That which we resist is usually the very thing that will help us the most. The more resistance you feel, the greater the need to push through that obstacle. This thought has been floating through my mind quite a bit lately.

“Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear – not absence of fear.” Mark Twain

Lately, as I’m getting back into a yoga routine, I’m trying to go longer, and push myself more. When my body is resistant, saying ‘no, I don’t want to bend that way’, I think that is the posture I need to pursue more. Making yourself uncomfortable at times, fighting through the hard bits, is what makes us stronger, as Mark Twain pointed out so eloquently.

Instead of a resolution, I am simply committing myself this year to pushing the envelope more…in all areas of my life. Letting go of the fears that hold me back from too many dreams I have. Following my muse…perhaps someday erasing those nagging doubts and what-ifs that creep into my mind all too often.

I am a beautiful person, full of love and compassion. I have much to give in this life and I want to share of myself and not judge others. I will practice letting go and trusting my inner guidance.

My mom and brother left this morning, not without tears and sadness. It’s snowy here today, and very blustery in Western NC. Little flurries fly by the window when those wind gusts pick up, a good day to stay in for sure.

Brother Jim enjoying some brew at The Wedge, just one of a few local favorites. Let’s just say there’s definitely a good reason Asheville gets voted “Best Beer City” in the US!

I’m finding myself a bit more cheerful now than I usually feel this time of year. Instead of the impending gloom of winter, it really does feel like a fresh start to this New Year. I’m looking forward to seeing it unfold, and hoping that I can at least have a hand in how that happens.

Finally finished is my Westall Cardigan. The pattern is still being written, as this one proves to be my most challenging one to write yet. The actual knitting itself isn’t difficult, it’s just trick for me to figure out all the sizes with a top-down set in sleeve (this being my first one knitted, let alone designed!). Yet, I’m plugging away and will let you know when it’s ready. When the weather is a bit better we’ll get some modeling pics too.

Sleeve and back panel shot, I love how the Gothic Arches came out in this yarn!

Dye for Wool’s Etsy shop, closed until Jan 4th, but go bookmark it!

My husband was really impressed with this one. He also commented that I would probably wear it a lot, with it’s light weight and nice, neutral color. Which I agree completely. Even this time of year I run warm while inside, and usually only wear light sweaters over my tanks and tees. I’m excited to have actually made something I’ll get good use out of!

Currently in progress is this little stealthy number, created from Madelinetosh Sport yarn, a lovely combo of merino/cashmere and nylon, this is colorway ‘Firewood’. I snagged this bit at their Etsy shop, thinking it would be a smaller project. Then of course I immediately decided it needed to be another sweater after I received the yarn. Then panicked because I only had 3 skeins (750 yds.) which of course isn’t enough. Then rejoiced that I found someone with a hank in their stash on Ravelry.

Back of sweater

This has been a total joy to knit. The only bummer for me is the 4th skein is noticeable different than the others. I’m hoping it won’t look too bad on the sleeves. I’ve halved the remaining hank to make sure I can work the sleeves to the same length…we’ll see how far I can get.

Slightly better shot of the back

Yoke and sleeve detail. I love how seed stitch shows off the color variegation.

This one will be finished up soon, and I’ll be looking for a few test knitters. As always, drop me a line if you are interested!

I’m off to do some yoga while the baby naps. I don’t believe in making resolutions (just tend to think you’re setting yourself up for failure), but I’m definitely going to be working off some of this umm…holiday cheer. Let’s just leave it at that! Be well friends.

One of many pines in my neighborhood

I am very thankful and grateful for all the new friends I have made this year, as well as all the wonderful people already in my life. Life feels…full. In a good way. Yet there are times when, like most of us, I crave solitude. To be holed up on a mountainside through the winter does not sound like such a bad thing to me. To be alone to write, read, create to my heart’s content. Ahh, isn’t that the metaphor of life, to crave that which you do not have the ability to do.

In the meantime, I’ll steal my 30 minutes when I can wake up at 5:30 before the baby gets up and starts off my day. I’ll savor my Super Dark coffee, and let my thoughts wander off…such a luxury.

Yesterday, we enjoyed a rambunctious Christmas morning, followed by a (mostly) peaceful day with friends and family. The girls quite enjoyed their present unwrapping. This year is especially bittersweet for me, since I suspect it’s the last year Sydney will believe in Santa. She woke up about 10 times before midnight on Christmas Eve!

