Love Letters

Back in December I designed a sock for Woolgirl's Love Letters themed sock club kit.  I was paired with the lovely Miss Babs who dyed a gorgeous colorway.  I'm so excited to be able to release this design now for sale to the public.  Introducing....

Love Letters

Ever thine, Ever mine, Ever Ours.

A love letter.  Romantic, passionate, simple, expressive.

These socks feature alternating cables that remind me of the calligraphy scrolls I envision on Beethoven's love letter to his Immortal Beloved.

The hearts, though together at the cuff, travel down one single side of each sock.  Two individual socks that come together as one pair.  A bit like love.

Now that is what I call a dead sexy heel!

A special thanks to Disco for sample knitting this pair for me! I wanted to reformat the pattern and take new pictures and she helped make that possible!! Thank you!!  And my sister did an excellent job modeling the socks too! Thanks sis!  Again, a thank you to Jill for doing a fabulous with the graphic work for my pattern!

Notes: Instructions are written for a cuff-down sock.  Charts are provided on the last page.

Suggested Yarns: ~385 yards of fingering weight sock yarn such as Miss Babs Yummy Superwash Sock, The Plucky Knitter Primo MCN, Madelinetosh Tosh Sock, A Verb for Keeping Warm Creating, Shalimar Yarns Zoe Sock, BMFA Socks that Rock lightweight

Materials: Size US 1 (2.25mm) or size to obtain gauge, either DPNs or circular needles, cable needle, stitch markers, tapestry needle

Gauge:  36 stitches and 48 rows = 4” over st st

Size: adult women’s medium

Finished measurements:  7 3/4” foot circumference,  6” approximate leg length

I'm offering a special introductory 20% off this pattern from now until July 5, with the coupon code: happy4th

Affectionately yours,
Irishgirlieknits
xoxo

Pretty Pretty!

Last week a surprise package arrived all the way from Dubai!  Jocelyn spoiled me to bits by sending me a gorgeous skein of her lovely hand-dyed yarn, Dubai Knits Chameleon.



The yarn has a lovely sheen, and just look at those gorgeous pinks, blues, and greens!



My favorite colors!  Jocelyn knows me so well :) 



She was so sweet to even name the colorway after me.....Color Me Irish!!  I just love it and can't wait to knit it up (hmmm...I'm going back and forth between socks or a shawl!)!  Jocelyn is quite talented, you really should check out some of the semi-solids she has in her shop right now!!

Thank you J!!  You are too sweet!

Happy Knitting!
xoxo Irishgirlieknits

{this moment}

{this moment} A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, visit SouleMama leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

Happy Friday!

xoxo Irishgirlieknits

Gratitude List #5

Before the new week begins, thought I would take a moment to be grateful for a few things this week.  Here goes...

Things I am grateful for...

51.  Pa.  My Dad is pretty awesome and I'm grateful for the great Father's Day that we had today.  As requested, lots of scones were made and his favorite chicken casserole too.  I hope you all had a happy father's day too!

52. The fact that my dad loves the handknit socks I make for him.  He loves them to death.  Literally. I told him I would mend some for him today, and when I asked him to get the socks that needed mending, he dropped this pile in front of me.



53. The sock mending class I took from Stephanie at Sock Camp.  Thank goodness.  To be honest, I only mended two pairs today.



54.  My sister.  Yesterday I was grateful that she stepped in and helped with sock modeling :)

55.  Second chances.  And third chances.  And people who love you enough to give them to you.

What are you grateful for this week?  Please share (you know I love the gratitude lists!) or leave a link to your gratitude post.

Here's to a fabulous week ahead!
Happy Knitting!
xoxo Irishgirlieknits

Coming Soon!

Love Letters

xoxo Irishgirlieknits

{this moment}

{this moment} A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, visit SouleMama leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

Happy Friday!
And since it is Friday, and this week our IGK Ravelry Group reached over 300 members and I now have over 600 followers on twitters, well a big 'ol thank you celebration sale! Receive 20% off any individual IGK patterns sold through my Pattern Store  with the coupon code: gogirlie

xoxo Irishgirlieknits

This much I know is true.

I am a sock knitter.  As much as I love knitting fun things like Summer Wind, when I need mindless, refreshing, comforting knitting, there is nothing like casting on a new pair of socks.

Socks that Rock Lightweight, colorway Princess Plummy

And if the yarn is Socks that Rock, well, all is right in my world in that moment.

Life is good.  Knit socks.  Hey, that may be my motto for the week.

