have an excuse to knit this.

Hawaiian Flowers by Sarah London

I can really see making these flowers throughout the year and piecing them together to make a colorful blanket. All those lovely colors can easily chase away any winter blues.

Anyone else plan on spending Black Friday knee deep in yarn?

Warm Hands, Warm Heart

I'm proud of myself for making my first solo trip to the grocery store today. I'm an overly-cautious driver and have yet to really get my feet wet driving on San Diego roads. Usually I would wait until my husband got home and let him drive me around. But I felt I should at the very least know how to get to the grocery store and back without assistance.

It was a quick drive, but also a very cold one. I realized that even a sunny warm beach town like Pacific Beach it can get freaking cold in the winter. It was sixty-one degrees outside this morning with a very crisp wind blowing. (All you East-coasters shoveling snow right now can keep your side comments to yourself, thank you very much.)

The change in weather has got me to craving warmer knits. Currently on the needles- some fingerless gloves. I'm knitting them with two strands of Patons Kroy sock yarn held together. I wanted something warm that would still allow me to finish all these knitting and crochet projects I have laying around the house.

As soon as I finish the gloves I'll write up the pattern and post it on Ravelry.

Tie It Up With A Bow

Now that the holiday season is fast upon us, I'm starting to gear myself up for the onslaught of shopping and gift wrapping that will shortly ensue. 

Elisa bow-embellished suede clutch by Christian Louboutin

Pulling out a box of up-cycled holiday bows, I couldn't help but play around with them. I put bows in my hair. Tried some out as possible pins for my black trench and even considered attaching some small ones to the front of my heels to make them look more festive. 

Sequin bow-embellished wool dress by Saint Laurent

While I'm here playing dress-up with Christmas wrapping, I'll leave you with a few bow-inspired looks.

Schiaparelli Bowknot Sweater by Lisa Stockebrand

Pretty Puff Bow by Teresa Millies

Bow Clutch by Julie Hines

What bow-tastic look are you sporting this season?

What Does The Fox Knit?

What does the fox say? A lot, apparently. The music sensation by Ylvis has reawaken a whole new appreciation for our red and white tailed friend. And just in time for winter too. Here is a list of winter wear items to knit or crochet with foxy features to help you re-enact your own version of the, "What Does The Fox Say" video.

Why not this lovely sweater designed for the more sophisticated fox. I can totally see you walking into the board meeting wearing this number.

Fox Pullover by Wei Wilkins

It's going to be a busy holiday season. Why not carry all those gifts and holiday cards in this foxy bag.

Fox Traveling Bag by Toni Rexroat

Keep those fingers warm while tossing those snowballs with this cute pair of mittens. If someone gets mad at you for throwing a snowball at them, just blame it on the foxes.

Fox Mittens by Laura Poikolainen

Finally, your foxy attire just wouldn't be complete without a fox hat complete with ears. This would make a great gift for all the little foxes in your life too.

Sly Fox Hat by Lisa Gutierrez


So, I'll leave you with the music video to help you get in the mood for some foxy knits. Enjoy!

Thank You For Your Service

As the wife of an active duty military member, I understand the sacrifices that my husband makes everyday to serve our country. The job is beyond tough, the hours are grueling and most of what they do never gets noticed or ever recognized.

On this day we take time out to say, "Thank You" to all soldiers- past and present- for the sacrifices they have made to keep our country going.

It doesn't matter if you are for or against war, everyone should take the time to say 'thank you' to those who have chosen to fight for the freedom of others. Freedom has never been free. And I am thankful that there are men and women out there risking their lives to protect ours.

Why not show your appreciation by knitting some hats for soldiers. There are many organizations who collect knitted and crocheted hats to give to active duty servicemen, retirees and wounded soldiers. One such organization is Warmth for Warriors.

Or if you personally know a service member, why not make their day with a warm home-knitted gift directly from you?

THANK YOU ALL THOSE WHO HAVE SERVED OUR COUNTRY. 

THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO SERVE TODAY. 

YOU SACRIFICE YOUR FREEDOM SO THAT WE DON'T HAVE TO.

Ribbed Watchman's Hat by Channah Koppel

Las Vegas Inspired: Zarkana by Cirque du Soleil

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.

Info taken directly from the Cirque du Soleil website:

Zarkana by Cirque du Soleil is an acrobatic rock experience that blends circus arts with the surreal to create a world where physical virtuosity rubs shoulders with the strange.

Zark, the ringmaster of an extraordinary circus coming back to life, guides us in an abandoned theatre populated by a motley collection of off-the-wall characters and incomparable acrobats. Among other attractions, he introduces the Mutants, four sirens as sinister as they are fabulous.

Zarkana is a visual vortex set in a twisted musical and acrobatic fantasy universe where, little by little, chaos and craziness give way to a true celebration.

This is a show that takes you out of this world. Freak show meets impossible acrobats with addictive muisc and memorable characters.

Zarkana by Cirque du Soleil

It's one of those shows you really have to see to believe. And even after you see it a may still be hard for you to believe what you saw.

Sandpainting like you've never seen before in Zarkana

A spider woman, a singing flower, six-arm mutated baby- and that's just the first half of the show! Cirque du Soleil crosses the unusual with the daring in a way that flows seamlessly between both worlds.One of their newset shows to come to sin city, it is sure to fit right in the surreal life that is Las Vegas.

Take a little walk on the wild side with these spider socks by Terri Knight. 

Spider Socks by Terri Knight