kerriknits

[kerriknits]

This blog is no longer active.

This blog is no longer maintained. If you have a pattern support question, please reach out to me at the email listed at the bottom of the first page of every pattern. If you have other questions or would generally like to get in touch, please reach out to me via Ravelry or Instagram. You can find me on both platforms as kerriknits!

[kerriknits]

I have the swivel pullover pattern but do not have the second PDF that is mentioned on the Ralvery website (The 2nd PDF is a pattern workbook that will help you work up your project! You’ll get a detailed construction diagram to show how everything works up, and each size has a 3-page Shaping Table to keep track of each and every row as you work it.) is there any way I can get it?

Hi there! I no longer maintain this blog so am unsure when this comment was left - apologies for the delayed reply! If you purchased the self-published version of the pattern on Ravelry, this PDF will be available in your Ravelry library. This extra document is not available outside of the self-published version of the pattern.

[kerriknits]

Weekly Design Snapshot

<p>Whew, secret knitting is off the needles! I sent it off in the mail on Wednesday, and it arrived at it's final destination today. I can't wait to share this design with you next year, it's gonna be hard to wait so long! I've already started looking at yarn to make my own once the pattern officially comes out.</p> <p><a data-flickr-embed="true"  href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/84768474@N06/21551006925/" title="image"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/668/21551006925_0c60ccb2c5_h.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="image"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p> <p>I spent my free time in the last two days working on finalizing the pattern, making my charts, and drawing up the schematic. I'm glad to have that off of my plate, now  I'll be able to turn my attention to other design projects. I have gotten a bit further on my Slate Run mitts, just the thumb left to do before I start the second one.</p> <p><a data-flickr-embed="true"  href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/84768474@N06/21364105809/in/dateposted-public/" title="image"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/606/21364105809_64df579271.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="image"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p> <p>I finally had the chance to start on something new after everything was sent off. I'd had the idea for a hat using this stitch pattern at the brim for a while, and I started working on the swatch to see how it knit up! I love this idea; I think it will be great at the brim of a hat, or at the cuff of a pair of mitts or socks. I'll probably be able to get started on the real project fairly soon!</p> <p><a data-flickr-embed="true"  href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/84768474@N06/21363157908/in/dateposted-public/" title="image"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/744/21363157908_2c70cc729a.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="image"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>

[kerriknits]

Weekly Design Snapshot

I've been focusing my knitting time on two projects this week: my colorwork mitts and my secret knitting. To be honest, it's mostly been secret knitting:

But, I can't show that til later, so I'll share more about the colorwork mitts! These are worked up in , which is really a perfect yarn for colorwork. The yarn is grabby so the stitches form a cohesive pattern, but it's still quite soft! I'm getting close to finishing up the first mitt and can't wait to get started on the second!

I can't decide if I want to make the second to match, or invert the colors. Either way would look beautiful! I'm calling these Slate Run Mitts, named after a metropark in the Columbus area.

I'll be making a couple more pieces to match these mitts. I know I'll be working up a cowl next, and then I'm planning on a slouchy hat after that. I also have a shawl idea floating about, but that may get put on hold so I can work up a few other ideas!

I've also started scheming for designs to be released later this fall and winter, and am starting to gather up my yarn for these upcoming projects. Can't wait to share more as I start working up these new designs!

[kerriknits]

Pattern - Aguacero Socks

I have a new pattern to share with you all today! To kick off fall sock knitting season, I am releasing Aguacero Socks. Perfect timing too - the high temperature here in Columbus was just barely cresting over 70F last week, though we're back into the 80s today.

While these socks may look new for the blog, they may look a little familiar if you've been keeping up with me on Ravelry or Instagram. They share a similar stitch pattern to my Aguacero Cowl, released earlier this year. This fun stitch pattern features a mix of flowing cables and eyelets.

I've adapted it to fit perfectly within a sock stitch count. Four sizes offer a great range of wearability in these delightfully patterned socks, and you can easily customize them on the larger end as well due to the purl border stitches.

Pick a skein of solid or semi-solid sock yarn to show your stitches best. I used Malabrigo Sock in the Persia colorway, a beautiful blend of turquoise blue into grey.

