Another Birthday Zooms Past...

But certainly not un-celebrated! This year was a "big" birthday for me and my family had a wonderful party at ICE.

There were just 15 of us, mostly my family. We selected the menu and (with the help of several professionals) made dinner! Some of us also wore chef hats...

Here is my sister texting, not cooking...

Here is my brother and my mother making pasta...
Peter wielding a sharp knife...
My sweetie and brother browning butter...

My sister, Jeri and Bob working the pasta...

And here is BadKitten, flipping crepes! And then we sat down and ate it all.

A birthday never passes without dear friends giving me lovely and thoughtful gifts, and Sandra got me the English version of this gorgeous Estonian lace book. I have the Estonian version and love the charts and photos but always wanted to really read the text. It is the most charming book. She also got me a set of Blackthorn needles, which I have resisted up until now. I can't wait to cast-on with them. And some Optim fiber, which is merino that has been stretched to make it finer. Again, something I have never tried but always wanted to.

Some of my Thursday evening knitting friends gifted my with yarn. Clearly they know I like purple. Top right is plum Zephyr from Margret, bottom right is Lineapiu Camelot Melange and purple beads to match from Cara and bottom left is Phoebe/Mocha's Fiber, from Dawn. Three shawls waiting to be born!

Jeri got me blocking tiles!! She knows I have been using my old rug. And she made a gorgeous bag for me to store them in. These will be used in a few hours...

Several of us went on a little shopping trip and I managed to collect a few beads for my stash. Seriously, each tube was selected to match yarn that I have for a project. Really!

And to top it all off, The Metamorphosis Group had a virtual birthday party for me and Karen collected the posts and gave me this journal and a CD of matching music! It was really wonderful and I can't thank everyone enough. THANK YOU!

Next week I will be back to the business at hand, and that would be Metamorphosis. We have several finished objects to share and I hope to have all the project samples ready (with cheesecake shots) for that post. Until then, keep knitting!

Metamorphosis: onward!

For the Metamorphosis Project, this week is all about edges!

Our first shawl project, The Metamorphosis Shawl, will be getting Chart D. You can see how that looks on my shawl above.

I used Chart E on my Metamorphosis Sweater pullover. We are blocking between the body and the sleeves to check fit and you can see Miss LucyFur has done her usual fine blocking job!
I used blocking wires, which allowed me to follow the curve of the waist shaping. I used t-pins for each point along the bottom edge.
Here is a close-up of the Chart E edge following Chart C on my sweater. I slip a piece of paper between the layers to help show the pattern off but the photograph is not really going it justice.

Finally, here is a peek at what the Chart F edge looks like. Above we can see F following Chart A with clusters, which is a chart I have not posted yet. We will be using this one with the next two shawl/stole projects, so consider this a sneak peek! More details about the piece above will be coming.

Next week we will be moving on to the sleeves and another shawl/stole project, so please feel free to join us if you think what we are working on looks interesting. Jeri and I are having a blast! All the information about joining us is right here. Plenty of people are still casting on and the files are excellent, so come on down!

Metamorphosis is evolving!

This week we are moving onto Chart C, and for the Metamorphosis Shawl it looks like what you see above!

Here is a close-up of the Chart C pattern from my pullover sweater,

And a little more fabric here. This is the chart knit with both the cluster stitches and the beads. We are using this pattern below the bust and through the waist. Because of the dramatic clusters, the stitch pattern gives gentle waist shaping without any other effort. We also posted a whole series of insert charts, which we are using for hip shaping. Things are looking pretty fine!

We have our border comings next week, and for that we have three different options for our sweaters and the final chart for our first shawl. We will be sharing those three charts next weekend. After that, people working on sweaters will start their sleeves and people working on shawls will finish their first project and move on to their second project. There are two new stitch patterns coming (separate from the three borders) which we will combine with the patterns we already have. Just a ton more great knitting. Several group members have plans to start a second version of the sweater, without even taking a deep breath in between! And in case they are reading this, those two new stitch patterns can be used for their sweaters, as they each flow well from one to the next. You could add an extra stitch pattern within the yolk, just saying...

If you want to know more about our Metamorphosis Winter KAL just check out the tab at the top of my blog.

We have a huge amount of snow in the NYC area right now, and we are expecting another 6-9 inches, followed by a few inches of ice for good measure. I might not be able to get to work on Wednesday, which could mean a great knitting day, assuming I make it home from work on Tuesday. Now I just have to hope that all that ice doesn't take my power (and heat) out. I can knit in the dark, but not if my hands are cold...

Until next week, knit on!

Vogue Knitting Live: Stash Enhancement...

