Yarn Intercept

Gift Along FOs and New WIPs

I’ve completed my first two projects for the gift along!

First, is pdxknitterati’s Kilter. I used Malabrigo Silky Merino in Lavanda. It turned out very nice! I was a little worried that I’d run out of yarn, so I sped up the crown decreases a bit. Here’s a shot of the back. I can see my decreases were a little loose, but I’m okay with it anyway.

 

My second finished project is an Abundant Cowl by mangobadango. I used Knit Picks Preciosa in the Crest colorway. This is a very soft and squishy yarn. It’s a single and reminds me of Malabrigo Worsted – maybe a bit thicker. It was a very easy knit and I finished in two days!

 

I’ve cast on for two more gift along projects. First is the Mount Rundle Mittens by Kate Bostwick of Cowtownknits. I favorited this pattern the first time I saw it and I am loving it! I had a bit of a struggle at the beginning – knitter error – but am moving along with ease now. I’m using Knit Picks palette in Regal and Tranquil. I’m very happy with the color contrast! I can’t wait to finish the first mitten. Maybe tonight?

I don’t have a picture of the second cast on. I plan a feature of the designer though, so I’ll save it for a separate post!

In the meantime, Bridget is keeping busy.

               Bridget says, “Hey! I caught it. Now what do I do?”

Featured Gift Along Designer, Michele Bernstein

Tomorrow night, I will kick off the gift along by casting on a hat by Michele Bernstein, pdxknitterati on Ravelry, so I thought I’d introduce her and some of her designs here!

  

Kilter should be a quick and easy knit, but the crown is what really sets it off to me! The bands of stockinette and reverse stockinette start to swirl and twist, throwing it off kilter. Should be fun. I think it’ll look great in Malabrigo’s Silky Merino. I’ll be using the Lavanda colorway. (The pattern calls for sport, but I know I can get gauge with the Silky Merino.)

I asked Michele which patterns of hers she really loves and she mentioned two patterns for ponchos – Tilt Shift and Summertime Blues. I love the cabled edge on Tilt Shift and Summertime Blues has just enough lace to be interesting without being overwhelming in the way that lace can sometimes be. While “poncho” made one think of 70’s retro not too long ago, they are making a big comeback this year! Michele likes how handy they are to wear when you really need both hands for something. They may not be doable for the gift along, but they are definitely something to keep in mind for January selfish knitting!

 

                                                  Tilt Shift

                                      Summertime Blues

Michele loves to learn new techniques and incorporate them into her designs. She’s tackled entrelac, steeking, and thrumming. I’ve done entrelac but have never be courageous enough for steeking. And then it never gets cold enough for thrummed items in Oklahoma. But maybe where you live, you could cast on for Thrumbelina or Thrumviator – two great patterns included in Michele’s discounted bundle for the gift along! (Thrumviator would sure keep your ears warm!)

 

                                          Thrumbelina

                                   Thrumviator

Be sure to check out Michele’s bundle on her designer page HERE. She has lots of great designs to inspire you!

Michele blogs at www.pdxknitterati.com about knitting, teaching knitting, and traveling.

Bridget says, “Those slippers look so soft and squishy! Could you make me a thrummed cat bed?”

Indie Design Gift Along 2015

I am once again participating in the Indie Designers’ Gift Along this year! There are even more designers (over 300!) participating so that means lots and lots of patterns for sale. The sale and the gift along officially kicks off THURSDAY NIGHT at 8PM EST. All of my paid patterns are on sale for 25% off using the gift along coupon code – which I will post on Thursday. The sale lasts for one week only. Designers can include up to 20 of their patterns for sale.

You can participate in the gift along by knitting any paid patterns (meaning not free) by any of the designers. You can use patterns you’ve already purchased or patterns that aren’t on sale…as long as the pattern is not free, you can knit it and your project will be eligible for prizes.

Prizes! Lots and lots and lots of prizes! From downloadable patterns (each designer gave at least 5 coupon codes for free patterns) to tangible, real life items…such as YARN. I won yarn in last year’s gift along!

Here is a sneak peak at some of patterns for sale in the gift along. Click the picture to go to my Ravelry designer page:

There are several new patterns up there!

Top row: (all new in the last few months) Slip Sliding Hat, Las Moracitas Hat and Cowl, and Bricktown.

Second row: Cinnamony Mitts, Positive Slope Cowl

Third down on the left: Frozen Spires Cowl

Bottom left: Houndstooth Obsession

Bottom Center: Mythica

Under Bricktown: Quartette Cowl, Hankola Hat, Heladas Hat, Dark Passage Socks

I have seven more patterns for sale as well. See them all in my Gift Along Bundle.

Happy gifting!

                             Bridget says, “Did somebody say SALE?!”