New Pattern Release: iPod Nano Wrist-Strap Cozy

June 17, 2011June 17, 2011remilyknits 3 Comments

About a week ago my fourth (!) iPod gave up the ghost. It was a great little 5th-gen Nano in shiny purple. But, three of the four directional buttons no longer worked, so off to the recycling plant with it! I bought a 6th-gen Nano — newly tiny, and (joy of joys) with only a touch screen and no button wheel at all. Yay!

And what does a cute lime-green iPod need? A cozy, of course!

I used a few dozen yards of left-over sock yarn from my Electric Kool-Aid Socks. The cozy begins with a provisional cast on and a few rows of stockinette. Then stitches are picked up all around the starter strip. The rest of the cozy is worked in the round in a slipped-stitch rib that serves two purposes: it looks cool, and it provides extra padding. The top is finished with an i-cord BO that leads into an i-cord wrist strap.

This is the third iPod cozy I’ve made, and by now I know what I like in one! I decided to write up the pattern and share it with the world.

Pattern: iPod Nano Wrist-Strap Cozy

Designer: Rachel Henry (that’s me!)

Available: FREE!

Yarn: Socks That Rock Lightweight

I would be delighted to answer any questions or help any knitters working on these patterns.

Cast-On Monday

June 13, 2011June 13, 2011remilyknits Leave a comment

This week I added two new projects to my needles. One is a design project that was accepted for publication through Knit Picks IDP, and the other is a test knit for one of my favorite designers.

The new project of mine is a “practical” shawl — worked mostly in garter stitch with superwash worsted-weight yarn, it should be warm and cozy, and knit up quickly, too. I’m using the Danish wrap-style shawl as a basis for the shape. To make it pretty and fun to knit, I’m adding a bit of lace here and there — but not so much as to make it un-practical, or slow down a knitter too much. Knit Picks granted my every wish when they accepted the pattern, and then gave me Swish Worsted in Blue Violet:

I’m lucky enough to be on Kate Oates (of Tot Toppers) test-knitter list. Periodically she puts out photos and descriptions of patterns she needs tested, and it is a tribute to her and her designs how quickly the tests fill up! Lately I’ve been too slow to respond, and have missed out on testing a number of great patterns, but this time I got lucky! If you read Kate’s group on Ravelry, you already know about her knitpon — a chance to pre-order her fall collection for only $33. Today (Mon 13th) is the absolute last chance to take advantage of this deal — check out the awesome patterns:

See that stripey boy’s sweater in the top row? That’s the pattern I’m test knitting. I ordered some great Wool of the Andes in the new Tonal colorways, and I’m already halfway through the body. It looks great on my youngest boy, who is very into dinosaurs. Here’s my pretty yarn, in Blue Yonder, Springtime, and Deep Waters.

New Pattern Release: Clewe Cowl and Minotaur Cowl

June 10, 2011remilyknits 2 Comments

Last weekend I taught a class on möbius kntting at the last-ever Granite State Knit-In. We had an airy lodge all to ourselves: 150+ knitters of every stripe, enjoying a beautiful late-spring morning in New Hampshire with yarn and needles in hand. Lucky me, I even found a few great deals and bought a shawl pin, some laceweight yarn, and enough hand-painted DK (?) yarn for a cardi/shrug.

But enough about my squishy yarn! Back to the class. I really enjoy knitting on the edge of a möbius strip, and I wanted to share this with knitters who have never encountered this awesome knitted shape before. My OCD side loves knitting a true möbius, starting with Cat Bordhi’s möbius cast-on. The Clewe cowl uses this cast-on and takes full advantage of möbius knitting with the reversible Labyrinth pattern.

Pattern: Clewe Cowl

Designer: Rachel Henry (that’s me!)

Available: FREE!

Yarn: Araucania Nature Wool Chunky

However, the möbius cast-on can be tricky for knitters, especially if they are also tackling knitting in the round and/or circular needles for the first time. To make möbius knitting more accessible, I designed the Minotaur cowl, which begins as a flat strip that is joined with a half twist, creating a möbius base from which the knitter picks up stitches. From that point on it is worked on the long möbius edge, following the reversible Horns pattern.

Pattern: Minotaur Cowl

Designer: Rachel Henry (that’s me!)

Available: FREE!

Yarn: Araucania Nature Wool Chunky

I would be delighted to answer any questions or help any knitters working on these patterns.

Kudzu Knit-a-long

June 8, 2011June 8, 2011remilyknits Leave a comment

I’m absolutely delighted to report that my Kudzu Shawlette pattern made it up to #16 on on Ravelry’s “New and Popular” top 20 list on the Patterns page. (The list refreshes often, so Kudzu may not be there now.) I am quite certain this is due in no small part to the Beginner Lace Knitters group on Ravelry, which chose Kudzu for their June 2011 KAL. Before that KAL was finalized, I also started a KAL on my brand-spanking-new Remily Knits group on Ravelry. Of course I’m running the KAL on my group, but I’m also lurking in the other group to answer any pattern-specific questions. Join both, for the best of both worlds!