Happy Sock Knitting!
xoxo Irishgirlieknits

p.s. First day of our IGK KAL for Summer Wind!  And the last day to receive 20% off the pattern with the coupon code: happysummer

Seamus

It is never to early to start thinking about fall and holiday knitting, right?  Well, if you agree, then Seamus is the pattern for you!  Introducing one of my new patterns for Kollage Yarns...

Seamus

The pattern is written for both an infinity scarf and a cowl and features Kollage Yarns Fantastic.  I was so excited to design something with Fantastic since I first felt some of Erica's projects out of it.  Everytime I would say, "Oh! Love that! What yarn is it?"  She would say, "Fantastic."  Literally, four or five projects in a row.  Same comment! It is soooooo squishy soft!  I can't wait to knit this one for me soon.

Don't be intimidated by those cables.  There are only 6 rounds of cable total, everything else is knit knit knit! Perfect for travel knitting, last-minute gifts, my kind of knitting!

This is the cowl version, and only requires two skeins.  Talk about a quick knit.

These cables just scream fall to me!  The pattern is available to download on Patternfish now or you can purchase it from your favorite LYS that carries Kollage Yarns.  It is also one of the patterns featured in Feed Your Creativity, which was a big hit at TNNA this past weekend! So exciting!

A very special thank you to Disco and Nartian for doing an awesome job test knitting this for me back in March.  Thanks ladies!!  I so appreciate it!

Keep an eye out in the Kollage Yarns group on Ravelry for an exciting KAL too!

Happy Knitting!

xoxo Irishgirlieknits

Gratitude List #4

I hope you all had a great week.  I had a very, very busy one at work, a very exciting one for IGK, and an awesome, although too short, weekend.   A perfect way to wind down this weekend is to share my gratitude list for the week.

Things I am grateful for....

36. Days where I can sleep in.

37. Cherries from the farmer's market.



38. Having three healthy salads made for the week ahead.

39. Having my gym bag packed and all ready to go for tomorrow after work.

40. Knitting time at the carnival Friday night.  That's a ferris wheel in the background.  No way was I going on that thing.  Those traveling carnivals are a bit questionable to me...



41. Sunny, sunny days!  Yay! Finally.  Even if it was only 71 degrees, it sure was nice to have a sunny day today in the bay area.

42. Doggies that jump right up on the chair waiting for doggie scritches when I come home.



43. Crazy work week being done.  Just one more IEP this week!! Schedules for staff and kiddos for the summer are done!  Late nights of report writing are done..well, at least until September.

44. Releasing 4 new patterns this week!  Some were done months ago, but it definitely was a fun IGK week!

45. Finishing another project.  Soaking and blocking is the fun part!



46. Bones. I've now caught up on Seasons 1-5! Shh!!! Don't spoil this season..I haven't seen it yet.

47.  Summer Wind being selected for our next Irishgirlieknits Group KAL!  Which means I'm extending the 20% off pattern with the coupon: happysummer until Wed., June 15.

48. Disco. She is an amazing super speedy test knitter and bestest knitting sister ever! Love you Disco and so grateful for you this week!

49. Being able to cast on a new project this week!

50. Cupcakes.  Specifically, Oreo Chocolate, Lemon Basil Blueberry, and Peanut Butter Banana. Yum!



What have you been grateful for this week?  I'm looking forward to reading.  I think this has become one of my favorite topics to blog about and to read the comments on.

Thanks everyone!
Happy Knitting!
xoxo Irishgirlieknits

Summer Wind

Summer is almost here!  I'm ready, are you?  I'm so excited to share with you my new design, that I think will be the perfect summer accessory.  To get you ready, first, go here. 

Introducing  

Summer Wind

The summer wind came blowin' in
from across the sea
It lingered there touched your hair
And walked with me



All summer long
We sang a song
And then strolled on golden sand
Two sweethearts
And the summer wind



Like painted kites, those days and nights
Went flying by
The world was new
Beneath the bright blue
Umbrella sky

Then softer than
A piper man
One day, it called to you
I lost you to
The summer wind

The autumn wind
And the winter wind
They have come and gone
But still those days
Those lonely days
Go on and on
And guess who sighs his lullabies
Through nights that never end?
My fickle friend,
The summer wind

Summer Wind  

Evening walks along the beach. Unexpected breezes at the picnic. Chilly, air-conditioned movie theaters.  Summer Wind…a light, airy infinity scarf that is the perfect accessory for your favorite summertime activity.

