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Spring 2016 Wardrobe Planning

I’ve been absolutely jam packed with work knitting and longing to take some time for some personal crafting. I’ve got giant piles of fabric and patterns, and with the weather changing (we slept with the window open last night!) I’m starting to think about swingy linen dresses and cotton voile.

And then my friend Eileen posted a denim wrap skirt from Anthropologie and I went down a rabbit hole.

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Screenshot 2016-02-28 12.32.58

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I instantly thought about Art Gallery Fabrics’ new denim line and went to look at what they had. I found this beautiful printed denim and went NUTS thinking about doing some over-stitching on the print around the bottom hem of the skirt. It’s gonna be AMAZING. I ordered the denim along with a fabric I need for a future quilt from Hawthorne Threads.

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And then I started thinking about swingy linen dresses. I have this Brussels Washer Linen to make Hawthorne from Colette Patterns. I can’t decide if I want the collar or not. What do you think?

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PaisleyBorderPrintVoile

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I also got a beautiful paisley border print cotton voile from my local fabric shop, Tissú. I plan to make a drawstring waisted sundress, probably like this, but longer and maybe a fuller skirt. The fabric fades to just the indigo background color across the width. It’s lovely!

I think there’s gonna be a linen jersey version of Dress no. 1 from 100 Acts of Sewing, and maybe another Endless Summer Tunic in some of my stash of Essex Linen (one of my favorite fabrics for clothes!), or in one of the cotton voile cuts I’ve gathered. I feel a fabric dive coming on.

What does your wardrobe need to be ready for spring? I’d love to add a bunch of laceweight and fingering weight cardigans to this mix, but my knitting time is for work these days.

M

Posted 29 February 2016 † Mim § Sewing ‡ Comments (0) °

A Stitch Map is Worth 1,000 Words

Chart for the crochet motifs in the Apiculturist Scarf

Chart for the crochet motifs in the Apiculturist Scarf

In the creative universe there’s nothing quite so straight forward as a crochet chart. Crochet can be a little intimidating to knitters. With knitting we are presented one stitch after another and each stitch has instructions about what to do with it. But crochet is much more free-form.

 

Some stitches are skipped entirely, some stitches require multiple things to happen to them, and with crochet there’s not necessarily an ‘end of row’ as a natural stopping point. It can keep going and going in an eternal spiral.

 

But a crochet chart clarifies all those confusions. It visually shows you exactly where each stitch goes, and how it interacts with the stitches around it. That’s one thing that traditional knitting charts lack. We use no-stitch boxes to make knitting charts square, and in the pursuit of right angles, we loose a lot of information about how the stitches interact. What if a m5 into 1 actually made 5 stitches grow out of one?

 

Screenshot 2016-02-21 10.53.05And that, my friends, is where the genius of JC Briar comes in. JC comes to knitting with a focused and technical outlook, and her engineering mind has given us Stitch Maps.

 

Something upright and straightforward like ribbing looks the same in the chart as it does in the swatch, but when you start getting into patterns with lots of increase and decrease, the charts get much less square. Let’s take this swatch for an example. The “ribbons” in this Ribbons & Rosettes pattern take quite a bit of chart maneuvering to show up as stacked twisted knits in a traditional chart.

 

Screenshot 2016-02-21 10.52.50

But take a look at the stitch map for the same pattern. The “ribbons” can stack and undulate exactly the way they do in the swatch. The way the edge of the stitch map ripples mimics the way the edge of the swatch does the same. It’s the visually exacting equivalent of a crochet  chart, but for knitting. And it fills me with glee.

 

JC has started a library of Stitch Maps (that you can contribute to if you so desire – you just have to create a free account). I’m thinking of including a link to the stitch map version of each chart in future lace pattern pdfs. What do you think? Would you find this helpful or interesting? Feedback is appreciated.

 

Also, if you get a chance, take a class from JC. Every conversation I have with her leaves me enthused and creatively rejuvenated.

M

Posted 22 February 2016 † Mim § Crocheting § Designing § Knitting ‡ Comments (6) °

The Magic of Blocking

WeltSweaterDetailI’ve been working on what seemed like a simple sweater for the last month. It got ripped back a couple of times. A month is a long time for me to be working on a single project. So I was pretty over it by the time it finally came off my needles on Sunday.

