Monthly Archives: October 2015
Unexpected Cables by Heather Zoppetti
| October 27, 2015 | Filled under Blog Tour |
Today I have a very special guest and amazing designer Heather Zoppetti with her new fantastic book Unexpected Cables: Feminine Knitted Garments Featuring Modern Cable Knitting (Interweave/F+W; $24.99; October 2015)
It’s great to see a new book on an amazing, one of my absolute favorite technique in such unexpected-delightful way!
Heather Zoppetti has crafted a fresh, modern, flattering collection of 18 knitted garments. She perfectly captures the essence of the iconic knitted cable and makes cabled designs decidedly fashion-forward!
The book features 3 chapters: Refined, Lace, and Abstract.
- Refined cables explore classic Aran cables using lightweight yarns, twisted stitches, and feminine shapes.
- In the Lace section, Heather challenges knitters to marry together these two popular knitting techniques with spectacular results.
- The Abstract section focuses on unusual construction, direction, and texture in cabled projects that have edgy, urban feel.
Sleek garment shapes, an interesting mix of cables and lace, and unusual construction converge to bring the generations-old tradition of cable knitting squarely into the here and now. Knitters will delight in making these intriguing, accessible creations!
Since there are many projects I would love to make, I am planning on a few gifts done by this holiday season.
And now, I would love you to meet Heather Zoppetti. Thank you so much Heather for such interesting interview!
How and when did you learn to knit and who taught you?
I learned to knit out of a book. In college, my roomate decided to learn to crochet, and I chose to learn knitting. We sat down with our “Can’t believe I’m…” booklets, aluminum tools, and acrylic yarns and got started!
What makes you most excited about knitting?
The thing I love most about knitting is its endless possibility. There is always something new to learn. Whether that’s a new technique or just a new way to hold your yarn. The learning and exploring never stop, and I love that.
Additionally, I love passing on my love of knitting to others. So, I’ve become a knitting teacher. I want others to feel my passion for knitting, and hope that taking one of my classes inspires others to go out and learn even more.
What is the most important thing that you would like readers to know about Unexpected Cables?
I want readers to know that cables are deceptively easy and not to let them intimidate you. In the end a cable is simply a reordering of stitches, then you knit or purl them, just like normal. There’s nothing more to it than that. It really is magic, and you can do it.
Would you recommend the book to beginning knitters, or more experienced knitters? How many of the patterns, if any, are suitable for beginners?
I would recommend the book to advanced beginners. Meaning, folks who are comfortable with knits, purls, and various increases and decreases. If you’ve never cabled before, perhaps have someone show you the basics. But really, you can handle it. Again, reorder the stitches, then work them as normal.
Refton Cloche is a great project for beginners. It doesn’t have a chart, and it’s a small, simple hat. Knitters can focus on the cable and not have to worry about anything else.
Your designs are feminine and unique. Can you tell us a bit about your creative process? Where do you find inspiration?
Inspiration comes from everywhere. Sometimes something as little as a color or shape can spark an idea for me. Usually my designs begin with a silhouette and a drawing. From there I decide what kind of elements I want to add and go searching for the specific stitch patterns. Then swatching and playing with yarn come next.
What tips and advice would you give to brand new knitters?
Try everything and don’t let anyone tell you that anything is too hard. Have faith in your self and your knitting abilities. At the end of the day, we are all just winding yarn around some sticks.
When you are not knitting, where can we find you? What are some of your other passions and interests?
Besides knitting I’m into spinning yarn, crochet, drawing, and watercolor. I love anything to do with the fiber arts and arts in general. You can find me all over social media as both myself and my company in the following locations:
http://twitter.com/digitalnabi or http://twitter.com/stitchsprouts
http://facebook.com/heatherzoppettidesigns or http://facebook.com/stitchsprouts
http://instagram.com/digitalnabi or http://instagram.com/stitchsprouts
Ravelry: digitalnabi or StitchSprouts
Is there anything you wished I asked you and I didn’t?
