Spud says (the blog)

September 9, 2011

My Outer and Me

Hi Spud & Chloë Friends,

It looks like I will be having a weekend full of knitting and Spud & Chloë Outer. I have a couple of projects I need to get done and I can’t think of a better yarn to keep me company. I keep looking at the wound hanks of Outer on my kitchen table just waiting to be worked into wonderfulness. I am really excited about these new projects so that makes it fun. Wish me luck.

On another Outer note, the Polly Pullover/Cardigan knitalong is getting a great response. Click here to read the post about it! I’ve had a lot of questions pop up already. Here is the breakdown so far:

1. The knitalong is starting at the end of September, 2011.

2. You need to purchase the Polly Pullover pattern to make the pullover or cardigan. The pattern is available in your local yarn shops and in our pattern store for download.

3. We are coming up with more sizes in the larger range! I will have information for you next week on this including yarn amounts and the new sizes being offered. I am very excited about this because I don’t like to leave anyone out.

4. You have options on what type of garment you will make: short-sleeve pullover, long-sleeve pullover, short-sleeve cardigan, or long-sleeve cardigan. You get to choose what you would enjoy the most.

5. If you are making the exact pullover in the pattern, the yarn amounts are in the pattern. If you are making a long-sleeve cardigan or a long-sleeve pullover, here are my yarn amount recommendations for the pattern sizes: extra-small – 7 hanks, small – 9 hanks, medium – 11 hanks, and large – 13 hanks.

6. I always purchase an extra hank or two above the recommended amount for that just in case moment. I always save my receipts and check on the yarn shop or online shop’s return policy and time limit for returns. This way you know you won’t run out and that you can return your purchase without any worries.

7. The original pattern is for the short-sleeve pullover. I am going to write up an addendum to the original pattern with instructions on how to make a few simple changes to make it into a cardigan with button bands. I followed the pattern completely with only a few minor alterations.

I think that covers everything for now. I’m off to dive into my mountain of Outer! See you on the other side of the weekend….

Filed under: knitalong | Comments (10) |

September 7, 2011

A New Cardigan for Fall

Hi Spud & Chloë Friends,

I have some quick news first and then we’ll chat about the scrumptious new cardigan.

I am going to Vogue Knitting Live in a little over 2 weeks from today. It is being held in Los Angeles. I am teaching four workshops, two on Friday, Sept. 23rd and two on Saturday, Sept. 24th. There are still a few spots left so if you are interested in joining me I would love it. We are making the mouse from Spud & Chloë at the Farm. I will be holding small group toy knitting technique demonstrations throughout the class. I will also be loaded up with my usual gifts from Spud & Chloë and/or Blue Sky Alpacas for all of my students. I usually throw in a raffle prize or two as well. We will have a terrific time and I am really looking forward to it.

Click here to visit the VK Live! website and check out my classes and all of the outstanding classes being offered!

Okay, now I can’t wait to tell you about this new fall cardigan I just whipped up out of Spud & Chloë Outer in the Carbon (#7203) colorway. It is the squishiest, yummiest cardigan I have made to date. I L.O.V.E. it. It makes you want to dive in and stay. I literally have not taken it off since I finished.

Would you like to make one, too?

I hope so because this will be my first fall knitalong project for you!  I may even whip up another one in a different colorway I like it so much. That way I’ll be knitting again right along with you.

The fun thing about this project is that I made a few very simple and minor changes to THIS PATTERN. That’s right, this is literally the exact same pullover turned into a cardigan. The pattern is available in your local yarn shops or online for download in our very own pattern store. Click here to see more about the pattern or to purchase the pattern.

Basically all I did was not join to work in the round, I kept knitting on with the sleeves to make them long, and I added button bands to the front. That’s it! This is the perfect starter pattern for either a pullover or cardigan. It literally could not be any clearer or simpler.  It is a top-down raglan design that any knitter will enjoy making. Plus, with the super-bulky yarn and big needles, you will not believe how fast you can work this up. It flies off the needles.

My Polly Cardigan has not been blocked yet so I still need to do that. (Remember I haven’t taken it off yet so I haven’t been able to block it.)

