Vero Verto – and a contest!

Vero Verto in “Daffodil”

It’s done, it’s done! Big ‘thank you’ to Katrina (model) and Portland Nursery (location) for being awesome.

Pattern details:

GAUGE: 16 stitches and 26 rows = 4 inches in Stockinette
MATERIALS:

• Approximately 200 y / 183 m of worsted to Aran weight yarn. Samples shown were knit with 1 skein of Anzula For Better or Worsted (200 y/182 m per 3.5 oz/ 100 g skein), shown in “Clay” and “Daffodil”
• Set of five US 8/ 5 mm dpns
• One 16-inch/ 40.5 cm US 8/ 5 mm circular needle
• One 16-inch/ 40.5 cm US 6/ 4 mm circular needle
• Tapestry needle
• 8 stitch markers (optional)

SIZING: Adult M (22”/ 56 cm head circumference)
SKILL LEVEL: Intermediate
$6.00 US PDF DOWNLOAD on ravelry

I saw felt the yarn, Anzula’s For Better or Worsted, at TNNA and immediately knew what it needed to be – I’d just been informed that I was getting several designs back and needed to re-knit them. Anzula gave me a bunch of skeins in different colors (so expect to see more patterns knit with this yarn in coming weeks!) and I cast on immediately.  Yum.  Not to mention fabulous stitch definition.

And now to the CONTEST portion of our post, specifically aimed at the nerds among us.  The first three people to email me with the correct answer to this question:

Where did the pattern name, Vero Verto, come from?*

…will win one free copy of Vero Verto and any one Rose City Knits pattern of their choice!  Send your answer to my email – fyberduck(at)gmail(dot)com.

The deadline to submit is end of day, Thursday, February 13th (PT).  I’ll announce the winners on Friday (well, hopefully, provided anyone enters) and send out those patterns :)

Cheers!

*Hint: book lovers, think of the big screen.

February 12, 2014 by fyberduck

Mini Update: Rocket Pop Socks

While a longer, more in-depth update is long overdue, I am a little overwhelmed right now with the sheer quantity of work that piled up as I was being treated for an ass-kicking* kidney infection. So, just so’s to prove that I ain’t dead yet, I present a new pattern:

• Rocket Pop Socks (by me)
• Source: Twisted Sock Club (available on ravelry!)
• Yarn: Knitted Wit Cashy Wool

And that’s about all I got for now. If I haven’t responded to your message(s), I swear by the stash it’s on the To-Do List of Doom. Really.

*Posterior: mine

October 5, 2013 by fyberduck

It’s summer somewhere

What with viruses (does anyone use the plural viri?) and near-constant migraines for the past week, I’ve been a little out of the loop. Maybe more than a little, if we’re being honest. Well, logged into ravelry and noticed another design had been added to my designer profile:

The Buttoned Up in Lace Shrug from Creative Knitting, Summer 2013.  This design was a source of pride at the time (not that I could talk about it), because it utilizes three traditional reversible lace patterns (two are Madeira and one is Shetland), worked on a garter ground with two sets of knitted-on button bands so the “shrug” can be worn in several ways as different garments.  Which is why I was a little disappointed to see it only modeled as a shrug (love the photos, though, they did a fantastic job styling!).

Good thing I snapped some pictures on Gertrude before sending it in, eh?

as a wrap, to the side

as a cowl

For other ideas, see my ravelry notebook listing.  The yarn was Imperial Yarn’s Tracie in 114 Dusty Rose.  Loved the color and the yarn – and currently have quite a bit stashed.  The buttons are antique shell lovelies from my grandmother’s stash.

In other news, several patterns are imminently forthcoming from Rose City Knits.   Keep an eye out!

May 4, 2013 by fyberduck

Bring on the heat!

I’ve done my bit.  In an insane effort to bring about some warm weather (we’re have a low of 45F tonight, brrr), I’ve finished Caulking because Opus and I sincerely believe that publishing a Fall/ Winter pattern will make the weather change.  This theory only works if you subscribe to the “bring an umbrella to prevent rain” doctrine, but I’m willing to try anything at this point.

So, here it is!  Caulking.  So named (by Opus) for it’s primary function of protecting you against the elements – or, rather, your neck and upper torso.  Secondary function?  It just looks cool.

Worn under a coat, it’ll un-expose your neck and collar-bone area…

Knit from the bottom up, the piece is steadily increased in pattern and buttoned in the back.

I’ve posted it on ravelry, but haven’t had a chance to add it to the RCK website yet. Sorry. I’ll get to that this weekend, honest – around the same time I finish up Rhea Silvia for my tech editor.

