Comfort Wool Co.

Cedar Street Cowl Free Pattern

2011-12-26T20:16:00.003-05:00

In the spirit of the season, here is an easy peasy cowl for all occasions. I'll have some action shots up this week.

Cedar Street Cowl

Yarn: 3 skeins Knit Picks Full Circle Special Reserve in Bulky. Color: Cardinal (330 yards)

Needles: US 10.5 - 24" circulars

Other: Tapestry Needle

Gauge is not important for this pattern. For reference, gauge for this cowl was about 3.25 spi.

CO 200

Work in 2x2 rib until piece measures 10" from CO.

BO knitwise

Wear. No blocking required.

If you want it longer, CO more. Smaller? CO less. Wider, knit more rows. Narrower? Knit less.

Enjoy!

Yarn available at Knit Picks for a limited time.

Stationery card

2011-11-26T16:24:00.001-05:00

Berry Merry Frame Holiday Card

Create custom Christmas cards this holiday at Shutterfly.

View the entire collection of cards.

ellowyn and evrim

2011-09-27T00:14:00.001-04:00

my two newest patterns are soon to be released.

ellown and evrim are my first bottom up sweaters, cabled bodies, long sleeves and hooded.

they turned out better then I could have imagined and I can't not wait for them to be released.

I'm hoping to have them in the hands of the tech editor in the next day or so. they are formatted and ready to go. depending on her time line, i'm hoping they will be out no later then October 10, 2011.

Ellowyn can be found here:

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ellowyn

and evrim....

They will be available separately as well as in an eBook.

Itty Bitty Contest to Benefit the Fundraiser...Oh, Yeah, there is a fundrasier

2011-09-11T23:42:00.004-04:00

As some of you know (those who follow us on Facebook or Ravelry), I am hosting a fundraiser to help fund my inner city classroom. Every year, I submit a grant to DonorsChoose to help fill gaps in resources. This year, I wished big and have been unable to get donations. I asked some friends to help and we are hosting auctions on Knit Night to help make this happen. The auctions start on September 29 at noon. I hope you will consider bidding or donating directly.

So, to continue garnering interest in the auctions, I am going to hold a contest. The prize isn't much. We are after all, trying to raise money. The winner will receive a Comfort Wool Pattern Bundle. It will include only the two soon to be released, Ellowyn and Evrim patterns.

{photo courtesy of kate bentley photography}

So, how do you enter?

1. Post on your Facebook wall about the fundraisers and include a link to Knit Night. You can enter this way daily by posting a comment here letting me know you shared on your wall.
2. Post information on your blog with links to my blog and Knit Night. Post the link to your blog in the comments here. (One Entry)
3. Include information in your signature on public boards, such as DiaperSwappers. Link me to your profile. (One Entry)
4. Pin our auctions on Pininterest. (One Entry).
5. Post about the two new patterns on your facebook, pintinterst, etc. One entry each.
5. Have another creative way to share our fundraiser? Let me know.

A winner will be chosen by random on September 29 from the comments on this blog. So be sure to tell me in the comments how you helped spread the word. Make one comment for each entry!

Thanks for helping to spread the word!!!!!!

Tutorial : Sewn Hemmed Edge for Knitwear {Top Down}

2011-09-04T17:45:00.007-04:00

This is a hemmed edge tutorial for when the garment is knit top down and you need to hem the bound off edge.

I use a contrasting color yarn, but you should use the yarn that is attached to your garment, in the same color. I suggest leaving a tail approx. 3 times the circumference of your garment hem. So, if the bottom of your hat is 21" around, I would leave a 63" tail.

At this point, you should have bound off the edge you want to hem. Note that some people prefer to wash, block and pin their edge before hemming. I have found it totally unnecessary and it doesn't effect the finish garment look. If you feel more comfortable doing this, by all means. If you trust yourself to know which row you are working on without it, then don't bother.

Let's skip straight to Step 2, since all step one involved was finding your bound off edge. Turn your work inside out. Fold over the appropriate amount as directed by your pattern. You can use an iron and steam it down so that you are sure it is even. Or you can eye ball. Easy enough, to be honest. I eye balled it for my garment and it was perfect.

Step 3: You will use the long tail you left after binding off. Go up through the first "u" shaped purl bump. It should be directly above the first bound off stitch.

Step 4:Go back down through the next "u" shaped bump and down through the next bound of stitch. Just like in weaving in, but you are attaching to the bound off edge.

Step 5: Headed back up through the bound off and up through a "U" shaped bump.

Step 6: Same as Step 4 :)

Continue this way around or across the row. When you get to the end, the inside should look like this:

Continue weaving in your ends! The right side of your garment will look like it does on my Ellowyn design.

Anything unclear? Please feel free to ask in the comments or shoot me an email.

that time of year where i have to start begging

2011-09-04T14:59:00.001-04:00

Is there any better way to learn than by interacting with the material you're being taught? I'm a 6th and 7th grade teacher of Language Arts and US History. We are a high-poverty school serving at-risk youth. My children come to school ready to learn, but are often set up for failure from day one. Without their basic school supply needs being met, they can't truly excel in their studies.

If you feel compelled to help, any small donation is appreciated. There are two ways you can help fund my classroom

Through "Adopt a Classroom" or DonorsChoose.

Thank you!

summer is about half done for me

2011-07-30T19:54:00.000-04:00

In summer, the song sings itself. ~William Carlos Williams

Williams is by far, one of my favorite modernist poets. And so often, he has just the right words, for just the right moment. It is no surprise that he can then sum up this season for me.

The air is warm, clothes are few, feet are bare. We spend endless hours outside, inhaling it all, and you need not force the beauty of the day. It just....is. Yet, it has been a loooooooong time since I was a child, and this song of summer seems a song of youth. During the endless hot days of adulthood summers, one finds ways to both entertain the children and entertain oneself. While they are engrossed in the beauty and heat of it all, I sit sweating with a bottle of water and some knitting (probably why I'm sweating....). Yet, I do love it. And kind of hate, but try to remember why I loved it.

As I get older, I begin to appreciate more, the art of handmade, the beauty of home, the process of creation, and the joy in doing. So, instead of spending another idle summer at the park, letting the children play, I've decided to create for me (and if the rest of the family finds happiness in my creations, so be it.)

So, remember the ugly old weeded front yard? Remember seeing my sweaty chest? The hottest day of the year. (I'm a genius. Really.)

Well, that hard work paid off. One blister, one knife cut and one busted cuticle later...

My front yard is done!!!!!! I love it! We love it. It is so purty.

I also found a local restaurant that had thrown this beauty in the trash. I put it on my covered side porch and Voila! A garden cart!

I finally got the curtains done. (Okay...I got two out of three done. It is kind of like second sock syndrome. You knitters know what i mean. I see the fabric. It is measured out. Ready to iron and sew and BAM! No motivation to finish. The kids may or may not have given up hope. I stopped asking.)

I've also started getting my feet wet dyeing again, despite my haitus.

And lastly...I've got a hoodie pattern in the works. But shhh...this is top secret. You can't tell anyone....

i'm on a craft spree (call the police!)

2011-07-13T18:07:00.006-04:00

I saw this wall on pinterest....

and as much art as my kids bring home and do at home, and the children's museum, i thought this would be PERFECT for them.

So I did it today. The paint was $15 (didn't even use half a can...), the molding was $5, the caulk adhesive was $4.A total of $25!!!!

I already had the shelves (these will be for their 3-D art).

I made two mistakes. The lettering is on a small slant. You can't tell looking dead on and standing but it is so obvious from this angle. Also, I measured the wall at the base board to make sure I was straight. The problem with this was that the place I was actually placing the molding ended up being 5/8" bigger. So, two mistakes, but made with love.

can you believe I don't have a single wall in the kids space that doesn't have an outlet?? Tomorrow I am going to buy a black outlet cover and the part that you actually plus in (whatever that is called) so it blends in.

the quote is picasso...

Then using the same block art from the kitchen, i made these. the middle is paint chip art. i hole punched all those holes and hand glued them individually then did a sealer coat with Modge Podge. The middle background is actually brown, but was hard to capture because the light was coming in the window

before i sealed it.

the summer that never sleeps

2011-07-12T14:06:00.002-04:00

we are keeping VERY busy in this house this summer.

I've been learning/teaching myself to sew and made some cute little pillows using the tutorial on Design*Sponge

Then I made a little garland from paint chips that I found on pinterest. Directions can be found on a blog called "Grace and Light Studio"

Then I made some art blocks for my dining room out of scrapbook paper and shelving wood. Directions on "Becoming Martha"

Lasty, we've been redoing the front yard. It has lived the past five years as a pain in our arse and the bane of my existence. I hate grass. HATE IT. Strong words, I know, but you can't even begin to understand how much I hated coming home and being greeted by this yard. This summer, I decided this would be our outside project. (You may remember that last year we built raised bed gardens in our back yard. They make it look so much nicer.)

Here is said bane...

Step one was too pull all that nasty up. We did it with two garden claws and alot of water. Did I mention the high today was 103???

I was literally dripping sweat. This was a better work out then the running I've been doing lately.

Just as we finished this part, a neighbor comes over and says he has a tiller we can borrow. Nice. Perfect "Alanis Morissett timing" Really. But we need to go over it again, because, as you can see, it wasn't the most effective way to pull up weeds.

And here is about half of what we bought to plant. We still need to get ground cover once we get the big plants in.

