Mittens done.. On to the next project

My CJ's Garter Cuff Mittens are done. I called my project Bumble Mittens, due to the color scheme of the cuffs. I van see myself making more of these and using more scraps and odd balls to give more people at the Pine Ridge Reservation warm hands.

My Bumble Mittens

My next project is Kirsten McTeer's Soft Honeycomb Cowl, which I am knitting from Buttercream Luxe Craft Twist in their Bluebell colorway.

CJ's Garter Cuff Mittens..and more patterns to try!

My knitting for the upcoming publication that is still my secret project will be done by tomorrow night, so now I'll be going back to my Gift-A-Long knitting projects. I'm testing out several patterns for my charity knitting rotation, as it's fun to try new patterns.
I've tried Ziyad, a hat pattern by Ranee Mueller of Arabian Knits. Next in line, is CJ's Garter Cuff Mittens, for which I have the main color selected and have narrowed down my contrasting colors previously. I chose from the pile of odd balls and bits, shown below. I will post updates to these soon once there is a bit of progress. I'm not knitting fast, but at least I'm able to knit again.

I'm also hoping to knit Soft Honeycomb Cowl, which is knit flat and can be seamed or grafted, depending on the experience and desire of the knitter. I like that it's knit in bulky, so should knit up quickly which is good for charity patterns.

I'm also going to give two children's patterns a try. Milo Bambino by Georgie Nicholson is the baby size of her very popular Milo vest pattern.  I thought it would make a great layering piece for spring or autumn, especially with the cold temperatures in South Dakota, where the Pineridge Reservation is located.

Lacy Loo by Jenny Wiebe is a cute little tee, with a lace panel knitted in worsted weight. I think this might make another cute layering piece, as well as spring or summer top depending on the yarn used.

No bother boot slippers by Elizabeth Felgate sound exactly like their name. Knit from the top down, in the round and seamless yet no picking up of stitches sounds too good to be true. I'm going to find out, because these will be great for children and elders alike, not to mention moms and anyone else with cold feet.

My own choice of technique to learn this time around is covered in the blog post about Faye Kennington of Ukee Knits. I want to try my hand at stranded knitting with her Christmas Cracker hat.

It is my hope to work on all of these in the next several weeks, which will take me past the end of Gift-A-Long 2017. This is okay, because we can't choose when our bodies will cooperate and when they won't. I have lots of stuff to keep me busy as you can see. I hope they will make useful additions to my charity knitting rotation and they will keep it interesting as well.

Sorry, I've been absent...

Sorry, I've been absent due to carpal tunnel issues which make typing and knitting difficult. Most of my limited knitting time has been spent on a secret project, which I will share once I have the go ahead from the publication. Yes, I'm going to have another project published, but can't tell you what, which publication or date yet.
Once the details are out I will share here. Until then I need to finish the sample, which is a little slower going than I wished, but I never know when I'll have a flare up. It just happened during the Indie Design Gift-A-Long this time, which has put a quash on many of my plans.
I'm hoping to be in "fighting shape" soon. I have so many things to knit for charity, but even they have had to take a back burner lately.  I'll have to extend my charity knitting deadline to my birthday, so that will give me extra time.
I'll be writing about some of my top charity knitting picks, as well as sharing info and pictures from my recent knitting cruise through the western Caribbean including Haiti, Jamaica, and  Mexico.
I taught classes, worked in the on board supply center and did social media for our group of over 300 knitters and crocheters.
See you soon.

CJ's Garter Cuff Mittens by Denise Balvanz

I was looking for a mitten pattern to try for my charity knitting, when I saw these great mittens with a garter cuff. That garter cuff is extra thick so it will keep the cold out and the warm in!

It turns out that designer Denise Balvanz actually made these for charity knitting originally as a variation of her standard mitten. I also thought that they would be good for stash busting, as you could use smaller amounts for the garter stripes.

These mittens were named for her youngest child, because he usually got the hand-me-downs from older siblings which were in sad shape by the time they reached him, holey, felted or both. He gets new mittens every year, because he keeps growing (funny how they do that)!

There is also a matching beanie, where that garter stitch cuff will make ears extra toasty! I may get that one as well, so that I can make matching sets.