I am offering an introductory 20% off sale on this pattern; enter the code "AGUACEROAUGUST" at checkout to get your discount. Also - this code is valid on the Aguacero Cowl pattern if you like to match your accessories!

Suggested Yarn: Malabrigo Sock, or other fingering / sock weight yarn that knits to gauge.

Sizes: S (M, L, XL) to fit lower leg circ. up to 12 (12¾, 13½, 14¼)” / 30.5 (32.5, 34.25, 36) cm

Yarn Requirements: 285 (305, 325, 345) yds / 261 (279, 297, 315) m

Gauge: 33 sts and 50 rounds = 4” / 10cm in Aguacero pattern

Needles and Notions: US size 1 / 2.25 mm double pointed needles (DPNs), cable needle, stitch markers, tapestry needle

[kerriknits]

Is this thing on?

Oh hey there!

It has certainly been a while since I last posted! Sometimes, life happens, and so some things fall to the wayside. But, here I am again, hoping to be back with you on a more regular basis! Today I'll share just a couple things I've been working on recently to get back into the swing of things. First up is my biggest project - an Umaro blanket.

I am knitting this for my sister's upcoming wedding in September, but a recent realization that I would need a lot more yarn also meant that I won't have this guy done in time.

I'll definitely have it done by the time I head home for Christmas, so they'll have it right in time for the official start of Winter. Next up is a Wheaten scarf - I started this back in May when I went to the Knitspot Wooster Retreat. It was such a good time! I've just been slowly plugging away at this guy, it's a really nice portable project.

It took me about 2 repeats before I had the cable & lace pattern memorized, so now I can just pick it up and set it down whenever I need to. Doesn't this look luscious? The yarn is from a local company made with 100% Ohio alpaca. Such a gorgeous halo - I can't wait til I block this scarf.

Next up is a recently started a new pair of mitts based on a swatch I did a while back. I've actually ripped these out a few times as I wasn't 100% happy with them. I think I might be struggling a bit with the lower contrast of the colors I'm using in the sample - but I think I am at a good place now.

Lastly I have a secret project - yup, this is all you get to see for now! It feels good to be working with a 3rd party publisher again. I'll share more when I can!

Oh, if you are wondering about this gorgeous project bag, it is from StarKnits, and I love it. It has 2 interior pockets and a carabiner on the outside so you can clip it to your bag or to your belt and knit on the go. You can get one for yourself over here!

[kerriknits]

Pattern — Blendon Woods Hat

I’ve been away from the blog for a little while, but I’ve certainly been busy! Meet my newest design, Blendon Woods Hat. It's a fun update to the classic cabled winter staple, and it will be a quick addition to your wardrobe!

You’ll use less than one skein of worsted weight yarn, making this a perfect weekend project. I used Bare Naked Wools Confection Worsted in Cookies and Cream— a super squishy, 100% Corriedale yarn that is perfect for showing off cables. As a side note, I need to knit myself a sweater out of Confection, it's that good.

A winding cable panel is featured at front and center, and an allover honeycomb texture wraps around the rest of the hat. Top it off with a pom pom if desired, it will look great either way! Here it is below, shown with no pom, a medium pom, and a large pom. I used the medium pom on the sample.

I know that it's March and some people are starting to see a bit of warmer weather, but here in Ohio it's still all snow. We got a good 4 or 5 inches today, making my Blendon Woods hat a perfect topper for going out on my weekend errands. That's what I love about his hat — the cushy cables will keep you warm while hiking in the woods, and is chic enough for trekking around the city, too.

I am offering a 20% offf introductory sale on this hat pattern when you enter the code "WOODSY" at checkout. This promotion ends at 11:59PM ET on March 6, 2015.

Suggested Yarn: Bare Naked Wools Confection, or other worsted weight yarn that knits to gauge

Sizes: S (M, L) to fit head circ. up to 20.5 (21.5, 23.5)” / 52 (55, 59) cm

Yarn Requirements: 135 (145, 155) yds / 123 (133, 142) m, additional 15-30 yds / 14-27 m needed to make pom pom if desired.