But first, a little Metamorphosis update! This week we progress with our sweaters. Above you can see my raglan seam (with open ms) and below you can see the completed v-neck closure for the pullover. Both photos are while blocking, and I slipped a white sheet of paper in for a better look at the details.

On Sunday Jeri and I posted the second installment of the pattern, which takes us past the yoke and on to the body of the sweater. Below you can see how I tried on my sweater to confirm a perfect fit. It is hard to take a photograph without help, and with needles still in place. Please forgive the poor quality!
Next week we will be moving on to the next lace chart, which creates a little waist shaping. It is also the second chart for our first shawl. The group is great fun and you are welcome to join us as we explore sweaters and lace (in some serious detail!) All the information is here.

So I went to Vogue Knitting Live on Saturday. It was very freezing cold in NYC, but Margaret was willing to drive, so several of us went in style. It was really crowded and the light was not great, but that didn't stop me! This is who I got to see: starting from the left are Dawn, Cara, me, Margaret, Karen, Jeri and Pat. I also saw Judi, who is not in my picture. I did not see Sandra, Benita, Janet or Paula, despite looking for them! Karen and Pat actually took a class. Sandra, Benita, Janet and Paula took a few classes (which is probably why we didn't get to see them.) The rest of us were just yarn junkies...

I got a bag of Noro King for a new idea Jeri and I have been working on. It is a light fingering weight with a crisp feel (think raw silk.) The yardage is excellent, so the bag of 10 skeins will make a jacket for me.

I got some lovely natural black alpaca blended with natural dark brown merino. This is a heavy lace weight and really nice, with an earthy feel. I can't wait to play with it.

I got two little skeins of lace weight kid/silk just because the colors really grabbed me and are so shockingly pretty together. In a shocking way. I really love color in the winter.

I got a skein of the newish Noro lace to try out.

And I got two cakes of lace weight Merino from Windy Valley, which were on sale for a lovely price. The color is more lavender than pink, but the flash washed it out a bit. It feels devine knitted up (they had some sample garments.) What more can I say?

I'll try to be back next week with a Metamorphosis update, showing both sweater and shawl progress. Until then, knit on!

A New Year Means Lots of New Projects!

First things first, Happy New Year! The end of last year roared right by me, and the beginning of 2011 has maintained the same crazy pace. I want to tell you all about the exciting Winter Project we have going on, but I have to introduce my new design first.

You can see the fabric detail well here, and appreciate the lovely glow of the silk.
This one premiered at TNNA with Jade Sapphire and is called Tea Leaves. I used two skeins of Jade Sapphire 2-ply silk/cashmere in the Tea Leaves colorway, along with some lovely Japanese jet lined amethyst ab seed beads. Check with shops that stock Jade Sapphire yarns for this pattern (or email Jade Sapphire to request a list of shops that stock the pattern.)
I also added Netsuke Wrap and Beaded Serpent Scarf to my Ravelry pattern store. I think I might have some other new designs ready for you very soon, but hold that thought!

The most exciting thing chez BadCat right now is Metamorphosis. You can see assorted swatches for this project above, thanks to my Thursday evening knitting friends. I suggest wine with your swatching. In case you missed the announcement for this great project, there is a special tab at the top of my blog with all the details. We will be casting on in a few days, but thus far we have measured ourselves for the sweater, discussed materials, fit and ease, and swatched a little.



Metamorphosis is a collaboration between Jeri Riggs and moi. Each knitter gets to choose a sweater size (and there are a wide array of size options (seven, to be exact) from a 34 inch chest on up.) Each knitter can choose between a cardigan or a pullover. Each knitter can choose the style of the raglan seam. Jeri is a remarkable engineer. There are bead options, stitch complexity options, peplum design options, different edging options, oodles of charts...and more. There are a total of three shawl/scarf designs also, which are really modular and can be made larger, smaller, thinner, wider, simpler or as ornate as you like! You can see the raglan seam options here.
This is an open version of the raglan seam with 8/0 beads...
And this is a closed version of the raglan seam with 6/0 beads!


