New Pattern: Mimi Shawl

I'm really excited to be publishing the Mimi Shawl today! This pattern has been in the works for a while, and finished testing over two months ago! There were a lot of things that delayed me, most of them being busy with other things. Then I realized that my incredibly talented photographer friend Katy Doyle was coming to town, so I waited to publish the pattern until I could get her to photograph it. This is extremely rare, but I'm actually in my own pattern photos! Crazy! 

Oh, you want me to actually tell you about the shawl? 

I wrote this shawl for three weights: lace, fingering, and sport. The yarn in the photos is Lotus Yarns Mimi, which is 100% pure brushed mink. The minks are brushed, so no minks were killed to make this shawl. The pattern has both written and charted directions for the lace, and I made a handy table with stitch counts for the eyelet portion. The table came about because I made errors in the pattern, and during testing my testers were having a terrible time because of the errors, so I made this table so that they could at least make sure they had the correct stitch counts. Even after correcting all the errors they liked the table enough that I decided to put it in the final pattern as well. Hopefully it's as helpful to everyone who knits it as well. 

I Just Blue Myself

If you know what that line is from write it in the comments!

I decided about a year ago that I wanted to dye yarn. Sometime in December I received some undyed wool and dye. Then a couple days ago I decided that I HAD to dye yarn right that minute. Unfortunately it was 1 AM, so it had to wait until the next day. Then Suzie came over to help me in this  endeavor.

We didn't record this, so unfortunately I can't provide you with a movie montage, so here's the picture version. Imagine some cheesy music and some triumphant high five-ing, because Brian forgot to photograph those moments in the process.

Here are the lessons I learned from my first time dying yarn:
1. Wear gloves.
2. Pouring makes a mess, next time go and get sponge brushes like all of the other bloggers who are smarter than me suggested.
3. This is super fun and I can't wait to do it again! Thanks Suzie for a great time!

Oh, and in case you are interested this is Lotus Yarns Winter Sun Aran that I happened to have around, and I used Jacquard acid dyes, and I found this tutorial the most helpful: How A College Student Dyes Yarn

TNNA Designer Dinner

TNNA starts tomorrow! If you don't know, TNNA is The National Needle Arts, and they hold several shows each year for wholesale purchases. I am here in Columbus with Lotus Yarns helping them to run the booth. This morning we got up to build our booth, then tonight I went to Marly Bird's Yarn Thing, which was amazing! It was dinner with over 100 amazing knitting and crochet designers. I didn't know anyone there, since this is only my second time attending TNNA, and I felt a little bit awkward at first, but as always the knitting community is extremely warm and welcoming. I quickly met a ton of really nice people, and quite a few that I have admired over the internet. I also got an amazing take home bag full of great products. It's far too late for me to tell you about all the lovely things that were in the bag, so I'll be sure to post again later with all the details.

New Pattern: Mama Miya Infinity Scarf & Cowl

I have a new pattern out today! 

This is the Mama Miya Infinity Scarf and Cowl. It's available in three sizes: 

Cowl: 14” x 12” / 36 x 30 cm

Infinity: 29” x 7” / 69 x 18 cm (pictured)

Double Infinity: 29” x 14” / 69 x 36 cm

This summer everywhere I look infinity scarves are worn with everything from a tank top or a dress. It is the must have accessory, and as knitters why would we buy one, when we could make one with much nicer yarn? I saw a lace mesh one at the Gap today at the mall...so what are you waiting for? Go make your own infinity scarf or cowl!

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!

Remember those sneak peeks?

So I can reveal what two of those pictures were of. The third item isn't finished yet...but soon I hope!

First off is a set of shoes and baby hat in garter stitch. I think these are super cute. The hat will be available in 5 sizes from preemie to age 2, and the shoes available in 3 sizes for newborn to 18 months. I just love these little apple buttons!

The other picture is a pair of Cashmere fingerless gloves for fall. These luxurious gloves are made with one skein of Lotus Yarns Cashmere DK. They are amazingly soft and warm. 

Both of these patterns will be published soon, so stay tuned!

Cologne - H&H

As I mentioned in the last post this week I am in Cologne for H&H. I forgot to bring my camera, so I've had to take pictures with my iPhone, and it's hard to tell on the screen if things are in focus. Anyways, here are a few pictures from this. We've been very busy, so I haven't had much time to explore the city, but here is one of the huge cathedral that is nearby our hotel. 

 I saw this while we were setting up, one of the stands has a giant knit button! There are many other interesting displays, I'll try to take a few pictures of them tomorrow before the show is over.