You could ask a bit about Stitch Sprouts—Established in 2012, Stitch Sprouts offers the highest quality yarns to fill your shelves and hundreds of patterns and books by the industry’s most popular designers. We distribute to stores all over the country, and even a few overseas. You can learn more about us here: http://stitchsprouts.com
Meringue Cowl 2nd Edition | Free pattern for Kids & Adult
| October 22, 2015 | Filled under Free patterns, Patterns |
If talking about last minute gifts… I do remember how I was happy to be timely with knitted cowl for my dear friend, but to write a pattern and to release it two days later (read December, 19th) was definitely a magic and challenge for me ;o)
… but most exciting thing is that this pattern was downloaded 230,635 times so far… WOW, I am speechless and so grateful for your interest in my work!
So I decided to pick this pattern and update it to match my current style.
What was changed? First of all, yarn which was used in 2011 is discontinued already. New sample was made with my absolute favorite wool and silk blend by Cascade Yarns Venezia Sport! Treat yourself and yours with cowl, scarf or whatever you can think off made with this fabulous and oh so luxury yarn!
Next, new photos! I hope I am better with presentation now ;o). Below are old photo:
Third, written instructions. Instructions are different and much more clear. They come with tons of tips and have more details. Plus technical pages, tables, tutorials.
Fourth, stich diagrams for crochet band and finishing edging! Diagrams are all new (there were no diagrams in original pattern) and will make this pattern even more user friendly! So, below are details and link to download this old-new pattern.
Meringue Knitted Cowl with Crocheted Details
Lightweight and delicate as meringue dessert, this cowl makes most enjoyable treat. Luxurious and chic, versatile and playful, this delicacy of a cowl is hand-knitted in wool and silk blend yarn. The cowl features an airy brioche stitch pattern and adorned with crocheted band. Stretchy, cozy, and generously sized, it has a beautiful drape, and can be looped around your neck twice for extra warmth.
Treat yourself of a loved ones to this delightful winter! Opt for bamboo or cotton blends for fall and spring accessory.
This pattern is available for download for FREE ((to download: simple click at highlighted in green meringue_cowl_2nd_edition.pdf file on the right )) >>>
| Download: | meringue_cowl_2nd_edition.pdf |
|---|---|
| Updated: | December 19, 2011 |
| Size: | 5.1 MiB |
SKILL LEVEL
Easy
SIZES
Small/Toddler (Medium/Child, Large/Adult)
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Approx. 5.5 (8, 10)” (14 [20.5, 25.5] cm) wide x 40 (46, 56)” (101.5 [117, 142] cm) long
Note: Sample shown made in Large/Adult size but 40″ (101.5 cm) long—360 yd [329]/4 oz [117 g] of yarn
YARN
Dk weight (#3 Light).
Shown: Cascade Yarns Venezia Sport (70% merino wool, 30% silk; 307.5 yd [281 m]/3.5 oz [100 g]): 1 (2, 2) hank(s) of #101 white heaven.
NEEDLES & CROCHET HOOK
Needles: size US 5 (3.75 mm); US size 8 (5 mm)
Crochet hook: size E/4 (3.5 mm)
NOTIONS
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
* This pattern involves both, knit and crochet skills.
10 pages, 3 photos, 2 stitch diagrams, technical pages: Special Stitches Tutorial, Conversion Chart, Yarn Substitution Chart.
NOTE: If you are not familiar with Brioche knitting, sure you can google “Brioche knitting“ to find free video tutorials. But if you want to learn everything about this lovely stitch, I would highly recommend Learn Brioche knitting basics and beyond with Faina Goberstein during this knitting webinar.
Copyright: All graphics, template and photos are copyrighted. All rights reserved. Please be respectful of the designer’s rights to this pattern.
No portion of this work may be photocopied or reproduced by any means without written authorization from Alla Koval Designs.
