O/C Knitiot Designs

Website is Gone But you can find me on Ravelry.....see link below

2011-03-17T17:50:00.001-05:00

Well after using my website for a few years, I had to cancel it. It was not very user friendly and cost more than I was making on it. So now you will have to visit Ravelry.com to get my patterns. I have a store there and you do not have to become a member to buy my patterns. It is great, easy and uses paypal for the downloads.
If you are a shop owner, you can contact me for wholesale prices and I will mail you the patterns.
ocknitiots@gmail.com
To see my patterns on Ravlery, here is my link.
http://www.ravelry.com/designers/o-c-knitiot-designs---deby-lake

Bad Blogger

2010-11-04T10:28:00.000-05:00

Seems I do not have enough time to do Facebook, Ravelry, Write patterns and knit! How did I ever manage to work full time too???? I must be an amazing woman. Well I am partial you know. lol.
No really.....I do not have time to blog!
I post all my new patterns on my website and on Ravelry.
Http://www.ocknitiotdesigns
If you are not on Ravelry.com yet you need to rush over to it and sign up. It is amazing. Look me up, my user name is ocknitiot.

You can purchase my patterns on both sites.
If you are a shop owner and wish to carry my patterns, please contact me. I would be very happy for that.

If you want to look me up on Facebook, you can find me by using this name. Deborah Sherrer Lake
Friend Me!

So hope to see you in one or all of those places.
xoxo

Knit Purl & Rip-it!

2010-08-03T14:24:00.000-05:00

Notes: Intermediate –Advanced experience “Knit Purl & Rip-it” Socks are knit in Fair Isle, using 2 colors, cuff down. This pattern does not teach the Fair Isle Technique or how to knit in the round. You will choose the needles and method you are accustomed to. The directions are for using 2-16” circular needles.
This pattern includes 4 charts for your Fair Isle work. There are 2 heel options; a standard heel flap, and a short row heel with no wraps! This is a fun pattern, try using a self stripe yarn for your contrasting color. So many options!
Materials:
100 grams fingering weight yarn for background color, 50 grams for words or frogs. 2-Size 2 (2.75mm) needles or needles size to give you gauge you desire.
Gauge:
32sts per 4” (8st per 1”)
Pattern available on my website or Ravelry.

Lovina Shawl

2010-08-03T14:15:00.000-05:00

The appeal of this shawl besides the beauty of cable and lace is starting with the longest edge and decreasing 4 stitches every other row until you finish. Who doesn’t love a project that gets shorter as you go instead of longer! The border is added by picking up all your edge stitches and working a 6 stitch cable, sideways. If you have ever knit a fancy edge with points, we are using the same method here. It is very fun and I was in awe of how it worked. I am sure you will be pleased with the outcome too. The border brings it all together and is a very attractive feature to the total look of the shawl. “Lovina” features a very easy lace/cable repeat and is done with little difficulty. There are charts and also written directions for those who love each.
Materials:
4- 1.6oz (230yd) hanks of Shepherd’s Wool from Stonehedge, fingering weight yarn (about 820 yards) color shown in Antique Rose
Size 6 circular needle 32” or longer Cable Needle Markers Gauge: 5sts, 9 rows per inch Blocked: 70” across top, 32” top to bottom point.

Pattern is available on my website and Ravelry.
coming soon is the pattern for a scarf version.

Copyright Infringment

2010-05-08T16:24:00.002-05:00

Things that make you go grrrrrrrr!
It is a terrible thing when a man who sells yarn to yarn shops decides he doesnt like you and out of spite and plain meaness finds a designer who would remake and rewrite one of your patterns that is already on the market and then call it her own. When I say remake, I mean, that designer litteraly takes the border off the original shawl that was made for a display for the man who sells yarn, and adds a new border. So the body of the shawl is the original knit by the original designer but the border is now this other designers design. Then she rewrites the pattern and renames it and puts it on the market with this man who sells yarn to yarn shops. Mind boggling.....right! Well its true!! There is even a heated email that says he was going to do that. But really at that time who thought he would find a designer who would ever do that to another designer! WRONG! Saw it with my own eyes at Stitches Midwest 2009. There was the original shawl remake hanging with the new border on it. Took pictures of it for proof. Have the remake pattern and it is unbelievable the nerve some people can have. Especially if they have a conscience. Then to find out this is a designer who has been out there for a while. Used to be on the board for TNNA. Someone who really does know better but did it anyway. The designer ignores emails of inquiry about this matter.
Hmmmm.
What would you do?

Visit Downstate

2009-09-27T12:47:00.001-05:00

I went downstate to my old stomping grounds outside Flint last week. When I got there my husband and I had to attend our Local 651 Union Meeting to find out about our pensions. They do not have all the issues worked out yet but they are trying to get it all ironed out. I will not get too excited about anything until the check is in the mail!

Then we stopped at my dads in Davison and took him out for a birthday lunch at Lucky's Steakhouse. What a treat that was for us also as my husband loves Lucky's Ribs. Dad's birthday is Sept 30, and he will be a young 71. He is a real go getter. He was in a terrible motorcycle accident in 1999 which left him in a coma. He is a fighter and a survivor. He has his own personal trainer to keep him moving well as the accident was not kind to his body or mind. I am so proud of him. Happy Birthday Dad!

Then my husband went home to Gaylord and I stayed with my best friend Cheryl in Otisville. She has fought and won the battle with cancer. She just had surgery at the end of August and they got it all! She will need to be tested for the next 5 years to make sure all is well. Thank God they caught it at stage 1. Many prayers went out for her. We had such a nice visit. We knit and knit and knit some more. After 4 days of sittin and knittin we went up to the Northern Michigan Fiber Festival in West Branch. What a way to end a visit.....more fiber! Her mom followed us up and after the show, I came home and she went back home with her mom. I sure did enjoy my visit. Here is a picture of Cheryl wearing one of my patterns called the "Neighbor Hoodie". The yarn she used in this vest is called, James C Brett Marble Chunky.

Braided Glory

2009-09-27T12:31:00.000-05:00

http://www.ocknitiotdesigns.citymax.com/home.html

If you loved my pattern "Entwined" then you will love this version called "Braided Glory" also. It uses a worsted weight yarn. It is knit in one piece, so you never need to worry about it falling off or coming untied. It features an easy lace pattern for the body, I-cord and Picot Bind off Edges. The yarn featured in this beauty is a bamboo merino called Exquisite Banboo by Fibranatura, Universal Yarns carries this. What a wonderful yarn this is too!

This pattern will be available in a few days on my website and also on Ravelry (ocknitiot)

Tranquility Shawl

2009-09-27T12:17:00.000-05:00

http://www.ocknitiotdesigns.citymax.com/home.html

Coming Soon, "Tranquility" Shawl, knit with the marvelous colors of Poems Sock Yarn. It is being test knit right now.

It takes 2-100gm balls of Poems to make this shawl on a size 6 needle. It features nubbs at the bottom, you cannot see those in this picture of it drying.
So, more pictures to come, and when its ready it will be on my website and also on Ravelry (ocknitiot).

Adiva

2009-09-27T11:46:00.004-05:00

Here is "Adiva" my latest design. This wonderful yoke piece is very versatile and can be worn as a tank as shown or as a vest. It is knit in the round starting at the bottom edge. NO seams!
This garment features a very fun and different stitch called the “Indian Cross Stitch” shown across the bottom of the sweater and also in the yoke. There is a shaped waist that flatters the figure and can be worn with or without a belt. Materials: FibraNatura Mermaid worsted by Universal Yarn (1.76 oz., 125 yds), 8, (8, 9, 11, 11, 13) balls. Color shown, 40602 Red Hot

This pattern will be available soon, it is at the tech editors right now. Yes, you heard me.......I now have a tech editor! Her name is Joan Beebe. She was one of th editors for Leisure Arts. She has a brain for numbers let me tell you! Better her than me! I was so amazed at the way she manipulated all the sizes in my pattern. Believe me it will be such a relief to have my numbers add up. It does take a lot of the stress out of designing. I am so happy about this. She will make sure my numbers are right and my pattern is working for you.

