the Openwork Bolero

This pattern was inspired by the Openwork Infinty Scarf.
While flipping through a fashion mag I saw an image of a fur bolero and loved the shape so when I was playing around with openwork patterns and draping the swatches on my dress form this shape was fresh in my mind.

I took the laced version to my trunk show, it was great to see it on so many bodies and it looked fantastic on each and every one of them. It's one of those pieces that really does! I think that was one of the best things about the show was being able to see the finished pieces come to life on bodies other than my own.

Like the Openwork Kimono I loved seeing it every time someone put it on (pattern coming soon).

One piece I wasn't sure about bringing because it needed (and still needs!) a few finishing details was this new coat design. I was happy I did though because it got a great response. It's top down with set in sleeves and when I complete this pattern it's going to be very detailed about this type of construction.

Currently, of the 3 the only pattern ready is the Openwork Bolero.
One size fits most using one skein of Magnum and #17 & #19 needles, straight or circulars since the piece is worked flat.

The opening of the bolero is left of center and while laced is a bit restrictive if you feel the need to have your arms above your head, though the button version is quite open.

I would rate this as an easy pattern for an intermediate knitter and a bit of a challenge for a beginning knitter. I've manipulated this particular openwork pattern a bit to where I think it might throw off a knitter not solid in their skills. It is a quick knit though, a couple of nights work tops.

Pattern is available as a PDF download. $6.50

My girls are really into their baby dolls and wanted beds for them for Christmas. Everything I saw was plastic and I'm so tired of that. I found an old crochet pattern for a small Moses basket and improvised using my Magnum leftovers to make bigger ones; with having to make two they had to work up quickly. A couple of nights later I was very pleased with the results, hopefully their babies will be too!

Happy Holidays everyone!

Love this tree!

knit 1 LA trunk show

Tonight's the night! 6-9 at The Little Knittery. I'll have the samples for some of my most popular patterns along with a few new ones (like the one above) for you to see and an amazing selection of Magnum colors to choose from ... just in time for those last minute gifts you always need for the holidays!

Hope to see you there!

save the date: Knit 1 LA trunk show

For those of you who live in the LA area stop by The Little Knittery December 7th from 6-9pm for the first annual Knit 1 LA trunk show.

You all know how much I love a good super chunky yarn and how much I use Cascade's Magnum Super Chunky! So on hand I'll have new designs using Magnum and the samples for some of my most popular patterns that use Magnum as well.

One of my new designs is this free pattern for an open work infinity scarf. Made using 1 skein of Magnum & #19's it's an easy project and a great gift.

the Openwork Infinity Scarf

Materials:
1 skein Magnum Super Chunky by Cascade (123yds)
#19 needles. The piece is worked flat so either straight or circular needles are fine.
Finished measurements: 8.75"x @67" (before folding)

Cast on 12 sts.
Row 1: Sl 1 (slip stitch as if to purl), *K1, (yo, k2tog) twice; repeat from * end k1
Repeat Row 1 every row until you have enough yarn left to bind off. Bind off.
Sew ends together to make a giant loop (see pic below), wear & enjoy!

I also reworked the Misti Net Scarf in Magnum to have at the show and I really like the results! The Magnum version is very lightweight and lofty for such a large scarf. Again, an easy 1 skein project that makes a great gift! (pattern below)

the Open Work Scarf

Materials:

1 skein Magnum Super Chunky by Cascade (123yds)

#19 circular needles. I would use at least a 29" since the scarf is worked lengthwise.

Finished measurements: 5"(not pulled) x @103" (w/out fringe)

Note: these scarves are worked lengthwise.

Cast on 100 stitches.

Row 1: Sl 1 (purlwise), * yo, k2tog * k1

Repeat this row 10 times. 

Bind off.

I used one strand of yarn per fringe piece. I liked a more raw edge to the fringe so I pulled the yarn instead of cutting it. Attach fringe, wear & be warm!

Hope to see you there!

inspiration

When you think of Los Angeles you might think of many obvious things (movie stars, palm trees, freeways) but you probably don't think of things like horses or rivers. Fortunately for me I have both in my neighborhood and I find them to be a source of inspiration.

The river around here is beautifully overgrown with many varieties of birds.

Few people realize how big of an equestrian community exists in Los Angeles with a sizable one right in my neighborhood, actually right out my sister's door. She lives in an area of my neighborhood where you can keep horses on your property and this is where I spend a good part of the day, with my girls, my sister and the horses in our neighborhood.

