Monday, November 19, 2012

Chicken and Waffles Stitch

There is a commercially available, machine made cowl (I think from the Gap) that has been making the rounds on the Ravelry forums under the heading "WHAT STITCH IS THIS?"  

Took one look and knew it was a tucked brioche variation - and I couldn't resist swatching right away to duplicate the look. 
Here's my version of the stitch - I call it Chicken and Waffles  - one side looks like a waffle stitch (bulky yarn) and the other side looks like chicken tracks (to me anyway). 

My version is a variation of brioche rib using a fingering weight sock yarn and a bulky yarn.    It's fun and fast once you get the technique done and the resulting ribbed fabric is really cozy yet sporty.

I use the brioche terminology developed by Nancy Marchant in her book, Knitting Brioche.  See below for the non-standard definition - let me know if something isn't clear.  Worked flat, using US size 9 needles


Cast on odd number of sts in fingering weight (fw).   This includes 2 edge sts kept in garter.
Set up Row (fw) - p1, (k1, p1) to end
Row 1 (bulky) - k1, (sl1yof, k1) to last st, k1
Row 2,(bulky) - k1 (sl1+yof, p1) to last st, k1
Row 3 (fw) - k1, (brp+1, sl1yof) to last st, k1

Row 4 (fw) - k1, (k1, brp1) to last st, k1
Rep rows 1-4

I think I will go down a needle size or 2 next time.
Sl1yof - slip 1 st purlwise, take working yarn over the right needle and back to the front.
Sl1+yof - slip 1 st purlwise and the yarn over wrap from the previous row, take working yarn over the right needle and back to the front.
Brp - brioche purl - purl together the slipped st and the yarn over wrap from the previous row.
Brp+1  - purl the slipped st and the 2 yarn over wraps from the previous row.
I will be developing a cowl pattern for this that is worked in the round.  Here's the inspiration cowl that got me started.

Monday, October 15, 2012

Skyfall - Complimentary Brioche Lace Scarf Pattern


Earlier this year I splurged on one skein of Artyarns Mohair Splash - a magical, blue tonal blend of silk, mohair, silver Murano glass seed beads, and tiny sequins.   Usually I can resist the temptation to acquire only one skein of a delicious yarn when I have no plan of how I'm going to use said precious fiber, but this time, my will power failed me (like you've never been there?).

As beautiful as this yarn is, finding an appropriate use for just one skein does pose a few challenges.  First, one skein yields 165 yards of fingering weight yarn. Consider that most adult scarfs use about 400 yards of worsted weight and you can see the dilemma.  Second, the beads and sequins are arranged in small sections about 2-3 yards apart, so I had to be mindful to make sure the beaded sections would pool in a pleasing arrangement.

I swatched different versions of brioche patterns in sock weight yarn and large needles, and I worked up a combination that I thought would be perfect for this yarn.   Yes, brioche stitches are notorious for using up a lot of yarn, but when worked on larger than normal needles, a lacy, open fabric, with greater horizontal spread results.  Fewer stitches per inch means quicker knitting and maximizing yardage.



I have named this scarf  Skyfall.  The .pdf version of the pattern can be found over on the right hand side of the blog in the complimentary patterns section.

I hope you consider working up a scarf in some beautiful Artyarns fiber - the knitting and wearing experience is worth every penny.

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Key To The Mint Design - what to do?

A new combo mosaic and brioche stitch pattern.  I'm calling this one "Key to The Mint"

I have worked it up in a cowl, using DK weight cascade wool (black) and my reclaimed sweater fingering weight, that I dyed with food coloring.  I love the color combination. 

I know these combo brioche and mosaic patterns work fine for cowls and scarves, but I'm wondering, would you wear other types of finished objects worked up in these designs?  For example, can you see this pattern worked up in a sock, maybe with a plain striped heel?  How about a vest, a cape, or a shawl?

I'd love some feedback on how you would consider wearing these stitch patterns.  Anyone who provides a comment will get a complementary copy of the finished pattern that results. 

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Loose Diamonds - New Pattern

Looking to knit up a unique, reversible baby blanket pattern?  Here's another design using the combined mosaic and brioche technique - Loose Diamonds Blanket.

Available on Ravelry as an instant download for $5 (click on link above). 
 
The "32" x 32" version uses about 600 yards of yarn.  I worked up the test knit in less than a week. 
 
Let me know what you think.   

Monday, September 17, 2012

Monument Avenue Scarf - New Release


Monument Avenue Scarf pattern released today.  Just $3 US 

Another design resulting from combining slip stitch mosaics and the brioche stitch.  While the scarf appears to be worked using a 2-color stranded method, only 1 color is used at a time.  The result creates a reversible, luxuriously squishy scarf that has two distinct yet equally attractive sides.  One side looks more like a traditional stockinette mosaic, but the fabric lays flat and does not roll as traditional stockinette must. The other side reveals a surprising textured effect, as shown in the photo below.  This unisex scarf is very warm, yet lightweight and comfortable to wear.  The pattern works well when combining a neutral color with a variegated with long color changes, or using 2 contrasting solids. 

Such a fun knit -  I think my next version might be in black and white; or maybe grey and camel.  I'd love to see your color combinations.

And as always, if you have any questions or need any help with the pattern, I'm available to help.  Just let me know.


Monday, September 10, 2012

WIP Wrestling

Summer Treat Cardi pattern by Diane Zangl
Published in Creative Knitting, July 2009
Like many of you, I've got more than a few Works in Process (WIPs) stashed about my work room (aka - house).  This really doesn't bother me.  I'm happy to let projects hibernate until I decide either a) I need the finished object, or b) I need the yarn for another project. 