The sweater (currently unnamed) is a top-down seamless cardigan, with a clean and striking welt pattern on the right front.  I wanted to design a sweater that would be easily wearable all the time. The kind of sweater you toss on when you’re chilly, and throw in your bag just in case.

The color is hard to capture without a properly lit photo shoot. It’s a very dark, earthy, multi-hued green. The color is Thyme from Baah Yarns.

 

WeltSweaterSideBySide

If you’ve ever doubted the magic of blocking, let this be a visual lesson to you. This is the same sweater before and after blocking. It’s a fingering weight superwash wool knit on US 3 needles, so it’s not SUPER open and drapey, but look at the amazing difference! It’s at least 9″ longer after blocking, and the way the shoulders and neck fit in the after is pretty drastic.

This is why my first question when people are having gauge issues is “Did you wash and block your gauge swatch?” Imagine if I had swatched and NOT washed and blocked it. It would have turned out a hot mess.

 

Posted 08 February 2016 † Mim § Knitting ‡ Comments (0) °

My Recommended Craftsy Classes

I’m a lover of learning. I’m a Craftsy instructor, and I’m also a Craftsy student. It’s so easy to take a class when you can do it on your own time and in your own home (and your own pajamas). I’m often asked what my favorite resources are for the things I make, so I’ve collected them in one place for easy access.

Full disclosure, these links will kick back a bit of the class price to me if you sign up through my link. You can check out Craftsy’s supplies here. 

7 day FREE trial on Craftsy Unlimited
 

Lace Knitting Classes:

Other Fun Knitting Techniques:

Crochet:

Embroidery: 

Garment Sewing:

Cooking:

  • I’ve taken a few Gluten Free Baking classes, and Baking with the Gluten Free Girl is by far and away the best I’ve taken. Shauna is knowledgeable, friendly, and her recipes are spot on. I’ve been making the Sandwich Bread just about every week for months. It comes out phenomenally every time. Highly recommended!
  • I love Pho, it’s amazing, but making it has always intimidated me. Vietnamese Classics: Pho, Noodles and Beyond offers a quicky version as well as the traditional long-cooked version. It’s awesome.
  • I feel that sauce is what elevates a regular meal to a gourmet awesomeness. A Modern Take on the Mother Sauces teaches basics and variations on Béchamel, Beurre Blanc, Tomato Sauces, Brown Sauces, Velouté, Mayonnaise & Aioli, and Hollandaise & Béarnaise. It’s awesome.
  • Roasting is one of my favorite cooking techniques. It fills my house with amazing smells, it gives a lot of flavor, and it’s relatively simple. So this class from Molly Stevens called Roasting Techniques Every Cook Should Know is perfect! Give it a shot!Check out all Cooking Classes here.

Have fun! And go learn something new!

Posted 26 January 2016 † Mim § Teaching ‡ Comments (0) °

Mora Shawl

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Mora1

From the stockinette leaf motifs to the open honeycomb lace, this shawl delights in playing with positive and negative space. Taking a twist on an Elizabeth Zimmerman Pi Shawl, this half-circle shawl is drapey and elegant no matter how you wear it.

Mora2
Yarn: 600 yards of lace weight yarn. Sample in Mrs Crosby Reticule (100% Superwash Merino, 840 yds/100g). Shown in “Boston Fern”.

Gauge: 23 sts & 27 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) square in stockinette after blocking.

Needles: 3.75mm (US5) 32-inch (80 cm) circular needle or size needed to obtain gauge.

Notions: crochet hook near the mm size of the needles used, tapestry needle to weave in ends, and wires or string and pins for blocking.

Finished Size: 60 inches (152.5 cm) across the wingspan, 28 inches (71 cm) from nape of neck down.

Techniques Used: knit, purl, slipped stitches with yarn in front. k2tog, p2tog, yarnover, double yarnover, ssk,sl1 k2tog psso, k3tog, p3tog, knit & purl into the same stitch, knitting and purling multiple stitches into a single yarnover, use of markers, crochet chains for bind off.