The girls enjoying their gifts

Knitted Sweaters for Penguins

These little cuties were given sweaters not just to look adorable, but to help save them from poisoning themselves by preening, after a New Zealand oil spill last month. Knitters to the rescue!

I hope you all have an amazing Holiday Season if you celebrate, and enjoy all your moments, big or small, that bring YOU joy. Sending love to dear missed friends who are no longer with me as well, you know who you are. Blessed be.

I never get tired of this one….

Good stuff. Since I can’t show you my cool stuff, I figured I’d get into the spirit of giving (and sometimes giving to yourself isn’t such a bad thing!) and give you some pretty pictures and links to click on.

As a side note, do you tend to go through color ‘phases’?? Sometimes for me, I try really hard to branch out and start crazy things for me that are out of the ordinary. Like super bright colors, that one happens pretty rarely, and mostly during the gloomy winter months.

Right now, I’m into my deep wines/burgundy color phase. Every time I see one of those colors, I want it NOW! I may have indulged slightly last week during Eat.Sleep.Knit.’s Black Friday sale. What can I say? I couldn’t resist the whole gambling/lottery thing of ‘what will my magical discount be??’ (If you don’t know, they do a mystery discount that day, anywhere from 10 – 100% off of your purchase! No, I didn’t win the 100% discount, that would have been nice.

What did I get? More laceweight, since that’s what every girl needs who doesn’t have enough time to knit.

Sweet Georgia Silk Lamb Lace in colorway Deep Plum

Although I am realizing that knitting laceweight sweater is good for your budget, since a) laceweight yarn is cheaper with much more yardage for your buck and b) laceweight takes for-e-ver to knit. Yet, I love it, the ethereal nature of the finished project, those oh-so-delicate stitches that transform just about any pattern into some extra special.

Enough waxing poetic about the wonders of fine yarns, here’s some pretties!

Knitted Wit’s Shine: Merino Tencel Fingering Weight Yarn Beaujolais

Lichtfaden’s Silk Baby Camel in Art Nouveau I – Tapestry OOAK

Wandering Wool’s Alpaca / Wool / Silk Yarn – Single-Ply DK Weight Yarn in Sugar Plum Colorway

Wharfedale Woolworks’ BFL/Nylon High Twist Sock Yarn – Chocolate Fountain

Creatively Dyed Yarn’s Voodoo 2 Aim (80% Superwash Merino/10% Bamboo/10% Seacell – dk weight)

Plum Street Fibers Art’s Truffle on Slinky Minx Sock 435 yards

Just because this is adorable – a felted sheep kit!

That’s enough play for now. All of these items were available at the time of this posting. If you feel the need to get a special something for someone, check them out! Have a great weekend and stay warm. If you are cold, well then go put on a sweater!

I discovered this amazing potter I.N.A.E. ENTerprises on Etsy a little while back, both David and I thought her work was incredible. In October, my husband came up with the idea to ask this potter to make a yarn bowl for me. Not only did she agree, she was really excited to try it and even did two totally different designs for me to choose from.

Here’s the one that ultimately won out for me:

Front of bowl

Back of bowl (see the neat vertebrae???)

Here’s the one I didn’t pick, and would buy right now if I had the extra $$!

You should go buy this bowl right now!!

Back of bowl

Click on either picture for a link directly to the listing on Etsy.

I know these are not for everyone, but I also know there are some knitters out there who, like me, want something a bit out of the ordinary. This was a really fun transaction, and Laura said she was happy to do custom orders for anyone interested, and I just love to share cool things!!

I hope you love these are much as I do. Mine is getting put to good use and has it’s own special place on my bookshelf when not in use.

As for the actual knitting, well I’m working on one of those boring deadline projects that I can’t talk about. The Westall Cardigan is next in line for finishing up the pattern once I’m done with said mystery project. When I get stumped on something, I just whip out Westall and do a few rows on the border until I figure it out!

Be well, I’ll be back soon with more knitting news! Have a super week everyone.

Twisted Ivy at Counting Sheep Studio

Twisted Ivy at Ravelry

Over on Ravelry, I’m doing a promotion – now through midnight on November 24th (yes, that’s Thanksgiving Day!) enter the promotion code ‘thanks’ at checkout to receive a 15% discount off of any pattern(s) of your choice. My small way of saying Thank-You!! to my wonderful customers.