Mostly, I’m just plain SUPER EXCITED that people like my pattern. It is a huge thrill to see other knitters make something I designed. Here are a few of the wonderful WIP Kudzu Shawlettes:

Cast-On Monday

June 6, 2011June 5, 2011remilyknits 2 Comments

In the spirit of 52 in 52, I’m changing up my Monday posts. Instead of Ravelry Mondays (which, I admit, I have been a slacker about), I’ll post every Monday (or thereabouts) with a list of what I’ve cast on during the week previous.

This week I have only one new project added to the needles. It’s a design project, so I can’t tell you too much! I’m using this yarn (KP’s Stroll Tonal in “Springtime”):

The project is a twisted-stitch sock pattern based on a sweater I saw (and loved!) at Canobie Lake Park on Mother’s Day:

I’ve cast on and ripped out about half a dozen times already, but this final iteration is going like gangbusters. Once I get the leg done, I’ll start thinking about where I might submit the pattern idea for publication.

Kudzu by the Numbers

June 5, 2011December 29, 2011remilyknits 9 Comments

My latest pattern, Kudzu, has gotten a lot of positive attention on Ravelry! Today, it hit 1000 favorites, making it by far my most popular pattern today. There are already 26 projects, including many from two separate knit-a-longs (more on that Wednesday).

In honor of hitting that milestone, I give you (as requested) a row-by-row stitch count for both the full and midi length of the shawlette.

Please note: these stitch counts are for AFTER the row(s) are complete.

Section	Row(s)	Sts (Full)	Sts (Midi)
Cast On	0	253	178
Rib	1 – 4	253	178
Open Twist Rib	1 – 2	303	213
Open Twist Rib	3 – 4	253	178
Leaves	1 – 2	303	213
Leaves	3 – 4	403	283
Leaves	5 – 6	503	353
Leaves	7 – 8	603	423
Leaves	9 – 10	605	425
Leaves	11 – 12	607	427
Leaves	13 – 14	609	429
Leaves	15 – 16	611	431
Leaves	17 – 18	609	429
Leaves	19 – 20	607	427
Leaves	21 – 22	605	425
Leaves	23 – 24	603	423
Leaves	25 – 26	601	421
Lattice	1 – 2	599	419
Lattice	3 – 4	597	417
Lattice	5 – 6	595	415
Lattice	7 – 8	593	413
Lattice	9 – 13	591	411

FO Friday: Zino Square Lace Shawl

June 3, 2011May 31, 2011remilyknits 1 Comment

This week I’m featuring another of my pattern sample projects for Plymouth Yarns: a square lace shawl made from Zino, a long-repeat color-changing yarn. The shawl is worked in the round from the center out, with a cool open/solid lace pattern that really suits the yarn. I especially like the border, which shows the long color repeats well. (My quickie photo (below) is shown before blocking.)

Project: Zino Lace Sample Knit

Pattern: Square Lace Shawl

Designer: Plymouth Yarn Design Stuido

Available: ask your LYS

Yarn: Zino

Lo, the gorgeous blocked shawl:

This was by far the largest sample I’d knit for PY — it took a lot longer than a pair of armwarmers or a little vest. It was also more complex–this was the project where I really learned how to work with the designer at PY, because I ran into problems/questions and we went back and forth a couple times before we settled on the right solution. Ultimately it’s her design, so naturally I want to serve that … but my job is to make sure the pattern adheres to her vision as I knit, so when I find things that don’t work, I stop and ask for direction. Sometimes, I even have something useful to contribute.

52 in 52: Project Roundup for 2010 – 2011

June 1, 2011May 30, 2011remilyknits 1 Comment

Last year at about this time, I joined a group on Ravelry called “52 Projects in 52 Weeks.” The group description runs thusly:

The goal is to start (and finish!) 52 projects in 52 weeks. You can knit, crochet, spin or dye. Mix and match, it’s your choice. The goal of the group is to hone skills, expand horizons and destash.

There are some guidelines given, but the group is open-minded and allows for a lot of interpretation, personalization, and outright alteration. For example, I often have more than 4 projects going at once, because that’s what works for me. I decided that a single thing was a project, no matter how large or small. That meant that the bazillion-hour Mandala Shawl only counted as one project, but that the quick-knit Golden Snitch also counted as one project. (Other knitters chose to break down large projects into chunks, or count a pair of socks as two projects, or group several small items into a single project.) I also gave myself permission to count projects that I started in the previous year.

First question first: yes, I did finish 52 projects in 52 weeks! In fact, I finished 61 projects between June 1st, 2010 and May 30th, 2011. I also frogged six projects during the year — this was a relatively new behavior for me, because in the past I would force myself to finish projects, even if they weren’t working or making me happy anymore.

Which project had the most love over the last year? My East-West Bag won the most favorites of any of my projects over the last year. It’s complex and dramatic, so that’s not too surprising. I have many projects with no favorites at all (including the aforementioned Snitch!), so I will choose one that is a personal favorite of MINE to cheer on: my Touchscreen Cell Phone Cozy, made up as I went along. I used some lovely left-over yarn from my Socks That Rock club kit, and designed it to fit my new (at the time) Samsung Moment. I fills that role perfectly, and I love seeing my pretty Blue Moon Fiber Arts yarn every day.

