Thursday

Ignotus Peverell's Cloak~ from The Unofficial Harry Potter Knits


Have you heard about the newest knitting special issue from Interweave? 
The Unofficial Harry Potter Knits is here.


This publication is created by the same wonderful team that produces Jane Austen Knits, and I am truly honored to be a part of it. My pattern, Ignotus Peverell's Cloak, was inspired by our daughter's fascination with the Cloak of Invisibility. 


 I set out to create a garment reminiscent of this unassuming piece of fabric with great magical powers. The blend of alpaca and silk yarn creates a wonderfully fluid drape, and its name, Metalico, aptly describes its seemingly metallurgical shimmer, which is a key component of this design.


With a nod to Ignotus Peverell's thirteenth-century roots, the unisex cloak mimics chain mail, and is suitable for an advanced beginning knitter. The print edition will be available in mid-August, and I am hoping to sit down with a lovely cup of tea to and read it leisurely when it arrives. (Or, maybe I will just tear it open right there in the post office... much more likely!)

all photos copyright Interweave ©2013

Monday

What's in my suitcase? TNNA goodies revealed.

I didn't think I had gathered up very much yarny goodies over the long TNNA weekend... until I packed up my suitcase. Whoops! I definitely had more yarn, notions, and fiber goodies in my suitcase than clothing. After posting a quick pic of my delicious suitcase, I received a lot of questions asking which was what and ummmm oh, my! So here is a little overview of what came home with me. Some of these items came from Sample It!, some were from Marly's Designer Dinner, and a few others were generous gifts from friendly vendors.

 Anzula fiber, 100% yak.
Knitterella gift tags.
Chic-a Pattern Sleeve.
Knitted Wit yarn with Falling Slowly pattern.
Anzula fiber, 100% BFL.
Schacht's Zoom Loom.

Fable Fibers laceweight yarn.
Sweet Georgia yarn.
Susquehanna Knitting Company yarn.
Anzula yarn with Wish I Might pattern.
Haymarket yarn from Lorna's Laces.
Manos Fino yarn with Pluma pattern.

Noni's Spring Beauties pattern kit.
Euclan Wrapture.
Another view of Noni's Kit.
Namaste Jemma pouch.
Brown Sheep Company needle gauge.
Knitty "missing project bag" tag.

I wanted to take a moment to focus on my two favorite things that came home in my suitcase. The first is Brandy Fortune's amazing new book, Just Like Me Knits. Brandy's new book is just overflowing with beautiful patterns for children and their dolls to match. It is just too adorable! Brandy's photography is stunning, and her patterns are fun to knit and fun for children to wear and play with, too.

Here is a quick peek at one of my favorite patterns from the book. Brandy's carefree and natural approach to design, play, and style is incredibly appealing to adults and children alike. I can't wait to start casting on from this book. I have a few little nieces who will love the knits!

My other favorite thing is this interchangeable needle case, Switch, from Offhand Designs. This is something I almost picked up last summer and didn't, much to my own regret.

I absolutely adore my Knitter's Pride Interchangeable needle set, but find its case to be fiddly and cumbersome. I have been looking for THE perfect case to store my best needles in, and this is it. The needles fit very securely into the sized pocket sleeves, it is sturdy yet soft, and fits into even my smallest knitting bag. I will use this more than anything else I picked up this weekend. 

That's my little overview, I hope you found something that interests you. 
(Did you?)