This pattern will also have a new feature.....Schematics! Are you excited as I am.....I have listened to everyone and have finally learned how to make them...... I am really excited about all the changes taking place.

This pattern will be available soon on Ravelry (ocknitiot).

And also on my website: http://www.ocknitiotdesigns.citymax.com/home.html

The Flax Ruffled Wrap

2009-07-28T10:06:00.010-05:00

http://www.ocknitiotdesigns.com/ Click this link for pattern purchase. Also available on Ravalry for instant purchase under ocknitiot.

This is a very feminine wrap with ruffles on both sides. You may remember it knit in Bellagio for my daughter’s wedding. But I wanted to venture outside my box and knit this in Flax (100% linen). To my delight it came out to be a very stunning piece. Flax starts out rough and I was worried about the lack of softness. After washing, I pinned it out to block and dry. It came out soft and with a beautiful drape. I am also told it softens more with each wash. Who Knew! This garment is knit length wise with a provisional cast on and has a beautiful picot edge cast off on the ruffle. Don’t let the provisional cast on scare you off, you can use a regular cast on and pick up stitches for ruffle instead…..there are no knitting police here!
Materials needed:
5 balls of fibranatura Flax by Universal Yarn (685yds)
Size 6 (4mm) needles, 32-or longer circular needle
Crochet hook and waste yarn for provision cast on
Gauge:
Before blocking, 5 stitches, 6 rows per inch. (Ruffle, 2.5” & middle section 12”). Wrap, 57” x 16”
After blocking, 3.5 stitches, 6rows per inch. (Ruffle, 2.5” & middle section 13”). Wrap, 60” x 18”

This pattern is available on Ravelry and my website for 5.00.

You can also see more pictures there.

Latest Projects

2009-07-09T11:09:00.010-05:00

http://www.ocknitiotdesigns.com/ Click on link for pattern purchase or go to Ravelry and look me up there, ocknitiot.

I am such a bad bad blogger! Seems I have a lot of pots on the fire and not enough wood to keep them all burning right! LOL. I have my website, my blog, ravelry, facebook, and twitter. Then of course I need to find time to design and knit!

These 2 designs are my latest. The red is called "Miranda" it is a very elegant vest with lace and a short row collar. It is knit using Universal yarn called sensational and its a very soft merino superwash. You can see more pictures of this and purchase it on either my website or ravelry. I am listed as ocknitiot.

The other pattern is called "Neighbor Hoodie" it is a very fast knit using Universal long print bulky yarn. It is also unisex and made oversized for layering. It was my first time putting in a zipper!!!! I was a little intimidated at trying this but to my surprise, it was quite easy. It is hand sewn in. The pockets were an afterthought and put on after the vest is done using the mattress stitch. You can also see more pic on website or ravelry.

Dew Drop Socks

2009-04-18T16:56:00.005-05:00

Here is a new pattern and its for sale on Ravelry and my website. It features beads and lace knitting. They are knit from the cuff down. The beads look like dew drops on leaves or feathers. No pre stringing neccessary. You add the beads with a tiny steel crochet hook when you get to the stitch. Very easy and fun. Directions include, beading directions, chart and written directions, standard heel and toe. $4.00

New Best Friend Socks pattern

2009-04-18T16:44:00.003-05:00

I designed and knit this sock for my best friend Cheryl. In celebration of our birthday sock exchange we do for each other every year. It is so nice looking forward to getting a pair of homemade socks on my birthday from Cheryl.

If you want to try knitting this sock, its free on my website and on Ravelry. I am ocknitiot on Ravelry. It comes with a 56st, 64st or a 72st cast on options. And best of all it can be for a man or woman! It features a 4st cable and a slip stitch rib. I used Regia stretch on this one.

New design - "Lady Jane"

2009-03-30T16:47:00.006-05:00

http://www.ocknitiotdesigns.citymax.com/ Click on link to purchase pattern. For quick download, look me up on Ravelry under ocknitiot

Here is my newest design that still needs to be test knit before it is ready to sell.

It is knit with worsted weight yarn and this one is called Fibranatura, Mermaid. It is a very nice yarn by Universal yarns. It is cotton, wool, silk, and seacell.

It looks great with long sleeves and turtle neck to tank top.

It is joined by a cable in the front. Very fun to knit and fast because there are no sleeves! LOL

The gorgeouse models in the picture are my friends Karen and Maureen.

New Crochet Bracelets!

2009-03-30T16:29:00.002-05:00

Yep I made them! I am still amazed at this.

I saw these made up on Ravelry with a gal named Pinka. I noticed she had them for sale on her Etsy site. But I thought I would ask anyway if she would teach me how to do that. I know how to crochet and I have worked with beads in my knitting. She is one very nice crafter. She said she would walk me through it, and that she did. Through several emails, she took me step by step and I was able to get it done.

I still have trouble starting it out. But practice, practice, practice.

Come to find out, Pinka sells these on her Etsy site to help pay for her medical bills. I told her I would help her out by advertising for her. You should ck out her beautiful stuff. She teaches others with classes in her area. She is a terrific teacher. Thanks Pinka!

"Isabella" Vest

2009-03-05T17:05:00.005-06:00

I tweeked the pattern on the yoke and like this version much better. It is now available on my website and also on Ravelry for 5.00.

The gorgeous model is Maureen the owner of my LYS in Gaylord MI, its called Imagiknit.

“Isabella” Vest
This design brought to mind the Renaissance era. So it is named after the “First Lady of the Renaissance”, Isabella d’Este 1474-1539. She was a patron of the Arts and also set artistic fashions and standards.

Skill Level: Intermediate
Sizes: Directions are for women’s size Small.
Changes for Sizes Medium, Large, 1x, 2x & 3x are in parentheses.
Finished Bust Measurements: 37”, (41, 45, 49, 53, 57)
Length: 27”, (28, 29, 30, 32, 33)
Materials: FibraNatura Sensational worsted weight by Universal Yarn (1.76 oz., 90yds), 9, (11,12, 14, 15, 17) balls.
Size 8 US needles 24-32”
4-3/4” buttons

This garment has a generous ease for comfort. It is knit in the round and is seamless starting at the bottom edge. When you castoff, you are done, no sewing required.
Gauge: 4.5 stitches, 7 rows per 1” in stockinette.

Birthday Socks and Hand Spun Yarn

2009-03-03T10:17:00.003-06:00

Look at what I got for my birthday!!! I always look forward to our Birthday tradition of home make socks. These gorgeous socks and hand spun Alpaca yarn from my best friend Cheryl.

They are yummy! I love them. The socks are made with Araucania hand dyed yarn. The pattern is Ribbed Lace with the Eye of the Partridge heel from Sensational Knitted Socks book.

And look at the hand spun.

The yarn is so soft and nice. I just love Cheryls home spun. She is such a great spinner.

Next month is her birthday.... better start knitting!

"Entwined" Shoulder Shawl

2009-02-06T09:15:00.001-06:00

“Entwined” is a very interesting piece to knit and also a conversation piece. But beware… your family and friends will want you to knit one for them. It is knit in one piece, so you never need to worry about it falling off or coming untied. It features, knit and purl stitches, I-cord and Picot Bind off Edges. It is shown knit in “Classic Shades” a wool blend. But I have also knit it with cotton and it looks great over a tank top on a cool evening.
Materials:
3 balls of Universal Classic Shades 197yds each (worsted weight), (591yds), Model color #702
Size 9 US Needles, 24”
5 small stitch holders for woven fingers.
Gauge: 4stitches, 5.25 rows per inch. Gauge is not a big issue with this garment so do not stress over it.
This pattern is an 8 stitch, 4 row repeat basket weave.

This pattern is located on my website for 5.00 in a pdf download. I will also be loading it on Ravelry. My name is ocknitiot.

New Patterns/Projects

2009-01-31T16:26:00.013-06:00

I am such a bad blogger! I have 3 new projects and cant seem to find the time to blog about them! Slap my hands, just dont take away my knitting needles!

First project: Slip Stitch Fingerless Mitts. I knit these while very sick with an absessed tooth! You would not think I would be able to concentrate on pain pills! Surprize! I really got into making these and knit 2 pair, not being happy with the first. I used Maxime sock yarn in stripe and solid black. I started and finished these mitts with a double braid. I love the effect it has on an edge. I will have the pattern on paper shortly and it will be posted on my website soon.