I thought it might be interesting to see how projects broke down for the year — who was I knitting for?

Purpose	Count	%
Me	15	25%
Remily Knits	15	25%
Gift	9	15%
Sample	8	13%
Commission	6	10%
Test Knit	5	8%
Barter	2	3%
Donation	1	2%

Also (potentially) interesting: what kinds of things did I make?

Type	Count	%
Baby Clothes	7	12%
Mittens/Gloves/Mitts	7	12%
Toy	7	12%
Scarf	6	10%
Socks	6	10%
Cowl	5	8%
Sweater	5	8%
Hat	4	7%
Cozy	3	5%
Shawl	3	5%
Anklets	2	3%
Bag	2	3%
Dog Sweater	2	3%
Earwarmers	1	2%
Necklace	1	2%

New Pattern Release: Kudzu Shawlette

May 31, 2011May 31, 2011remilyknits 17 Comments

Introducing my latest pattern: the Kudzu Shawlette! This dramatic lacy shawlette, worked in soft, luminescent Cotton Bam Boo, is a versatile accessory for all seasons. This pattern was designed especially for Classic Elite Yarn‘s free weekly web-letter.

Pattern: Cotton Bam Boo Kudzu Shawlette

Designer: Rachel Henry (that’s me!)

Available: free at Classic Elite!

Yarn: Classic Elite Cotton Bam Boo

Inspiration: In the southern United States, Kudzu flows over the land like waves caught in time. When I lived in Virginia, I loved to watch the daily progress this “weed” made, overtaking trees and buildings alike. I tried to capture the impression of motion in this shawlette, using lace patterns that transition organically from one to the next.

The top edge begins with a twisted rib that expands into the first round of leaves. The second round of leaves, slightly larger, develops from a column of twisted knit stitches left-over from the rib. The third and final round of leaves, larger still, expands to take over the lattice at the bottom edge.

This lacy shawlette can be worn over the shoulders with a fancy accent button or shawl pin to hold it in place. The full length version can also be wrapped twice around the neck for a more casual look. The midi length is just long enough to go once around the shoulders.

Design/Skills Needed: Kudzu is worked flat from the top down. Because there are so many stitches (especially in the full-length version), I highly recommend using circular needles. In addition to the slightly unusual wrapped stitch in the twisted rib pattern, the pattern also includes more common lace stitches (yarnovers, decreases, double decreases), and knitting and purling through the back loop. The pattern is fully charted, but also has complete written directions. Ambitious beginning knitters will find this a challenging but achievable introduction to lace knitting; intermediate and experienced lace knitters should enjoy the ever-changing pattern.

I would be delighted to answer any questions or help any knitters working on this project.

I thought it might be interesting for knitters to see a little bit of the design process for this pattern. This is my final sketch for Kudzu, made after swatching, but before the sample was knit. Close observers will notice how much longer the finished sample is, compared to the sketch. In fact, the Cotton Bam Boo stretched much more than I anticipated, even after careful swatching. The resulting sample was significantly longer than I had anticipated, but I found myself really liking the length. I showed it to a fashionable younger friend of mine, as well as several different knitting friends, and they all gave it a bit thumbs-up. I included the “midi” length in the pattern, which is closer to my sketched version.

I’m also sharing scans of some of my notes and charts from false starts and final versions. I don’t have much commentary on these — just sharing!

FO Friday: Electric Kool-Aid Acid Socks

May 27, 2011May 27, 2011remilyknits 3 Comments

The March 2011 Rockin’ Sock Club kit from Blue Moon Fiber Arts was extremely colorful, to say the least! The colorway had a great name: Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test.

Two great patterns, as usual, made it extremely hard to choose … but ultimately I decided on one and got to work. I love how the basic p1, k3 rib can get so excited with a slipped stitch here and there.

Project: Mar 2011 RSC Socks

Pattern: Intrepid Traveler

Designer: Gail Marracci

Available: to club members now (join up! it’s fun!) and to the general public in 2012

Yarn: BMFA Socks That Rock Lightweight in Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test

I’m proud to say I finished this kit’s socks *before* this month’s kit has even shipped! Even though they weren’t a “priority” project, they trucked right along. Inexplicably, the two socks pooled and flashed differently. This colorway is so wild, it really doesn’t matter.

Remily Knits

Thoughtful Patterns for Avid Knitters

Author remilyknits

New Pattern Release: iPod Nano Wrist-Strap Cozy

Cast-On Monday

New Pattern Release: Clewe Cowl and Minotaur Cowl

Kudzu Knit-a-long

Cast-On Monday

Kudzu by the Numbers

FO Friday: Zino Square Lace Shawl

52 in 52: Project Roundup for 2010 – 2011

New Pattern Release: Kudzu Shawlette

FO Friday: Electric Kool-Aid Acid Socks