This weekend we will be casting on for either a sweater or one (of the three) shawl designs. Yarn is actively being selected and you can see from my little pile of yarn that I plan on knitting a bunch! My sweater yarn is from Mocha's Fibers and is kettle dyed. I am really enjoying it. Below you can see the color I am using for my sweater, called London Fog. The tube of beads next to the skeins are Miyuki 8/0 lined ivory AB. You might also notice a cone of Colourmart 2/28 silk/merino and some Miyuki 10/0 triangles. This is for the second shawl design in the Metamorphosis series, details to come soon!
The first winter project shawl design, appropriately called The Metamorphosis shawl, uses the charts in the same order as our sweater. I knit my sample in 2-ply finger weight yarn that I spun from gorgeous fiber purchase at Rhinebeck this past fall. It is 80% Shetland and 20% silk and I used about 4.5 ounces of wonderfully prepared batts to get about 800 yards of yarn. The fiber came from Potosi Sheep Farm. Just a peak at how the shawl begins. Crystal ab 6/0 beads...
If you feel the temptation to join, this would be a great time to come over! See the details right here

I hope to find more blogging time in 2011, and especially to keep everyone up to date with progress on Metamorphosis. I will leave with you a little bit of heaven, represented by yarn to chase away your winter blues. It just doesn't get any better or brighter than this...

Let The KAL Begin...

This winter my group knitting project is all about transformation. Transform your lace: We will be looking at how lace patterns can flow from one to another with grace. Transform your shawl: We will start with classic shawl construction and make a sweater. Really!

I have combined forces with my friend Jeri. You can read about her on her blog and see her current designs on Ravelry.

For the Metamorphosis project I designed a series of lace charts with all original motifs. We will use these charts to create several possible items, including three shawl designs and a wonderful sweater Jeri has especially designed for us. Shawl options include a top-down triangle, a tip-up triangle and a rectangle. Sweater options for either a button-down or V-neck sweater will be discussed. The sweater size is customizable, but will be presented with small, medium and large options in the pattern. Jeri will be available to help you consider customizing the fit of your sweater. The sweater is designed for sock weight yarn and the shawls can be made in any weight yarn the knitter chooses.

The lace motifs will be presented in charted form. The directions for the sweater and shawl constructions will be presented in step-by-step written format, with photographs illustrating the process. We will be starting the first week in January, with a worksheet to take measurements for the sweater. We will proceed to a discussion about gauge, using the worksheet to make calculations for your sweater. We hope to have an in-depth discussion about sweater sizes and the variety of shapes that we all come in, collecting some of your measurements so that Jeri can help people customize sizing. We will then discuss materials and cast-on for either the sweater or one of the shawl options (or cast-on a few things if you like!) Along the way we will discuss many techniques including making cluster stitches, adding beads, the provisional cast-on, seamless knitting construction, the art of selecting buttons and using stitch patterns as sweater shaping. Although the lace motifs include some complex stitch manipulations, each chart will also include a variation that omits those complex components, for knitters who prefer to skip them. Likewise, all beads are optional. If you have basic lace knitting skills, are willing to work with charts and feel a little adventurous this project will be a fun challenge for you. If you are an advanced lace knitter there will be plenty of techniques to keep your interest, plus an opportunity to learn about sweater construction and fit from an expert. If you are not sure please feel free to check in with me by email! BadCatDesigns@verizon.net

Jeri and I will both be present for group discussion. For those of you who have done groups with me before, you know the deal. For those who have not, a special YahooGroup has been set up for this project. You must have a Yahoo log-on to access the group, which is free. If you do not already have one, follow this link and make one! http://groups.yahoo.com/

All conversations about the project, project files and photographs will “live” at the group and you can access them at your convenience. All conversation will take place through the group email. Jeri and I will be available to present new files, reply to questions and generally support your success, plus have a lot of fun knitting and sharing. We will also be setting up an optional Ravelry group (for chat only) when we cast-on.

The group is opening 12/15/10 and the project will begin in early January. The project membership fee is $17. This is payable to badcatdesigns@verizon.net, via PayPal. If you need me to send you an invoice or have any other questions, please send me an email request with Metamorphosis in the subject line. Once payment is received, an invitation to the Metamorphosis group will be sent to you and you can join and introduce yourself!

Transform your lace in 2011. I promise that this will be a real treat and hope that you can join us!

Just in Time for a quick Thanksgiving Project...

My Indian Corn Mitts pattern is now available at my Ravelry pattern store, and includes a copy of my Fingerless Mitts Tutorial!

A bird in the hand...and some mitts on your knitting needles! Now that is worth quite a bit.

I'll be back next week with sexy food photographs. I am making my Turkey with Mole sauce this year. My attitude about food is that you can put chocolate on anything and then serve it with a glass of good wine. Until then, knit on!

The Summer Swatch Me Gallery!

