Color is All About Context

Well everyone, we are into the first week of the Spring Shawltime Thing a-long, and people are signing up and choosing yarn. Thus far, Forged Joy, Pommi and Pearls, Rustically Elegant Shoulder Warmer, the Wyvern Warmer, the Colorblocked Scarf, the Coleman Embossed Muffler, and Springtime Decadence Shawl are the popular designs, but there is still plenty of time for more participants and more design choices.

The fiber one chooses to work up any project is a multi-faceted decision - do I buy new, stash-bust, use beads (and if so, do the beads determine the color choice) are just some of the factors involved. For my personal Springtime Decadence Shawl, I went to stash to fashion my own gradient. My initial choices are on the right (with George Bailey photobomb, sort of). 

My goal was to work from light to dark, and to the left are the first three colors next to each other. As you can see, those two purples side by side don't have much distinction, and in fact the bottom purple actually brings out the gray in the middle purple. Not the best way to build a gradient, so I injected a deeper purple in between (photo to the right). See, now, how those two original purples pop so much more?


I then worked the first two colorways (Neighborhood Fiber Co. Penthouse Silk in Victorian Village and Louisa Harding Merletto), and then worked just one row of the pattern in the deeper purple (which is Noro Lily Yarn in colorway no. 18 - all three from deep stash). Here is what that looked like:

And to the right is the close-up of the lace fabric with both of the lighter purples with that one deeper purple row separating them. That one row provides just enough contrast to allow the lighter purples to shine. 

I may have changed up the traditional gradient color flow just a little bit, but the colors together now work so much better.

These photos were taken on the fly with my cell phone, but you'll see once I have better shots of the finished shawl that these colors look good together, with a little rearranging.

Colors and context are intricately linked.

Do feel free to join us over in my Ravelry group and make a shawl ... with whatever colors work for you.

It's All About The Gifts This Melange Monday

It's (late!) Monday, time for melange.

As many of you may know, I've been involved with Ravelry's 2014 Independent Designer Gift-a-long, specifically I helped pin all of the participating designs to Pinterest boards. I have gone one step further and curated my own 2014 DIY Gifts board right here. I have chosen my favorites from all of the boards excepts the baby/children's board as well as the feet and leg board. I still have one or two children's patterns curated, but mostly I'm all about the hats, gloves, sweaters, scarves, home and shawls, shawls, shawls. There are some fantastic designs currently on sale and ripe for the picking before the end of the day this coming Friday. Of course, most of my self-published patterns are part of the mix (hey, I'm biased!), but with over 200 pins on the board, my designs represent only about 10% of what I curated. Do please take a look (knit and crochet together) - maybe there will be something you missed the first time around!

My fiber choice for my version of the
Lucie Shawlette. Photo taken with craptastic
cell phone camera.

********************************************************

So, I purchased some shawl patterns late last Friday: four in all, but one for me to make now and one to make as a gift for a family member this holiday season. I'm currently enthralled with Gabriella Henry's Lucie Shawlette. It's a combination of simple garter stitch and a sweet crochet edging on one side. I am not only thoroughly enjoying the squoishy comfort of all that garter stitch, but as a fellow designer and creator of written patterns, I appreciate her unorthodox and artistic approach to pattern presentation. Henry incorporates unique font choices as well as (what I suspect) is her own art in her document layout. It's a real breath of fresh air from all of the cookie-cutter approaches to pattern layout. As someone who also utilizes some unique font choices as well as lots of photos and my own art (although less of the art in my single patterns), it's nice to see someone marching to her own tune. Well done, Gabriella. 

I'm farther along than this photo indicates.
I am loving the subtle color changes and
all.that.garter.stitch.

A friendly reminder that 20 of my designs, bundled here, are 25% off until the end of the day this Friday with the code giftalong2014. Partake of any of my designs on sale as well as those from other designers on my curated board linked above. Give someone hand-made worthy a great gift this holiday season, hopefully made with some yarn produced by an indie dyer or spinner.