More pictures to come as the yarn progresses from ratty weed grass to flowering garden. Stay tuned. ♥

Family o' Puppets

2011-07-02T12:52:00.000-04:00

I'm hoping by now, you've read my entry on the puppet show from yesterday. Well, as promised, we made puppets of ourselves and then put together a silly little puppet show afterwards.

The kids had a ton of fun creating paper bag versions of themselves. Elliot insisted her entire doll be purple. Caden couldn't leave off his "beautiful curls."

I couldn't help but to make one of my husband who was in charge of keeping the baby away from the pointy scissors (a job at which he horribly failed...)

Without further ado...our family, brown paper bag style.

Applause Unlimited

2011-07-01T15:37:00.000-04:00

Today we braved the outdoors for a .... PUPPET SHOW!

We all had so much fun! We are so lucky to have the Dogwood Dell Festival of the Arts. This is its 55th straight year. They have a kids stage with lots of fun a activities throughout the summer.

Today we ventured out to see Applause Unlimited. He was absolutly wonderful. Today's story was Tales Of A Mysterious Land. From their website:

Three stories demonstrate the rich ethnic diversity of Chinese folklore. Narrated and performed with hand puppets, rod puppets, masks and simple props, the story of "Long Hair Girl", "The God of Faces", and "The Story of the House" are sure to stir the heart and stimulate the imagination of young and old.

All three children were awe struck for the entire show. It was well worth braving the heat. Now, we are about to make out own puppets, out of brown bags, construction paper, crayons and paint. Pictures to come...but for now, take a look at today's show!

Announcement Up: Extended Hiatus

2011-06-30T17:58:00.002-04:00

I wanted to announce that I’m going to be taking a hiatus from dyeing yarn. This last preorder has made me realize that I really love the craft, but three kids has proven more then I can handle and still carve out time to enjoy the process.

I want to spend more time concentrating on my design business, so for now, I’m putting yarn dyeing on the side. I may still find time to do a skein here or there, but am no longer taking customs or pre-orders.
I will let you know if the time comes where I might begin dyeing again.
Thank you all for being wonderful and supportive over the last four years! I hope you continue to follow me and my designs.

You are the most wonderful customers and I’ve made some of the most amazing friends through Comfort Wool.

I hope you know you are loved.

Happy Knitting!
♥
Teresa

Smart Summer Challenge

2011-06-29T17:18:00.003-04:00

I hope no one minds what I'm about to begin doing.

I'm going to ...gasp... use this blog for some personal posts as well. Don't hate me. Please. Continue to read along and I promise to sneak in some yarn porn here and there.

This week has been the first week my kids have been home from school and that I have subsequently been off of work for summer. There are ups and down to this teacher gig. An up is summers off...a down is so much down time that you want to pull your hair out and run naked through the streets screaming just to relieve the boredom.

In case you hadn't heard, it gets HOT as H-E-Double Hockey Sticks here in Virginia. We are talking well into the upper 90's or worse, 100's. We have two cars, both black, both with black leather interior. Enough said? Getting into the car with three kids is enough to make you....never mind...we can't speak of that in polite society.

So, in past summers, what we have found is that the busier we keep the kidlets, the happier everyone involved will be. We've also found that sometimes we have to brave the heat of the car for sanity. This summer, I decided to get creative.

First, I made a calendar of events in my city that were either free or cheap. I picked events that were age appropriate for both a 5 and a 3 year old. I picked ones that were fun and educational. And above all, I wanted things that would expose them to new experiences.

Here is my calendar which will show you all of the events I planned for July and August. I've found that either August is a slower month in terms of events or places just haven't put out events/dates for that month yet. I'll keep updating it as we go along the dog days of summer.

Keep in mind, this is a work in progress. Blank days just mean there was no big single day event. We fill those days in with park visits, pool visits, play dates, or free museums around town!

(For the good stuff, hit the blue arrow to see July and August.)

The other thing we are doing is the "Smart Summer Challenge" Each week, the author will be posting new themes for the week. This week was "You on the Map." Today, we mapped out bodies. Tomorrow, I'm thinking we will map our neighborhood. Luckily, the author made up a fancy calendar with ideas for the summer! We'll be picking and choosing as we want to get out of the house as much as possible. But we went ahead and mapped our internal organs. First, we took a trip to the library to get a book about the human body. Next, we cut out our organs...construction paper. Don't panic.

Then we traced our bodies on to art paper.

Do you have ANY idea how hard it is to trace a wiggly, giggly child?

Then the hard work of gluing began!

We used a book to place our organs the best we could. (Mommy made adult size organs, apparently for little ones. Not a perfect fit.)

She let her brother lead the way and followed his direction on her own map.

One by one, our bodies became whole

Almost done (minus that strange piece of bark that somehow ended up on his intestines. Doctors get sued for that kind of thing.)

I swear he had fun despite the expression.

Almost done..

At least she smiled.

If you haven't aleady RAN over to facebook to check out this challenge, do it now. If you want to check out her blog, it is here...

a hoorah to summer!

2011-06-23T11:57:00.000-04:00

today is the first day of MY summer. ***sigh*** of sweet sweet relief. as another school year came to a close, i thought about all the good (and all the stressful) and decided, it ended on just the perfect note. i wasn't terribly stressed by the year and thankfully, i'm not pregnant again. this is a good thing.

with the start of summer, comes the possibility for crafting and more time doing what I love.

I have one exciting thing to announce right now, but am planning SOOOOOOOOOO many more before fall.

You can now find some of my patterns on the Knit-Purl website! Specifically, you can find Springtime in Hollis, Andalusia, Comfort Mountain Mittens, and (soon) Langston. Why is this great news? Because now you can order you pattern and yarn together and have it shipped straight to your house without having to waste printer ink or gas! In this crap economy, this is a win-win situation!

So, go...enjoy summer but check back for more exciting news!

a sweet newbie set ♥

2011-06-23T11:56:00.001-04:00

this is for a friend who is due this summer. I hope she enjoys the love put into this set.

Two New Patterns

2011-05-15T21:08:00.000-04:00

I've been busy with the end of the school year and am just counting down the last 25-ish days left before summer vacation. I don't think I've ever been so ready in my life.

In the mean time, I've been able to get two patterns up and running. One is a darling little shrug for every little girl! This can be worn so many ways, that it is just the perfect accessory for every little lady.

introducing...Langston.

I also got a fun new gadget on Mother's Day...a Dell Streak 7 tablet. I'm officially addicted, but needed something to keep it safe. Thought I would share my notes. This pattern is FREE and 100% customizable for all devices...iPhones, Nooks, Kindles, iPads and more!

last one...i promise.

2011-04-12T20:19:00.002-04:00

A rejection is nothing more than a necessary step in the pursuit of success. ~Bo Bennett

Every rejection is incremental payment on your dues that in some way will be translated back into your work. ~James Lee Burke

I won't lie...I don't know who these guys are. But, there words seem appropriate.

I just suffered my first rejection at the hands of a magazine to whom I submitted a pattern. I was surprisingly unsurprised and even less upset about the whole thing. I wasn't devastated and at this juncture, I'm not 100% sure what this says about me. I'll get back to you on this one.

So, instead of waiting for another magazine call for submissions to come around to which my pattern would fit their story board, I simply took the next step and self-published.

I will continue to write patterns and submit them to magazines for rejection...or better yet (glass half full...)acceptance, but until this glorious day comes, I'll self publish them when necessary.

With this, I offer you Elleby. A slouchy hip hat knit for the urban girl. It is knit in the round and bottom up using eyelets and decreases to produce the twisty look without cabling. Elleby is intended to be worn loosely with a little slouch. It is perfect for all seasons.

Yarn: 2 skeins Blue Sky Alpacas 100% Alpaca Sport Weight

I'm not a great self photographer. Add it to my list of things to do.

I hope you like it and will consider making one for your self or a friend.

More information can be found on Ravelry.

oh..there is more.

2011-04-12T20:14:00.002-04:00

and any of you that follow me know, when i finally do get around to posting. i can't just post once. i end up being so far behind, that i have like twelve updates and one post is simply to overwhelming.

here is part two.

i've been busy knitting. this, is not a surprise. i might just die if i didn't knit. (not really...knock on wood.) but i would feel oddly...odd. (despite being an english teacher, i often lack for words.)

but i'm off topic again.

so, here are some of my knitting creations.

a wonderful skirted overall for a dear customer. she is just the bee's knees. Custom Comfort Wool colorway.

this was semi-custom knit with Dashing Dachs Granny Smith.

more on this hat coming in part three. (stop complaining. i told you i go hard when i finally post. this means, i post three times now and then not again for a very long time.)

such a bad poster

2011-04-12T20:07:00.003-04:00

every once in a while i come on and apologize for being a bad blogger.

when will i realize, this is just me. i'm a bad blogger. there. it is out there. the whole world knows it. or maybe, just those of you that read my blog. the rest of the world is still clueless about my blogging.

those who are gracious enough to humor me by checking and in reading...well, i have an update! it was about time. it really was. again, i'm putting myself in a corner as soon as i finish here. i promise.

i've dyed yarn. they are both stocking at Knit Night on Thursday.

Side Note :Some of the artisans are auctioning some lovelies for Japan relief through the Red Cross. CHECK IT OUT.

I haven't been lucky enough to have extra dyeing time. I've been busy. The school year is drawing to an end. (Thank goodnes. I'm exhausted.)

