Yarn choice: because it's your business

 Pre-P.S. Don't forget the price for the 32 Market Street Tee is going up. Get it before October 15 for the best price. Know a knitter that would love this design, forward this post to them.

  
So, we’ve talked about what’s in a name, right? A name can be the foreshadowing of what to expect. And that’s what 32 Market Street Tee is all about. From these humble beginnings was borne a great leader.

Now, let’s talk bout the choices we make to get us to the end goal we want. We know that Garvey sought to unify and connect people of African descent worldwide. Despite your feelings on Garvey’s view and how he went about his activism - Universal Negro Improvement Association, a fraternal organization of black nationalists, a group that advocated for “separate but equal” status for persons of African ancestry, and sought to establish independent black states around the world on the west coast of Africa, despite whether you agree or not, given how Black people were and are treated, you can understand why he wanted to protect his people.

And it’s that mindset that I approach all my designs, right? We can agree to disagree while acknowledging the underlying reasoning.



As such, when I recommend KnitCircus Yarn Greatest of Ease (fingering weight) for this design. Sure, you may not want to use this yarn for whatever reason. You might have a different color in mind that works better for your skin tone. And that’s okay. You might decide, heck, I don’t want to use fingering weight, and again, that’s your choice. In the voice of Tabitha Brown, that’ your business.

But we can all agree to appreciate the underlying reasoning for the choices made for the sample and not make it mean anything - good or bad - if you choose something else. So, if you want to use Knit Picks Hawthorne or a more budget-friendly brand, go for it.

You have the ability to choose what works for YOU! You have the power to change who you become and what you want for the world.

You got this!

xo
Tian

What’s in a name? Why 32 Market Street?

 What’s in a name? Why the name 32 Market Street for this tee?

Pre P.S. If you’ve had your eye on the 32 Market Street Tee and haven’t pre-ordered yet, get it by noon ET today, Thursday, before the price goes up. The pattern will be available October 15th.   Now, on to talking about the tee. So, like I mentioned last week, the name of the tee is paying homage to my heritage and social justice and to not being able to travel. When I started this design, the pandemic hadn’t hit yet. I had grand plans for the summer which this tee was going to be center stage. But with traveling not an option and to support all the social justice work happening around Black Lives Matter (let me be clear here that Black Lives Matter… my life, the lives of my son and my brothers and sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc., the lives of these and all Black people matter at the bare minimum, so if you don’t believe that Black Lives Matter, this is definitely not the space for you). Anyways, with everything happening around race, and the need to dismantle the patriachy and white supremacy, I wanted to create a piece that could shine a light on important social issues. A piece that could encapsula what I'm feeling and what many are feeling.   With that being said, a few of you guessed correctly that the pattern name’s reference to 32 Market Street. If you guessed that it’s the birthplace of Marcus Mosiah Garvey, Jamaica’s first National Hero, you are correct. What I love about Garvey’s story is his humble beginnings and his desire to serve his people and fight for justice. And with the 32 Market Street Tee, that’s the type of feeling I wanted to bring to the design. Its simple construction is reminiscent of Garvey’s humble beginnings. The bold statement the lace pattern on the front illustrates how from simple beginnings you can make a big impact. And quite frankly, you have to have to have some confidence to wear this tee and it leaves little hidden if you choose (wink, wink). So, while you might be thinking “what can I do as just one person” in this environment, start with believing you CAN achieve a lot.   "If you have no confidence in self, you are twice defeated in the race of life." ~ Marcus Garvey   I’ll be sharing more about the construction and yarn choices next week. So stay tuned for that. In the meanwhile, hit reply to this email and let me know if you have a yarn in mind for your 32 Market Street Tee. Also, I'm working on a worsted weight version. Would that be interesting to you? Should I add information to the pattern about changing yarn weight? How about adding sleeves? Oooh, so many options. Talk me off the ledge. I want to add so much to the pattern, so, let me know what you want to see. Until next time,  Stitch on P.S. A NOTE ON PRICING: If you want the 32 Market Street Tee pattern, get it today. The price will go up by $0.50 every week on Thursday until it hit its regular price of $10 on October 15th. i.e. the price will be:  $8.50 on Sept 24th $9.00 on Oct 1st $9.50 on Oct 8th $10 on Oct 15th (pattern release date) You got this! xo Tian TianConnaughton.com || Facebook || Instagram || Podcast

COMING SOON: 32 Market Street Tee

You asked... it’s here.

Let me introduce you to the 32 Market Street Tee, coming October 15th. The design is up on @hi.ravelry as a pre-order, which mean you can get the purchase the design at a super great price and when the pattern is available on Oct 15th, you’ll get in straight to your library.

