Betty's Original Knits

Teak unisex cabled beanie -OOAK- FREE US SHIPPING

2010-02-02T10:47:00.000-08:00

This is a great hat for women or men. It was worked in an intricate cable pattern and features a single ribbing at the brim. Yarn used is comprised of 50% wool / 50% cotton. Color is teak. Will stretch to fit most heads. Check it out here: http://www.bettysoriginalknits.etsy.com/.

Baby knits

2010-01-30T08:51:00.000-08:00

Since I mostly only post things about my shop, I decided to blog about something personal. For anyone that doesn't know, I am almost 34 weeks pregnant. We are expecting a baby girl on March 16. For the last month or so I have been working on some stuff for the baby. I have never really designed clothes for an infant, so this is a first for me. I am really happy with how everything turned out though. I made a cute little pink slouch hat for her too, but I hope to photograph it on her.

Hyacinth soft and fuzzy versatile moebius wrap - OOAK - FREE US SHIPPING

2010-01-22T14:02:00.001-08:00

As you can tell from the other items in my shop, I don't usually use fuzzy novelty yarns. However, once in a while, I do enjoy experimenting with them. This one of a kind hand knitted moebius wrap can be worn multiple ways. It is super warm and extremely soft. It was worked entirely in garter stitch on large needles. Yarn used is a bulky weight 33% wool / 67% nylon blend. Color is hyacinth. One size fits most. Check it out here: http://www.bettysoriginalknits.etsy.com/.

The Cocoa Cowl

2010-01-20T15:45:00.001-08:00

This versatile cowl is a great way to add warmth and style to any outfit. It was worked in a soft and fluffy texture pattern. Made from 100% acrylic yarn in chocolate brown. Can be worn multiple ways around the neck, or pull it down over your shoulders. Check it out: http://www.bettysoriginalknits.etsy.com/.

Candy cane red faux cable fingerless gloves

2010-01-10T16:25:00.000-08:00

These bright red fingerless gloves will definitely draw attention. They feature a pretty faux cable pattern with an eyelet at the center of each twist. Made from a very soft 100% superwash wool yarn. Will stretch to snugly fit up to an 8 inch hand circumference. Approximately 7 inches long. Color is candy cane red. Check them out here: http://www.bettysoriginalknits.etsy.com/.

Nutmeg merino wool textured fingerless gloves with asymmetrical cable detail

2010-01-06T17:27:00.000-08:00

Fingerless gloves are a very stylish way to keep your hands and arms warm while maintaining full usage of your fingers. This particular pair was made from 100% merino wool. They feature a braided cable panel placed asymmetrically next to the thumb gusset. Color is nutmeg. These armwarmers were designed to be snug fitting. Will stretch to fit up to a 10" forearm. Approximately 11.5" long. Check them out here: http://www.bettysoriginalknits.etsy.com/.

Lilac rose slouch hat superwash wool / bamboo

2009-12-31T10:33:00.000-08:00

Here's the third hat in my new slouch hat series. This one was made with a superwash wool / bamboo blend yarn in lilac rose. For more information, visit: http://www.bettysoriginalknits.etsy.com/.

Bayberry not so slouchy wool slouch hat

2009-12-30T12:23:00.000-08:00

Here is the second hat in my new slouch hat series. This version was made from a 100% Peruvian Highland wool yarn. For more information, visit: http://www.bettysoriginalknits.etsy.com/.

Capri slouch hat FINALLY A NEW ITEM IN MY SHOP!

2009-12-28T14:05:00.000-08:00

I originally came up with this design because my mom was diagnosed with cancer a few months ago. She is about to begin chemotherapy treatments and was told she would lose her hair. I decided that she deserves to look great with or without hair, so I designed a stylish slouchy hat that will cover her entire head and ears. When I finished with her hat, I tried it on just to see if it would fit. I fell in love with it and have since made myself one as well as my soon-to-be-born baby girl. I also plan to list more of these in my shop in different colors and fibers, so check back often. If there is a certain color or fiber you would like to see, send me a convo. Suggestions are always welcome. This hat has never been worn and is ready to ship. For more information, visit: http://www.bettysoriginalknits.etsy.com/.