 
A Roan, Palamino & Spanish/Andalusian

Crazy to think in a major city you can have that; here I live in this sprawling city with all a city has to offer and yet every day I get to interact with these beautiful animals and have access to this wonderful river making me feel I'm not in a city at all. And while you may not see a horse inspired theme in my work (although my girls would love a cowichan style sweater with horses on it) the calmness I feel being around them & the river inspires me.

 The alleyway we walk to get to the arena & the river.

 A couple of new boys.

Valentino, such a sweetheart.

The girls with their favorites.

I  couldn't help post a pic of the roses that are in bloom from our yard. They almost look fake but they smell divine! What a treat and in November!

And finally, nothing will make you feel older than when your niece has a baby making you a great aunt! How is that great aunt sounds older than grandma or grandpa?! Anyway she had a beautiful baby boy and since I can't remember the last time I knit something for a baby boy I'm sure I'll have a new baby design in the near future!

Updates

I'm in the process of cleaning house & updating patterns. I've listed the most recent updates with the changes below. If you've purchased your patterns on Ravelry or on this site you will receive an email notice of the change (maybe you already have). If you've purchased your patterns through Etsy it will take me a bit longer to go through to send the updated patterns; or you can always contact me with a copy of your receipt and I'll send the updated pattern.

For the Reversible Vest/Wrap I changed the fine print to read "OK to knit for resale". I changed all the patterns to read that a while ago, guess I overlooked this one.

Included more photos in the pattern.

Included a child's version to Capelet's #1 & #3 and expanded a bit on Capelet #2.

Finally a schematic!

Good news for this pattern! I have a couple of lovely knitters helping me with the larger size! So glad to have the help otherwise I'm afraid it would have languished forever! What do they say the road to hell is paved with?!

In other news I'm teaching a class on the Magnum Capelet #4 (the crochet version) at my local shop The Little Knittery Sunday, November 13th. If the mood strikes you call the shop to sign up. I'll have a trunk show there as well December 7th from 6-9pm (hopefully with a few new designs!).


I've also started selling patterns wholesale. If you're an interested shop email me for details.

And finally, thanks Michelle for sending me a photo of your finished Cable Rib Mittens! Love to see the completed projects!

a couple other things...

Here's another piece using yarns from the BagSmith that I sent to Stitches East last week.

Big Stitch Bundle is made up of 6 different yarns (@88yds each) bundled together with most of them being hand dyed together so all 6 yarns match though the Big Stitch Bundle I used for the shoulders, collar & bottom section has the same tone throughout. Then for the open work in the body section I used the BagSmith's Blissa Bling an alpaca/merino with a metallic thread running through that I loved working with. It's the same fiber content as the Blissa so it's super soft!

 

Available as a PDF download. $6.50

It's Halloween time so in our house it's the constant trying on and adjusting of the Purple Princess costumes.

                                              

My girls love to layer! Whatever is purple and sparkly gets put on and while working the BagSmith's booth at Vogue Knitting Live I noticed this purple silk ribbon yarn with sparkly bows and knew I had to get it for them. It's from Pagewood Farms, is called Paparazzi and has the right yardage for a little capelet to wear over their purple capes.

this is how it looked before blocking

This little piece also gave me a chance to try out the "Block n Roll" another BagSmith item I picked up at Vogue Knitting Live. 

The Block n Roll is a padded 38"x50" teflon coated cotton blocking mat that rolls up to store away in your closet and weighs a mere pound! We pinned the piece down, put a wet press cloth to it then steamed it and when I was too impatient to wait for it to dry I took a hair dryer to it. It worked beautifully! I highly recommend getting one of these!

I really stretched this thing out as you can see in the post blocking pic. Blocking with an iron really flattened it as well.

But it's a perfect little layering piece for a Purple Princess.

Here it is on a test run.

a Luxe Cape

For those of you wondering whatever became of the rather large ball of yarn I showed in my last post I present a Luxe Cape.

I have such a weak spot for alpaca! I love the way it feels and would wear this cape constantly if I didn't live in a desert climate (although it does get chilly at night) and hadn't already shipped it to the BagSmith at Stitches East happening this weekend in Hartford Ct.

This alpaca is unbelievably soft and feels amazing against your skin. It was easy to work with and I don't think I need to tell you how fast it worked up with a gauge of .75sts per inch on #50 needles! That's right 5-0! And the BagSmith has both the yarn & the needles

                                                                               I used a 5/8" ribbon for the closure.

So if you happen to be in Hartford this weekend and are stopping by Stitches make sure you check out the BagSmith's booth to experience this amazing yarn in person. 

Available as a PDF download. $6.50

Here it is again!