Gauge: 18 sts and 28 rounds = 4” / 10 cm in Blendon Woods Cable pattern

Needles and Notions: US size 6 / 4 mm 16” / 40 cm circ. for ribbing, US size 7 / 4.5 mm 16” / 40 cm circ. for body, stitch markers, cable needle, tapestry needle, optional pom pom maker

[kerriknits]

Pattern - Silver Fir Hat

Happy New Year! To start 2015 off right, I’m releasing my newest design, Silver Fir Hat. This will be quite the treat to knit this year; the hat has a fun construction and yields a beautiful result as well.

This project features a horizontally knit brim, with stitches picked up along one edge and a clever join starts you knitting in the round. Silver Fir Hat will keep you cozy during colder months with beautiful cables gracing the crown like a forest of fir trees reaching for the sky. Two buttons add the finishing touch — perfect for those leftover cardigan buttons that are too pretty not to show off!

As always, I provide both charts and full written instructions for this pattern, so you can use the set of directions you are most comfortable with. To make my sample, I chose Unwind Yarn Company Touring DK in the Evergreen colorway. Dana has an incredible color sense, and I’m not kidding when I say this yarn practically glows.

I released the matching cowl last week, and next week, there will be matching mitts to complete your look! As a gift to you, each of these patterns will be available at a sale price of 20% off for the first week after the release. The Silver Fir Hat will be on sale until January 7th, 2015 at 11:59PM ET. Enter the code “SILVERHAT20” at checkout to receive your discount.

Suggested Yarn: Unwind Yarn Company Touring DK, or other DK weight yarn that knits to gauge

Sizes: S (M, L) to fit head circ. up to 201⁄2 (211⁄4, 22)” / 52 (54, 56) cm

Yarn Requirements: 180 (190, 200) yds /165 (174, 183) m

Gauge: 24 sts and 40 rounds = 4” / 10 cm in Silver Fir Crown pattern

Needles and Notions: US size 3 / 3.25 mm double pointed needles (DPNs), 2 cable needles, tapestry needle, two 5⁄8” / 16mm buttons, coordinating thread

[kerriknits]

Pattern - Silver Fir Cowl

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful day filled with delicious food and good company. Now that the gift knitting rush is over, it’s time to settle back into a more relaxing knitting mode. And what better to work on than a luxurious little gift for you? Meet Silver Fir Cowl, a delightful button-up accessory that will be the perfect treat to knit and wear after the holidays.

This project features a horizontally knit bottom band with stitches picked up along one edge and the body is knit up from there. Beautiful cables adorn the cowl, adding elegant texture, while the garter stitch background means this project will fly along. As always, I provide both charts and full written instructions for this pattern, so you can use the set of directions you are most comfortable with.

To make my sample, I chose Knitting Notions Classic Merino Superwash DK, a super squishy 4-ply 100% merino yarn available in beautiful semi solids. The 4-ply construction gives this yarn incredible stitch definition.

I knit the neckwarmer version, and I love that it adds a bit of drama to your outfit. I am definitely going to knit the long loop version too — it will perfect to wrap around and around for extra warmth! Even though this version isn’t too wrappable, the buttons give you so many options for styling! Here are just a few ways I wear it:

Be on the lookout over the next couple of weeks – there will be a matching hat and mitts to complete your look! As a gift to you, each of these patterns will be available at a sale price of 20% off for the first week after the release. The Silver Fir Cowl will be on sale until January 1st, 2015 at 11:59PM ET. Enter the code “SILVERCOWL20” at checkout to receive your discount.

Suggested Yarn: Knitting Notions Classic Merino Superwash DK, or other DK weight yarn that knits to gauge

Sizes: Neckwarmer (Long Loop) Buttoned Circumference: 24 (48)” / 61 (122) cm Unbuttoned Length: 26.5 (50.5)” / 67 (128) cm Height: 9” / 23 cm

Yarn Requirements: 272 (544) yds / 249 (498) m

Gauge: 26 sts and 30 rows = 4” / 10 cm in Silver Fir Body Pattern on larger needles

Needles and Notions: US size 4 / 3.5 mm needles for bottom hem and body, US size 3 / 3.25 mm needles for top hem, tapestry needle, five 5⁄8” / 16 mm buttons, coordinating thread

PS – I nearly forgot! I’m doing a little end of year sale on all of my self published patterns! Use the code “BYE14HELLO15” at checkout to get 15% off of your purchase. Remember, you can only use one code at checkout, so you’ll want to buy your cowl pattern first before doing a little extra shopping. This discount ends when the ball drops at 11:59PM ET on December 31st!

