Saturday, June 29, 2013

Formation pattern release

There are several flocks of Canada Geese that have taken up permanent residence by the ponds near my home in Northern California.  Every so often they do a fly-over, honking loudly as they go by.  That familiar V formation is a sight to see, and it inspired this pretty infinity scarf and cowl.



The infinity scarf is worked in A Verb for Keeping Warm's Floating, a lusciously soft blend of superfine alpaca, silk, and cashmere.  Wear the scarf long -- the yarn has wonderful drape -- or wrap it a couple of times around your neck to help keep you toasty warm.


The cowl is worked in another Verb yarn, Creating, which is soft and squishy and has lovely stitch definition.  The cowl hugs your neck and is perfect for when you want a little something to tuck under a sweater or jacket.


The infinity scarf is worked back-and-forth widthwise, starting with a provisional cast on and grafting the ends to finish (and of course you can always use a 3-needle bind off if Kitchener stitch makes you want to run screaming from the room).  This construction makes it easy to knit a standard long scarf should you prefer.  For another look, choose a bulky yarn, work the pattern repeat twice across and shorten the length before grafting the ends together, and you have a nice big cowl. 

 
The cowl is knit in the round and is a snap to finish -- perfect for almost-instant gratification and spur-of-the-moment gift giving. 





Thanks as always to Knitterella Jill, the lovely model and graphic designer who put the pattern into presentable form.

Formation is now available for purchase here.   



Wednesday, June 5, 2013

TNNA, Sans Booth

TNNA's Summer Trade Show is just two weeks away!  I'm excited to be going, yet for the first time since I started exhibiting at the show seven years ago, I won't be having a booth.

This time, I'll be taking a professional design class, helping out in the Elemental Affects booth, and walking the show floor.  You know, YARN SHOPPING. 

Being normally tied to a booth during the entirety of a show's open hours means that I rarely get the opportunity to wander around.  This time, I'll get to see all of the wonderful products on display, and better yet, be able to meet and talk to many of the vendors.  I'm really looking forward to that.

I hope to see you there!