Tag Archives: kal

Coming soon: Go Tell the Bees

Posted on May 19, 2017 | 5 comments

Remember this cake of gorgeous gradient yarn?

It grew up to be this shawl. This is Go Tell the Bees. It was inspired by the title of the upcoming book in the Outlander series, “Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone.” I’m not sure who’s gone, but the title is so evocative, I had to do something with it.

This crescent shawl begins at the lower edge and features lacy honeycombs and bees. It is knit with either 430 or 645 yards of fingering weight yarn.

Here’s the smaller 430 yard version. Why yes, those are the ends hanging out. I should sew them in soon!

The pattern has been tech edited and is being test knit. I’m planning to publish it on June 1. We’re having a KAL beginning June 11; you can sign up for the KAL in my Ravelry group here. I hope you’ll knit along with me! I’m having fun picking prizes for it already.

If you’d like to use the same yarn I did, you can order Renai in many colors from Fierce Fibers. Stacey is offering it at 10% off through June 30, 2017 with coupon code MICHELEBEE10.

If you’d like to be notified when the pattern is published, subscribe to my email newsletter. You’ll get a special discount on the pattern, too. Just let me know in the comments, and I’ll add you to the list.

Looking forward to June!

5 Comments

Posted in KAL, Knit, pattern design

Tagged Fierce Fibers, Go Tell the Bees, Go Tell the Bees KAL, kal, Outlander

Bang Out A Sweater next week?

Posted on January 30, 2016 | 10 comments

When I saw that Kay and Ann over at Mason-Dixon Knitting were starting a #BangOutASweater KAL with Mary Jane Mucklestone’s Stopover pattern, I tried to resist. I have several projects already in the works, and don’t really need one more.

But if I did decide to knit along, what colors would I use? I played with some colors online. Just looking, you know. As one does.

I wondered what they would look like in real life? I went to the Knitting Bee to check. And then I bought the yarn. Oops. But Létt-Lopi isn’t very expensive on the yarn continuum, so I didn’t feel too guilty. I could put it away for later when I have more time, right?

My friend Claudia came over to bake bagels and sing with me the other day. (She, Becky, and I sing as the Pie Birds.) The bagels turned out great.

I told her about the BangOutASweater KAL, and she was all in. She went from my house to Dublin Bay to get yarn. I’m such an enabler! (And can I say just how lucky we are in Portland to have 15 yarn shops in the area, and TWO that carry Lopi?) She sent me this picture.

I guess this means I should knit along with her now, instead of later. I swatched yesterday (in the round! and wet blocked!) and also sampled color placement. The size didn’t change when I blocked it, but the yarn fuzzed up marvelously and filled in the gaps at this loosely knit gauge. Perfect.

I like the top sample better; the gray and blue pop against each other at the bottom of the peacock feather. The green and blue are too similar in value to each other and mush into each other in the bottom sample. Here it is in monotone; you’ll see what I mean.

So I’ll run with the color placement in the top sample, but I’m not excited about the green as the accent color pop. I may use cherry red. Or sunshine yellow. Hot pink? It’s only used in that one row, so I’ll check my stash of leftovers (Brown Sheep Lamb’s Pride) to see if I have anything that works. Otherwise, back to the yarn store. Oh, darn.

How about you? Do you want to bang out a sweater with us? It will be quick. And fun! Check it out here on the blog, on the Mason-Dixon Knitting blog, their Ravelry group, and Instagram, where the hashtag is #BangOutASweater.

10 Comments

Posted in foodies!, KAL, Knit, Pie Birds, yarn

Tagged BangOutASweater, kal, Knit

Twin Leaf Crescent KAL: Sign up now!

Posted on December 8, 2015 | 5 comments

Introducing….my new Twin Leaf Crescent Shawl.

I designed this for Black Trillium Fibre Studio’s Q1 2016 Knit Along. It’s knit with Melanie’s gorgeous Lilt Sock gradient yarn, 85% Superwash Merino, 15% Mulberry silk. This yarn is heavenly to knit with, and the drape and hand of the knitted fabric is amazing. Beads are optional, but highly recommended, for additional drape and sparkle.