[kerriknits]

Fall & Winter Baking

Outside of my knitting, I've been doing quite a bit of baking. That's one thing I love about the colder weather - turning on the oven is so nice! And of course, sharing delicious home made food with others is wonderful. I made rolls for a friendsgiving dinner:

And just this past week or so I made some mini-quiches with a potato crust:

As well as some greek yogurt biscuits:

I've also made a few apple pies, including one with a whiskey crust and rosemary in the filling (so yummy!):

Since I've gotten a few questions about my recipe over on Instagram, I thought I'd post a little more about it here. After listening to Sara's pie episode on her Yarns at Yin Hoo podcast, I got a little inspiration to change up my standard apple pie. I use a standard shortening crust, per my mom's recipe:

For a double crust:

2c flour

1/2 tsp salt

2/3c + 1-2 tbsp. vegetable shortening*

5-8 tbsp. ice cold water**

*For my vegetable shortening, I always use Crisco since it has the most weight by volume of the brands available to me. Never buy one of the brands with less weight by volume! It just means there is more air whipped into the shortening, and that can mess up your pie crust proportions. Back at home in St. Louis, my family uses the local grocery store brand since its weight by volume is comparable to Crisco. Use whatever brand you like, just be sure to double check the canister!

**In drier climates, you will need more water than in humid climates. We usually use just over 5 tbsp in a humid St. Louis summer, but in a dry Ohio winter, I use about 7.5 tbsp. The more you make pie crusts, the better you will be able to judge how much liquid you need!

Mix flour and salt, cut in vegetable shortening with a pastry cutter until shortening is pea-sized or smaller.

Add in 1 tbsp ice cold water at a time, using spatula sparingly to mix, until crust just comes together. Do not overwork! For the whiskey version, replace the first 2-3 tbsp. of water with whiskey. I used 3 tbsp whiskey, since I was expecting to use around 7tbsp total of liquid. If you live in a humid climate, I'd probably only use 2 tbsp whiskey since you'll be using less liquid overall.

Split crust into two, gently forming each half into a ball. Try not to handle too much! Cover crusts & place in refrigerator.

After your crusts are complete, start the prep for your filling! This gives your crust time to chill slightly in the fridge. I usually use this filling recipe from the kitchn blog. However, I like my pies to have slightly crisper apples - I don't go through any of the cooking steps for the apples! I use their ingredients list, and combine everything into a mixing bowl. For my rosemary variation, I took the leaves off of 3 stems of fresh rosemary, chopped finely with kitchen scissors, and mixed in with the rest of the filling.

Roll out your crusts & put together your pie as usual. I tend to start pre-heating my oven right before I start rolling out the second crust; that is usually the perfect amount of time for the oven to heat up while I roll the second crust, pour the filling in the pie pan, place the second crust on top, trim & crimp the edges, cut vents in the pie top, and sprinkle the pie with a bit of sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. I followed baking instructions as per the kitchn recipe, though the egg washes are definitely optional. If you'd like the recipe to be 100% vegan, omit the butter from the filling. I pretty much always forget this ingredient anyway, and I have a vegan pie by accident! And it is delicious nonetheless.

To help add a bit of festivity to my apartment this winter, I made a new candle at The Candle Lab - this one is Bourbon, White Christmas, and Wild Currant. It's a great winter scent!

And speaking of festivity... My tree is up! I got a mini-tree like I did last year, but I got a few extra ornaments to add to my tree this year. It's pretty full, but I love it.

I hope you are enjoying your December and that you are also filling it with delicious baked goods. I will see you next time with more knitting, I will have lots to share after Christmas!

