Saturday, September 30, 2017

Introducing Through the Haze Cape



For the Through the Haze Cape, I wanted to share the design process. Continue reading for more details on how I went from idea to pattern. Get 25% OFF the pattern until October 7, 2017.

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Welcome to this little experiment as I design a cape pattern in collaboration with Artisan Yarns (by Hampden Hills Alpacas). Typically I don't show this part of the process, because it can be messy. It's messy to go from idea, to sketching and swatching, and ripping back, and trying again.

Most knitters want to see the end result, the completed pattern in it's polished glory. But you, brave knitter, want to see what's lurking behind the curtains. You want to see the crazy mess. Great. I got you.

I will do my best to make that mess as clean as possible. But forgive me in advance if it's too cluttered and disjointed. Fortunately, I've been designing for 10 years now, so things tend to go a bit smoother now than it did 5-years, or even 6-months ago. That's a plus, am I right?!

So, this cape pattern along isn't going to be my typical weekly email. I'm not trying to get you to eventually buy something. During this short series, I want to share as much, or as little as you want to see. If you are an aspiring designer, maybe you will pick up a few tricks. If you are just a knitter wanting to see the process, maybe you'll appreciate a bit more the amount of work that goes into creating a single pattern.

***

How a design is born varies from design to design and from designer to designer. There is no one-size-fits all formula. Sometimes a design stems from a stitch pattern. Sometimes it starts with the yarn – the color, fiber content, construction, weight, etc. Other times the project category comes first, you decide you want to make an accessory, clothing, home décor, toy, etc., and then you fill in the holes with the stitch pattern and construction to make the idea come to life.



In the case of the Through the Haze Cape (tentative name), the yarn came first, then brainstorming with Erica, the owner and dyer behind Artisan Yarns by Hampden Hills Alpacas for what item she envisioned for the yarn. We decided on a cape in order to take advantage of the color change and top-down to maximize the total yardage of one skein.

Once we decided on the cape, then there was the stitch detail. We talked about cables and laces, but after working with the yarn, a bit of lace really added drama to the magic of the yarn and colors, without using up too much of the precious single skein like cables would.

So, we have the rough idea. Now it’s time to find a lacy stitch pattern, do the swatch to see how the lace stitch pattern would work up, not necessarily for gauge since I’ve worked with the yarn many times before and am familiar with the yarn’s characteristics.

Then, there are the sketches, some not so great but still effective to see how the idea will flow. And the schematic to figure out the measurements.

Elements are added. Some element is kept, some others removed. A stitch pattern down the raglan shaping points (keep), the same lace stitch pattern down the center and back (remove), extending the lace pattern along the bottom edge then bind off (nope), rolled collar (meh!), a ribbed high collar (yes).

There, the beginning of the design.

Here are a couple super rough sketches. I already know it will be a cape, worked top-down. Now I am trying to figure roughly what it will look like and dig a bit deeper into construction (I did warn you it wasn't pretty, hehe!).
 





Until next time... Stitch on!
Tian

A rising tide lifts all boats!
Tian Connaughton
KnitDesigns by Tian
Crochet & Knit Designer & Tech Editor
{Simple Designs, Beautiful Results You Will Love To Wear!}
Ravelry: KnitDesigns by Tian
Normal Work Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm EST

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Tuesday, September 12, 2017

In Motion Vest and Brightwood Hat & Mitts


In Motion Vest and Brightwood Hat & Mitts, first published with Knit Picks last September is now available for individual purchase from my Ravelry store.

In Motions is knit vest perfect for those cool days when you need a little extra warmth. Whether you’re off for a run or just running errands, the In Motion Vest will keep you comfortable and warm. You can even add a bit of flair with colorful novelty buttons!

The vest is worked in pieces from the bottom up with a curved hem at the back. How would I describe this detail? Sexy and playful. Because working out shouldn't have to be boring.


