Sometimes...on design process

I often get asked what my design process is like.  Well, here it is:

Sometimes my process is messy.  Sometimes it's very tidy and Martha Stewart-like.  And sometimes we just get in a big fight and I have to put it away for the night.  When I was in art school, my painting instructors would always advise walking away for a while.  The overnight time gives you perspective.  And then the next time the two of you meet, you will more than likely see things very differently.  I believe that.  I think that sometimes what is going on in your head with just the everyday stress can result in garment disaster.  So yeah.  All that.

Sometimes I will literally stare at the project after I've just ripped half of it out and wait for it to speak to me.  No really - I want it to speak to me.  It would more than likely just say "um..that hurt." 

Sometimes I have a clear driven idea in mind and we will walk hand in hand until the job is done.  That simple.

And sometimes I have no idea what to do and I hold the ball of yarn, staring, hoping for some sort of magical transfer from the fiber to my nerve endings.  That, for the record, has yet to happen.

But I would be nothing without my urge to explore, and my need to create from fiber that comes from animals.  Design missteps, stitch disasters, gauge imperfection aside, I hope I never lose the desire.

Happy knitting.....

Mysterious Content

I'll be presenting/teaching at The Mysterious Content of Softness, a future exhibit at the Cornell Fine Arts Museum in Winter Park, Florida.  I'm honored to be part of this show, and am looking forward to meeting all the great artists.  If you're in/around the area - stop by the show!

I just finished a MAMMOTH project for Vogue Knitting, which will be in their next issue.  I wish I could show you, but just keep your eyes peeled for my new design!

I am finishing up 2 new designs for Vogue Knitting Live, which will be in Chicago from October 26-28, 2012.  I've been working with the Long Island Livestock Company collaborating on the beginning of a series of one-two skein projects which will be available at the show.  I'm also putting the finishing touches on an exclusive for BagSmith using this yarn:

It is one of my favorite yarns, it's like braided squishy bread dough.  I was in the studio last night making final edits to the design and I'm very excited the way it has turned out.  Stay tuned, as I will post info about both designs here on the blog as they are ready to go.

Happy Knitting.....

No More Facebook

I have just deleted my Facebook account.  And it couldn't have felt better.  It was a long time coming, I think.  I was just one of those people that never could get behind it and never could commit to curating my past for someone like Mark what's-his-name.  I'd rather spend my time on my creative life and communicating the old-fashioned way.

So speaking of creation, these are my latest designs from Tahki Stacy Charles' FW 2012 Anthology collection:

Hemingway Cardigan

The yarn is new, called Juno.  It's really cool, actually.  It has a really fine springy caging around it, so it is really bouncy when knitted up. 

This is a new poncho design, made with Big Montana.  I love using that yarn, it's so bulky but so lightweight at the same time.

Hawthorne Hooded Poncho

In other news, 2 of my Seams Like Surgery classes have sold out for Vogue Knitting Live in Chicago, so if you're wanting to sign up, you'd better hurry!!  It'll be nice to be in Chicago again; I haven't been since I lived in Indianapolis.  The commute to Chicago is pretty short from Indy, so I would go as often as I could.

Happy Knitting....

New Knit Simple 2012

If your weather is anything like New York City right now, I'm sure the last thing you want to wear is a cozy wool/alpaca blend sweater.  Or cuddle up with your favorite afghan.  Alas, I have two new designs to share with you. 

Photos by Rose Callahan, 2012

It's like getting a birthday present every time Vogue Knitting sends me the latest photos of my designs for them.  This is the project information for both:

Bulky Crew Neck
For sizes: X-Small/Small, Medium, Large, X-Large/XX-Large

Yarn Information: Blue Sky Alpacas Bulky

Amounts: 12 (13, 14, 16) hanks in #1211 frost

Motif Afghan

For sizes: 38" x 53"

Yarn Information: Patons Classic Wool

Amounts: 5 skeins in #00202 aran, 2 skeins each in #77223 lemongrass and #77253 burnt orange, 1 skein each in #77531 currant and #77615 yellow

So as soon as it's cool enough in your area to break out the wool and needles/hooks again, hopefully these will be your favorite new projects. Happy knitting!

It's Just Yarn, Ladies.

First of all, I just want to start by sending thoughts and prayers to all those battling the fires in Colorado.  May all of you find relief and make it out of this peacefully and with hope.

It's that time again, believe it or not.  It's always very exciting to do Vogue Knitting Live, and this time it's in Chicago.  I'm very honored to be part of this event.  It's so well done, organized, and fun.  And they even used my photo for the front page of the class registration online:

What's not to love??  I will be teaching 2 classes, Seams Like Surgery (the crowd fave) and Zip It!, as well as giving a lecture It's Just Yarn, Ladies.  The lecture is more like a part lecture, part comedy skit (hopefully), and part gossip.  Not gossip in the snarky office-talk way, but more like "insider" gossip about what really goes on in yarn stores.  Most of which everyone probably already knows, and my jokes will all flop, but I'm doing it anyway. 

So, if you're in Chicago, or planning to be, you're in for a real treat with the Vogue Knitting family.  They are all class acts, and know how to please the knitters and the purlers.  And if you consider yourself a VIP (which I'm sure you are if you're reading this), then registration is now open! 

Hope to see you all there!!!

Sheep

This is all about connection for me, I think.  I experience such joy whenever I see a sheep, I just can't explain it.  They're such marvelous creatures.  They eat grass, produce wool.  And it just keeps coming.  Simple as that.  Feel free to leave your comments, but this is a simple post. Just photos. Enjoy.

Shameful yarn dieting.

It's happened.  Something I used to scoff about when others said it.  I am officially bowing my head in shame, and admitting that I have finally experienced what it feels like to NEED to be on a yarn diet.

I was just casually reorganizing after turning in two projects and getting back from Sarasota last weekend when I came across so many "forgotten" skeins of yarn that have yet to have a go with me.  And these ain't no chump yarns, either.  We're talking Madeleine Tosh Chunky in the Boxwood colorway.  It's so funny how things change.  I remember being in the yarn store when I bought it, thinking, "OOOH! I can't wait to get home to make something!!"  And here it is months later, and the same yarn is no better off than candy that sits in a jar too long. I even went so far as to beg my partner to help me. I told him that anytime I'm in a yarn store and I proclaim, "I just HAVE to have this", to just look at me with a pouty lip and ask "what about the sweater you promised you'd finish a year ago?"  That should do it.

I recently updated my Ravelry page with correct PDF's, and here are two sock patterns I felt like re-posting from the dead-and-gone Yarn Ball Boogie blog.  (Thank God that's over).

1. Stalkers

2.  Seize Diamondbacks

As always, thanks for reading, and happy knitting!