[kerriknits]

A Little Bit Late

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! I know that we're already into the third week of December(!), but I'm still playing catch up. The second half of November was a bit of a whirlwind both at work and at home, so the blog has been suffering. The good news though, is that I have a lot of exciting projects coming up that I can't wait to share with you! Here's a sneak peak:

These are three coordinating patterns that will be released in the second half of December through early January. I love the stitch pattern, and they are showcased perfectly by some of my favorite DK yarns. I'll talk more about each of those yarns when I release the patterns.

A lot of this knitting happened over my Thanksgiving holiday, where I took a little trip to Houston to visit family. It was certainly nice to turn the clock back a few weeks season wise - all of the leaves are off the trees here in Ohio, but down there autumn color was in full swing!

It was so nice to have a little break from work and relax. Of course, I took some time to explore my grandpa's house, he has an extensive clock collection & a number of antique sewing machines, too!

Oh, and I finally finished my second Heliodor sock over the Thanksgiving holiday! I love the stripes of garter stitch & slipped stitches, it really does create a fun effect. I think I want another pair of these in a netural, maybe just a plain brown? I know I have a skein of brown MCN that I think would be wonderful in this pattern. These are already in my weekly sock rotation, and a welcome addition too! I have several pairs of socks in need of repair. I guess it's a good thing that I've been on a sock kick this year!

I'll be back with all the things that I've been doing other than knitting next time!

[kerriknits]

Pattern - Heliodor Socks

Wow, I really have been all about socks this fall! Heliodor Socks are my newest design, my 5th sock pattern since September! These socks are full of textured stripes, and the bright color is the perfect way to cheer up a grey November day.

Like my two most recent sock pattern releases, Aventurine Socks and Baltic Amber Socks, this pair features a slipped stitch pattern. The pattern is offered in four sizes to fit nearly anyone. These socks are knit from the top down with a traditional heel flap and gusset construction. Pick out that special skein of hand-painted sock yarn that you’ve been coveting — these socks will show off your stitches beautifully.

I knew I had to use Skeined Alive Yarns Cashmere Blend Fingering for this sock. I used this yarn in my last pattern, Aventurine Socks, and it is so nice to work with! Not only that, but they've been wearing really well so far. The nylon content in this yarn is certainly doing its job!

Like my last few releases, the slipped stitches in this pattern do create a bit of a snug fit around the leg, but these socks have no problems staying up, and they definitely don't slide around in my shoes. I'll definitely be plotting more slipped stitch socks in the future!

Now that the pattern is released, I guess I should work on finishing up the second sock! I can't wait to wear these this fall and winter. I hope these will make it into your sock drawer, too!

Suggested Yarn: Skeined Alive Cashmere Blend Fingering, or other fingering / sock weight yarn that knits to gauge.

Sizes: S (M, L, XL) to fit lower leg circ. up to 10 (11.5, 13, 14.5)” / 25.5 (29, 33, 37) cm

Yarn Requirements: 330 (365, 400, 430) yds / 301 (333, 366, 393) m

Gauge: 34 sts and 64 rounds = 4” / 10 cm in Heliodor Pattern on larger needles

Needles and Notions: US size 1 / 2.25 mm double pointed needles (DPNs) for ribbing, heel and foot, US size 1.5 / 2.50 mm DPNs for leg, stitch markers, tapestry needle

Price: $6.00

[kerriknits]

Fall Fun

Well, it's practically winter now that we've had our first big snow! Temperatures even dropped into the single digits last night - that’s crazy for mid-November! Despite the chilly weather now, I’ve been making sure to step out to enjoy traditional fall activities. Of course, that means apple picking!

Ben and I went out to Lynd’s Fruit Farm, just a 15 minute drive from my apartment. There was such a great selection of apples on the weekend we went! Not only were there several great varieties of apples to choose from, they were all great pie apples.

And of course, that means I made apple pie! I always make my crusts from scratch. It doesn’t take too long, and it is always worth the extra effort!

I always end up mixing up a few different recipes for the pie filling, based on the ingredients I have in my pantry and what sounds good at the time. This was a mix of sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and a bit of cornstarch. I felt that the apples were tart enough that I didn’t need to add any lemon juice. It made quite a lovely pie!