 

 >>>Get In Motions Vest Now for $4.99 until Sept 17, 2017<<<

The Brightwood Hat & Mitts are colorful and comfortable accessory set is perfect for cool weather activities. Lined with a contrasting color in fingering weight yarn, the hat will keep you warm and toasty, while the fingerless mitts can be worn all the way up the forearm or folded down inside the cuff as you warm up.

 

 >>>Get Brightwood Hat & Mitts Now for $4.99 until Sept 17, 2017<<<

After September 17th, the price on both patterns will increase to $6 for the In Motion Vest and $7 for the Brightwood Hat & Mitts.




Until next time... Stitch on!
Tian
A rising tide lifts all boats
Tian Connaughton is a knit and crochet designer, technical editor, and coach. Her mission is to help aspiring designers to develop their ideas, build confidence, and live the life they've always dreamt. 
Are you an aspiring knit and crochet designer needing more help figuring our where to start?


Click here to get your printable PDF copy of Unlock Your Inner Designer: How to start designing (course + workbook)  


Need more 1:1 help than the course + workbook, email me to talk. I'll help you get it! 






I am dedicated to giving you the tools and confidence to knit and crochet what you want on your terms.



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Friday, September 1, 2017

The Harrison Sweater - The sweater you steal from your man, every time.

www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/the-harrison-sweater
The Harrison Sweater - The sweater you steal from your man, every time.

 Sometimes the thought of crocheting and knitting for the guy in your life can seem daunting. What a slog! What a pain it will be to make a sweater in his size, in a blah color that he likes but will not be fun for you to work with. I feel your pain.

So, here is The Harrison Sweater. It's a sweater your guy will love to wear. But even better, it's the sweater you won't mind one bit crocheting for your man. WHY? You look good in it too and you can steal it.

Sure, when you go to the yarn store you can tell him the yarn will be for his sweater. (Hint: This yarn doesn't count as stash because it's yarn for HIM! he he!) So, go ahead, get the yarn he wants. Yep, talk him into that super soft cashmere and merino blend and duh, let him pay for it. It's his sweater after all...


He will love you for ever and BONUS, you'll get an awesome sweater out of it!




Go get your pattern copy and have your, I mean, HIS sweater done in time for the start of winter. Click here...
The Harrison Sweater is a classic shape and pattern, in a neutral color. But I think the thing I love most is how good it look in my own closet.  It's your man's sweater you'll love to steal, umm... borrow!




The Harrison Sweater
The Harrison Sweater
ABOUT THE SWEATER: The Harrison Sweater, previously published in Love of Crochet Magazine is now available for individual purchase in my KNitDesigns by Tian Ravelry Shop.

BUY YOUR PATTERN COPY >>> HERE.

The Harrison Sweater, is a bottom up crochet cardigan worked from the bottom up with set-in sleeves.  The sleeves are worked from the cuffs to the shoulders.  The shoulders are joined, sleeves set-in, and side and sleeve seams joined.


THE YARN:
The yarn used, Knit Picks Swish Worsted was the perfect match for the design.  The yarn has a great hand and stitch definition that makes the basketweave pattern pop.  The color, cobblestone Heather, makes the cardigan the ideal everyday piece for the man in your life, but the all-over texture adds detail and interest to push you through completion.  Just one more row....

I absolutely loved creating this cardigan and hope you enjoy it as well.


Until next time... Stitch on!
Tian
A rising tide lifts all boats!

Tian Connaughton is a knit and crochet designer, technical editor, and coach. Her mission is to help aspiring designers to develop their ideas, build confidence, and live the life they've always dreamt. 
Are you an aspiring knit and crochet designer needing more help figuring our where to start?


Click here to get your printable PDF copy of Unlock Your Inner Designer: How to start designing (course + workbook)  


Need more 1:1 help than the course + workbook, email me to talk. I'll help you get it! 






I am dedicated to giving you the tools and confidence to knit and crochet what you want on your terms.



Join

{The Weekly Yarn} from KnitDesigns by Tian

* indicates required





I am interested in Crochet and Knit...
Email Format

This blog post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

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