The Summer Swatch Me Project has begun!

Well, at least the group is open and people are collecting their materials! A few weeks ago I showed you some hand dyed roving that I was spinning for the project. Here you can see the results. We have 10 skeins, each spun on a light weight drop spindle and made 2-ply. Each skein weights in at about 4 grams and has about 40 yards. The needles posing on the skeins are a US 1 and are 7 inches long, just for reference. Each skein will become a swatch (or bookmark) as we progress through the summer.

We have a great group of knitters already enrolled in the summer group, but there is still plenty of time. We won't be casting on until June 21st. Do you want to join the party? Check for all the details right here!

Summer Swatch Me!

A 2010 BadCatDesigns summer extravaganza! Starting right now you can join the party (see below.) We will be chatting and discussion materials from today until June 21st, at which point the games will begin in earnest.
This project will span the 12 weeks of summer. For each of the first 9 weeks, there will be a new lace chart presented. Each chart will be one stitch pattern in a 9 pattern lace sampler. But wait! Each chart will also come with a “one skein” pattern, so that each week you can add another stitch pattern to your sampler and also whip up a little something else. What else, you might ask…well, how about book marks, traditional socks, lovely fingerless mitts, scarves, cowls, and hats! Knit as little or as much as you like, because each of the nine stitch patterns can become any of the one skein pattern projects. But wait! At the end of 9 weeks, we will move on to a border for the sampler and some fun ways to vary the stitch patterns for different effects. At this point there will also be a few stole designs using variations and combinations of our stitch patterns and more than one skein of yarn. There will be optional beads everywhere (but of course!)

The process will be sprinkled with knitting tutorials, including some sock, mitt and hat construction tips and some designing tips. For those of you who are interested, there will be support to design your own stole. I will be posting a materials list in the next few weeks, but the materials discussion will begin right away at our project group. Project group?? Yup, and if you were part of The Summer Squares group in 2009 you know the deal. The group will be at YahooGroups, where my other groups live. All the project files will be available there for the duration of the project. All our discussions will be through group email. Photographs will be there too, along with some posted to my blog. The tutorials will all be available on my blog, along with project updates.

The project will begin enrolling now, really start the first day of summer and end the first day of fall. It is open to lace knitters of all abilities and there will be something for everyone. My patterns are well written and fully charted, but I do not provide line-by-line directions. There will be great support and friendly encouragement, so if you are just getting into charts you will get the support that you need to have fun.

Do you want in? The cost for 12 weeks of lace knitting joy and all the patterns discussed above is $16 US. You can join at any time, from now until the last day of summer. Once the group is over, all patterns will be available for individual sale. I am only able to accept payment via PayPal, sent to me at BadCatDesigns@verizon.net. If you need help with that or have questions, feel free to email me at the same address. Once I get payment you will get directions to the group and more details. I am so excited and hope to see you there.

I would like to thank the following people for their generous yarn and fiber support: LandOLace, Jade Sapphire, ArtYarns, Crystal Palace, Lorna’s Laces, Mountain Colors and FiberOptics. I would also like to thank Mary Rose and BadKitten. You know why…
Without them this project would not have been possible!

Meow,
BadCatDesigns

Spinning for the Summer!

Happy weekend! I didn't have time to go to Maryland Sheep and Wool this year. As a matter of fact, I hardly had time to post these pictures, that is just how busy I have been. Luckily, some of my busy has to do with spinning and knitting. I am so excited about my up-coming summer project that I decided to share just a little bit about it. The fish full of fiber (above) contains a lovely assortment of pencil roving from Kimber at Fiber Optics. She was kind enough to give me these assorted samples for my project. I love her sense of color and I really enjoy working with the pencil roving, where I can spin a two-ply lace weight yarn and manage to get the colors to stay separate in the finished yarn. You will see what I mean when I show you swatches from this fiber. That will be in June! The pencil roving comes as a "2-ply" so each "ply" of the roving has the same dye pattern. If you spin each from the same end and ply them together you can get a 2-ply yarn with long color repeats. I am spinning these fiber samples into small skeins of 2-ply, and I will make swatches for my summer project from that yarn. You can see one finished skein in the fish. The spindle is a Vixen from Greensleeves. Elizabeth makes really lovely, fast and well balanced spindles...
In case you are curious, the samples I am using are these two types of pencil roving and you can see more here!

