New book: Loom Knitting with the All-n-One

This past spring/summer I had the opportunity to work on a pattern booklet for the All-n-One loom from the Authentic Knitting Board company.  I was asked to submit 5 design proposals for loom knit patterns using the All-n-One.  Of those, 3 would be chosen for the booklet.

An All-n-One loom arrived here in late April and a lot of loom knitting followed.  Plus pattern writing, and pic clicking, etc.  But enough about the nitty gritty details   All of that work, and the work of a few other very talented loom knit designers has come together inside the pages of this fabulous new booklet:

A few lucky recipients got their hands on advance copies of this booklet, Loom Knitting with the All-n-One Loom, at a loom knitting retreat in Texas at the end of October.  Lucky ducks, right?  But, not to worry – you can now purchase this booklet from the Authentic Knitting Board website.  (Just click the link at the top of this paragraph)

Alright, just for kicks, let’s take a look at the projects I contributed to this book.  First up, is Darby:

Darby is a textured, rectangular wrap knit in Bernat Mosaic.  Mosaic has lovely, vibrant colorways and was the perfect yarn for this spirited accessory.  It was fun watching the colors change as I worked through this project.  I think this design would be beautiful if worked up in a solid color too.

Next up is Ashley:

Ashley is a delicate, feminine shawlette.  It was knit with Sheep(ish) from Caron.  I was aiming for something whisper soft with a wonderful drape.  I am really pleased with how this shawlette turned out.  It feels very luxurious and completely cuddly.  I need to make at least two more just like it!

And last, but definitely not least, Hadley:

Hadley started out as a dress only.  Specifically, a knitted vest with an attached fabric skirt.  Somewhere along the line, I decided to modify the pattern to give the option for knitters to knit the vest as a stand alone piece, or to knit the vest and then add the fabric skirt.  I think it made the design much more versatile.

Here is a look at the Hadley vest:

And one more of the Hadley dress:

So, now you have a closer look at three of the designs in the Loom Knitting with the All-n-One Loom book.  But the loom knitting fun has only just begun.  There are 8 additional projects in the book and they are all fantastic!

The Loom Knitting with the All-n-One Loom book is beautifully put together and well worth adding to your loom knitting library (if I do say so myself, haha).  If you don’t already have a copy, maybe Santa will spoil you with it this Christmas…

Happy Loom Knitting!

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LKC and my little Chickie-Dee!

The Spring 2012 issue of Loom Knitter’s Circle was published this past weekend!  If you haven’t had a chance to see it yet, be sure and check it out.  It’s packed full of wonderful articles and patterns.  And this time, I even managed to sneak a design in the current issue   Meet my little Chickie-Dee!

My kids have a couple of soft, baby chicks (stuffed toys) that they love to play with.  And every once in awhile, when the chicks were out of the toy box, I’d find myself thinking that I could probably make a chickie that looked very close to their chicks.  Last month, I finally gave it a try.  This sweet softie toy is what I came up with.

In the picture above, Chickie has 1/4″ button eyes.  The second Chickie I made was going to be a gift for a baby shower, so I embroidered the eyes on with a tapestry needle and black yarn (still very cute, and safer for households with little ones, or pets that might chew the button eyes off):

While we’re talking about this fun little creation, I’d like to give a shout out to my wonderfully talented friend, Bethany Dailey.  Some of Chickie’s design elements are inspired by her creativity.  Chickie’s tail is done in short rows just like in Bethany’s darling Mr. Wobbles.  And the fun little tuft of fluff on the top of Chickie’s head was inspired by the Pacifier Pals in Bethany’s fabulous book, Loom Knitting for Little People.  (If you don’t already have a copy of this book, I highly recommend it ).

In my experience, each new project that we undertake has something to teach us.  We build on our skills as we try new things.  And the Spring 2012 issue of LKC is chock full of loomy learnin’ so hop on over there and have some fun!

Happy loom knitting!

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Loom along, loom along, would you like to loom along?

Hi there!  It’s time to talk about the loom alongs that started this month

In the Loom Along group on Ravelry, for the basic loom along, we’ll still be working on Loom Knit Kitties and Loom Knit Bunnies.  The bunny and kitty are cute, little soft toys and would make fun gifts for Easter or a special little someone’s birthday.

Also in the Loom Along group, we just started up a new Purchased Pattern LAL.  During the months of April and May, we’ll be working on the Pinwheel Baby Blanket pattern by Denise Layman.  Denise’s pattern teaches you how to make the pinwheel blanket and also includes a fun sawtooth edging to accentuate the pinwheel center.