At long last (and well in Autumn) I am totally delighted to be bring you our Summer Swatch Me photo gallery. Represented here are 24 knitters, from all over the world. Some knit the sampler alone, and some were actually able to keep pace with me as I knit through the summer. I am really impressed with the work displayed here, as I am sure you will be too! At the very end of the post I will present my Swatch Me Gallery prizes, which were selected by tossing everyone's name (one chance per project shown) in a hat and asking BadKitten to draw a first and my nephew Ben a second place. I wish I had a prize for each and every knitter who was generous enough to share their photographs with all of us! FYI, plans for our winter project are gestating and I think we have something quite unique for you, so keep an eye on my blog for updates, coming very soon. Without further fuss, and in no particular order (with details following photo(s))...
Name of project: Sampler
Yarn:Colourmart 3/20 silk/cotton color:HotSand
Needle Size:Knit Pics Harmony Size 6
Finished Size:14 ½ x 68
Beads:Japanese Glass Beads 6/0
Your name: Carol L
Your Ravelry name:carolpa
Comments:Great learning experience for me being new to knitting.Directions were precise and easy to follow.

Name of project: Summer Swatch Me Sampler Stole
Yarn: KnitPicks Shadow Kettle Dyed - colour Wilderness. Stole took at
total of 120g or 1056 yards.
Needle Size:3.5mm addi turbo lace
Finished Size: Pre-block: 14" by 55" with blocked: 23" by 74"
(5 repeats or centre knit over 78 sts: Edging = 375 sts each long side
(26x14 + 12) and 78 (14x5 +8) for each short side. )
Beads: 6/0 blue lined crystal (added extra row of beads on r6 of edging)...
Your name: teresat2t
Your Ravelry name: teresat2t
Comments: I had a lot of fun knitting and am absolutely thrilled that I
actually finished my summer project when it was still technically summer.
I enjoyed this summer group. I learned some new techniques/pattern and
gained valuable insight into the process of design.
To create my stole, I added some extra repeats for width and created a more
elaborate spacer pattern to give the extra length. The end product turned
out to be the perfect size.
Thanks BadCat - we are all looking forward to next summer.
Summer Swatch Me Photo Gallery
Name of project: Trailing Vine Mitts
Yarn: Wollmeise 100% in color Aquarius
Needle Size: US 2
Your name: Sue in CA
Your Ravelry name: Monksqueedunk
Name of project: Trail Socks
Yarn: Wollmeise Twin Indisch Rot
Needle Size: US 2
Finished Size: Male adult
Your name: Sue in CA
Your Ravelry name: Monksqueedunk
Comments:
Even though the lace might be thought of as feminine, Peter thinks of it as cooling off the socks so they can be worn in hot weather!

Name of project: Sampler
Yarn: Jade Sapphire Silk/Cashmere 2-ply in Silver Fox
Needle Size: US 4
Finished Size:
Beads: AB Silver lined magatamas
Your name: Sue in CA
Your Ravelry name: Monksqueedunk
Summer Swatch Me Photo Gallery
Name of project: Peacock Mitts
Yarn: Wollmeise 80/20 Twin in color Aquarius
Needle Size: US 2
Your name: Sue in CA
Your Ravelry name: Monksqueedunk
Summer Swatch Me Photo Gallery
Name of project: Lotus Hat
Yarn: Crystal Palace Mini Mochi
Needle Size: US 2
Your name: Sue in CA
Your Ravelry name: Monksqueedunk

