My Chiaroscuro fingerless gloves pattern is now free to download ^_^ Enjoy!
Download PDF | View on Ravelry
Chiaroscuro fingerless gloves
Download PDF | View on Ravelry
Chiaroscuro fingerless gloves
Chiaroscuro - in painting, photography and cinema - strong contrasts between dark and light
serving to achieve a sense of depth and volume...
Latest creation:
Pattern: Selbu Modern by Kate Gagnon Osborn in Knit Picks Palette (marine heather and mist).
Spent a night in the Dandenongs for my birthday this week. The last of the splendid red leaves from a few weeks ago had turned brown, but still some lovely yellow highlights.
Pattern: Selbu Modern by Kate Gagnon Osborn in Knit Picks Palette (marine heather and mist).
Spent a night in the Dandenongs for my birthday this week. The last of the splendid red leaves from a few weeks ago had turned brown, but still some lovely yellow highlights.
Lake at Alfred Nicholas
Thanks to gfxmonk for the images ^_^
Thanks to gfxmonk for the images ^_^
Today I have another feature on projects created in 2014.
Today's pattern is my newest one - Chiaroscuro fingerless gloves
Thanks to those who have shared their photos and experiences!
With my newest design project going along fairly well, this week I've taken a break and started some simple socks with some Heirloom Jigsaw yarn gifted to me by @pohmieathome ^_^
Happy Christmas everyone!
Hope everyone had some lovely celebrations. It was great to see the new Christmas Tree TARDIS projects
springing up over December.
I only managed one gift-knit this year - some Randiriel socks for my Mum. They fit! Hooray!
Pattern: Randiriel socks by Alexandra Wiedmayer (travelling cables variation)
Sock knitting is becoming more enjoyable over time - and I love the look and process of knitting patterns with travelling cables.
For this pattern, the heel and toe are not provided. I am still a little unfamiliar with heels so used the heel from the Rick socks.
Hope everyone had some lovely celebrations. It was great to see the new Christmas Tree TARDIS projects
springing up over December.I only managed one gift-knit this year - some Randiriel socks for my Mum. They fit! Hooray!
Pattern: Randiriel socks by Alexandra Wiedmayer (travelling cables variation)
For this pattern, the heel and toe are not provided. I am still a little unfamiliar with heels so used the heel from the Rick socks.
For Christmas celebrations we also baked some almond fingers (below), baklava, and cherry slice for family gatherings, and some Pumpkin, sage and ricotta lasagna for Christmas dinner with my family.
To celebrate the release of Chiaroscuro, my Ruins pattern is now available for free.
Dreaming of castles in the mist, and adventure? Ruins is an intermediate pattern, written for a knitter comfortable with a circular needle and the magic loop (or two circular needles).
With three sections using different techniques (stranded colour work, basket weave and layers) this pattern is perfect for the restless wanderer who quickly tires of repetitive patterns.
Alternatives are provided for the first two sections if you are finding the techniques too tricky.
Many thanks to those who purchased this pattern while it was available! Profit generated during the last year was donated to charity.
~~
“There, down the roofless wall did glow
The zun upon the grassy vloor,
An’ weakly-wandren winds did blow,
Unhinder’d by a door”
The zun upon the grassy vloor,
An’ weakly-wandren winds did blow,
Unhinder’d by a door”
(The Castle Ruins - William Barnes)
Dreaming of castles in the mist, and adventure? Ruins is an intermediate pattern, written for a knitter comfortable with a circular needle and the magic loop (or two circular needles).
With three sections using different techniques (stranded colour work, basket weave and layers) this pattern is perfect for the restless wanderer who quickly tires of repetitive patterns.
Alternatives are provided for the first two sections if you are finding the techniques too tricky.
Many thanks to those who purchased this pattern while it was available! Profit generated during the last year was donated to charity.
Finished a couple of sweaters over the last few months - but have got behind on the blogging!
For this sweater I decided to use the pattern Julissa (scoop neck version) by Vanessa Smith as a base for a cardigan (as I had heard it was very well-written) - but then decided that the cabling might not be quite enough to keep me entertained - so somehow ended up replacing the cable with multiple Twin leaf lace patterns and just using Julissa as a base.