Pattern Notes: Pattern is worked in the round and charts are provided.  The pattern features an easy 2-stitch repeat, which makes modifying the scarf easy if substituting different yarn weights or if a different size is desired.  

Suggested Yarns:  385 (440) yards fingering weight yarns, such as Madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light, The Plucky Knitter Primo MCN Fingering, Blue Moon Fiber Arts Marine Silk Fingering, Kolláge Yarns Creamy, The Sanguine Gryphon Skinny Bugga

Material: Size US 5 (3.75mm) circular needle 24”/60cm or 32”/81cm or size needed to obtain gauge, stitch marker, tapestry needle, blocking pins or blocking wire

Gauge: 22-24 sts and 36-40 rows= 4” over st st 

Finished measurements: 24” (26”) wide and 9” (13”) long; note that the size may vary depending on the fiber content of the yarn and how rigorously the scarf is blocked

I'm so excited that the pattern has already been received so well.  Lots of people have already cast on, especially since it is a great one-skein project for those gorgeous yarns in your stash.  It is most likely the new Summer KAL in the Irish Girlie Knits Group on Ravelry (have you joined?).  And I'm offering a special introductory special 20% off the pattern from now until Wednesday, June 15, when you enter the coupon code: happysummer  (enter it in the ravelry coupon code section).

Quite a few special thank yous for this one.  My lovely test knitters, Jocelyn, Lara, and Emily, such awesome, super speedy knitters! And of course, my lovely model, Thayer, and fabulous photographer, Tricia.  Together, they make my pattern come alive.  The pretty, professional layout is by Jill Zielinksi, once again. Thank you all for making my job so much easier!

Don't forget 20% off the pattern until Monday with the coupon code: happysummer   Are you ready for summer?  Ready to cast on?  Let me know!

Happy Summer!
xoxo Irishgirlieknits

{this moment}

{this moment} A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, visit SouleMama leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

Happy Friday!

xoxo Irishgirlieknits

Must to Bed

But, I wanted to tell you that Summer Wind is now available and I'm offering a special introductory 20% off price with the coupon code: happysummer

I promise a proper post soon with more details about this fun, quick knit!

And both of my Kollage Yarns patterns were released this week!  Keegan Bay Hat and Socks are the perfect baby gift I think!  Look at cute baby Scarlett...



Seamus is an infinity scarf and cowl and is so on my to-knit list for fall!  The pattern features cabling on only 1 out of 10 rounds, so you will love how quickly this knits up! This one is already available online at Patternfish.  This was my first time using Fantastic, and all I can say is, fantastic! So squishy soft!

I'm totally depriving you of more pictures, but I promise a proper post this weekend.

And, just a few Capitola Kits left at Sunshine Yarns, so pop on over if you haven't already.  She'll be doing more kits in the next few updates I think as well!

Oh, and we are voting for our Summer KAL in the Irishgirlieknits Group on Ravelry.  Come join us!!

Just two more days of crazy, busy work.  Then just regular work and a bit of summer relaxation. Two days. I can do it.  Hope you guys are having a good week!!  

Night night.
xoxo Irishgirlieknits

Gratitude List #3

In the knitting world, lots of people are buzzing this week about the upcoming TNNA trade show.  If you remember, I officially became a member in January and was able to go to the show in Long Beach earlier this year. 

As much as I wanted to go to the upcoming show in Columbus, I just knew I wouldn't be able to make it work this year.  And so instead of pouting that I can't be there, I thought today's post would be a perfect time to reflect on the many things I'm grateful for in my budding designing career since TNNA in January.

26. I have a new gorgeous logo that I'm still tickled with!  So much so that I've even put it on totebags (psst! totebags are back in stock btw)!

27. I've published 5 new designs, one of which will be released tomorrow through Sunshine Yarns.

28. I have 2 more designs for Kollage that will be released this week and at TNNA.  Hopefully Erica will take some pictures of the Kollage Yarns' booth for me :)  I can't wait to see the final pictures!  Here is a sneak peek at Keegan, the baby hat and booties set!


Seriously need to pinch those cheeks!!  Too cute. 

29. Both of these patterns, and ANOTHER one, will be featured in Kollage's upcoming Feed Your Creativity program.  That is 3 of the 10 projects featured!  I was hoping that maybe one of my patterns would be picked, but 3?!  So excited!!  And to be paired up with other fabulous patterns and designers, it is an honor. 