I will be back in a week or so with more goodies. Until then, knit on!

The Snow Queen Gala: Wrap it up!

I am thrilled to bring you my final Snow Queen post. If you have been here for any of my previous group projects, you will know that one of my greatest pleasures is seeing your work. Today I would like to share photos that knitters from The Snow Queen group have generously shared. I listed the knitter's name and the details of their project above the photographs of their work. I think you will be as impressed as I am! Enjoy!

Name: Teresa
Ravelry name: teresat2t
Yarn: Grignasco Cashmere-Seta/ used about 2058 metres Added tiers means that I added 3000 beads (silver lined crystal size 8/0 from Earth Fairie)
Needle size: 2.5, 2.75 and 3.00 mm
Gauge and finished size after blocking: blocked to 68"
Any modifications? Added extra tiers by repeating Chart F after an increase row. Yes - that is 1156 sts per row.
I knit the first tier of Chart F extension as directed by BadCat and rotated second tier by 16sts so that the nupp motif would line up with Chart F. Also added additional flowers so that each tooth has a flower. Chart G - combined one pattern row (to reduce entire chart by 2r) due to limited yardage. I really didn't want to run out after all this knitting..
Comments:This project was spectacular to knit and the finished project would make a fabulous christening shawl. Talk about heirloom.


Name: Sue in CA
Ravelry name: Monksqueedunk (a childhood name!)
Yarn: Colourmart Cashmere 2/28, used about 3/4 of one cone. The yarn is identified by a number (130016) but is a natural or creamy white. 1 cone is 2300 yards, so I probably used around 1725 yards.
Needles: cast on with US 2, knit most of the shawl with US 3, changed to US 4 for the last 30 rows
Beads: Beadwrangler 8.0 silver lined clear (#110) and silver lined 3mm magatamas for the border
Finished size: 52.5 inches
No modifications (though I debated adding an extra tier)
Comments: I appreciated every detail of this design, loved the "Estonian" adaptation of the pi, learned how to do nupps in the round, and think this is an absolutely gorgeous design. I am tempted to knit another one because it was just plain fun to knit.

Name: Melissa
Ravelry name: twoknitwit
Yarn info: Jaggerspun Zephyr Wool-Silk 2/18 Cone ~ approximately 1000 yds for my smaller version
Needle sizes: US1 (2.25mm), US2 (2.75mm), US3 (3.25mm), and US4 (3.5mm) for bind-off row only to keep it loose since I cast off really tightly
Finished size & gauge: 80cm diameter and 10st/inch
Mods: I finished chart F at first marked stopping point for a smaller Snow Queen and also did not use any beads (replaced all beads with 3 stitch nupps)
Comments: the group was a perfect venue for a fairly inexperienced lace knitter ~ the pattern is amazing with lots of new techniques, instructions were great, lots of encouragement from the members of the KAL as well as helpful hints that made success for me inevitable! I can see why you have so many loyal followers!
Name: Mary, or Mary Rose whichever you prefer! :)
Blog: http://shallweeat.blogspot.com/
Ravelry name: marydear
Yarn: ColourMart Superfine Merino 2/28, less than a full cone
Needles:US 1 through 4 needles
Blocked size: 62 inches across
No mods here
Comments: This is the prettiest shawl I have ever knit and the photo's do not do it justice.

Name: Kathleen
Ravelry Name: kfitz835
http://www.ravelry.com/projects/kfitz835/snow-queen-pi-shawl
has notes and my ramblings as I worked through the shawl.
Yarn: Knitpicks Gloss Lace (50% silk/50% merino, 2 ply) 3.26 skeins = 1434.4 yards (1311.6m) colour Aquamarine
Needle size: 3.75 mm (I forgot to size up for the edging but had no trouble getting it to block flat) Gauge and finished size after blocking: finished approx 60" in diameter. I didn't measure the gauge. I like the fee land drape of laceweights when I knit them on 3.75's so that my go to combo. I knit fairly tight.
Any modifications you made? not intentional ones.
Comments: I really enjoyed knitting this shawl. The pattern was a pleasure to knit. It kept you thinking but was natural enough that I wasn't a slave to the charts.

