Sunday, March 29, 2015

Collaboration: Artisan Yarns from Hampden Hills Alpacas

In recent months, I have been in close talks with Erica, one of the talented dyer (dye partner Dave) behind Artisan Yarns from Hampden Hill Alpacas to create patterns (both Crochet and Knit designs) that will show off the fabulous qualities of handpainted yarns. A vendor at Rhinebeck for the last 14-years, MA Sheep & Wool, a supplier of yarn to the May 2014 YarnBox.

What I love about Erica's dye technique is the depth of colors in each skein. Each skein is exquisitely and skillfully dyed to create variegated yarns, perfect for a wide range of patterns.

In the coming months, you can expect to see 2 designs from Tian Connaughton, the designer behind KnitDesigns by Tian featuring Artisan Yarns from Hampden Hill Alpacas. While I can't tell you much about the patterns to come, I can tell you that the yarns to be featured in this collaboration will be Alpaca Silk (70% Alpaca, 30% Mulberry Silk; DK weight; 246 yards/100g) and Alpaca Silk Lace (70% Baby Alpaca, 30% Mulberry Silk; Lace weight, 875 yards/100g).

The combination of Alpaca and Silk is such a luxurious and decadent pairing. Your hands and needles will LOVE you!

I am super excited about this collaboration and can hardly wait to share the finished designs with you all. Watch this space for more to come. In the meanwhile, see past designs (Shawls & Cowls) featuring Artisan Yarns from Hampden Hills Alpacas on Ravelry.

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Saturday, March 21, 2015

In the works! So many ideas, not enough time.

For those of us in the Northeast, this winter was LONG and brutal, to say the least.  It's finally starting to warm up. Our backyard bear is out of hibernation and visiting often. Now is the time to start thinking of Spring and Summer knitting and crocheting in earnest. 

As Spring begins to make its appearance, with hopes of warm weather to arrive (any day now!)  I am planning a collection that will carry me through the dog days of summer, hike through woods, trips to the beach, cool evenings by the campfire, picnics, and fireworks.

Summer is a great time to let loose and explore, but that doesn't mean leaving your knitting and crochet projects behind. This collection will have patterns perfect for working on while on the go or quick enough to make and wear while enjoying the season.

The goal is for 4 designs in the collection. Each pattern released individually with the option to purchase the whole collection as a ebook, a 30% SAVING on buying each pattern individually. While I can't tell you what the project will be or show sample pictures yet, I can tell you that if you are the type of knitter that likes to take your projects with you on the go, then this project will be right up your alley.


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Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Mudblood Cardigan

Hermione Granger was the inspiration for this design. She may be Muggle-born, but she’s also the cleverest witch her age. Her cleverness and strength make her a favorite. The Mudblood Cardigan is inspired by her fitted, simply lined, girl-next-door style, a look that is perfect for doing battle against the Dark Arts.

RAVELRY PATTERN DOWNLOAD HERE: $6
    

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mudblood-cardigan
Mudblood Cardigan

Skill Level: Advance Beginner
Sizes: Women's Extra Small (Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large, 2X, 3X)
Finished Size: 28 (32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52)" bust/chest circumference, buttoned. Cardigan shown measures 32".

MATERIALS
Yarn: Universal Yarn Deluxe Worsted (100% Wool; 220 yd [200 m]/100 g): #91476, Fire red 4 (4, 5, 5, 6, 6, 7) skeins

Needles: 
Body and Sleeves US 7 (4.5 mm) 32” circular (cir) and Double Point Needle (DPN).  Ribbing – US 6 (4.0 mm): 32" cir and DPN.  Adjust needle sizes if necessary to obtain the correct gauge



Extras: Stitch marker, Stitch holder, Yarn needle, nine 7/8” (22mm) buttons
Gauge: 21 sts and 28 rows = 4" in St st on larger needles.


RAVELRY PATTERN DOWNLOAD HERE: $6
     

 
Mudblood Cardigan



Mudblood Cardigan


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