Lansing Cowl and Beret Pattern

 Admist the many tasks of keeping up a knitting blog, one particular labor stands out as the most rewarding- creating new patterns.  From nebulous conception, to casting off the first test pieces (with lots of notes in between), designing handknit items becomes an expression of everything to be loved about knitting.

 For the past six months my latest such expression has only been available in local shops in the Lansing area.  But, today on Ravelry I am pleased to finally offer the Lansing Cowl and Beret Pattern!

Lace, bobbles, and cables combine to make this cowl ideal for the advanced beginner looking to perfect such skills for their proverbial 'bag of tricks.'

And perhaps the most satisfying honor in creating patterns comes in the form of commendation received by people like you.  The emails and comments about the anticipation of this set leave me honored and humbled- thank you.

$5.00

Tanis Fiber Arts

I'm very excited to share another wonderful sponsor with you today.  I probably first clicked over to Tanis Fiber Arts when an ad caught my eye on Ravelry.   Not too long after that, Tanis wrote me an email letting me know she had knit up my Anthro-Style Plaited Headwrap- see?

Around the same time, Julie posted pictures of her Stripe Study Shawl done in Tanis Cashmere Sock.  With all of these online encounters, I knew a new knitterly friendship would soon be forming.  I started following Tanis' blog since she first contacted me and I have to admit that it has quickly become one of my favorites.  She posts often with beautiful projects and to share wonderful new colorways. 

Just last week I had purchased the Wispy Cardigan pattern.  A few days later, Tanis posted her Wispy Cardigan done in her own Silk yarn, Tidal colorway and I fell in love with the Wispy Cardigan all over again!

Tanis Fiber Arts is a small family run business started by Tanis Lavallee.  In its humble beginnings, you could find Tanis dying yarn in the kitchen of her apartment. She is now joined by her husband and mother, and have grown into a larger studio:

If you click on over to Tanis Fiber Arts, you can shop by color- take a look:

Have you ever seen a cooler yarn set up?  This was a recent  re-do to her online shop and whoever was in charge should get major kudos.  

New for 2011, Tanis has introduced the TFA Year in Colour Club.  Every other month, subscribers will receive a single skein of fingering weight yarn along with an exclusive pattern created just for that yarn.  The pattern designers are all-stars:  Tanis herself, Julie Crawford, Laura Chau, Glenna C.,  Patti Waters, and Kristen Kapur.

Although the first month of the club was January, it's not too late to jump on board. Previous months will be mailed in with your first package.  You can find prices and more details about the club here. 

How exciting to conclude another week with another fabulously talented knitter.  I love having the privilege to meet and highlight so many wonderful artists.  Make sure you hop on over to Tanis Fiber Arts and say 'hi'.  Here's where you can find more Tanis:

Tanis Fiber Arts Blog

tanisfiberarts on Ravelry

Tanis Fiber Arts Shop

Tanis Fiber Arts on Etsy

Flickr Photostream

Testing, Testing... 1, 2, 3

Now that I'm starting to get my knitting mojo back it's about time I get to writing up some patterns.  This week I have found the time to work up a few prototypes- it's so much fun to be knitting again.

These projects remind me of how much I love colorwork. There's something so satisfying about seeing the colors come together to form such a simple (and seemingly) intricate design.

And speaking of patterns, my Lansing Cowl and Beret Pattern will finally be available for purchase on Ravelry next week- be on the lookout!

Ravelry Roundup- 3/23/11

So after just three weeks of issuing my Ravelry roundups I've come to a simple conclusion:  if I don't stop I may never write up any of my own patterns.  My queue is growing by leaps and bounds and there seems to be less time for knitting than ever before.  Sigh.  Once again- totally impressive work here, I hope you enjoy.

Scalene by Carina Spencer

Hibernate by Christina Harris

Gramps Cardigan by Kate Oates

Dream Stripes by Cailliau Berangere

Cocoon Me by Rose Beck

Estelle by Melissa LeBarre

Nola Jane by Annika Barranti

**You can find this and many more wonderful *free* children's patterns in the new issue of Petite Purls- yay!

See what I mean?  Never enough time for all this knitting.

A Touch of Cashmere

You may have noticed that this blog has been seriously void of actual knitting content as of lately.  Maternity leave was a dream world- a baby that would curl up and sleep at any given moment, a full Netflix queue, and a whole lot of time for bonding with my knitting needles.

Then I was forced in to reality.  Back to work full time, a baby who seemingly forgot how to sleep, and my knitting needles- alone and lonely, totally abandoned. It has taken me a while to find what our new normal will be, but after a long first month, I actually had time to pick up my needles once again.

I started small, I knew I wouldn't be able to commit to a whole project. A WIP was exactly what the doctor ordered (especially a work-in-progress that only had three rows and minimal seaming left). I picked up Elise's Baby Bolero  and got to work.  In under an hour I had a completed project and all the satisfaction that came along with it.

That's right- I'm back. Watch out needles, watch out yarn- I'm gonna work you into stitches!

Pattern: Pearl Shrug

Yarn:  from cashmere Target hat

Raveled