This week I offer to you...Run Fox Run. A fan favorite.

And my springtime ritual...Dogwood.

great news! and newborn love. not related.

2011-03-12T19:59:00.003-05:00

I can't believe i never posted this here! This has been an exciting journey to make this congo a reality! And I'm lucky to be part of the MOST amazing congo to ever exist. (okay, okay, i'm biased. can you blame me?)

Have you seen Knit Night yet?

Like really? These are all my besties and then some. Amazeballs (word courtesy of Kate Bentley.) Well, we have had two stockings thus far and many more to come. Check us out.

This is a preview of one of the things I will be stocking on March 24th.

♥ newborn love ♥

these are my own Jungle Gym overalls pattern. They are knit with Mosaic Moon single ply merino in the ever popular and gender neutral "winter pear" colorway. they are half linen ridge throughout.

I will be offering custom cuffs if you want to girly them up. I also have enough yarn to possibly make a small sweater/shrug or booties and a hat.

another new pattern...Jungle Gym

2011-01-17T20:25:00.002-05:00

This was actually released about a month ago. Since then, we have updated it to include a skirted version. I'm working on adding multiple skirted options.

Introducing...Jungle Gym

a playful overalls pattern from comfort wool

jungle gym is knit top down, no seaming. it uses a linen ridge stitch around the edging and straps to prevent drooping. two buttonholes allow for longer use and adjustable sizing.

Sizing: Newborn (3mo, 6mo, 12mo, 18mo)

Yardage: 225 (250, 275, 325, 425)

wow...it has been so long

2011-01-17T20:10:00.003-05:00

i really haven't been posting much lately. why is that you think? three kids? working full time? holidays? birthdays?

ALL OF THE ABOVE.

But, I'm sure you may or may not be able to sympathize. I assure you, though, I haven't been sitting idle in this time. I've been very very busy.

So, below will be a snap shot into what I've been busy doing...with Comfort Wool at least.

Hats for the kids:
Hat and Mitten set for an auction winner at my kids' school.

YYMN sleep sack for a customer
sweater for my daughter. I HEAVILY modified the Daffodil pattern from Rav.
A Hootie Who romper for a YYMN. Newborn size.

Custom Yarns...
A little experimental dyeing..."the road less traveled."
A custom dye and knit...My colorway "Birch Blossom" and my romper design.

Another Hootie Who romper YYMN. Size 3mo.

A Jungle Gym overalls for a newborn. YYMN. (This pattern was just released. More info coming in separate blog post.)

Licensed Jungle Gym Knitters

2011-01-17T17:30:00.019-05:00

This is a list of knitters who are licensed to sell from the Comfort Wool Jungle Gym Overalls pattern. If you plan to have a pair of these knit, please, only choose from the below listed knitters. Thank you for your respect in this matter.

Mackenzy
Squeezy Baby Boutique
www.hyenacart.com/SqueezyBaby

Alison Smith
Pixie Knits
www.pixieknits.co.uk

Laura Savastinuk
Rhino Knits
http://hyenacart.com/rhino

Amanda Fowler
A Beautiful Skye
http://hyenacart.com/madebymilitarywives

Christina Allary
Bubbles and Babbles
(opening on Hyena cart March 2011)
mrsallary@aol.com
"Mrsallary" on DS

Christine Knudsen
Knoodle Knits
knoodleknits@gmail.com
www.myknoodleknits.com
www.etsy.com/shop/knoodleknits
www.crunchycongo.com

Mish
OrangePiggy's LittleDog
orangepiggyslittledog@gmail.com
http://hyenacart.com/orangepiggyslittledog
http://orangepiggyslittledog.wordpress.com/

Marilyn Porter
EviePants Wool
http://eviepants.com
http://hyenacart.com/TheirOwnKnittedWorld

Andrea Isabell
Dwell Wool Knits
www.hyenacart.com/DwellWoolKnits
www.hyenacart.com/UniversalMama

Angela Shira
Fairyblue Knits & Dyes too
http://hyenacart.com/stores/Fairyblue/

Erin Werle
Boreal Baby Knits
www.hyenacart.com/BorealBabyKnits

Katie Vaino
Strawberry Bottom Baby Knits
http://hyenacart.com/Strawberrybottombaby/

http://hyenacart.com/KnitNight/
http://hyenacart.com/clubthread/

Amber Andrews
Blueberry Baby Knitwear
http://hyenacart.com/blueberrybabyknitwear

Julia Stangeland
Shy Violet
www.hyenacart.com/shyviolet

Ashley Darling
EweNeedColor
www.hyenacart.com/eweneedcolor

Laura Smith
Teene Comforts
http://hyenacart.com/TeeneComforts/

Valerie Hough

Sunshine Wool Works
http://www.hyenacart.com/theappleorchard

Mollie Bilderback
Amelia and Macies Boutique
www.hyenacart.com/ameliaandmaciesboutique

Denise
Molly's Bottoms
www.mollysbottoms.com
www.hyeancart.com/Bliss

Jessica Vinson
Whimsical Knits
http://hyenacart.com/serendipitycongo
http://hyenacart.com/WhimsicalKnits/

Suzanne Hayes
Lush Tush
www.lushtush.co.uk
suzanne@lushtush.co.uk

Ashley Barrett
Monkey Bunns
www.monkeybunns.com
monkeybunns.etsy.com

Thinking of Spring...FULL

2010-12-19T13:33:00.007-05:00

NO NEW CUSTOMS UNTIL SUMMER. If I have time, I will list more spots via my cart. Thanks! ♥
______________
Customs list is already being planned. All new custom spots will be listed on the cart only. I'm not currently taking customs via email. I get too confused!

Here is a listing explaining

Spots are listed on my cart.

Current List:

January: Mel ~ Sleep Sack and Hat (DONE)
February: JoAnna (Awaiting Payment)
March: Andrea
May: Jenny

Licensed Sellers: Andaulsia, Hootie Who Romper, Owlie Set, Elliot, Comfort Mountain Mittens

2010-11-20T17:40:00.012-05:00

Andalusia Licensed Knitters

Amanda Fowler
A Beautiful Skye
http://hyenacart.com/madebymilitarywives

Kelsey Castro
Country Dream Knits

April
pinkebody
http://www.etsy.com/shop/pinkebody

Laura Savastinuk
Rhino Knits
http://hyenacart.com/rhino

Laura Smith
Teene Comforts

Christine Knudsen
Knoodle Knits
www.myknoodleknits.com
www.etsy.com/shop/knoodleknits
www.crunchycongo.com

Katie Vaino
Strawberry Bottom Baby Knits
http://hyenacart.com/Strawberrybottombaby/
http://hyenacart.com/KnitNight/

http://hyenacart.com/clubthread/

Megan Lehmann

craftmangler

etsy/fb are under construction, but also under craftmangler

craftmangler@gmail.com

Hootie Who Romper

Erin Werle
Boreal Baby Knits
www.hyenacart.com/BorealBabyKnits
http://hyenacart.com/KnitNight/

Katie Vaino
Strawberry Bottom Baby Knits
http://hyenacart.com/Strawberrybottombaby/
http://hyenacart.com/KnitNight/

http://hyenacart.com/clubthread/

Laura Savastinuk
Rhino Knits
http://hyenacart.com/rhino

Shelly
Bear & Pants
http://hyenacart.com/bearandpants/
MichelleBorchardt@hotmail.com

April Larkin
NoMi Knits
nomiknits.etsy.com
nomi.knits@gmail.com

Suzanne Hayes
Lush Tush
www.lushtush.co.uk
suzanne@lushtush.co.uk

Ashley Barrett
Monkey Bunns
www.monkeybunns.com
monkeybunns.etsy.com

Comfort Mountain Mittens Licensed Knitters

Amy Curletto
Alligator Knits
http://hyenacart.com/alligatorknits/
amyltc@yahoo.com

Owlie Sleep Sack and Owlie Hat Licensed Knitters

Julia
Shy Violet
http://hyenacart.com/shyviolet/

Suzanne Hayes
Lush Tush
www.lushtush.co.uk
suzanne@lushtush.co.uk

Elliot Sweater Licensed Knitters

Kristine Holland
Peanut Pants

Amanda Fowler
A Beautiful Skye
http://hyenacart.com/madebymilitarywives/

Springtime In Hollis Licensed Knitters

2010-11-20T08:23:00.024-05:00

I'm moving the licensed knitters list over to the blog. Just seems easier at this time. I'm going to be updating it today as well.

