LOVE AND KISSES COWL

Hey everyone......It is STILL COLD!!  I know that I have kind of harped on about this....but really???  I know I live in Southern Ontario and that we do tend to have somewhat of a cold winter....but for the love of Pete!  I cannot remember a colder winter since I was a kid!  It has been a long time since the temps at night have been consistently below -20C and wind chills in the minus 30's!!  Roll on spring......
So I know that Valentine's Day is just around the corner....and I have had an idea for a cowl in my head for quite sometime......so was born the Love and Kisses Cowl:

I cannot even begin to tell you how much I love how this one turned out.  It is exactly as I envisioned.  It was just one of those designs that fell together really well.
The yarn that I chose for this project is Berroco Vintage.  I bought it at one of my LYS- Joanne's Knit n Stitch here in Burlington.  I have wanted to use this yarn for quite sometime.  I highly recommend it for many projects.  To me it us that kind of yarn that is a true workhorse.  Knits up beautifully, has great stitch definition and will wear really well.  It has just enough wool in it to keep me happy.  But it doesn't have a harsh feel to it.  In fact it is quite soft- this is in part to the content: 52% Acrylic/40% Wool/8%Nylon.  I know that I will be keeping this yarn in mind for future projects.  I needed to purchase 2 skeins,however, I only used part of the second ball. Used approx. 250m total.  So I have some leftover for my stash!!  I wanted to do a full on Valentine thing....hence the red.  It is the kind of project that keeps you focused but not so much that you feel like you are loosing your mind.  It can be knit quite easily in front of the T.V- kept my notes on my lap for reference! I just love cables- as you all know.  And this one ticks all the boxes for me.  I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did in designing and knitting it.
I LOVE IT!!

Anyways, as always if you have any comments or questions please feel free to contact me.  Oh I almost forgot- you can purchase the pattern on Ravelry.

Have a great day everyone.
Megan

EASIER THAN PIE

Hey Everyone.......Hope all is well?  It is yet again FREEZING HERE!!  Just the right kind of weather to knit a lovely scarf.......And speaking of scarves.....I have another pattern ready for you all!  I was quite industrious before Chirstmas and was able to start a few projects. I finally finished it up and here it is....

I have to say that creating these kind of scarves is my absolute favourite thing to do.  I love designing them and I LOVE to knit them.  They are filled with detail yet have a simplicity about them at the same time!
I chose to name her Easier than Pie since she evolved from my other pattern Easy as Pie.  I wanted to make a lace pattern that seamed on the surface complicated yet was so not difficult to execute.  In this little lovely there isn't any cables.  There is however, ribs of K1TBL (knit 1 through back of loop).  This lends a level of stability to an otherwise lacey pattern.  I love how TBL looks in a pattern.  It is a rib that looks that much more sophisticated-well it does to me anyways!  This pattern is quite easy to memorize and to knit.  There is only 4 rows to memorize. Once you have done a few.....and there are a few.......120 repeats all told.....it is very easy to get along with.  She is 8 1/2" x 65".  Just the right length!
I have never knit with this yarn before and truth be told I am not a huge fan of Alpaca.  I find that it can be a little "wimpy".  What do I mean by that?   Well...... It can tend to be a little too drapey for my liking. However, this yarn is quite lovely.  It has a really nice twist to it.  Which is why it seems to have a little more body than the average Alpaca.  I would knit with this yarn again in a heartbeat!  It is St. Denis- Sommet.  I bought it at Webs  I love buying from Webs- they are great to deal with.  Even with me living in the Great White North, buying from them is very easy.  Never had a problem!  Always a great selection.  The only issue is that I can't have it right away...usually takes a week to get here.  Which in yarn years is like 100yrs! It is very hard waiting for yarn to arrive when one has a project on the brain.  It's like Christmas when the package arrives....always makes me happy!!  Anyways......it is such a lovely yarn.....It is 100% Baby Alpaca with a great twist to it.  It is rated as a Sport weight with a gauge of between 24-28sts.  I used 3.5mm needles for this scarf and I must say I am over the moon with it.  I only wish they had way more of it, but alas it is on clearance and there isn't much left.  That being said this pattern would look stunning with Classic Elite Fresco.  As you know I am slightly obsessed by that yarn.  It would also look great in Paton's Lace.  I think that any yarn with a slight halo would look lovely.  I find that a yarn with good stitch definition would also work well.
So there you have it....another pattern.  It can be purchased here.  And as always if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me.
Have a great day everyone.