Of course, that hand-made worthy person could be your very awesome self. Craft on, people.

Day 6 of 8 Days of Designs: Motif-a-Rockin' Shawl

Hello my fellow crafty ones, here I am at day 6 of my Romantique: Autumne/Hiver 2013 roll-out. My apologies for being slightly tardy with this day, but it was unavoidable.

Now everyone who reads this blog knows how much I love shawls, so this second shawl of the collection not only has a special place in my heart, it is just downright drippingly gorgeous. It is far and away the most beautiful thing I've ever designed. Please welcome into the designing wild my Forged Joy shawl:

Using just two skeins of Neighborhood Fiber Co.'s Capital Luxury Lace (a merino/ cashmere/nylon blend), this became the project of the season for me. The motif came to me fairly quickly way back in early spring, but the edging ... well, that's a whole 'nother story. Less than 36 hours before I shot these photos, I ripped back about half of it because I did not like how it was developing, and started again. I am sooooooo glad I did ... but I was sweating it right up until I pulled it off the blocking pins.

It's a v-shape, which really stays well on the shoulders. While all the motifs are the same, the placement of the center motif (seen on the left arm of the top photo) is a real show-stopper, especially when worn on the side. And, of course, the beads on the final edging row add just the right amount of bling and weight to keep the shawl pretty and in place. It's also long enough on each side that it can be folded over in the front and worn almost scarf-like, yet because of that awesome center motif, generously hugs the shoulders. Doesn't it almost look like a tattoo in the photo on the left? I do love a good graphic design. :)

This project is definitely for advanced crocheters that want a challenge. Nevertheless, the crafty person will be rewarded with a most amazingly stunning shawl. At least I think they will be rewarded.



I do hope you make it on over to Andrea's at the Wonder Why Alpaca Farm (whose lovely yarn I used in the skirt which you can see peeking in a few photos above) to see what everyone else is up to this Fee-Fi(ber)-F.O. Friday.

I am getting to the end of my collection introductions. Just two more designs to go.

Hey, It's a Completed Project

Happy Fee-Fi(ber)-F.O. Friday, everyone. It might be Day 5 of the 4th Annual Knitting and Crochet Blogging Week, but I'm taking the day off to share a finished project with everyone.

Even though I'm in the middle of my own design projects, a longstanding member of the Ravelry shawl group I co-moderate, Rosalia, posted a new shawl design and was looking for testers. Even though she received plenty of takers (really!), I offered to test her pattern, and she was kind enoungh to say yes. She has not only produced some beautiful shawls over the last three years, but she's been a warm and supportive member of the group, and I was thrilled to be able to support her designing efforts. I've just completed the test, and here's the result:

 

It's not in the Ravelry database yet, but you can view Rosalia's sample project page. The pattern is "On the Road," and I am thrilled with how this turned out. My version is not quite as deep as Rosalia's sample, but I used a slightly smaller needle size. Additionally, I blocked my lace section more aggressively to open it up, and I added beads along the edge.

 

I used a wool/bamboo/nylon sock yarn for the main body and edging, and Filatura di Crosa Centolavaggi held double for the lace insert section. Short rows are used in the body and I really enjoyed working them. I only used a little over 60% of the sock yarn skein, so one could add additional rows to deepen the shawl if desired. I really love how the short rows make it hug the shoulders. It's like a sunshine-y hug - thanks Rosalia!

 

Now definitely head on over to Andrea at Wisdom Begins in Wonder and see how much sunshine everyone else is experiencing this Friday

 

I'll be back to the House of Bee and KniCroBlo blogging tomorrow. I've actually got a few things to say about tools.

A Little Test and Good Counting Gone Bad

This yarn will become a lovely new shawl - well, mostly the right-hand ball, with just a little of the light peach Centrolavaggi as accent. (That over 1500 yard behemoth has a few projects in its future.) This shawl is knit (yes, folks, it was time for a knitting project), and it's a test.