A gallery of work from my licensed knitters can be found at:
My STIH Flickr Group

Christina Ladieu
8 Little Coconuts
http://hyenacart.com/8littlecoconuts/

Amy Curletto
Alligator Knits
http://hyenacart.com/alligatorknits/
amyltc@yahoo.com

Heather Richard
Blue Grass Baby

Cindy Block
Blue Grass Baby
Flickr

Shelly
Bear & Pants
http://hyenacart.com/bearandpants/
http://hyenacart.com/theirownknittedworld/
http://hyenacart.com/stores/Capella/

Amanda Fowler
A Beautiful Skye
http://hyenacart.com/madebymilitarywives/

Tammy
Bella Beans Knits & Things
http://hyenacart.com/BellaBeansKnitsnThings/

Marissa Edgley
Bella Doodle Knits/ Doodle Dypes
http://hyenacart.com/doodledypes/
http://hyenacart.com/Cuties

Erin Werle
Boreal Baby Knits
http://hyenacart.com/borealbabyknits/
http://hyenacart.com/KnitNight/

Lisa
Chick-A-Dee Knits
http://chickadeedesignsknitwear.blogspot.com/

Cristi Hall
Creatively Ewe
http://hyenacart.com/CreativelyEwe/

Theresa Schecter
Crystal City Fibers
http://hyenacart.com/ccfibers/

Megan Christensen
DesignMegara
http://hyenacart.com/DesignMegara/

Christina Griffith
Deuce Mamas/Short Cake Knits
http://hyenacart.com/stores/ShortCakeKnits/
http://hyenacart.com/stores/MainStreet/

Tiffany
ECJ Knits
http://ecjknits.wordpress.com/

Marilyn Porter
EviePants Wool
http://hyenacart.com/EviePants/
http://hyenacart.com/theirownknittedworld/
http://hyenacart.com/stores/CongFu/

Angela Shira
Fairyblue Knits & Dyes too
http://hyenacart.com/stores/Fairyblue/

Rosalie Boyle
infiKNIT
theknitter08@gmail.com
http://hyenacart.com/stores/CongFu

Christine
Knoodle Knits
http://hyenacart.com/KnoodleKnits/
http://hyenacart.com/CrunchyCongo/

Suzanne Williams
La Petite Krott Creations
http://hyenacart.com/LaPetiteKrottCreations/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/PetiteKrottCreations
petitekrottcreations@yahoo.com

Julie Kieliszewski
Libelle
http://hyenacart.com/stores/Libelle/

Caitlin Zieroth
Little Hands, Little Feet
http://hyenacart.com/stores/littlehandslittlefeet/

Mish
OrangePiggy's LittleDog
orangepiggyslittledog@gmail.com
http://hyenacart.com/orangepiggyslittledog
http://orangepiggyslittledog.wordpress.com/

Chelsea O'Larey
Peace Baby Knits
http://hyenacart.com/PeaceBabyKnits/
peacebabyknits@hotmail.com

April
pinkebody
http://www.etsy.com/shop/pinkebody
http://hyenacart.com/stores/Capella/

Alison Smith
Pixie Knits
www.pixieknits.co.uk

Kelli Kemery
Radiant Baby Designs
http://hyenacart.com/stores/RadiantBabyDesigns/

Heather Wicht
Revolutionary Woolens
http://www.etsy.com/shop/revolutionarywoolens

Laura Savastinuk
Rhino Knits
http://hyenacart.com/stores/Rhino/

Julia
Shy Violet
http://hyenacart.com/shyviolet/

Emily Tesnow
Songbird Knits
http://hyenacart.com/stores/SongbirdKnits/

Katie Vaino
Strawberry Bottom Baby Knits
http://hyenacart.com/Strawberrybottombaby/
http://hyenacart.com/KnitNight/

http://hyenacart.com/clubthread/

Valerie Hough

Sunshine Wool Works
http://www.hyenacart.com/theappleorchard

Melissa James
SweetieDarling Knits
http://www.etsy.com/shop/sweetiedarlingknits

Melissa Tutterrow
Sweet T and Pickles
http://hyenacart.com/SweetTandPickles/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/sweettandpickles

Sarah Lewis
Western Sky Knits
http://www.hyenacart.com/WesternSkyKnits

Natalie Daniel
Zab's Mom
http://hyenacart.com/nocturnal/
http://hyenacart.com/stores/MainStreet/
http://hyenacart.com/stores/MainStreet/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/zabsmom

Michele Ryan
Same Knit, Different Dye
http://hyenacart.com/SameKnitDifferentDye/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/SameKnitDifferentDye

Melissa Elvrum
http://lullabykisses.com/category_97/Creations-by-Melmonkeys-Zoo.htm

Suzanne Hayes
Lush Tush
www.lushtush.co.uk
suzanne@lushtush.co.uk

Becca Bryant
Ewe Need Color
www.hyenacart.com/eweneedcolor

Kelly Winship
Ewephoria Knits
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ewephoriaknits

Suzanne Hayes
Lush Tush
http://www.lushtush.co.uk/

my customs are closed until 2011

2010-10-18T21:52:00.005-04:00

Thank you for all of your kind inquiries regarding custom knitting.

Unfortunately, at this time, I simply can not take on anymore customs.

Custom knitting spots will be available again starting in January 2011.

Thank you for understanding.

Current Customs List:

DONE ~ L. - NB Owl Romper using Lollytree Yarn
DONE ~ B. - 3m Owl Romper
DONE ~ A. - 12m Birch Blossom Romper
DONE C. - 12m Owl Romper
DONE ~ J. - NB overalls
Postponed to Feb. ~ Jo. - Romper

new pattern

2010-09-14T19:50:00.002-04:00

i'm so excited to finally be able to release this sweater pattern. my testers and I have been working like crazy folks to get it done.

thank you to everyone who has sent kind words and encouragement. i love creating for you.

the pattern can be found on both Ravelry and Hyenacart this Friday.

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/andalusia-2

http://hyenacart.com/ComfortWool/

simplicity sweater club spoiler for august

2010-08-23T21:07:00.003-04:00

♥ ♥ ♥

Pre-Order and simplicity sweater club

2010-08-22T22:07:00.004-04:00

RFR Pre-Order

Kelly: Shipped Monday, August 23
Rach: Ships Tuesday the 24th
Kristen: Drying Monday August 23
Beth: Yarn arrived on August 21.
Lisa: Yarn arrived on August 21
Kiersten: Drying Monday August 23
Laura: Shipped on Friday, August 20

simplicity sweater club

meg: shipped Monday, August 23
dev: ships Tuesday, August 24
kate: invoiced
kelly: dyeing this week
erin: dyeing this week.

summer is winding down....dyeing updates

2010-08-10T21:14:00.003-04:00

summer is winding down and i'm sad to think of leaving my sweet babies to go back to work. but then, i remember how well taken care of they are at their school. I also remember how much my students need me and how much I adore them, and I get excited at the prospect of being part of their lives and teaching them.

ahhh...and i remember, that with the school year comes cooler days. a wonderful reminder when the temperature is suppose to be triple digits tomorrow.

but that isn't why i started this blog post at all.

I wanted to update my people waiting on their pre-orders. I'm wading through a 350 Mosaic Moon coop at the moment, trying to get those packaged and out of my living space. I love yarn, but WHOA.

So...here is where we are:

Run Fox Run

Cestari orders: Should ship this Friday. I beg of you to not be too mad if I fall behind this update since I'm technically ahead of schedule. ♥

Mt Meadow: Ordered

Nova: Ordered

Simplicity Sweater Club

All bases ordered.

Some updates

2010-08-03T10:32:00.002-04:00

Blogging is hard.

Summer is harder

Three kids always under the feet, trips to keep them engaged. A newborn. You get the idea.

I do have some updates, so hang on to your seat!

Where to begin...

First some custom updates.

Working on a romper in Nurturing Threads Wizard colorway. This project is touch and go. I'm down to just 2.5 ounces and need to complete 8" of leg and two short sleeves. Pray for me, will ya?

Then there was some knitting for a neice on the way. This is knit in Western Sky Knits Iris colorway

And I can't not knit for myself. This is madelinetosh sock in ginger. I'm knitting up a simple things for myself for the fall.

And I also finished a Goodale in MM Copper Patina

And I've been working on a new pattern, because little boys need cute things, too.

And some dyeing.

is that....YARN?

2010-06-22T08:58:00.003-04:00

I've been on a hiatus from dyeing this school year. Something about being in the midst of the school year makes my dyeing mojo nill. I'm normally too exhausted to do anything that requires standing when I get home from work.

But, as the school year draws to a close, my dye pot has been itching to get used.

Look for these and more on June 28th at Comfort Wool.

The other day I posted some semi-solids I had dyed. Here is the colorway it was meant to match. I imagine this cuddling the perfect newborn baby. A coming home set. This is dyed on a single ply merino, soft and luxurious. Perfect for baby or mama.

This is a five skein set, two colorway, two avocado greens and one mint green. The colorways are hand painted using a method specifically intended to eliminate pooling.

This colorway, lovingly names "Jackson" is dyed in many shaded of blue and green with a deep brown and gold. Perfect for those dog days of summer and dirty, grass stained knees.

school's (almost) out for summer!

2010-06-19T21:54:00.003-04:00

as most of you know, i am a teacher by day. by night is, of course, another story.

i went back to work, from maternity leave on May 10th, hence the reason, I've not been posting much at all since then. But never fear, I've been busy...busy busy busy.

Since I don't want to bore you with the details of all the knitting, dyeing, schooling that has been going on. I'll just show you pretty pictures. Everyone loves pretty pictures.

Skirted Overalls in my Birch Blossom colorway. I never did get a finished pictures WITH the buttons.

A Springtime in Hollis sweater and longies set in Comfort Wool Breezy colorway (dyed by Lauren)

I also reverse engineered a sweater tank for my daughter, Elliot. Dyed by me on superwash in my Ichiban colorway.

Dyed some yarn as well...

This will be part of a set. The colorway is still drying

This was a "fortunate" mistake

So, yeah. That is about it. I know. Not much for 5 weeks. But work slows me down. Alot. Look for much more regular updates now that summer is a mere 4 days away! Woot Woot!