Unauthorized distribution or duplication is a violation of applicable laws.
You are more than welcome to sell items made from AllaKovalDesigns™ patterns. Credit to the designer is greatly appreciated (example: pattern is designed by
www.AllaKovalDesigns.com) but not required.
This pattern has not been tech edited, so if you find any mistakes or typos, please let me know and I will fix it.
A wonderful and lovely day to You all!!
With love,
Alla.
Crochet World 2015 | My New Publication
| October 20, 2015 | Filled under Publications |
My new publication for Crochet World December 2015 issue featured 30 fun & festive projects to celebrate the season!!
Platinum Petals Necklace
Looks can be deceiving with this gorgeous, flower-adorned necklace stitched in metallic embroidery floss. It the expensive look of fine jewelry yet it’s very economical to make.
A lovely and wonderful Tuesday everyone!!
The Art of Slip-Stitch Knitting | Winner!
| October 19, 2015 | Filled under Giveaway |
Thank you so much everyone who participated in the contest, your kind of words and such sweet comments!!
… and our winner of a copy of gorgeous The Art of Slip-Stitch Knitting is Marie (comment #2)
MY CONGRATULATIONS, Marie! I’ll contact you shortly via e-mail for your mailing address.
If you missed my book review, please make sure to check this such great and very unique book:
The Art of Slip-Stitch Knitting: Techniques, Stitches, Projects
By Faina Goberstein and Simona Merchant-Dest
Interweave/F+W; $26.99
Dream Catcher | Crochet Hat & Cowl 2 in 1 Pattern for Kids and Adult
| October 16, 2015 | Filled under 2015, Patterns |
Add a darling touch to any adorable ensemble with these cotton-kissed delicate hats and cowl.
There are 3 options available in this pattern:
Option 1: Square Hat with tassels; Option 2: Hat with pom-pom; Option 3: Hat and Cowl 2 in 1 + Bonus: 9 more sizes for cowl/neck warmers up to 45” circumference and for hats in size X-Large/Adult!
Shown pieces are in sizes Small/Baby (Medium/Child, Large/Youth), and made with fingering (sport, dk) weight yarn. Instructions are the same for all 3 sizes: the different yarn weights and corresponding gauges are essential in altering the size; as well as number of pattern repeats (see Sizes Table, p.5 for reference).
Crochet with gorgeous merino wool yarn for cold days, or use any yarn weights to crochet Cowl/Neck warmer for other seasons and occasions. Make an equally stunning Hat/Cowl in colors of your choice!
SIZES
Small/Baby (Medium/Child, Large/Youth) + 9 more sizes for hats in Adult size and cowls up to 45” circumference.
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
14 (16, 18)” (36 [41, 46] cm) circumference
YARN
Size Small: Fingering weight (#1 Super Fine).
Option 1: Omega Cotton #5 (100% cotton; 164 yd [150 m]/1.76 oz [50 g]): 1 ball of #50 white (MC).
Size Medium: Sport weight (#2 Fine).
Option 2: Omega Perle (100% cotton; 178 yd [163 m]/1.76 oz [50 g]): 1 ball each of #508 royal blue (MC), #517 orange (CC1) and #501 white (CC2).
Size Large: Dk weight (#3 Light).
Option 3: Cascade Sunseeker Shade (50% cotton, 50% acrylic; 246 yd [225 m]/3.5 oz [100 g]): 1 hank of #15 bluebird (MC).
CROCHET HOOK
Size B/1 [2.25 mm], C/2 [2.75 mm], D/3 [3.25 mm]) or size to obtain correct gauge
NOTIONS
• 2 yd [183 cm]) of 3/8″ (1 cm) wide printed ribbon (shown: Celebrate It, item #107045)
• 6 size 5/16″ (8 mm) 100% nylon snaps (shown: Iron safe nylon snaps by Dritz, item #850).
