Yet another diversion...

It seams that I just can't finish a project without at least one diversion.... And this time, it is a very cute little elephant that I made for my son Alexandro. He really likes it, and that is no surprise!

 This was a test knit for another designer on Ravelry. I saw that in the Free Pattern Testers group and I just could not resist.... The pattern is called Trumpy the African Elephant, by Claire Sibley. It is fairly easy, the only challenge were the British crochet instructions, I am more used to the American ones, and generally much prefer charts anyway - whenever possible, but other than that, it is a well written pattern and if You are thinking of creating a toy, I'd recommend it. I decided to add a bowtie to it, but it would be very easy to improvise with the outfits, maybe create a vest or a skirt to alternate looks. Well, it's all decided on this one, he's a boy, so no skirt... :) I am still awaiting on what his name will be, not Trumpy though, I guess, - sorry Claire :))

Snowcloud in the middle of the summer

This is an impulsive project, but I start to believe that these turn out the best... I am in the middle of testing another shawl - the Sunset Shawl. I will tell You the story of it, once the testing is complete, as I want to shoot a few more nicer photos, but here's a sneak-peak:

This is a colorful lace shawl, and my test knitters are trying out some very attractive color combinations, too. One of my favorites at this moment is a light white to beige color combination in a Scandinavian yarn called "Plötulopi". I have never tried it, but I love the look so much, that I ordered some of that yarn just last night....

The thing is, that I am an unbelievably impatient person, and I kept going through my stash again and again till I came up with something that is somewhat satisfying me till my Plötulopi arrives. I decided to use a light blue lace weight merino in combination with white kid-mohair for the body - the look is nearly glowing! I have a few options on how to go for the border with either changing the light blue to a slightly darker shade, or, most likely, I will change the white mohair to grey and keep the blue. Despite the generous size of this shawl (my first version measures over 2m wingspan), this is a very fast knit. The body knits up very quick, and the border offers enough interest not to get bored with it. This shawl will be done in no time.

Windcatcher

I am happy to announce the release of Windcatcher - airy, light, very delicate lace shawl. I have to say I am very proud of this pattern. Before writing it up, I did some research about what makes a pattern good, and tried to use all advice I found. Clear instructions, pleasant layout, big, clear, easy to read charts, most commonly used knitting symbols. I have received a very positive feedback from my test knitters, and I am in fact considering  doing a remake for the patterns I already have published to match the same standard.

All of my test knitters have voted this pattern suitable for beginner lace knitters, mentioning following reasons:

• easy to read lace in both - body and border patterns
• easy to memorize the pattern
• has no complex stitches
• easy to pick up and knit without getting lost in the pattern

I agree with them, but I would just like to remind that a beginner knitter and beginner lace knitter are not exactly the same things. This will be an easy project - even as a first lace project - for those, who are comfortable with knitting in general. As there are a lot of yarn overs, You will need to keep a steady tension for the pattern to look nice and even. That being said, it really knits up in a breeze, so it's one of those knits that are easily finished and less likely to stay in a pro-longed Work-In-Progress status.

One of my test knitters has added beads throughout the body of the shawl - right on top of each double decrease. It looks absolutely stunning! I love it so much that I might just end up doing another Windcatcher, beaded this time.


At the moment the lace part is done in charts only, I might also add written instructions later on, if there are requests for that.
While I have done both my shawls with a relatively small needle, I am a really loose knitter. Normally I'd suggest using a needle size US 3-6, 3mm-4mm, or even 4,5mm for a fingering weight yarn. I have calculated the pattern for 5 different sizes, it is easy to adjust the size as you knit.
Here are a few more photos:

This shawl is available as a pdf file download for $6.00
You can also find Windcather on Ravelry.
Happy knitting!
Inese