"grayson" loafers

2010-05-17T17:24:00.006-04:00

Oh my, I knit this lovely little loafers up for my team teacher's new baby boy, Grayson. He isn't due for a couple weeks still, but he will be the talk of the town in his new outfit, if I do say so myself.

The booties are simple and great for newbies. Whip them up in one night, no problem.

I tried them on my newbie and they were a bit tight but stayed on great. Granted..she isn't really a newbie anymore at 3 months. But I made her some similar ones that were a perfect from birth. And these fit because they are wool, so they stretch.

I need to rework them so I can share better gauge info, but for now, what I can offer...

Yarn: Malabrigo Worsted Merino >100yds
Needle: US8 DPNs
Gauge: approx 4.5-4.75spi in stockinette flat

Bootie.

CO 8
work 21 rows in garter (knit every row)

turn 45 degrees, pick up 11 stitches down the left side, 8 across the other end, and 11 across the last side. You will now knit in the round.

Work until you have 4 garter ridges ending after a purl row.

knit 19

k7, ssk, turn work

Next Row: slip as if to purl, P6, p2tog, turn
Next Row: slip as if to knit, K6, ssk, turn

Repeat the above rows until you only have 16 live stitches.

Next: slip as if to knit, K6, ssk, knit the last three stitches that you never got to because you started the short rows above.

Purl BO the rest of the stitches. Note that when you get to the last p2tog you did (although you will now be on the right side) there will be a gap. You should have on stitch on your right side needle and then the gap. k2tog for the next two stitches to close the gap then bind off that stitch. then continue binding off as normal. Hope that makes sense.

Strap.

Pick up 5 stitches along the top garter bump. Make sure for each shoe you do this on a different side so that one strap over to the right and one to the left.

Work in seed stitch until the strap is the length you want. BO leaving a long tail so that you can attach the button and sew down the strap.

Then...obviously, attach the button first and then i just sew the edge of the strap down.

Please note: I've done NO testing for this pattern. But I think I got it pretty darn close to being right. But it's free...so a mistake may be found. I make no promises.

it's finally knit night!

2010-04-29T14:04:00.003-04:00

i've been so excited for so long about tonight's stocking.

we have so many great friends who have agreed to come and stock their gorgeous yarns and knits on our cart.

i hope you will join us.

here is a taste of what is in store from me...go to the store to see what others have to offer....
Comfort Wool

tomorrow on iCrave

2010-04-25T20:59:00.001-04:00

Available tomorrow at noon on iCrave

I've been waiting to share this....

2010-04-25T14:58:00.002-04:00

but had to wait for the customer to get her package. the buttons were a surprise!
she sent some action shots from her cell for now. How Cute!

{this moment}

2010-04-23T07:22:00.001-04:00

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

i HAVE to brag...

2010-04-21T14:37:00.003-04:00

I have a wonderful friend who is also an amazing photographer. Her name is Katherine D and if you don't know her, check her out. And better yet, if you live in the Fayetteville, NC area...hit her up for a session. You will NOT be sorry.

Anyhow, back when Hollis was a mere three weeks old, I traveled the four hours down to see her so that she could do a session with Hollis.

Here are some of my favorites from that session. Get ready for the cuteness.

There is such a hysterical story behind this one. Lets just say this...never brag that your newborn doesn't have explosive poops. It will come back to haunt you...every.single.day.

breezy springtime in hollis

2010-04-20T15:15:00.002-04:00

is done...

i really think Tessa Anne of the Button Shop out did herself on these. They really add a simple elegance and beauty to this sweater. They match the dusty rose color wonderfully and really bring out the femininity of the sweater.

Custom STIH

2010-04-17T21:54:00.003-04:00

This is done, but waiting on buttons from Tessa Ann. This was knit in CWC (Lauren)'s colorway Breezy on Anise BFL. It is a size 6 mo.

Just waiting on these beauties from TessaAnn to come in.

owl cable hat

2010-04-13T12:18:00.004-04:00

i've gotten so many requests for the matching hat pattern, so here it is.

hopefully it is right. i'm doing it from my brain....which tends to be a jumbled mess after giving birth....who am i kidding? it's always a jumbled mess. take it for what it is worth. no testing has been done.

Gauge 4.75 spi and 6 rows per inch
Needle #8, 16" and DPNs
Yarn: Worsted-Aran.
Final Sizes:
Newborn 12.6" around

Instructions:

CO 61
Join by knitting the first stitch, slipping last CO stitch over it, essentially binding off. You will end with 60 Knit in stockinette for 3" to get the rolled edge.

R1: knit
R2: *P3, K4, P3 repeat from * to end
R3: *P1, C4B, C4F, P1 repeat from * to end
R4-11: *P1, K8, P1 repeat from * to end
R12: *P1, C4B, C4F, P1 repeat from * to end
R13-16: *P1, K8, P1 repeat from * to end
R17: *P1, C4B, C4F, P1 repeat from * to end
R18: *P1, K8, P1 repeat from * to end

knit 1" in stockinette,

Next Round: k4, *pm, k12 from * four times, k6
(hypothetically, in said jumbled brain, this lines up dead center between the owls. remember, said brain is jumbled. i could be wrong. this is totally, and rather likely wrong. Match it up before you start decreasing and drop me a line in the comments. I'd greatly appreciate it...but only if your brain is clearer then mine!)

Begin decreasing.

Decreases
Rounds start two stitches before first marker. I suggest making your starting marker a different color to avoid confusion.

Round 1: *k2tog, sm, ssk* knit to two before next marker and repeat all the way around.
Round 2: Knit
Round 3: *k2tog, sm, ssk* knit to two before next marker and repeat all the way around.

Repeat rounds two and three until there are only two stitches between each marker.

Break yarn, thread through final stitches.

Weave in and enjoy.

Beginnings and Endings

2010-04-11T14:29:00.003-04:00

Ahhh, that title could mean something so much deeper then it does. I swear I'm not waxing poetic folks.

It is quiet literal.

The end of this is near. I'm waiting on my buttons to arrive and they are off to their new owner, who so kindly let me "play" with designing overalls. I am very happy with the final product, but there will be some minor tweaking.

My kids have been sick the last two days. Stomach bug. So, the newbie and I have been staying FAR away from all the stuff coming out of my children, and by extension....my children. Very very far away. At least one wall between us.

Last night, as I watched a movie with my son (I know, I said far away. We were on opposite sides of the couch.), I got the spin bug once again. I wanted to try to spin some singles. If, by chance, they suck, I'll call it "art yarn" and pretend it was intentional. Or ply it to try to hide some of it.

And today, I started a Springtime in Hollis for Cheryl in Lauren's colorway...Breezy.

Done!

2010-04-06T15:10:00.002-04:00

an Easter miracle

2010-04-04T21:34:00.010-04:00

You don't have to celebrate this holiday to appreciate the miracle I'm talking about.
This is the kind of miracle only a knitter with a sense of humor can appreciate. Last night, I wove in 31 ends. I still had 5 to wrestle this morning and I hadn't even knit the second leg of the pants yet. Today, I looked at the amount of yarn I had left to work with for the second leg, and this is what I had staring back at me.
Yep. Just that. Those two small colorway balls are about the size of a golfball, give or take. And at this time, I started counting rows. How many rows would I have to make with the amount of colorway that I had? (The solids were good to go.)

The answer was simple. Seventeen. Seventeen rows!!! Thirty-eight stitches per row. Right. You feeling me here? And experienced knitters know this was a leap of faith. It was touch and go at times. What is a girl to do but beg her friends for whatever colorway they had available in scraps. A dear dear friend...whom I won't call out...Devorah....reminded me that I could contact the dyer and maybe beg her to dye me a little. Luckily, I have myself on speed dial and already knew my answer to my own question. I wasn't able to help myself as I didn't have any Cestari. Great. What a big help I am to myself. No one had any when I asked, and I needed to keep going.

So, I just kept knitting. And I do this often when I start to realize "Hey, this might not work." My rule of thumb is simple. Are you listening here?

"It is all in your head."

Confused? It's simple really.

The Logic:
If you don't look at it, you won't notice you are running out. Therefore, if your mind doesn't know you are running out, you will NOT run out. It's worked more times then I care to count. With a mere three or four inches to spare. But worked all the same.

(Please do not ask about the number of times it did not in fact work. I really can't actually count that high.)

Anyhow...the result of this holiday miracle is pictured below...before I completed the second leg. You'll have to wait until tomorrow to see it all done. After all, I'm tired. It's been a long day and night time pics are the worse then the early dawn pics...like the one pictured below.

Update: Just need a drawstring. Which is a battle, since I don't have enough of any one color to knit an i-Cord. Hmmm...to be continued

Customs Update and New Dyeing

2010-04-02T15:44:00.003-04:00

First a couple of custom updates.

This is the bear stripe custom from cart.
You get a butt shot. D'oh!
Rise 16.5"
Hip 16"
Inseam 7"

The EB Rohan Springtime in Hollis
We are waiting on natural gaia to arrive so I can knit the trim.

And rainbow fun. A custom play silk spot will be listed on my cart in April. Shown are 30x30

This is an extra 40x40

Thanks everyone!

2010-03-30T11:28:00.001-04:00

Packages went out today (in polymailers of course)

great last stocking and a Knit Night planned...

2010-03-28T20:46:00.002-04:00

we had such a wonderful stocking!

Thank you to all out loyal patrons who keep coming back with the woolie love! we are so happy to be able to create great things for you and the ones you love(ingly knit for).

