handmade by stefanie

Ever since I discovered that the original yarn called for in my Alameda Sock design was discontinued, I have wanted to update this design. To be totally honest, the yarn I originally chose wasn't particularly well-suited to becoming socks, being that it was a rather inelastic cotton yarn. As much as I wanted a pair of hand-knit cottony summer socks, it just didn't work quite like I had imagined. When two skeins of beautiful Violet GEMS sport weight yarn arrived on my doorstep, I realized they would be the perfect yarn choice for version 2.0 of the Alameda Socks , and last fall I cast on for a pair which would also conveniently serve as my grandmother's Christmas gift. Two birds, one pair of socks! That's the saying, right?? Anyway, I loved the way they turned out, though the yarn substitution did necessitate a few changes to the original pattern due to the difference in gauge. I chose to revise this pattern to be knit in 2 sizes (instead of the original 3)...

Hooray, it's FO Friday, and I am especially excited to share my finished project with you this week: See how excited I am?? Based on a vintage stitch pattern, the Scalloped Rib Socks have always been near and dear to my heart. I am thrilled to offer a totally new version of this design knit in Baah! La Jolla superwash merino sock yarn. It's delightful to knit with and the perfect way to show off this stitch pattern! Version 2.0 of the Scalloped Rib Sock pattern includes an additional size option, clearer instructions, and most importantly, CHARTS! If you have already purchased this pattern, you will receive the updated PDF free of charge! Pattern Details: Yarn: 1 skein Baah La Jolla (400 yards) - both sizes Needles: US #1 Gauge: 30sts = 4 inches in stockinette stitch Size Options: Women's S/M (7" circumference) or Women's M/L (8" circumference) Click here to purchase on Ravelry. I strongly recommend signing up for newsletter u...

Out of print for just over a month, the Heliotrope Stockings are back on the scene.  This pattern is updated with the most recent errata (though I've preserved the errata link for anyone who purchased earlier versions of this pattern from The Sanguine Gryphon).  I've also updated the yarn information to reflect the two new yarn companies created by the dissolution of The Sanguine Gryphon, and included instructions to make a regular rib cuff as well as the original ruffled cuff.  Enjoy! Pattern:  Heliotrope Stockings Suggested Yarns: Cephalopod Yarns Skinny Bugga! The Verdant Gryphon Eidos Click here to purchase on Ravelry via Paypal. Click here to purchase on Craftsy via Paypal.

There's a long story about this pattern*, as they were designed some time ago, but haven't been available to the general knitting public until now!  If you're looking for the perfect mitts to usher crisp autumn nights, look no further.  These long fingerless gloves are perfect for sipping cocoa and roasting marshmallows around a bonfire! The Bonfire Fingerless Gloves were designed with variegated hand-dyed yarns in mind - a perfect project for your favorite indie yarns. They feature an eyelet-and-cable panel on the top of the gloves (the rest is knit in stockinette) that plays well with multi-colored yarns, but would also look great in shaded solids. The cables resemble little leaves or flames, hence the name.  I've also given this pattern an upgrade by adding an easy-to-follow chart.  The yarn used in the model is from Coulrophobia's etsy shop - I'm not sure if this colorway is available any more, but there are some really fantastic colors in her store ...

Hand-dyed variegated yarns can sometimes be difficult to use in the context of a knitting project - what looks beautiful in a skein can sometimes become a regretsy of a sweater, if not used properly.   Same goes for multicolored, hand-dyed sock yarn - though crazy-colored socks are easier to "get away with," it is a challenge (at least for me!) to find a pattern that is interesting to knit that doesn't overpower the colors in the skein, and vice versa.  A few years ago, I designed a sock pattern that was exclusive to the Chewy Spaghetti Sock-of-The-Month Club.  The design challenge?  Come up with something that will minimize undesirable pooling (i.e. large chunks of color collecting in one section of the sock).  There are two things that will almost always accomplish this when knitting with hand-dyed yarns: 1.  Alternating skeins every few rows (not super-practical to do with socks, especially when most sock yarns come in one giant skein - but I'...