Megan

ONE DAY WONDER COWL

Hey Everyone......Hope all is well in your Universe.  I have another Cowl pattern that is available on Ravelry here.  It is a very quick knit....yes L it is!!  It is made up of two yarns..... Sirdar Country Style and Regia 6 Square Color.  I truly love varigated yarn.  It is like CANDY.  All those colours in one ball.  I love how they flow from one colour to the next.  LOVE IT!!  Without further ado...here is my new cowl:

It is such a simple yet graphic pattern.  It is easy, fun and a quick knit.  I love the staggered slip stitch pattern.  It lends so much movement and goes so well with the stripes and varigation.  Can you tell how much I love this cowl?  And what is so great about a cowl like this is that it goes with so many things.  So many colours to choose from........  I totally want to make a load of these in many different colourways......oh the possibilities.  
I have always loved Country Style DK- whether it is Sirdar or Berella.......This yarn is such a great workhorse.  And they come in so many colours.  I too enjoyed the Regia yarn.  A really great Wool yarn that has a lovely feel to it.  Wooly without being too scratchy.  But then again you know me....I loves me some wool!
And as always....if you have any comments or questions you know where you can reach me!

Have a great day everyone.
Megan

TWOFER INFINITY COWL

Hey Everyone.....Hope all is well.  I have a new cowl pattern available.  And as soon as I can load it up on Ravelry it will be available to all.  I have been having issues loading it up.  Not sure if it is them or me.  However,  I wanted to share it with you all anyways.  I have been wanting to do a cowl for awhile that can be made a couple of different ways.  I also wanted to make one in a super soft Acrylic Yarn for those out there that really don't like Wool- Yes I mean you L & K!!  I completely understand that not everyone is as jazzed about Wool like I am.  I understand also that there are those out there that wouldn't be caught dead in something that is 100% Acrylic.  Yes everyone there are indeed yarn snobs out there.  Those that say, "Life is too short to knit with Cheap Yarn".  Now in my books there is a difference between cheap and inexpensive.  So this particular Cowl was born.  You may be wondering about the name of these little pretties.....let me introduce you to them first:

As to the name....Well I wanted to name it something along the lines of "Two for One".  So I thought of "Twofer".  Here in Canada a Twofer is actually 24 case of beer.  The two-not related at all, except a play on the name.  I really wanted create something easy, fun and quick. I also wanted to prove that buying Acrylic yarn can be cool too.......You don't have to break the bank to make or wear something really nice.  I used Red Heart Soft Touch and Red Heart Boutique Unforgettable in each.  I used a different colourway in each one.  Each cowl has garter stitch.  However, it is made differently by using the stripes and lace in different ways.  In one Cowl it has a Garter Edge, the other has a Lace Edge.  You can totally play around with it and be creative.
I made these two lovelies for two special lovelies in my life.  My best girlfriends.  A girl cannot go through life without best girlfriends.  I am so blessed to have had these special ladies in my life.....well.....for most of my life.  We have been through a lot........  34 and 39 years will do that.  I like to make them special little things to show them how special they are to me.  Both were very grateful for their gifts.  The only stipulation as mentioned in a previous post is that I had to have them back for a brief time in order to write the pattern and to photograph them.  I can't wait to return them.  I know that they fit the bill for them......This really is a lovely yarn to knit with and to wear....super soft.  And the varigated yarn has such a great colour a varigation to it.  Highly recommmend it to those out there that like Acrylic.  And to those that don't normally knit with it-give it a try. It isn't crunchy at all.

