RIPPLE!!

As many of you know, I have a new video out.  It is called Knitting New Vintage Lace.  Using two projects I designed specifically for the video, we will explore the techniques used in these projects and also in many of the projects in my new book, New Vintage Lace.  Although the video is a nice technique source for the projects in the book, you do not need to have one to enjoy the other!  You can read a little more about the video AND order either a DVD or download through Interweave.

I will be hosting a KAL and technique discussion at my Yahoo Group, BadCatDesigns.  You can request group membership here.  Be sure you include something about yourself in the comment field!
We will use the group to discuss techniques and share some supplemental files.  If you watch the video you might notice some swatches and small doilies that I use to demonstrate specific techniques. We will be playing with some of those charts at the Yahoo Group.  Over on Ravelry I host a forum and we can use that forum for chat about the projects and techniques.  You can join that forum here!

What you will need

The new Interweave video, Knitting New Vintage Lace

The video includes an instructional video covering most of the techniques we will use, plus PDF files for two full projects; the Ripple Doily and the Ripple Shawlette.  

The Game Plan

We will review techniques and chat about various options for center starts, working in the round on small needles, going from a doily to a shawl design, tab starts, ideas for the top edge of your shawl, bind-off and more!  In the video you will see quite a few small “swatches” and I will share the charts for these so you can practice techniques and make some pretty, little doilies!  Then we will embark on the Ripple Projects at your own pace.

Materials for Project One: Ripple Doily

#10 crochet cotton (200-300 yards.)  I used Aunt Lydia’s color #0995 (Ocean.)  Any cotton crochet thread will work well, and if you use one that is heavier get a little more and choose a larger needle and beads size, to work well with your thread choice.

US 1 (2.25mm) knitting needles: a set of double-point needles and a 16 inch circular (or size for gauge)

                US 14 (0.75mm) and US 0 (3.25mm) steel crochet hooks

                8/0 Japanese seed beads to match your thread (you will need 84 of them.)

Gauge: 32 stitches and 48 rows in 2 inches, in pattern

Materials for Project Two: Ripple Shawlette

Sock weight yarn (462 yards/100 grams.)  I used Noro Taiyo Sock Yarn in color #3.  Any sock weight or hand-spun yarn will work.  Long color changes are ideal.  You could use several colors to get the same effect.  This would be a fun project for handspun yarns in assorted colors (maybe spun from fiber samples you have collected.) 

US 4 (3.5mm) knitting needles: 32 inch circular (or size for gauge)

US 14 (0.75mm) and US 0 (3.25mm) steel crochet hooks

                5/0 or 6/0 Japanese seed beads to match your thread (you will need 120 of them.)

Gauge: 24 stitches and 28 rows to 4 inches, in pattern

How are we going to do it? 

We will open the BadCatDesigns Yahoo group for on-topic discussion and supplemental file sharing.  You will have to join the Yahoo group if you want access to any files that I share. You have to join Yahoo to become a member, which is free.  

We will also use my Ravelry forum for both on-topic discussions and socializing.  You have to be a Ravlery member to join, which is free.  The link to join Ravelry is below.  Once you join Ravelry,  follow the second link to the new forum.

http://www.ravelry.com/

http://www.ravelry.com/groups/badcatdesigns

Joining the KAL is free and open to everyone, but you will need the pattern files (they are PDFs) included with the video to fully participate.  The pattern files are ONLY available with the video.

You will also need a current version of Adobe Reader (or another PDF reader of your choice.)  These are free and available on-line.  Here is the link to download Adobe Reader.

http://get.adobe.com/reader/

Things to Think About

Knitters of all levels are welcome but the techniques are not beginning techniques, so be prepared to have fun learning new techniques and practicing old ones.  I will provide plenty of step-by-step, printed directions to complement the video, along with fun practice projects and who know what else! The practice pieces use heavier weight cotton yarns.  I will share two versions of the Shawlette.  One is the piece shown in the video, knit using the suggested Noro yarn and the second is one I made using various colors of spindle-spun yarn, that I spun and knit during my trip to Colorado to film the video.  I would be happy to chat about spinning for lace projects when we discuss materials and techniques.  Please join us!  I have a PDF with all the above information plus some fine print with group rules.  Please feel free to email me requesting a copy.  Feel free to leave comments here, but if you want a reply be sure you are logged in and include your email address, or I can't reply:)

Photo credit goes to Joe Hancock and Interweave!