I knit at 2.5 stitches per inch, as called for in the pattern, and worked on US size 11 needles.

I wanted a fitted cardigan so I made the size small to compensate for the additional inches added by the button bands. I used 9 hanks of Outer with quite a bit left over on the 9th ball at the end. If you are making a long sleeve cardigan like mine you will need more hanks of Outer than the pattern calls for. I used 3 additional hanks for the size small.

I will start the knitalong at the end of September (in a couple of weeks) so if you’d like to join in please start gathering your materials or if you have any questions ahead of time, please let me know. You could do a short sleeve version like in the pattern (which would take less yardage), a pullover like in the pattern (short or long sleeve), or I will share all of my modifications in detail to make this simple pattern into a cardigan just right for you.

One more thing, I am looking at another knitalong for a round yoke cardigan from the bottom up in Sweater for a little later into the fall/winter season! I have just started doing some research on how I want to go about this. Nothing is set in stone I just want to give you a hint at what’s to come! Give me your thoughts.

Have a great Wednesday, Knitters, and I’ll be back soon with more….

Filed under: knitalong, Things We Love | Comments (42) |

September 2, 2011

New Patterns for Fall

petite purls

(photo courtesy of Brandy Fortune)

Hi Spud & Chloë Friends,

My house is quiet for the first time in months. Fall is here even with our 90 degree temperatures and humidity.

To kick off this fine fall day I want to share some new patterns floating around. First off, who doesn’t love a gorgeous brown-eyed baby wearing a handknit bib? I do. This sweet garter stitch bib is knit in Spud & Chloë Sweater and features a pacifier clip as well. A two for one is always a good thing.

Petite Purls has a Back to Basics series of free patterns that are all made out of Spud & Chloë yarn. You should definitely jump over and check out these simple but beautiful patterns.

basics_bib_main

(photo courtesy of Brandy Fortune)

Click here to visit Petite Purls Back to Basics!

zigzaghatmittens2

In case you missed it, Blue Sky Alpacas released four new free patterns in the last Bluesletter. I love the patterns by Colleen Powley, Kim Hamlin and Bobbi Intveld. If you don’t subscribe to the Bluesletter click here and sign up. I don’t want you to miss out on all of the fun going on over at Blue Sky Alpacas. They always have the best of everything in fiber and patterns.

Click here for the Ravelry project page for the Zig Zag Mittens and Hat.

Click here to see all of the free downloadable patterns from Blue Sky Alpacas.

As with Spud & Chloë, Blue Sky Alpacas has recently added the downloadable pdf pattern option from their site for all of the Blue Sky Alpacas patterns. Of course, the printed pattern line won’t change a bit and all patterns are still available in local and online yarn shops, too.

Click here to see all of the Blue Sky Alpacas patterns.

I love home photos of designs so here are mine. My TC is wearing the first version I knit of the Zig Zag Hat. I used Techno in 1970 – Fame (natural), 1974 – Smoke (dark gray) and 1975 – Club Gray (medium gray). I love the contrast of the natural with the shades of gray.

The Zig Zag Hat can be styled different ways by adjusting the brim. Directly above the hat is super slouchy with the brim worn down. The first photo shows the hat with the brim folded in half for a more traditional shape.

I notice a lot of people wearing hats with the brim turned up more in the front like this.

I wish you could feel Techno in person if you haven’t. It is squishy and light and airy but yet substantial and warm. Techno is really something new and revolutionary in the yarn industry.

Click here to see all of our beautiful colors in Techno.

Interweave Knits, Gifts Issue 2011 is hitting the stands on September 6th, 2011. I have an interview in the magazine where I talk about Spud & Chloë so be sure to check that out. I also have two new projects featured in the magazine for this gift knitting season. The first project is McHenry, an adorable knit dog, and the second project is the matching McHenry Hat.

Click here for information on Interweave Knits, Gifts Issue 2011.

Click here for the Ravelry project page for McHenry.

Click here for the Ravelry project page for the matching McHenry Hat.