Here are the specs, in case you, too, are freezing right now:

GAUGE:

• 24 sts & 28 rnds = 4”/ 10 cm in Stockinette st

MATERIALS:

• Approximately 175 y/ 160 m sport weight yarn. Sample shown: Tactile: Fiber Arts Studio (225 yd/ 206 m per 3.5 oz/ 100g skein), in “Beach”
• Two 1/2”/ 1.25mm buttons
• Tapestry needle

NEEDLES:

• One 24-inch/ 61 cm US 3 / 3.25mm circular needle

SIZING:

• 18”/ 45.75 cm circumference, buttoned up
• 18.5”/ 47 cm wide x 13.5”/ 34.25 cm from point to collar, laid flat

SKILL LEVEL: Intermediate
$6.00 US PDF DOWNLOAD

Now, let’s see some HEAT!*

*This is not to say that I don’t love this pattern and am not proud of it. I am. A lot. I’m also really, really cold and tired of wearing winter clothes in May.

May 3, 2012 by fyberduck

Arashi unveiled

I truly meant to get this posted on Monday, but life being life, it just couldn’t happen. That said, I hope you’ll agree that it was worth the wait :)

May I present my latest design, Arashi?

“Storm” in Japanese, (my use of) the name actually comes from the dyeing technique arashi shibori, in which cloth is wrapped on the diagonal around a pole (usually bamboo) and scrunched, then dyed.

Maybe it’s crazy, but the name fits to me. (My mother disagrees.*) Either way, I’m quite pleased with the result.

Available as the May kit in the 2012 Abstract Fiber One Skein/Two Skein Club, it can be knit with one or two skeins of Abstract Fiber Lima (shown in “Hibiscus”).

The concept and design was inspired by traditional Faroese shawls (which I am absolutely obsessed with!), but the stitch patterns came from Estonia, the Shetland Isles, and my own head. I had fun creating my own stitch patterns (the two edge designs) and making everything work together.

For more details about the design, see the Arashi on ravelry and the 2012 Abstract Fiber One Skein/Two Skein Club.**

*She thinks it looks Anglo-Saxon and should have been named something entirely unpronouncable, like Aelfgifu or Aethelfrith.

**The pattern is exclusive to Abstract Fiber for one year, please don’t ask me for a copy!

April 25, 2012 by fyberduck

Time for celebration

Two weeks ago the 2012 Rose City Yarn Crawl began.  On Thursday morning (March 1st), I jumped in the car with Dad – my chauffer and long-suffering photography assistant – and began the Crawl.  My goal was twofold: 1), to see in person how each of the shops was fairing and get feedback from participants and 2), to get high-def photos using my Nikon D90 to use on the Crawl and in next year’s promotional efforts.

What I discovered was that, even with only a month and a half to prepare (I literally started on January 16th), the participation went beyond any of the shop owners’ dreams.  Traffic was double to triple over last year and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive on every front – participants, retailers, and wholesalers were very excited about the visibility and accessibility of information this year, the prizes, and the many events.

I’m still reeling from the numbers, which we are actually still compiling, and the hugs I got at every stop.  The best part, for me, was visiting every shop and seeing how interesting and unique they all really, truly are.  I also got to see some old friends along the way.

Dad and I visited 12 stores over Thursday and Friday, and then Opus took over as my driver, (slavedriver), and camera assistant on Saturday for the final 7.  Seriously, she was a task master and time-obsessed.  But, with their help, I managed to visit each and every store over 3 days and get some fabulous photos at every stop.

I took dozens upon dozens of photographs, to see my two faves from each shop check out the 2012 Rose City Yarn Crawl set on flickr or check out the individual shop albums on Facebook for them all.  Because there were so many to choose from, I only selected two from each shop to put in my flickr photostream.  In this post, I wanted to share the alpha, from my first stop at Make One in Milwaukie:

… and the omega, from Kathy’s Knit Korner in Forest Grove:

I hope you’ll take a couple of minutes to check out each shop (either on flickr or Facebook), because they are all so very special.  It was a great experience and I am just beside myself over the success of it.  We’re already discussing plans for next year, and I can’t wait!

March 16, 2012March 15, 2012 by fyberduck

Time for Tacoma

This post is beyond overdue, what with Madrona having been from February 16 – 19, making this post almost exactly a month late.  Brava to me.  Well, what can I saw about Madrona that hasn’t already been said?

Probably not much, but I’m going to make the attempt nevertheless.  First, I’d love to mention how much I enjoyed visiting Tacoma.  For years, I’ve heard so many disparaging comments about Tacoma, and while I’m sure the city has it’s unsavory sections, most of what we saw was lovely, funky, and interesting.

Opus, her Mum, and I took the train up – an experience I cannot deny is infinitely preferrable to driving.  We were seated at a table and knit all the way there and all the way back (the trip is about 2.5 hrs from Portland), stopping to surf the web (free wifi!) and snack.  Tons of fun, and quite productive.  We then walked from the Amtrak station to the free streetcar line and were amused by the fact that the Tacoma streetcars are exactly the same as Portland streetcars.  Funny.  After a 5 minute ride, we hopped off and walked to the Hotel Murano.

Of course, the weather was frightful, so we were quite damp after five minutes outside.  But, it was worth it.  The Madrona Fiber Arts Festival is held at the Hotel Murano, clearly named for Murano island in Venice (home of the glassmakers), and was just filled to bursting with glass art.  I couldn’t help myself and snapped pictures.  We finally made our way to the marketplace and were super excited to see so many of our favorite indie dyers – and some friends!