Shop Update

2009-10-26T10:30:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to let everyone know that I am in the process of re-thinking my shop. I am focusing on knitting for my loved ones for Christmas. I am also planning for a new baby, so I have lots of things going on right now. I have decided to let all the items listed in my shop expire. After the first of the year, I will decide if I want to relist any of the items that are currently in my shop. I may decide to go in a whole different direction, so if there's anything in my shop that you want, get it soon, or it may not be available again. You can also let me know that you want it and I will hold it for you. Please keep in mind that I am unable to do custom orders at this time.
http://www.bettysoriginalknits.etsy.com

Lilac rose long sleeved shawl collared raglan shrug FREE US SHIPPING

2009-09-08T10:43:00.000-07:00

This unique and stylish shrug is a must have for the upcoming cold weather months. Perfect for when you just need to throw on some sleeves to keep warm. Its feminine design will also add beauty to any outfit. It features: raglan yoke shaping, a garter stitch shawl collar, and long sleeves. The back was worked in a tilting ladder pattern, which combines cables and lace. The use of short rows gently rounds the garter stitch bottom. The sleeves were worked in a combination of stockinette stitch and tilting ladder. Size S, will fit up to a 36" bust. For more information visit: http://www.bettysoriginalknits.etsy.com/.

End of Summer Sale! And a bit of an update

2009-08-28T12:21:00.000-07:00

I am having an end of Summer sale in my Etsy shop. I have only marked down 2 items, but I may be marking down more. Not sure how long this sale will last, so if you are interested please check out my shop: http://www.bettysoriginalknits.etsy.com/.

Also if anyone has been wondering why I haven't listed anything new in about a month, it is because I am pregnant. I have been quite sick lately and haven't had much interest in knitting. I do have a new shrug design on the needles, and I am hoping to finish it and get it in my shop soon.

OOAK navy blue wishbone cowl / mini capelet

2009-07-20T12:32:00.000-07:00

This is the perfect accessory for Winter. It will keep your neck and shoulders toasty warm. It features 2 seed wishbone cable panels, placed asymmetrically, on front and back. The remainder of the piece was worked in a very stretchy ribbing pattern. I would estimate this to be a size XS/S. Color is navy blue. Yarn used is a wool / acrylic blend. The length of the cowl, when worn, will depend on the shoulder width of the wearer. Picured on a model with a 39" shoulder width. If you have any sizing questions, feel free to contact me. For more information visit: http://www.bettysoriginalknits.etsy.com.

Peacock cardigan with lace detailing and cap sleeves

2009-07-17T20:42:00.000-07:00

This is a truly feminine design. This cardigan will look great with almost anything. It features: raglan yoke shaping, cap sleeves, a coral lace pattern worked in panels, on fronts, back, and on sleeves. A shell and eyelet edging was used to trim the entire cardigan, except for the sleeves, these were trimmed in garter stitch. Size XS/S. Color is Peacock. Yarn used is comprised of 50% viscose / 25% cotton / 25% linen. A great garment for Summer! Looking for a matching skirt? Check out this one: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=245450. For more information, visit: http://www.bettysoriginalknits.etsy.com/.

FREE US SHIPPING

2009-07-13T10:30:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to let everyone know that I now offer free shipping to anywhere in the United States. If you are interested in seeing what I currently have for sale, visit my Etsy shop:
http://www.bettysoriginalknits.etsy.com.

Purple coccoon slouch hat

2009-07-02T15:26:00.000-07:00

I just recently fell in love with the slouch hat. This one features a delightfully textured coccoon stitch pattern in combination with stockinette stitch. The ribbed brim makes this hat very stretchy. Made from 100% wool. One size fits most. Color is purple. This hat would be great for the Fall/Winter seasons. For more information, visit: http://www.bettysoriginalknits.etsy.com/.

Lilac medley hand knitted necklace with beads

2009-06-29T16:44:00.000-07:00

A unique necklace with 2 i-cord strands of different lengths, sewn together in the back. Each strand holds 3 different colored beads. A white button helps to decorate the seam in the back. The beads can be moved to your liking. Made from 100% mercerized cotton. Color is lilac medley. This is the only one like this I plan to make. If you would like one in a different color, with different beads, convo me. Prices for custom orders will vary. Will stretch to fit over an average sized head. For more information, visit: http://www.bettysoriginalknits.etsy.com/