This shawl is knit in the periwinkle colorway, five gradient shades of the loveliest blue-purple. The gradient kit is 165g, 675 yards, which makes a lovely large shawl that you can get cozy in. You’ll want to check out all the available colors; I had a hard time choosing.

The leaves on the lower edge…

are echoed at the top of the shawl. A ribbon of shell lace is set off by a garter stitch frame.

The pattern is available exclusively through Black Trillium Fibres for the KAL that runs from January 1 to March 31, 2016. Check out the Ravelry page for info on the KAL, or the Black Trillium Fibres page for more info on ordering the yarn and pattern. Fun and prizes await. Treat yourself in the new year!

5 Comments

Posted in KAL, Knit, pattern design, yarn

Tagged black trillium, black trillium fibre studio, gradient yarn, kal, twin leaf crescent, twinleafKAL2016

Tilt Shift Wrap KAL party at Wool ‘n’ Wares this Friday

Posted on March 31, 2015 | Comments Off

The Tilt Shift KAL begins tomorrow, April 1. Today is the last day to get the special price on the pattern. See pattern page for details.

I’m hosting the KAL through my PDXKnitterati Ravelry group. Come join for fun and prizes!

And for those who are local, I’m having a cast on/KAL party this Friday April 3 at Wool ‘n’ Wares in West Linn from 1 to 4 p.m.

Hope to see you, in person or on the interwebs!

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Posted in events, KAL, Knit

Tagged cast on party, kal, tilt shift kal, tilt shift wrap, wool 'n wares

Tilt Shift Wrap pattern release and KAL

Posted on March 25, 2015 | 5 comments

The Tilt Shift Wrap is live!

This wrap features an intriguing woven cable that is knit through itself rather than simply crossed. It is knit flat in one piece with DK weight yarn, then folded and seamed. An edge cable mimics the undulations of the tilting stitches. Complicated? 80% of the rows are just soothing stockinette stitch. This design is perfect for semisolid tonals.

You could call it a poncho, but I don’t want to give you flashbacks to the 1970’s. So we’ll call it a wrap, and just keep that P word our little secret.

The pattern includes a link to a video tutorial for the woven cables. Easy peasy!

To celebrate this pattern launch, I’m offering $1 off through March 31. Get it while it’s hot! Use coupon code CABLE for the discount. Here’s a link to the pattern page.

I’m hosting a knitalong (KAL) through my Ravelry PDXKnitterati group beginning April 1. And we’re planning an in-person get together at Wool ‘n’ Wares, for those who can make it. I’ll post details on that soon. Edit: Wool ‘n’ Wares KAL party will be Friday, April 3, from 1 to 4 p.m. They’re located at 21580 Willamette Drive, West Linn, OR 97068. Be there if you can!

I knit the green version in Malabrigo Rastita, color Solis. It’s a lovely single ply, slightly felted yarn. Sarah Peery knit the purple version in Black Trillium Fibre Studio Sublime, color Tyrian. Three 100g skeins of either will make a nicely sized wrap. Thanks to Sarah for knitting (and photographing), and Melanie at Black Trillium Fibre Studio for the lovely yarn.

Hope you’ll come knit along!

5 Comments

Posted in KAL, Knit, pattern design, yarn

Tagged black trillium fibres, DK weight yarn, kal, poncho, tilt shift kal, tilt shift wrap

XOXOKAL

Posted on February 4, 2015 | 27 comments

I’ve cast on for the February Hugs and Kisses KAL, now tagged XOXOKAL on Ravelry.

Four pattern repeats done on my Fern Shawlette. The beads are very subtle here, but they do show up better in real life.

The yarn is Louet Gems Fingering in Willow, 100g, and Miyuki Delica beads (tubes rather than seed beads) in Celery.

