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!

Exciting news!!!

My new pattern, Flower Child, available now in Yarn Forward magazine (No. 29)!

Image: Yarn Forward Magazine

Yarn Forward magazine #29 (October 2010) is out -- and I have a pattern in it! (I'm also one of the featured designers, with bio on the Editor's Letter page.)

Flower Child, my pattern, is a fresh take on 60s-inspired garments. A sleeveless top/tank top/vest (depending on where in the world you live AND how you deign to wear it), it sports an A-line skirt and bust darts. At the ever-flattering Empire waist and square neckline, brightly-colored, crocheted grannies spice things up.

Details: Bust darts, seed stitch edging, side shaping, slight gathering at waistband

Flower Child looks great on its own, but really shines when layered over a long-sleeved tee. I'm checking into professional photos/copyright permissions etc., and will put up some photos of the finished garment as soon as possible.

(Model: Kristi Johnson)

Meanwhile, I am working on some new designs -- a couple of sweaters, some cool (warm) accessories -- which will be available soon. Please drop me a line if you have an idea or suggestion...I want to make sure I'm giving you what you want, so feedback is always welcome :)

Also, my website, http://www.HannahSixDesigns.com, will be functional within the next couple of months. At that time, I'll make sure my designs are available for you to peruse on the site. As always, you can purchase many of them via Ravelry.

For now, though, check out Yarn Forward. I think it's a great magazine (or I would never have submitted my designs to them), so even if you can't get Issue 29 yet, you're sure to find inspiration in its pages. And when you do get YF29, be sure to let me know if you're knitting up the Flower Child top. I'd love to see your photos!!!

Exciting news!!!

The Gentle Art of Domesticity: Review of one of my favorite things

P8014167.JPG, originally uploaded by knitsixdesigns.

I remember the first time I saw The Gentle Art of Domesticity in the book store; I scoffed at the title. Domesticity, said I, aren't we finished with that sh*t???

You see, I was a bit young to join the feminists of the 60s and 70s, but still old enough to know they were doing and accomplishing great things. And I truly believed that women would continue on that track with ne'er a look back. Thus, I often find myself frustrated by young women who appear completely unaware of what their forebears sacrificed, and the freedoms we owe them.

But I digress... Back to the book:

It's funny...The Gentle Art of Domesticity: Stitching, Baking, Nature, Art & the Comforts of Home (STC Craft, Aug. 2008) is no longer a new book, but it's new to me every time I pick it up. Endlessly inspiring, author Jane Brocket's photography is luscious, and her writing draws me in immediately, regardless of the page I land on (on which I land, for the grammar fiends--like me--out there).

In fact, this may be a bit sick, but on a recent seven-week stay on the West Coast, I almost bought a second copy to enjoy while there! Yeah, now that I look at it in writing, that is a little sick, isn't it...?

Among the many joys The Gentle Art has afforded me is a reconnection with early 20th (and late 19th) Century women's literature. Specifically, those published by Persephone Books -- a UK-based company whose catalog I'd like to purchase in full, NOW. I own three, which I found in paperback in Barnes & Noble, but long to own Persephone's elegant hard-cover British editions.

Brocket's affection for, and interest in, "domestic literature" reawakened my early fascination with authors like Rosamunde Pilcher, Elizabeth Bowen, Rebecca West, Maeve Binchy, Barbara Pym, Dorothy Whipple, Elizabeth Gaskell, Frances Hodgson Burnett, and Edith Wharton (I know, purists may chafe at the inclusion of some authors above, but go with me on this: a book's domestic focus does not disallow it's place amongst "real literature.")

A photo of my copy: Don't they look cozy and supremely happy?

Moving on, The Gentle Art features several essays on quilting and descriptions of Brocket's own quilts. Her personal designs showcase her love of, and genius for, color and the rhythm of blocks, strips, and triangles. (Please forgive my lack of terminology--I am not a quilter...yet.)

My personal favorite is a pink and brown confection inspired by the boxes of chocolates women once brought to The Opera. It appeals to my desire to time travel to a more elegant, cultured age in which art and beauty were ideals and topics of many a philosophical discussion and/or argument. (Read up on Whistler, if you're not sure what I mean.)

Then we move on to the knitting. Yes, the knitting, including a lovely pale blue scarf (for which the pattern name is missing), socks the color of candy, a series of colorwork pillows, and more. If you knit, you'll definitely pick up a serious case of "startitis" from Brocket's book.

In fact, I have some startitis I need to attend to (the kind where you start the day's work on a project you need to finish TODAY). But I'd like to talk more about this gem of a book. So stay tuned while I get some photo permissions, and I will soon post "Review, Part Deux" of The Gentle Art of Domesticity--one of my all-time favorite things...

PS. Special thanks to Suzyn Jackson for reminding me to include a link to Jane Brocket's terrific blog, Yarn Storm

The Gentle Art of Domesticity: Review of one of my favorite things

Iceland Knits: Loops 2010

Loops 2010 is an all-encompassing yarncraft festival taking place between the dates of June 17 and July 4 under the midnight sun in Reykjavík, Iceland, the northernmost nation capital on earth.

(Nice Crocodile, by Patricia Waller)

The festival features exhibitions, performance art, workshops, inspirational talks, markets and off-venue events. It celebrates the creativity found in knitting and crochet and ushers you into a world where everything is soft, colorful and intricately crafted.

Iceland Knits: Loops 2010

Fashion

Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street,
fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.
-- Coco Chanel

Fashion

Chuck

I am in Sacramento, Calif. for several weeks, sans camera. When possible, I will try to post a photo or two along with my usual riveting posts.

Charley in the sun with tea cozy (c) Hannah Six 2010

Today, (since I lack access to new photos) I thought I'd (re)share a favorite photo of this furry little critter.

Charley was a holy terror growing up, but has always been good-natured about the chaos he causes. Now, at about one and a half years, he's grown quite large and is still a bit...um...rambunctious. Mostly, though, he is very affectionate and sweet, snuggling close in bed and waking me with little kisses on my nose and eyelids.

Katja, our nine-year-old Persian, loves him (though she doesn't want us to know that); watching them play is great fun. I think he's saved her from becoming a cranky old lady.

While I'm traveling, my needles will stay busy. I am working on several new designs (a couple will have to remain secret for now). I'll have more information for you by the end of (northern-heisphere) summer.

Until then, make a cup of sweet, milky tea, grab a few cookies (or any other carb-laden treat of your choosing), sit back and enjoy the adorable, fuzzy, handsomeness we call "Chuck."

Chuck