• 3″ (7.5 cm) long piece of cardboard
• 3.5″ (9 cm) pompom maker
• Sewing needle and coordinating thread
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
* This pattern involves crochet skills only.
18 pages, 4 photos, 3 diagrams, schematic, glossary, techniques, conversion charts and yarn substitution charts.
Copyright: All graphics, template and photos are copyrighted. All rights reserved. Please be respectful of the designer’s rights to this pattern.
No portion of this work may be photocopied or reproduced by any means without written authorization from Alla Koval Designs.
Unauthorized distribution or duplication is a violation of applicable laws. You are more than welcome to sell items made from AllaKovalDesigns™ patterns. Credit to the designer is greatly appreciated (example: pattern is designed by www.AllaKovalDesigns.com) but not required.
This pattern is available in my Shop, Etsy, Raverly, DaWanda and YCMT.
![my-lcg[1]](http://mylittlecitygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/my-lcg1.jpg "my-lcg[1]")
![etsy[1]](http://mylittlecitygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/etsy1.jpg "etsy[1]")
![ravelry[1]](http://mylittlecitygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/ravelry1.jpg "ravelry[1]")
![daWanda[1]](http://mylittlecitygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/daWanda1.jpg "daWanda[1]")
![ycmt[1]](http://mylittlecitygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/ycmt1.jpg "ycmt[1]")
Dream Catcher | Crochet Blanket/Throw for Baby Boys Girls Adult
| October 15, 2015 | Filled under 2015, Patterns |
Dream Catcher
On a wonderful and cool night or day, feel warmth and love when you wrap your special little boy in this stylish Dream Catcher Blanket! Give your boy a soft snuggly hug with this very first piece from the boy’s collection. As he falls into a gentle slumber, may his bad dreams get tangled in the blanket’s intricate basket-weave design, and his good dreams softly slip through. While promising a peaceful bedtime, this blanket’s versatility allows it to make a stylish, fashion-forward addition to your nursery or home décor.
Crochet with gorgeous merino wool yarn for cold days, or use any yarn weights for other seasons and occasions. Make an equally stunning blanket in colors of your choice! Because the blanket size is so easily adjusted, make it a baby blankie, a king-size comforter, bedspread or a stylish scarf for yourself by working first 23-33 rows of stitch pattern. Experiment with two different designs of border stitch patterns – as in the featured white blanket – and easily apply them to any custom-sized pieces without any adjustments and recalculating. Even more, work only first 6 rounds of white blanket’s border to get a third option of different looking and fun border!
FINISHED MEASURENENTS
Option 1 (blue): 47″ (120 cm) x 53″ (135 cm) without tassels
Option 2 (white): 41” (104 cm) x 49” (125 cm)
YARN
Worsted weight (#4 Medium).
Option 1: Cascade Yarns Pacific (60% acrylic, 40% superwash merino wool; 213 yd [195 m]/3.5 oz [100 g]): 12 skeins of #20 baby blue.
Sport weight (#2 Fine).
Option 2: Omega Isuela (100% mercerized cotton; 295 yd [270 m]/3.52 oz [100 g]): 9 skeins of #51 white.
NOTIONS
• 1 spool (10 yd [9.5 m]) of 3/8″ (1 cm) wide printed ribbon (shown: Celebrate it, item #107045)
• 4 stitch markers
• 4” (10 cm) long piece of cardboard
• Sewing needle and coordinating thread
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
* This pattern involves crochet skills only.
16 pages, 2 pictures, 3 diagrams, schematic, glossary, techniques, conversion charts, yarn care symbols and yarn substitution charts.
Copyright: All graphics, template and photos are copyrighted. All rights reserved. Please be respectful of the designer’s rights to this pattern.
No portion of this work may be photocopied or reproduced by any means without written authorization from Alla Koval Designs.
Unauthorized distribution or duplication is a violation of applicable laws.