So hopefully very soon.....The pattern will be loaded and ready for you all to download.  You all know that if you have any questions or comments you can contact me anytime.

Take care
Megan

NEW COWL PATTERN UP SOON

Hey everyone....hope all is well!  I wanted to give a sneak peak at my new Cowl pattern(s) that will be up and running very soon- hopefully tomorrow in fact.  I wanted to create an easy Cowl design, yet had visual impact.  I also wanted to create a Cowl with Acrylic yarn only. If you have been following my blog then you know that two of the dearest people to me( my two girl besties) aren't really a fan of Wool.  I know, I know....how do I stay friends with them!!  Unlike myself, they really aren't a fan of any kind of wool.  So in an attempt to prove haters wrong-both those that aren't wool fans and for those that are yarn snobs....well this cowl is for them:

This lovely cowl was created using two different types of Red Heart Yarn.  I just wanted to prove that 100% Acrylic or inexpensive yarn can look good too.  There are a lot of people out there who either don't like Wool or just plain can't afford $30.00 a skein.  So I created these two lovlies not just for that purpose but also as gifts for those two said besties.  I actually gave them the Cowls for Christmas and then promptly asked for them back so I could finish writing up the pattern as well as to photograph them.....kinda ran out of time over Christmas to do it all.  Thank goodness they were more than lovely to give them back and let me do my thing.  It is so great to have such great friends who are so loving and supportive.....
Anyways......They are similar patterns but on a variation.
Like I said- I hope to have it up and running tomorrow.

Have a great day everyone.
Megan

YEAR IN REVIEW 2013- KNITTING PROJECTS AND OTHER NON THINGS!!!

Hey everyone.....first of all I want to say Happy New Year to everyone!  I wish you all a very healthy and happy 2014!!  I hope that this year brings you all peace, love and happiness.  And really, without those, nothing else really matters!!

It has been a busy year here as far as my fingers goes- I have knit and knit and knit.  I have shared my projects with you as well as my passion for my craft.  I only wish that I was able to share stuff around the house but alas we didn't really do anything.  Which is totally unheard of around here!  Hopefully in the new year we will be embarking on projects around the house  You see.....my main Carpenter (aka my Hubby) has been super busy with work. Which means he has had no time or energy to get anything done-which totally sucks by the way!! However, my little fingers were very buys with my little projects:

Winding Way Scarf-Ravelry

Easy Lacey Scarf-Ravelry

Simply Fuzzy Scarf-Ravelry

Fabled Scarf-Ravelry

Ziggity Zaggity Scarf-Ravelry

Thunder Shawl-Ravelry

Beach Break Cowl-Ravelry

Easy Peazy Breezy Cowl-Ravelry

Snuggerdoo Poncho-Ravlery

Lady Tamsin-Ravelry

Making Tracks Blanket-Ravelry

UniScarf

Snow Queen Infinity Cowl-Ravlery

There you have it- all the projects I designed this year.  If you were to ask me which one is my fav this year I would have to say Lady Tamsin.  I can't even tell you how much I love that scarf.  It is the perfect length, the perfect colour and the PERFECT YARN.  If you have never had the pleasure to knit with Classic Elite Fresco then you are missing out my friends.  I would have to say that it is one of my all time fav's.  It is so soft, wears well, has amazing stitch definition and has the most loveliest halo to it.  Can't say enough about it.  There is an Aran type sweater that I have been thinking of for awhile.....and when I save up enough to buy the yarn for it....then it shall be done.  I think that an aran type sweater knit in Fresco would be heavanly!!  I hope to be able to do that sometime next year- fingers crossed!!

Anyways......I hope you have enjoyed my projects from this past year.....here's to many more!!
Wishing you all much happiness and love.