Perhaps a bit of a silly way to approach such a project with so many great cardigan patterns out there, but it worked in the end.
The yarn is Skein DK in the Quill colourway. This is the only DK weight sweater that I've made so far that seems easy to wear. I think the cardigan-ness makes it much easier to put on than a pullover - but unfortunately the button band is a bit thick and droops a little. Still fairly happy with this creation :)
For this sweater I decided to use the pattern Julissa (scoop neck version) by Vanessa Smith as a base for a cardigan (as I had heard it was very well-written) - but then decided that the cabling might not be quite enough to keep me entertained - so somehow ended up replacing the cable with multiple Twin leaf lace patterns and just using Julissa as a base.
Perhaps a bit of a silly way to approach such a project with so many great cardigan patterns out there, but it worked in the end.
I was hoping to knit the Twin leaf lace stitch top down, but after a little testing, I believe this is one of those lace patterns that can’t be reversed - so the leaves ended up facing downwards instead - not quite as leaf-like unfortunately.
The yarn is Skein DK in the Quill colourway. This is the only DK weight sweater that I've made so far that seems easy to wear. I think the cardigan-ness makes it much easier to put on than a pullover - but unfortunately the button band is a bit thick and droops a little. Still fairly happy with this creation :)
fingerless gloves
Would you like to be a tester? - Chiaroscuro fingerless gloves
Thursday, July 10, 2014
A new pattern has recently been brewing...
The idea was to create a pattern that featured metallic yarn without the need to knit a full scarf or garment.
The gloves are knit from the bottom up, in three sections. The first and third sections involve creating two layers for a shadowed appearance; the middle section involves a cable on the back of the hand creating a vignette effect. The pattern skill level is likely 'challenging' due to the need to manage two sets of magic loops in the round, and to the fiddly-ness of metallic yarn.
If you'd be interested in being a tester for the pattern, I've still got one spot left - head over to the Testing Pool on Raveley, or email me at pixelatedmushroom (at) gmail.com
Somehow I've ended up with three projects with only sleeves remaining... sigh...
Second sleeve syndrome?
Last night I cast off my twin leaf Julissa. This sweater project took around seven months, but I think this was partly due to it becoming a little too heavy to take on the train each day.
Knitting in progress.
I used the Julissa pattern as a base to help me learn how to construct top-down sweaters, then heavily customised it into a cardigan and replaced the front cable with a twin leaf lace pattern. This was perhaps a bit of a silly way to go about learning top down sweater construction (there being many other great patterns out there), but I'd heard such good things about this pattern that it tempted me to give it a go. I will likely make a true Julissa one day following the pattern properly.
While I'm blocking and photographing my Julissa I'm already looking for a new sweater project. I keep being drawn to tops worn over dresses (like Jetshin's beautiful sweaters), so here are some of the patterns I'm considering:
I used the Julissa pattern as a base to help me learn how to construct top-down sweaters, then heavily customised it into a cardigan and replaced the front cable with a twin leaf lace pattern. This was perhaps a bit of a silly way to go about learning top down sweater construction (there being many other great patterns out there), but I'd heard such good things about this pattern that it tempted me to give it a go. I will likely make a true Julissa one day following the pattern properly.
While I'm blocking and photographing my Julissa I'm already looking for a new sweater project. I keep being drawn to tops worn over dresses (like Jetshin's beautiful sweaters), so here are some of the patterns I'm considering:
'
Hi all, I've finally written a new pattern. It's been great to get back into the creative process. Enjoy!
A big thank you to testers Elizek and Steelelady, who created lovely versions which I will hopefully feature in future posts.
Pattern details - Linen stitch gloves
These simple, cosy linen stitch gloves make the perfect gift for winter. Knit from the fingers down, a woven effect is easily created in a cosy and stretchy fabric. Slipped stitches provide a useful recipe for breaking up variegated yarn, while the regular stitch provides an elegant design for both men and women.