Name: Elaine Jones
Blog: http://www.jonesclan.net/
Ravelry name: Driftwood
Yarn: Jaggerspun Zephyr 2/18 50% Silk / 50% Wool 1562 yards
Needles: Sizes 3, 4, and 5
Gauge and finished size after blocking 64" diameter
Beads: #8 Dark Grey Silver Lined Japanese Delicas

Name: Debby Patterson
Ravelry name: debbypat
Yarn: KnitPicks Gloss Lace, about 1540 yards used (just under 3.5 skeins)
Beads: Size 8 Matte Raku Teal.
Needles: US Sizes 4, 5, 6
Gauge: Never swatched Finished size 64" diameter.
Comments: I was going to try to get outside pictures this afternoon, but rain looks likely, so I thought I'd try this first. Backlit, the lace and nupps show up nicely, especially in such dark yarn. Bonus, you get to see the lovely Crape Myrtles across the street!

Name: Debbie Thompson
Ravelry name: xs4ever
Yarn: Wollmeise Lace-garn Pfefferminz Prinz colorway (blue-greens) about 1700 yards
Needles: US2, US3, US4
Blocked size: 62 inches in diameter
Comments: I loved knitting this and I love the finished project. Thanks Andrea for sharing this design and letting us knit along with you.


Name: Colleen
Yarn: Yarn Addict Silky Merino (1312yds per 100gm) 1 ply cobweb. I used one skein plus about 2/3 of the second skein.
Needle Size US 4 (3mm) needles
beads from an Australian online shop, Cranberry, Berrylicious size 8 seedbeads plus size 8 megatamas around edge.
Measures approx 58" diameter.

Name: Cara
Ravelry name: Stamax
Yarn: Colourmart 2/28 50/50 Cashmere/Merino in Crudo (2300 yards/150 gm)
The shawl used 100 gms of fiber or approximately 1550 yards.
Needles: U.S. needle sizes 2, 3, and 4.
Blocked size: After unpinning she measures 54 inches in diameter, but I think could be blocked a bit larger The beads are a beige color, gold lined AB finish with matching mini-magatamas for the edge. The pattern was knit without any modifications.
Comments: This is absolutely the most beautiful thing I have ever knit. It was also one of the most delightful, I never tired of the process. Thank you Andrea for such a lovely experience. Your designs are amazing and the lovely groups of knitters that participate will keep me coming back to all your KALs.


Name: Jean
Ravelry name: Cali1951 on Ravelry
Yarn: 2/24 cashmere/wool blend mill end from E-bay. Approx 1350 yards
Color: Lemongrass
Beads: #8 silver lined crystal beads from Fire Mountain
Edging Beads: 3 mm gold lined peridot magatamas from ArtBeads
Needles: US 2 (2.75mm) US 2 1/2 (3.00mm) & US 3 (3.25mm)
Size: 50’ across
Comments:I really wanted to get a picture outside where the light is better and I could lay it out flat, but there have been 40 mile an hour winds here for the past couple of days and it’s going to rain for the next 4 or 5 days. So as oddly shaped as this looks it really is round.

Name: Amanda
Blog Url: http://paradisefoundkerrie.blogspot.com/
Rav Name: AmandavW
Yarn: Bendigo Woollen Mills Classic 2 ply in Almond. 1200 yds
Needle Size: 2.25mm (1), 2.75mm (2), 3.25mm (3)
Finished size: 41" (104cm)



Name: Debra Fassler
debola on Ravelry
Yarn: Jade Sapphire Silk/Cashmere, Colorway #77, Mallard
Approximately 1800 yards
Needles size 3 and 4
After blocking it's approximately 53 inches across
Notes: As I've already told the group, this was a project of "firsts" for me...first circular cast-on that didn't end in (literally) tears, first nupps, and first beads. I never thought I could do a circular shawl, and I don't think I could have done this one without all of the assistance from Andrea and the group. Thanks so much...I look forward to the next KAL, and have a couple of friends that might join us next time!


Was that not just amazing??? To all the members of my Snow Queen group (be you represented with photographs here or not) I thank you for your excellent company throughout this project. Are you all ready to do it again? Stand by for Summer 2010, because I have something fun planned and you will be the first to hear about it! Until next week or there-abouts, knit on!

Late Breaking News! I have a few more Snow Queens to share 4/22/2008. Enjoy!