She has lots of other great patterns ranging from Christmas stockings, baby items, and all manner of other things to keep you warm.

Give her a look! You can find her Gift-A-Long bundle here!

CJ's Garter Cuff Beanie and Mitten

Denise's Bundle Cover

Faye Kennington makes me want to knit stranded colorwork

I discovered designer, Faye Kennington of UkeeKnits during last year's GAL which was my first as a designer and participant.

She helped me on some technical and graphics issues, definitely saving my bacon and my sanity. This is also when I discovered her as a designer as well! (I also did a little interview with her, if you want to go back and check it out).

She has a lot of quick to knit items, which definitely help when you are time crunched and need a hat or other item for a quick gift! She has a wide repertoire of designs ranging from fun and funky to downright elegant!

This past year she has been getting my attention because of her beautiful stranded colorwork designs! My experience with colorwork, stranded or otherwise, has been limited to a couple of challenges.
I start to step into the water with a toe and then runaway because it looks too scary! But like a toddler it fascinates me because of all the pretty colors and patterns, and I just can't resist looking and wanting to try again.

This is the technique I want to challenge myself with this year! She has several patterns that intrigue me I just have to decide which one. A few are hat patterns such as Alpenglow, Two Medicine and Christmas Cracker (which I have been secretly scoping out since last year!)

There is also a wonderful Christmas Stocking pattern that lets you mix and match designs to the tune of 512 different combinations! I don't have that many stockings to knit, but what a wonderful thing to be able to make for my grandnieces and grandnephews. I have lots of time in between my own projects and several years. The pattern looks interesting and something you can customize endlessly.
So stranded colorwork, Fair Isle, here I come!

Check out Faye Kennington and if you're wanting to try this technique, she's got the patterns to tempt you! You can find her at Faye Kennington's designer page.

Here are a few that I found......that I will probably purchase at least one from this selection.

A little more than a day until the Indie Design Gift-A-Long 2017 & why I love it so!

Only a little more than a day until the GAL starts! On November 21 at 8:00 pm, the kick off sale starts! It goes until 11/28 at 12:00 am.

I love participating in the GAL, because it truly changed me in more ways than one.  I participated last year for the first time as a designer and participant.  I met a truly caring community of designers and participants.  There were many firsts for me during last year's GAL.

I had tech issues (well my understanding of the graphics, png's, collages), so my understanding of tech issues required a bit of help, which I received in spades.

I have to admit that I went a little crazy and tried to knit something in every category. I managed to do that, so I tamed my first Opadoo. I knitted my first shawl. I also started thinking that I could do more as a designer.  I discovered an untapped well of longing that I thought had been stamped out several years before by the careless remark of someone who was much higher in the design world than I. 

I won’t call out names or give details, except to say that the thoughtless act crushed the spirit of a very new designer. I crawled back into my safe little niche of knit/felted designs and didn’t venture out again until last year when the caring community of GAL designers drew me out.  I discovered that I still wanted to try other types of designing and needed to expand my skills in many ways. 

I started taking every challenge that came up from Conquering Cables, SoleneKnits 5 Day Headband Challenge to ArohaKnits 5 Shawls 5 Days, Colorwork Catalyst and Initiate Knit Design Challenges. 

I blogged about all these challenges (which you can see here in this blog if you like) and then I jumped in feet first into Swatch Studio Design Course with Francoise Danoy and then FiberBoss College with Chelsea Fitch to learn about the business end of the design world. 

5 Shawls 5 Days Challenge

5 Day Headband Challenge

I previously had worked full-time and released patterns now and again as I had time.  I mostly sold copies to my local yarn shop, but them a couple of years ago put them on Ravelry.  I sold some now and then, but never owed Ravelry.  After the 2016 GAL was the first time I ever had to pay Ravelry, but I didn’t mind because it meant that people bought my patterns in enough numbers to make that happen.

During this time, I also discovered about tech editors and test knitters. I had always test knitted my own patterns more than once and had no idea what a tech editor was.  I am hoping to have all my old patterns tech edited eventually as I can afford it, but I have a lot of rewriting to do before that happens. I have also learned more about pattern writing, photography, charting and all the other things that go into writing patterns. 