It’s a pleasure becoming reacquainted with this pattern of mine. It’s not difficult, but it does require paying a little attention, and also pausing to add two beads on most right side rows.

I’m using my trusty Bead Aid to add beads to my knitting, and managing my beads with my bead tin. Do you bead your knits? One of the KAL prizes for the weekly drawings is a set of Bead Aids. I know someone will love theirs as much as I love mine!

There’s still time to join the KAL; we’ve only just started casting on. And the Criss Cross patterns are still on sale for 20% off with coupon code WEAVE, through February 10.

KAL details here.

For a little more fun, I’m giving away 2 patterns from this collection here and on Instagram. To enter, leave a comment and let me know which is your favorite! If you already own your favorite, let me know that and your hoped for pattern. On Sunday, February 8, I’ll draw a name from here, and a name from Instagram. (Do you Instagram? I’m PDXKnitterati over there, too.) You can find names of these patterns in this post.

When I’m not working on my Fern Shawlette, I’m being lured by the siren song of a new to me yarn.

This is Malabrigo Rastita, a DK weight slightly felted single ply yarn. I am enchanted by it. This color is Solis, a mix of greens and blues. Not quite as blue as this picture would lead you to believe, and knitting at night it looks only green, but by daylight it is gloriously both.

I can’t show you what I’m making with it yet, but I have already knit through one 100g hank, and I’m not bored with it at all.

OK, comment time. Let me know your favorite pattern from the XOXOKAL set! And anything else you want to comment on.

27 Comments

Posted in beading, KAL, Knit, yarn

Tagged bead aid, Fern Shawlette, giveaway, kal, louet gems, malabrigo rastita, Miyuki Delica beads, xoxokal

Hugs and Kisses KAL: Casting on soon!

Posted on January 29, 2015 | 2 comments

It’s official: Debbie4 named the February KAL on Ravelry: Hugs and Kisses KAL (the shawls/cowl/hat hug your shoulders/neck/head, and the Criss Cross patterns have “kisses” (x’s)

It includes all seven of my patterns released in January 2015, and also the Hugs and Kisses OXO Fingerless Mitts, just because the name fits. Ravelry links below:

Criss Cross Beret
Thrumviator
Criss Cross Hat
Criss Cross Mitts
Hugs and Kisses OXO Cable Fingerless Mitts (not new, but the name fits!)
Fern Lace Shawlette
Sophie’s Rose
Reversi Cowl

Edited to add: Win one of these patterns! Details in next post.

Don’t forget, the discount code for all Criss Cross patterns is WEAVE, good through February 10. And the code for Reversi is DOTDASH, good through January 31.

We’ll cast on February 1. Choose your knit, and join the KAL in this thread in my Ravelry group. I hope you can join us. We’ll have chat and weekly prize drawings. It’s a pretty small group so far, which makes your chances of winning a prize HUGE. Knit on!

2 Comments

Posted in KAL, Knit

Tagged february kal, kal

New Criss Cross Accessories patterns

Posted on January 27, 2015 | Comments Off

Done! The Criss Cross Accessories Collection is now available on Ravelry. I’m really pleased with this collection.

hat

beret

mitts

The patterns are available either singly or as a set of three. To celebrate the launch of this set, use the coupon code WEAVE at checkout through February 10 for 20% off either a single pattern:

hat

beret

mitts

or the e-book. These patterns are also eligible for my February KAL. Come over to the Ravelry group to join the fun! Link to KAL thread here.

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Posted in KAL, Knit, pattern design

Tagged beret, criss cross, Criss Cross Accessories Collection, february kal, hat, kal, launch sale, mitts

Malabrigo Reversi Cowl

Posted on January 20, 2015 | 5 comments

Mmmmmm, Malabrigo. This sumptuously squishy cowl is knit in the round with two coordinating colors of Malabrigo Worsted, a lovely single ply merino yarn. Cleverly slipped stitches look like Morse code, but it’s not saying anything except, “Wear me!” Only one color is worked per round. Reversing colors halfway through gives you two looks with one quick flip. You can easily adjust the length and height of this cowl to suit your fancy.