So, I took the yarnie photos a little while ago, and started in on the test. It's just my kind of knit shawl pattern - a little bit of lace for accent, and lots of knit and purl. I do knit and purl. I do a little lace. Clearly, however, I cannot count.

This is a bottom-up shawl, so of course one must cast on a gazillion stitches. Stitch markers at the ready, I easily cast on the requisite gazillion stitches. I used my favorite cast on method (cable) and I quite enjoyed it. I then worked the first row to perfection. Excellent. Pump winning fist in the air.

And then I got to the second row, which is just a minor variation of the first row - and the variation is in pattern stitch count. Well you know I got to the end of the row and was off. I went back and checked my stitches, and they looked fine. I thought I'd complete the next row (a repeat of the first row) and see if I couldn't catch and fix my mistakes on the return. Not only did I not find my errors, but I was off even more on the pattern stitch count on the third row.

What? I am decent at math. I write patterns that work, dammit. Why oh why could I not get in the groove with the beginning of this pattern? It seems that once off on stitch count, the bad stitch counting just got worse and worse, like scratching a mosquito bite or watching an out-of-control pile up on the interstate.

Yes, I did eventually get an accurate stitch pattern count. Don't ask about the foul-language glut to be found in the immediate area. I managed to corner that market all by my little ole self. I should have this shawl completed by the end of the month and it's a pretty pattern, so be on the lookout.

Now's the time to check in with Andrea over at Wisdom Begins in Wonder and see what everyone else is working on (and hopefully their stitch counting efforts are better than mine).

And don't forget - next week is the 4th Annual Knitting and Crochet Blogging Week. The daily subject prompts have been posted, as well as the post tags and a neat little poll. You know I'll be taking part, and I hope all of you will too.

Autumn 2012 Accessories: Day 3

Hello Everyone, and welcome to Day 3 of the Autumn 2012 Accessories collection introduction.

I am ready to introduce probably the prettiest item of the collection - the Le Bouquet Stole. I have been sitting on this lace pattern since the end of last year; I am so thrilled to be able to present it here.  As feminine as this is in stole form, it's also a very versatile piece simply worn around the neck. I just folded it over once during the photo shoot, but it would look equally great fastened with a shawl pin.

When wearing as a stole, its got hidden buttons so it will stay easily around the shoulders. I've designed it with three different circumferences - make the size closest to your yoke measurement, and then customize with button placement.

This stole can be made with a wide range of yarn weights. I've swatched with sport and dk weight, both of which looked great. One tester used light worsted weight! I actually hooked it with this yummy hand-dyed fingering weight silk:

This perle silk (2 ply) actually had a little "bite," which worked up quite nicely. Blocking was a light spritz before and after pinning. I do warn that you may be tempted to skip the blocking because the stitch is so texturally interesting, but I urge you not to since the blocked circumference is the key to a great fit.

I can easily see this in a darker colorway with a lighter colored ruffle or a tonal treatment - the possibilities are limited only by imagination and preference. I can't wait to see how this design gets interpreted!

 

A Fee-Fi(ber)-F.O. Friday for the Books

Days like today are the reason so many of us transplant to the Pacific Northwest and don't ever want to move away: sunny, blue sky, low 70s with a beautiful breeze, no humidity. The greenery is more verdant, the flowers are just that much more fragrant, and the swallows are chirping about. People are out everywhere - doing yard work, walking their pets, strolling with their children or loved ones, riding their bikes, taking photographs (!), getting errands done while soaking up all that vitamin D. Glorious, absolutely glorious.

It is amid that background that I photographed my most recent finished project - my Lettuce Leaf shawl. I cannot tell you how much I absolutely love this shawl. The pattern is the Critron, which is the crocheted version of the popular Citron knitted half-circle shawl. Worked up in laceweight alpaca and mohair, this blocked out so amazingly well. Can you tell how excited I am?!!!!

