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!! 

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

Nashville

I know you haven't heard much from me lately, but I've been knitting, knitting, knitting getting ready for STITCHES South! And I'm super proud to release a new crescent shawl in The Plucky Knitter's new yarn, Snug Fingering.

Introducing, NASHVILLE     







Nashville is the Grand Ole Opry. The Blue Bird Cafe. Honkytonks. Fried chicken. Barbeque. Fabulous antiques and flea markets. The city of Nashville represents that down-home, country feel just perfectly. I tried to capture that southern comfort in this design. Blue jeans, your favorite boots, and the perfect lace shawl to add a pop of color for a girls' night on the town.



Nashville is on sale for $5.00 through the end of April, plus see below for a special Stitches South coupon code for an additional discount on this pattern and other IGK patterns!


Suggested Yarns: for 2-color version: ~ 600 yards (Color MC) and 160 yards (Color CC); or for 5-color gradient version: 160 yards (Color A), 70 yards (Color B) 120 yards (Color C), 175 yards (Color D), 235 yards (Color E) of fingering weight yarns such as The Plucky Knitter Snug Fingering or The Plucky Knitter Primo Fingering  

Finished measurements:  ~72” wide and 19” long at center point, after blocking



Erica looks just fabulous modeling these photos! Thanks Erica and her dad (lucky me that he's a professional photographer too!) for taking care of the photoshoot on our tight deadline. I know a lot of you were following Erica's sneaky tweets and IG posts about her sample/test knitting for this! When Sarah, The Plucky Knitter, and I talked about me designing something since I was going to Stitches South, I was a bit jealous knowing Erica was going to be able to knit the sample in Snug Fingering! Lucky girl!! It is divine!

Be sure to stop by The Plucky Knitter Booth 421, 423, 425, 520, 522, 524 

I'm beyond excited to be heading to Nashville this week for STITCHES South. I'll be floating around the show with dear friends and I hope to bump into lots of IGK and Plucky friends from here, Instagram, Twitter, and my ravelry group. You guys are just the best and you know I love meeting you in person.

I'm hoping to be wearing the gradient version of this shawl in five colors (Silver Lining, Early Light, Inspiration Point, Cryin' Icicles, Big Sky) of Primo Fingering. It's just divine! I've been taking it everywhere trying to catch a spare moment to knit on it.


From softball games....


To my favorite IGK office...


To knit night tonight....

And if I don't bump into you at STITCHES, or you can't make it to Nashville, make sure to be checking the ravelry group for updates. We have a thread dedicated to the event. Pop into the thread because I want to see what all of you are up to, sites to see in Nashville, best places to eat, and of course what colors you'll choose for your crescent shawl! It works perfectly for our current Color KAL too!

You should also check out Plucky's special Road Trippin' with Plucky- A Contest thread on ravelry for all of the Plucky fun to celebrate their debut at Stitches South!

Of course, we have to celebrate and have a Stitches sale, right?! All Irish Girlie Knits patterns $6.00 or less (including Nashville) are 20% off when you use the coupon code: STITCHES  through April 27.

Back to knitting for me!!

Happy Knitting!
xoxo Irishgirlieknits

Blue Skies

My needles have been busy knitting on a new design for Stitches South, with some lovely Plucky Knitter Primo fingering.

I was so proud of our Notre Dame Men's Basketball team too! I certainly couldn't knit during that Kentucky game though!

I have a lovely holiday weekend last weekend and it started with this lovely lavender latte and knitting by the fire. Just perfect.

I really need to get some knitting done to get to the lace section though. Time to knit like the wind this weekend.

What's on your needles this week? Hopefully something that is bringing you joy. 

Happy Knitting!

xoxo Irishgirlieknits

Stitches Fiber, Fun and Friends

I still can't believe just two weeks ago was Stitches West, and I think it was the best one so far. I had such a fabulous time seeing friends from all over and looking at all the yummy yarn.

I love the Anzula Ladies and Hilary for The Yarniad.




And the Yarnover Truck is always a hoot and a half. Perfectly photobombed!







Luckily I was there Thursday night for some early shopping. I started out by heading straight over to Jennie the Potter.




And I got some of the gorgeous gradients from YOTH. They were certainly one of the most popular booths, and it was their first Stitches! But I also bought some of their fresh palette yarn which is just lovely too. Veronika and her team were so warm and welcoming, it was so exciting to see a new yarn be received with such enthusiasm!








I also picked up a yummy kit from Verb along with one of Romi's gorgeous pins.




Canon Hand Dyes had some bags that were to die for. Happy Birthday to me!





Friday was the big day at the Anzula booth, my Irish Girlie Knits Designer Meet and Greet.




Thanks so much to everyone who came by.  You guys are awesome! I had so much fun helping pick out yarn for patterns.

        

       


I also got to meet Mari, co-founder of Kitterly. They are an awesome website that kits up patterns and yarn together for you (and you'll see some of my IGK patterns there!).




Saturday was the relaxing day of the weekend and @snbLeslie booked us a spa day.




I was rejuvenated for the final day.

This year the Webs booth not only included Debbi, but I also got to see Marcy!



It's been too long ladies!




 Miss Babs and I plotted yarns for some new designs

All the while, I was inspired to work on something new. Here's a sneak peek knitted in Plucky's new cashmere, along with a Miss Babs varigated yarn that would be perfect, don't you think?





And to think, all this fun and I didn't even show you all the yarn!!

Don't forget you still have time to enter to win a copy of Pam Powers' lovely book here!

Happy Knitting!
xoxo Irishgirlieknits