Name of project: Lilac Stole
Yarn: Wollmeise Lacegarn, color Absinthe
Needle Size: US 4
Finished Size: Approximately 62" by 14"
Beads: Crystal 8.0 beads
Your name: Sue in CA
Your Ravelry name: Monksqueedunk
Name of project: Bad Cat Sock Tutorial
Yarn: Wollmeise 100% Spina di Pesce
Needle Size: US 1
Finished Size: Baby
Your name: Sue in CA
Your Ravelry name: Monksqueedunk
Comments:
These are adorable!! Can't wait to give them at baby shower coming up!
Name of project: Sampler
Yarn: Crystal Palace Alpaca Lace in Ecru
Needle Size: 2
Finished Size: 12 x 60
Beads: crystal bronze lined
Your name: Patty Mannion
Your Ravelry name: Patsen
Name of project: Vine Mitts
Yarn: Yarn Place Adagio
Needle Size:US 1
Finished Size: Big enough...sorry forgot to measure it! :)
Beads: um, maybe?
Your name: Mary
Blog URL : http://shallweeat.blogspot.com/
Your Ravelry name: Marydear
Comments: Stolen after the photo shoot by a greedy teen! I had a horrible time trying to match the mitts and ended up going fraternal and calling it a day!
Name of project: Heavy Weight Socks
Yarn: Mountain Colors Barefoot
Needle Size:US 1
Finished Size: size 8 shoe
Beads: Nope
Your name: Mary
Blog URL : http://shallweeat.blogspot.com/
Your Ravelry name: Marydear
Comments: Sneak Peak test knit, wonderfully warm and cozy socks for me! I didn't let the greedy teen look at these ones. :)
Name of project: Sampler
Yarn: Jade Sapphire 2 ply in Burnt Toast
Needle Size:US 4
Finished Size: Big enough...sorry forgot to measure it! :)
Beads: Nope, skipped them for this project.
Your name: Mary
Blog URL : http://shallweeat.blogspot.com/
Your Ravelry name: Marydear
Comments: Fabulous project as usual! Knit this one along with the group.
Name of project: Light Socks
Yarn: Lorna's Laces
Needle Size:US 1
Finished Size: size 8 shoe
Beads: Nope, skipped them for this project.
Your name: Mary
Blog URL : http://shallweeat.blogspot.com/
Your Ravelry name: Marydear
Comments: Sneaky socks that the greedy teen didn't see, in fact they are on my feet right now! :)
Name of project: Falling Leaf Cowl
Yarn: Art Yarns Silk/Mohair
Needle Size:US 5
Finished Size: Big enough...sorry forgot to measure it! :)
Beads: Big 'ens and Little 'ens
Your name: Mary
Blog URL : http://shallweeat.blogspot.com/
Your Ravelry name: Marydear
Comments: Soft, silky, drapey, just what a gal needs around her neck! Test knit before the group had a chance to even peak at it which was very exciting in itself. :)
Name of project: Champagne Hug
Yarn: Jade Sapphire 2 ply in Plum Crazy
Needle Size:US 4
Finished Size: Bust size 36
Beads: Nope, skipped them for this project.
Your name: Mary
Blog URL : http://shallweeat.blogspot.com/
Your Ravelry name: Marydear
Comments: Another "with the group" project, instantly claimed by a needy teenager who needed a hug!



The collection above is from Malle, in Estonia:
Traveling Leaf Mitts and Fountain Mitts:
yarn Schachenmayr Micro Bamboo and needles 2,0.
Trail Socks:
Yarn Schoeller Stahl and 3,0 needles
Falling Leaf Cowl:
Needles 3,5 and 100% Superwash Merino yarn.
Thank you for this wonderful group for the summer.I hope that it would soon be a new group.

Name of project: Sampler
Yarn: Snowshoe Farm Alapaca Fingering Weight in Natural
Needle Size: 5
Finished Size: 14 inches x 74 inches
Beads: None
Your name: Karen
Your blog URL: www.yointhehouse.blogspot.com
Your Ravelry name: Karent
Comments: I decided to omit the beads because the yarn had such a natural organic feel to it and I couldn't find any beads that would compliment it.
Name of project: Ariel’s Lotus Hat
Yarn: Brown Sheep Nature Spun in Pink Please
Needle Size: 6
Finished Size:
Beads: None
Your name: Karen
Your blog URL: www.yointhehouse.blogspot.com
Your Ravelry name: Karent
Comments: I wanted to try a pattern in worsted weight so I cast on 6 of the 15 stitch repeats from the hat pattern. When it came time to shape the crown, I worked a decrease row and then a plain row through the patterned part and as soon as I got to the plain knitting, I just worked decrease rows. And I do like the tassel.
Name of project: Summer SwatchMe Sampler Sweater
Yarn:Great Adirondack Egyptian Cotton, 1000 yards ( 2 skeins)
Needle Size:5
Finished Size: size 38 chest, back length 25inches
Beads:none. Antique Czech pressed Glass buttons
Your name: Jeri Riggs
Your blog URL:www.jeririggs.blogspot.com
Your Ravelry name: Knitbird
Comments: A top-down ,set-in sleeve, seamless sweater incorporating all 9 lace patterns.This was a delight to make because of the marvelous lace patterns designed by Andrea. Thanks!
Name of project: Sampler
Yarn: ColourMart Cashmere/Silk/Merino 2/28NM Laceweight (held double)
Needle Size: 4 (3.5mm)
Finished Size: 66 in x 12 in
Beads: TOHO Round 8/0 Silver Lined Crystal from Artbeads.com
Your name: Heather P (LambChop00)

Name of project: Sampler
Yarn: Malabrigo Lace, in Polar Morn colour
Needle Size: US 4 = 3.5mm
Finished Size: 16 x 75inches (41 x 190cm)
Beads:Silver #8 beads, invisible in the photo’s and really hard to detect in real life too!
Your name: Gerda Bolton
Your blog URL: http://gerdasblog.blogspot.com/
Your Ravelry name: GerdaFL
Comments: I loved knitting this and will definitely re-use some of the patterns for other things!
Yarn: Alpaca With a Twist (doubled) - First Frost
Needles: Size 5
Beads: Gold (no idea what kind - found them in my stash!)
Ravelry Name: Debola
Real Name: Debra Fassler
Comments: This is my second on-line KAL with Andrea - they're too much fun! I also recruited a couple of knitter friends to join me - they're enjoying it too! Can't wait till the next one!