I am hoping to continue expanding my design portfolio with more non-felted patterns. I have recently released my first two non-felted patterns, which are offered in my sale bundle for GAL 2017. I released my shawl pattern, Infinite Surf in October and Stella Eve's Snoozle, a baby blanket pattern last week.
 

Infinite Surf

Stella Eve's Snoozle

I also recently participated in a knitting cruise sponsored by my local yarn shop, the Knit and Stitch boutique and Cascade Yarns. We were fortunate enough to have StevenBe on board as one of our “star” instructors.

He is a very genuine and exceedingly positive person.  I told him I appreciated his kindness toward a fledgling designer and briefly told him about the experience that had stunted my growth as a designer (still no names mentioned). He put his arm around my shoulder and pulled me in for a half hug. He kissed my forehead and said that the aforementioned crusher of dreams didn’t know what they were talking about.

That night at the StevenBe Style Show on board, as I was carrying out my social media duties, he called me out from behind my camera and introduced me as an up and coming fledgling designer. You could have knocked me over with a feather at that point. He didn’t have to do it, but he did. It was so amazing and felt so good to have a designer at his level take the time to undo some of the damage done so long ago.  I’m getting misty just thinking about it, because it was monumental for me.  It gave me a much needed boost in confidence.

StevenBe and I at his Style Show on the cruise.

So I love the GAL, because it was the catalyst to me coming out of my safe little niche of knit/felted design into the wider design world.  It was the cooperative spirit that nudged me into trying new things and trusting a new group of designers.  This cooperative spirit makes me think of a saying from Chelsea Fitch of FiberBoss College, “A rising tide lifts all boats!” which remind me there is room enough for all in this world of Ravlery and knit design.

So, I’ll see you at that party known as Indie Design Gift-A-Long 2017! Be there or be square and see you on the flip side!

Trying a hat pattern by Ranée Mueller of Arabian Knits

One of the best parts of the GAL is trying other designers pattern!
Ranée Mueller of  ArabianKnits has these two great hats! And I'm going to knit one or both of them! Ziyad on the left and Spume on the right. Both knit worthy and use either worsted or bulky, which means quick to knit! Important for when making them for charities!
I do most of my knitting knitting for love between Thanksgiving and Valentines Day! Most people call it charity knitting, but I prefer knitting for love!
At this special time of year, it's my way of giving back to the world by helping others.
Anyone who knows me or has read my posts for long, knows I love doing things For The Children of Pineridge! They are my preferred group on Ravelry to knit for or donate to because their motto is "Do what makes your heart sing!"
I love to knit hats, but like to change it up now and again with a new pattern!
Both have visual interest with spiraling stitches or cables! I need more practice with cables always!
Support a new to you indie designer! You might find some new favorites!
💖
•
Photo credit: Ranée Mueller of ArabianKnits
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It's only 5 more days .....

The Indie Design Gift-A-Long is in its 5th year! For the last four years, there has been much gift knitting, chatting, playing of games, winning prizes, gift crocheting, recipe swapping and more because of this 6 week long party!
"What's a Gift-A-Long?"  you may ask if you weren't around last year for the festivities!

It’s a multi-designer promotion to help you kick your holiday gift-making into high gear! The Indie Design Gift-A-Long is a 6 week long KAL/CAL of holiday gifts made from patterns designed by a rather extensive list of independent designers. From November 21, 2017 at 8:00 pm US EST to December 31, 2017 at midnight US EST there will be fun games, contests, and 8 KAL/CALs that will help you get your holiday knitting and crocheting done with companionship and fun!

From November 21, 2017 at 8:00 pm US EST to November 28th at 11:59pm US EST tons of indie designers will be discounting between 10 - 20 of their patterns 25% for this event. Use coupon code: giftalong2017.

Once you’ve got your Gift-A-Long patterns, we encourage you to join a relevant KAL/CAL! (For instance, if it is a cowl, please join the Cowls, Scarves, & Other Neck Things KAL/CAL.) To join, simply write a post in the KAL/CAL thread you want to join, including the pattern name you will be knitting and a link to your project page. KAL/CAL participants are eligible for lots of lovely prizes but you’ve got to post to win Please Note: all prize winners must be group members!
KAL/CALs will run from November 21, 2017 at 8:00 pm US EST to December 31, 2017 at midnight US EST, plenty of time to knock out all your holiday knitting and crocheting. We have tons of prizes, games, and great conversation, plus a lot of other fun, so pull up a chair and join us!
On your mark…get set…. GIFT!!
Other things:

• Please use #giftalong2017 to tag your social media-ing!
  
