Stripes

This season, it seems that stripes are everywhere. From sweaters to shawls, from cowls to scarves, knitwear designers are re-inventing traditional stripes in flattering ways. And we're not talking self-striping yarns. The popular patterns on Ravelry and in the magazines this fall and winter are using multiple colors of the same yarn to control the color.

I've put together some of the popular and striking patterns popping up with this trend:

left to right, top to bottom: OtganiX T, Zimmi Jacket, Stained Glass, Stripe Study, Fibonacci Mittens, Sothia, Kaleidoscopic Cowl, Annette Scarf, Contrast and Complement, Daybreak, Oxygen Scarf, Groove, Chadwick, Diverted, Athena, Array, Cameo, Color Affection

You can see larger photos and get links to the patterns on my Pinterest board on this topic: http://pinterest.com/mamazooma/stripe-trend/

Disclaimer: I have no connection to the designers of these pattern featured, nor do I profit from any of the sales of the patterns. I also cannot vouch for the quality of the patterns.

Find of the Day - August 10

It seems that I'm drawn to patterns similar to whatever I'm working on at the moment.
I'm currently working on designing a few shawls to show off the colors and diversity of the MamaZooma yarn line, so lace shawls in all shapes and sizes are calling out to me.

Here is a shawl released on Ravelry that caught my eye today:

Leniann

by Bea Schmidt

I like the way this shawl works cable and lace together in a seamless look.  I'm also a sucker for that crescent shape; I prefer it to just about every other shawl shape.

As with all finds of the day, I have no connection to the designer or the pattern featured. I also cannot vouch for the quality of the pattern.

Find of the day - August 5

It has been over 100 degrees here in Missouri for the last week, but today, finally, we've gotten a break and some rain. At lunch, the car temperature read 71 degrees.

It's days like today that make me hopeful that fall isn't too far off. And with fall weather comes fall knitting - coats, cardigans, WOOL!
Poking around Ravelry today, I saw this classic cardigan that has me longing for cool days and football season:

Honeycomb Jacket

by Laura Grutzeck

This sweater is one of many wonderful patterns coming in Interweave Knits this fall. For the full preview, see The Interweave Knits Fall 2011 Preview

Find of the Day - August 3

The Vogue Knitting Fall preview is out. The designers and editors at Vogue Knitting do not disappoint.  The fall 2011 issue is full of gorgeous colorwork, lovely lace, and accessories.

A few favorites:

#13 Wave Cable Ja...

Ellen Ligouri

#18 Lace Cardi and Cowl

by E. J. Slayton

#20 Lace Bodice Top

by Laura Zukaite

 

#06 Snowflake Jacket

Kazekobo (風工房)

#23 Cowl-Neck Pul...

Maie Landra

#01 Nordic Gloves

Lone Smevik Soleng  

For the full preview of the issue, go to: Vogue Knitting Fall 2011 Preview

How-to Guide to Dying Yarn

I've started to document my methods for prepping, dyeing, and using hand-dyed yarns.

You can read my first entries about how to prepare your yarn for dying here.

If you want to use Kool-Aid powder to dye yarn, the preparation process is slightly different, tips for that type of dying can be found here.

I hope this information is helpful to you in trying your own hand in dying.

Gathering supplies

My new stash of Kool-Aid Dyes

HyVee had Kool-Aid on sale this week, so I've been gathering different flavor packets to make yarn-dying recipes.  The sample yarn should arrive within a few days. SO EXCITED!

Vogue Knitting Spring Preview

Vogue Knitting has released the preview for their popular Spring/Summer issue including the fabulous lace tunic by Brooke Nico. Brooke is one of my favorite lace designers, and she's local in St. Louis.

See all of the wonderful projects in this season's Vogue Knitting here:

http://vogueknitting.com/magazine/spring_summer_2011_fashion_preview.aspx