Victorian blue ploughed acre lace slouch hat

2009-06-28T13:20:00.000-07:00

This stylish and feminine slouch hat is perfect for those warm days when you don't want to add warmth. It will cover up a bad hair day, and make you look great anyway. It was worked in an openwork rib pattern called ploughed acre. Color is Victorian blue. Yarn used is comprised of 72% acrylic / 28% viscose rayon. One size fits most. This hat would look great with this matching tank top: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21990338 For more information visit: http://www.bettysoriginalknits.etsy.com/

Magenta cabled headband or choker

2009-06-25T16:18:00.000-07:00

This beautiful cabled headband is great for keeping your hair out of your eyes, or to just make a bold statement. It features a tight braid cable, i-cord top edging, which extends into 2 i-cord ties, crochet crab stitch bottom and side edging, and 2 ties at bottom, worked in single crochet. Headband can also be worn as a unique choker or short necklace. Yarn used is a rayon/wool blend. May also be used as an earwarmer in the Winter time. One size fits most. For more information: http://www.bettysoriginalknits.etsy.com/

Caribbean sun long drop stitch ribbon scarf - blues, greens, and yellows

2009-06-24T20:54:00.000-07:00

This scarf was inspired by the colors of Summer. It was worked in a drop stitch pattern, which looks the same no matter which side is showing. The yarn used is a mix of matte and sheen and is comprised of 50% cotton / 50% nylon. Color is Caribbean sun, which is a mix of blues, greens, and yellows. The sweater in the pictures can be found here: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22255759 Measurements:roughly 80" long x 10" wide. For more information visit:

http://www.bettysoriginalknits.etsy.com/

Merino and silk quatrefoil eyelet shrug with half sleeves in ecru

2009-06-19T21:07:00.000-07:00

This luxurious shrug will look great with everything. It features raglan yoke shaping, half sleeves, a lovely quatrefoil eyelet pattern, and ribbed edgings. Shrug consists of two sleeves and a back, no fronts. Perfect for the Fall/Winter seasons. This is about a women's size XS/S. Color is ecru. Yarn used is comprised of 50% merino wool / 50% silk. For more information, visit my Etsy shop: http://www.bettysoriginalknits.etsy.com/

Trellis-framed leaf lace short sleeved tunic CUSTOM ORDER you choose size and color

2009-06-12T20:54:00.000-07:00

This delightfully feminine sweater would make the perfect addition to any woman's wardrobe. Dress it up by pairing it with a skirt, or go casual and wear it with jeans. It's so versatile you will find yourself wearing it again and again. It features a beautiful trellis-framed leaf lace pattern, a ribbed empire waist, a crew neckline, short sleeves, and a picot edging at the hem. Shown in size S and in color garnet. Yarn is comprised of 50% bamboo / 31.2% cotton / 18.8% acrylic. For more information: http://www.bettysoriginalknits.etsy.com/

Yart Sale!

2009-06-11T19:03:00.000-07:00

I am participating in the Yart Sale on Etsy (June 10-14) sponsored by Team ESST. Come and check out my Yart Sale section, all items are at least 15% off! Sale does not apply to custom orders, for more details visit:

http://www.bettysoriginalknits.etsy.com/

Eyelet mesh shrug with half sleeves MADE TO ORDER

2009-06-05T14:13:00.000-07:00

This lovely and unique shrug is different from my other shrugs as it has partial fronts. It was worked in stockinette stitch and a beautiful eyelet mesh pattern. The edgings were done in garter stitch. Yarn used is comprised of 50% wool/25% silk/25% bamboo. Color shown here is called capri. Shown in size XS. I decided to make this a custom order, because I wanted to keep this one for myself. For more information, visit my shop:

http://www.bettysoriginalknits.etsy.com

OOAK Incan clay zig zag lace halter top

2009-05-24T14:32:00.000-07:00

This alluring halter top is a wonderful way to look great and stay cool this Summer. It features a stockinette stitch bodice with subtle eyelet details and a ribbed insert in the center. The body was worked in an interesting zig zag lace pattern, with a band of ribbing around the bottom. A crochet crab stitch edging decorates the bodice, adding a feminine touch. Yarn used is a 100% mercerized cotton print yarn. The color is called Incan clay. This is a size small.This color has been discontinued, making this halter top one of a kind. If you would like a different size, you will also have to choose a different color. This yarn may only be available in solid colors. Please convo me for details. Custom orders are always welcome and greatly appreciated. Prices for custom orders will vary. check it out in my Etsy shop: http://www.bettysoriginalknits.etsy.com/