• Please only share Giftalong projects in the “shared projects” section of the group.

Another new pattern!

In the next few days, I will be releasing Stella Eve's Snoozle. This is a baby blanket that I designed for my grand niece.  I got so many compliments I decided to make it into a pattern.
I'm wrapping up test knitting and tech editing, so I will release it shortly.
Look below to see a picture of it and watch my designer profile page for the release!

I will also be participating in the GAL again this year, so select patterns will be on sale. Watch here for more about GAL 2017 as I will be posting about it again this year.

A little name change..

Hello All,

I'm popping in to say I've had a little name change or my design business had a name change. I now go by KraziKnitz Designs!
I just released Infinite Surf on Ravelry at this link. There is an introductory discount of 15% or  you can click on the link on the pattern page to sign up for a 25% discount and my newsletter, which will feature updates, exclusive offers and events, such as KAL's or giveaways. Who doesn't love a giveaway! It might be for a pattern or other goodies.
 I also have a new Ravelry group where I will host test knits for new patterns and eventually KALS, etc. My new group, is KraziKnitz Designs and you can find it here.
 If you would like to be a test knitter, join the group and reply to the general test knitting thread so that I can add you to the ear burn list.

You can follow me on Instagram,  where I am @kraziknitz by following this link.  I am including a few pictures of Infinite Surf below, for your viewing pleasure.

Infinite Surf

Infinite Surf

Close up of Ocean Wave Lace Detail

Short update...

I'm also going to Learn to Tech Edit Master Class, with Joeli Kelly. This will help me to write better patterns and also help other designers at the same time.
I'm still in FiberBoss College, working on discovering who my tribe is and what my brand will represent.  I'm looking forward to exploring all of these avenues to becoming a better designer to help knitters have a better knitting experience.
My first non-felted design will probably go into the test knitting stage sometime in August.  Follow me on Instagram @kraziknitz to see when and how.
That's all for now....Happy Knitting!

I know I haven't been around....

I know I haven't been around, but after the FiberArt Photo Challenge, I took part in Aroha Knits Initiate Knit Design Challenge as well.
As a result, I am currently involved in online classes with Francoise Danoy's aka Aroha Knits Swatch Studio Design Course and Chelsea Fitch's Fiber Boss College, because I'm ready to take my designing and my business to the next level. 
I won't ever stop loving knit and felted design, but have felt the urge for a very long time to try new things in terms of design.  I'm currently working on a few new patterns, that aren't knit and felt.
You can follow me on Instagram where I go by @kraziknitz.  I'm still on Ravelry, but haven't been in any of the groups much.  No time between design class and business class.
I'm also working part-time doing social media for my LYS in historic Cocoa Village,  the Knit and Stitch boutique. 
I'm also going to be a grand auntie again very soon, so that has me occupied working on a project for the expected little one.
As you can tell I've been busy! I'll probably check in occasionally or I many shut the blog down.
Just know,  I appreciate everyone who stops by, even if I haven't posted in a while.  I'll try to make updates when I can and if things change, I'll post here too.
Thanks for reading and I'll see you around the web.

The Fiber ART Photo Challenge with Chelsea Fitch of the Fiber Boss Collective

I just finished a five day Fiber Art Photo Challenge.  We were trying to learn ways to get better pictures from our camera phones.  We had live streams everyday, had homework and lots of tips.
I will post some of my pictures here, but I just wanted to touch base.  This post will be edited to include those pictures.

Mariner Toe-Up Knit-A-Long (KAL)

For the last two weeks, I have been involved in a KAL for a pair of toe-up socks with a fairisle motif of anchors, hence the name Mariner.  Katalin Beth had a 5-day toe-up sock challenge, along with videos and written instructions, she also included Facebook live instructional guides.  A good time was had by most, if not all, participants.  Then she offer us a discount on a new pattern called Mariner, and the rest is history.  I  previously blogged about choosing the color combos, but now I will share my progress through words and pictures. Mostly pictures.

