It's official! First pattern release: Dragonfly Lace!

I've joined the ranks of "real" pattern designers, as I've published my first pattern availabe for sale and instant download on Ravelry!

Dragonfly Lace Dishcloth

In my teaching gig at Knit and  Knot, I frequently design short(ish) projects to demonstrate techniques during classes. The Dragonfly Lace Dishcloth  was designed as an introduction to lace, yarnovers, bobbles and cables.  The pattern includes a chart and explanations for each technique used.

I was surprised at how easy it was to set up a pattern shop on Ravelry. Kind of makes me wonder why I didn't do this sooner! I have a few more patterns in the works, so hopefully the shop will grow soon!

Distraction

I should be doing housework, but I keep thinking about making more of these:

Last summer on vacation, I picked up a Harrisville Designs Potholder Loom. I had a plastic loom when I was a kid, but this one is made out of metal and is a lot sturdier. The loom also comes with cotton loops. I love the fact that the potholders are 100% cotton, but the cotton loops are a little trickier to work with than the stretchy, nylon kind. This summer, I found more of the cotton loops in Madison at Capitol Kids, and inspiration struck!

I've had a lot of fun experimenting with different patterns. I thought it would be easier to find patterns online but mostly I found pictures of completed potholders and did my best to recreate them.

 

These are the new additions to our kitchen. Watch out friends and relatives, I think I know what you are getting for Christmas!

Blooms, Tunes, and Brews

Live Music + Beer + Knitting = :)

On Thursday, I took the night off from Knit & Knot and Paul and I headed out to a certain flower farm in Donahue, Iowa. Miss Effie hosted a fabulous evening of local beer and great live music at the farm. The Bent River Pale Ale went down easy (note the empty Mason jar in the photo above!), and Jenn Swift and Andrew Vickers played fantastic music. I also realized the new camping chairs we bought this summer are perfect for knitting in public. My skein fit nicely in one of the cup holders. (The Mason jar fit perfectly in the other. Coincidence? I think not.)

My friend and fellow convent crafter, Susan, was there with her husband, Pat. She was knitting a garter stitch scarf comprised of triangles of leftover sock yarn. Very cool! Maybe it was this pattern? I didn't get a picture of Susan and Pat (or the scarf), but I did manage to snap one of Paul.

Lovin' it.

Contrary to what this photo may show, I believe he had a good time...

We couldn't leave Miss Effie's empty-handed, of course. Check out the goodies we got to bring home with us :)

Beautiful flowers from a beautiful farm!

Pretty eggs from pretty chickens!