Second Project: Is called "Entwined" Shoulder Shawl. I have the pattern ready for the photo shoot pictures and it should be on my website within the next week. If you need it now, email me and I will send you a pay pal notice for payment and then send you the pattern.

This shawl is knit in one piece, you never need to worry about it falling off or coming untied. You start at the bottom back edge with a basket weave pattern, divide for neck and add
another ball of yarn to the other shoulder and knit both sides at once. For the braid you will knit 5 fingers on each side and put on holders. After woven, the stitches from holders are
placed back on needles and shawl ties completed. You will pick up stitches on edges for I-cord bind off and picot edging.

I was excited to have Universal show both these shawls at TNNA in California. I will be at TNNA in June at Columbus Ohio. I have never been at TNNA, cant wait. I do always go to Stitches though in Chicago. What a blast that is.

The model is my LYS owner and friend Maureen who owns the Gaylord Imagiknit.

Third Project is called "Isabella" I have had this style vest in my head for some time now. It is knit in one piece so when you bind off, you are done. I am test knitting the pattern again for mistakes. So it will be up on website soon also.

This picture is taked of vest pre-blocked.

It is knit with Universal yarn, called Fibranatura, Sensational. I do have to say this yarn is one yummy yarn. Very soft and nicely plied. Will definately use it again. Its 100% superwash merino wool.

Universal Options Felted Bags

2008-11-19T09:22:00.007-06:00

Here is my new bag pattern. It is so hard to come up with new ideas for patterns. Seems our market is flooded with a ton of great patterns these days. I remember years ago when it was hard to get good patterns and good yarns. I love the choices we have today and how popular knitting has become. But for a designer, well, it is hard to come up with new designs. I have been working a lot with Universal Yarns lately. I have to tell you, I love their yarns and prices.
These bags were knit using 3 skeins of Deluxe Chunky Tweed by Universal Yarns. (Total 360yds) Colors shown are Black Ice & Mochacino

This bag with many options. Options include, 2 different knit overlays that are sewn on bag after it is felted, 2 flap designs, felted I-cord or store bought handles can be used, and a lining that only takes 1 fat quarter.
The black bag illistrates purchased handles, with the overlay sewn onto the bag vertically, the flap is adorned with a big antique pin purchased a second hand shop (another idea would be to use big holiday pins for each season), and a lining. The brown bag illistrates the overlay sewn onto the bag horizontally, the flap is slightly larger with a point and adorned with a big button, and a lining.
Both of these bags are knit with the same yarn and the same pattern. But felting is not a science and both bags felted at slightly different sizes.
Size: Both bags before felting: 18” across, 17”(laying flat). After felting: black bag, 12.5” across, 10” tall (laying flat) , brown bag, 14.5” across, 9.5” tall (laying flat). Gauge: approximately 2.5-3sts per inch, 2 rows per inch.

Lacey Grace Socks

2008-10-16T10:59:00.004-05:00

Here is a pattern done with a picot edge cuff, both standard and short row heel flap options and standard toe. It is worked on 2 circular needles size 1. It makes up to a very nice thick lace sock in Universal Yarn called Yummy. It is available on my website for 3.5o

Rainbow socks

2008-10-09T16:43:00.002-05:00

Rarely do I ever get a chance to knit someone elses patterns. I just had to make time to knit these socks. They are called Rainbow Socks by Susanne Kitzmann

Its all done with short row knitting. So I could not do them my usual way on 2 circular needles so I dug out my dpn and started them, then found these cute 9" Hiyahiya needles and went to those. The pattern called for 56 st cast on then inc 4, I did 64 and inc 4. They fit my foot better.

It is a lovely short row heel also with no holes! I found her way of doing it rather easy as short rows seem to intimidate people. Now I want to make another pair of course in a shorter stripe yarn. These were knit in Regia Kaffe F.

Mitered Square Shawl is Done!

2008-09-29T09:22:00.003-05:00

I am so happy with the black lace edging on this project. It just made it pop! All tofutsies yarn too! The black is Jezabel yarn from SWTC. Very nice to work with also. I just need to block it now. It doesnt need much blocking but it will make it a little bigger and also make the lace edge open up some and the points pointier.
Each square takes an hour! I did not work on anything else while knitting this project. It took me about a month to complete. I also have a wrap in progress, but I need a break on the miters before continuing with that one.
This is a free pattern on my website and also on Ravelry. I am ocknitiot.

Traveling Socks

2008-09-14T12:55:00.006-05:00

We did a Traveling sock at our LYS Imagiknit. It went to a different person every week and they knit 2" on the socks with leftover sock yarn. It was great fun and as you can see, they turned out wonderful. We will be doing it again soon. Mine are the ones with the red toes.

Its a great way to use up your leftove sock yarn.

Mitered Square Wrap and Shawl Pattern

2008-09-03T12:33:00.006-05:00

Hey everyone! Well, patterns do take on a life of their own don't they. I started out with a wrap and a throw but being a woman who changes her mind in the middle of things......well we now have a wrap and a shawl going. The shawl is on the left and the wrap on the right.

If you click on the picture, you can get a better look at the pieces. On the shawl I have incorporated all 15 of the new SWTC colors of Tofutsies thanks to Jonelle! What yummy colors they are. I took the wrap with me to Stitches Midwest and left it with the SWTC team and people were very interested in mitered squares and this project, it got fondled a lot! You know how we are with fiber. And Tofutsies will make a wonderful wrap or shawl because it has such a nice drape to it and its so soft and silky.

The pattern is a free one and is currently posted on the Yahoo tofutsies group. You will find the pattern in the files and pictures of what I have done so far in the photo section under "A Mitered Square Wrap and Shawl".
Also a KAL is starting on Ravelry. You can find the pattern on Ravelry also, I am ocknitiot.
And lets not forget my website. I think I have covered all the bases.

It is a work in progress. I am thinking of doing the border in SWTC Jezabel in black. It will look like a stained glass window. I am thinking a pointy edge on the shawl and maybe an attatched I-cord border on the wrap. Hmmmm.

Stitches Midwest Goodies

2008-08-25T19:08:00.003-05:00

I went to Stitches Midwest and survived!!!

What a wonderful time I had. First I drove 3 hours to my best friends (Cheryl) house to pick her up. Stayed the night so we could start fresh on Friday morning. Then drove 5 hours to Shaumburg IL for Stitches. We stayed right at the Renaissance hooked to the Convention Center.

This is my stash purchase and believe me, I worked hard for it. The only thing I did not get there is that beautiful hand spun yarn in upper left corner, the lt green and blues. My friend Cheryl made that for me, isnt it yummy!! I will cherish it and make a shawl I think. What time it takes to spin and ply all that yarn.

But talk about Fiber overload! That show is fantastic! WE shopped 2 days, then knit the rest of the time after marker closed. There is nothing like knitting with hundreds of knitters. We went to the fashion show and dinner and was so enabled with all the gorgeous fashions.

We also sent a postcard to everyone from Stitches, you can see it in the right hand upper corner. There is also a little article here on Stitches Blog.

I will definately go next year and will have to start saving now!

"Toe Jam" Tofutsies Socks

2008-08-14T16:13:00.005-05:00

Here is the August Tofutsies Limited Edition Sock designed for SWTC. This is a fun one, and yes, that is a toe pocket! What a great way to show off your socks and wear thong sandles. Or are they called flip flops now. Does that show my age? I remember when a thong was only a sandle and nothing else! LOL

Anyway, these are great fun to make. The pattern continues down the heel and the instep.

The pattern is available only through the purchase of the Limited Edition Tofutsies colors at your LYS. Of course SWTC can point you in the right direction.

"Lina Leaf" Shawl

2008-08-14T15:37:00.005-05:00

This is my newest shawl design. This shawl measures 84" across top, 43" from center top to bottom point. It is knit with 800 yds fingering weight yarn on size 6 needles.

The name Lina means Palm Tree, tender, light, & pure. This shawl reminds me of many palm leaves. It is worked from the top center stitches down to point. If you have never attemped to knit lace before, I believe this would be the perfect pattern to jump into. The pattern is simple and easy to work. It comes with charts and written directions.

