Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Something New

I'll come right out and say it. I'm still not totally comfortable with calling myself a "designer." I'm not sure why. Perhaps it is because I am still relatively new to this. But, the past few months, my friends have been encouraging me to embrace the fact that I am a designer. I'm trying. And so many of your comments about what you'd like to see on the blog included more about my designing process. So here goes.

Something new.

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The Plucky Knitter MCN fingering

First, meet the swatch. One thing I learned at sock camp, I must swatch more. And I must swatch more efficiently. Previously, I would swatch in the round, making a mini-sock...maybe 40 stitches or so. I'd try something, then knit it a bit more, work it out, and then..eeek! rip it all back. I mean, what am I going to do with an odd-size sock. Well, I'll elaborate more on this in future posts, but Anne Hanson is the queen of swatching and has inspired me to be more efficient. The swatch on the left was a bust. Well, the ribbing worked out, but the "dots" on the swatch didn't pop in this yarn. In the swatch on the right, I played with gradually adding an additional stockinette stitch row in between the purled eyelets.

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That led to this. A new sock design, where the "dots" gradually spread apart down the leg.

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This will be my new sock, Dotty. Named after my Grandma. Its time that in addition to Cotty, Winnie, and Uncle Frank, there should be a Grandma sock. Then the Woods Family Collection will be complete.

I started with this yarn, The Plucky Knitter MCN fingering, because the colorway name was Dotty. Perfect. I'm very curious to see how this knits up in a variegated yarn too.

Which leads me to test knitters. I think I'm at the point where I may need a few more test knitters. I've got quite a few more patterns (some socks, some accessories) in the works for the next few months and if you're interested, leave me a comment or send me an email (irishgirlieknits AT gmail DOT com). And if you're interested in test knitting Dotty (its a quick knit!), please let me know. I would need a quick turnaround on this one though, since I'm hoping for the pattern to be released soon.


Now for another something new.

Sock yarn.

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Jill from Studio June Yarn wasn't able to make it to sock camp, but she sent this with Erica for me. Just gorgeous!!! I hadn't heard of her yarns before and just love love love the vibrant colors!

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Now, when you ask what came first, the design, the colorway, etc., well, my answer is it varies. But in this case, this vibrant red combined with lots of Twilight and New Moon watching late at night at sock camp, how can these not become some type of Volturri-inspired pattern?! The name is "Here Comes Trouble" afterall. I can't wait to swatch this. Thank you so much Jill!

And for those of you who made it through this post, something new from Bailey. I think I have conditioned her to "sit" for the camera. Yesterday, all I did was pull the camera out and she ran right to me. She knew she'd get a treat!


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This is especially for you Jen. Oh, and don't click that link unless you want to be tempted by Piddleloop's sale!

Happy Knitting!
xoxo Irishgirlieknits

23 comments:

Anonymous said...

Test knitting, you say... I'd be glad to volunteer my services.

Caffeine Girl said...

LOL! Bailey is adorable!

I certainly think of you as a designer. You're downright famous for the cotty sock!

I'm not the fastest knitter, but if you're desperate for tests knitters, I'd certainly do my best!

Jennifer said...

Doggie love!! If mine thinks she is going to get a treat, she starts doing every trick she knows in rapid succession! Makes my heart swell....

Anonymous said...

<3 bailey and puddles!

i also like this new sock pattern a lot! can't wait to purchase it.

JelliDonut said...

You are so right about the importance of a swatch. Silly me--I used to think they were an annoyance. Now I love to swatch. Dotty is adorable!

SissySees said...

Adorable Bailey!

Lovely new DESIGN too. Since my first name is also Dorothy (shhhh!), I'll have to get around to knitting that one, but not as a test knitter. I am not dependable.

Laura said...

Your Dotty sock is so lovely! (My mom is Dorothy, but never a Dotty.) I'd love to test-knit for you but I'm afraid I'm backed up with projects right now that have deadlines.

Scrabblequeen said...

LOL...love the pink tongue pic! I wonder why it is so difficult to think of being a designer, when clearly you've been busy designing things for a while...perhaps you are feeling not worthy? If that's it, you'll have to get over it. We already love you and your designs!

weezalana said...

I don't have time at the moment for Dotty, but I'd love to test knit for you sweetie! I knitting schedule (:P) should open up in a couple of weeks. All you need to do is ask. :)

cupcakefaerie said...

Look at you go with the swatching. Love the new design!

I am totally here for you for test knitting... in times of total desperation. :)

Chris said...

I can certainly test knit for you, what a cute pattern!

Becky said...

I'd be interested in test knitting for sure. I think I'm on my fourth pair of Cotty's - need to add some new patterns to my repertoire. Especially ones that work well with STR!

Jocelyn said...

You got my email about test knitting for you right?

Knitting Kris said...

Great new pattern, and wonderful tribute to your family as well! Test knitters, schmitters. I'd be willing to try it. Let me know if you are so inclined.
And nice post about designing. You are WAY too modest!

Katinka said...

I'd be interested in test knitting. :) I'm not super-duper speedy, but I'm an almost-monogamous knitter, which helps with turn-around. You can take a look at my Ravelry projects here: Katinka's stuff

hearthead said...

You are my favorite designer!!! Love the Dotty!!!!! Love You!

gMarie said...

Oh Carrie thanks so much for sharing the process. I'm interested in hearing more about the swatching. And I'd be happy to test knit for you. I'm pretty quick! g

ps - your dogs are freakin' adorable. I can't stand it!

dianne said...

Pretty new pattern idea. I'd be happy to test knit for you. Just let me know when you need me. I love the look of those box project bags. I've been looking at patterns to make myself some, but it would be so much easier to just buy one. I love her fabric combo's!

Jodi said...

The Dotty socks are just great! And what a cute doggy.

I'd love to do some test knitting -- I'm more of an accessories/sweater knitter than a sock knitter, though.

calcairns said...

I would love to test knit your socks; I have knitted Cotty and have just finished my Slip Jigs (loved!). I have test knitted for Anne Hanson and enjoyed it. I just did her Chicklets socks; you can see them on my Ravelry page (calcairns). Let me know if I can help.

Zonda said...

Dotty, Dotty, Dotty! Can't wait for this pattern. Sorry honey, I'm wayyy too slow of a knitter to help you out other than shout outs! Awww love the Bailey shot!

Zonda said...

Oh and thanks for sharing about the process/swatching too!

Marisol said...

I'd like to test knit --accesories would be cool. Let me know:)

Love all your new designs!

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