Mora4

This shawl is worked from the nape of the neck beginning with a garter tab. Stitches are picked up from the side and cast-on edge of the garter tab, then the shawl is worked outward in 3 directions from there. The edge is completed using a crochet bind off that results in a stretchy & decorative edge.

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It’s also available on Craftsy 🙂

Posted 21 January 2016 † Mim § Design Posts § Knitting § Lace § Self-Publishing § Shawls/Scarves ‡ Comments (2) °

Korda Socks

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Worked from the cuff down, and featuring a flattering chevron design, these socks are all about the details. From the tubular cast-on start to a flap inspired by
a silk stocking’s Cuban heel, to the chevron pattern continuing into the toe. These socks are sexy, feminine, and detailed just like Alberto Korda’s fashion photography of the 1950s & 60s.


Yarn: 300[350, 400] yards of ngering weight sock yarn. Sample in Mosaic Moon Med Twist MCN Fingering (80% Superwash Merino/10% Cashmere/10% Nylon, 434 yds/3.5 oz). Shown in “Exhale”.

Gauge: 17 sts & 26 rounds = 2 inches (5cm) square in Stockinette in larger needle.

Needles: 2.25mm (US1) & 2.0mm (US 0) needle(s) or size needed to obtain gauge. Use your preferred method for small circumference knitting: e.g. double points, magic loop or two-circulars.

Notions: 2 stitch markers, tapestry needle to weave in ends.

Finished Sizes: S[M, L] to t 7[8, 9] inch (17.75[20.25, 22.75]cm) foot circumferences. Negative ease is built in to the pattern.

Techniques Used: knit, purl, slipped stitches with yarn in front and in back, k2tog, yo, ssk, sl1 k2tog psso, use of markers.

These socks are knit in the round from the cuff down to the heel. Chart 3 begins the reinforced heel stitch that ows into the heel ap without interruption. The heel ap is then worked at. The heel is turned, and then stitches are picked up on the selvedge edges of the heel ap. Work is rejoined in the round and the gusset decreased. The foot is worked even until it measures approximately 1.75[2, 2.25] inches 4.5[5, 5.75]cm short of total foot length and then the toe is decreased, continuing the chevron pattern into the toe space. Live stitches are then grafted together to close the toe using kitchener stitch.

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It’s also available on Craftsy 🙂

 

Posted 01 January 2016 † Mim § Design Posts § Designing § Self-Publishing § Socks ‡ Comments (2) °

Wrapping Up 2015

It feels like AGES since I’ve released a new pattern! I’ve been working on a bunch of things, but they’ve been for other people, or for future publication. So self-published patterns seem to be slim on the ground.

 

BAWYC-twitter-1If you missed all the social media postings, you’ve still got a few days to sign up for the newly relaunched BadAss Women’s Yarn Club.  Each shipment (every other month) will include one or two skeins of luxury yarn, and a pattern to match from each of us. Twice the pattern joy! Plus each shipment will include a special gift and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the chosen cause of a particular badass woman. Visit the site to read more about it and subscribe.

 

I’ve also got a pattern releasing any day now that will be included in the January Yarnbox Sock shipment, so keep an eye out for that soon!

 

Quinn2And there’s another hybrid (knit/crochet) piece that came out in the newest Knitty issue. The Quinn Sock has a knitted foot for comfort, and a beautiful crocheted leg, you can make the socks short, or as tall as you’d like. Plus, the pattern is free 😀

The article also will teach you how to do a treble crochet and how to move the beginning of a round. These are super helpful crochet techniques!

 

I hope you’ve all had a great holiday season! And a have a wonderfully happy New Year! I got a butane torch for Christmas, so I’m making crème brûlée for a treat tonight. 

See you in 2016!

Miriam

p.s. You still have today until midnight Mountain Time to take advantage of the Gift 1 Get 1 promo.

Posted 31 December 2015 † Mim § Sale § Self-Publishing § Tutorials ‡ Comments (0) °

Gift 1, Get 1 2015!

