Hello? Is this thing On?

Wow, long time no see. Well, I would like to tell you that I’ve been working on some fantastic knitting book or traveling the country teaching knitting classes, but nope, nothing cool like that ever happened. Instead, my life has been filled with the ups and downs of just getting through life. You know, sometimes life just gets in the way of blogging about life.

So, have I been doing any knitting while I’ve been away? Unless you count the little blankets I’ve been knitting for princess’ ever growing Barbie collect, really not much.

Somewhere along the lines I got hooked on needle tatting and really haven’t had a reason to pick of the needles again. Until now.

With so many of my friends breeding like rabbits these days, I’ve gotten the itch to knit baby items. I am currently working on a sweater from the book Special Knits by Debbie Bliss.

Wait, what about the sock knitting you ask? I haven’t been inspired to produce anymore socks lately. I think my sock knitting muse has left me for good. I think my refusal to make Lady Gaga- inspired socks was what finally did it.  Oh well, it was fun while it lasted.

So, now what will I be talking about on my blog? Not sure, but whatever it is, I’m sure it will be fun and involve yarn.

Right now you can catch me musing about my tatting at simplyjoi.blogspot.com.

Special Knits by Debbie Bliss

 

One Woman’s Trash Will Always Be My Treasure

It’s hard to believe that both Tom Cruise and Robert Pattinson are both single while I’m in a relationship. So unfair.

Although your ex’s may have treated you both like trash, don’t forget the million of women around the world who would gladly take their place by your side.

Ladies, let’s show some love to these broken-hearted cuties and to your own cutie at home by knitting on of these manly scarves that may lead to warming more than just their neck if you play your cards right.

And to all my single ladies- get out there and turn on the charm. Robert and Tom won’t stay single forever!

Winterbourne Scarf by Smariek

 

Henry Scarf by Mareike Sattler

 

Frostlight Scarf by Robin Ulrich

Show Some Love to the Brits!

With all the British love going around now that the Olympics have started, I thought it would be fitting to share some British inspired knits. If you don’t already have some knitting in your hands as you cheer Michael Phelps on to winning another gold medal, then maybe one of these quick knits below will get your hands itching to move as you watch those sexy guys playing volleyball.

 

Best of British Bunting by McAree Brothers

 

Union Jack Teacosy by Anna Elliott

 

British Flag by Anna Felder

 

God Save The Queen Gauntlets by Chris Abbott

Knitting Away

I’m currently working on some new cowls for the upcoming Fall season. I’ll be giving you a peak at them as soon as I weave in and cut the ends.

My latest addition to my ever growing book collection:

One of a Kind Show and Etsy

It’s that time of year again. Time to apply to participate in the Etsy Pavillion at the One of a Kind Show and Sale in Chicago.

So what is the OOAK Show? Well, taken directly from their website:

The 12th annual One of a Kind Show and Sale Chicago® is Chicago’s holiday shopping show! A refreshing alternative to traditional retail, the show is the ideal place to find one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your holiday list. More than 600 talented artists from across North America will bring their imaginative, handmade creations to this year’s show offering a wide range of media and categories including fashion, fiber arts, jewelry, mixed media, kids, paper. . . and the list goes on!

Made by Kuketa

Basically, if you are into shopping for handmade items that are one of a kind or limited editions and enjoy buying them directly from the actually person who made the item, then this is ‘THE’ event to attend. This year the OOAK Show will run from December 6-9, 2012. The perfect time to do all your Christmas shopping for those on your list who are usually hard to shop for.

A few years ago, Etsy teamed up with the OOAK Show to offer the opportunity for emerging designers to present their work at the show for half the usual booth cost. Those select few who are accepted into the show will have the pleasure of presenting their crafts to over 60,000 shoppers. I’m filling out my application now in hopes that I get to be one of the lucky few selected to go.

Made by Anna M. White

I use to work for one lady who has been selling at the OOAK Show for years. She is a jewelry designer and says that the sales from the show help to carry her through the slower months after the holiday rush. Well, that’s a good enough reason for me to apply.

If you are an Etsy seller and interested in the OOAK Show, please click here to learn about the requirements and to download an application.

For more information about the OOAK Show and to see pictures and video’s from last year’s show click here.

Oh Channing

So, I go away from my computer for a couple of weeks only to come back and see I’ve had over six thousand hits on my site in one day. Why the sudden jump in views. Well, apparently its all because of Channing Tatum. Now that he is in the spotlight with the recent film, Magic Mike, his name is ‘hot stuff’. Of course it doesn’t hurt that my past mention of Tatum on my blog also included a hot picture of him.

Since this is a knitting blog I feel it is my duty to only show pictures when the person is actually wearing knitwear such as the following. . .

What the hell, this is Channing Tatum. For someone this sexy, I’ll make an exception. Enjoy. . . (and yes, you’re welcome.)

 

My Cowl Is In Knitscene Accessories 2012!

Yup, you read that title correctly. I just had the honor of having one of my designs published in Knitscene magazine. Yes, it’s a secret that I’ve been keeping from all of you for some time now, but don’t you think it was worth the wait?

Knitscene Accessories Magazine

This week, I opened the mailbox to see a package from Interweave waiting for me. Inside was a complimentary copy of the Knitscene Accessories 2012 issue along with a tearsheet of the layout and pattern that I can use in my portfolio.

I love the layout and the model that they used. The whole image is fun and funky. Both yarns used in the cowl are from Knit Collage and they were yummy to work with. A simple pattern that even after two martinis you could still knit without any mistakes.

Moon Rings Cowl

The whole process of working with such a well-known company was a great learning experience for me. Anyone who has ever considered submitting a design to any of the Interweave publications, I strongly encourage you to do so. I honestly didn’t think I had a snowball chance in hell of getting published. I just submitted my design to get in the practice of submitting to companies and look what happened!

Moon Rings Cowl by ME!

Thank you God and thank you to everyone at Knitscene for this wonderful opportunity!

My Design Is In A Knit-Along

Mark your calendars folks. On June 4th, one of my designs will be in its first every Knit-Along!

The wonderful people at AllFreeKnitting.com are hosting their first ever knit-along and they selected my Cobblestone Road Womens Sock design as their first project!

I’m so excited and extremely honored for one of my designs to be part of a knit-along. I strongly encourage you to head over to AllFreeKnitting.com on June 4th and join in the fun of knitting these socks. I can’t wait to see the varied colors and ways that knitters knit up these cute socks.

Below is a copy of the button that will be on the site for the knit-along. It’s not active yet, but do be on the lookout for the button as it should be up soon.

Another Free Knitted Cowl Pattern

I’m back again with yet another free knitting pattern. This time it is a cowl called “Gun Smoke”. I wanted to make a cowl that sort of paid tribute to the wild west. The picture, which was taken by the good people of Galler Yarns, actually shows the cowl being worn upside down. The bow should be at the bottom, but looking at it this way, I’ve decided to let you e=be the judge on which way you want to wear it.

You can find the pattern here, by clicking on the picture below or by going to the pattern page of my blog.

 

Gun Smoke Cowl

Free Knitted Cowl Pattern

Yup, you read it right. I’ve returned with a new pattern and its Free! I designed this cowl called “Give It To Me Straight”,  for Galler Yarns. A quick knit that is unisex in design. Made using Pima cotton, it is lightweight enough to be knitted during the summer and be ready to wear once the weather cools off. You can find the pattern by clicking here, clicking the on the picture below or going to my pattern page.

Give It To Me Straight Cowl