Ocean Waves Silk Wrap

Yes, another shawl/wrap!  This one is one of my favorites and is sooo incredible to touch and feel.  It is handknit with 50/50 silk/wool in very cool blues and tourquoise.  The center panel has a fun design and the border has tiny sky blue beads at each scalloped point.

I loved knitting this one. Although it looks a bit complicated, the pattern was very easily memorized so no checking off each row to keep track was needed. This one one of my 'on the go' projects and spent many hours in the car while traveling here and there.

 

Introducing Ella

I'm excited to introduce my latest scarf design that I've name Ella. Ella is soft, stylish and comforting and she will certainly make you feel like a million bucks when you have her on your shoulders.

 The the pattern will soon be available for purchase in both my etsy shop and on Ravelry.  I just need to get the ok back from my tester and we will be good to go, and just in time for holiday knitting projects.

This finished version of Ella is knit with my very own handspun yarn which is a merino wool / mohair blend that gives this scarf a nice feel and a great drape.  It is light, airy and a perfect accessory that can be worn as a scarf or a shoulder wrap and would look great at the office or with a pair of jeans on the weekend.

I plan to have more versions of Ella in my shop soon in various colors and fiber content.  So stop by valeriesgallery on etsy often to see what's new. 

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Ascot Cable Neckwarmer

Today I a featuring a knit neckwarmer using a diamond cable design.   This lavender beauty is knit with Sandnes brand Alpakka yarn and is super soft.  I used 2 strands of yarn and the project took just over 2 skiens of yarn to complete.

This stitch is easy to memorize and is the same stitch used in some of my other work, including a hat and headband. I'm working on perfecting the pattern for this ascot neckwarmer which will be available after testing has been completed.

I found that I definately needed to block this item as it rolled in the worst way. This is just the right length to fit in the bottom of my bathtub - so I layed a towel down and blocked it right there in the tub for 2 days.

My slow season is approaching so I've started to use this time to knit some Christmas gifts for my family. So I won't be able to show what I'm working on here because I never know if my family checks in here or not. All I can say is this - my goal for 2011 Christmas season is for everyone close to me to receive a hand knit gift of some sort.

What's on your needles today? 

New Handknit Hats Arriving in my Etsy Shop

Yes, I've been a busy gal... knitting away getting ready for the cold weather.  This morning it is a balmy 37 degrees... but it feels alot colder with the wind blowing.

Some great  hand knit hats have found their way in my shops with more to come!  So keep checking back as more get listed.   And stay warm!

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Slip Cable Cross or Cable Fabric

Good Morning ~  Today's stitch is a bit of a challenge.  You don't want to be multitasking or watching a heart-wrenching movie while working this one as you just need to pay attention to each row and make sure you are counting right.  At first I found it a little awkward but once I got going on it, I just loved the resulting pattern. 

I incorporated this into a knit pillow cover pattern that I just love.  Basically it is two knit squares laced together, so it isn't a daunting project that will take forever, but it does show off your skills!  This pillow would look great in the guest bedroom or on a couch or chair in the living room.

The center panel is worked in todays featured stitch surrounded by cables and other textured stitches.

How to work Slip Cable Cross Stitch:

(Multiples of 4 + 1)


Row 1: (right side): K1, *sl 1 pw, K3, repeat from * to end
Row 2: *P3, sl 1 pw, repeat from * to last stitch, P1
Row 3: K1, *C3L, K1, repeat from * to end
Row 4: Purl
Row 5: K5, *sl 1, K3, repeat from * to end
Row 6: *P3, sl 1, repeat from * to last 5 stitches, P5
Row 7: K3, *C3R, K1, repeat from * to last 2 stitches, K2
Row 8: Purl

Repeat these 8 rows

Additional Notes:
C3L = (cable 3 left) slip next st onto cable needle and hold at front of work, knit next 2 sts from left-hand needle, then knit st from cable needle

C3R = (cable 3 right) slip next 2 sts onto cable needle and hold at back of work, knit next st from left-hand needle, then knit sts from cable needle

I really love the result of this stitch combination and think it would be fantastic on an afgahn or baby blanket.

I have the pillow knitting pattern available in my etsy shop. Included in this pattern is a handy check-off grid so you can keep track of each and every row for perfect results.  This pattern has been tested by another knitter for accuracy.

Next week I will be at Father's Day Craft Fair and Car Show in Constableville NY and will not be featuring Sunday Morning Knit Wit. I hope that if you are in the area, you will stop by this historical place.  Vendors as well as antique cars will be all over the lawn of this beautiful building.

This is a day filled with fun for everyone. Visit the beautiful gardens, tour the home, find something wonderful at the silent auction and enjoy the variety of food. It really is a fun day!

Until next time, keep your needles clicking!

Fiber Friday ~ Handknit Wallet / Card Holder

TGIF~ 
And here is my FF (Fiber Friday) item of the week

This handknit wallet / card holder is knit with 100% wool.  I think it is perfect if you are giving a gift card - just put the card inside, attach a ribbon and bow and you are all set for gift-giving. It can also be used to keep your ATM, credit cards or business cards handy.

Enjoy your Friday! 

