Fibre Space ~ Here we go!

Hi, Knitters,
I want to share the first day of my trip to Fibre Space in Alexandria, Virginia, with you. The travels were good although there was a bit of circling and minor delays due to visibility issues. Nothing major but I had to hightail it to my gate in Detroit because we landed quite a bit later than scheduled. The gates were really far apart but I made it fine.

Click here for the Fibre Space website!

I wore my 15 Colour Rainbow socks, the yarn is by Fab Funky Fibres on Etsy. It was such a gray, overcast and foggy kind of day that the bright socks made me happy.

On the plane I worked on my second sock in Regia Super Jacquard. I made pretty good progress.

 I could not believe how crowded Reagan National Airport was. It was so packed in the gate area when I got off the plane. It was difficult to get into the airport due to the crowding. The whole airport was super crowded. I was glad to get out of there.

During the second leg of my flight (I read during the first flight), I finished the cuff, knit the heel flap, turned the heel and finished the gusset. Now this should go really fast to the toe! I can't wait to wear this pair.

Danielle, the owner of Fibre Space, picked me up in her tiny Mini-Cooper car and I wasn't sure my two bags would fit but they did! She made it work.

 It was close to 60 degrees in Alexandria. I pulled out my spring coat and boy did that feel good. At home in Madison there were snow flurries. I ended up not even needing my coat for the walk to the shop. It was wonderful.

Old Town in Alexandria is so charming. You can walk everywhere. This brick park is right outside of my hotel window. The structure appears to have vines growing all over it which I'm sure in the summer is very beautiful.

I packed up to go to my book signing/meet and greet! I always bring my knitting just in case. Last night though I didn't have much time to knit. The meet and greet was great! I had a steady stream of friendly knitters who purchased and brought their books for me to sign. I loved meeting everyone. Thanks for coming if you were there.

Here are some photos from last night:

Click here for the Fibre Space website. 

You should purchase from this shop. It's a good one to support. The vast array of unique and inspiring yarns is unmatched. Danielle, the owner, has curated an incredible amount of indie and commercial yarns. She is hard working and talented.

There's Danielle working so hard as usual.

Incredible sale bins! That's the signature mannequin. 

Unique spinning fibers.....

This table was filled to twice this size only hours before..... 

A gigantic collection of Brooklyn Tweed....

More unique homespun yarns!

A closer look (it's looking back at you!).

Brooklyn Tweed Loft. I want all of this!

More Plucky!

Skein from Australia! I really want to take some home.

Wall o' needles.

Okay, this Neighborhood Fiber Co. is driving me crazy I love it so much! 

The vibrancy is incredible and rich! This is a local to the shop dyer.

Look at the shelves and shelves of Neighborhood Fiber Co.  Danielle used to work in a different yarn shop with the dyer. She is loyal and supportive.

Spacious and well-organized!

I love the indie and the commercial yarns together. There is something for everyone.

The shop is bubbling over with samples. Isn't this cute? I have no idea what the pattern is called. I'll try to find out today.

I think one of these might come home with me. That is something like 1500 yards. I put my hand in there for scale. It is bigger than my head.

This one is my favorite color.

And maybe one of these for my sock darning.

Love it! Order one from the shop!

And maybe these should come home with me?

I am loving this rustic fiber. 

And maybe this could fit in my suitcase, too? I think I will bring some of this home. I will find out more today about this fiber.

The punch back there was pineapple and ginger! It was sooooo good and cold. I drank it all night at my signing. Ahhh, refreshing!

Ready to go!

Yum!

Maureen, who took classes with me at Vogue Knitting Live in NYC brought her snowman to share with me! She is taking classes all day with me on Saturday. I love repeat students!

My buddy Greg and his beautiful daughter came to visit along with Greg's dad. Greg is a very active member of Itty-Bitty Knits (my forum group on Ravelry.) Greg is taking classes all weekend with me.

These are Greg's knits he brought on my request to share with me! He is such a great knitter, and fairly new, too.

Greg also brought his giraffe from my Not so Itty-Bitty Giraffe class on Craftsy. I love it!

Gotta run to class now! I'll take more photos today to share.

Miss you all! Have a super Saturday.

best, susie

Split Back Snowflake Hat, plus a traditional version! ~ Now Available!