The pattern is being test knit by Debi in NY so it will be ready for you soon!

Isnt it funny I have a test knitter named Debi and my name being Deby! What are the odds.

Calypso Shawl in Kauni Yarn

2008-07-22T09:22:00.004-05:00

I have finally knit Calypso for myself! Seems I never get to make anything for myself. So this is a nice change. This is Kauni Yarn. Arent the color changes wonderful. I love the way this shawl looks in this yarn so much, I am going to replace the pic of it on my pattern. I do wish it was a little softer but after washing it and then using cream rinse on it, it did soften it up. It's not merino but look at those colors!!! I would use it again definately. My local yarn shop "Gaylord Imagiknit" will soon be carrying it. It has gotten a lot of ohhhs and ahhs at the shop when I have been working on it.

The pattern is mine and you can find it on my website. I have had a lot of first time lace knitters tackle this shawl with ease. So I encourage those who are intimidated by lace to give it a shot.

June Tofutsies Bandstand Socks

2008-06-06T23:02:00.002-05:00

Here is the June Tofutsies club sock. It is the first pattern for the 2nd year of Tofutsies.
This band is knit sideways and flat and then stitched together in the back. You then pick up all your stitches along the edge and start kntting them in the round. It is a nice change when you knit over 30 socks a year! yep, you heard me right! Whew, no wonder I am tired! But they are my passion.
If you want to join the fun, please join here.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/tofutsies_sock_club/?yguid=264244470

Daughters Wedding

2008-06-06T22:51:00.004-05:00

This is my daughter Miranda. She was married May 25th.

What an event. She made a beautiful bride. She wanted to look like a princess and I do believe she does.

My grandson Brandon also looks handsom in his Tux. He was one of the best men for his new step dad Bart.

BraveHeart done!!

2008-05-05T09:40:00.006-05:00

Wow is all I can say and sigh with a great breath of relief! Well after ripping out 4 different starts, I ended up with a size 2 needle....yikes! Then all was going well and I decided to try a shawl collar on it. Well, never done one of those before.....what a long process that was... it was 10" deep. After 2 days of work on that, I bound off and it didn't fit the sweater look. So to the frog pond I went and settled for a simple rib edge. It made it look clean. I love it. I am sooooo happy its off my needles. Now to get my pile of notes on the computer for the pattern.

The name of this beauty is "BraveHeart" and intermediate pattern, not intended for the faint of heart.

My sock yarn stash

2008-04-11T09:00:00.002-05:00

This is just part of my sock yarn stash. You are not seeing all the hand dyed hanks and cakes.

I thought this was interesting since I just downsized! LOL

Jezebel goes "South of the Border"

2008-04-07T10:21:00.003-05:00

No.... I am not Jezebel!
This is the new Lace yarn called "Jezebel" from SWTC.
They wanted to see what I could do with it for socks. Well, here they are. Kind of Aztec style. It is a slip stitch pattern which is very easy and fun to make. You only knit with one color. So you are not carrying more than one color on row. Its like magic to see the process.

Tofutsies April Socks

2008-03-22T08:12:00.011-05:00

The colors are of course off with camera to computer. But this is as good as I can get. Its the new sock color and pattern for the April Tofutsies Sock Limited Edition.
This is called BlackBerry Socks. It does have black seed beads that are added as you knit the socks, no prestringing beads for this one!

But for the faint of heart, it can also be done without beads and it is still a very fun knit.

Socks for Me!

2008-03-21T10:00:00.004-05:00

I finally got to make a pair of socks for me! Yippee! That doesnt happend too often. These are made with JitterBug yarn. Arent the colors yummy! I love how bright and bold they are. They are toe up with short row heel and picot bind off. Pattern available soon. Its a fun simple lace pattern done on Addi #2.

My Birthday Socks!

2008-02-26T10:47:00.004-06:00

Here are my gorgeous birthday socks! I love them! My very dear best friend Cheryl knit them for me. We decided a couple years ago that it would be a wonderful thing to knit each other socks for our birthdays. So a new tradition was made. And I have to tell you I absolutly love the concept and am so darned excited to get them every year! Like a kid at Christmas. She outdid herself this year. The pattern is so gorgeous. Its from the German yahoo group and they are called Komet Socks. Thank you my friend!

Wedding Accessories

2008-02-09T16:29:00.000-06:00

Here is the rest of the wedding patterns. They will be available soon. The bag and gloves have

beads worked in. I lined the bag with satin.
I also want to make a ring pillow to complete the set. The garter has elastic sewn to the inside but a ribbon could be used to tighted to desired size.

Sneak peak at Wedding Shawl

2008-02-05T10:07:00.000-06:00

My daughter is getting married in May and I wanted her to have something special for that day and to have for a keepsake. So I am designing a wedding shawl, bag, fingerless gloves, and a garter. They will all be on a pattern for purchase soon. Her dress is ivory satin so I wanted something that had some shimmer to it. I found Bellagio by Universal Yarns to be perfect. Its a sport weight yarn with great drape. This picture is before blocking. I just could not wait to share!
Will post more when they are finished.

Hugs & Kisses Socks

2008-02-05T10:02:00.000-06:00

Here is the February Limited Edition Tofutsies sock. I love the color of this yarn. One of my favorites. I also have always wanted to do the XOXO pattern and finally got to with this sock.

Sunset Socks

2008-01-04T21:09:00.000-06:00

These bright beauties are made with Cherry Tree Hill "Sockittome" sock yarn.

The pattern is available for sale on my website its a pdf download $4.50 or buy 2 patterns and get the 3rd free.

New SWTC ToFutsies Promotion with Stitches

2007-12-18T09:02:00.000-06:00

Here is a sneak peak at what is coming up in 2008! These are the SWTC Collectors Edtition Stitches Exclusive sock yarns and patterns.
You will be able to get these exclusive yarns begining in Janurary through Stitches XRX vendors and SWTC. SWTC will have a list of vendors on their site.
The yarns will be available individually but if you buy the collection you will get a cd with all the 4 exclusive patterns and a lilac project bag made for this Collector Edition.

This is why I have not been posting as much as I used to. These are my patterns! Yes, I am excited about all this! There is a great variety here, Diamonds and Lace, Pedal Pushers, Slouch Potato, and Echelon patterns. I have been knitting my fingers off! But what fun!

Tofutsies WinterBerry Socks

2007-11-29T13:30:00.000-06:00

Here is the December Tofutsies Limited Edition sock pattern. I really like the looks of this one. Lets hope the group does too!

You can join the Tofutsies group here.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/tofutsies_sock_club/

"The Frill is Gone" Socks

2007-11-25T20:02:00.001-06:00

Here is the lastest sock creation that I can show! Yes, there are others. I have some patterns going into books that I cannot show you yet. It's very exciting to say the least! Having to be so quiet about it is also hard.

But mum is the word for now. But that is why I havent been posting to much lately! But my needles have been smokin!

This pattern is on my website. They have a one row ruffle on the top and are worked top down Materials:
2 Circular Needles size 1 (2.25mm) or size to get gauge
(You may also convert pattern to Double Point needles)
1 Ball Fingering weight sock yarn
Gauge: 8.5 stitches in St St, 12 rows per inch

Oct/Nov Tofutsies Fiddlesticks Socks

2007-11-07T10:12:00.001-06:00

I didnt realize that I forgot to post the Oct/Nov Tofutsies sock club sock. This was the pattern that gave me the fits with errata! But the corrections for this pattern are on the Tofutsies yahoo group.
The next pattern is coming Dec 1st! I named it WinterBerry. Cant show you a peek yet though. If you cant find this yarn, my LYS carries it. You can contact me or call the shop.

Also, if you are a Ravelry fan. I am on there, look me up ocknitiot
You will have to be a member to get the link to work.

Calypso Shawl Done

2007-11-07T09:47:00.001-06:00

I have finished the remake of Calypso! I added an edge to it and also changed the middle by adding diamonds. I love how this shawl came together. I also had a test knitter, Penny who helped by making sure the pattern worked when she knit it. I used stash Sock yarn that is fingering weight merino yarn.. It takes at least 800yds of fingering weight yarn to make this shawl. I used 2-100 gram balls of superwash.