POP QUIZ: Do you know what inspired the name? Well, 2020 has been a super weird - we all can agree. And with traveling not an option right now, I wanted to create a piece to pay homage to my heritage and activism and to take you on a little trip, virtually, with me.

In the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing more about 32 Market Street - the place and the tee. Stick around and join my email list for some behind-the-scenes. I think you’ll find it interesting too.

ALSO, if you know the reference to 32 Market Street, who/what/where/why) and you want to take a guess, leave a comment below

I’m curious to hear what you think. Let’s have a bit of fun.

BONUS: To my email subscribers, I will be giving you something a bit more special. Be sure you’re on the list by 12pm noon ET tomorrow, September 19th, when an email will go out to subscribers with a special coupon code that will be good for only 5 days. So, be sure to join the list today!

To join the list, go to bit.ly/TheWeeklyYarn

To get the pattern, go to https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/32-market-street

A NOTE ON PRICING: If you want the 32 Market Street Tee pattern, get it today.

The price will go up $0.50 every week on Thursday until it hit its regular price of $10 on October 15th.

i.e. the price will be:

$8.50 on Sept 24th

$9.00 on Oct 1st

$9.50 on Oct 8th

$10 on Oct 15th (pattern release date)

Frome Cowl

Whenever traveling, I love finding those special and out of the way spots that just takes your breath away. Frome, a small village, located on the west coast of Jamaica, is one of those spots.
This cowl is named Frome because, like the village, it is beautiful in its simplicity. It’s perfect for a beginner or experienced knitter looking for a quick finish project.

This pattern is free to Patreon supporters. Click here for more information.

PATTERN NOTES
Frome is a fun cowl worked in the round in a simple mosaic stitch pattern. Never worked mosaic pattern before? This is a great beginner-friendly pattern. Mix and match your two favorite colors for your perfect combination.

CUSTOMIZE IT!
In the instructions for this pattern, I’ve included a chart to help you modify the pattern for your gauge. The amount of yarn required will change.

Skill Level: Adventurous Beginner / Intermediate
Finished Measurement: 10.5” tall x 30” circumference 

MATERIALS:
Yarn: Knit Picks Alpaca Cloud DK OR Valley Yarns Sunderland (100% Baby Alpaca; 109 yards [100 meters]/50 grams): SFN10 Natural (MC) 2 skeins, CQ99 Rhubard (CC) 1 skein
Needles: US size 8 (5.0 mm) 24” circular
Gauge: 18 sts and 22 rnds = 4” (10 cm) in St st
Extras: Yarn needle, stitch markers

xo
Tian





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Last Minute Gift Ideas for crocheters and kniters

LOOKING FOR SOME LAST MINUTE GIFT IDEAS FOR CROCHETERS + KNITTERS?

Click here for the links to some of my favorite things.

JOURNALS  SUBSCRIPTIONS  DYES  BOXED KITS

xo Tian

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Swanswick Hat

One skein, make it your own.

Cozy and easy, it knits up really fast. This hat makes the perfect project for waiting in the carpool line or just a quiet night of Netflix. Relax and knit!

CUSTOMIZE IT!
In the instructions for this pattern, I’ve included a chart to help you modify the pattern for your gauge. The amount of yarn required will change.

This pattern is free to Patreon supporters

PATTERN NOTES
Swanswick Hat, worked from the brim up, is a fun stockinette stitch hat broken up with simple lace bands.

This hat is perfect for a beginner or experienced knitter looking for a quick finish project.

Skill Level: Easy
Finished Head Circumference: 16 (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)”

MATERIALS:
Yarn: Knit Picks Muse Tonal (100% Superwash Merino; 114 yards 104 meters/100 grams): 27847 Visionary Hand Painted (1 skein)
Needles: US size 8 (5.0 mm) 16” circular, US size 8 (5.0 mm) set of DPNs, circular needles one or two sizes smaller for brim
Gauge: 18 sts and 24 rows = 4” (10 cm) in St st on larger needles (blocked)
Extras: Yarn needle, stitch markers (4 total, 1 in a different color)

Quansoo Pullover

2019 was a wild year... or was it just me? With only a couple of weeks to go before we start the new decade, I just wanted to say Thank You for all your support.

Quansoo Pullover, my new sweater pattern, is now live on Ravelry. If you’re looking for an easy pullover with a fun cable, especially for this season of knitting for yourself, check it out. I love this design because as we're heading into the season of get-togethers, this sweater will be the perfect take-along piece since the back and front are worked separately. 