 

Hi, Knitters,

I want to sincerely thank you for the overwhelming response to my pattern sale. It really was incredible and I am so appreciative of the support. This sale was only the second sale where I put my entire shop of patterns on a discount in the last 7 years. This type of sale is a rare occasion. Anyway, it was a record-setting sales week by far and that has been fun to see. Thank you.

Also, I am teaching at Fibre Space and having a book signing at Fibre Space in Alexandria, VA, this weekend April 4-6th! Click here for my schedule.

Now onto to today's exciting new pattern release. The Split Back Snowflake Hat pattern has been long in the making, writing and releasing but I hope the time and effort put forth will make it worth the wait. I have knit three versions of this hat myself and I also had it test knit and tech-edited by an expert knitter and number-cruncher extraordinaire. Thank you, Kriste. The pattern is in tip-top shape.

I LOVE this hat to no end. I've included two versions for you in the pattern. 

Click here for more information or to purchase the Split Back Snowflake Hat! Remember you don't need to be a Ravelry member to purchase patterns through the site. All are welcome!

One version has the split at the back which is knit back and forth and then the hat is joined to work in the round. The split section creates earflaps! The hat is worn slightly tipped back on the head so the split fits snuggly at the base of your head or the top of your neck in the back.

It's a great modern looking hat as you can see. I have provided specific instructions for the twisty top ties that are added to the corners of the earflaps. 

Here is a look at the hat from the front view. The model is my beautiful and stylish 24 year-old niece. She loves both versions of this hat so much. I think I will have to give one to her or make another for her. Both hats look terrific on her.

Above is the more traditional-style version of the hat, directions are also included in the pattern. It has a ribbed brim instead of the cabled and split back brim. The brim can be worn cuffed so the hat is more beanie-style and fitted.

 Or the brim can be worn un-cuffed to make a slouchier-style hat. I love it either way!

The yarn is Owl by Quince & Co. Leave it to Quince to come up with the best blend of alpaca and wool I have ever worked with, it's incredible! Owl is a pleasure to knit up and then after it is washed it blooms and forms a soft halo and it becomes soft and beautiful. I am in love with this yarn!

You need 2 skeins of the main color and 1 skein of the contrast color for both hats. Both hats are sporting a 16 gram pom-pom which is of course optional and could be taken into consideration for the amount of yarn. The split back version also has optional twisty rope ties that use up a bit of yarn.

Here is some information you might like to know about these hats:

The Snowflake Chart used in this hat is from Mary Jane Mucklestone’s book, 150 Scandinavian Motifs, chart #98 on page 102. Other motifs from this book could be used in this pattern. Purchase of this book is highly recommended!

Finished size: One size to fit a 20 to 24-inch head circumference. The finished hats (both versions) are very stretchy and will fit a large child to an adult man or woman. The model has a 22-inch head circumference.

Yarn:
Quince and Co. Owl (50% American Wool, 50% American Alpaca; 120 yards/50grams)

Split Back Version (The blue hat is split is at the back of the neck and forms earflaps):
Main Color (MC): 2 skeins in Cerulean #315
Contrast Color (CC): 1 skein in Elf #303

Traditional Version (The grayish/oatmeal hat has no split in the back, and a ribbed brim):
Main Color (MC): 2 skeins in Elf #303
Contrast Color (CC): 1 skein in Cerulean #315

Both hats have a 3-inch pom-pom that weighs about 16 grams and uses both of the colors used in the hat.

Needles:
Split Back Version:
US size 5 – 24-inch circular needles
US size 6 – 16-inch circular needles
US size 6 double-pointed needles or preferred method to work the top of the hat decreases

Traditional Version:
US size 5 – 16-inch circular needles
US size 6 – 16-inch circular needles
US size 6 double-pointed needles or preferred method to work the top of the hat decreases

Always check for correct gauge and use the correct needle sizes for you.

Gauge:
5 ½ stitches per inch: Using the larger needles (US size 6 for the samples) and stockinette stitch in the round

Click here to purchase the pattern (both hats are in included in the pattern) or to find out more! 

Above in the photo is the first version of the hat I knit up. I made this one out of my handspun yarn. I spun this yarn from a batt from JoAnna of Knit Spin Farm. It was an exciting spin for me so I quickly knit it up into a split back hat with cables. It has been a well-worn hat this past winter.

What a great hat!

