The leaves begin to turn.
Greens are joined by companion reds and yellows.
The sky and ground are linked.
And the time comes to knit mitts.
Sep 202012
Jennifer
Jilted
New Release, Patterns, Sweaters
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Sep 182012
Jilted, dropped, fallen . . . She may have been left ignominiously by that worthless boyfriend, but that just means her spirit is free. No more quiet evenings in, no more covered-up turtlenecks; she’s going out, and she’s going to wear something touchable and revealing, something imperfect and undone. And it’s going to be eye-catching, just like she is. Dressed up or down, Jilted is a simple sweater with a surprise – just like the girl wearing it.
Construction: Jilted is a very simple, wide-neck blouson with a column of dropped stitches placed on each arm and asymmetrically on the front. Knit in sockweight yarn on larger needles, seamlessly from the top down with raglan shaping, the boxy fit hits at high hip with deep 2.25” ribbed hem, which echoes the rib cuffs on three-quarter length sleeves. With a simple purl neckline and stockinette body, the focus is on the dropped stitches, which are set up at the beginning and dropped almost at the end. There is no body and minimal sleeve shaping; instead the cuffs and hem are knit in rib on smaller needles, creating the generous sleeves and body.
Techniques & Skills Used: raglan construction, longtail CO, knit/purl, increasing/decreasing, knitting in the round, dropped stitches.
Size: 34 (36.5, 39.5, 42.75, 46, 49.25)” bust. This nonchalant pullover is designed to be worn with plenty of positive ease; sample shown in third size worn with 5” ease.
Yarn: Knit Picks Capretta (80% merino, 10% cashmere, 10% nylon; 230 yards/ 210m/50g), shown in Fairy Tale; 4 (4, 5, 6, 6, 6) skeins, or approximately 825 (900, 1025, 1200, 1300, 1450) yards of fingering weight yarn.
Other Materials: US 7 (4.5mm) and US 5 (3.75mm) 32” circular needle, and dpns if not using Magic Loop, or size to match gauge; Stitch markers (7 total; 1 for EOR, 3 color A, 3 color B); Stitch holders (2); Yarn needle; Crochet hook, any size, for raveling dropped stitches.
Gauge: 20 st and 28 rows/4” in stockinette stitch on larger needle, 24 st and 36 rows/4” in K1P1 Rib on smaller needle, after blocking.
See it on Ravelry or on Payhip, to read more or purchase the pattern.
Fall 2012 Pantone Fashion Color Report
Fashion
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Sep 062012
Now that back-to-school is a reality, in my mind fall has officially arrived. And fall of course means a mental adjustment, back to serious work and a more pulled together look – I’m eagerly anticipating the ability to wear more sweaters and accessories. The forecasters released their visions for Fall 2012 two seasons ago, but now we’re finally in the moment.
As is typical with me, I personally prefer the subdued edges of the color line above, but can see Pink! Tangerine! even Chartreuse! as an accent. That Ultramarine Green is the only one I cant imagine myself doing anything with – it looks like Forest to me, but as that’s my son’s favorite, I’m sure I’ll be seeing some of it. Here’s what Pantone has to say:
As the season transitions from the heat of summer, Bright Chartreuse, a vital yellow-green, pays homage to a typical spring shade and creates a bridge into the cooling days of fall. Reminiscent of bright green foliage, it provides a perfect accent to every color in the palette. Like the name implies, Pink Flambé is a delicious, vibrant pink with a bit of heat to it. Pair it with vivacious and enticing Tangerine Tango for an ongoing retro feeling. Or, to bring a calming element to the mix, combine these vibrant warm tones with Ultramarine Green, a deep, cooling blue-green. Ethereal Rhapsody is a grayed-down purple that also encourages comfort and serenity with its quiet, muted tone. Honey Gold, a mellow, burnished yellow, suggests the soft-muted tones of sunlight to brighten a fall day. Pair it with sensible and strong Olympian Blue, a patriotic blue that will surely make its way into fall and winter athletic apparel. Rich and robust, French Roast is a tasty, sophisticated hue that is a great alternative to the black and charcoal basics typically worn in the fall. Other staple neutrals include elegant and versatile Titanium, the quintessential cool gray, and Rose Smoke, a veiled rose tone that pairs well with Rhapsody and Titanium.