Burgundy rose lace fingerless gloves

2009-05-14T20:13:00.000-07:00

These dainty little fingerless gloves are perfect for when there is a slight chill in the air. Or if your hands are always cold. They are very lightweight, perfect for Spring, Summer, or Fall. Made from 100% mercerized/gassed cotton. Color is burgundy rose. For sale now in my Etsy shop!

http://www.bettysoriginalknits.etsy.com/

Green sleeveless brioche waist coat

2009-05-08T13:53:00.000-07:00

This beautiful corset style waist coat will add style to any outfit. It was worked in 2 different soft and fluffy brioche stitch patterns. Features a deep v-neckline, garter stitch button placket, and 3 beautiful flower shaped buttons. This is a size XS. Color is limeade. Yarn used is Rowan cotton rope, which has been discontinued. If you would like this in a different size or color, please let me know. You may also have to choose a different yarn, as I can't guarantee the availability of this yarn. For sale now in my Etsy shop:

http://www.bettysoriginalknits.etsy.com/

Peacock green diagonal patterned skirt with ribbon drawstring

2009-05-03T15:33:00.000-07:00

I just listed this beautiful skirt in my Etsy shop. If you would like to check it out, just go to http://www.bettysoriginalknits.etsy.com/

My navy blue shrug was on the front page of Etsy today!

2009-05-01T17:44:00.000-07:00

Here is a screenshot of the Etsy front page from earlier today. A fellow Etsian named Kate was kind enough to email this to me. It isn't the whole thing, but it shows my shrug. I am so excited! Be sure to check out Kate's wonderful Etsy shop, omshanti handcrafts:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5574742

Opal grey lace capelet

2009-04-25T18:34:00.001-07:00

I just added this beautiful capelet to my Etsy shop. If you like it, go buy it!

Aidan's 3rd birthday!

2009-04-21T20:10:00.000-07:00

This is not knitting related, it is much more important than that. My little Aidan turned 3 yesterday. We had 2 parties for him. On Sunday, after church, we went up to my mom's house and had party #1. On Monday night, my husbands parents and grandmother came over for dinner. Afterwards, we had cake and ice cream and my son opened up his second set of presents.

Angel blue short sleeved lace back raglan shrug

2009-04-21T20:05:00.001-07:00

An elegant shrug for the warm weather seasons. Now for sale in my Etsy shop!

Army green and charcoal ribbed man hat with brim

2009-04-09T14:50:00.000-07:00

The third design in my man hat collection. Now for sale in my etsy shop!

Lilac rose lace headband, earwarmer, and cowl all in one

2009-04-07T15:11:00.000-07:00

I actually got 2 items listed in the same day. That's pretty good for me, since knitting takes so long. Anyway this pretty little item is now for sale in my Etsy shop!

OOAK little pink skirt

2009-04-07T13:35:00.000-07:00

I already have a picture of this skirt on my blog. I made it last Summer and have only worn it to photograph it. I am not much into skirts, I just thought it would be fun to make one. I hadn' t planned on selling it. I was kind of coaxed into it last night, by Tara while we were chatting in my favorite Etsy forum thread. So anyway, here it is up for sale in my Etsy shop.

New etsy banner!

2009-04-02T12:02:00.000-07:00

Okay so, I have been chatting in the etsy forums lately. I have made some great friends. Namely, Tara from YouniquelyChic: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6198490. She sells the most beautiful and unique handmade jewelry I have ever seen. Anyway, I found out that she enjoys and is good at making etsy banners. Yesterday I convo'd her and asked her what she would charge to make me one. She told me that since she knows and likes me, she would do it for free. Anyway, she did a great job. To see my new banner just click on my store link on my etsy mini.

Navy blue and army green ribbed man hat

2009-04-02T10:03:00.001-07:00

The second design in my man hat collection. For sale now in my etsy shop!

Travelling vine lace short sleeved bolero jacket

2009-04-01T19:27:00.000-07:00

This beautiful bolero was a happy accident. It wasn't supposed to look like this, but it actually ended up looking better than I planned. For sale now in my etsy shop!

Charcoal gray cotton brimmed man hat

2009-03-27T15:53:00.000-07:00

This is my first men's hat design. I decided to make it because a couple guys I met in the etsy forums said I should make hats for men. Anyway, this is the first one. I plan to make more in a couple different colors. Some with brims and some without. For sale now in my etsy shop!