Needle size: US 8 - 5.0 mm
Yarn weight: DK / 8 ply
Sizes: Small - 16cm 6.25” | Medium - 20cm 8” | Large - 23cm 9” around knuckles
A big thank you to testers Elizek and Steelelady, who created lovely versions which I will hopefully feature in future posts.
Pattern details - Linen stitch gloves
Needle size: US 8 - 5.0 mm
Yarn weight: DK / 8 ply
Sizes: Small - 16cm 6.25” | Medium - 20cm 8” | Large - 23cm 9” around knuckles
I previously made a Ceres Scarf out of bamboo handspun, and while that project didn't turn out quite as planned, this one is much closer to the intended pattern.
This project took about a year and half to complete, but felt much longer. It's a lovely pattern, but more and more I am requiring a high level of variety or complexity to keep interested in projects. I finish almost everything I start (and choose projects and yarn carefully), but this one was a very long haul!
The scarf was intended as a gift, but the finished product feels a bit scratchy :/ Knitting something yourself gives you a higher tolerance for its uncomfortable elements (scratchiness), so I will likely enjoy the scarf myself when the weather gets a little colder.
Experimenting with linen stitch has shown it to be quite useful for breaking up variegated yarn, but tricky for increasing and decreasing. Working with the stitch inspired my new linen stitch gloves pattern project, so all the time spent knitting this scarf has also resulted in something creative.
The scarf was intended as a gift, but the finished product feels a bit scratchy :/ Knitting something yourself gives you a higher tolerance for its uncomfortable elements (scratchiness), so I will likely enjoy the scarf myself when the weather gets a little colder.
Experimenting with linen stitch has shown it to be quite useful for breaking up variegated yarn, but tricky for increasing and decreasing. Working with the stitch inspired my new linen stitch gloves pattern project, so all the time spent knitting this scarf has also resulted in something creative.
Hi all, today I wanted to show you these gloves made by Sarahj417 on Ravelry (login required). Aren't they lovely?
They are based on the Fezzes are cool pattern (.pdf), but I love the changes that have been made - adding the "cherry red" trim to match the bow tie, and removing the flip-top mitts for a different style.
Thanks for allowing me to share these Sarah!
They are based on the Fezzes are cool pattern (.pdf), but I love the changes that have been made - adding the "cherry red" trim to match the bow tie, and removing the flip-top mitts for a different style.
Thanks for allowing me to share these Sarah!
As this pattern has been out for a few years, it seemed time to make it freely available. Unfortunately the original yarn has been discontinued, but other bulky yarns should provide a similar effect. Many thanks to those who supported the pattern previously. Enjoy :)
Download Green Tea Scarf (.pdf)
After a long hiatus I've been working on a new design. It's been rewarding to return to the creative community after too long spent on lonely distance-study this year.
The Testing Pool is a Ravelry group devoted to connecting designers with testers, proofreaders, and translators. Ten minutes after posting up a request for testers for my new design, I had four volunteers. I'm always amazed at the generous spirit of knitters and crocheters!
The Testing Pool is a Ravelry group devoted to connecting designers with testers, proofreaders, and translators. Ten minutes after posting up a request for testers for my new design, I had four volunteers. I'm always amazed at the generous spirit of knitters and crocheters!
Ribbed Baby Jacket by Debbie Bliss
A special creation for a very special friend - this baby jacket was perfect for my imagined gift.
To compensate for less thick yarn I knitted size 38, and started with 4 rows of garter stitch to prevent a rolling hem.
It was a little tricky to keep track of rows while knitting the two fronts.
There was also quite a lot of grafting and seaming, but I actually enjoyed the process now that I am more comfortable with invisible seams and grafting.
If I made this pattern again (and I think I will), I would make a couple of changes:
A special creation for a very special friend - this baby jacket was perfect for my imagined gift.
To compensate for less thick yarn I knitted size 38, and started with 4 rows of garter stitch to prevent a rolling hem.
It was a little tricky to keep track of rows while knitting the two fronts.