You can purchase this pattern on my website

O/C Knitiot Designs the pattern is 8.00.

Calipso Shawl Remake

2007-10-17T22:01:00.002-05:00

Here is the remake of Calipso. I just love this new pattern. It was a challenge for me to get it all to come together but well worth the effort. It is being test knit by a friend and the charts are being checked and rechecked!

It is made with 800yds of fingering weight sock yarn!

I found out I love to design shawls and will definatly design another. What a challenge.

ps...Calipso means "She that covers or hides" .....I am not ready to unveil yet, but I am down 44 lbs now! How come its so easy to gain it???

Kaffe / Brandon Mabley workshop

2007-10-10T19:15:00.000-05:00

I went to Brandon Mabley's workshop on color today. If you havent heard of him....let me tell you he is quite well known for his patterns in Vogue magazine. Kaffe and Brandon are known for their colorworks. Fair Isle and Intarsia. We did Fair Isle today as you can see our projects on the board. Mine is 2nd row from the right, in the middle. Their work is just awesome.

Ravelry

2007-10-03T08:37:00.000-05:00

I got my Ravelry invite and have busily setting my space up there. Am I lost in that other world??Yes!! It is truely amazing. Do I know what the heck I am doing yet?? NO!! Still feeling my way around.
Visit my site if you are on there. I am ocknitiot.
If you are not on Ravelry, sign up now! There is a long waiting period. I waited over 3 months.
But well worth it.

Calypso Shawl with Tofutsies Yarn

2007-09-24T19:39:00.000-05:00

Here is my new creation. She is called Calypso meaning "She that covers/conceals".

That is me behind her. The only part of me that I am going to show you right now. I have been losing weight (38lbs) so far. This is the first pic since I have dropped that and I notice that my backside is not as prominent. I do plan on doing a before and after picture but not until I drop some more weight. So I thought the name of my shawl fitting.

Calypso is made with one and 1/2 balls of Tofutsies sock yarn. It is my first attempt at the triangle shawl design. It is worked from the bottom edge up so it decreases all the way up! I do plan on writting this pattern up after tweeking the pattern a little and re-knitting.

X-Tremely Slim Felted Bag

2007-09-06T21:25:00.000-05:00

This is a Modular Triangle knit bag that has no seams. You pick up stitches as you add a triangle. There are 4 triangles on each side of bag. I used a self stripe yarn and it worked out so I got the same colors in each triangle but that is not necessary as you may use any yarn you like and get a totally different looking bag. I uses Universal Yarn Deluxe chunky. It took 2 ball of the long print and one solid. I knit this up in 2 days and its not a boring or hard knit. Pattern is available on my website.

Pre-felting size is 18”wide, 18” tall
After felting size is about 13”wide, 13” tall.

Peach Tree Socks

2007-08-27T09:14:00.001-05:00

You can make these socks with any fingering weight sock yarn. Solids really make the pattern pop out.

This sock pattern is available on my website.

Its a fun lace knit and looks terrific on your feet. It starts with a picot hem for the cuff. This is one of my favorite cuffs to make on socks.

Basket Totes Too!

2007-08-23T18:43:00.000-05:00

For the last month I have been getting together with 3 or 4 gals to make baskets. The last time I did that was about 4 or 5 yrs ago. I used to make them with my step mom. I dont like to make them by myself because it is so much fun in a group. So now every other week we get together and make baskets. These are my new addtions. I need more baskets to haul around my knitting projects. I love totes!

The sheep is a felted sheep.

Sneak Peak at Bag

2007-08-23T18:24:00.001-05:00

Before and After

This is a sneak peak at the November Kal for the Bag-a-holics group on Yahoo. I knit it in 2 days. The fairisle is fun because felting covers a multitude of sins! You do not have to worry about if you are doing it right by carrying your yarns in the back.

This is a take off on my bag called Fair Isle Folk Bag. Only I didnt do as much fair isle on this one and it doesnt have the ruffle around the top. I do love the little people an being that I live in a Alpine Town, its fitting.

My grandson Brandon

2007-08-14T13:22:00.000-05:00

Brandon is visiting for 2 weeks. He will be 12 this October. He is doing what he loves best right now, playing X-box. Last year I taught him how to knit. This year I need to teach him again.
He has the craft gene running through him and has always held the interest of creating things from nothing. I just need to get him away from that blasted game!

Why I cant get anything done!

2007-08-14T13:03:00.000-05:00

I have so many projects on the needles! And some of them have been on there far tooooo long!

Red cabled vest, shawl right below, 4 sock patterns, Tilt jacket from knitty top right, holey scarf, and mitered jacket with SWTC KAL right in front middle. Not pictured is my Mystery stole that is hanging in Imagiknit right now (not done)!

I know, you are saying .....whats your point!

I just wanted you to know why I havent been posting lately! I will try and wrap these up so I can show you more stuff! But when I get yarn from SWTC for a new sock pattern, well everything else goes on hold.

New Tofutsies Socks "Dusty Rose"

2007-07-25T13:51:00.000-05:00

Well, here are the new socks for SWTC. I named them "Dusty Rose" as the pattern reminds me of little roses. These socks knit up super fast. The pattern was easy to do and I just love this cuff. Its one of my favorites. Its made with one of SWTC new Tofutsies colors. But I do love their new colors, especially the more solid colors like this one and the lime green one I did called Sweet Tarts. The patterns seem to really pop on these colors.

Mittens in July!

2007-07-20T10:11:00.000-05:00

Yes, I know its not winter! But these are shop models for ImagiKnit in Gaylord.

The felted mitten is from Fiber Trends pattern. I used bulky lambs pride and squiggles for cuff. I just love how they turned out.

The unfelted mitten is from a free pattern from Crystal Palace, I used the same lambs pride and then nubbles around the cuff.

B4 bag done

2007-06-28T13:11:00.000-05:00

This bag has been on my to do list since I bought if from the Bloomin Knitiot over a yr ago. Thats how far behind I am on my list! I made 2 of them. The first one I followed directions and it came out too small for me. I gave it to my mom who just loved it. On the second bag, I doubled the yarn (pricey!) and used size 15 needles. I added more beads in what was to be the button section. I also made a larger I cord. I did not make the bottom as big. I love the bag. It is perfect for a knitting bag or market bag. I want to put a lining in it with a couple of pockets.

Before felting 18 x 18". After felting 16 wide x 10" tall. I used Karaoke yarn by SWTC.

Entralac Bag Done

2007-06-18T08:08:00.000-05:00

Here is my latest bag. I tried to follow some entralac instructions that have you doing entralac in garter stitch. Now I have done entralac before and didnt have a problem. But this pattern just beat me up! I ended up just doing it how I thought it should be because the directions left a lot to be desired.

Or maybe the knitter was the problem! Either way, it got done and I truely love this bag. I wanted some pockets in the bag so made this cute lining for it. The other side also has a big pocket. I had the cute button in my stash. See, good things come out of stash!

I added some handles I got at JoAnns or maybe it was Ben Franklins. Also from stash!

I used Patons classic black and SWS Patons in the pinks/greens. Its the first time I used the SWS and it sure does felt up nice. It has a somewhat fuzzy finshish. Not the classic, just the SWS.

Limited Edition Tofutsies Sock "Wild Kat"

2007-06-01T10:41:00.000-05:00

Here is the long awaited for picture of the 1st sock pattern for the Limited Edition Tofutsies sock club. If you want to join the yahoo group please do! Even if you didnt get a chance to buy your club yarn and you love Tofutsies sock yarn, join us and knit a pattern of your choosing.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/tofutsies_sock_club/

This pattern is called "Wild Kat" and named after a gal from SWTC. This was her favorite color. When it was knit up it looked like the tiger prints and thus her name being KAT, well the light bulb went off.

Feet Tart Socks for SWTC

2007-06-01T10:34:00.000-05:00

Here is my latest pattern just off the needles. Its called "Feet Tart" due to the color of course. It reminds me of a sweet tart and I thought the name fit with the name of the sock yarn, Tofutsies.