One Skein Projects: New Vintage Lace Special and New Designs Posted!

With summer winding down, hopefully some of you are getting ready for a little vacation before returning to school and work.  I have a few ideas for your travel knitting, each a one skein project.  There is a nice assortment, with some (like Nereid) requiring more concentration than others (like Chiaroscuro.)  Not planning any travel?  These are also great for gift-giving, so jump-start your holiday knitting!

Nereid, one of the one-skein projects from my book, New Vintage Lace, is available right now as a kit, through Interweave.  It comes with the book and a skein of the yarn I used for this project.  They offer a few color options, including the color shown above, plus two other lovely colors.  Just thought I would share!

Nereid Knitted Lace Shawl Kits

Interweave is also having a really special 30% off, beginning Monday, 8/11/14, in case there are other books or goodies in your fantasy shopping-cart!

Save 30% at Interweave with Offer Code THANKS30

I also have a few new designs to share, now available in my Ravelry pattern shop.  All three are one-skein projects.  Each is perfect for travel knitting and also make perfect gifts.

1) The first new design is the Chiaroscuro Scarf, which is very simple to make and ideal travel knitting.

The yarn is Risoni, from The Loom, and I just loved working with it.  Because the yarn has so much texture and silky-sheen, keeping it simple is key.  The fabric has amazing sheen and drape.

 But of course not totally simple!  Beads AND silk always work well together, so I could not resist...

2) The second new design is Rainbow Mitts.  

This design uses one skein of Mini Mochi Yarn, from Crystal Palace.  If you want to make the pair match you will need a second skein, but I suggest that in the spirit of diversity, please feel free to allow them to be different…These were a special request, to mark Boston Pride. They are worked in the round on double-point needles, with lace and cables.  The pattern has loads of stretch and will fit most adult hands.  They are fun to work, offer a little challenger, and are perfect travel knitting.

3) The third new design is my Isle of Skye Ribbon Cowl.

 

This is also a one skein project, using Jade Sapphire Brigadoon. It is worked in the round using a simple diagonal lace stitch.  Ribbons are woven through the eyelets created by the lace after it is blocked. Beads are threaded on the ribbons ends.  It can be worn several ways, and is a fun combination of classic and modern. Works up quickly and perfect for gift-giving!  For a more simple look, omit the ribbons and beads.

Finally, a little plug for my up-coming video.  I just accidentally found this floating out there on YouTube. Did I ever tell all of you that I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York?  No??  I am afraid that this will leave very little doubt about that...I will let you all know when the full video is available:)  

I will be back next week with another new design!  Something for two skeins.  Until then, knit on!

Live Event July 8th at 8pm EST!

Chai Latte is so very excited he wants everyone to see how much he loves lace weight yarn and internet events...  

I am doing a live web-event with Beth, from Planet Purl, tomorrow evening.  Here is the LINK with details about joining the event. We will be talking about New Vintage Lace and knitting in general. Please join the conversation!! 

New Vintage Lace!

As many of you know, I have a book coming out in June 2014!  I am most excited!!!  Here is a link to Interweave Press, my publisher.  In the next month I will be posting about the individual projects in more detail, but until then, you can read a bit more here:

If you have questions or need pattern support DO NOT leave blog comments.  I can't reply to you, only to the blog, as most people have "do not reply" profiles.  Use my email address, which is clearly linked to my profile: BadCatDesigns@verizon.net

Into Infinity: the Moebius

Our Winter project has just launched, with a small "practice piece" called Driftwood Infinity Necklace.  It uses a true Moebius cast-on, called the Chain Infinity Cast-on (the tutorial for this special cast-on, along with this project file, is already posted at the winter group.)  We are discussing various options for casting on a Moebius project and selecting materials.

BadKitten was kind enough to make these two short videos, describing what is unique about a Moebius Strip.  In the first she just explains the difference between what happens when you just cast-on and join in the round with a twist, and make a true Moebius cast-on.  It is all about having one continuous edge.  In the second video she just geeks out a little as she talks about what makes the surface of a Moebius unique.  I shot these using my digital camera and although the images are good the sound sucks.  Turn your volume up and accept my apologies!

You can read oodles more about what a Moebius is here.  If you are intrigued and want to know more about my winter group project, check out this post, or send me an email: BadCatDesigns@verizon.net