Is it in your library yet?

If anyone is tired of hearing me shout and squeal about Malabrigo Book 3...continue at your own risk, but don't say I didn't warn you.

As I've mentioned at least 80 times by now, Book 3 debuted at the beginning of this month at TNNA in Long Beach - so far, people are having trouble getting and keeping it in stock (for examples, Webs has it on backorder). A few copies have shown up on ebay, but I'm sure your LYS will have it in stock soon if you're willing to be patient!

There are some phenomenal patterns in this book - it's hard to choose what to knit first! I'm honored to be included among such talented designers as Kristen Rengren, Stephen West, Mercedes Tarosovich-Clark, Julie Weisenburger, and Breean Elyse Miller. Not only that, but the project photos are quite beautiful - I'm not sure where it was shot, but it's pretty cool stuff.

Here are the official book photos of my projects:

Project: Quick Draw Socks
Yarn: Malabrigo Sock in #802 Terracotta
Details: Knit top-down, these socks are a simple beginner's cable project (can also be knit using the 'cabling without a cable needle' technique) that knit up quickly. The left and right foot cable pattern mirrors one another.

Project: Kitchy Pleated Bag
Yarn: Malabrigo Chunky in #35 Frank Ochre and #259 Charrua
Details: Simple felted handbag (or project bag!) with ruched pleats using two of my favorite Malabrigo colorways. This simple project can be knit in a day!

Project: Stuffed Ostrich
Yarn: Malabrigo Twist in #412 Teal Feather and #619 Tender
Details: To minimize seaming, the body, neck and head are knit all in one piece - but I won't lie, there are still several bits and bobs to be sewn on! I recommend building this toy as you go. There are a few areas of short-row shaping, but the rest of the toy is comprised of fairly basic techniques. Most of the pieces are worked in the round, unless otherwise noted in the pattern.

Side note: I am really in love with this version of Stephen West's Purl Ridge Hat! Will have to knit myself one pronto!

Comments

Overdyeing A Finished Knit

Even after just a few years of knitting or crocheting, you're bound to have some finished projects lying around that never get worn or used. After 10+ years of crafting, I have more than just "some" or "a few"....and with my ongoing quest to declutter my house this year, I've become obsessed with going through these forlorn projects and making some Big Decisions. Sometimes, they are perfectly fine and just need a new and loving home. Other projects may have not turned out quite right: there might have been some mistakes in the knitting that I thought I could live with, or the yarn was gorgeous but not well-matched to the pattern, or my taste has drastically changed since I finished making the project...in any case, why on earth did I keep knitting?! Who knows, but I don't feel good about gifting anything that falls into this category to someone else. These projects have been relegated to the "frog pile" (or should I say, frog pond?), to b

Easy DIY: Beaded Vintage Snowflake Ornament Kits from Solid Oak Inc.

I was really excited to step outside of my comfort zone and try something new as part of my "Christmas in July" theme this month. The kind folks at Solid Oak Inc offered me a chance to review one of their Nostalgic Christmas beaded crystal ornament kits I couldn't resist. My tree is already full of ornaments I've inherited or been gifted from other family members and friends, so these pretty crystal beaded ornaments will fit right in I think! I was super impressed with this compact little kit , which includes everything needed to create three gorgeous vintage-style ornaments - just add a pair of round nose pliers (I found mine on Amazon for less than ten bucks). The instructions had some fabulous tips for newbies like me; for example, it recommended sorting the beads and laying them out in order on a towel or beading mat to prevent them from rolling away. That may seem obvious, but I was totally ready to start beading on my kitchen table without a

What If I Didn't Add Heels?

Last weekend, I finished the first sock with my Waterlilies yarn , and just for yuks, I tried it on even though it was basically just a tube sock. Much to my surprise, it fit really well, even without a heel. Who knew? So, that got me thinking: what if I just didn't add the heels? I never thought a tube sock would actually fit nicely, but I genuinely like the fit, so...why spend time to add the heels? As the saying goes, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.... Let's say I decide not to add heels once the second sock is done - there will still be placeholder yarn for the afterthought heels, as you can see above, so should I leave it in and just weave in the ends? Or should I remove it, put the live stitches back on needles and at least graft them together using more of the Waterlilies yarn? I plan on mulling all of this over as I knit the second sock, and I'd love to hear your opinions of what you think would look best (or if you think this whole "n

handmade by stefanie

Search This Blog