I knit McHenry in Blue Sky Skinny Cotton. I love this yarn for knit toys. I originally knit the puppy in Spud & Chloë Sweater and you could do that, too. The finished dog would be a bit bigger with the worsted weight yarn. Either way, he is a cute and lovable guy.

I added a red collar and a spot on the backside for good measure but both are optional.

McHenry is about 6 inches tall when seated, maybe a little shorter.

The McHenry Hat is knit in one piece. The ear placement is marked and saved with scrap yarn as you knit the hat. The stitches are then picked up and the ears are knit right on the hat. There is no seaming at all and it is a super easy technique. It is sized for a toddler/small child.

Have fun with these new patterns, some free and some from Interweave Knits.

Hooray to the fall knitting season! There is much more to come soon.

Filed under: General, Things We Love | Comments (7) |

August 31, 2011

Knickers for Chloë – Free Pattern

Hi Spud & Chloë Friends,

I have wanted make Chloë a quick pair of knickers ever since I knit her a few years ago. This week I was determined to do just that. I whipped up a simple undergarment for Miss Chloë that is specifically shaped for her round little body and skinny legs that sit at the front. She has a bit of an unusual shape, cute as it is. It took several tries to get it just right but I am very pleased with the outcome.

I am delighted to share the pattern for Knickers for Chloë with you today. That Chloë is getting quite a sweet wardrobe. It is fun to add a little something here and there for her.

The knickers could be made in many different colors of Sweater. If your Chloë doll is for a child I know they will enjoy an undergarment or two to dress her with. I don’t know if you have noticed but one of the first things kids do when they get a doll is to see what is underneath the clothes. This is a universal phenomenon. Now Chloë is covered!

Here are some things you might like to know:

Yarn: Spud & Chloë Sweater in Igloo #7517, 1 hank (only a small amount is needed)

Needles: US 7 dpns

Gauge: 5 sts per inch in stockinette stitch

Have fun with the Knickers for Chloë pattern!

Click here to download the free pattern for Knickers for Chloë!

Click here for the Ravelry project page for Knickers for Chloë!

Filed under: Free Patterns | Comments (7) |

August 26, 2011

How-to for Chloë’s Hair

Hi Spud & Chloë Friends,
I’ve posted a video tutorial for placing and tying on Chloë’s beautiful red ponytail. I’ve posted the video right here but I’ve also included the Youtube link for your convenience. The email subscribers don’t receive the video tutorial along with the Spud says! emails for some reason. Of course you can always find all of the tutorials on the sidebar right here on Spud says!, too.

Click here to see the video tutorial for Chloë’s hair.

There is an open Knitalong for Chloë on the Ravelry group. Click here to see the knitalong thread.

Click here to see the Ravelry project page for Chloë. We currently have 64 completed Chloë dolls posted on Ravelry. That’s so fun to see.

The pattern for Chloë and all of her farm friends is in our book, Spud & Chloë at the Farm, which is sold in local and online yarn shops along with other book stores everywhere.

Enjoy the video and have a great weekend everyone!

Filed under: knitalong, Tutorials | Comments (5) |

August 25, 2011

Interweave Gifts 2011

Spud & Chloë Sweater by Tani Gray

Spud & Chloë Cardigan by Tanis Gray

(Photo by Joe Coca for Interweave)

Hi Spud & Chloë Friends,

First of all, thanks for your patience while we figured out the difficulties for some of you trying to download Chloë’s Cardigan pattern. Things are all set and good to go. If you had trouble be sure to try again. Chloë will have cardigans!

The new Interweave Gifts Issue 2011 is coming out very soon, September 6th, in fact. The wonderful designer and knitter Tanis Gray has a fantastic kid-sized cardigan included in the issue. The cardigan is called, Scherenschnitte, and Tanis uses Spud & Chloë Sweater in the Toast and Grape Jelly colorways. I love Tanis’ smart design work and this cardigan is a gem.

Toast and Jelly, the perfect combination of colors for a cardigan (and for your breakfast menu)!

To purchase the Interweave Gifts Issue 2011 click here!

I’ll be back soon with more….

