Violetta: My pattern -- on the cover!

It's my own pattern...on the cover of Yarn Forward magazine! Yipee!!!

Violetta is a tailored little jacket that I designed to see you through these transitional seasons. Knit up in Rowan Belle Organic DK (color: Peony), a lovely blend of 50 percent organic wool and 50 percent organic cotton, this sweater offers just the right amount of warmth without adding bulk.

With a broad range of sizes, visible "Princess seams," cool stitch pattern, optional pockets, and enough ease for layering, Violetta just might become your go-to sweater this year!

If your bookstore carries Yarn Forward, check it out -- it's a great magazine (thus why I submitted patterns to them). And if you have problems finding it, you can always pick up an electronic copy at Yudu.

Happy knitting!

Violetta: My pattern -- on the cover!

My Drop-Spindle Workshop: Only a few spaces left!

This Saturday (9/18/10 -- yes, that's tomorrow!), I will be teaching a Beginning Drop-Spindle (spinning) Workshop at Eleganza Yarns in Frederick, Md.

The workshop will run from Noon - 3 p.m., with a break to rest our arms and perhaps grab some refreshments from Frederick Coffee Company, located just down the block.

Participants will learn:

• Drop-spindle mechanics
• Fiber drafting and pre-drafting techniques (including identifying the beginning of a roving/top)
• How to set the twist in your new yarn
• Basics of drop-spindle plying

The workshop price ($35) is amazing -- especially as it includes fiber and color handouts! Drop spindles will be available at a discounted price to participants (or bring your own). We'll have lots of fiber available for you to purchase after the workshop also.

One-on-one teaching is necessary, so the workshop is limited to eight students. Only a few spaces remain, so hurry on over to the Eleganza Yarns website and register now... Hope to see you there!

My Drop-Spindle Workshop: Only a few spaces left!

Cheery Cherry Teapot Cozy - New Pattern!

Yes, it's true -- the Cheery Cherry Teapot Cozy is now available for purchase!

Knitters like their tea. Yes, we like coffee, too (I adore it!). But for some reason, our oft-conjured image of "curling up in front of the fireplace with your knitting and a hot cup of tea" just doesn't work as well with coffee. (Hot chocolate, on the other hand, would work...a whole pot of it!)

We also enjoy, for the most part, a bit of kitch, a pinch of history, and a dollop of retro/vintage styling. Inspired by images of 1930s kitchens, I chose a color palette that's just a little bit retro: bright red against pale blue, with chocolate brown accents and just a touch of green. It's sure to brighten up your kitchen and to bring a smile to your face!

This pattern walks you through the Intarsia knitting process and making i-cord, to fulling the finished piece for a customized fit. All you need are your US #7 needles, a few skeins of Ella Rae Classic (or worsted-weight wool of your choice), and an average weekend's worth (or less) of knitting time. Several photos grace the pattern's pages, and a full-color chart is included.

I hope you'll enjoy knitting up the Cheery Cherry cozy as much as I enjoyed designing it. A great gift for someone on your holiday list, it would also make a lovely gift for yourself. So, with that in mind, I'd like to offer my warmest wishes that this little cozy warms many a "cuppa" in front of a crackling fire as you knit, read, and, perchance, dream...

To purchase the Cheery Cherry Teapot Cozy, click the button below. You'll then be able to download the pattern.

(Note: You don't need to be a Ravelry to purchase--but if you knit, crochet, or spin, why not give it a try? You won't be sorry...)

Cheery Cherry Teapot Cozy - New Pattern!