Name of project: sampler
Yarn: Colourmart 2/15NM 4 ply wt 30/70 cashmere/merino mushroom, about 800 yards
Needle Size: 4
Finished Size: Approximately 16 x 70
Beads: Miyuki 8/0 triangle beads in dark green lined transparent green AB
Your name: Dawnadair
Your blog URL:
Your Ravelry name: Dawnadair
Comments: Thank you so much, Andrea! I had lots of fun knitting the sampler and planning my yarn and beads for future projects. It was always exciting waiting for Sunday to come along to see what you had up your sleeve next. As always, I look forward to knitting more of your lovely designs. The only difficult question is...which one next?

Name of project: Lilac Stole
Yarn: Elann.com Silken Kydd - Pewter, 70% Super Kid Mohair/30% Silk, @580 yards
Needle Size: 4
Finished Size: 60" x 17 "
Beads: Japanese 8/0 Silver Lined Crystal AB
Your name: Dawnadair
Your blog URL:
Your Ravelry name: Dawnadair
Comments: This shawl pattern is gorgeous! I did only 20 repeats of pattern A since my yarn was a bit more heavier than the Art Yarns silk mohair yarn. I wanted to use a size 5 needle for the border but didn't have one handy, so I knitted very loosely with the size 4 needle I had been using. Love the thick border. As Andrea advised, using blocking wires through each "leg" of the garter stitch border of the shawl body formed what look like beautiful little "picots" along the edge. Thanks, Andrea, for the lovely pattern!
Name of project: Falling Leaf Cowl
Yarn: Artyarns Silk Mohair - Marine, 300 yards
Needle Size: 4
Finished Size:
Beads: Japanese 8/0 Silver Lined Teal
Your name: Dawnadair
Your blog URL:
Your Ravelry name: Dawnadair
Comments: This project was an absolute delight! I was so excited as I was knitting it and am thrilled with the finished product, although perhaps I could have blocked it a bit more flat. Thank you, thank you, thank you (as always) for your fantastic patterns and for sharing them with me!
Name of project: Champagne Hug
Yarn: Colourmart 2/15NM 4 ply wt 30/70 cashmere/merino mushroom, about 400 yards?
Needle Size: 4
Finished Size:
Beads: Miyuki 8/0 triangle beads in bronze lined transparent aqua
Your name: Dawnadair
Your blog URL:
Your Ravelry name: Dawnadair
Comments: A finished photo is attached.
Name of project: Sampler
Yarn: Cascade Heritage Paints Colorway #9928 2 skeins=874 yards
Needle Size: US #4 (3.5mm)
Finished Size: 63" x 16"
Beads: eebeads.com #J-3836 Triangle SL Crystal 8/0
Your name: Cindy Harrison
Your blog URL: http://www.cindyharrison.blogspot.com
Your Ravelry name: dcharrison
Comments: I did 5 repeats. This is my first time at doing lace as well as
beads. It didn't quite take the complete 2 skeins of yarn.
Name of project: Lace Sampler 2
Yarn: Malabrigo Lace, in Apricot
Needle Size: US4
Finished Size: 12” x 58”
Beads: Earthfaire Dark Peach Lined Crystal AB (8/0)
Your name: Catherine Paul
Your blog URL: http://furyblog.blogspot.com
Your Ravelry name: Isis
Comments: What a fun and educational project—and the final product is lovely!
Name of project: Lace Sampler 1
Yarn: Classic Elite Yarns, Silky Alpaca Lace, color 2416 (natural)
Needle Size: US3
Finished Size: 13” x 51”
Beads: Earthfaire 5/6 Crystal (8/0)
Your name: Catherine Paul
Your blog URL: http://furyblog.blogspot.com
Your Ravelry name: Isis
Comments: I enjoyed how differently these two yarns worked up, and seeing the variances in how the projects turned out.
Yarn: Ella Mae
Needle size: 4
Finished size: point to point 10"x35"
Beads: 10 hand crafted glass Chech beads and Size 8 Peach Opal color glass beads
Carol Brydon Koford
Name of project:vine mitts
Yarn: Mini Mochi
Needle Size: US 1
Finished Size: Small/Medium
Your name: Cara
Your Ravelry name: Stamax
Name of project: Traveling Leaves Mitts
Yarn:Colourmart 2/9 Yak/Mohair/Silk/Merino
Needle Size: US 1
Finished Size: Small
Your name: Cara
Your Ravelry name: Stamax
Comments: Another beautiful mitt pattern. This Colourmart yarn is also nice, very earthy feel.
Name of project: Trails Socks
Yarn:Schoppel Wolle Admiral 6 fach ombre
Needle Size:US 1
Finished Size:Small/Medium
Your name: Cara
Your Ravelry name: Stamax
Name of project: Sampler
Yarn: Colourmart 2/12 Cashmere Undyed
Needle Size: US 4
Finished Size: 16 x 66 inches
Beads: Gold lined beige AB finish
Your name: Cara
Your Ravelry name: Stamax
Comments: A lovely sampler to knit and the finished piece is so beautiful. Thank you Andrea for such o wonderful project. The yarn turned out nice in the end. It took a lot of washing before use, but is really soft with nice stitch definition.
I have enjoyed these patterns so much. Even though I have a list/stack of other things to knit, I keep starting something new with a Summer Swatch Me connection. I have attached an in process picture of my Reverse Pod Scarf, just for fun. I love the way it's turning out. I have knitted about 70 g of my 100 g of fiber and the scarf is about 48" long and may be about 8" wide after blocking. I am going to keep knitting on this one!
Name of project: Peacock Mitts
Yarn: Knitpicks Merino Silk Fingering Hand dyed
Needle Size:US 1
Finished Size: Small/Medium
Your name: Cara
Your Ravelry name: Stamax
Name of project: Lotus Hat
Yarn: Mini Mochi
Needle Size: US 2
Finished Size: large
Your name as you want it to appear: Cara
Your Ravelry name: Stamax
Name of project: Fountain Scarf
Yarn: Rowan Kid Silk Haze
Needle Size: US 5
Finished Size: 6 x 56 inches
Your name: Cara
Your Ravelry name: Stamax
Name of project: Fountain Mitts
Yarn:Colourmart 12/58s Cashmere/Silk/Merino
Needle Size:US 1
Finished Size: Small
Your name: Cara
Your Ravelry name: Stamax
Comments:I love this pattern for mitts! The yarn is nice, also. It has a very nice sheen and weight