This fall’s Men’s colors show minimal distinction from the Women’s; just Rhubarb instead of Pink Flambe, Sea Fog for Rhapsody and Whitecap Grey for Rose Smoke. I like to see a little more girl/boy variation, but I think this season’s Women’s colors are overall fairly unisex, so there you go. Interesting that my own top pairing pulls from the Men’s palette – Rhubarb together with Sea Fog are just about everything I like in color. Pantone says:
Similar to this season’s palette for women, there is something for everyone in the top color selections for men. Rhubarb, a deep, pungent hue, brings intensity to the palette, and is best paired with Tangerine Tango and Honey Gold for a typical collegiate look. To hit the ski slopes in style, combine Ultramarine Green with Bright Chartreuse and Olympian Blue for the ultimate in winter athletic apparel. Moving from the vibrant tones of fall to more neutral basics, Whitecap Gray is a classic off-white, reminiscent of an overturning wave under a winter sky. Sea Fog, a gray with a muted purple cast, exudes just the right amount of confidence and masculinity. Pair these two neutrals with the strength of Titanium for a subtle and sophisticated direction. Combine all three neutrals in a dress shirt or tie with basic, versatile French Roast for a classic fall look.
So I went looking among my stuff to see how on trend I might be this fall, and it appears I have nothing to worry about. My nails at least will be current; the rest can follow.
Aug 282012
And now for something completely different, a pair of flats. Really, really sparkly ones. Because even if you’re feeling relaxed and casual, rhinestones can be a good idea.My favorite part about these toe shoes from Celeste is the very shiny gold footbed; it’s the little things that count!
Sneak Peek at Folderol
FOs
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Aug 202012
Tucks and folds have been a little bit of an obsession of mine since last winter, and three weeks ago I got a lightning bolt idea for a soft, scrummy tucked shawl for the autumn season ahead.
When something like this comes out of the blue, I like to go with it; thinking it might be a good fit, I sent off a pitch to Shannon at Cooperative Press, who is launching the new Knit Edge magazine. And so it comes about that Folderol is in issue 1, due to come out in the beginning of september.
This piece takes those textural tucks like the ones used in the Crimp hat and Ruckle Mitts, and exaggerates them into long, deep folds along the curve of a thick crescent shawl. The top edge is finished with applied I-cord, making the entire wrap reversible, and lovely when wrapped around the neck. I’ve had these three skeins of Malabrigo Worsted in Tuareg hanging around in stash forever, and 2.5 of them are now this cozy schlarf (with enough left over for a colorwork accessory!)
Couldn’t resist calling my WIP “Foldemort,” but really, nothing evil here – just a warm, comfy wrap.
Tuesday Shoes Day – Elliana
Random Thoughts
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Jul 312012
You’ve gotta love Target; they have makeup, electronics, paper products – and cute shoes. These are Elliana by Merona, the house brand. A chic cork wedge, comfy padded platform, and metallic cruelty-free straps – what’s not to love? They go with all those light, summery dresses AND look great with skinny or straight jeans too. Plus I could walk a mile in them since they feel so great, which is of high level importance; you never know when you might have to walk a mile, so better safe than sorry.
Kelpen
New Release, Patterns, Sweaters
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Jul 242012
A casual tunic tee featuring a deep V-shaped back neckline with twisted cord ties, Kelpen is a simple topdown seamless knit from provisionally cast on shoulders. Stockinette stitch with no body shaping and a textured, drapey yarn focus attention on the details; the wide front and deep back neckline are finished with a casual rolled edge, and ribbing forms the short cap sleeves. Casual for daytime or just enough to keep off a summer evening chill, Kelpen is easily adjusted for length, and can also be worn with the V-neck to the front – just omit the ties or tuck them inside.