We have some really wonderful friends all around the country that are also into all this wool and fiber business. Since we can't sit for coffee and have a knit night together, we decided, what better way to celebrate out friendship then to host a knit night on our cart!

So, join us for our next big stocking on April 29th at 9pm.

More information can be found HERE

So far, our guest list is:

Western Sky Knits
Tree Frog Knits
Blue Grass Baby
Sticky Peas
Nickie Nut Knits
Making Mischief
Melissa and Amy of Alligator Knits
Dwell Wool Knits
Black Tree Knits
For Crying Out Loud
Strawberry Bottom Baby
Cake
Boreal Baby Knits
Alfabette Zoope

with more great vendors to come.

elliot sweater...resized

2010-03-23T13:26:00.003-04:00

And available as a FREE Download on Ravelry.

I’ve added sizes starting at 3 months and going up to 4yo. Testing is incomplete. Feel free to knit and submit any errors.

This pattern is available for personal use only. Please do not knit and sell finished items from this pattern. Please inquire about licensing.

elliebelly rohan springtime in hollis custom

2010-03-20T10:12:00.000-04:00

starts today at noon!

BIG stocking!!!

2010-03-18T15:34:00.003-04:00

Lauren and I have been super busy getting ready for a huge stocking on 3-26-2010 at 3pm. You won't want to miss it! There will be collabs with other great HC vendors, like Bekah of Sheep in a Heap...as well as hand knits, yarns, and **wait for it**

the release of my new pattern *springtime in hollis*
We are so excited. So, be sure to be there....on time!!!

springtime in hollis...

2010-03-11T21:14:00.002-05:00

this is a new sweater pattern i'm testing.

perfect for the spring and named for my sweet bean.

woolie baby

2010-02-28T15:25:00.002-05:00

i spent so much time knitting for this surprise bean that it would be a shame not to show her off in all her beautiful wool.

plus, she has some pretty incredible aunties who made sure she was dressed to the T's.

so, stick around for the show...featuring Hollis Ann in some pretty darn amazing knits. I'll be adding more as I get shots of her in the rest of the outfits.

Welcome to the world....

2010-02-22T16:46:00.002-05:00

Baby Hollis Ann was born on February 18, 2010 at 11:37am. She was 7lbs 12oz and 21" long.

She is perfect in every way!

OWLIES ~preview~

2010-02-08T17:22:00.002-05:00

this is a one time knit for others type of thing. i bought this yarn because it is named "caden" not for my son, but alas, they share the name. I always had big plans of knitting him some longies from it, but alas, he potty learned over two years ago. I tried to sell the yarn to fund new things for our third child, expected any minute now, but I don't think people could appreciate it until they saw it knit up.

So, I knit it up. This is what came from it. It decided as I went along what to do next. Originally, it was just going to be a sweater and longies. But I didn't have enough to do them separate, so once I realized that, I just knit the longies on to the sweater.

I'm contemplating keeping it for the baby in baking, but I don't know the gender and I'm trying to keep things gender neutral anyhow. I could wait, he or she will be here any day now. Yet, I have this overwhelming desire to sell it and buy diapers instead...LOL!

You can find it HERE this Thursday at noon, unless of course, I change my mind again.

a couple more knitting projects

2010-02-02T20:02:00.003-05:00

Knitting for this new bean has been so much fun. I never knit for Caden before he was born. All I could knit was a scarf. In fact, I didn't start finding time to knit again until I was pregnant with Elliot (14 months later.) With Elliot, I knit AFTER she was born. I still wasn't knitting much from having a first child and think I only prepared one or two things before she was born.

This baby is spoiled already! Although, I didn't start knitting for him/her until Christmas break, but I haven't stopped.

I finished a Fae Folklore Hat to go with the romper I knit. The first picture is more true to color.

And this sweet sweater knit from Mosaic Moon Winter Pear on single ply. Oh my! I have some custom Pear buttons being made by Tessa Ann on etsy. Her polymer buttons are perfection!

its almost time for babymoon....

2010-01-30T19:09:00.002-05:00

seeing as this is my third, i'm not sure i'll actually be taking much time off. i think i was more productive then ever after my second was born. it kept me sane between all the other things....diapers, crying, nursing.

but, a sampling of what has kept me busy the past few weeks is below:

First, a coming home outfit for the new baby knit in Yarnoodles Namibia colorway on single ply merino. The heartfeet shirt is from Lori of AlfabetteZoope.

Both amazing ladies.

And since we don't actually know what the baby is, I also bought a red heartfeet from Lori

Next is a little hat to match the Owlie Sleep Sack I designed.

And a matching soaker, since I had more of the yarn left. We'll call this a WIP since it needs a drawstring and a blocking.

Also,a newborn creeper knit out of WSK Choco Rainbow on single ply merino. Kim is also one of my most favorite WAHM's. The buttons are from my LYS and a little big for me. Maybe it wouldn't have been so bad if there were less of them. I don't know. But, the length of time the baby can wears this trumps the effort it would take to frog back and fix that, in my mind anyhow.

My last knit was something for mama. I had been knitting for the new baby and decided I needed to spoil myself a little. The Beechwood Cowl in my own handspun.

Don't mind the serious face. I'm thinking about the fact that I have to birth in a few short weeks...or really....a week...any day now....gah!

Next iCrave Stocking

2010-01-19T20:15:00.003-05:00

Celebrating the Chinese New Year

We have some yarn in store....

Owlie Sleep Sack

2010-01-19T17:28:00.011-05:00

Every new little one needs to cuddle up and be warm. Everyone knows a happy baby is made by snuggling and swaddling in some comfy single ply merino.

Below is a pattern for a sleep sack with owlies on the top.

Simple enough really.

This is one size. THIS IS NOT MEANT TO BE SLEPT IN. Never leave your baby unattended in a sleep sack.

DETAILS
Gauge 5 spi
Yarn: Malabrigo Worsted
Size 7 needles 16" circs and DPNs (or needed for gauge)

ABBREVIATIONS
c4f is when you will place the first two stitches onto a cable needle and hold them to the front, knit the next two then knit the two from the cable needle.

c4b the same thing except hold the cable to the back.

pm: place marker

sm: slip marker

ssk: slip, slip knit is a decrease

PATTERN
CO 86
Join for knitting in the round placing marker. Bind off first stitch to close gap. 85 sts

Knit in stockinette for 16 rows

Owl Cable:

Round 1: P1, *P2, K8, P2 repeat from * to end
Round 2: P1, *P2, C4F, C4B, P2 repeat from * to end
Round 3 - 6: P1, *p2, K8, P2 repeat from * to end
Round 7: Same as round 2
Round 8-15: Same as round 1
Round 16: Same as round 2
Round 17: P1, *P4, K4, P4 repeat from * to end
Round 18: Knit

Continue knitting in stockinette until sack measures 12" from tip of rolled edge. Do NOT flatten rolled edge for measuring purposes.

Setting up the decreases:

Move marker back one stitch (I suggest making this a different color to keep track of beginning.) *Knit 17, PM repeat from * to end, knit to last two stitches before first marker

Decreases start TWO stitches before marker.

Round 1: *K2Tog, SM, SSK, knit to two stitches before next marker and repeat from *

Round 2: Knit

Repeat the above rounds until there are three stitches between each marker.

Break yarn and pull through remaining stitches.

Weave in ends, block and snuggle.

BLOCK BLOCK BLOCK to open up your owls. Adding button eyes is not recommended as it presents a chocking hazard.

**Errata for purl mistake in owl cable round two ~ Fixed 2/22/10**
**ADDED abbreviations to pattern 6/29/10**

Copyright Comfort Wool 2011.

Please do not distribute this pattern for free or for sale, in hardcopy or electronically. I do prefer you not sell from this pattern. You may knit from this pattern for personal use or for charity.

Thank You.

Haitian Relief

2010-01-17T20:41:00.002-05:00

Having visited Haiti in 2004 and meeting so many wonderful and amazing people, this devastating tragedy leaves me feeling helpless and sad. Since I can't travel to Haiti now due to pregnancy to aid in the relief efforts, I'm doing what I can.

Between now and the end of the month, I'm donating 100% of my pattern sales on Ravelry to Haitian Relief.

There are so many designers doing the same. Please check out Ravelry for a full list of patterns and designers donating.

Click on the flag to go to my pattern store on Ravelry.

IF you would like to purchase a pattern with proceeds donated to Haiti, but are not a member of Ravelry, please contact me via email to make arrangements at icravecrafts@gmail.com

Super-Natural Stripes Beanie

2010-01-03T14:25:00.009-05:00

This is a newborn beanie I knit up for my impending little one.

Its based on the Super-Natural Stripes by Fawn Pea.

The pictures are unblocked...as, well, I'm normally too lazy to block for my own children. And this hat was done in colorway to match the sweater I'm making, so I didn't do the color changes that go with her sweater. That part could be easy enough if you wanted to modify the pattern to match a solid. I've included notes about how to follow her color changes.

Gauge 4.75 spi and 6 rows per inch
Needle #8, 16" and DPNs
Yarn: Worsted-Aran. I used single-ply Purewool dyed by Yarnoodles
Final Sizes:
Newborn 12.6" around and
Small 14.7" around and 6.7" from brim
Medium 17.9" around and 8.1" from brim
Large: 20" around and 9.1" from brim

None of the sizes other then newborn have been knit by me. But estimates have been made using KnittingFiend tools for crown decreases.