Purple and blue butterfly bag knit and felted

2009-03-21T11:09:00.001-07:00

This is my first felting endeavor. Check it out in my etsy shop!

2 new items in my etsy shop!

2009-03-13T17:45:00.001-07:00

First is my pink cotton newsboy cap. Then is my purple and green cabled bodice short-sleeved tunic. I had to post a lot of pictures of the sweater, so you can see all aspects of it. My husband took them using 10 megapixels, which is too large for etsy. I had to crop them way down. Anyway, they are both for sale now!

Blue converging lace diagonals v neck tank top

2009-03-07T18:16:00.000-08:00

I made this a little while ago. I had originally planned on submitting it for publication, but after being turned down by Knitty, I guess I am a little gun shy. It has never been worn, except to be photographed, so I decided to list it in my etsy shop. Check it out!

Opal gray one button cardigan with lace detailing

2009-03-04T20:52:00.000-08:00

Remember this cardigan? I blogged about it awhile ago. Anyway, since it got turned down by Knitty, I decided to list it in my etsy shop.

Purple reversible lace scarf

2009-02-27T14:24:00.000-08:00

Just listed in my etsy shop! This unique scarf is essentially a small version of the triangular shawl. It features a reversible picot eyelet mesh pattern. Yarn is comprised of cotton/linen/rayon. Perfect for the upcoming spring/summer seasons. May be worn as a neck or head scarf. Check it out!

Light green tie front cropped cardigan with shawl collar and kimono sleeves

2009-02-25T15:12:00.001-08:00

My newest creation for sale in my etsy shop. Check it out!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21537993

My first custom order

2009-02-24T12:48:00.000-08:00

I just finished this scarf. It is a custom order and will be my first sale on etsy. Although it is for my sister, it still counts. You got to start somewhere.

I hope she likes it!

New sweater in my etsy shop

2009-02-15T19:45:00.000-08:00

I finally finished this sweater that I have been working on for about two weeks. Check it out in my etsy shop!

http://bettysoriginalknits.etsy.com/?ref=em

Updated etsy listing

2009-02-09T14:50:00.000-08:00

I just updated this listing in my etsy shop. The pictures my husband took didn't turn out very good. So I decided to take some myself today, and they came out pretty good. I also discovered that if you wear the headkerchief tied in front, it makes a pretty darn good ear warmer.

New item in my etsy shop

2009-02-08T20:00:00.001-08:00

Magenta cable and garter headkerchief, now available in my etsy shop. Check it out!

Opal cardigan

2009-02-01T22:28:00.000-08:00

I made this awhile ago and submitted it to Knitty for their spring issue. Unfortunately, I just received an email from Amy Singer, Knitty's editor, and they decided not to use it. I am pretty bummed out right now. I knew there was a good chance that they wouldn't want to publish it, but I still had high hopes. Anyway, I wasn't able to post it just in case they decided to publish it. I guess maybe I'm not a good enough designer to be published yet, but I'm going to keep trying.

My etsy shop

2009-01-31T21:23:00.001-08:00

I just opened up a shop on etsy. I currently have 2 items available for purchase, but I will also do custom orders. I will be listing more items, so check back often. If you have any questions or would like to request a custom order, please contact me.

http://bettysoriginalknits.etsy.com/?ref=em

Reversible cable scarf

2009-01-26T23:10:00.000-08:00

This is going to sound kind of strange, but this is the first scarf I have ever designed or made. I have been knitting for two years, (and designing for almost that long) and I have never made one of the simplest things there is to make. That is probably because I don't really wear scarves. I have to say that after making this one, I am beginning to change my mind about them. I designed this one for my sister, Jenn, for her birthday.

Broad spiral rib pullover

2009-01-09T15:47:00.001-08:00

Okay, so this is my first little bit of selfish knitting in a long time. This sweater was just something I designed for warmth and comfort. I used my favorite construction technique: The top down raglan. It features a broad spiral ribbing pattern which resemble little cables. (Well, I guess they kind of are, but no cable needle was used to create them.) A small mirror cable runs down the center front. The stitch patterns used make this a very close fitting and figure flattering garment. The yarn is a superwash wool, so it is very warm as well.

A Handmade Christmas

2008-12-28T23:49:00.000-08:00

The green sweater with twisted stitches is my own design I came up with for my mom. The fuzzy blue sweater with hat and mittens, I designed for Aidan. And the blue Aran style sweater I designed for my niece, Ashlyn.