Also, don't forget that if you'd like to change the motif Mary Jane Mucklestone's book, 150 Scandinavian Motifs, is an excellent resource for charts and patterns. You just have to increase or decrease the stitch count in the body of the hat to fit the chart or modify the chart to fit the numbers. It's really fun to do this! The snowflake motif used in these hats is from this book.

Please enjoy! I'd love to see photos of your Split Back hats. You can get a jump start for next fall/winter or if you live in a climate like me where on April 1st it is in the 20s and there are snowflakes in the air you can still wear it right now. 

Click here for more information or to purchase the pattern for the Split Back Snowflake Hat, plus traditional version!

Please don't forget to come and say hello if you are in the area, April 4-6th, at Fibre Space in Alexandria, VA. I am teaching three workshops on Saturday and Sunday and on Friday night I have a book signing/meet and greet! I can't wait. I think there are still a couple of spots open, maybe?

Click here for my schedule at Fibre Space this coming weekend!

best, susie

Catching Up Episode 5 ~ now on iTunes!

Hi, Knitters,
If you can't see the video for the email subscribers click here to see the video on YouTube!

Here are the pertinent links for today's podcast:

You are now able to subscribe to my video podcast through iTunes by searching for my name, Susan B. Anderson, and clicking on the subscribe button! Hooray! I will continue to post on my YouTube Channel and you can subscribe there as well.

Ravelry Pattern Shop 25% off sale goes through tomorrow, March 31st, 2014! discount code: THINKSPRING

Dyeabolical Yarns and Fiber

Prairie Ridge Shawl

Infinite Twist

Waiting for Winter Mittens

Double Marl spinning technique on the Knitty Blog

How I Make My Socks (free sock pattern)

Regia Super Jacquard

Tolt Yarn & Wool

Swan's Island Yarn

Jill Draper Makes Stuff

Knit Spin Farm podcast

Knit Spin Farm Etsy Shop

Sisters Baking Company (Rain City Crunch granola!)

Fibre Space ~ come see me!!! April 4-6th, 2014

Wisconsin Craft Market (Patons Kroy sock yarn)

There you go!
best, susie

Domino & Little Pines Hats ~ Patterns Now Available!

(photo provided by Our Back 40)

Hi, Knitters,

First, next weekend, April 4-6th, 2014 I am teaching and having a meet and greet book signing at Fibre Space in Alexandria, Virginia. Danielle the owner has told me the classes are all almost sold out but there are a few spaces left! I hope to see you there! 

Click here for my schedule April 4-6th, 2014 at Fibre Space in Alexandria, VA!

Second, both of these new hat patterns, along with all of my patterns, are on sale for 25% until Monday, March 31st in my Ravelry Pattern Shop by using the code: THINKSPRING at checkout. These new hat patterns are included in the sale. They are regularly priced at $5.00 per pattern and with the sale they are $3.75 each. 

The sale is only lasting a couple of more days. I can't tell you how thrilled I am with the response to the pattern sale. It has been really amazing. Thank you for the support and pattern love! You are the best.

So for the main topic today, I have two more fun hat patterns to share with you as the copyright has reverted back to me. Both are hat designs I did for Our Back 40 quite awhile back. I love this alpaca yarn company. Be sure to hop over to the Our Back 40 website to find out more about their work.

Click here for the Our Back 40 website!

Click here for the Little Pines pattern information or to purchase!

Click here for the Domino pattern information or to purchase! 

The most important thing to note for both of these hats is that I held the Our Back 40 sport weight yarn doubled throughout to get a worsted weight gauge of 5 stitches per inch in stockinette stitch on US size 7 needles. The Our Back 40 sport weight yarn is very light and it is more like a fingering or sock weight yarn. 

You could use a fingering weight held doubled or you could use worsted weight yarn to get the correct gauge! Substitutions for the yarn could be any worsted weight like Cascade 220, Quince & Co. Lark, Lorna's Laces Worsted, Madelinetosh Worsted, Berroco worsted, etc. 

Domino is in the photo above, Little Pines is in the photo below. I just adore both of these unisex-style hats. Both hats are perfect for boys, girls, teens and adults. The hats comes in one size but they are very stretchy and could easily fit a head circumference of 19-23 inches. You could add a pom-pom for fun! I think the young man above looks fantastic in his Domino hat. Both hats could be easily changed and brightened up with different colors or more contrasting colors. The sky is the limit with these fun color work hats.