Instructions:

CO 61 [71, 86, 96] (I did this with colorway. If you want follow her color repeats, cast on with B)
Join by knitting the first stitch, slipping last CO stitch over it, essentially binding off. You will end with 60 [70,85,95] stitches.

Round 1: Purl
Round 2: Knit
Round 3: Purl (Following her pattern, switch to MC)
Round 4: Knit
Round 5 - 8: Knit
Round 9: Purl with new color. (In my case, this was a change from colorway to solid. According to her pattern, you would change to color A.)
Round 10-14: Knit
Round 15: Purl with new color. (I simply changed back to colorway. Following her pattern, you would now change to color B)
Round 16-20: Knit
Round 21: Purl (I stayed with colorway. According to her pattern, change to color C.)
Round 22-26: Knit
Round 27: Purl (I stayed with colorway. According to her pattern, change to color A.)
Round 28-32: Knit
Round 33: Purl (I stayed with colorway. According to her pattern, change to MC.)

Stop at round 33 for newborn. For larger sizes: Continue knitting in color change pattern until hat measures (4.9", 5.6", 6.3") from brim. Or continue in MC for all stripes after Row 33. Or you can simple stop knitting purl rows and knit strictly in stockinette stitch until the top. I like all stripes, but the choice is yours.

Next Round: k2, *pm, k12 (14, 17, 19) * four times, k10 (12, 15, 17)

Decreases
Rounds start two stitches before first marker. I suggest making your starting marker a different color to avoid confusion.

Round 1: *k2tog, sm, ssk* knit to two before next marker and repeat all the way around.
Round 2: Knit
Round 3: *k2tog, sm, ssk* knit to two before next marker and repeat all the way around.

Repeat rounds two and three until there are only two stitches between each marker.

Break yarn, thread through final stitches.

Weave in and enjoy.

As always, please feel free to print off a hard copy but do not try to sell or distribute this pattern in any way shape or form, for free or for resale. Also, items may be knit for personal use, gifting, or charity, but not for sale.

Thank you.

crazy, beautiful mittens are now up on Ravelry

2009-12-30T19:44:00.002-05:00

The pattern is done and I want to thank all of my wonderful testers. Without there help, this pattern would have been a freaking disaster.

Happy Holidays

2009-12-25T16:30:00.001-05:00

From my family to yours....

crazy, beautiful mittens testing

2009-12-22T08:59:00.002-05:00

these are being tested right now by a team of awesome knitters!

These were knit to match my crazy, beautiful cowl pattern.

They remind me ever so slightly of something wonder woman would wear....

This pair is being gifted but I will surely be knitting more for myself in the very near future!

with the holidays...

2009-12-15T20:18:00.002-05:00

comes copious amounts of knitting for others.

I've got more then I can handle, knitwise, on my plate.

Here are a couple of the gifts I'm working on.

To Frog or To Finish....

2009-11-28T23:25:00.002-05:00

That is the question, dear readers.

As I looked around my home the other night, I realized I'm surrounded by UFO's. For my non-knitting buddies, this means "UnFinished Objects"

Yes, all these abandoned knitting babies just lying around asking to be moth food.

I made a decision. I made a pact with myself (and a couple of amazing wooly friends.) By the end of the week (or the year) I will split all these projects into two piles: frog or finish.

And I have. They are all sitting so pathetically on my coffee table. Well, most of them. Some need to be rescued from "hiding" or various "time-outs" around the house. In fact, I'm not even sure where the sock cuff I started could be, truth be told.

But there is hope. This evening, I finished the first on my "finish list." It began February 1, 2009. The project?

A February Lady Sweater (don't lie, you love the irony.)

I finished the yoke. And it sat....for nearly 5 months.

Over the summer (July to be exact) I decided to get it done. I finished the body. And it sat....

Until yesterday. When I decided to finish two little sleeves. How hard could it be? How bad, I wondered?

Well, not bad at all apparently. It took me no time at all and now I hate myself a little for letting it sit.

So, I'll get better pics tomorrow, but here is a preview.

So, fellow knitters. Let this be an inspiration to you. Start 2010 with a BANG!

Decide now....to frog or to finish...then make it happen.

crazy, beautiful cowl

2009-11-25T15:36:00.004-05:00

I'm so excited about this new pattern. I think it is the right mix of feminine without being too girly.

Introducing crazy, beautiful...

Perfect for day or night wear,
this cowl can go anywhere.
Simply knit, beautiful wear, perfect comfort.

This beautiful cowl is worked with cables and eyelets.

Visit my Ravelry pattern store for more information.

a long overdue update

2009-11-24T16:41:00.003-05:00

lots of great stuff to share. hang on for the ride!

Edward Longies Custom

New Kettle Dyed Colorways:

The top two will be available on iCrave on Black Friday. You can click the pictures for details

ezmerelda

fox mountain

bear variation

birch blossom

Mitten Pattern Updated

2009-11-02T19:58:00.004-05:00

Hola fellow knitters and woolie lovers!

The Comfort Mountain Mitten pattern has been updated and now includes sizes 1T, 2T and a 3-4 size.

There are three easy way to purchase this pattern.

Follow the links below:

iCrave

Comfort Wool HyenaCart

Ravelry

Comfort Mountain Mittens

2009-10-19T20:34:00.030-04:00

A new pattern I worked up when nothing out there was impressing me. My son needed mittens for the pumpkin patch this weekend, I've been sitting on this beautiful Elliebelly Peace Fleece for far too long.

So, I took a break from knitting my customs one night and finished these in under 5 hours total for both. I think it only took so long as I was writing it down and perfecting it as I went.

Then, I had to borrow my mom's camera at the pumpkin patch to take photos before Caden ran off and lost them or got them dirty.

This pattern is available for purchase for $3 USD. After payment is received, the PDF will be emailed to you within 24 hours.

To purchase, click buy it now below or visit my HyenaCart

have to break a promise

2009-10-10T21:36:00.002-04:00

i promised photos by this weekend but that isn't going to happen....for months.

unfortunately, my home was broken into on Thursday afternoon while I was at work. The perp kicked in my back door and stole several cameras and photo printers, video cameras, iPod docks, my children's piggy banks, food, a breast pump and much much more...including my sense of safety.

We are in the process of filing a homeowner's claim but being I've never dealt with something like this, have NO idea how long it will be before I am able to replace some of the things that I've lost.

The worst part of this whole ordeal....when I got my ultrasound to find out what I was having, I opted to NOT find out. I had the US tech write it on a piece of paper and seal it up for my fiance incase he just HAD to know. Well, he never opened it, but instead tucked it away in the sealed envelope. This horrible horrible person who did this to us, opened that envelope. They are now one of two people who know what I'm having. I'm crushed. I'm angry. I'm....speechless.

Right now I'm a mix of emotions. Feeling unsafe, a little depressed when I look to the spot where my son's piggy bank was...the one that had all his firsts written on it...with dates, names...everything for his first year of life. I'm sure smashed and in the trash by now. I'm angry and hating the world.

So, yeah. Thats where I am. And I'm being forced to break my promise to take pictures.

I'm sorry.

i swear i'm working

2009-10-06T21:50:00.001-04:00

sorry for the lack of progress photos. no batteries and no time to get them so far this week :(

I promise, by the weekend though.

So, the MM Synchro Longies are split for the legs and are about 6" in to leg one. I'm holding off here to get a photo. Want to make sure the striping is acceptable.

WSK Choco Rainbow longies are about 8 inches into the rise.

KBK/Fam. Roots Edward arrived and is next up.

Hope that helps a little!

My "Elliot" Sweater Pattern

2009-09-30T19:27:00.008-04:00

Its finally done. I love how this came out and will have action shots up soon.

Pattern available below. If you decide to knit this, please link to it on its Ravelry pattern page.

Thanks!

THIS PATTERN IS NOW AVAILABLE AS A FREE DOWNLOAD IN PDF FORMAT ON RAVELRY.

*NOTE* This is a first round pattern. Any mistakes, please email to icravecrafts@gmail.com

Small Longies

2009-09-16T17:26:00.003-04:00

All done and ready to pack up, when I realize I forgot the drawstring. D'Oh. Pregnancy brain is an interesting thing, to say the least. Well, I'm going to continue blaming it on this anyhow as long as I can. Not sure what I'll call it when I'm no longer pregnant.

Here are some "almost done" small longies.

I forgot how quick little newbie pants are

2009-09-13T20:06:00.001-04:00

These have been knit in under three days. I forgot how fast you can get them done. I'll have to squeeze some in for my little bean.

These are the custom for Holly who is due with her little one in October (only my favorite birth month)!!!

Oh Good Gracious

2009-09-09T19:21:00.002-04:00

Could I be any happier with the way this Elliebelly knit up? Me thinks not.

Now, I don't have a space big enough for a picture of this thing layed out, but I think these depict the beauty anyhow.

Perhaps Michelle will send me a picture of it on, holding it across her back. I just didn't feel right modeling it ;)

Done!

2009-09-01T19:46:00.006-04:00

My computer or flickr or both are acting crazy. So, a first picture, and hopefully more to come.

WSK Collab

2009-08-29T13:43:00.001-04:00

Almost done!

Today I worked on....

2009-08-24T15:37:00.001-04:00

the Clapotis for Michelle. Its coming along wonderfully, despite being DK weight. The fact that it is the most scrumptious Sea Silk from Elliebelly really makes all else obsolete.

