Lattice Embrace

I'm excited to report -- I'm finally getting back to publishing knitting designs.  Or maybe, to be clear, two designs. The first has been launched today and is an asymmetrical cardigan called “Lattice Embrace.” It's a bulky, easy knit, and yes, it's a way for me to send 'a hug' to knitters!  That's how this sweater feels to me. I knit it and took notes while remote schooling twins last year, and now that they are back in school in person, I've been able to focus on writing it up.

This design’s now available for download on Ravelry, Payhip and Lovecrafts.com.  

Note: If you’re looking for a Low Vision Accessible version of the pattern, that's available on Payhip and Ravelry.

Just making this leap back into focused work has been exciting. I found I lost concentration when it came to helping 4th graders and couldn't do the math needed to grade sizes while juggling everything during the pandemic. This sweater includes sizing from 36-64” and that is a lot of spreadsheet work!  I'm looking forward to seeing how this design makes its way into the world. I love seeing knitters’ work and interpretations of these designs.

I'll also be participating again in the Fasten Off Yarn-Along this year.  This event starts at the end of November and includes a hefty discount for the first week for those buying patterns.  I will pass along the secret code closer to the time.  

If you happen to worry about wool moths, my article on that appears in the Winter 21/22 issue of Vogue Knitting! (I was pretty stoked to be included in an issue with such a famous knitter on the cover.) I also continue to write a column here for the Vancouver Jewish Independent as well…but it’s not always on knitting or fibre arts topics… That’s most of the news for now!  

 

Year's end

 It's been hard for me to find a moment to catch up on the blog. I've a little more time now that Hanukah is over and winter break is here...  I've mostly spent my days helping my kids learn at home.  We've also been staying home for a while now...the high virus rates are worrying.  It's a bit lonely, but we're definitely all introverts here. For us, there have been some advantages to having a break from regular life for a while, too.  I've made a lot of challah.  I've sewn Hanukah gifts: flannel pajama pants for little boys.  

I've had some articles come out:

This piece came out in the Winnipeg Free Press, I am a co-author (with my favourite professor):

Half-measures won't slow the pandemic

Here are some from the Jewish Independent, in Vancouver:

That glitter gets everywhere

Gift of doing nothing at all

The past helps decode the present

Also, I had a fun article come out about how to plan for handspun yarns and garments to keep warm in PLY magazine (I've yet to see a copy of that one in print).  Just today, I got my copy of the new Vogue Knitting.  I'm very proud to have an article on the value of having a yarn stash in that issue, too.

We're doing lots of playing in the snow, dog walks, and eating yummy foods.  We hope you're having a great winter break with lots of joy ahead.  Our sky is darkening now, on December 21st, and it's barely 4pm.  The great darkness is upon us....more time to read, knit, and stay cozy at home.  We're very lucky -and privileged-to be able to do so.

Stay safe, stay warm, and here's looking forward to happy and healthy 2021.

Since we last spoke...

I've been busy over here, making things.  The knitting's gone slowly but the sewing has been, for the most part, very positive.  I've had a success--I made this second jumper from the 100 acts of sewing dress no. 1 pattern, and it has already been worn quite a bit!  (It just requires woolly tights, a long sleeve shirt and a sweater as it is brisk outside these days.)

I then made a set of linen/cotton dish cloths and this too went very quickly!

Filled with confidence over the success of my efforts, I dove into making my first pair of pants...with a pattern.  They are 100 acts of sewing pants no.1.  I lengthened them, I lined up the pinstripes from this wool/blend suiting from Economy Textile.  I finished the pants completely, and then put them on.  Sewing fail!  The fabric does not drape.  The pants look sort of like I instantly gained 40 lbs.  I will either be taking these in or washing them to see if I can get them drape or....something.  Somebody may get a new pair of handmade pants?

Ahh, well.  The bigger picture is easy to see.  I am learning many new skills at once.  I'm also happy that it goes quicker than when I try out a new knitting design.  I sometimes spend months on a project that never becomes a fully realized design or goes on sale for knitters.  That's ok. It happens.  Part of making (and learning) is also failing and trying again.  Very important life lesson--sadly true no matter what we're working on.

In other big news, Three Ply: 3 Stories + Patterns, has been written up in the latest Vogue Knitting Magazine!  I am pleased as punch about it and my household was so excited to see the big article.  This ebook is also available from Ravelry as a pdf or you can just download individual stories and patterns from Ravelry or Lovecrafts.com.

Also, I received a lovely note inviting me to try out a gorgeous handmade ceramic bowl from yarncanada.ca.   When I checked them out, I discovered that they were done by Madeline Coomey, an artist from BC who does beautiful work.  However, alas and alack, my household is too chaotic with dogs and kids to keep a ceramic yarn bowl in one piece...and I do most of my knitting on the run these days.  If you do use yarn bowls though?  This one is a good one! Please check out the link!

Last, but not least...
Today, a column appeared online and was published --on my sewing journey...From the beginning again.