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

Spring Awakening

It's not just one of my favorite musicals.



Which by the way is going to be made into a movie.

It's this time of year where it is so nice to sit knitting at a softball game at 7pm, but still be a bit chilly. April showers, spring flowers. A bit more daylight. A bit more energy.

And with the transition of the seasons, you also need those transitional knits....cowls, scarves, hats. I've got a few new ones to share with you!

Sluggy





Designed with the lovely Shalimar Yarns Homage DK, this hat was originally designed to celebrate ShaliMarch. But what the heck, we can still knit with Shalimar in April, right?



My favorite thing about this design is that it looks great on the whole family.



Lil' Snowboarder is modeling the same hat as her dad, but it has a slouchier fit on her. I think he wants another knit in the large size too now.





Awwww....little Magpie looks so sweet in her hat, don't you think? I know, I know. I'm a biased auntie.


 Her hat is knit with Big Bad Wool's Weepaca yarn. This yarn is Ah-mazing! I just love how soft it is.


Notes: Instructions are written for a multiple-sized, slouchy hat. If a slouchier hat is preferred, you can either work the body of hat until desired length or go up a needle size for the body of hat. Modifications will require more yardage. Charts are provided.

                                                                                                              

Suggested Yarns: ~95 (140, 170, 200) yards of dk/light worsted weight yarn such as Shalimar Yarns Homage DK, Big Bad Wool Weepaca, The Plucky Knitter Bello Worsted, Bare Naked Wools Stone Soup DK

I can't wait to knit another one of these for me!

FYI, Sluggy is on sale through April 15, for $5.00 and then will retail for $6.00 

The other design available this week is Seamus.





A special thank you to Disco who knit this sample up quickly in the new Bare Naked Wools Confection. I'll admit, I was a bit jealous she was able to knit with this lovely yarn. But at least I get to wear this lovely infinity scarf. I just love this combination of cables and yarn.



I knit the smaller cowl version with one skein of A Verb for Keeping Warm Pioneer. Another lovely, gorgeous yarn.

This cabled infinity scarf or cowl is the perfect beginner project for learning cables, as there are only five rounds of cables. It is also perfect to show off that special skein you’ve wanted to cast on. Cables and worsted weight yarn makes this a quick knit!

Pattern Notes: Instructions are written for two sizes, a cowl and an infinity scarf, knit in the round. Written for cowl with instructions for infinity scarf given in parentheses if different. Charts are provided on the back page.

Suggested Yarns: 165 (370) yards of heavy worsted weight yarn such as Bare Naked Wools Confection, Anzula For Better or Worsted, A Verb for Keeping Warm Pioneer, Kolláge Yarns Fantastic, The Plucky Knitter Rustic, Brooklyn Tweed Shelter

 



Jill Zielinski, aka Knitterella, did an excellent job on the photo shoot (isn't her cousin Dani gorgeous?!!). Thanks Jill! I feel for her a bit with all that snow though.

Seamus is also on sale through April 15 for $5.00 (then retails for $6.00).

I also released Snow Plants this week, the shawl I designed for A Verb for Keeping Warm's Pro-Verbial Club. I'll be blogging more about this pattern, but did want to let you know it is available and on sale!





It is definitely springtime with all of these new designs. Three in one week! When it rains, it pours.

A few more quick announcements....

If you are in the LA area this weekend, then hopefully you already know about the LA Yarn Crawl, April 3-6.



Please be sure to stop by Knit Culture Studio to see some of my designs that are there for a trunk show. I love that they've picked some of their favorite designs from a number of designers to put together a pretty amazing trunk show. Plus, check out this gorgeous design that Hilary, the Yarniad, designed for them this weekend. Gorgeous!

The other announcement is that the Irish Girlie Knits Ravelry Group has picked our next KAL. Wish I Might and any other Stripey IGK patterns! Come join us for the fun (oh, and there is a coupon code there too!).

And with that, I think I better get to bed. Phew. I'd love to hear how your spring has been going? Any exciting plans for the weekend?

Happy Friday!!Happy Spring!
xoxo Irishgirlieknits

Rathmore

I have a new design to share this weekend....the fifth in the Sullivan Family Collection, with one more coming later this week.  Here is....

Rathmore

My grandfather was born in Knocknagree, a small village located in the north-west of County Cork, Ireland, just a few miles up the road from the small town of Rathmore, County Kerry.  This infinity scarf was inspired by that rural and lush countryside.

Designed with Anzula For Better or Worsted, this infinity scarf knit up in a flash! The yarn is to die for. Serioulsy. It is my new favorite and the colors are so lovely! One skein of each color is all it needs. 

Rathmore         

Notes: Instructions are written for an infinity scarf that is knit in the round. Both charted and written instructions are provided.  Notes on how to increase the size of the scarf are at the end of the pattern; however you will need additional yardage.

Finished measurements:  25” wide and 8 1/2” long

Suggested Yarns: ~335 yards total of worsted weight yarn or for 2-colors ~135 yards (A) and 200 yards (B) of worsted weight yarn such as Anzula For Better or Worsted, The Plucky Knitter Primo Worsted, Madelinetosh Tosh Vintage, Zen Yarn Garden Serenity Worsted

Materials:

·         Size US 8 (5.0 mm) or size to obtain gauge, circular knitting needle

·         Tapestry needle

·         Blocking pins

Gauge:  18 sts and 24 rows= 4” over st st before blocking

A very special thank you to the amazing Jill Zielinski, aka Knitterella, for her graphic design work and modeling! Doesn't she look fabulous in these pictures?!  Thanks Jill!! She'll also be modeling my other design that you'll see later this week!

Rathmore is on  sale for $5.00 through March 13, 2013 

or it can be purchased as part of the Sullivan Family Collection for $18 for six designs.     

If the lace pattern looks familiar, it is the same pattern used on the edging of Knocknagree.  I loved it so much, I had to use it again!!  It is definitely a fun knit!

Happy Knitting!
xoxo Irishgirlieknits