Megan

UNI SCARF PATTERN

Hey everyone......hope all is well in everyone's Universe!  Happy Thanksgiving to our American friends!  I have a new pattern up for grabs.  It is, in my opinion, a great scarf that would be an awesome gift for that special guy or girl.  It can be a tricky thing designing something that is unisex and have universal appeal.
As you all know I LOVE Cables.  I just love designing them, I love knitting them and I love looking at them. There is just something about them.  They have such movement and texture.
It can be bought here at Ravelry

So without further ado...here is the new pattern:

I know that there is many of you out there that are intimidated by cables-  but don't be. They are not as difficult as you think.  You just have to give it a go.  The thing with this pattern is that it looks so complicated but it's not.  There are many rows of just plain knitting and purling.  So you aren't cabling every row.  Which is so nice for the newer knitter.  Yet the pattern is such that seasoned knitters will enjoy it too-at least I hope so!  The pattern is a 20 Row repeat, however, it is very easily memorized after a repeat or 2- really it is!!
The size of it is a healthy 7.5"x70".  Which is a great length for a scarf.

The yarn I used here is Diamond Yarn Galway Highland Heathers.  I used 3 Skeins to knit the scarf. Well more like 2 and 2/3rds .  Each skien is 200m in length. It is a true blue wool.  The kind of Highland wool you think of when one thinks of a "wooly" scarf.  As you know I love knitting with wool.  I love the feel of it as I knit.  I really liked this yarn to knit with.  It has such a great strength and character to it.  It also has great stitch definition which is key when knitting cables.  You wouldn't want to knit a great cabled piece and then not be able to see the beauty of the cables.  I see that happen so many times.....You really need to choose a yarn like above or one with great stitch definition.  If you are unsure- ask at your local Yarn Store- that is what they are there for.  You are putting so much effort into a piece-you want it to turn out just as you envisioned-Right??

Anyways....hope you like the new scarf.  I really loved designing and knitting it.
Have a great day everyone.
Megan

SNOW QUEEN INFINITY COWL

Hey Everyone....I have been hard at work knitting....and knitting.....I have a new cowl pattern:
Snow Queen Infinity Cowl:

I just love her......so snuggy.....yet so stylish!!  And if you haven't noticed I loves me some cables.  I have always loved cables.  They add so much dimension to a project.  I wish I could express how much I love them.  I love how they cross and twist-they are just awesome........  And don't be intimidated by cables.  They are not as hard as they look.  Really!!  Once you understand the lingo and aren't afraid of moving stitches then it is easy.  It certainly slows things down a little as compared to straight knitting, but it is so worth it in the end.  And if you can master cabling without a cable needle- well it just makes it feel all the more awesome.  I will have to go into more depth about cabling without a cable needle another time- it is so amazing!!
I wanted to make a simply cabled infinity cowl in a creamy colour.  I think everyone should have at least one of these puppies in their wardrobe.  It goes with everything.  I think it is the kind of cowl that can look great with a more relaxed rugged look or dressed up with a great wool coat.  Plus the added bonus is that this cowl could certainly be unisex.  By choosing the correct yarn it would look great on any guy too!  Just remember to use yarn with great stitch definition.  A varigated or multi coloured yarn would not suit this as well as a yarn that is simple.  The star of the show is the cables afterall.  I think that is half the battle with knitting....choosing the correct yarn for the project.  I cannot tell you how many times I have seen a particular project and thought- if only they had chosen a different yarn.  I know it is personal and all....however, if you are going to spend all that time creating it and spending some money-isn't it better to pick the best yarn for that project?
I used the Martha Stewart Extra Soft Wool again....I love this yarn.  It has the most lovely subtle sheen.  It is so soft and is a great price point(especially if you have a coupon).  I think that this cowl would look great knit in some other yarns as well....perhaps Cascade 220, Valley Yarns Northampton, Classic Elite Yarns Liberty, Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran For a more drapier look try Valley Yarns Goshen.   The possibilites are endless........just chose a yarn that is smooth and has one colour for the best definition.
You can purchase the pattern in my Raverly store here.  And as always if you have any questions or comments you can always drop me a line.