My final color choices

 March 10

I did have to start my first sock over
a couple of times, because working with navy blue yarn took a toll on my eyes.
Then there was the first set of fairisle charts and I had to do a bit back up and start again (a couple of more times). But I wouldn't let it beat me and I finally got started on the striped part of the foot.

March 12

March 14

A few more stripes and I was ready for the Afterthought Heel- Part 1, putting a provisional row of stitches in so you can go back later and add the heel.
Then more stripes.

March 15

March 16

More stripes and another set of fairisle anchor motifs, then the cuff and the Very Stretchy Bind Off. I did change to size 2 needles for the cuff.  And then for the Afterthought Heel-Part 2, which has another little motif of flecks. The color combination was reversed making the yellow the main color with navy flecks. One sock done and one to go.

March 19

March 20

I wasn't about to let second sock syndrome settle in, so I jumped right back on the horse and kept going.  Sock number two started out a bit better, than sock one and progressed faster as well.
Plugging along and trying to make it to the finish line. Fairisle to stripes, then the part one of the heel.

March 21

March 22

After the afterthought "zipper", more stripes, fairisle and the cuff.  Again a bit tight, even though I tried to knit the fairisle part loosely below the cuff.  I may trade up to a size 2 for the whole sock next time. Once I get my foot past that section the socks fit great. So as you can see below I have two beautiful socks.  I think they look pretty good. I had a great time knitting them.


So if you would like to try toe-up socks with a little a little nautical motif, these are the socks for you.  They can be found at Katalin Beth's website.  You can also find her on Ravelry at http://www.ravelry.com/designers/Katalin-Beth.  She also has a Facebook group called Katalin Beth Fibre Central, where she hosts challenges, knit-a-longs, test knits and all manner of fibery fun. It is a private group, but you can ask to join and be admitted to the party.

March 23- TahDah! My socks!

Skein Shop Spring-A-Long & Mariner Toe-Up Sock KAL

I'm currently engaged in two a-longs......

Skein Shop is having a Spring-A-Long, which as long as it is a spring theme, it's okay.  It can be knit, crochet, or even weaving.  I am working on a design, but I haven't shared anything yet. Soon though! I've been having a little designer block.....I just can't get the idea to gel.  Swatching some lovely CoBaSi from HiKoo.  Lovely spring colors, in this cotton/bamboo/silk blend in a fingering weight. It's not too late to participate...go to their Ravelry group here to sign up, but don't wait too long...it ends April 16th.

I am also taking part in a KAL with Katalin Beth.  She's an indie designer/yarn dyer out of Australia.  You might recognize her name from the 5-Day Toe-Up Sock Challenge. This is a toe-up sock pattern called Mariner with stripes and a fairisle motif of anchors (making me use those fairisle skills from the last challenge). You should check out her website at Katalin Beth Designs.



These are some of my earlier color choices, but as you can see they didn't quite work out the way I had hoped.  I went with two contrasting solids finally, a navy blue and butter yellow as seen below.
I'm using Cascade Heritage Sock yarn. I like them together and think they look good, but I'll show you that in my next post.

Colorwork Catalyst Workshop with Francoise Danoy of Aroha Knits

Francoise Danoy aka Frenchie of Aroha Knits just release several colorwork patterns using mosaic knitting and other colorwork techniques.  She has a great bundle of patterns that you can buy as a group on Ravelry or at her website Aroha Knits.  She recently hosted the 5 shawls in 5 days challenge in January, but this was a more casual arrangement.

We got a lesson in selecting colors based on a color wheel.  We were challenged to pick several combinations before settling on one that we wished to use for the workshop. I chose these, but settled on one finally. That was Day 1.

Day 2 was reading colorwork charts.  We received examples of colorwork charts and saw a video on how it works and our homework was to work with the numbers and learn to follow the patterns.

Day 3 had a video and swatch for us to knit using Intarsia, which involves using little bobbins of color. We were lucky that our homework only required two colors. Intarsia involves blocks or spots of color in the middle of area.  Yarns are twisted so that you don't have gaps or holes.  They are good for designs requiring individual or multiple splotches or blocks of color.  I chose to work with the heliotrope and light lime.