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Open Weave Panel

Good Morning Knit Wit followers.  As I sip my second cup of coffee this morning watching the sunrise, I am dreaming of the days when I can bring my knitting outside and listen to the birds sing to me as I knit.  But I find myself next to the wood stove yet again.  Although spring has come, Central NY has not yet noticed.

Today's stitch is an Open Weave Panel lace, which is very easy and is worked by repeating only 4 rows, so it is easy to memorize. 




I used this stitch in a pair of fingerless gloves. 





Here is how to work the stitch:

Row 1: (right side) P2, Sl 1, K1, PSSO, YF, K3, YF, K2Tog, P2
Row 2: K2, P7, K2
Row 3: P2, K2, YF, Sl 1, K2Tog, PSSO, YF, K2, P2
Row 4: same as Row 2

Repeat these 4 rows

Try a panel for yourself and see how easy it is.  I found that there was a fun rhythym going on with the needles as I worked this stitch.

I have visions of making some really cool window treatments with this  stitch, but sometimes I get a bit over-enthusastic!  We will see if it ever happens.

Next week is Easter, so I will be taking the day off from posting knitting patterns.  But don't forget to come back April 11th!  I have three fun mixed up stitches lined up for April. 

Coffee Cup Cozy

I was playing around learning a new stitch and this coffee cozy was the result ~  I am very pleased with it!

Have yours to-go!

Natural Wool Scarflette

I just love the simplicity of this scarflette. 

Soft. Warm. Wool.

Stay Warm ~~

My new motto this winter is "Stay Warm".... and what better way to do that is with a snuggly wool blend outdoor accessory set.

This just listed in my etsy shop -  Three warm and cozy must have accessories in one set!

Includes Headband (earwarmers), Scarflette, and Fingerless Gloves ~ All in soft wool / acrylic blend and hand knit.  Whether your going on cross county ski trail or just making your way through the urban jungle to work each day, this set will keep you warm this winter.

Stay Warm!

Wavy Fingerless Gloves

I just couldn't wait to show these fingerless gloves ~

They are just too cool! Oh wait.. they are just too cozy ♥



Available on etsy and artfire. Contact me to make a pair especially for you in the color you choose.

Sunday Morning

Warren has gone home and life is back to normal here. I will miss the little bugger but I know he is happy back home with his Mom and Dad.

We had severe thunder storms off and on yesterday and through out the night yesterday, but woke up to a bright sunny day. Daryl and I resumed our walking schedule (we certainly didn't need to walk when Warren was here - he kept us hopping all day long!)

But now, it's back to business. I knit up a scarf and a couple scarflettes last week and they are available on etsy and artfire. And I have finally written up a pattern for the classic cable scarflette which is being tested by a wonderful woman who has been knitting for 40 years. When she gets done trying it out, I hope to have it available for sale for $5 on etsy.

New this week is a fabulous wool/silk blend cabled scarf in lucious chocolate brown. This scarf is thick, soft and warm!



Also new is a wool/acrylic blend scarflette in a double seed pattern. Just right to keep off the chill and the natural color will look great with any outfit.


This new 100% wool ribbed cable scarflette in a rich deep blue is incredibly soft and warm.


Hoping you will stop by my etsy shop and artfire studio this coming week as I will have some brand new felted bowls and another new scarflette!

Sunday Morning

It looks like the rain may have finally ended! I woke up to sunshine and warmth today after several days of rain. We went to Vermont to pick up our grandson who will be staying with us for the next week. Of course, he is adorable and super smart for 3 years old. But, I have forgotten how busy 3 year olds can be! It's been so dark and gloomy, I haven't been able to take any good pictures of him yet ~ but here is one in the bath.



Hopefully, today we will go to Sylvan Beach and I can get some good photos then.

On the ride to Vermont, I was able to do some knitting and I have a few new scarflettes in my shops this week. There are a couple more to come, so keep checking in!

This red braided cable scarflette is 100% wool and super, super soft. The red is very vibrant with white buttons ~~



This natural braided cable scarflette is a wool blend, using one strand of 100% wool and one strand of 80% wool/ 20% acrylic blend. Wooden buttons add to the simplicity and naturalness ~~


Stop in frequently on etsy and artfire this week to see new additions!

Sunday Morning

If you have been following my blog you know that Daryl and I have started an eat right and walking program two weeks ago. I'm happy to say that this morning I weighed in and have lost 10 lbs. My goal - loose 50 lbs by October. Why October you ask? Well, that is the month I turn 50 years old and I seem to have convinced myself that it's now or never ~ as if the clock were running out of time so to speak.


I have also been working on creating my own web site, which is ready for viewing. I hope you will stop by and check out my calander of events. If you nearby, please stop at my booth and say hello~ woolietreasures.com


That aside, I have some brand new goodies for you this week.

This lovely felted wool bowl is purple and lavender with yellow flowers and green rambling leaves. Just too sweet ~~


I love this red berry bowl on a grey background:


This bowl is named Hot Stuff - made with gorgeous red, orange and yellow ~~


This cute little vase cozy makes a perfect house warming gift. If you need one in a different color - just contact me. And yes - the vase is included with the purchase!



For more great felted wool and hand knit work, please visit my etsy shop or artfire studio!