There was some extra pie filling (I always seem to cut up too many apples!) and so I made a few mini pies to take into work. It took a little extra time to roll out the individual crusts, but it was fun to have a super portable, not messy portion for eating at work.

It’s time for me to settle into my morning cup of coffee and hide from the snow!

Well, a cup of coffee and a bit of knitting! My new fingerless mitts design in Bare Naked Wools Breakfast Blend DK are the perfect pairing with my morning coffee. I just love this decadent wool-alpaca blend, and it’s showing off this design beautifully!

[kerriknits]

Gift-a-long 2014

I am really excited to be a participating designer in the Indie Design Gift-a-long over on Ravelry! What's a gift-a-long you ask? It's a knit-a-long that lasts today until December 31st! Obviously, the focus here is gift knitting - but shh... I won't tell if you are knitting for yourself! To help you out with your gift planning, I am offering a sale on a number of my patterns, along with 292 other designers!

Every participating designer has between 4 and 20 patterns offered in the sale. Just enter the code "giftalong2014" at checkout to receive a 25% discount on your purchases! This sale kicks of tonight at 8PM eastern (that's now!!), and runs through November 21st at 11:59PM eastern.This is a great time to support your favorite designers, as well as finding new favorites. You can go check out all of the lovely offerings over here. I have a total of 13 designs in the sale; you can find all of my on-sale designs here! Below are a few of my favorite designs that will be perfect for gift knitting.

Spiced Cider Hat

Spiced Cider Mitts

Glacier Ridge Hat

Lady & Earl Grey Mitts

Wheatly Socks

Starting tonight, pick up a few of your favorite patterns, and then join the fun in the KAL threads! There are KAL threads for a variety of categories. Jump in on those for great chances to win prizes! In addition to the KALs, there will be tons of fun games with plenty of chances to win - 1,866 chances, to be exact! If you're a fan of statistics and infographics, here's a fun representation of the Gift-a-long.

I am really looking forward to this event, I hope you all do too! Again, here is the GAL Ravelry group - have fun gift knitting!

[kerriknits]

Pattern - Aventurine Socks

This pattern has been a long time coming — I finished these socks back in July! Of course, I had several other patterns already in the works, so this pattern got pushed a bit to the wayside. But now that we're in the middle of fall, it's the perfect time to knit a pair of textured socks! So, I am happy to announce the release of Aventurine Socks!

After knitting my Baltic Amber Socks, I had the idea of making several more pairs of socks with slipped stitch designs. Not only does the slipped stitch technique help to break up pooling in variegated yarns, but it also helps with the fit of the sock.

Slipped stitch patterns don't have as much stretch as typical knitted fabric, but they have a significant amount of memory. I have many pairs of socks in plain stockinette that are a perfect fit in the morning, but are bagging out around my ankles by the end of the day. These slipped-stitch socks solve the problem.

Not only that, but this slipped-stitch pattern is the perfect solution for — the slip-stitch pattern helps break up pooling and creates intriguing texture. The pattern is offered in four sizes so you can knit these up for both the women & men in your life. These socks are knit from the top down with a traditional heel flap and gusset construction. Pick out your favorite hand-painted sock yarn, or choose a semi-solid for a more subdued look.

I chose Skeined Alive Cashmere Blend Fingering, a luscious Merino/Cashmere/Nylon Blend. I've used this yarn a few times now, and it is so nice to work with! The cashmere enhances softness, and the nylon ensures that your socks will wear well. I've been wearing these regularly ever since the weather cooled off — I'm so glad to have these cozy socks in my sock drawer!

Suggested Yarn: Skeined Alive Cashmere Blend Fingering, or other fingering / sock weight yarn that knits to gauge.