There was also quite a lot of grafting and seaming, but I actually enjoyed the process now that I am more comfortable with invisible seams and grafting.
If I made this pattern again (and I think I will), I would make a couple of changes:
- I chose to graft the sleeves as other projects had suggested - this worked fairly well but resulted in a ‘stepped’ look because of the gradual cast-off. I would probably avoid any sleeve shaping in future.
- I would also cast off a little more loosely next time.
Kristi from the book Sock Innovation by Cookie A.
While I don't buy many non-digital patterns, I bought Cookie A's book after seeing some of westozcaat's (Ravelry login required) socks and wanting to try something a bit more complex. The book has 15 patterns, and I jumped to one of the last patterns because they looked most exciting.
These are definitely the best fitting socks I've made yet, and the most entertaining, but you wouldn't want to take these on if trying to use a cable needle, however, as they would take forever. I made them a little smaller by reducing the vertical lines on each side as recommended in the pattern.
The yarn is The Uncommon Thread Tough Sock in the Nimbostratus colourway, and I picked it up at Loop in London when I was there last year. With luck, I'll have enough left over for some fingerless gloves.
While I don't buy many non-digital patterns, I bought Cookie A's book after seeing some of westozcaat's (Ravelry login required) socks and wanting to try something a bit more complex. The book has 15 patterns, and I jumped to one of the last patterns because they looked most exciting.
These are definitely the best fitting socks I've made yet, and the most entertaining, but you wouldn't want to take these on if trying to use a cable needle, however, as they would take forever. I made them a little smaller by reducing the vertical lines on each side as recommended in the pattern.
The yarn is The Uncommon Thread Tough Sock in the Nimbostratus colourway, and I picked it up at Loop in London when I was there last year. With luck, I'll have enough left over for some fingerless gloves.
Two out of four sweater patterns I have made are by Laura Chau. I really like her style and her patterns are easy and fun to follow.
The Honeybee cardigan is originally a cropped, patterned all over sweater, so this version required lots of modifications, and highlighted how little I know about how to construct sweaters.
The project travelled around Europe with me at the end of last year, and I loved working the honeybee lace panels with this yarn.
Followed some other lovely examples on Ravelry, I changed the pattern to include three pattern sections on the back and and one on each front. I had to re-knit the neckline and rip out the button band multiple times to get the neckline to work, as due to my modifications I wasn't sure how to follow the pattern for these sections. The neckline turned out too wide, but I'm still happy with it and it is what I visualised upon starting the pattern.
Invested in some more expensive yarn for this creation in the hope that it might pill less. Socks that rock lightweight in Haida, which I previously used to create my Echo Flower Shawl (which has proved one of my most warn knits and is not showing many signs of use).
The Honeybee cardigan is originally a cropped, patterned all over sweater, so this version required lots of modifications, and highlighted how little I know about how to construct sweaters.
The project travelled around Europe with me at the end of last year, and I loved working the honeybee lace panels with this yarn.
Honeybee cardigan by Laura Chau (Ravelry)
Invested in some more expensive yarn for this creation in the hope that it might pill less. Socks that rock lightweight in Haida, which I previously used to create my Echo Flower Shawl (which has proved one of my most warn knits and is not showing many signs of use).
Have dropped behind in the last months, but hope to catch up on my blog, even if just for a record of projects completed over the years.
Amelia by Laura Chau (Knitty | Ravelry)
Amelia is a free pattern on Knitty, and I first heard about the pattern on the Stash and Burn podcast archive where it was mentioned as one of their most practical knits. Compared to two previous sweaters that I made out of somewhat 'primary' colours (Owls, Tubey) and which didn't really turn out to be practical knits for our weather here in Melbourne except at home, I was much happier with this one.
Since I finished this project in July 2012 it has pilled a little, but I haven't found much yarn that doesn't pill, which makes these large projects a less tempting unfortunately.
Amelia by Laura Chau (Knitty | Ravelry)
Since I finished this project in July 2012 it has pilled a little, but I haven't found much yarn that doesn't pill, which makes these large projects a less tempting unfortunately.
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