In the Loom Knitter’s Circle group on Ravelry, we started up a new Loomin’ in the Archives LAL.  This month, we’ll be working on the Market Tote by Norma Cooper from the Summer 2007 issue of Loom Knitter’s Circle magazine.  ‘Go Green’ with this project and cut down on your reliance on plastic bags.  Perfect timing with this project since Earth Day is just around the corner   ETA:  I’ve also set this one up as an event in the LKC group on facebook so pick your favorite place to play and come loom along.

Last, but definitely not least, an exciting chance to learn how to loom knit socks.  Our fabulous moderator in the Loomin’ Socks group has been putting together a SAL (Sock Along) to help loom knitters learn to make socks on their knitting looms.  They are beginning with a mini sock, then will progress to a pair of full size socks.  If you’ve ever wanted to loom knit socks, hop on over to the Loomin’ Socks group and join in on the fun.

And that wraps up all of the Loom Alongs that I happen to know about.  Pick a project (or two, or three) and get ready to have a great time.  Happy Loom Knitting!

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Loom Along, loom along, would you like to loom along?

Here it is mid-March and I’m just popping in to let you know about the current loom alongs.  So sorry.

In the Loom Along group, we started working on two fun projects for the basic loom along – Loom Knitting Kitty and Loom Knitting Bunny.  We’ll be working on those through the end of April, so I hope you can hop on over and join in on the fun.

Also, in the Loom Along group, the Purchased Pattern loom along for Renee’s Sweet on Ruffles Shawlette is still in progress.  This one wraps up at the end of March, so finish up those shawls and share your wonderful pics with us.

In the Loomin’ Socks group, our wonderful moderator, greengirl7, has been cooking up some Sock Along fun.  Right now, we’re in the planning stages, but it’s looking like we’ll be working on the basics of loom knitting socks starting in April.  Pop in to the planning thread if you’d like to get in on the sock knitting fun.

We held off starting a new loom along in the Loom Knitter’s Circle group.  You are more than welcome to drop in on the 25th Street Stole thread and whip up a quick scarf or wrap.  Or, you can wait until April, when we’ll have another archives loom along and we’ll plan a loom along from one of the patterns in the Spring Issue of LKC.

Speaking of the Loom Knitter’s Circle webzine – if you are a designer, today is the day to submit patterns for the Spring 2012 issue!  You can send your submissions to lkcmag@gmail.com.  Be sure to visit the submissions page to check the current guidelines.  I can’t wait to see what crops up in the next issue

Happy Knitting!

 

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Revisiting the Oh My Stars and Garters Satchel

At some point, this little pattern slipped onto the Free Patterns page quietly, with not even a blog post to mark its arrival.  So sneaky, right?  We’ll let’s chat about it now, shall we?

I designed this simple envelope style clutch in February 2010 for a loom class I was teaching featuring the garter stitch pattern.  The project and pattern were created as an exercise in creating the garter stitch pattern on a knitting loom.  After the class was finished, I added the file to this blog and went to work on something else.

I’ve had a few questions on this little bag, so I thought I’d take a look at the pattern and add some helpful pictures of the finishing process.  So, here it is, all spiffed up:

Have fun!

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Time for play

“Sweet childish days, that were as long, As twenty days are now.” – William Wordsworth

Isn’t this so true?  I remember days that seemed to stretch on forever when I was younger.  Especially the hours spent at school.  And it felt like holidays and birthdays would never arrive.  Now the days and weeks just zip on by.  Life keeps me busy, busy and that makes the hours fly.   

Still, I’m not complaining.  It’s all good as long as I can find a bit of time here and there to squeeze in a little yarn play

These little fairies have been waiting to come out and play since late last September.  I have a pattern written up for them and all ready to go.  I’ll let you know when and where it gets posted.

I was so thrilled with how this little project turned out.  Isn’t it sweet and cheery?  I did this little gift bag for an article that was just published in the Loom Knitter’s Circle magazine.  If you’d like to check it out, visit the site, click on Articles and mine is the first one – Let’s Get Ready to Scrumble!  Exploring Free Form Loom Knitting.  This cute little giftie went to kiddo’s bus assistant.  She fell and broke her hip back in February and probably won’t be able to return to work.  This pretty bag flew out the door as soon as the strap was sewn on.  We gave it to kiddo’s bus driver to take it to Miss Nancy.  Hopefully it is helping to cheer her through her recovery.

Here is a little something fun that you won’t catch from the article in the Loom Knitter’s Circle:

This is the flip side of the little gift bag.  As you may (or may not) know, I crochet, needle knit and loom knit – along with various other crafts.  I couldn’t resist slipping a bit of crochet in on this cute little bag.  It’s rather perfect, don’t you think?  Combining two of my favorite crafts into what I think may be one of the prettiest things I’ve done with yarn so far.  Well, it made me smile at least, haha.