I had to visit Maia of Tactile, whose booth was a lovely naturally-dyed oasis, and Susan of Abstract Fiber, who also had a gorgeous booth.  I was very, very good and only bought a very little yarn.  From Habu Textiles.  Now before you mock me (yes, many stores in Portland carry Habu), these were colors that aren’t carried locally.  I also bought some gorgeous roving from Woolgatherings.  Yum.  I don’t have a good photo of my goodies, though.

We had to leave a bit early (around 5pm) to catch the train back, but it was a fantastic day trip and so much fun.  We’re already talking about taking the train up in a month or so to visit the Tacoma Museum of Glass and the Tacoma Art Museum.  It would also just be great to tour the city and look at all the beautiful glass art on display.  Sounds like a fun daytrip or two, right?

So, it was tons of fun and I would love to be able to take classes next year – or maybe teach – and will have to plan ahead.  Hopefully this post wasn’t too boring :)  For more photos from the trip, see the “Tacoma” tag on my flickr account.  In the next post (which won’t be a month late), we have the awesome success of the 2012 Rose City Yarn Crawl to go over.  Cheers!

March 15, 2012 by fyberduck

Run Roughshod

This one has been overdue for several months now, since the photoshoot was in September. But, what with Mom’s hospitalization (etc), it kind of got pushed back several times. Finally, though, Roughshod is done, done, done!

Inspired by traditional square dishcloths/ washcloths that are knit with one or two stitch patterns, I wanted to create a pattern that would show off variegated and hand-painted yarns – particularly Maia’s lovely Tactile Fiber Arts Sierra Sport Sock, which I had been obsessing over in the color “Dogwood”. Pink and green, what’s not to love?

The mitts are knit flat squares in Linen and Seed St with afterthought thumbs and button holes/ bands to fasten them in the round. Super easy and very quick to knit, since they’re basically two washcloths with some holes and thumbs :) They’re worked sideways to show off the Linen St and give a more “woven” appearance – hence the name “Roughshod”, since they kind of look handwoven.

Anyway. That’s enough from me. I bet you want photos. Here are a few:

For more photos, you can see them on Flickr, or the pattern on ravelry. Big thanks to Lindsay and Eva for being my models!

And now, the stats:

GAUGE:

• 22 sts & 36 rows = 4”/ 10 cm in Seed St on smaller needles
• 22 sts & 36 rows = 4”/ 10 cm in Linen St on larger needles

MATERIALS:

• Approx. 180 (200, 220) y / 164.5 (183, 201) m of sport to light-DK weight yarn. Sample shown was knit with Tactile Sierra Sport (225 y / 206 m per 3.5oz/ 100g skein, shown in “Dogwood”.
• Tapestry needle
• 2 stitch markers
• Waste yarn
• 12 (14, 16) 1”/ 2.5 cm buttons
• Matching sewing thread

NEEDLES:

• 1 pair US 6/ 4 mm straight needles
• 1 pair US 7/ 4.5 mm straight needles
• 1 set of five US 7/ 4.5mm DPNS (6” long)

SIZING: Adult S (M, L): Approx. palm circumference: 7 (7.5, 8)” / 18 (19, 20) cm
SKILL LEVEL: Easy
$6.00 US PDF DOWNLOAD

I still have two patterns from the September batch left over, plus a slew of new ones, but one step at a time.  I’m just glad to have one crossed off the list!

Next time, I have some BIG news and another preview of a coming pattern.  ‘Til then, happy knitting!

February 14, 2012February 13, 2012 by fyberduck

Bonnie Kellswater

So, a couple months ago I received an inquiry for a pattern from none other than Interweave Knits. Not that I’m bragging, I’m still rather perplexed over why they contacted me. Anyway. This week, the Spring 2012 preview went up and the issues went out, so now I can share images!

The first two are courtesy of Interweave Knits…

The second two are from the photoshoot I did with Lindsay and Eva in September, as the pattern was originally going to be a Rose City Knits release :)

The name, Kellswater, comes from a traditional Irish song which just makes me think of fishermen’s knits every time I hear it (read the lyrics or, better yet, listen to Loreena McKennitt’s version and you’ll get me). The design itself includes some of my favorite Gansey stitch patterns, particularly the Tree of Life and the anchor. I have to admit that I am inordinately proud of this pattern, since I literally made it up on the fly while attending Sock Summit (seriously, TheBon and SinisterSpinster can attest) and then it somehow ended up published.

Weird.  But cool.

If you’d like to fave it or add it to your queue, it’s up on ravelry.

I know I’m terribly behind on the blogging and oh so much has happened since my last update, so look forward to more posts in the coming days – really!

February 13, 2012February 13, 2012 by fyberduck

I…

Am an idiot. 

Who can’t do basic math, apparently. 

Shall I rip now, or later?

The eternal question.

February 14, 2011 by fyberduck