Have a great day everyone.
Megan

KNIT PICKING.......POTTERY BARN

Hey everyone,  Just a very quick posting.  I came across this pillow at Pottery Barn:

Pottery Barn

First of all....love knit accessories for the home.  I really love this colour combo, always have.  I do however, have a few of issues with this particular pillow.  Maybe not the actual pillow however...let me explain. My first issue with this is the "naming" of the pillow.  They have named it "Seed Stitch Knit Pillow".  Which would be fine if IT WERE SEED STITCH!!!!    See this is one area where I kind of loose my nut.  If you are going to use a "technical" naming term, then at least call it by it's proper name.  For those of you unfamiliar with knitting this particular stitch is known as GARTER STITCH.  Which in knitting terms is the easiest kntting stitch by far.  All you have to do to achieve this lovely stitch pattern is to knit (K) every row- thus giving you the ever popular GARTER STITCH.  Seed stitch is made quite differently and gives a completely different look.  I know this may be just a little detail, however, I am a detail kinda gal!
Secondly, there is NO way on God's green earth I would  pay $65.00 US for this pillow.  That doesn't even include the insert!! It doesn't even cost them much to make this.  It probably cost them all of $3.00 to make- no I am totally serious!  Even if it cost them $10.00 they are still overcharging by far.  Any person who is able to just knit, and I mean know how to do the "knit" stitch could whip this up in no time flat.  I know, I know.....those of you out there are saying....all well and good for you since you know how to knit.  Well folks, I am here to tell you that making something just like this pillow is NOT ROCKET SCIENCE.  It is created using the simplist knit stitch there is.  That and it is knit in a heavy gauge-say on a 6mm needle with Aran or Chunky yarn.  Easy Peazy!!  You can make this for less than $20.00.....Yarn, needles and form.  I am serious......I think I have just set a challenge for myself and I will share it with you all.......Oh I love a challenge.
Thirdly, they are using ACRYLIC yarn.  I have no issue with Acrylic yarn.  In fact I intend to do a post real soon on defending this workhorse of a yarn.  However, for $65.00 I expect a little something more...just saying.

I just had to have my say on this one.......I suppose I wouldn't have had such an issue with this lovely pillow if and I mean if they had named it right and offered it up at a reasonable price.  Just my opnion is all.

Have a great day everyone.
Megan

P.S.
I emailed Pottery Barn.  Here it is;

Hi- just wanted to let you know that someone in your design dept. has misnamed an item.  The item is named as "Seed Stitch Knit Pillow".  To those that understand knitwear know that the pillow was NOT made with a Seed Stitch but was actually knit with a GARTER STITCH.  Just a small detail.  However, when it's wrong it's wrong. If a technical name for a product is to be used then perhaps using the right one is in order. Thought I would pass this along.

Hopefully it will make a point.  But somehow I doubt it!!

SNEAK PEAK-PONCHO

Hey Everyone.....just a quick posting today.  Here is a sneak peek at my next project:

This little one is working up really quickly-all things considering!  I wanted to knit it in a pure wool- I chose Paton's Classic Wool.  I have always wanted to do a poncho with a rectangular shape- it always looks so amazing on people.  There is a classic, sophistication to someone who throws on a poncho.  It always looks so good on so many body types.

Have a great weekend everyone.

Megan

MAKING TRACKS BLANKET

Hey Everyone.....I have had this one in the works for awhile........

Reverse side

When I took the pics, it really looks pinkish red on the back deck.  Inside the blanket takes on a more brick red colour.......crazy, crazy.............

I knit it up in Loops & Threads Impeccible-more on that tomorrow............

I have the pattern up and running, you can get it here.  And it's a FREEBIE!!!  Naming my little creations is sometimes such a difficult thing.  There are times when it pops in my brain so quickly and then other times it's like pulling teeth.  I guess it's just one of those things .
Have a great day everyone.
Megan