Blessed.

It has been a week of emotions for so many this week. I have tried so hard to continue to focus on positivity and all that I've been blessed with. Why? Because, honestly, that's the only way I've gotten through the past few months.



I'll be honest. It has been a year around here. You've noticed the blog has been quiet. In part because I've been busy. But also because I've been trying to figure things out. You know me...if I don't have anything happy or nice to say, I tend not to say it. Ha. My knitting has suffered a bit from that too.



Case in point: This hat has been on the needles since August. It is the only knitting I've worked on. What?!?! I think I've been on the decrease section for forever. It'll be remedied today. Promise.

The last few months though, I have finally started to find myself again, despite the lack of knitting. I truly feel like it started last February when I found a home at a new church and the message of my amazing pastor was to profess that we are blessed. I'm blessed.

You're blessed. We are all blessed. Especially those of us in this amazing knitting community....I have friends from all walks of life, political viewpoints, religions, parts of the country and world because of knitting. And for that I'm truly blessed. It helps me believe that our country will be ok.

I miss my knitters though. I've needed to take some time to take care of me, and sometimes to do that, you have to put other things on hold. I've been writing though. Trying to find my voice again. And journaling has reminded me how much I miss blogging.



I started eating right again. Drinking my shakeology. Started Weight Watchers. Got back to swimming. Told myself my head didn't hurt NO MATTER HOW IT FELT! Put some pretty lipstick on again. Baby steps.



This picture is probably the best I've felt, both inside and out in a long time! And those of you who follow my on Instagram, THANK YOU, for cheering me on along the way. The journey is part of the blessing and is teaching me a lot about myself.

Technically, I did finish some knitting. This gorgeous Cannon Beach scarf has needed to be blocked forever. I finally did that last weekend and I love it (so much so that I marked the pattern on sale for $4.50 through Nov. 15!).








The gorgeous gradient yarn is Pebble Sock Gradient Yarn from Black Trillium Fibres. I have a few sets to design with, and trust me, after blocking this, my creative juices are flowing again! I can't wait to get back to designing!!

Gradients are everywhere....even when I was getting a mani/pedi last week...another part of my self-care routine.



Are you still knitting with gradients? I've got a few in my destash if you need some! Trust me, I still have plenty. I may not have been knitting, but you know, yarn shopping....it happens.

My heart has been happy too, I'll admit. Amazing once you focus on taking care of yourself what can happen.





So yes, even though this week has been heartbreaking and challenging and filled with emotions for many of us, I choose to focus on my blessings. Last weekend, I had downloaded some new songs. Two of them have been playing over and over for me this week. First, this one. They sang it at church this morning too.

The next one was from Hamilton. Now, you all know I LOVE my broadway shows. But I'm not a fan of spoilers! So I haven't really downloaded the Hamilton soundtrack or read the screenplay like almost the rest of the world. Tempted and still might, but I haven't. But I did download the few songs from the Mixtape version (I know, I know...could be considered sacrilege?). Particularly because I loved Kelly Clarkson's version of It's Quiet Uptown.

As I listened to it Wednesday, the song took on new meaning. The lyrics are so powerful.

Forgiveness. Can you imagine?





Wishing us all a peace-filled week ahead.

Happy Knitting!
xoxo Irishgirlieknits

P.S. Plucktovember Sale through Tuesday, Nov. 15!! 

Good Things.

Two very good things.

1. This past weekend I wasn't at TNNA, the knitting industry's trade show, but my designs were. I love working with Anzula Yarns, and I have a new design that I'll be releasing soon featuring their new yarn, Croquet. Can you see it below?

Cannon Beach in For Better or Worsted, at Anzula's Booth at TNNA

There is one day left of TNNA, so if you are there, be sure to stop by Anzula in Booth #747 to see my designs and then stop by Deep South Fibers in Booth #1048, my wholesale distributor to order them! 

2. One reason I'm not at TNNA is because at the end of June, I'm moving to Anchorage, Alaska! Yes, this San Francisco Bay Area born and raised girlie is going on an Alaska Adventure! I have an exciting job opportunity working at a small, ABA company with children with autism, and I'll be able to see that new special guy everyday too! My current job has been really stressful given my health issues this past few years, so I'm looking forward to a little less responsibility, while still doing the same work. I'll still be home every few months for my preventative treatments, so I'm hoping I won't miss my family too much (who am I kidding! I'm heartbroken that I won't be seeing Magpie, Lil Snowboarder, and Lil Guy whenever I want, but thank goodness for FaceTime!). 

To help celebrate, I'm having an Alaska Adventure sale on all my patterns $6.00 or less all month long! Receive 20% off by entering the code: adventure  This includes my new pattern, Kenmare Lace Fingerless Gloves, which is already on sale until June 10.

Lots of good things happening. Hope good things are happening for you too!

xoxo Irishgirlieknits

Cannon Beach

This design was born almost 4 years ago as part of a collection for Sock Summit. I'm so excited about its re-release as a single pattern.




Cannon Beach is now available on Ravelry and to celebrate, it is on sale for $4.00 until the end of May. Here it is in the lovely Anzula For Better or Worsted.




