Saturday, April 11, 2015

Signs of Spring




 I'm doing a happy dance, because the grass is turning green and there are blooms in my yard.   The hubby has just finished running the lawn tractor.  Don't you love the smell of freshly cut grass?  I think Spring is my favorite season of the year.



The warmer weather and color of nature has me thinking Summer accessories.  I've been browsing for cotton, linen, and bamboo yarns.  And lots and lots of color.  


These just arrived today and I can't wait to begin playing with some ideas that have been buzzing around in my head.  

The above cones are some lovely 5/2 mercerized Perle cotton by Valley Fibers that I ordered from Webs during their anniversary sale this month.  You can find it here.  Hmmmmm.  I really think I need to order a bit more.....at least a yellow, a darker green, and maybe some........I must resist.....I must resist.


    

Saturday, March 14, 2015

Super quick and easy shawl pattern


Lucy in the Sky on Ravelry
Lucy in the Sky on Etsy

This easy pattern works up quickly, and uses only one skein of fingering weight yarn to make an airy little shawl with loads of drape and a modern geometric diamond design.  Because of the open mesh fabric, it makes a perfect accessory for any season.  It can be worn over the shoulders like a shawl, around the hips for a swimsuit cover-up, or my favorite, tied like a bandanna with the point in the front.  Instructions are provided for increasing the shawl’s size.

I’ve used Shalimar Paulie, but any of Shalimar’s beautiful fingering weight yarn are perfect. 

There are charted and written instructions.  Beading on the last row is optional. 
The pattern is appropriate for Experienced Beginners and above. 
US terminology is used.



What I did during the snows



Sage, Rosemary and Thyme  - Etsy
Sage, Rosemary and Thyme on Ravelry

I've been stuck inside way too long.  I'm so happy that this week feels a bit like spring is heading our way.  The good side of being snowed in is that I got some designing and pattern writing time.  Here's the first of two shawl patterns that I just released.

Sage, Rosemary and Thyme is an elegant stole designed for a night out, weddings, teas, or anytime you want to add a touch of panache.  It has a lacey floral design that looks lovely in single or multiple colors, and may be beaded or unbeaded.  

I’ve used Shalimar Paulie, but any of Shalimar’s beautiful fingering weight yarns would be perfect.  

There are charted and written instructions. 
Rated as intermediate or experiencedUS terminology.
   

Saturday, January 10, 2015

Free Crochet Pattern



Free Pattern

I've been busy updating my kitchen with new dishcloths, towels, sponges and scrubbies.  Because I love the texture and it's super easy to do, the slanted shell is my go-to stitch for cloths and scrubbies.  

While working on a colorful stack of new cloths, I decided to jot down the pattern for when I want to make a few more down the road.    More times than I care to admit, I think to myself, "Oh, I'll remember how to do that,"  only to find out later that I don't.  So it's back to counting stitches, starting chains, rows, etc.  Then I have to swatch to determine hook size.....too much trouble.  

As a result, I just released my first free pattern of 2015.   It's super easy and includes instructions for spa/kitchen cloths and eco-sponges.  It has charted and written instructions, and can be downloaded for free here Go-to Spa or Kitchen Set.  Enjoy!

Happy and healthy 2015 to everyone.