Name of project: Design Your Own Stole
Yarn: Colourmart 4/28 Cashmere
Needle Size: US 4
Finished Size: 15 x 50 inches
Your name: Cara
Your Ravelry name: Stamax
Comments:I started with a provisional cast on and worked from the center back out with the Peacock Pattern as the center motif and mirrored Traveling Leaves on either side. I finished each end with the Jewel of the Sea Border without a garter ridge. I then picked up along each long side and worked one repeat of the Jewel of the Sea Border on one side and three repeats on the other.
Name of project: Champagne Hug
Yarn:Jade Sapphire Cashmere 2 ply
Needle Size: US 4
Finished Size: Added one pattern repeat to the width
Your name: Cara
Your Ravelry name: Stamax
Name of project: Broken Leaves Hug
Yarn: Great Andirondack Sock yarn
Needle Size: US 4
Finished Size: Added one pattern repeat to width
Your name: Cara
Your Ravelry name: Stamax
Name of project: Broken Leaves Hat
Yarn: Mini Mochi
Needle Size: 2
Your name: Cara
Your Ravelry name: Stamax
Name of project: Summer Swatch Me! Water Bottle Cozy
Yarn: Pisgah Yarn & Dyeing Co., Inc Peaches & Creme Solids #4 Ecru
Needle Size: US 3 - 3.25 mm
Finished Size: fits32 oz/1liter Rubbermaid water bottle
Beads:none
Your Name:Jean
Your Ravelry name: Cali1951
Name of project: Summer Swatch Me! Sampler
Yarn:: Colourmart 2/15NM 4ply wt 30/70 cashmere/merinoItalian spun, by Lanecardate
Needle Size: US 4 - 3.5 mm
Finished Size: approx 70” X 16”
Beads:: Silver Miyuki 8g 1.8mm Transparent Silver-Lined Clear Square Cut Beads
Your Name :Jean
Your Ravelry name:: Cali1951
Comments:: Mods: 1 extra repeat widthwise
1 extra repeat of chart 1
1 extra repeat of chart 2
1 extra repeat of chart 3
Only 6 repeats of chart 6 (oops I goofed)
1 extra repeat of chart 8

Name of project: Summer Swatch Me Peacock Mitts
Yarn:: Universal Yarn Swiss Mohair color Glacier
Needle Size: US 2 - 2.75 mm
Finished Size:
Beads:: Silver lined Crystal beads #8
Your Name :Jean
Your Ravelry name:: Cali1951



Comment from BadCat: LucyFur wants to meet your model...