Some more details on this one, it’s seamless, knitted from the bottom up since I really wanted to get the little scalloped edge at the bottom of the leaves. The yarn is Madelinetosh Tosh Merino dk, a gorgeous single-ply wool that I love a bit too much. If you haven’t tried Madelinetosh yarns yet, you need to go right now and get some…seriously, it’s great stuff.

I made the leaves on the sleeves a little bit smaller, but it follows the same pattern/concept and both pattern are quick to memorize. The back has a little pleat that nips you in just at the waist, which I just love! I’m a bit obsessed with pleats now…

The sleeves are written to be a bit belled at the cuff, and fitted through the elbow area, and just a wee bit longer than average. The whole thing is easy to try on as you go to make sure you are happy with the lengths and overall fit.

Thank-you, thank-you to all who have written/commented/supported me over this past year. It’s been an amazing journey and I am just very grateful to be surrounded literally (and virtually) by so many beautiful people. Be well.

Hubbs and I celebrated our 9th Anniversary last Thursday, and we actually got to go out and celebrate! Of course we went down to LAB, one of our fave downtown hangouts. I was upset because we both forgot to get more of their awesome hot sauce while we were there…darn!

We couldn’t wait until 10 pm for the music to start, so we wandered off to Jack of the Wood to listen to some local bluegrass. I don’t know what it is about hearing bluegrass live, but it’s just too fun. He had to drag me away or I probably would have stayed there all night. What can I say? Mama doesn’t get out to party too often. Though I can’t say I recommend that strange pumpkin brew they had there…

We also got in some hiking, and Mia had a great time in her new back carrier. We searched for my precious mushrooms, but alas, their time may have already passed =:(

In other knitterly news, I’m mid-way through my next cardigan design. I’m using another base from Dye for Wool. This one is a BFL sockweight yarn, 100% superwash wool, in one of their repeatable colorways, ‘Rose coming to dust’.

So pretty!

I’m trying something new again, this time it’s a top-down cardigan with set-in sleeves. The book Custom Knits by Wendy Bernard has been extremely helpful with the dimensions and method of this technique, I highly recommend getting yourself a copy if you love top-down methods.

This yarn has a lot of ‘bounce’ to it, a soft hand, with a tight twist that makes me think there won’t be any pilling at all. I’m really enjoying this process, the wool slides through my fingers on touch alone, which is nice for the WS rows, which are just purled.

For this cardigan I’m adding in panels of the Gothic Arches pattern from Barbara Walker’s Fourth Treasury. It’s definitely not a simple pattern, but you do get into the swing of it after a couple of repeats.

I love the way the middle sections pull straight up into little tufts!

I’m about at the waist now, with one sleeve already completed. I think I’m going to stop the lace soon and just make the bottom flare out a bit, for a long, swingy sweater. Oh, I can’t wait to wear this one!!

Fall is perfect for sweaters and mums!

Thanks for stopping by, don’t forget to stop and breathe in that crisp fall air once in a while (or enjoy wherever you are!).

It’s here, it’s here!!

In honor of fall (and my favorite time of year), I’m going to have a little giveaway. Just leave a comment on this post (be sure to include your e-mail address!) before October 24th and I’ll pick 3 winners that will get a free pattern of their choice, of any of my leaf inspired patterns.

These include the Green Man Beret:

This was my new version I knitted last year

The Lady Vonn Skirt:

My latest skirt, Trumpet Vines:

My newest pattern, the Leaf Sprouts Hobo:

OR, if those aren’t enough options, I’ll also throw in there my next pattern, which I’m hoping to get off to my tech editor in the next day or so…

This will be called the Twisted Ivy Pullover.

If you do leave a comment, be sure to put in which pattern you would prefer. All will be ready for immediate download, with the exception of Twisted Ivy, which will be more along the 2 week time frame.

Thanks SO much, your comments & messages mean so much to me and really keep me going!! I will continue to follow my muse and (hopefully!) produce more patterns that you will enjoy. Namaste friends.