This is my first half-circle shawl, and I love how it lays so nicely on my shoulders. It needs just a little shawl pin on the side, but I can see this becoming my new favorite go-to shawl. 

And even though I'm once again a little late to the Fiber Arts Friday dance, I think Andrea might not mind that I exercised my freedom to move about my neighborhood on this awesomely lovely day. Definitely check back with her blog to see how everyone else kicked off their respective July 4th weekend.

Happy independence! Get out there and enjoy ... just don't forget your fiber.

My Needles Are Where, Exactly?

So, do you see this fiber?

Very lovely - I agree. It will eventually become this shawl.

The Dianna Shawl, one of
the many beautiful shawls
designed by the mastermind
behind Colours from Chaos

I say eventually because ... well ... this entrelac pattern has been kicking my needles to Timbuktu. I thought it would be the entrelac technique that would give me fits. But noooooooo. It's the darn lace - I cannot get past the first block! I think I've frogged that sucker at least four times.

Now, I'm a good knitter - I'd say better than average, but not an expert by any means. Clearly I can do something right, since I've turned this pile:











into this:

Nevertheless, there are just some patterns that, for whatever reason, one seems to have a blindspot. I've got another shawl that's been in hibernation since last year that others find quite pleasant, easy even (heavens to Mergatroy!), yet for me ... well, you get the idea.

Now I'm certain all those individuals who think the pattern is so easy have all kinds of advice, tips and tricks for me. They might even want to show off their FOs in an effort to indicate just how snappily they completed their projects (and hey, everyone's entitled to strut their stuff). But what if I want to learn these patterns and get through them on my own? What if I absorb information and this type of material best on my own? I don't always want to know your tips or tricks - I like finding many things out for myself. Really. In my own time. In my own space.

I learned a long time ago (through many different types of education and settings) that one can only put information out there. But really internalizing the lesson? That's different for everyone, and the motivation must come from within. I trust that experiences, perspectives, truths, are different. We can all still support each other ... just let me learn this on my own, ok?

Brought to you from somewhere between here and Timbuktu.

Finally a Proper Fee-Fi(ber)-F.O. Friday

I must say I am truly pleased that I actually had an FO siting this week. I'm pretty pleased with my Scribbles shawl.
 
I've been working on this steadily, at night, since the middle of May. Because it's just garter stitch, it has been my go-to project when I wanted to unwind before heading off to sleepy-land. This shawl is all about the fiber used - the delicate, laceweight Kid Merino (28% mohair/28% merino/44% micro nylon) and the awesomely colored Noro Silk Garden Sock (colorway #S84). I love the interplay of delicate and earthy in this shawl, as well as the fringe.

However (always a softie for more startitis punishment), I also used this amazing organic superwash merino sock yarn from Lollipop Cabin:

to commence a Solar Flare-patterned shawl:

An amazing colorway? Yes.

Yet another project? You bet.

Do I need to get my head examined? Quite possibly.

I know I am a little late to this week's Fiber Arts Friday dance, but do check back with Andrea's blog to see what other fiber impossibilities everyone has gotten themselves into.

The Boogie-Woogie Beading Gal of CST (2KCBWDAY5)

A Fee-Fi(ber)-F.O. Friday disclaimer: since I have several FOs that will be ready next week ... and this is the second annual Knitting and Crochet Blogging Week ... there's very little fiber content in this week's post. I hope you enjoy it anyway.  When you're done, definitely check out Andrea's blog and see what everyone else is up to this week on Fiber Arts Friday!

I bring you a tale of a Crochet Small Talker  - many in the group will fit this tale -  to the melody of that WWII-era classic The Boogie-Woogie Bugle Boy from Company B:

(FYI - The Crochet Small Talkers are a crochet group on Ravelry.)