Filed under: Uncategorized | Comments (7) |

August 19, 2011

Chloë’s Cardigan – Free Pattern

Hi Spud & Chloë Friends,

Here is Miss Chloë’s cardigan for you. I dream about lots of little extras for Chloë in the future. She is a girl who is just getting started.

Here is some information you might like to know about Chloë’s Cardigan:

 

Size: To fit the Chloë doll in the book, Spud & Chloë at the Farm (The pattern for Chloë is only found in the book, Spud & Chloë at the Farm.)

Yarn: Spud & Chloë Sweater (55% superwash wool, 45% organic cotton; 100 grams/160 yards), 1 hank in Lake #7504

Needles: US size 7, 24-inch circular or straight needles to work back and forth and a set of four double-pointed needles or size to obtain gauge

Gauge: 5 stitches per inch in stockinette stitch

Materials:

Yarn needle

Stitch markers

Scissors

Scrap yarn

Ruler or tape measure

 

This a fast and fun little knit with no seams, only a 3-needle bind off at the shoulder seams. The sleeves are picked up and knit down. It really couldn’t be easier.

Have fun! Maybe Chloë could have stripes or a little fair isle or a flower or two embroidered on… you decide!

Click here to download the free pattern for Chloë’s Cardigan!

Click here for the Ravelry project page for Chloë’s Cardigan!

Filed under: Free Patterns | Comments (9) |

August 16, 2011

Pam’s Flower Power Throw

Hi Spud & Chloë Friends,

I was so impressed when I saw that Pam finished a gorgeous version of our Flower Power Throw out of Spud & Chloë Sweater. She did a fantastic job. I thought you would enjoy seeing her masterpiece so I made a slideshow with Pam’s permission to use her photos. She backed the throw with a color block quilt using Anna Maria Horner’s Folksy Flannel (she is one of my favorite fabric designers). The back is a masterpiece on its own. These fabrics are the perfect match and I am sure the flannel is super soft. What a great pairing.

Congratulations, Pam!

Click here to see Pam’s project page for the Flower Power Throw.

Click here to see more about the pattern for the Flower Power Throw.

Click here to see more about the Sweater yarn used for the Flower Power Throw.

Pam purchased the Sweater yarn for her throw right here!

Coming up… Chloë’s Cardigan.

Filed under: General, Things We Love | Comments (8) |

August 12, 2011

Chloë’s Cardigan & a Winner!

Hi Spud & Chloë Friends,

We have a winner for the Friends of Spud & Chloë Group giveaway for the Little Stripey Hands pattern and 3 hanks of Spud & Chloë Fine in your choice of colors. The winer is….

193 posts

posted 3 days ago (Tuesday, August 9)

16

adorable! Love S&C!!

Congratulations to WatercolorPonies who popped up on my random number generator at number 16 in the comments! Thanks to everyone who entered and be sure to check back for more fun giveaways coming up this fall.

Okay, the sweet little cardigan for Chloë is going to be the next free pattern right here on Spud says! This is the official preview. I’ll have it up and ready to go for you to add to Chloë’s wardrobe by next week.

Have a great weekend and I’ll be back soon with more….

Filed under: General, Things We Love | Comments (9) |

August 9, 2011

3,000 Friends Giveaway!

Hi Spud & Chloë Friends,
We are having a celebration because our Friends of Spud & Chloë group on Ravelry is flourishing. We now have over 3,000 members and it is a very active and fun group. We appreciate all of the support and activity in our group on Ravelry so we have pulled together a fun little present for one of our lucky group members.
The winner of this giveaway will receive the Little Stripey Hands pattern and 3 hanks of Fine in the colors of your choice!!
Leave one comment only on this thread. You have to be a member of the group in order to win. I will be back in a few short days to randomly select a winning comment on the thread. I will message the winner on Ravelry to gather the mailing address and the colors of Fine you would like to have sent to you.
Please note that you have to be a member of the group to win AND that you have to leave a comment on the Ravelry thread in order to be entered.
I’ll be back soon with a winner. Good luck if you enter.

Filed under: General, Things We Love | Comments (30) |

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