So, you can take the BACK, which is miles and miles of stockinette to the party and work on the FRONT when the kids are still in bed and you have a few minutes with your coffee.

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I really love the fit, even with all my bumps and lumps, and being on the margins of plus size. I definitely want to make another but you know I’m rubbish with picking colors. I never thought green was my color. What other colors have I been avoiding? What color would you choose?

PATTERN: Quansoo Pullover
SKILL LEVEL: Intermediate
SIZES: Finished bust size 32 (37, 41, 45, 49) 53, 57, 61, 65 {69, 73}” to fit bust 28 (32, 36, 40, 44) 48, 52, 56, 60 {64, 68}”

5” positive ease recommended.
Sample shown in size 37”.

MATERIALS:
YARN: Cloudborn Fibers Highland Worsted (100% Fine Highland Superwash Wool; 221 yards 202 meters/100 grams): 19019 Arctic Heather (5 (5, 6, 6, 7) 7, 8, 8, 9 {9, 10} balls)
NEEDLES: US size 7 (4.5 mm) 24-32” circular for Body; Double point needles or long circular for working Sleeves in the rnd
EXTRAS: Markers, stitch holders or waste yarn, cable needle (cn), tapestry needle
GAUGE: 21 sts and 28 rows = 4” 10 cm in St st (blocked)

PATTERN NOTES
Quansoo Pullover is worked in pieces from the bottom up. The back is worked in plain stockinette with a fun cable panel on the front. Shoulders are seamed and then stitches picked up to work sleeves from the top down in the round using short rows to shape sleeve caps.
The pullover is finished with a funnel neck. Slip first stitch of each row knitwise for easy seaming.
Center Cable Panel is charted only.

So, what are you stitching on? I love hearing from you and supporting you. Just leave a comment. If I can support you, I want to help.

xo
Tian

Happy day after Valentine's Day!

Happy day after Valentine's Day! Okay, do you go out and get all the candy on sale after Valentine's Day? Come one, I know I'm not the only one looking forward to the day after to get all the good candy on sale :)   While I'm writing this email to you, I am inhaling the sweet scent of the dozen red roses hubby brought home. There is just nothing better than fresh flowers on the kitchen table...maybe except for a new knit pattern. I want to share a new pattern from designer Dominique Trad (Domknit on Ravelry and @Dominiquetrad at IG), Blushing Shawl. If you are not familiar with Dominique, head over to her Ravelry page and check out all her lovely designs. I worked with Dominique to tech edit this pattern and fell in love with the design...and I wanted to share it with you because I thought you would like it as well. Go check out the pattern and tell Dominique I sent you. What yarn would you use to make your Blushing Shawl?     Talk to you soon. - Tian     P.S. Do you listen to Knit Picks's podcast? I am so thrilled they mention me and my designs from Embrace Crochet book in their latest episode. I didn't know this was going to happen, so imagine how overwhelmed I felt when I heard Stacey and Hilary say my name... eek! Okay, I'd love for you to give it a listen. If you haven't heard it, please check out the podcast episode here - Embrace Crochet Collection.    Want to keep up with all my crazy antics, tips, my knitting, and crocheting? Find me on IG @Knitdesignsbytian (click here) I'd love to connect with you and see what you're up to!

Copyright © 2019 KnitDesigns by Tian, All rights reserved.

Introducing: Endless Night Shawl KAL

Hey there,

I hope all is well in your knitting and crocheting universe. I have some VERY special news to share with you today, so get yourself ready...

With all the great things happening, I am thrilled to announce the Endless Night Shawl KAL (knit-a-long) will be starting in just TWO WEEKS on Feb 1st.

As you probably know, I released the Endless Night Shawl pattern last week in collaboration with Yarn Crush February 2019 knit subscription box. The pattern was so widely received (thank you so much for your support) and from your requests, have decided to run a KAL for the pattern during the month of February. 

I've created a group on Ravelry for us to chat and share our progress with the pattern. I'm still smoothing out the details and working to get some prizes, I mean, yeah! Stay tuned. I'll be posting information as I have them in the Ravelry group.

So, are you in?

Will you be joining use as we cast-on on Feb 1st?

If so, head over to the Ravelry group. I have a couple posts up. Join in on the conversation. I'd love to see you there!

   

Talk to you soon.

- Tian

 
 

P.S. Join the Endless Night Shawl KAL Ravelry Group here
 

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Want to keep up with all my crazy antics, tips, my knitting, and crocheting?

Find me on IG @Knitdesignsbytian (click here)

I'd love to connect with you and see what you're up to!

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