This pattern is for SWTC and their new yarn color. Isnt the color great! Ck out their new colors at www.soysilk.com

Baby Sweater for Pastor's Wife

2007-06-01T10:23:00.000-05:00

Here is the cute little sweater I made for our Pastor's wife, Cara. She is due any time now so I had to hurry and finish at least the sweater. I also started a cute little hat to go with it.

This pattern is from one of the Dale books. It uses Dale Baby Ull and Popcorn.

We dont know if its a boy or girl yet, it will be a surprise, so I thought the green would work both ways.

Un-Identical Twin Bags

2007-05-18T20:02:00.000-05:00

Here are my new bags. This is my first try at needle felting after the bag was done. I truely enjoyed doing it! Its fast too!
I have this pattern available for sale on my other site:

But it does not include the needle felting instructions for the birds or the flowers.

http://www.ocknitiotdesigns.citymax.com/

New Spring Fling Bag and Scarf

2007-03-29T21:04:00.000-05:00

This spring bag is made with Cotton Fleece. I am in the process of getting the pattern in download and print form. The bag measures 10.5 wide by 11 high. It has all those fun bobbles on it. I decided to line it which was very easy to do. The handles are just whip stitched onto the top of bag when everything else is done. The scarf is a drop stitch pattern. Very fun to do.

This will be a shop model at ImagiKnit.

This pattern is for sale on my patterns for sale link on side bar.

Baby Sweater and socks

2007-03-27T08:10:00.000-05:00

Here is my latest pattern. Branching out in new directions. Its called LiL' Blossom.

It is made with fingering weight yarn. I started out with the intentions of making it for a 6 month old but after blocking it is not a 12 month size! Yes, Lace does stretch out! But I love the way it turned out. I tried to find an easy border to knit on but taking into consideration the border goes around the whole sweater, I opted for a crochet picot border.

This pattern is now available on my sale site:

http://www.ocknitiotdesigns.citymax.com/

Terry Ross at our LYS "ImagiKnit" Grand Opening- Book Signing

2007-03-17T17:04:00.000-05:00

This is me on the left with my socks and patterns.

Then there is our Knitting Nook. Doesnt it look inviting?

Today was the grand opening at our local yarn shop where I teach and work. I finally got to meet Terry Ross whom I have chatted with before on the Bag-a-holics yahoo group. She has just published "Twelve Bags Fulled". She was there today to do a book signing. And I have to say WOW! What a wonderful gal! I finally got to put a face to the person I have been chatting with. That doesnt happen too often when you meet people online. So this was a great pleasure for me. And not to mention I got to fondle all her 12 bags!!! The are so beautiful, well words do not do them justice. My mom already has picked out 2 bags she wants out of the book. Here is mom with one of Terry's Bags. See how it goes with her top?

It was pretty much non stop customers all day today. What a blessing! But my feet and lower back are screaming right now. We had so much fun. I have some classes starting next week also. Learn to knit and 2 socks on 2 circular needles. And we definately need to reorder lots of stock! It was amazing. Gaylord really did need a yarn shop. I never knew we had so many knitters in our area. What fun.

Talk to the Sock! Cell Socks

2007-03-17T16:54:00.000-05:00

Well, here is my latest creation. A great way to use up left over sock yarn. They hug your cell phone and you are able to clip it to your purse or your belt loop. I also made the little lady lobster claw charms. How cute are they??? I sell them at my LYS ImagiKnit in Gaylord.

If you would like this pattern please visit my freebie pattern site on side bar.

My Early Birthday Present

2007-02-26T14:52:00.000-06:00

Happy early birthday to me!

It was so exciting getting this gift today in the mail from my best friend Cheryl. We had agreed last year to make each other socks for our birthdays each yr. We both LOVE to make and wear homemade knit socks. What better gift???

They are made with Austermann Step. She also sent a Fiber Trend pattern called Lupine Lace, a cute little "I love quilting" pin to add to my collection of pins. We both love to put pins on our spinning bags, now I have one for my sewing bag. She also sent me this "Easy Sock mending Kit", it is a sponge with 2 felting needles. You put your sock with the hole in it and some roving and start needle felting it. Imagine that! I dont have any socks with holes yet but when I do, I can try it out. Has anyone ever used one of these before? Anyway, this was such a wonderful birthday present and I cant wait to wear the socks! Thanks so much Cheryl!

Fiber Trends Color On the Side Sweater

2007-02-22T18:49:00.000-06:00

Here is the Fiber Trend Sweater I have been working on for a shop model at my LYS, ImagiKnit. Pros and cons to the sweater.... I do not like doing garter stitch! I did love the 3 stitch I-cord that is knit as you go. It was knit sideways in one piece from sleeve to sleeve. It was the first time I have done this style. So overall, this is a very easy knit.

Free Chain Link Sock Pattern

2007-02-18T07:58:00.000-06:00

I designed this pattern for the Six-Sox Kal on Yahoo. It was the Dec/Jan Kal. If you would like the pattern you can go to http://www.ocknitiotdesigns.citymax.com/

What is new with me. Well some very exciting things have been happening in my life right now.
SWTC is going to be starting a new Exclusive Sock Club. They will be making up exclusive yarn colors in their ToFutsies Yarn that can only be purchased through their club. I will be writting the patterns for these. This is a very great opportunity for me. I have designed 4 patterns for their new yarn in the resent past. You can see them by scrolling through my blog. I already have one ready to go. The projected start of this club is June 1.

WE also have a new LYS opening in our town!!! Yippee!! Long overdue! I will be teaching the classes. Such as knitting, crochet, socks, lace, sweaters, felting, etc.
What a great oppotunity this is too! Doing what I love, playing with yarn, sharing with everyone! http://www.imagiknit-gaylord.com/index.html
Here is her website. The projected opening date is March 1.

OTN- socks for Crative Knitting Magazine, Fiber Trend sweater for shop Model at LYS, 2 different socks (my own patterns) for shop models and classes, a baby sweater (own pattern) with a hand dyed yarn from Perchance Itsy shop. I will be designing some baby items and sock patterns with her line of yarn and they will be made into kits. Pictures to come soon. Her website is here...
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=16673&section_id=5017300

Soooo yes, I have been busy, but in a very good way! I feel very blessed that these doors have been opened for me.

Alpine Lace Felted Bag

2007-01-27T18:54:00.000-06:00

This bag is a take off on my Ho-Down Bag. Lots of modifications and wa-la we have the new Alpine Lace Felted Bag.

This is a big bag, measurements before felting are ...

Top-14, Bottom-18, length-15.

After felting ....Top-13, Bottom-17, length-10.

Moral of this story is... I did not loose much sideways at all, I lost 5 inches in length. Depth of bag is about 4 inches.

This is a new yarn to me called Universal Yarn, Deluxe Chunky in colorways black and midnight blues.

The flap is crochet and then felts up like small I-cord. I have been wanting to try this method and I think it is striking.

There will be a button added to front also that will fit over one of the holes in flap. The handle is 2 I-cords twisted together. I am going to add another bag option to this pattern. It will be straight up and down, so finished it would measure 14" on bottom and top.

This is a model for my NEW Local Yarn Shop called ImagiKnit Yarns. We really did need a yarn shop here in my town. Although we do have some very nice yarn shops in our surrounding towns in Northern Michigan. Nothing beats a local shop! They have asked me to help with teaching classes and they want to carry my patterns. I am so excited about all of this. I can see lots of good things happening here and doors opening. And on top of that!.... SWTC contacted me and wants me to design a pattern in Tofutsies for them to publish in Creative Knitting Magazine! It wont be out until the Jan 08 issue that would come out in Dec. How exciting is that!!! So yes, I am so happy and feel so Blessed. God is Good!

Felted Fair Isle Folk Bag

2007-01-18T22:45:00.000-06:00

Here is my new pattern.

I designed this one myself.

I used Patons classic and Patons SWS yarns.

Single strand on size 11 needles.

This bag felted in 5 minutes. I made the mistake of not watching my last bag made with SWS closely and it got wayyyy to small. So this time I kept a very close eye on it.

Bag measures 12 x 14 after felting. Of course felting is not a science so everyones will be different.

I am selling this pattern for 3.50 in pdf format.