Last minute gift dolls and a Cinderella topsy turvy doll. I made these for Aidan and Chloe from Jean Greenhowe patterns.

I made these little stockings and dolls for one of my nieces and three of my nephews. They were made from Jean Greenhowe patterns for the most part. I did make some changes, though. I added the monograms on the stockings. For the snowman and elf stockings, I followed her basic stocking pattern and embellished them my own way using some of her other patterns. On the doll, the original pattern called for guipure flowers. I don't even know what those are, so I embroidered a lazy daisy stitch instead.

Another birthday sweater

2008-12-18T23:30:00.000-08:00

I designed this sweater for my mother-in-law for her birthday. I was unable to get very good pictures of it, but I still wanted to post it here.

I don't even know yet if it fits her, but she loved it. I wanted to get a picture of her wearing it, but I forgot. Anyway, The yarn I used is from Elann. It is a worsted weight superwash wool. The sweater was constructed seamlessly from the bottom up. The sleeves were worked separately, from the bottom up, and then joined to the body. The yoke features small plait cables with the decreases in the purl stitches to form the circular yoke. The pattern I used for the body is a modification of Barbara Walker's rib and braid pattern.

New yarn and needles

2008-11-14T12:59:00.001-08:00

I just got these in the mail today. They are Knitpicks Options harmony wood interchangeable needles. I purchased them with money that I got for my birthday. I can't wait to use them. Aren't they perty?

My husband got me this beautiful yarn for my birthday. Well, he gave me a dollar limit and told me to choose whatever yarn I wanted. I buy most of my yarn on Elann.com, because you get more for your money. Anyway, the one on the top is Superwash Bamboo and the one on the bottom is Highland Sport.

More pics

2008-11-13T23:21:00.000-08:00

My sister Jenn emailed me these pictures she took of my sister Karla wearing her birthday present.

Snowflake eyelet wrap cardigan

2008-11-12T00:02:00.000-08:00

I designed this sweater for my sister Karla for her birthday. It was supposed to be for Christmas, but I knew if I knitted like crazy, I could get it done in time. It took me less than two weeks to make. My inspiration for this piece came from a picture in a magazine of a similar wrap cardigan that my sister liked. She asked me if I could design something like it and this is what I came up with. It features a snowflake eyelet pattern, a ribbed waist, and a ribbon tie. The bottom edging is a 1x1 rib knitted on sideways because I didn't want it to pull in at the bottom. The yarn I used is Lion Brand micro. I usually don't like to use acrylic for wearables, but this is the softest acrylic yarn I have ever used. And it was on sale, so that was another bonus. Her birthday was last Saturday and she loved her gift.

What I've been doing

2008-09-27T16:41:00.001-07:00

I haven't posted in awhile, but there is a reason for that. I finished another sweater, but it is a Christmas present, so I am going to wait until after Christmas and hopefully I can post a picture of it on the recipient. I am almost done with another design, but I can't post a picture of it yet because I am going to submit it (hopefully) for publication. So I am still knitting like crazy and it won't be long until I am posting more pictures.

Fleurette lace sweater

2008-08-27T13:36:00.000-07:00

Since the weather is starting to get colder, this will probably be my last Summer sweater. I wanted to design something pretty and feminine that could be worn with jeans for casual occasions, or with a skirt for more formal occasions. The yarn I used is a cotton, linen, and rayon blend. The lace pattern for the sweater is a french lace pattern called Fleurette. For the sleeves, I used a type of faggoting called Rick Rib. The use of short rows shape the cap sleeves. There is a ruffle at the hip for ease in fit. When I was knitting this sweater I wanted to shape the waist, but I didn't want to mess with my stitch count and throw off the pattern. So I changed needle sizes for the waist shaping. Since this yarn is so drapey, it didn't shape the waist as much as I wanted. To fix this I made an i-cord drawstring and wove it through the lace pattern at the waist. I did a picot bindoff for the neckline, sleeves, and at the bottom of the ruffle.