Sizes S (M, L, XL) to fit lower leg circ. up to 10 (111⁄2, 13, 141⁄2)” / 25.5 (29, 33, 37) cm

Yarn Requirements: 335 (370, 405, 440) yds / 306 (340, 370, 402) m

Gauge: 34 sts and 64 rounds = 4” / 10 cm in Aventurine pattern on larger needles

Needles and Notions: US size 1 / 2.25 mm double pointed needles (DPNs) for ribbing, heel and foot, US size 1.5 / 2.50 mm DPNs for leg, stitch markers, tapestry needle

Price: $6.00

[kerriknits]

A Little Break

Whoops, I didn't mean to go quite so long in between posts! I have spent so much time recently working on my design work, so I geared the knitting down a little bit this week. That means I don't have too much to show, but I've been working here and there on a few things! I've probably spent the most time on my Tan House Brook Shawl. I started this right after the beginning of the Pigskin Party KAL, but I put it down a few weeks ago to work on my Baltic Amber cowls. I'm finally into the textured stitch section of the shawl, and it's looking so lovely!

The pattern looks wonderful in Madelinetosh Sock in Mandala, and not only that, it's fun to knit, too! Even though the rows are getting longer, it's still moving along fairly quickly.

I've also been spending a good amount of time working on my newest sock design, Heliodor Socks. I love the combination of slipped stitches with garter stitch - it looks really great in this variegated yarn. I'm using Skeined Alive Cashmere Blend Fingering in Fish Custard. It's such a great yellow color! I always love knitting with yellow - it helps keep me cheery even during grey days. And, the pattern should be ready in the next couple of weeks!

Next up is my Leaving Sweater. I've finally started working on this on a regular basis! I've started the second sleeve, and am just about to start the sleeve cap shapng. It's looking great so far, and I can't wait to get started on the front (which will be my last piece)!

I've also pulled out another project out of hibernation. My sister requested a pair of flip-top mittens in May as a graduation gift, and it's now November - oops! I started them shortly after the request, but found it a little silly to be working on a mitten project in high summer. Suddenly it's the middle of autumn and these aren't done!

This yarn is Bugga! from the Sanguine Gryphon (now available from the Verdant Gryphon). This is the second time I've used Bugga! and it is just as lovely as I remember. There's a reason for all of the hype around this yarn - it certainly deserves it!

I'll be back very soon - I have a few fun things in the works that I can't wait to share with you!

[kerriknits]

Pattern - Baltic Amber Cowl

Baltic Amber Cowl features a textured slip-stitch pattern that will spice up any fall outfit. The pattern is offered in a neckwarmer and long loop option so you can choose the cowl that best suits your style.

Worked up in DK weight yarn at a lofty gauge, this project will fly off the needles. Choose a more rustic yarn for a super cozy look, or change it up with a tightly spun variety to show off your stitches in high relief.

I chose Solitude Wool Montadale Baby for the neckwarmer sample, and Bare Naked Wools Stone Soup DK for the long loop. Although Montadale Baby is categorized as a sport weight, it has a nice bloom that it really plumps up in the wash giving it such good body.

Each of these yarns have a rustic feel - Montadale Baby is a true woolen spun yarn, and Stone Soup DK is a semi-worsted. Both yarns are lofty and cozy, perfect for cowl knitting. The Montadale feels a bit crunchy in the skein, but after a bath with some Soak wash, it certainly softens up!

I loved knitting these cowls - each was worked up in about a week! Cowl projects are at the top of my knitting list right now. I love seeing more and more repeats work up. It’s super addictive! I’ve written up this pattern with both charts and written directions so everyone can join in on the fun.

To add to the fun, I’m offering an introductory sale on this pattern! Enter the code BALTIC at checkout to receive 20% off of your purchase of this single pattern. Or, if you’re the matchy-matchy type, you can buy Baltic Amber Cowl and Baltic Amber Socks together to receive a 25% discount on your total purchase - just enter the code BALTICMATCH! Both promotions end at 11:59PM ET on October 26th, 2014.

Suggested Yarn: Solitude Wool Montadale Baby, Bare Naked Wools Stone Soup DK, or other DK weight yarn that knits to gauge.

Sizes: Neckwarmer (Long Loop) - 26 (52)” / 66 (132) cm circumference, 8¾ (6½)” / 22 (16.5) cm height

Yarn Requirements: 220 (330) yds / 201 (302) m

Gauge: 22 sts and 43 rounds = 4” / 10 cm in Amber Pattern on larger needles

Needles and Notions: US size 6 / 4.0 mm circulars for ribbing, US size 7 / 4.5 mm circulars for body, stitch markers, tapestry needle