Fairisle Felted Bag

2007-01-10T14:13:00.000-06:00

This bag is from the Holiday Issue of Vogue. Although if you look at the pattern in the book and then at mine, you will find many differences. Mine is smaller, the colors are different, the patterns are changed and I added a ruffle around the top with leather handles. I can never leave a pattern alone! Alter, alter, alter!

The finished size is 11 tall including ruffle and 12 inches wide. The picture is decieving because I have it stuffed with wads of newspaper for drying. It works great for keeping its shape.

I love the way this bag turned out and fairisle is not as hard as it looks. The hardest or I should say the most frustrating part is the twisting of the yarns. I know, there is a way to use one yarn in each hand to do this but.....I am not there yet! So untangle I did, and quite often! But it was worth it. I will do this again but design my own pattern for it. I love the ruffle around the top.

I used paton classic wool for this bag. There light colors are sure to felt! There is a KAL at this site for this bag.

http://fairislefeltedtote.blogspot.com/

Fun Fir Bag for Destiny

2007-01-07T08:26:00.000-06:00

Last Sunday at church, I had one of my felted bags with some fun fir around the top. This little gal who is 4 came over and was petting the fir around my bag. She just loved it. I asked her if she would like me to make her one and she was bobbing her head up and down. She said she liked blue.
So this is a little blue bag. It measures about 7" long and 5 inches high. I had some beads with letters on them so I put her name along the top after felting. I will give it to her today, I cant wait to see her face.
Her name is Destiny aka DeDe.

Ricky with new clogs

2006-12-31T13:53:00.000-06:00

This is my son Ricky with his new clogs. Yes, he wanted the fun fir on them. I think they turned out awesome! He loves them as you can tell by the pictures. Ricky wanted me to tell all the single ladies out there he is available! I told him this wasnt a dating service!
Well, its almost 2007! Hard to believe, last year just seemed to fly by. I hope everyone out there has a safe and warm New Years Eve. Talk to you all next year!

Hats off to you!

2006-12-28T10:04:00.000-06:00

Wow to felted hats! This is a fiber trends pattern. I used different brims to get a different look. One of them is for my sister in law Charlette. I will let her try them on to see which one she likes better.
The blue one is 2 strands of Knit Picks wool. The other is one strand of Noro and one strand of patons brown. I love the splashes of color in the hat, it gives it some charactor.
I have another hat pattern I want to try next.
I hope everyone had a wonderful and Blessed Christmas Season. Can you believe its almost 2007!

Tofutsies - Tidal Wave Socks for SWTC

2006-12-24T12:47:00.000-06:00

Well here is the last of 4 sock patterns knit for SWTC. That is unless they want me to do more!
These colors are awesome in the ToFutsies yarn . It is a new line of socks yarn for SWTC. And of course purple and pink are one of my favs.
I named this Tital Wave because it reminds me of waves. It was kind of a fluke pattern though. I thought the yarn overs were going to line straight up and down when knitting but it decided it wanted to spiral around. So I had to end the pattern at the foot. But I love this pattern and find it very striking. So as a designer, I sure dont know what I did but it worked out great! My patterns all work out fine on paper but when you start knitting, well sometimes its a different story!

Tofutsies - Picot Fence Socks for SWTC

2006-12-17T13:46:00.000-06:00

SWTC wanted 2
more patterns for their new line of sock yarn called ToFutsies. So this pattern is called Picot Fence. It has a picot edge on the cuff and makes for a different look. I love this cuff on socks and it looks great on your leg. It is a cable pattern and it kind of hard to see in the picture.
Off to make another pair in their wonderful new yarn. The next one is in pink and purple, 2 of my favs together!

Clogs for Mom

2006-12-09T09:52:00.000-06:00

Ok, so I am hooked on clogs right now! You can also see the toe of an orange pair there. Well, they need to be washed again to make them smaller.
Felting is not a science! You really have to watch these clogs to get the right size, so I am hoping these will fit her tiny size 5 foot! If not, I have a yummy purple pair on the needles.
I can make a pair of these clogs in about 6 hours. Thats a pretty fast gift. My son wants a pair next in black. And yes, he does want the black fun fir! LOL!

Fiber Trend Clogs for Hope

2006-12-06T12:41:00.000-06:00

This is the first pair I have made! I just love them. I knit them up in 2 evenings watching TV. I used one strand of Noro and one strand of patons classic black. I used fun fir around the cuff. I think my Hope will love them. I had to felt them 3 times due to the fact Hope wears a size 4 shoe and the smallest size in pattern was a 6. I wasnt sure of the pattern since I had never made it to try and alter the sizing yet. They are a nice dense slipper and will wear a long time. I am already making a burnt orange pair. Fun fun fun!

Pirate's rolled brim cap

2006-11-26T23:50:00.000-06:00

I think someone in my family is really going to love this cap! I cant say who though, have to keep them guessing.
How do you like my pretzel head? I think the fingerless mitts will also compliment the hat. Sooo, one more present off the check list! Time is running out, knit, knit, knit!
I used size 8 needles and worsted weight yarn. It knit up in 2 evenings. The graft I got off the internet. Check out all the pirate stuff. I just added the pattern to a rolled brim hat pattern.
http://www.starlust.org/knitting/archives/000180.html

Fingerless Gloves Gallore! Free Pattern

2006-11-22T19:19:00.000-06:00

I was on a roll! I could knit a pair of these in one evening watching TV. I decided to give them to some of the teens at Church.
Next project will be a pirate scarf for my grandson.
Then back to socks, socks and more socks!
I do love wearing hand knit socks. They are warm and pretty and very comfortable to wear.
Not to mention that they are also a conversation piece.
Here is the pattern for these fingerless mitts.
http://oc-knitiots-freebies.blogspot.com/

Tofutsies - Swirly Girl socks for SWTC

2006-11-18T23:22:00.000-06:00

This pattern is called swirly girl! The yarn in just perfect for the pattern.
This is the 2nd sock pattern I designed for SWTC's new yarn, TOFUtsies. I just love this color.
I noticed that working with this yarn, it has a lovely drape to it. It would make a nice stole/scarf/shawl. Plus it is very soft like silk.
I am thrilled I am going to have a yarn company selling my patterns! How cool is that! Who knew?

TOFUtsies - Mountain Peeks socks for SWTC

2006-11-10T21:23:00.000-06:00

I sold 2 sock designs to SWTC (South West Trading Company). I am so excited. This pattern is called Mountain Peeks.
I asked them if I could have Braggin Rights and they said go for it! I am having so much fun doing this. I was so happy when they decided to give me a chance to design for them. They will be selling this pattern with their new line of sock yarn! I am doing the happy feet dance here!! I will post the second pattern when I am finished with it.
The yarn is a new line for SWTC and is called TOFUtsies. You can see
all the color choices here. http://www.soysilk.com/
It is 50% superwash wool, 25% soysilk brand fiber, 22.5% cotton, 2.5% Chitin from shrimp and crab shells. It has a feel of cotton with the stretch of wool and the softness of silk. But just imagine shimp and crab shells! Amazing!
It is super soft and will feel wonderful on your feet. This color is called Footsteps. So maybe that was the happy "footstep" dance and not the happy feet dance I was doing! Either way, happy feet!

Fingerless Gloves - Do guys wear them???

2006-11-06T09:59:00.000-06:00

Arent these wonderful! I have been wanting to make some for my daughter. It is a simple 2 x 2 rib pattern made with sock yarn. Her coat is black with hot pink piping trim. So I added opal for the trim, if you enlarge it you will see its black/white/hot pink.
I wanted to make her guyfriend and my grandson some of these too. But I dont know, do guys wear these too???? Or do they just wear the wrist warmers? Anybody know the answer to that?

New socks and MRI update with Bells Palsy

2006-10-23T13:47:00.000-05:00

This is the new sock pattern I have up for sale on my sale blog. I call it "Wishbone Socks" becasue the lace pattern looks like a turkey wishbone. With the color and Thanksgiving coming up I thought it was appropriate. I used size 1 circular needles and knit cuff down, short row heel. It was a fun pattern to knit.