Eyelet wrap cardigan

2008-08-14T23:51:00.000-07:00

I love wrap cardigans. I actually tried to design one about a year and a half ago, but I had just started designing and it didn't come out right. So I finally got up the courage to try it again and this is what I came up with. I used Rowan 4-ply cotton yarn. The allover stitch pattern is a quatrefoil eyelet. The edgings and the side ties are done in a feather faggoting pattern. This took me about a month to make because I am a bit of a perfectionist and I frogged it out a couple dozen times. It was worth it though, because I am very happy with the end result.

Ripple Lace Tank

2008-07-22T18:40:00.001-07:00

Usually when I design something, I come up with the design and then I choose a yarn. With this one, I chose the yarn and designed a tank top for that yarn. I had purchased 10 balls of Queensland Collection Invito yarn on Elann.com for an unbelievable price and I was just dying to use it. It was kind of hard to pick a stitch pattern that would showcase this yarn, but I think the ripple pattern works. For the lace edgings, I used Knitpicks Shinesport. For the straps, I made 2 i-cords on each side 1 in each color and then I twisted them. I am working on getting the pattern written out. When I do, I will post it on my other blog, Gourmet Knitting, if anyone is interested.

My first knitted charity donation

2008-07-10T17:21:00.000-07:00

I recently joined the Yahoo! group, Crafting for a Cause. If you are unfamiliar with this group, they craft for a lot of different charities. You don't even have to be able to craft to join. They also accept store bought donations. I decided to join, because I just wanted to give back in some way. I love to knit, so what better way to make a difference. The charity I chose to knit for first is Pine Ridge Indian Health Services (OB unit), in South dakota. Their goal is to send all the newborn babies home in a new outfit. So I decided to knit a onesie and a pair of baby booties. I did not design these, though. Since I have never knitted anything like these before, I just found a pattern in a knitting magazine that I had. I followed the pattern all the way through for the booties, but on the onesie, I made a couple of changes. Anyway, I hope they find their way to a very deserving baby.

Sleeveless v-neck sweater

2008-07-05T13:46:00.001-07:00

For this sweater, I wanted to do something a little different. Since I love cables, I decided to try a closed ring cable from Barbara Walker's "Charted Knitting Designs." In the book, it was not a spot pattern, but I thought it would look better this way, so I only did one repeat. I also found a pretty twist pattern called Rapunzel's braid, from Barbara Walker's "A Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns," which runs along each side of the v-neckline. The lace pattern used at the bottom is a very old fashioned lace that I found in Barbara Walker's "A Treasury of Knitting Patterns." For extra shaping at the waist, I added an elegant ribbing (this is the actual name of the stitch pattern from "Charted Knitting Designs") at the sides. All in all, I am pretty happy with how it turned out.

Summer sweater with mosaic color pattern and cables

2008-06-26T17:46:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting to do some color knitting for a while, but the problem is, I do not like fair isle or intarsia. So I decided to try out one of Barbara Walker's mosaic patterns. And I love cables, so it seemed like the perfect combination.

My first entrelac venture

2008-06-19T15:02:00.000-07:00

This is a baby blanket that I made for my sister in law, who is expecting a baby any day now. I had never done entrelac before, but I am a bit of an adventurous knitter, so I found an online entrelac tutorial. It was so easy to follow, I decided I would make it even more interesting and I added a 6 stitch cable to all the rectangular panels.

An unusual design

2008-06-19T14:59:00.000-07:00

I designed this sweater because I love cardigans, but I am not particularly fond of closures. In other words, I do not like dealing with buttons, zippers, or most other things that are used to close jackets or cardigans. So I came up with this design. I call it a cardipullover.

Knitted socks

2008-06-19T14:54:00.000-07:00

This is my first pair of knitted socks. The cute little feet that are sporting them belong to my little sweetheart, Aidan. He is My 2 year old boy and the light of my life. I don't usually knit socks, not because I don't like them. I just prefer to tackle larger projects.

Knitting as usual

2008-06-18T23:27:00.000-07:00

Something you should know about me is that I am always knitting. That is not to say that I don't do anything else, that just means that I always have a piece of knitting on my needles. And I work on it when I have time. When I am not knitting, I am thinking about my next design and all the elements that go into designing a knitted article. This sweater is one I designed last winter. I got the idea for it from a picture my sister cut out of a magazine because she knew I would like it and could maybe reproduce a similar one. She was right, I did love it. But the one in the magazine was $60. So I went to Knitpicks.com and found this beautiful wool yarn for $1.99 a ball. It took 16 balls, so it only cost me about $32. And that is just one of the things I love about knitting and designing.