You are more than welcome to sell items made from AllaKovalDesigns™ patterns. Credit to the designer is greatly appreciated (example: pattern is designed by
www.AllaKovalDesigns.com) but not required.
Hat & Cowl 2 in 1 pattern is coming tomorrow!
This pattern is available in my Shop, Etsy, Raverly, DaWanda and YCMT.
The Art of Slip-Stitch Knitting | Book Blog Tour, Review + Giveaway!
| October 9, 2015 | Filled under Blog Tour, Giveaway |
The Art of Slip-Stitch Knitting: Techniques, Stitches, Projects
By Faina Goberstein and Simona Merchant-Dest
Interweave/F+W; $26.99
Welcome to my stop on the Faina Goberstein and Simona Merchant-Dest blog tour for The Art of Slip Stitch Knitting. The blog tour kicked off September 16th and runs through November 21th. I’m thrilled to be a part of this tour and cannot tell you how I am excited for Faina and Simona!
This, very well and absolutely beautifully designed by Interweave book, has it all and covers all the basics of slip-stitch knitting, including stitch formation, reading charts, customizing stitch patterns, choosing yarns, designing with slip-stitch patterns, and more. In addition to 40 slip-stitch patterns, there are 16 lovely and easy-to-make projects not only beautifully done, but also amazingly eye opening and such inspirational.
Book starts with chapter All About Slip-Stitch Knitting—different ways of slipping stitches and what you do with the working yarn when you slip. And there’s information on horizontal, vertical, and diagonal slipping. Pretty much everything you could possibly need to know about slip-stitch knitting. And all following chapters cover different group of slip-stich patterns and begin with a dictionary of stitches followed by 4 patterns using this type of stitch. You can choose between written instructions or a chart to knit each stitch pattern.
Second chapter is Traditional Slip-Stitch Patterns contains simple color work and lovely patterns. My favorites are reengineering with color Svítání Pullover and Kromka Hoodie.
Third chapter (which totally blew me away!) features set of Woven slip stitches and again has a number of different stitch patterns and then some projects. I fell in love with the Gobelen bag, which I not only want to make for myself, but I was already asked by a friend to make one for her. Made by using diagonal woven weaves slip-stitch pattern, this bag (as well as Volna scarf and Spiral hat) are simply gorgeous!
In the 4th chapter, Fancy Slip-Stitch, my favorites project is Nero Pullover. The sweater is worked in a classic top-down raglan construction with a carefully placed slip-stitch cable panel at center front and a slipped checks pattern on sleeves. It’s nicely fitted and is worked in a sport weight yarn.
And last chapter is Reversible Slip-Stitch. I love Fialka boot toppers, which look like made in pretty complicated “Fair Isle” technique, but there are worked in a pretty simple slip-stitch pattern that plays with the placement of stitches, how floats are carried, and colors are changed. It’s super easy to customize for your favorite color, too.
In the end of the book you will find a lot of useful information, including abbreviations and an illustrated glossary of techniques.
You can take a look at all 16 patterns on Ravelry.
Did you paid attention to the names of projects in the book?! “For the projects in this book, we chose Czech and Russian (our native languages) names that describe our inspiration for the design, color, construction elements, or other aspects of the designs.”, – Faina and Simona explains. I love this idea!!
This is truly great and very unique book. Not only because this book have 16 fresh and pure eye-candy patterns but I never saw such fantastic and interesting stitch dictionary with endless possibilities of using slip-stitches in new fresh and modern way. Especially I was amazed with the section on reengineering the stitch patterns and how one simple change, whether it is adding of a third color or changing of the location of your floats, results in a dramatic, enchanting change.
“We are very excited to share with you our findings of what slip stitch can do: its beauty, its endless possibilities, and the great versatility it offers. We’re looking forward to seeing your variations of the slip-stitch patterns in your projects.” —Faina Goberstein and Simona Merchant-Dest
And last, but not least… we have a GIVEAWAY for you! One lucky in the world will receive a copy of this gorgeous book. U.S.-based with a valid street address (vs. P.O. Box address) will receive a paperback copy. Otherwise all others are eligible for a PDF copy of the book.