 Here are pictures of the Lotus Yarns stand. On the left is a rainbow of the pure cashmere which is very soft and luxurious. On the back wall on the far left is the Autumn Wind, a cotton cashmere, and below the shawl is the Moon Night, which is a lambswool and cashmere lace yarn. Handing on the rack at the back is the Bamboo Soft.

 Here's another picture of our stand.

Germany!

Dear Blog,
I haven't forgotten about you, I've just been busy this week. This week I'm in Cologne for H&H, the hobby and handicraft trade show. I'm here with Lotus Yarns, helping them to man their stand. I'll try to post some pictures soon. I haven't bought any yarn...yet!

Another new pattern!

Part of why I have been able to publish so many patterns so quickly is because I wrote some of these patterns some time ago.

Today I'm publishing the Bamboo Baby Dress pattern, available in 3 sizes 18", 19", and 20" chest. I was originally given this variegated bamboo yarn by Lotus to design a women's top. It turned out absolutely hideous. I was about halfway through a top, with a keyhole opening on the back, and the yarn was pooling, and the fit was weird, and I absolutely hated it. Then I was talking to some people from my Beijing SnB group and about making a baby dress, and Mei gave me the idea for the big yoke, and this dress was born. I finally had the dress test knit, and now the pattern is ready for the public! I hope you'll enjoy it!

Yak Hands Mitten Pattern

Here is a new and improved version of the Yak Hands! Mittens. These mittens are knit at a slightly tighter gauge to make them extra warm and cozy for winter. At the end of the mittens you will need to Kitchener stitch the remaining stitches. Alternatively you could also do a three needle bind off, though this will leave a seam.

Materials
1 skein Lotus Yarns Tibetan Yak 4 100g/150 meters
4.5 mm double pointed needles

2 buttons

Gauge

10 sts and 13 rows in 2 inches

Abbreviations

k knit

p purl

k2tog knit two stitches together

ssk slip 2 sts, knit them together

p2tog purl two stitches together

M1 make one

Seed Stitch; Row 1: k1, p1 repeat to end; Row 2: p1, k1 repeat to end

M1: (increase 1 stitch) pick up the horizontal strand between the two stitches, twist, and knit

Left Glove

CO 34

Rounds 1-4: seed stitch*

Round 5: k1, p1, k2tog, double yarn over, p2tog, seed stitch to end

Rounds 6-10: seed stitch

Round 11: (WS) BO 6, p (28 sts)

Round 12: k

Round 13:  distribute sts onto 3 needles and join in round and k

Rounds 14-16 k

Round 17: k14, Place Marker, M1, k1, M1, Place Marker, k to end

Round 18: k

Round 19: k to marker, slip marker, M1, knit to marker, M1, slip marker, k to end

Round 20: k

Repeat Rounds 19-21 until 13 sts between markers

Rounds 22-23: k

Round 24: k to marker, slip marker off, put next 13 sts on holder or spare yarn, slip marker off, CO1, k to end (29 sts)

Round 25-36: k

Round 37: ssk, k to end (28 sts)

Rounds 38-45: k

Round 46: ssk, k12, k2tog, k12

Round 47: k

Round 48: ssk, k11, k2tog, k11

Round 49: ssk, k10, k2tog, k10

Kitchener stitch remaining 22 sts 

Thumb

Round 1: palm facing place 13 sts from waste yarn onto needles and knit, then pick up 5 sts from the gap on the inner thumb (18 sts)

Round 2: k to last two sts, k2tog

Round 3: k

continue Rounds 2-3 until you have 13 sts remaining

Rounds 4-7: k

Round 8: k2tog, k5, k2tog, k4

Round 9: k

Round 10: k2tog, k4, k2tog, k3

break yarn and tie off remaining 9 sts

Right  Glove

CO 34

Rounds 1-4: seed stitch

Round 5: seed stitch to last 6 sts, k2tog, double yarn over, p2tog, seed stitch to end

Rounds 6-10 seed stitch

Round 11: seed stitch 28 sts, BO 6, break yarn 

Round 12: (RS) rejoin yarn and k

Round 13:  distribute sts onto 3 needles and join in round and k

Rounds 14-16: k

Round 17: k14, Place Marker, M1, k1, M1, Place Marker, k to end

Round 18: k

Round 19: k to marker, slip marker, M1, knit to marker, M1, slip marker, k to end

Round 20: k

Repeat Rounds 19-20 until 13 sts between markers (6 times)

Rounds 22-23: k

Round 24: k to marker, slip marker off, put next 13 sts on holder or spare yarn, slip marker off, CO1, k to end (29 sts)

Round 25-36: k

Round 37: ssk, k to end (28 sts)

Rounds 38-45: k

Round 46: ssk, k12, k2tog, k12

Round 47: k

Round 48: ssk, k11, k2tog, k11

Round 49: k

Round 50: ssk, k10, k2tog, k10

Kitchener stitch remaining 22 sts

Thumb

Same as the thumb on the left glove. 