Day 4 had another video and more homework.  Mosaic knitting is worked one color at a time and is knitting stripes in a fancy slipped stitch pattern. If I did it again, I might have chosen garter stitch only because stockinette curls.  I took a real close up,  because otherwise my swatch was sort of ugly with curled edges and all.  Mosaic also uses more yarn than I imagined.

Day 5 took a couple of days,because stranded knitted is best worked in the round.  Instead of a swatch, I decided to knit a hat that I could send off to my favorite place to send warm things. The Pineridge Reservation.  I have a series of pictures that shows the progress of my hat over a couple of days. This type of knitting also uses much more yarn, carried across the back as floats.  That will provide extra warmth in those areas, especially if you are using wool.

Overall, I had a great time with this workshop, which was more casual and worked at your own pace. I'm not quite so nervous about the types of colorwork any longer.  I will probably knit these types of colorwork again in the future, but now I'm not afraid of it any longer.

Thanks, Frenchie! You helped me get over my fear of colorwork and gave me a gentle kick in the pants to get off my duff and give it a try.💖💙💚💛💜

I won a prize...5 Day.Headband Challenge Update

I received 2nd prize in the 5 Day Headband Challenge from Solene LeRoux of SoleneKnits. I received a mini skein of yarn-colorway Mirkwood from Beloved Yarns and a copy of her headband pattern Shoal.  I received it this past week and wanted to post a picture. Lots of deep earthy tones-browns, greens, grays and a little black.  Thanks for the great prize.

Conquering Cables with Amanda Leah & Knitventure Society

My most recent challenge that I participated in was Conquer Cables with Amanda Leah of daisy chain knits & the Knitventure Society.

I had knit a few cables previously, but avoided them most of the time.  I decided that this challenge might get me past this apprehensiveness.  I liked the idea of learning cable constructions and the basics behind them.  The idea of being able to repair them without frogging also had an appeal!

It was also fun to actually be making something other than a swatch.  Our swatch was going to turn into a useful object. A gift card cozy!  She has two free patterns for those in her Ravelry shop.
The one we were making was the Plaited Gift Card Cozy.  We got a video & homework assignment each day, as well as live streams at various times to accommodate varying time zones.  She had a co-star for most of the videos, her handsome Persian cat - Sampson (who seems to like the limelight, as evidenced by his fluffiness making daily appearances)!😺

Day 1 was the basics, lots of technical info on cables, reading charts, etc.  We did a few set up rows as homework.  My picture is a little dark, because we were gone most of the day & I didn't take pictures until I got home. We also learned about lifelines, which came in handy later.

Day 2 was the first couple of repeats on our actual cables.  Our video on conventional knitting gave us the basics on the two types of cable crosses.  Amanda also included videos on mirror knitting for those who knit predominantly left handed.  We also covered the two basic types of cable needles, as well as quick fixes for when you can't find your needle.  She showed an inventive little cable needle ring that she wears, so that she doesn't lose hers.  An idea from her mom!

Day 3 was the completion of the cable repeats, as well as how to cable without a cable needle.  I tried it, but had limited success.  Thank heaven for lifelines, which we learned about on Day 1. I'll try it again some day, but I like the security of the cable needle for now.

Day 4 of our challenge dealt with the finishing rows, dry blocking, how to even out loose stitches and regular blocking. I completed my cozy and blocked it. I also used the time to pick out my button.

Day 5 was seaming and adding the button.  I was having so much fun, I went ahead and completed the Chain Gift Card Cozy as well.  I'm posting that picture, as well.  I chose a whimsical butterfly for the bright yellow cozy,  and something a little more classic for the green one.

There were great prizes and fun was had by all participants.  If you want to conquer cables, she will open the challenge back up in a few months.  Go to Daisy Chain Knits for more details or join the Knitventure Society.  Amanda is also going to have on-going KALs and other learning opportunities, with a new series of skill building adventures called igKNITion Skill Studio.  This will be starting very soon with their first edition, Celtic Cables.  Stop on by and join the crowd of happy knitters.