I have to tell you all my MRI came back great. All is well in my head! Nerver thought I would have that on paper! LOL!
So tomorrow I get this little machine I have to connect to my face with pads and stimulate all those nerves that do not want to function. They are telling me it could take 1-12 months and sometimes not everything comes back or works right like it used to. So I pray I get all the function and muscle tone back in my face.

October Fest Socks

2006-09-21T11:38:00.000-05:00

This is another great slip stitch pattern. I do love to do slip stitch. It just looks so much harder than it is. You could really have fun with this pattern using all those nice self striping yarns out there. But black is always a striking color for me to mix with other colors. One day I may step outside that box and use a different color like lime green?? I do have it you know!
Anyway, this pattern is also available on my pattern site.
Happy Knitting!

Night Shade Socks

2006-09-20T15:34:00.000-05:00

This is a real fun slip stitch pattern worked with 2 colors on 2 circular needles. Slip stitch is so much easier than Fair Isle. With slip stitch you are only working one color on a row. The method still amazes me.
This pattern is for size med sock. Length of foot can be adjusted accordingly.
If you want a larger leg on sock, use size 2 needles for leg only then switch to a size 1 for the heel and foot.
I am selling this pattern on my pattern site as a PDF download for 3.50.

Aran Twist Socks/ Free Pattern

2006-09-20T14:28:00.000-05:00

I entered a contest a couple of months ago on Sockmaniac sock desingers group. You had to design and write the pattern for up to 3 pairs of socks as long as they were in a different catagory. I knit one lace pair called Cotton Candy, one colorwork pair called Night Shade, and this pair called Aran Twist.
I won second place with this pair. I won 2 skeins of hand painted yarn from Christine at Blue Ridge Dye Works
http://www.dyepot.com/
This contest was a learning experience for me and I am so glad I entered it. I found out that I love to design. I have always tinkered with patterns, changing this, adding that. I never seem to just knit it the way it was meant to be knit. So this creative surge was meant to come out! Since July I have designed 7 patterns. The gradification is great. I would encourage anyone to jump out there and try it. Oh, not to say I didnt do a LOT of frogging! I spent many nights frogging in the swamps. Or it looked good on paper but when you try to knit it..... well it looks good on paper! But when you plan finally comes together, its a great feeling.
If you email me, I can send you the free pattern in PDF format. I dont have a site to host the pdf file. If you dont want PDF format, just click here..
http://oc-knitiots-freebies.blogspot.com/

Brick Road Felted Bag

2006-09-19T20:12:00.000-05:00

This is a slip stitch pattern. You only use one color at a time on each row. Looks like Fair Isle but so much easier. The bag measures 11" wide, 8" high and 4.5" deep after felting.
The flower is a Celtic Knot done with a fingering weight yarn. I used one of those little hand crank I-Cord makers to make this. I bought the handles at JoAnn Crafts. I have included directions for the Celtic knot if you need it. But bag can be adorned however you want. It also looks great without the knot. I cut a piece of plastic canvas to fit the inside bottom of bag.

Bag Pattern available in PDF format for $2.50
Go to My Patterns for Sale on sidebar.

Cotton Candy Socks

2006-09-19T19:58:00.000-05:00

This is a new pattern knit with cotton sock yarn.
Materials:
Cuff Down Socks
Sock yarn your choice
(Model knit with Socka cotton)
Needles: 2-size 1 circulars (I used 16")
Gauge: 8 stitches per inch, 12 rows per inch
2 stitch markers

Pattern available in PDF format $3.50
Go to My Patterns for Sale on sidebar.

Angel Wings Beaded Lace Scarf/Stole

2006-09-10T20:49:00.000-05:00

I am so pleased with the way this pattern turned out. My first lace design!

This is one of the basic Shetland lace stitches called Horseshoe. By turning it upside down and adding a bead in the center it now looks like Angel Wings. The beads are added while you are knitting with a tiny steel crochet hook that is meant for doilies. This Scarf/Stole is started in the center with a Provisional Cast-On and worked in both directions.

This stole is knit with 2 strands of Lace weight yarn held together. I used Lorna’s Helen’s Lace in the color Purple Iris and the other strand is Jagger Spun Zephyr silk/wool in the color Plum.
Size:
15" x 72" finished size is determined by blocking

This pattern is for sale on my Blog Shop, click on side bar under patterns for sale. It is in download PRF format for $4.50.

Line Dance Socks using STR

2006-08-24T10:01:00.000-05:00

I wrote this pattern called "Line Dance" I used Socks That Rock sock yarn called Fairgrounds. This is the first time I have ever worked with it. Very nice to work with. It is the med weight which is heavier than I am normally used to working with. It is a sport weight,
I think I would like to try their light weight sock yarn. I used a lace pattern for the leg so it would not seem so thick. I used addi needles size 1.

This pattern is available to purchase on my blog shop for 3.50 in downloadable PDF format.

The Ruffled Bag

2006-08-04T13:55:00.000-05:00

This bag was suppose to be mine but I have to tell you, it really felted up! It is too small for me. But it did turn out cute. This yarn was JoJoLand wool and it felted beautifully. I did lose half the size height wise. It was 12 inches tall before felting and now is 6 inches. I think I will call it "Blue Jeans".

Sisters Bag

2006-08-04T13:46:00.000-05:00

This is a bag for my sister.
I used brown sheep and noro. I wrote the pattern for this one. She wanted a bag that was longer on the bottom and narrow at the top. I added some straps that were purchased at JoAnn Fabrics. I also lined it. I think it turned out so nice, I almost want to keep it for myself!!! But I will ship it to my sister when it dries. It is a nice fall bag.
This pattern is now available in PDF Download for $2.50. Click on sidebar for patterns available.

24 hour bag!

2006-07-21T20:07:00.000-05:00

Wow, this was a quick project!
I started this project yesterday and finished today. Probably 6 hrs work here. That is an estimate, I didnt do it all at once.
This is not a felted bag. I held 3 strands of worsted weight yarn together to make a bulky weight yarn. I used size 13 needles. I made it one cable twist longer than the pattern.
I used plastic canvas to give the bag the support and shape. Then lined it. I used handles of a garage sale find that looked new. I always keep my eye open for bargan bags with nice handles and hardware to use on my bags. So these lovely handles cost me a dollar!
I really love how this cut bag turned out. It is 10 inches hign and 9 inches wide, 3 inches deep.

This is a free pattern from KnitPicks.

Updated pictures of craft room

2006-05-13T17:53:00.000-05:00

Here are the new pictures of my craft room. We have been working so hard to get it done. I am so tickled to have this much space! We still have to do the trim work and hang curtains. The bathroom is almost done also. I have my sewing room, 2 dormers that we have put puzzles up as wallpaper. Then there is the general craft area where I do my scrapbooking and other crafts. See my yarn wall? I worked hard building that stash! My husband told me I better get if before I retired and I took him literally!

Knit Names List

2006-02-11T13:43:00.000-06:00

I am starting a list of clever Knit Names. If you want to contribute, please do. Just add them to the comments and I will add them to the list.
I really liked KnitWit and wanted to get a license plate with that name on it but someone in Michigan already had it. So I asked her at the last minute, dont ask me how I thought of it but I said Knitiot! She said excuse me, I said please check if someone has Knitiot. Well, its now mine and I am so excited!

1. KnitWit 2.Knitiot 3. Yarnaholic 4. Twisted Stitches 5. Unravelled
6. Pick Up Sticks 7. A Loom With A View 8. Knit Knack 9. Acrylics Anonymous
10. Knit Happens 11. Serial Knitter 12. Stitchin For Sanity 13. Yarn Harlot
14. Knitsters 15. Yarn Tails 16. Celtics Fan 17. StashBash 18. Knitorious 19. Fiberitis
20. KnitterPatter 21. Purls Before Swine 22. St. Purly Girl 23. Knitty Knotty/ Knitty Notty
24. Spinster 25. Slipped Stitch 26. Cable Lady / Cable Man 27. YO Floweth 28. KnitaLot
29. KnitaKnot 30. At My Knits End 31. WoolyBird 32. Knitvana 33. Spin City
34. Cast On / Cast Off 35. The Wheel Thing 36. Affinknitty 37. Eterknitty 38. KnitPicker
39. Just Knitting Around 40.Fiber Freaks 41.