30.  I've opened two wholesale accounts with both Miss Babs and Sunshine Yarns and as I continue to reformat my patterns, I'm looking forward to opening more wholesale accounts. 

31.  I'm teaching at Sock Summit!!!  And my class sold out in less than an hour!!  I'm beyond honored to be among one of 60 fantastic teachers.  Seriously, so grateful for this opportunity!

32. I have another design that will be released on Wednesday!  (that makes 8 designs in 5 months....no wonder I'm tired!). 

33. I'm grateful for all that I have learned the past few months, and for recognizing that I have so much more to learn.

34.  I have been blessed with an amazing group of people who have been so supportive of this journey, from my test knitters, to other designers both new and experienced, and to indie dyers and yarn companies for their support!

35.  Most importantly, I am grateful for all of you for continuing to inspire me, support me, laugh with me, and tink with me!  Which reminds me, I have a pile of UFOs that need to be dealt with...I may need your help with that!

Well, I hope this doesn't sound just like a list of things I've done since TNNA.  I really am incredibly grateful for all of these things because I still just can't believe all of the awesome things that are happening!  Thank you!

See, it'll be ok that I won't be at TNNA this weekend. 

What are you grateful for this week?  I loved reading what you guys were grateful for last week.  I really think this positive attitude may be the way to go...

Happy Knitting!
xoxo Irishgirlieknits

Rainy Weekend, but Sunshine Ahead

Rain in California in June?!  It sure has been awhile for that, but yesterday it rained a ton!  Initially, it put a bit of a damper on my plans with Lil' Guy, but we quickly adjusted.

After a trip to the Lego store (and btw, he could have hung out there forever!), we played blocks with Auntie Rowan.



Then we were off to Sky High Sports, an indoor trampoline place that Snowboarder and Lil' Snowboarder love, but I haven't been there before. Well, this was right up Lil' Guy's alley.



I love these blurry pictures of him, because, well, he is too quick!



Here he is waiting in line for the foam pit. He was not intimidated by the big kids at all.



He even tried to jump off the side of the wall like the big kids.



There was some doggie walking too!



Pa was on duty with my brother's dog, Shadow.



That looks like a tough job, huh?

The sun came out in the evening for a fun time at Grandma's house! I forgot to take pictures because I was too busy recording the kids shaking their butts to a fierce game of freeze dance! Too cute!



And, he was up bright and early this morning and happy as can be!! Just love that kid to bits, even if I needed a very long nap this afternoon!

After all this rain around here the past week, I'm definitely in need of some sunshine...

That's where Dani of Sunshine Yarns comes in!

I've been teasing you with photos of my new Capitola Sock Pattern, and on Tuesday, June 7, the kit will be available exclusively through Sunshine Yarns!  More details about the kit are featured in her newsletter.





Shown in Sunshine Yarns Luxury Sport, colorway Desert Cactus

Before I go further, I have to say something.  I LOVED knitting with Dani's yarns.  The Luxury Sport was, well, luxury.  And talk about a quick knit!  I haven't knit with the Classic sock before either and well, it is going to be hard not to buy another skein or two of this in this week's update!  Her colors are just gorgeous!  You should see some of the colors she has planned for the kit too!

This pattern reminds me a lot of all the things I love about my Cotty Socks. Its written for both sportweight and fingering weight yarns, looks great in both semi-solids and variegated yarns, and features an easy to memorize pattern.





Shown in Sunshine Yarns Classic Sock, colorway Caramel Swirl




Once again, Jill did an awesome job with the pattern layout.  I was pretty chuffed when I saw the printed out version for Dani's kits!  The hard copy of the pattern is 11 x 17 and folded in half, which means no pages to lose!  Plus it looks quite professional if I can say so myself.  Thanks again Jill!



Summer knitting at the coast. Feet up on the balcony, listening to the ocean waves crashing against the cliffs below. Sun shining down. Just imagine yourself in Capitola, the charming beach village in Santa Cruz County, CA where these socks were knit. The easy to memorize pattern on these socks, paired with the gorgeous Sunshine yarns, make them the perfect summer project!

Now that should brighten up our week, right!

I'll have a few other fun things to share this week too!  Although I won't be going to TNNA next weekend, I have a few designs and news to share with you this week!  Go peek here...

One more week of busy, busy, busy work, and then it is summer!! Still working of course, but so much more relaxed!!  Anything fun you in the week ahead for you guys?  Share share so I can get through this crazy week ahead....

Happy Knitting!
xoxo Irishgirlieknits