The warm days at the beach we long for can last into the evening with something soft and snug. For those chilly evening walks, this infinity scarf is the perfect summer accessory. Knit in either a fingering or worsted weight yarn, you can decide just how much warmth you want!




Inspired by the patterns in the the sand, the simple repeat grows into elegant waves. The pattern includes instructions for a 42” (48”) circumference and 8” (10 ½”) tall for fingering weight versions, after blocking and a 40” circumference and 9” tall for worsted weight version, after blocking. The fingering versions require ~ 345 (485) yards and the worsted weight version requires 400 yards.









I absolutely love the photos Jill Zielinski, aka Knitterella, did for this photoshoot. Her and my gorgeous model, Dani Cianek make a great team! Thanks ladies!



And of course, a very special thanks to my fabulous test knitter, Tracey!! Love you dear! Many of you know her as tbmccarthy on ravelry. Have you checked out her fabulous podcast, Moms with Yarn? I love these ladies! Here she talks about her experience knitting Cannon Beach!



I love it knit up in the gradient yarn! Here's a sample I was knitting in Black Trillium Fibre Studio Pebble Sock Gradient Yarns.

There's still plenty of time to join our "Playing with Color KAL!" in the IGK Designs group over on Ravelry. Join the fun! I can't wait to see your results. Remember, to celebrate its re-release, Cannon Beach is on sale for $4.00 until the end of May. 

Keep checking back, I've been getting patterns finalized and will have another available very very soon!

Oh, and speaking of patterns, thank you all for you well wishes on all the good things happening lately! I have some exciting news to share in the next week or so! But first, the winners of an IGK pattern of their choice from the good things contest are: Katie and Jane. Congrats ladies! If you message:  cheekyattitude    (Tricia) on ravelry, she'll get you a pattern of your choice (or email her at Tricia AT cheekyattitude DOT com)

Happy Knitting!
xoxo Irishgirlieknits

A little bit of perfect.

That's how the weekend has been so far. I'm in Port Ludlow for a girls weekend and a knitting retreat and I'm definitely savoring each moment.

We flew in early Friday morning to Seattle and our first stop was Churchmouse Yarns & Teas on Bainbridge Island. Such a lovely store.





Then we just had to get Mora's Ice Cream.  Goodness, the Bailey's ice cream was delicious.



The sun was shining in Port Ludlow when we arrived and it has been here the entire weekend. So lovely!









Seriously. Sun, water, knitting, friends, relaxing. Life doesn't get much better.

I hope you all had a perfect weekend too.

Happy Knitting!
xoxo Irishgirlieknits

p.s. I'm having a bit of a vacation pattern sale....all IGK patterns and ebooks are 20% off with the coupon code: portludlow through April 21, 2014.

10 Happy Things.

1. Lil' Guy turned 7 last week! He is such a fun kid and I still can't believe he is already 7!! Happy birthday bubby! Your auntie loves you so much!



2. Keeping with tradition, my sister-in-law made a spectacular birthday cake for him!





3. These gradient colors from Black Trillium. Just lovely.



4. These scones.



My favorite scone recipe is a cream-based one and quite similar, so I knew I would love the combo of strawberries and white chocolate. I can't wait to make these again.

5. Another trip to Brenda's. So good. Now I need to go for brunch I think.







6.  Surprise love notes.



7. Plain vanilla socks.



8. This sweet girl.



She's sitting up now. Growing soooooo fast.



Check out her Owlet sweater that auntie made her.

9. I'm going on vacation!!! Girls weekend! (downside.... I need to be up at an ungodly hour, and here I am blogging because I can't sleep)

10. This will be my view for the next few days. I can't wait!!!

So what happy has been filling your days? Hopefully lots of things. At least it is Friday, right?!

Happy Friday!!
 xoxo Irishgirlieknits

Rainy Weekend Fun

Fun for me, but not so sure Bailey loves the rain.



Cancelled softball games allowed for a leisurely weekend, playdates (which means time for me to knit!), sitting by the fire and being home for the entire weekend for the first time in awhile.





I practiced poaching eggs. I think I'm getting the hang of it. The girls made scones which were perfect this morning with my cafe au lait.



I cast on a new sample of one of my infinity scarves this weekend. I've been wanting to knit with Black Trillium's lovely gradient sets for awhile and finally was able to. The knitting is going quickly because I can't wait to see how the next shade looks.



This is the Ice Gradient set that I'm using. And don't click that link unless you want to be tempted. There are a few other color ways I could buy in a second (like this one).



I'm making progress on my Polartorte hat. I absolutely love the yarn, Bare Naked Wools Stone Soup DK. I'm saving this project for softball knitting because it is a perfect project for that.



I also was able to work a bit on my new hat design and it should be available in the next week or so. Baby Magpie's official modeling debut...she's a cutie!

It was a perfect rainy weekend, almost a bit decadent. I just wish tomorrow wasn't Monday. So what were you guys up to this weekend? Anything exciting? I hope so.

Happy Knitting!
xoxo Irishgirlieknits