The Boogie-Woogie Beading Gal of CST


She was a crafty gal from old Ravel-ry way
She had a boogie beading style that no one else could play
She was a top gal at her craft
And then her number came up - she was bedazzled by glass

She's crafting shawls now, and edging constantly
She's the boogie-woogie beading gal of CST

They made her craft a shawl directly from a book
It really brought her down because she couldn't hook
With any of her beads
Well then what do you know, she ditched that dreary look
And now Ravelry loves when she breaks out the beads
She's the boogie-woogie beading gal of CST

A-toot, a-toot, a-diddle-ee-ada-toot
She beads it one a picot – in crochet rhythm
She can't bead an edge unless yarn and color
Are stylin' with 'em
And now Ravelry loves when she breaks out the beads
She's the boogie-woogie beading gal of CST


She edges all with yarn and beads most every time
And whips up pretty shawls with beads shiny ‘n bright
They clap their hands and stamp their feet
Because they know how she beads
When she hooks shawls so sweet
And now Ravelry loves when she breaks out the beads
She’s the boogie-woogie beading gal of CST


And now Ravelry loves when she breaks out the beads
She’s the boogie-woogie beading gal of CST

So ... maybe a little embellishment ... but not too much. :)   Do you embellish? Definitely share ... and leave me a comment.

I hope everyone is enjoying this Friday of the second annual Knitting and Crochet Blogging Week. Only two more days to get your crafty blog energy fix!

Pattern, Languish No More!

While I currently have two other knit shawls on the needles, I’ve just completed my eighth crocheted shawl in Ravelry's 10 in 2010 challenge – with mere weeks left. (December 31^st at the stroke of midnight Norwegian time [!] is the witching hour; oh, the fun quirks of an international challenge.)

All my completed shawls in this challenge have a creation story, and this one is no different. A few weeks back (sometime before Thanksgiving), several of the crochet challengers were virtually chit-chatting about patterns and what we would next make. A few put forth new patterns, one of which was Lyn’s (Shepherd's Crook) Festival Shawl.  For those of you non-Ravelry readers, she also is CGOA's book reviewer. According to Lyn, she had worked on it a bit, but then just let it fall to the wayside, in a somewhat raw form.

Well, even though I am not too keen on triangular shawls, from the prototype photo she posted, it looked like something that I might find interesting to craft. I already could see the bead possibilities (which were not a part of the original design), and I wanted to complete at least one triangular shawl so I could learn about this type of shawl construction.

So, stash diving I went, and initially came up with about 800 yards of hand-dyed laceweight I had received in a swap, along with one ball of Drops Vivaldi in a honking green colorway. Hoping to be able to get my hands on more of the Vivaldi in online de-stash or trade, I tucked into the pattern. After using up all of my on-hand Vivaldi, here’s what it looked like:

Of course, I could not scrounge up any more of the Vivaldi, so I went to Plan  B. While visiting the frog pond (and it was quite a visit because Vivaldi is mohair), I ordered two balls of Drops Kid-Silk in an apple green colorway. My second attempt then looked like the next photo, prior to starting the beaded edging:

As I was working on the body of the shawl, I quickly got a vision of the completed shawl, and thought it would be perfect for a formal affair like - you guessed it - a wedding. So, after I added the simple, yet effective and very pretty beaded edging, as well as performed the requisite blocking spritz, I started to search for a place to take some photos. A few establishments into my research, on a cloudy and overcast Pacific Northwest early winter afternoon, I found Blue Sky Bridal, a consignment/new bridal dress shop with an eco-friendly focus. I knew my search was over even before I telephoned with my unorthodox request to take photos and received a warm yes from Jen, one of the co-owners.

I am so thrilled with the finished shawl. It has “formal spring affair” written all over it. Against the backdrop of a classically-styled off-the-shoulder gown, this pattern comes to life. I hope Lyn feels the same, so this beautiful pattern can be sent out into the crafting world. Yeah!

And, of course, thanks so much to Beth and Jen at Blue Sky Bridal for a friendly and fun photo shoot – even absent a blue sky.  Now, if only I could learn how to use my camera's flash ...