Inspired by the Ravellenic Games 2012 (a knit along that occurs on Ravelry during the Olympic Games), I decided to wrestle a little striped summer cardigan that I started in 2009.  My version of the Summer Treat Cardi by Diane Zangl, is worked up in Neapolitan stripes of Hempathy (Elizabeth Lavoid).  I had already knit over 50% of the sweater; I knew I wasn't going to use the yarn for anything else; and I figured I could really use the sweater this summer and fall.  So I drug it out, gave myself a high five for storing the pattern, needles, yarn and work done to date all together in a project bag, and set to work. 

About 2 days into my wip wrestling, my enthusiasm started to wane, and I realized why I hadn't finished this in the first place.  Using the hempathy yarn is like knitting with dk weight kitchen twine.  But I pushed on, and finished, though not in time to garner a medal in the 2012 Ravellinics.  And I'm happy to report that the Hempathy softed up into a great fabric with the first washing.  At some point, I may go back and shorten the sleeves.  Seriously, who am I kidding? That's not likely to happen.

Have you done any WIP wrestling lately?  I'd love to hear about it, and see any successes or failures!

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Good For Ewe - So Good!

I am so excited to announce a collaboration between Verdigris Knits Designs and a fantastic new yarn company - Good For Ewe.  Good For Ewe was launched in July 2012 by the fantastically fashion forward Paige Darling Sylvester.  Paige is a veteran of the yarn industry, an intrepid lace knitter, and a determined businesswoman, who's vision is to bring wonderful, unique fiber blends to us.

Good For Ewe's lineup of yarn includes a variety of weights and blends in an assortment of fresh, fun colorways.  And Paige is planning to add more variety as her business grows.  Currently available:

Chord - a worsted weight blend of 60% Peruvian Highland wool, 40% tencel put up in 50 gram balls of 91 yards each.  The recommended stitch gauge is 5.5 stitches per inch on US size 8 (5.0mm) needles.
Claddagh - a sport weight tweed in a blend of 45% merino, 40% baby llama, 15% donegal
 put up in 50 gram balls of  164 yards each.  The recommended stitch gauge is 6 stitches per inch on US size 5 (3.75mm) needles.
 
Sultry Steps - a  fingering weight blend of 40% superwash merino, 40% baby llama, 20% nylon put up in 100gram hanks of 414 yards each.  The recommended stitch gauge is 8 stitches per inch on US size 1.25 (2.25mm) needles.

Mirrorball - a  stunning lace weight blend of  95% merino and 5% silver stellina put up in 100 gram hanks of 796 yards each.  The recommended stitch gauge is 7 stitches per inch on US size 3 (3mm) needles.   I can't wait to try this in a lace shawl. 

Be sure to tell your local yarn store about these yarns if they aren't already carrying them.

I met with Paige last week, and we mapped out some possible new designs especially suited for Good For Ewe yarns.  I'll start with a textured, reversible baby blanket that uses Chord with Sultry Steps as a sweet color accent.  The stitch patterns are brioche variations that create a lovely, squishy, fabrich with lots of horizontal spread.  The pattern for this blanket will be offered by both Paige and me.  Here's a preview of the stitch.   The pattern should be available in early September.


Side 1


Side 2




Love these colors - looking very French Provincial. 

Working up to be a wonderfully textured, squishy, yet lightweight fabric.

Friday, July 27, 2012

Finding Inspiration

Nature serves as the best source for inspiration for many knitters - recently, my inspiration came from these magical lotus blossoms and leaves that seem to thrive in the sweltering humid weather we've had to suffer through this summer.  Glad something is thriving in this drought.  

Results - an island inspired felted birdhouse  - all from stash yarns. 



This adorable pattern, Wrens Trio of Properties is the work of designer Faye Kennington.  These are quick and oh so much fun to work up. 


Dreaming of a pink and green brioche baby blanket, hmmmm.

Monday, July 23, 2012

Back on Track With a New Complimentary Design

My, it's been a long time since my last post. To make amends for my absence, here's a quick and easy felted mosaic cup sleeve that works up with scrap amounts of yarn.  The pattern for the "Sportive Cup Cozy" can be downloaded from the complimentary pattern section over on the right hand side of the blog.

This mosaic stitch pattern is being auditioned for larger felted accessories that will be offered in the Game Day Knits book.  I have to confess, I've fallen way behind schedule on the book this summer.  News Flash - heat waves are not conducive to knitting wool accessories inspired by crisp autumn tail gates and frosty evening football games.  Hard to believe, but I totally took a break from the needles for the past month or so.   Just.could.not.knit.  Shocking.

But in the past few weeks, the itch in my fingers overcame the thermometer, and I knew I needed to get back at the production knitting for the book.  Somehow, I still couldn't bring myself to work on the double knit stockinette scarf I'd started back in April (wow, was it really that long ago?).

Whenever I need to get back into the knitting groove, I start small, like this little mosaic stitch pattern. 

I always have to audition new mosaics with lots of different color combinations, and usually end up tweaking the designs as they often don't translate from graph paper exactly the way I want.   One great way to make the swatch process more productive is to make coffee cup cozies.  Perfect swatch size, and even if the design isn't exactly what I want, the sleeves are still usable.  I felt mine, as I have found out that these hold up better over the long run.
Please, let me know what you think of this stitch pattern - would you like to see it used in a larger accessory?
`

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Game Day Knits - Sneak Peek 2

Next two samples for the book - quick and easy!
Cowl
Fingerless Mitts

A couple of hats on the needles now.  And please - if you have an idea of an item to include in the book, please let me know.  Looking for the ideal accessories to show your team spirit.