Name of project: Sampler table runner
Yarn Web's Valley Cotton 5/2
Needle size US #4
Finished size 60" by 14"
Beads none
Bev (in AR)
Ravelry name greyhoundlover
Comments: I wanted to make the sampler as a table runner. That caused me to make some changes. I increased the width by one repeat and decreased the length of each pattern, so that there were about 40 rows plus spacer for each pattern. My table is 60" long and I just made it! It just fits.
Thank you for accomodating me with my check. I have enjoyed this summer of knitting, even though I didn't finish any other project. I do intend to do some others, hopefully for Christmas presents.
This is called Knit 2 Together as this is a KAL with my Mum. The yarn I used is a merino and tencel laceweight undyed, that Mum dyed for me a variegated lilac. I used 3mm needles and the beads we found in a charity shop, so I have no idea what brand they are, but they cost me 20p and matched beautifully, the finished size was 60" x 17". My Ravelry name is Rhinny. I knit this while in hospital for almost 4 months, and this really kept me going throughout it all. There were quite a few mistakes that needed redoing and Mum says it has more fudge than a sweetie shop! I really enjoyed doing this, the patterns were lovely to knit and I really looked forward to getting them each week, even if I wasn't well enough to knit at the time, it was lovely just seeing what was coming up next to do. The cast off took me a whole day, but was worth it. I only learned to knit at the beginning of the year, I couldn't even do simple rib, but i am so proud of myself to have finished this.



The name of this project is Knit 2 Together as I have done this as a KAL with my daughter. I have always wanted to make a sampler, so this was the perfect summer project for me. I used Decadently dark faded lace in daffodil, on 3.5mm needles. The beads I picked up at a chaity shop for 20 pence, the matched really well, and I would say they were a size 4mm, and i had just enough to complete the project. It finished up 65" x 16" in size, but I think i could have blocked more aggressively and made this much bigger, but I like it this size, it compliments the lace beautifully, My Ravelry name is adellar, but I am an Annie! This project has meant so much to me, I spent a tremendous amount of time with my daughter in hospital,( I taught her to knit at the beginning of the year, literally the basics), and we both made this together. To watch her skills grow and develop and her perserverance through some really difficult times made me so proud, she carried on knitting, and we waited so eagerly for the next sampler to appear. I also thouroughly enjoyed the knitting and learning for myself, I never thought i could make something so beautiful. This shawl will always be so special to me for this and something I will always treasure, thank you Andrea.


Name of project: SAMPLER
Yarn: malabrigo lace color 44 - Geranio
Needle Size: US 4
Finished Size: 70”x12,5”
Beads: Megatamas Smoky Amethist A – fuchsia linead from Earthfaire.com
Your name: NinaPaula
Your Ravelry name: NinaPaula
Comments:
-I worked with 4 repetitions of the patterns for a wider piece.
-I had a great time participating in this SSMe KAL. Highlights for: the project’s details prior the launch; the way that the weekly patterns & projects were presented (including tutorials); Andrea’s participation (answering all the questions right away & encouraging the participants); the group’s participation (sharing experiences; clarifying questions); and the project’s pics shared during the process. Those points were a key in my experience on this KAL.
Name of project: Trail Socks
Yarn: littlelotus bamboo sock
Needle Size: 2.75 mm
Your name: Amanda
Your blog URL: http://paradisefoundkerrie.blogspot.com
Your Ravelry name: AmandavW
Name of project: Sampler
Yarn: Australian Country Spinners 3ply pure wool
Needle Size: 3.5 mm
Finished Size: 91 cm x 137 cm
Beads: Miyuki Triangle 8/0 Amethyst Lined Light Blue
Your name: Amanda
Your blog URL: http://paradisefoundkerrie.blogspot.com
Your Ravelry name: AmandavW


Name of project: Lilac Stole
Yarn: ColourMart Cashmere Merino 2/14.5NM
Needle Size: 3.5mm
Finished Size: 223.5cm x 40.6 cm
Beads: Seed Bead Red AB 8/0
Your name: Amanda
Your blog URL: http://paradisefoundkerrie.blogspot.com/
Your Ravelry name: AmandavW



And now about those Gallery prizes...you just won't believe this (because I didn't) but BadKitten picked our first prize, which goes to Annie...
And second prize, picked by my nephew Ben, Goes to Rhinny!
If you read their entries in the gallery, you can see that they are mother and daughter from the UK and they worked on the project together. My sister-in-law, who is visiting me right now, is taking bio-statistics so is calculating the odds of this for me!

Thanks to every knitter included in the gallery. You are all amazing! I hope to see all of you for the up-coming winter lace gala, not to be believed it will be so interesting and fun, BadCat and special guest group project. Just wait...I will post more about it next week!