Photos courtesy of  Katy Doyle


If you have any questions/comments about this pattern, or need help you can email me at marichiba@gmail.com or leave a comment on this page. 

Falling Leaves Scarf

My newest endeavor is to re-write the Falling Leaves Scarf to be a scarf and shawl pattern. I also noticed there were some errors in the chart (oh my!) so I'm also working on reworking the chart. I have to say, editing is not my favorite part of designing.

My very talented friend, Katy Doyle, has also been taking pictures of my samples. I'm really excited to share a couple of her first photos of the Falling Leaves Scarf, and as soon as I finish it I will also send her the larger shawl! (I wouldn't dare take a terrible photo on my dining table of the incomplete one and put it next to her much prettier ones.)

The Falling Leaves scarf is made with 200 yards of Lotus Yarns Cashmere DK. The new shawl version I'm making is knit with their Cashmere Fingering, which is just as soft but with a lot more yardage.

TNNA Phoenix

I just finished TNNA. It was a great time. I met a lot of wonderful people, got a stack of free books! I can't wait to knit some patterns. Here are pictures of our stand, Lotus Yarns.

And here is the huge stack of books and magazines, with lots of issues from Interweave. I've already started flipping through them, so much inspiration!

Business Card Case

I got new business cards yesterday to take to TNNA (The National Needle Arts Association) in Phoenix!

 Seeing these I thought I needed a small case to put them in. Why buy one when you can make one?

This would also be great for credit cards, or a small wallet. I made this with maybe 20 yards of Lotus Yarns 100% Bamboo (any other worsted weight yarn would work too) on 4.5mm needles. This was knit on two double pointed needles, in the round. Here are directions on how I made mine. You also need a button and a needle to sew up the button and loose ends. 

CO 34 sts on two needles using Judy’s magic cast on or the turkish cast on

Round 1: k

Round 2: *k1, M1, k to 1 st before the end of needle, M1, k1* x2 (38 sts(

Rounds 3-18: k

Round 19: BO 19 sts (needle 1), k 19

Row 20: slip 1, p18

Row 21: slip 1, ssk, k13, k2tog, k1 (17 sts)

Row 22: slip 1, p 16

Row 23: slip 1, ssk, k11, k2tog, k1 (15 sts)

Row 24: slip 1, p14

Row 25: slip 1, ssk, k9, k2tog, k1 (13 sts)

Row 26: slip 1, p12

Row 27: slip 1, ssk, ssk, k3, k2tog, k2tog, k1 (9 sts)

Row 28: slip 1, p8

Row 29: slip 1, ssk, slip 1, k2tog, psso, k2tog, k1 (5 sts)

Row 30: slip 1, p2tog, YO, p2

Row 31: ssk, k1, k2tog

Row 32: BO 3 sts 

Weave in loose ends, and sew on a button.  

Miya Shawl is here!

The Miya shawl was inspired by Lotus Yarns' Miya yarn, which is a lovely fingering weight yarn that is made of 70% mink, 20% merino, and 10% silk. 

 The shawl is knit from one end to another and is a crescent shape, with the ends measuring about 4" wide and the middle about 20" wide. You can see it here on Ravelry.

This is a picture of the lovely Jasmine wearing the Miya shawl!

I will give this pattern away for free to 5 random people!
To participate post a comment to this post between now and January 31st at 24:00 EST with your email and/or ravelry ID!

You can also buy it on Ravelry here, or click the buy now button below.

First Post!

This is the first of my brand new blog: Mari Knits! A special thanks to Justin Barnes for this great logo!

I recently finished yet another one of the broken rib hat, for which you can find my pattern for free on Ravelry. This is made with Lotus Yarns new superwash merino aran weight yarn which is super soft and warm.

You can also vote for this hat pattern on Pierrot's webiste: http://www.gosyo.co.jp/works/entry.php?e=1661. This hat was originally designed to be knit with Pierrot Yarn