Archives for April 2012

Introducing Nefertem. Previously exclusive to the Loopy Ewe the pattern is now available as a PDF to everyone. Named for the Egyptian god of beauty and healing,  Nefertem is worked from the center top edge and increased outward to create the semi-circular shape. The border is adorned with lace that features a lotus motif and a delicate scalloped edge. The lotus flower is common in ancient Egyptian art. The god Nefertem is usually depicted wearing a lotus headdress.

This small, semi-circular shawl has been a favorite of mine since I first designed it for the Loopy Ewe sock club last year. I have had many requests for the shawl pattern as a PDF and I am happy to say that the exclusivity period has ended.

The body of the shawl is worked in easy-peasy stockinette, then just when you think you've had enough of the mindlessness that is our beloved stockinette you get to launch into a tricky bit of lace. The 24 row lace pattern gives a delicate touch to the shawl followed by a simple crochet bind off. Even for those of you who are not familiar with crochet this bind off should be easy and is explained in the pattern.

NEFERTEM

Sizes: One Size

Finished Measurements: 51” across top edge, 19” from top edge to base of curve

Yarn: Approximately 375 yards fingering weight yarn.
Sample in Madelinetosh, Tosh Sock, 100% Superwash Merino, 395 yds/361m per 114 g skein. Color: Midnight Rendezvous, 1 skein 

Gauge: 14 sts & 26 rows = 4”/10cm in stockinette stitch, blocked.

Needles: 1 set of US 8/5 mm or size to obtain gauge.

Other Materials: tapestry needle, size C/2.75 mm crochet hook, 13 place markers included in these there should be two sets of 4 for “A” and “B” place markers

Price: $6.00 US

The lotus lace pattern is given in both charted and written form.

 

Unsinkable is the result of a collaboration between Anne Podlesak of Wooly Wonka Fibers and myself. We were talking about strong women in history and Margaret "Molly" Brown came up. I was born on the 50th anniversary of the Titanic disaster – the iceberg was hit at 11:40 pm on the 14th of April (my birthday) and sank in the wee hours of the 15th. As a result I have always been fascinated by all things Titanic. Since both the Titanic and I confront big anniversaries this month it seemed appropriate to design a pattern to commemorate the events of April 14-15, 1912 and honor Margaret Brown.

Anne sent the perfect yarn for the design. We were thinking about the cold North Atlantic and icebergs when we discussed the design and color. I think she nailed it when she combined an icy soft blue/green color with her Avianrhod Sock yarn which has a delicate metallic thread that gives just the right amount of shimmer. An added bonus is that this yarn is delightfully soft. This was my first time using a yarn with a metallic thread and I was very surprised at how soft it is. I honestly worried that it would be itchy but it is not. Not at all.

My goal with this design was to choose a stitch pattern that gave the impression of a wildly churning sea. After a fair amount of swatching I think this one fits the bill. The lace border is knit first, then the body is worked with short rows in stockinette. The pattern contains both charts and written instructions for the stitch pattern and instrucitons are given for working short rows.

Unsinkable

Finished Measurements: 78” wide x 10” deep

Yarn: Wooly Wonka Fibers Avianrhod Sock, 75% Merino Wool, 20% Silk, 5% glitter; 425 yards/389m per skein, color: Iceberg, 1 skein

Needles: US 8 (5mm)  or size to obtain gauge

Gauge: 15 sts & 27 rows = 4”/10cm in Stockinette, blocked, always take the time to check gauge

Other Materials: 10 stitch markers, tapestry needle

Anne is offering kits with with pattern and yarn. But you can also purchase the pattern here or on Ravelry from me and enter the coupon code on the pattern to have the cost of the pattern deducted from the kit if you decide to purchase it from her later.

Price: $6.00 US