This pattern is available for $6 USD via download through Ravelry, Reversi Cowl link here. To celebrate the launch of this pattern, I’m offering 20% off with coupon code DOTDASH.

I took this picture last fall, just before I bound off. I love the contrast between the cowl and the Japanese maple leaves!

I’m planning a February KAL through my Ravelry PDXKnitterati group. You can knit along with me, any of my patterns released this month. So far the patterns are:
.
Sophie’s Rose

Fern Lace Shawlette

Thrumviator

Reversi, shown above,

and my newest design, which should be published next week, Criss Cross Beret, Hat, and/or Fingerless Mitts. I’m looking forward to showing you these, soon. There’s a very cool stitch pattern as a theme.

We’ll have weekly prize drawings during the KAL; show me your progress and you’ll be entered in the drawings! I’m looking for a clever name for this KAL. Leave me a suggestion either here or on the Ravelry PDXKnitterati discussion board, and if I pick yours, there’s a prize for you.

Let’s go!

5 Comments

Posted in KAL, Knit, pattern design, yarn

Tagged kal, Reversi cowl

New year, new knits?

Posted on January 6, 2015 | 8 comments

On New Year’s Eve I picked up my previously abandoned Honey Cardigan project, and found that it really only needs sleeves. The body increases are finished, and it’s long enough, so I finished the bottom edge in garter stitch.

It’s supposed to have applied i-cord all the way around the body and neck edges, but I know I’ll never finish that. I’ll crochet around the fronts and neck instead. I’m working on the first sleeve, and I think it will go pretty quickly in simple stockinette. Perfect multi-tasking knitting. I’ll finish the sleeves with the same garter stitch border as the body.

I certainly don’t want to set this aside for another year. Apparently I began this in Feburary 2013 (thanks Ravelry, for keeping me honest). And in the realm of “do as I say, not as I do,” I didn’t wash and block my gauge swatch, so this is an adventure all around.

I’m hoping to cast on Joji Locatelli’s Even Flow cardigan after this one is done. I bought the yarn last fall when Twisted had a big delivery of Malabrigo. You have to jump if you want a sweater quantity of Mal!

I may be getting ahead of myself, though. I gave my niece a ball of lovely yarn and a promise of mitts for Christmas, and I do need to finish that, both for the gift, and because I want to publish the pattern! This Dream in Color Classy with Cashmere turned out to be a little too heavy for what I wanted to make. Also, it was leaving blue dye all over my fingers, and my wooden needles, too. I had to go back to Twisted and buy more yarn, this time a skein of Malabrigo Rios.

They’re both listed as worsted, but the Classy knits up a lot heavier than the Rios. Back on track now…

This is sweet. The Japan new year stamp for the year of the sheep shows a sheep that has finished the scarf it was knitting 12 years ago, the previous year of the sheep. Or maybe the sheep has knit oodles of project since then. Hard to tell. But check out the detailing: The yarn ball label with the character for sheep on it on the old stamp, and the circular needle with the crochet hook behind it on the new stamp. Fun! This must be the year to Buy. All. The. Wool.

Don’t forget, I have three newly re-released patterns on sale with coupon code at check out:

FERN for 20% off Fern Lace Shawlette

ROSES for 20% off Sophie’s Rose

THRUM for $1 off Thrumviator

I’m thinking of doing a re-release KAL with these knits in February through Ravelry after I finish last year’s knitting this month. Check out the Ravelry thread here. Why join a KAL? Fun, camaraderie, and prizes! I’ll be knitting another Fern Shawlette, this time with the beads I didn’t have time for when I knit the prototype. I’ll be using Louet Gems, and these lovely Miyuki Delica beads that I originally swatched with.

What’s on your needles? Are you knitting out the old, or knitting in the new?

8 Comments

Posted in KAL, Knit, yarn

Tagged honey cardigan, japan sheep stamp, kal, Knit, malabrigo, new year, re-release kal