Name: Mona
Ravelry name: flamewerks
Yarn info: Alpaca with a Twist alpaca/silk in Tamarino (0093) ~ approximately 1700 yds Needle sizes: US3, US4, US5, and US6 for bind-off row only keep it loose since I cast off really tightly Finished size: 66" diameter
Comments: This is a beautiful design and I really enjoyed knitting it. Thanks for the opportunity to participate in the KAL.
Name: Pat F
Ravelry name: fenknits
Yarn and amount: Colourmart Cashmere/Silk/Merino 2/28NM Laceweight, not sure but estimated about 1300 yards
Needles:Started on US 2 double-pointed needles and switched to US 3 circulars for most of the shawl and then ended with US 4 needles for finishing the border.
Finished size after blocking: about 58 inches
Modifications: None
Comments:Loved this shawl. I was slow as I had never done such an intricate or large lace project before. I also had never done nupps. It is the most beautiful knitted object I have ever completed.

The Snow Queen Rises...

Finally complete and ready to share! This shows you as much as I could get in the frame.
This is a detail of the beaded section in Chart F.

And this is a detail of the "Hearts and Crowns" in Chart G.
My Snow Queen Group is still in progress, and people are finishing one by one. I plan to share more versions of Snow Queen with you as the group finishes up. For today I will just share my version.
The pattern is now available at my Ravelry Store. I suggest that you follow the link to the store for details and more photographs. You can use this link if you are not on Ravelry. The cost is $8.50, and the pattern is a 15 page booklet with lots of detail. My patterns are very well charted but do not include line-by-line (written) directions. This pattern includes a center start, many nupps and beads and is for the adventurous knitter! It is a really fun knit.
Abbreviated Materials Discussion from the pattern:

Yarn: I used Colourmart 2/28 10% cashmere 90% wool. One cone has 150 grams which is just over 2200 yards. I used under one cone. I choose to work in a natural white color for this project. You can stick with me and use one cone of a 2/28 Colourmart yarn or you can use any other yarn of your choice. Please refer to the swatch section for a good discussion about figuring out how much yarn you will need.
Beads: I used 8/0 Japanese crystal rainbow seed beads. If you use all the bead placements and knit the full Chart F you will need about 33 grams of beads (based on 350 beads per 8 grams which is approximate.) To break it down, you will need 64 beads for Chart E and 448 beads for each repeat (there are three) of chart F. You will need 48 beads for Chart G. This takes us to a grand total 1456 seed bead. There are also some optional drop beads or magatama beads in the cast-off (42.) You have the option to omit any of the beads that you choose.
Needles: I used US 2, 3 and 4 needles, or size for gauge with your middle size needle. You need a set of four or five double points for the center and a 32 inch circular for the final chart.
Other Stuff:
-You will need stitch markers if you like to use them. I suggest 16 markers, with one being unique to mark the start of the row.
-You will need stainless steel T-pins to block.
-You will need a ruler to measure yarn (see swatch section.)
-You will need a calculator
-You will need a yarn needle to weave in ends

I have some blocking photos and directions that I will post next week. Until then, knit on!

Please meet my friend...

Jeri Riggs! We knit together most Thursday evenings. Actually Jeri not only knits. She is an amazing art quilter too. But today I want to share her newest contribution to our craft, The Ingrid Cardigan. Jeri has been knitting these amazing, intricately cabled, top down sweaters. She just starts at the top and when she is done it fits her like a glove. The problem has been that she never writes down what she does. All that has changed with this new design, which is why I am so excitedSo Ingrid is worked from the top down and is carefully shaped to flatter.
The cables are charted and the instructions are very detailed, well illustrated and clear.
Her attention to detail is really amazing.
You can appreciate the wonderful shaping detail in the back.
I just have to show you another version...
Jeri loves zippers, and the two versions I am sharing have zippers in them. The pattern allows for buttons too, if that is more your style.
If you look on Ravelry you will see two other versions. One with buttons and one without anything. They all look great.
I am usually making something with holes in it, but I adore texture and cables too. Jeri is selling her pattern for Ingrid on Ravelry and I would go check it out! A spectacular design and a very wearable sweater. I have such cool friends!

I posted the final chart for Snow Queen at our Yahoogroup today, so we should be wrapping that project up very soon. I will be back next week with blocking directions for Snow Queen and some photos of the finished piece. Until then, knit, knit, knit...