In years past, I’ve done this promotion… you may remember it. Gift 1 pattern to a friend (or a stranger) through Ravelry, and get one for yourself for free. I like giving gifts, and I think everyone else should love giving gifts, so this is my holiday gift to you all. Give a pattern, get one as a gift from me.

So from now until the end of the year (Dec. 31, at midnight Mountain Time), if you gift one of my patterns via Ravelry (maybe to someone in your knitting group or to your favorite forum moderator), then send me a PM (to mimknits on Rav) and tell me what pattern you would like for yourself and I’ll gift it to you. Gift 1, Get 1.

Gifting ImageIf you’ve never gifted a pattern, just look for the box with the purchase and download info. See the little present in there? It allows you to send the pattern as a gift. Just click “send as gift” and fill in the recipient and message. Share your favorite pattern, or give a pattern that your knitting friends have been eyeing. For every pattern you gift, you can get one for free. So go nuts 😀

And another hint… If you click on your friends’ profiles, you can view their queue or their favorites list to find patterns they might be wanting. 😀

Happy Holidays!

M

p.s. If you’re looking for a great recipe to try this winter, get your hands on a ton of fresh ginger and make this amazing cake! Perfectly spicy, with a bit of bitter from the molasses, and not too sweet. And then make a cream cheese frosting to go on it, cause it doubles the awesomeness. Thanks to Jocelyn for the recommendation!

Posted 18 December 2015 † Mim § Sale ‡ Comments (0) °

Summer of Socks Sale

ViniferaRedo2 ShiftyRib4

To celebrate the release of two new sock patterns (Vinifera Socks & Shifty Rib Socks) and to celebrate the fact that I’ve wanted to do nothing but knit socks for the last two months, I’m having a sale!

From now until the end of the month (31 May, midnight MDT), get 20% off all my sock patterns (including legwarmers!) Take a look at what I’ve got!

Summer is the perfect time to knit socks! They make great road-trip knitting, and are easy to pick up and set down if your summer plans will keep you busy. As for me socks will make the perfect accompaniment to an evening spent in the evening light drinking a cocktail on the porch.

Enjoy!
M

Posted 12 May 2015 † Mim § Sale § Self-Publishing ‡ Comments (0) °

Vinifera Socks

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ViniferaRedo2
Vitis Vinifera is the botanical name for the grape vine. These socks feature a stretchy twisted rib pattern that begins at the cuff and travels all the way down the toe. The cuff detail is reminiscent of grape clusters on the vines for which the sock is named.

ViniferaRedo3
Yarn: 380 yds of sock weight yarn. Sample shown in Knitted Wit Victory Sock (80% Merino wool/20% Nylon, 420 yards/4 oz) in Colorway ‘Beaujolais’.

Gauge: 16 sts and 24 rounds per 2 inches (5 cm) square in twisted rib pattern after blocking.

Needles: 2.25mm (US 1) needle(s) or size needed to obtain gauge. Use your preferred method for small circumference knitting: e.g. double points, magic loop or two-circulars.

Notions: stitch marker to mark beginning of round. Tapestry needle for grafting and to weave in ends.

Finished Sizes: 7.5 inches (19 cm) from cuff to top of heel, 2 inches (5 cm) of heel flap. Length of foot is variable.

Techniques Used: knit, purl, ktbl, ptbl, k2tog, k3tog, p2tog, ssk, yo, m5 sts in one, sl2 k3tog p2sso, slipped stitches with yarn in front and back.

ViniferaRedo1

These socks are knit from the cuff down to the heel in a twisted rib pattern. A heel flap is then worked on approximately half the stitches. The heel is turned, and then stitches are picked up on the selvedge edges of the heel flap. Work is rejoined in the round and the gusset decreased. The foot is worked even until it measures 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) short of total foot length and then a wedge toe is worked, while continuing the twisted rib down the top of the toe to the very end. Live stitches are then grafted together to close the toe using kitchener stitch.

Purchase the pdf file now through Ravelry (you don’t have to be a Ravelry member to purchase)
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It’s also available on Craftsy 🙂

Posted 11 May 2015 † Mim § Design Posts § Designing § Self-Publishing § Socks ‡ Comments (0) °