Construction: Kelpen is cast on provisionally at each back shoulder and worked back and forth with deep V-neckline shaping, then joined and worked to the armhole depth where the back is put on hold. Each front is then worked from the provisionally cast on shoulder stitches with a wide boat neckline, then joined and worked to the armhole depth. Front and back are united, with stitches cast on for the underarm, then worked in the round to a tunic length, finished with a wide K1P1 rib bottom hem. Stitches are picked up around the armhole and worked in matching K1P1 rib; the neckline is finished by picking up stitches all around, and working a narrow rib finished with a rolled edge. Twisted cord ties are created and attached at the back neck to hold the neckline in place.
Techniques & Skills Used: provisional CO, backwards loop CO, knit/purl, increasing, picking up stitches, twisted cord.
Size: 32 (34, 36, 38, 42, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60)” bust. For a relaxed but neat fit, choose a size with 0-1” positive ease; sample shown in second size worn with no ease.
Yarn: The Fibre Company Acadia (60% merino, 20% silk, 20% alpaca; 145 yards/133m/50g), shown in Kelp; 7 (7, 8, 9, 10, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15) skeins, or approximately 950 (1000, 1100, 1175, 1325, 1425, 1575, 1750, 1900, 2050) yards of wool/silk/alpaca blend DK weight yarn.
Other Materials: US 5 (4mm) 32” circular needle; US 4 (3.5mm) 16” circular needle or 32” circular needle if using Magic Loop, for neckline and armhole edging; Stitch markers (2); Stitch holders; Yarn needle.
Gauge: 20 st and 30 rows/4” in stockinette stitch with larger needle, after blocking.
See it on Ravelry or on Payhip, to read more or purchase the pattern.
Tuesday Shoes Day – Zodiac
Fashion
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Jul 032012
There’s nothing like a big buckle shoe for instant impact. These are my daughter’s favorites, although it looks like perhaps they aren’t fitting her quite as well as one would hope. No matter, a toe thong isn’t my first choice so I haven’t worn them much myself.
Despite the thong issue, they’re very comfortable – as one might expect from Dr. Scholl’s – “feel crazy good” it says. One might NOT expect a cute little 2″ stacked heel and that nice metallic pebbled leather, but there it is! 
I do love silver metallic leather, which was probably my whole reason for buying these in the first place. Look – they go with my purse. Not that I’m all about matchy-matchy, but still . . . more like a snapshot of the kind of accessories I like best.
I could see these for a casual summer patio meal, as long as the wearer isn’t the one running around serving.
Tuesday Shoes Day – Talk
Fashion
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Jun 262012
I’m liking the concept so much that I think Tuesday Shoes Day may become a recurring feature. I certainly have enough shoes to keep it going for a while.
These are cruelty-free gold pleather sandals with cork wedge heels; I especially like the way the wedge is shaped so it’s not super clunky. Franco Sarto is one of my favorites, and I always keep an eye out for them; these came from – of all places – the (mostly) kids’ consignment shop. Although they do have teen/some adult stuff, I certainly wasn’t expecting to find mint condition cool shoes there. It just reinforces the vintage-shopping mantra – You Never Know.
Cute, right?
Jun 192012
Lots of secret knitting going on, so not much posting – due to both all the knitting and the need to be covert. So what better alternate topic to explore than fabulous shoes? 
For a bit of mother-daughter lunch and shopping, we went to PF Chang’s and then stopped by the DSW. Shopping the sale rack far surpassed the steamed pork dumplings; for less than half the cost of lunch, we are now the proud owners of this lovely pair of Bandolino Barika party stilettos. And I say “we” with the bittersweet realization that girlfriend and I are now the same shoe size. In fact, she might be one half size larger, depending.
I’m determined to be the first one to have an appropriate place to which I might wear them. I’m thinking the fancy dinner that she and her friends are preparing for the parents in a few days; she’ll need flats because she’ll be cooking and serving. I’ll be sitting and possibly gliding to the bar area.
Anyway, the shoes are adorable if you dont have to move around too much; comfy pleated fabric straps, an elegant bow on the sides, and gritty silver zippers in the back. The kind of shoes one might build her entire outfit around. I would go for a soft/tough look, edgy yet understated all at the same time. And with a pop of color to match the nails! In fact, if one looks at the picture below, one might just notice a little sliver of knitwear that suits the look nicely. Except, of course, the knitwear is a secret right now still.
