Oh snap!

The first sweater I ever designed was the sugary sweet cardigan. It's a vintage inspired cropped cardigan. The original was lost, but I got yarn to make another. This time in a size that would fit me, not a size 2. This first sweater design was a challenge for me. So I decided that the second sweater should also challenge my skills.

So I decided to knit the button band as I knit the sweater, without button holes. This way I would have no choice but to try sewing on snaps. The first step to sewing on snaps is to sew on ribbon, to stabilize the button band. I knit the sweater, blocked, it, took a trip to the store to find snaps and ribbon, and found some lovely fake pearl snaps that remind me of the pearl buttons that were on the original, and a light pink polka dot ribbon. I pinned the ribbon the the button band and began sewing. It was time consuming, but it looked nice (I got invisible thread to hide my less than experienced stitching), and before you knew it I was done with both sides of the ribbon. I laid out my sweater to see about snap placement when I noticed a terrible, horrible mistake. REALLY TERRIBLE. When I was pinning and sewing my ribbon onto the button band I had stretched it...a lot. So now both sides were 1.5-2 inches longer in the front than the back of the sweater. This photo undermines the severity of my mistake, because it only shows the bottom. There was more overlap at the top too! 

I immediately began cutting the thread, to pull the ribbon off. That invisible thread is pretty invisible, and while cutting it all out it seemed much less clever and much more annoying. The sweater is now blocking for a second time, and I'm hoping round 2 goes a little more smoothly. What terrifies me the most is that once I hammer the snaps in there's no taking them out... I can't just cut the invisible thread... 

Carolina Fiber Fest

This past weekend was the Carolina Fiber Fest. I volunteered at the info desk all day Sunday and met a lot of great new people.

I wish I had taken some pictures to share, but alas, I forgot.

One of the highlights was meeting the organizers, which are the owners of Heelside Farms. They have a farm with sheep and bees, and produce some nice yarn. They also tried to teach me how to spin with a drop spindle, and I have to say, I am pretty terrible at it. Though it's definitely something I would like to try again, I hear practice makes perfect. Here's part of my conversation with James, the youngest of the Beasly clan that owns and operates Heelside farms as I was trying to learn how to spin.

James: That's it, you're getting the hang of it.
Me: No! It's all lumpy and inconsistent. Oops! (spindle drops to the floor) I just keep dropping it!
James: That's OK, just keep going.
Me: This looks terrible!
James: When you first learned how to knit, were all your stitches even?
Me: No, but I went back and unravelled all of it so there is no evidence!
James: Well, you can't do that with the yarn. It'll get better with practice.


I also got to meet Elisabeth from Wolle's Yarn Creations. The green yarn and shawl I've been posting pictures of for the last month feature her beautiful yarn, and I encourage everyone to check out her easy shop here: Wolle's Yarn Creations Etsy Shop. I already have a few ideas for this beautiful skins I got on Sunday.

Afghans for Afghans

Afghans for Afghans is collecting knit hats, sweaters, and mittens for children and adults to send to a non-profit organization (NGO) in Afghanistan. You can find out more about their organization at their website: http://www.afghansforafghans.org/.

But, it get better! Cephalopod Yarns will give you a $32 coupon if you make an item for donation and send it to them by the end of June! Find out more on their website here: cephalopodyarns.com. 

On Thursday I went to my knitting group, and someone was de-stashing. I was lucky to pick up this skein of Cascade 220, and I made this hat for Afghans for Afghans. I mailed it off on Saturday, and I already received an email from Cephalopod with a coupon! I immediately ordered a skein of their Bugga, and I can't wait to get it! 

The hat is a simple top down hat knit in stockinette stitch with knit 2, purl 2 ribbing at the bottom. 

Vote for my short film!

So I'm sure you all remember, during Knitting and Crochet Blog Week Brian and I made this awesome video. See the video here.

Well now they are voting for the best post for the prompt "something a bit different" over on the Eskimimi Makes blog. So go over there and vote! There are some other great entries! Here the link to the Eskimimi Makes blog. 

Holey Hug Knit A-Long

To celebrate summer knitting Mari Knits is hosting the Holey Hug Shrug Knit A-Long. This shrug is the perfect summer accessory. This is a great quick knit instant gratification project that is suitable for all levels. 

How to participate: Purchase the pattern and create a project page and link to the Holey Hug Shrug pattern page by June 3, 2012. 

Everyone who finishes their shrug and posts pictures on their project page by June 17th will be entered into a drawing to win a free pattern from Mari Knits. Here is a link to Mari Knits Ravelry group: LINK. 

For anyone in Raleigh, NC this Knit A-Long is being sponsored by Yarn Tree Studio, so be sure to attend these KAL events! 

On Sunday June 3rd at 11:30 AM Mari Chiba, the designer of the Holey Hug Shrug, will be hosting a cast on party for the Holey Hug Shrug Knit A-Long at Yarn Tree Studio. 

On Sunday June 17th at 11:30 AM Mari Chiba will be hosting a finished shrug show-off. Everyone who attends both events and has a finished shrug on June 17th will receive a coupon for 10% off their next Knit A-Long yarn purchase from Yarn Tree Studio.

What's a knit a-long? Well, it's when a group of people knit the same item, at the same time.

Remember those teasers?

Remember this green yarn?

And this picture?

Well thanks to Katy Doyle I now have pictures of the finished shawl!

Now you're going to ask me where's the pattern? Well, it's still in the works, but I hope to publish it by June 1st!

New Pattern: Pine Cone Shawl

I have a new pattern out today! The Pine Cone Shawl is finally being published! I finished writing and knitting this pattern before I went to H&H in Cologne back in March, but for many reasons it's debut was delayed. But now it's here! Here are some lovely photos from Katy Doyle. This shawl is knit with 400 yards of lace weight: Lotus Yarns Moon Night. You could also easily knit it with fingering or DK weight yarn. The pattern is simple and easy to customize, so what are you waiting for? You know you need more lightweight shawlettes for spring and summer!

Holey Hug Shrug

A couple weeks ago I posted about this shrug with no name, and asked my readers to help me come up with a name for the shrug. Well, thanks to everyone for your great suggestions! There some great names, but I've decided on the name Holey Hug. Thanks to Kevin for this great name. I'm not sure how to find you Kevin, so could you please email me at marichiba@gmail.com so I can get you your free pattern.

You can find the Holey Hug shrug pattern here on Ravelry.