TO ENTER
Simply leave a comment on this blog post and let us know which design from The Art of Slip-Stitch Knitting you like the most!
TERMS
- This giveaway starts today, October 9th and will end Sunday, October 18th 2015 at 11:59pm PST.
- The winner will be selected with random.org’s random number generator and notified by email on Monday, October 19th.
And below is full The Art of Slip-Stitch Knitting Book Blog Tour Schedule:
9/16/15 Wendy Knits
9/28/15 Tanis Knits
9/29/15 Yarn Thing Podcast
9/30/15 HZoppetti Designs
9/30/15 Planet Purl
9/30/15 WEBS blog
10/6/15 SweetGeorgia Yarns, Inc.
10/7/15 Never Not Knitting Podcast
10/8/15 Yarn Yenta
10/9/15 My Little City Girl
10/15/15 Knit More Girls Podcast
10/15/15 Bay Area Knitter
11/15/15 Sheep to Shawl
11/21/15 Ready, Set, Knit! (WEBS Podcast)
Happy Friday and terrific weekend everyone!
Blog Tour Sneak Peek + More
| October 5, 2015 | Filled under Blog Tour, Giveaway |
I’m absolutely thrilled to share that I’m going to be part of the blog tour for The Art of Slip-Stitch Knitting: Techniques, Stitches, Projects
By Faina Goberstein and Simona Merchant-Dest!! I adore and follow Faina and Simona since I saw their work and met Faina in person, and they never stopped amaze me since than.
Slip stitch is one of the simplest and most versatile knitting techniques, but it’s often overlooked. The Art of Slip-Stitch Knitting is a modern and thorough take on a technique that delivers beautiful colorwork and gorgeous textures—with minimal effort. Inspire your knitting and wardrobe with over 16 knitting projects.
My stop on blog tour is on Friday, Octocber 9th. I will post a book review, and host a giveaway. See you then!
Below is Blog Tour schedule:
9/16/15 Wendy Knits
9/28/15 Tanis Knits
9/29/15 Yarn Thing Podcast
9/30/15 HZoppetti Designs
9/30/15 Planet Purl
9/30/15 WEBS blog
10/6/15 SweetGeorgia Yarns, Inc.
10/7/15 Never Not Knitting Podcast
10/8/15 Yarn Yenta
10/9/15 My Little City Girl
10/15/15 Knit More Girls Podcast
10/15/15 Bay Area Knitter
11/15/15 Sheep to Shawl
11/21/15 Ready, Set, Knit! (WEBS Podcast)
In The Other News
I just started to work on some pattern updates, and so far Hugs of Love & Tutti Frutti Blankets Pattern (yes, it’s one pattern for 2 blankets) and Fluffy Clouds Blanket are updated. Silverlace Blanket & Tropicale Cover Pattern and Petaline Dress & Poncho Pattern will be finished late today.
What is was updated? First, I want to say that NO pattern mistakes were spotted, yay! But patterns got final polished look (exactly in a style like the Imagical Seasons books). Plus, I added helpful technical pages: Glossary, Terms, Conversion charts, Yarn Care Symbols and Yarn Substitution Charts for your comfort and reference, and my pleasure – I just love how these pages turned out ;o)
PLEASE NOTE: Many Thanks to Ravelry, it was s easy to sent notifications about the patterns updates to everyone. But, unfortunately, I have no chance to send updated patterns to buyers, who purchased patterns in other places. If you bought any of these patterns, please email me at allakoval@gmail.com and I’ll gladly send you updated versions right away.
***UPDATE: Both, Silverlace Blanket & Tropicale Cover Pattern and Petaline Dress & Poncho Pattern got makeover, whoohoo ;o)
A lovely and happy Monday everyone!
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