Ishbel Scarf

I will be teaching how to knit the Ishbel Scarf by Ysolda Teague at Fibersmyth in Woodstock, Virginia. Ysolda's website is http://ysolda.com/2009/01/14/ishbel-pattern/
The website for Fibersmyth is http://www.fibersmyth.com/

This photo was taken of the scarf on display at the Fibersmyth, and I encourage you to stop by to see it in person. When I first put it on display I had all of the points blocked into it, but because the scarf has been tried on repeatedly by customers the points have relaxed. I made this scarf with 2 balls of Firefly yarn by Classic Elite. This Ishbel scarf is made of 25% linen/75% viscose, a gorgeous yarn with a wonderful drape and a bit of a sheen.

To sign up for the class call (540) 459-1712.

Blue Ribbon Winners

I knit this cotton blend open backed tank over a year ago. I don't remember off-hand which magazine the pattern was out of, nor the designer or brand of yarn. I have gotten a lot of use out of this tank because I hate to be hot and sometimes summer sweaters just seem too heavy for me especially in 90+ degree weather. This cotton/viscose yarn keeps me quite comfortable as well as the open back and keyhole opening. The yarn used is a a slightly textured cotton yarn but I kept it is plain enough to show all of the stitch detail. I added the rhinestone buttons for a little bling along the waistband. The keyhole opening makes a nice frame around a dangling yet simple necklace... perhaps something with a gemstone pendant on it.



I have gotten many complements when wearing this checkerboard patterned sweater. It is long enough that it could be worn dress like with leggings but short enough that it looks great with a pair of jeans or pants. I made it out of a dk weight tweed wool blend yarn from Kraemer's of Nazareth, PA. I believe the pattern also came out of a knitter's magazine I will have to look these magazine up as well as the designer's information since these were patterns I liked but did not design myself.



I knitted this scarf with 4 skeins of Blue Sky Alpacas Melange. The pattern was in the spring edition of either Vogue Knitting or Interweave Knits. Again I need to look up the designer and magazine information. I made this scarf this summer. It is so heavenly soft I can't wait to wear it.





This hat is crocheted with a bamboo yarn that I bought from Elann.com
I used one ball of a lime color and 1 ball of a raspberry color. The pattern is from Interweave Crochet from the Spring of 2009 (I believe). I can't remember the designer's name. My memory is clearly lacking.

When I find out the pattern and designer information I will post it.

A Nod to Gustav Klimt - Weekend Bag

Top: I made this bag because I found that the size of a free, poorly-made vinyl bag was the ideal size for packing my clothes for a weekend getaway (or a whole week in the summer). It is knitted, fulled (washing machine felted), and then needle felted and embellished.

Middle: I use two strands of a bulky wool to knit up the bag, and then I used hand-dyed wool and silk roving (strands of fiber), as well as Angelina fiber for the needle felting. I also needle felted some wool yarn that was left over from knitting the bag for the orange swirls. The final touches were beads, just for a little added bling.

Lower: My design was all knitted as far as the shape and the color changes from gray to orange to lime. The pattern changes begin in the back of the bag and continue through the flap. I used two snaps (hidden in the felted design) and metal half ring and clip from the local cobbler's shop.

This pattern will eventually be available for purchase (along with other patterns and finished pieces) at AtomicKnits.com once I get my website updated. I let you know on this blog when the site is ready for business.

Wavy Sock

Here's recent piece for a class I teach at Fibersmyth in Woodstock, VA. It's a very odd construction, since the number of stitches used to make the pattern, make it hard to accurately size. Also, this sock's construction isn't done in the round, but knitted flat and then seamed. It's a bit of a leap for those used to a single way of creating a sock. This pattern can be found in The Enchanted Sole

Atomic Knits Blog Launch

Noelle Zdepski has launched a knitting and fibers blog to create a more immediate connection with other like-minded folks. The main site, AtomicKnits.com is still in a construction state, but will be rolling out shortly, since the web guru has just finished his master's schooling, and will be devoting some of his new-found time to broadcasting the art of textiles.

This baby gown is a modern take on an old fashioned style of dress. It is long enough to keep baby's feet warm and would look good in any color. If knitted in white or off-white, it would make a lovely Christening gown. It is knitted in a dk (medium) weight of cotton yarn and then smocked (joining ribs in a way that makes a diamond shaped design) at the top. This pattern will be available at AtomicKnits.com when the site is ready for business.