I don't have a place to lay this out and get a good picture so these will have to suffice, albeit a bit blurry.

Blue Halo

2009-08-23T13:11:00.001-04:00

I think my camera must be on a downward spiral. I keep getting the "Blue Halo" around my pictures no matter the light.

Oh well.

Obsessive WIP Update Time!

i'm lost under WIP's

2009-08-21T18:57:00.001-04:00

I've never in my life has THIS many WIP's going at once.

Its a bit overwhelming, but more or less just a big challenge that I'm loving taking on. Plus, it keeps interesting. Something new to knit almost every day of the week..

This has been sitting dormant for almost all summer. My daughter, Elliot's sweater knit out of Gaia worsted dyed by the ever wonderful Joyce of Elliebelly.

Last night I worked out the one sleeve and maybe tonight I'll bang out the other.

I've been knitting on these all day and night....The WSK Choco Rainbow with Pink.

Now, the other projects I'm working on haven't moved in a bit, so no need to update until progress has been made.

New Colorway and Custom Update

2009-08-17T19:39:00.000-04:00

Folklore on Nysa Fine

Choco Rainbow Collab on WSK

2009-08-16T10:52:00.001-04:00

WIP

Some Current WIP's

2009-08-14T16:01:00.003-04:00

And the EB Sea Silk "Melted Crayon" Clapotis. After knitting this, all wool is itchy.

this is a pretty terrible picture

The WCY "Julian" Shorties with DK weight yarn. This was listed as an Aran but I checked it on my spinners gauge....

Feb. Lady Sweater for myself!

Some YYMN Spots

2009-07-30T19:06:00.003-04:00

Since I am on a temporary dyeing hiatus, I'm offering up some super limited YYMN spots this month.

As of right now, I'm offering up three spots via my congo, iCrave.

The listing goes live on August 14th at noon.

I'm also working with Kim of Western Sky Knits for a collab with her yummy yarns and my knitting.

Look for choco-rainbow with pink Limited Edition on Kim's cart on August 5th at 2pm :)

Stocking Knits and Handspun on Friday

2009-07-22T20:53:00.003-04:00

Don't miss this Friday's stocking...Fairytales and Folklore!

I'll be stocking some cabled longies, size small in Mosaic Moon's Ming colorway on Cestari Superfine.

Also, I'm finally willing to part with the handspun I previewed one blog post below.

A second skein is in the works and will be offered up, even if it isn't ready in time

New Handspun Recipe....

2009-07-07T17:17:00.004-04:00

First take four ounces of Selah's Pan on Superfine Merino.

Then take an equal amount of Forest Fiber Work's Tamarack Lodge on Merino Roving.

Ply the singles spun from each roving and Voila!

Stocking THIS friday on iCrave

oh wow. yeah been a bit.

2009-07-05T22:20:00.000-04:00

So, its been since June 15th that I posted.

The reason being, June 17th I got some very VERY exciting news....

But I'm not ready to break it to the world, just yet.

Stayed tuned.

Bear Attack

2009-06-15T18:00:00.001-04:00

Fun little hat...

2009-06-01T20:56:00.002-04:00

this is for one of the most wonderful people I know...who has been a huge support for me this year. Without her, I would have been a mess.

new colorways are fun!

2009-05-26T20:59:00.003-04:00

this is inspired by the blueberry farm that is part of my fiance's family's land in upstate new york!!! the farm is called timberland, but that didn't really "do it" for me. so i'm calling it "blueberry hill" with a dose of sweet summer sunshine.

Personal post....and one custom update

2009-05-22T19:20:00.003-04:00

I know this is suppose to be a "business" blog, as you would have it, but I can't stand NOT sharing these pictures. Plus, they are wool related, thus making them relevant. And if you try to disagree....wool karma will be amongst you.

So, without further ado!!!

My feeling better little Elliot Bean in her new capris.

not the best picture, but toes ♥

Also, Heather, your yarn is dry!

As some of you know....

2009-05-21T20:09:00.007-04:00

my daughter was in the hospital recently fighting MRSA. We are home now, thank goodness, but I'm behind.

Of course, this comes to no surprise to those of you that know me and know....well, i'm always behind.

But here is what I've completed this week. And there is much much more that is almost done, but not quite.

Sister Bear on Marr Haven. This is being stocked tomorrow at Baby Bean Designs

Mosaic Moon Winter Pear on Cestari for my own daughter!

Pop Rocks I'm not really sure what I will do with it....yet.

Comfort Wool Stickball dyed by my wonderful partner, Lauren.

Lisa's Handspun, Pink Lily

Tentative Plan for this Week

2009-05-18T19:53:00.004-04:00

I'm going to try to knock out as many of my outstanding customs orders this week.

Monday and Tuesday: Heather ~ RFR is dyed. BB is dyeing tonight (tuesday)
Tuesday and Wednesday: Kim ~ Bear is half dyed, finish wednesday.
Friday: Ship everything.

a newborn set....

2009-05-07T22:22:00.001-04:00

awww.....makes my ovaries ache.....

Just another rainy Wednesday....

2009-05-06T20:04:00.002-04:00

Lisa's handspun is plied, dried and set. Well, half of it, anyhow.

Kjersti's Claire trim is done and ready to be shipped.

still raining....

2009-05-05T19:44:00.002-04:00

yes, day three of non-stop rain. I'm sure the Pacific North Westerners can sympathize...or think i'm a total wimp for not being able to deal. Since moving from Seattle, I can't stand the smallest bit of rain.

I snuck out amidst the short lapse in rainfall yesterday to snap a couple of photos of the shorties I finished for Elliot (that I wouldn't let her wear until I got a final photo of...)

Also, the two bobbins of Lisa's handspun, pre-plying. The twist is being set as we speak. Only four ounces to go

And I realize this is totally maniacal and narcissistic of me...but I was sitting on my bed with Sky, admiring how far I've come in my knitting...and I started talking about how I just think they are the most perfect pair I've ever knit, and how I love them....of course, what he hears is "blah blah blah yarn blah blah blah knitting...."

And he responds "well then, tell the customer you're keeping them."
WHAAAAAAAT?

They aren't for a customer. Why don't men listen?

Weekend Updates...

2009-05-02T21:57:00.002-04:00

It was a cloudy, rainy saturday here in richmond. the pics are sporting a super shadow. Better ones to come...

Nicole's Longies...

Pics to come. I'm weaving in the ends this evening. Need to choose a couple of hat patterns for you to choose.

Monica's Bear

Kristie's Birch Blossom

Its that time again....Custom Updates

2009-04-27T22:52:00.002-04:00

Nicole...Your trim is done and your longies are just a leg shy of completion.

The longies need to be blocked. The leg isn't as thin as it appears.

These were taken at sun down, so there is a slight pink tint from the sunset.

A new colorway for one of my favorite people...scratch that. TWO favorite people, Monica and Tina.

This is my new "bear" colorway.
Look for it on Marr Haven soon.

I actually squeezed in some knitting time for my own kid!

The confection shrug and matching capris. All dyed and knit by me!

Comfort Wool Co.

Cedar Street Cowl *Free Pattern*

Stationery card

ellowyn and evrim

Itty Bitty Contest to Benefit the Fundraiser...Oh, Yeah, there is a fundrasier

Tutorial : Sewn Hemmed Edge for Knitwear {Top Down}

that time of year where i have to start begging

summer is about half done for me

i'm on a craft spree (call the police!)

the summer that never sleeps

Family o' Puppets

Applause Unlimited

Announcement Up: Extended Hiatus

Smart Summer Challenge

a hoorah to summer!

a sweet newbie set ♥

Two New Patterns

last one...i promise.

oh..there is more.

such a bad poster

great news! and newborn love. not related.

another new pattern...Jungle Gym

wow...it has been so long

Licensed Jungle Gym Knitters

Thinking of Spring...FULL

Licensed Sellers: Andaulsia, Hootie Who Romper, Owlie Set, Elliot, Comfort Mountain Mittens

Springtime In Hollis Licensed Knitters

my customs are closed until 2011

new pattern

simplicity sweater club spoiler for august

Pre-Order and simplicity sweater club

summer is winding down....dyeing updates

Some updates

is that....YARN?

school's (almost) out for summer!

"grayson" loafers

it's finally knit night!

tomorrow on iCrave

I've been waiting to share this....

{this moment}

{this moment}

i HAVE to brag...

breezy springtime in hollis

Custom STIH

owl cable hat

Beginnings and Endings

Done!

an Easter miracle

Customs Update and New Dyeing

Thanks everyone!

great last stocking and a Knit Night planned...

elliot sweater...resized

elliebelly rohan springtime in hollis custom

BIG stocking!!!

springtime in hollis...

woolie baby

Welcome to the world....

OWLIES ~preview~

a couple more knitting projects

its almost time for babymoon....

Next iCrave Stocking

Owlie Sleep Sack

Haitian Relief

Super-Natural Stripes Beanie

crazy, beautiful mittens are now up on Ravelry

Happy Holidays

crazy, beautiful mittens *testing*

with the holidays...

To Frog or To Finish....

crazy, beautiful cowl

a long overdue update

Mitten Pattern Updated

Comfort Mountain Mittens

have to break a promise

i swear i'm working

My "Elliot" Sweater Pattern

Small Longies

I forgot how quick little newbie pants are

Oh Good Gracious

Done!

Cedar Street Cowl Free Pattern

crazy, beautiful mittens testing