I’m still debating about where it’s better to write as I go in my notebook (my normal process), or just type it straight into the computer (where it’s obviously going to end up anyway). I think once I break down and get a laptop it will be a lot easier to do the latter, since it will be portable, and I’m never in the same room for too long! Nowadays, I wander around toting my baby, my bag of toys for her, my notebook/sketch pad/calculator pencil combo. I’m a bit old-school when it comes to pattern writing.

The laceweight pullover I was working on is off to the frog pond. Instead of acting like a toddler about it (throwing a tantrum on the floor!), I’m taking this opportunity to assess the pattern a bit better for a fresh start.

The main issue is my fault, which was a lack of property washing/blocking my gauge swatch (yes, I know!) which bit me in the butt, as my poor pullover is way too big for me. I suppose the fact that I’m a bit smaller now too is a good thing!

Leaning Ladders lace from a Barbara Walker stitch dictionary

The other issue that wasn’t my fault is just the fact the the sleeves are a bit…poofy. I’m still very curious about the contiguous method (see previous post for more info on that), and will still use it, but I think I need to try it on a heavier yarn next time.

The sleeve got poofy after the shoulder shaping!

Overall, I really like the lace pattern I was using and think I’ll stick with that…we’ll see. I need to ponder on it for a few days.

The other day, I was lucky enough to accompany Sydney on a school field trip to the NC Arboretum. If you’re in the area, it’s definitely worth a visit. I remember when I first moved here in ’01, the Arboretum was in trouble of closing. I’m happy to report that it’s bigger & better than ever, with new exhibits and lots of exciting things happening, thanks to many charitable contributions to keeping it alive.

Good times at the NC Arboretum!!

I am happy that I’m closing in on my pattern for my Falling Ivy pullover. I’ve changed the name on this one but I like this, what do you think??

The yarn continues to be impossible to photograph, but I just love the purply black color with green bits thrown in. (Kale from Madelinetosh!)

We need to go back out and get the perfect photos, but at least you get the idea.

Here’s the front detail shot

I do rather like this sleeve shot

Off to go make my dinner magic, be well and knit on!!

The leaf panels are my own creation, they are knitted using simple 2 stitch cables and twisted stitches. Little side pleats cinch in the bag at the top, then you get to do the gorgeous herringbone stitch for the band.

Pattern: Leaf Sprouts Hobo

Purchase at Counting Sheep Studio here.

Purchase at Ravelry here.

Finished Size – Approx. 18″ / 46 cm wide (with rib pattern relaxed) and 14 ½” / 37 cm high

Yarn – Wandering Wool Heights Worsted (100% superwash merino wool 218 yds /199 m per 3.53 oz / 100 g) 3 skeins; or approx 540 yds of a worsted weight wool yarn. Sample shown in colorway Chestnut Mare

Needles – Size US 6 / 4 mm, any length, for working bottom of bag
Size US 7 / 4.5 mm, 32″ circular for working body of bag
Size US 11 / 8 mm, 24″ circular (or larger) for working top band of bag

Gauges – 20 sts & 28 rows = 4″ / 10 cm in stockinette stitch on size US 6 / 4 mm needles
24 sts & 16 rows = 4″ / 10 cm in Herringbone stitch on size US 11 / 8 mm needles

Notions – Moxie & Oliver adjustable 29-41″ leather strap, cable needle, cable needle, tapestry needle, ¾” magnetic sew-on clasp & 1 yard of 2″ wide grosgrain ribbon (optional for inside of bag), waxed linen thread for sewing on leather strap

Pattern Notes
– Bag starts at the bottom with a wide panel knitted flat. The sides are then picked up and the bag is worked in the round to the top. The band is also worked flat and then seamed at the end.
– You do not need a cable needle for the sides of the bag, but it is recommended for the leaf panels, due to the twisted stitches. Directions for simple twists are given with or without a cable needle.

This bag really was a ton of fun for me to design. Playing with leaf patterns for a week was interesting and it was great seeing this all come together. I knew I wanted a slouchy ‘hobo’ style bag, and love the way the mini twists on the sides add the plush texture, and also expand the bag.

If you contact either Joelle at Wandering Wool for yarn or Caitlin at Moxie & Oliver for a strap, they are both fantastic to work with and have an excellent line of products. Both of them are also willing to do custom work, an added plus.

I hope you enjoy the bag and decide to try making your own!

As always, thanks for your interest and continued support in my creative endeavors!!