I’ve also been tinkering with my little lady bug pattern.  I’ve made a few improvements and modifications and will be putting together a new pattern for it.  Here is a look at the new, improved little critter:

This one is also in a sort of limbo but I’ll let you know when it’s available as well.  Alright, better run – there is work to be done.  Wishing you all a great day – and if it’s busy, may you still find a bit of time for play

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What have I been doing?

Hey there I am so proud of myself! I have been wanting to try my hand at broomstick lace for quite some time. Last night I finally got around to it. It was a bit tricky learning because I am left handed and there really aren’t tutorials out there for lefties. But I stuck with it and finally figured it out. I figured a small project would be best to learn with so I made up a dishcloth.

Last week I finished up the pattern for the 4th square for the Afghan/Lapghan Project. I am really excited about this one. It turned out really pretty. Here’s a tiny sneak peek:

                          

I also found some time to finish up three more afghan squares for the Afghan CAL on Ravelry. I think this afghan will be really pretty. It’s going to be hard to give it away.  For some reason, the pictures for the afghan squares won’t load up.  So, if you would like to see them, you can check them out on Ravelry.  My favorite is the Lacy Sun.  I also finished the Flower Burst and Lovely in Green (which I did not make in green because it didn’t fit in my color scheme.)  I hope you enjoy them.  Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

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Learn to Knit Cables on Looms – An Interview with Isela Phelps

I recently had the fabulous opportunity to interview Isela Phelps, loom knit designer and author of the new booklet, Learn to Knit Cables on Looms. Isela’s new booklet is a beautiful, glossy, soft-cover booklet with 9 brilliant designs that will take you on an exciting cabling journey. Inside the booklet, you will find helpful directions on making cables, including photographed visual aids. Cables can bring beauty and sophistication to your projects and Learn to Knit Cables on Looms is definitely an important addition to any loom knitter’s library. This booklet has a little something in it for everyone, whether you prefer socks, afghans, or purses and bags. I was trying to narrow down to one favorite project and just couldn’t choose between the Fairamay Shawl on page 12 and the Jamie’s Mitts on page 14. I think I am going to have to make them both. See how wonderful they are?

Here are some thoughts Isela shared in the interview about cables, her new booklet, and designing:

I love the look of cables, but have been afraid to try them. What advice or recommendations can you give to those of us who are just starting to try cables?

My number one recommendation is the following: take it slow. At first, it is going to be difficult and the instructions are going to read extremely bizarre, but they work. As you keep practicing, your cables would look better and better. In the famous words of Dory, (from Pixar’s movie Nemo) “Just keep swimming” or in our case, cabling.

(For a little extra motivation, maybe hum Dory’s song while you work on your cables)

The projects in the booklet are all written for large gauge looms like the Knifty Knitters. Do you have a favorite gauge for cables?

Cables look great on any stitch gauge, they look great knitted with thin yarns and with chunky ones too. They are just lovable!

The book has a really nice variety of projects in it. Do you have a favorite type of project to use cables in?

Socks. Oops, I said it again. Socks are my ultimate favorite project and I try to incorporate cables into them all the time.

You have so many lovely designs. What do you like most about designing?

Working out a challenge. For example, the earflap hat in the booklet. I had this idea in my head for this hat, I sketched it out and it looked great, until it came time to knit. I came to a road block when I had to decrease for the crown. I wanted the cable to continue up with the crown shaping which meant that the cable had to decrease too to go along with the shaping. I sat for a few afternoons writing, drawing, knitting, frogging but when everything was done, I felt extreme satisfaction!

Way to go Isela! It’s a very pretty hat. If you don’t have the booklet yet, here is the lovely Cion Earflap Hat featured on page 26 in the booklet:

Inquiring minds want to know – Where do you find the time to bring us such fabulous designs?

I really don’t have much free time. I am a person that has to be busy 24 hours a day and I try to squeeze all my activities into the 18 that I am awake although I book the entire 24. I sleep very little and when I am awake, I work as fast as I can (or as little as possible) on chores around the house, then I take care of my kiddos, while taking care of the kiddos, I drag my knitting, or my books around, so while they play I am either knitting or researching. If I don’t have my nose in a book, or my hands occupied with my knitting, I am at the computer. Much of my success, if I may call it that, has to do a lot with a supportive hubby. He is there for me and for the kids whenever we need him. The guy even goes to pick up cable needles and stitch markers for me from the yarn shop when I am on a tight deadline! So there you have it, my secret… it is Sam. I take some of his hours of his day and put them into mine.

