GAL 2016 Fantasy vs. Reality Part 3

Left: Lucienne Scarf by Katinka Designs, Right: Shelby hat by Katinka Designs.

More fantasy knitting today - this time I want to knit the Lucienne Scarf from Katinka Designs! 

This scarf has all of the things I love to knit - cables (lots of those), lace (which somehow always makes the knitting seem faster), and dropped stitches (intentional dropped stitch are fun).  I thinks this would be the perfect Christmas vacation project.  Once you memorize the stitch pattern, you can knit through all the holiday festivities and still be able to join a conversation, play a game, or watch It's a Wonderful Life.

If the long scarf doesn’t fit into your gift knitting schedule, I would recommend the Shelby Hat.  While it lacks those entertaining dropped stitches, it makes up for it with cables, cables, more cables, and pretty crown decreases.  Maybe this is not the best social knitting, but it only requires one skein of worsted weight yarn.  You will have it done in no time.

There are many more great patterns in Katy’s sale bundle, some of my favorites include the Ridley Shawl, Plummy Cowl and Mitts, and the Interwoven Mitts (I knit these last year and love them.)  Go take a look, I'm sure you will find something you love.

GAL 2016 Fantasy vs. Reality Part 2

Left: Milkweed Pullover by Sunday Knits, Right: Broderie Hollandaise by Sunday Knits, photos copyright Sunday Knits, used with permission.

Today's pattern pick is Milkweed Pullover from Sunday Knits.  

Who doesn't love to fantasy knit a soft, cozy, cabled turtleneck pullover?  The mix of cables and lace, the beautiful raglan decreases, and the ribbed turtleneck make this a stunning sweater. I imagine knitting it in a cushy wool and cashmere blend yarn while curled up on the sofa next to a warm fireplace. I just need to decide which neck option to choose -  she includes three.

In reality, I am more likely to knit Broderie Hollandaise, a pretty textured hat. I can work this in the same wool cashmere blend, but it won't take nearly as long, maybe just a couple of evenings curled up on the sofa.

Carol has a great variety of designs, from sweaters to small accessories, in her sale bundle. You should be able to find one that fits into your gift knitting schedule too.

Indie Design Gift-A-Long 2016

I can't believe it's already time for the Indie Design Gift-A-Long, where did the year go?  This year I have 8 patterns in the sale, including my recently released shawl Sagitta, and an updated re- release of Tucker, a cabled yoke pullover. The patterns will be 25% off when you purchase them in my Ravelry store through November 30 with the code "giftalong2016" (the KAL, chat, and prizes continue until the end of the year.)

In addition to my patterns, there are over 5,000 patterns, from 335 indie designers, also on sale.  As I have been looking through all of those patterns, I once again find myself falling deep into fantasy knitting.  I think it is time to revive my fantasy versus reality series.

Left: Indulgence Wrap by Michelle Krause, Right: Drawstring Mittens by Michelle Krause, photos copyright Leah Michelle Designs, used with permission.

My first dream knit is the Indulgence Wrap by Leah Michelle Designs. 

I love the graphic zigzag ribbed lines that the lace pattern creates.  I imagine it knit up in a soft plump yarn, keeping me warm on a chilly winter day.  Since I probably don't have time to knit the long scarf I am dreaming about, I might try knitting some thick ribbed Drawstring Mittens.  These are knit with a chunky yarn in 1x1 ribbing, and are closed by clinching up the stitches, no decreases!  A super simple yet brilliant idea. I might be able to fit this quick knit into my schedule, yay!

Be sure to check out the rest of Michelle's GAL designs, there are some beautiful cowls and shawls included in her bundle.

GAL Fantasy vs. Reality Day 3

Left: Ballyronan by Michelle Stead, Right: Chasing Waterfalls by Michelle Stead, photos copyright Michelle Stead.

Today's fantasy knitting is Ballyronan by Michelle Stead, (Crafty Flutterby on Ravelry).

Ballyronan is a cowl with lace and textured stitches that make for a pretty pattern, one that is perfect for variegated or semi-solid sock yarns (and who doesn't have plenty of those).  I think I would to knit it with a yarn that has a little halo, maybe an bit of alpaca or cashmere blended with wool.  A light and airy cowl that is cozy and warm too.

If you want to knit lace, but need a quick project, maybe a last minute gift, take a look at Chasing Waterfalls.  This is a beaded bracelet that only requires 30 yards of leftover sock yarn.  These knit up so quickly you will be able to fill a lot of stockings.  I like the idea of using one as a coffee cup cozy.

Check out the rest of Michelle's pretty Gift-A-Long designs on Ravelry, and her lovely shawl pins on Etsy.

GAL Fantasy vs. Reality Day 2

Left: Folklore by Faye Kennington,  Right: 2 Hour Smoked Toque by Faye Kennington, photos copyright Ukeeknits, used with permission.

Today's fantasy knitting is Folklore by Faye Kennington.

This is a really sweet colorwork hat that is a little bit traditional and a little bit modern.  Its folksy motif is updated with a cool color palette and a slouchy fit.  I think this is the perfect cheery hat for a hike in the woods or a play date in the snow.

If you have way to much holiday knitting to tackle a stranded project right now, I would suggest Faye's 2 Hour Smocked Toque.  This hat is knit in a super bulky yarn, so even though the stitch pattern looks complicated, it is sure to be a quick knit.  Who doesn't have time for a two hour project?  In fact, she says that it can be completed in as little as one hour for a fast knitter.  This is beginning to sound like a challenge.  Now, I'm not sure if I would be considered a fast knitter, but I am shooting for 55 minutes.

You can find the rest of Faye's Gift-A-Long sale patterns on Ravelry.  I am especially excited about a pretty little scarf called Waverleaf and an interesting cowl called Whitefish Ripples, be sure to check them out too.

Indie Design Gift-A-Long

The Indie Designer Gift-A-Long is in full swing on Ravelry.  I have been meaning to write up a post about the designs I have included in the sale (they 25% off until November 27th), but I have been sidetracked by all of the beautiful patterns I want to knit.  There are many.  Yes, I know it is a fantasy to think I can knit them all.  Time for a reality check.

Left: Ribbon Weed by Kate Bostwick, Right: Kicking Horse Mittens by Kate Bostwick, photos copyright Kate Bostwick, used with permission.

My pick today is Ribbon Weed by Kate Bostwick of Cowtown Knits.

I love the whole fantasy of this, a cozy super bulky blanket, striking geometric cables, thick squishy wool, long winter evenings with this blanket in my lap as I work on it…

In reality, I should focus on something I know I have the time to finish, like a pair of Kicking Horse Mittens, also by Kate Bostwick.  It still works - warm hands, fun cables, and cozy merino wool.  With the added bonus of slipped stitches over a striped background, this pattern is perfect for me!

Check out the rest of Kate's amazing GAL designs on Ravelry and on her blog, Cowtown Knits.