(photo provided by Our Back 40)

Little Pines is the hat in the photo above. The beauty of this hat is that it has a longer ribbed brim which could be cuffed and worn more like a beanie-style hat or un-cuffed to wear as a slouchier-style hat. Both ways it looks great. Again, both hats are versatile for sure!

Don't forget about the 25% off sale (only a couple more days) with the coupon code: THINKSPRING

Click here for the Little Pines information or to purchase!

Click here for the Domino information or to purchase!

Click here for all of the patterns in my Ravelry Pattern Shop!

Progress is being made on the Split Back Snowflake Hat from my test knitter. She hopes to finish it up over the weekend so I should have it in the shop by next week some time.

Have a great weekend everyone!

best, susie

Ruche Panel Tuque ~ Pattern Now Available!

Hi, Knitters,

Wow! Thank you for the enormous response to my Think Spring pattern sale! I'm beyond words, so a simple thank you will have to do. The sale is still going on through March 31st at midnight. The sale is 25% off of all of my Ravelry Pattern Shop patterns by entering a coupon code.

The coupon code is: THINKSPRING

On the topic of the sale, I added this new hat pattern, Ruche Panel Tuque, to my sale patterns this morning. If you purchase the new hat pattern before March 31st you will get a fantastic price of 25% off! The Ruche Panel Tuque will regularly be $5.00 and with the sale it is only $3.75! It's a steal.

On to today's new pattern. I have exciting news about a new pattern I posted for purchase in my shop this morning, the Ruche Panel Tuque.  I designed and knit this sweet hat last winter on request from Tanis Gray. The Ruche Panel Tuque was designed for a wonderful alpaca yarn company called, Our Back 40, and the copyright ownership has just returned to me. 

Click here for the Ruche Panel Tuque information or to purchase!

Click here for the Our Back 40 website! Kits are available for purchase on the Our Back 40 site.

The owner, Lynn, let me know that this hat in kit form has been a very good seller for her business. That is always so good to hear. I want to thank Lynn, Tanis and Our Back 40 for the opportunity.

The Ruche Panel Tuque is knit in a worsted weight yarn at 5 stitches per inch for the gauge. This means the hat could be worked up in so many different yarns like Quince & Co. Lark, Owl or Owl Tweet, Cascade 220, Lorna's Laces Worsted, Brooklyn Tweed Shelter, Madelinetosh Worsted.... the list could go on and on! 

I am particularly proud of the ruffled cast on that I worked out that is just done for the panel section of the hat, not all the way around. This gives the panel section a slight ruffle at the brim which I just love. This hat fits and feels great on your head. 

Here is some information you might like to know about the Ruche Panel Tuque:

Materials:

·      Our Back 40 Ne Plus Ultra Worsted Weight (100% alpaca, 100 yds per skein), 2 skeins.  Sample shown in color “Timothy.”

·      Size 7 (4.5 mm) 16 inches (41 cm) circular knitting needles or size needed to obtain gauge.

·      Set of 4 double-pointed needles, size 7 (4.5 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge.

·      3 stitch markers

·      Tapestry needle

Gauge: 20 sts and 28 rounds = 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch.

Size: 19 inch (48 cm) circumference to fit a 20-22 inch (51 cm – 56 cm) head circumference

(photo from Our Back 40)

I have been very busy this morning already. I just sent off the pattern for the Split Back Snowflake Hat ~ Traditional Version, too! to my trusty, smart and fast test knitter. As soon as I hear back from her and incorporate her improvements the pattern will be up and ready to go. Get your Quince & Co. Owl ready to fly! By the way the traditional version is completely unisex, men, women, teens, and even older children can wear this hat. If you are purchasing Owl, you need 2 skeins of the main color and 1 skein of the contrast color for both versions. I used Cerulean and Elf.

It's coming soon! I'll post here as soon as it is available. 

Here is a small sneak peek of the Split Back Snowflake Hat version (That's my beautiful niece modeling and she wants the hats to keep! I'll have to knit her one to take with her.):

Here is a small sneak peek at the Traditional Snowflake Hat version (no split at the back, just a ribbed brim that can be worn turned up or down):

Don't forget to take advantage of the spring sale! THINKSPRING is the coupon code.

Click here for the Ruche Panel Tuque pattern information or to purchase!

There is so much exciting stuff going on around here. Big things! I can't wait to share.

I'll be back soon with more.

best, susie