I have the clean as little as possible down pat. I wonder if I can borrow Sam?

Finally, a lot of work goes into a project like this. What is one thing you would like to tell us about creating this booklet?

This booklet has been one of my most favorite projects to work on in my “looming career”. I was able to research and play around with a concept that has had me intrigued since childhood. Although I am very good at creating cables on needles, I wanted to bring that world into the loom knitting community and American School of Needlework allowed me to do that by providing me with this opportunity. Cables may look complicated but they are not, it is simple knitting with a few twists and turns that shape an ordinary project into something extraordinary. I sometimes think of cables as a person’s life. We are thrown little obstacles in our lives but each one of those obstacles polishes/shapes us into something better. I hope that the booklet helps others become enamored with cables and, like me, that they may take every chance they get to throw a little twist in their knits!

Wow! That’s a really neat way to look at things! Thank you Isela for this chance to visit with you and learn more about you and your new booklet! It’s been delightful!

Thank you Jenny, for having me on your blog and for hosting the tour of my little booklet.

Anytime, Isela! Thanks for sharing your talents with us and inspiring us.

So, if you don’t already have your copy of Learn to Knit Cables on Looms, hop on over to Decor Accents, Inc and grab one! Have a great day!

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To ‘frog’ or not to ‘frog’ – Should you rip that stitch?

Today I have froggie brain. I have been working on an important knitting project with a deadline. I worked on it for a few days and then repeated a row out of turn. Being relatively new to how knits work, I didn’t know how to frog back just part of the project and wound up ripping the whole thing out and starting over. No problem, right? I could just double my efforts and make up for the lost time. Progress resumed for a week and all was going better and then A BIG PROBLEM! It was awful! A run in the last stages of the project. It would not be fixed and had to be undone : ( I fretted for many hours and lost heart and confidence. On the bright side, I learned to frog back some – and not ALL of a project. And so, this morning has found me thinking about the advantages of frogging and even the advantages of not frogging.

Years ago, I was given a box of yarn and a crochet hook. The yarn had been in my mom’s closet for some time. She had inherited it from my grandmother and some of the colors were a bit funky. She didn’t feel that she had time to use all that yarn so she offered it to me and tried to teach me to crochet. Now, my mom is right handed and I am a south paw and learning from her was a bit tricky. We started with granny squares. I made a dozen or more wobbly granny trapezoids and then the perfectionist in me just gave up. This was just a craft I wasn’t skilled at! That box of yarn went to live on my closet shelf…

Fast forward a few years. Holidays were approaching and our budget was tight. I decided I wanted to try to crochet dishcloths to give as gifts. If they all turned out ugly, I could still use them to wash my dishes. So I went back to my mom and asked her to try to teach me again. And this time, it worked out great! I stitched up dishcloth after dishcloth – and got better and better. Soon I tenaciously ventured to try new things and before long, I was fairly skilled with my hooks. Crochet became my favorite past-time (and still is). Now, like many other needlecrafters, yarn goes with me everywhere, is stashed everywhere, and is purchased even when I don’t really know what I’ll use it for… yet!

Now to get to the heart of this post, this better, more skilled yarn girl came across some of her dozen or so grannies. “Oh, how awful these look!” I thought to myself. And I commenced to rip frog them. I yanked out all those sad looking grannies and used the yarn to make new, better looking ones. Some time later, a few co-workers asked if I would teach them to crochet. I gladly agreed and we started on dishcloths (even if they don’t turn out pretty, they are still functional, lol) Initially, a couple of my friends were experiencing the same discouragement I had felt when I first started. Like all beginnings, there were some bumps in the learning process. Tensions were not perfect and some stitches went missing. I kept reassuring them that they would overcome it. Some time later, I came across a few grannie ‘un-squares’ that had missed my big frogging. Did I frog them right away and make better ones? Nope! I saved them for the next time I teach a friend to crochet. Now I can use them to illustrate a very humble, bumpy beginning that turned into an ability to produce much nicer, prettier stitches.

Go ahead and frog those special projects and make them right. Take the valuable lessons that come from committing and then fixing a mistake. But once in awhile, maybe when working with scraps/stash, save those oopsies for a reminder that once in awhile, everyone experiences the occasional setback – and show them to someone who needs a little pep talk! Have a great day : )

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Hello and Happy Loom Knitting Anniversary to me!

My name is Jenny Stark.  This month marks a year since I first picked up a set of Knifty Knitters and began loom knitting.  (My love of yarn arts started about 10 years ago with crochet)  To celebrate this year mark, I am trying out a new blog and updating my posts.  So, welcome and come visit once in awhile : )  Have a great day! 

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