October 2009 Newsletter ~ Rhinebeck Bound!

One of the largest and most exciting fiber arts festival happens every fall, the Rhinebeck Sheep & Wool Festival in Rhinebeck, NY! My first visit to this event was a few years ago, before I blogged. This time I'll have my darling husband with me, again, a knitting friend who is flying in from S. California, plus my camera and notebook so I can blog about the event in detail! If you're planning on attending make sure to email me or post about it in my Ravelry group, I would enjoy meeting you in person.

Speaking of Ravelry they'll be hosting a Rhinebeck party on Saturday, Oct 17th and I'm one of sponsors, so of course I'll be there. The party will be a lot of fun and there will be lots of Giveaways! I'm donating a Tangled Vine Socks Kit as one of the Door Prizes. I hope I get to see you there.

In honor of October, the cool weather, Fall Festivals & Halloween celebrations everywhere I bring you new inspiration for your knitting needles and crochet hooks!

In This Issue: Boise Lace Wrap / Sivia Harding / New Looks from Katya Frankel / Kidknits, Not Just for Kids Anymore / A New Take on Ulmus / Bottoms Up with Knotsewcute / Happy Halloween from Freshstitches /

Boise Lace Wrap
Back by popular demand, Karabella's beautiful Boise Lace Wrap. This lovely wrap is knit with 6 balls of Karabella's 50/50 cashmere & merino wool yarn Boise and if you purchase 6 or more balls you'll receive this pattern for Free.


Sivia Harding
Talented Sivia Harding has been very busy this fall, she's introduced three new beaded sock designs! Her gently beaded Fiddlehead Socks will remind you of Fiddlehead ferns and their tender spiraling shoots. Sivia's heavily embellished leg warmers, Continuum can be knit in three lengths and will sit prettily layered atop any boot, knee sock, or on its own. And her darling, toe-up Blossom Dearies baby socks will delight you they're the perfect knitting diversion, and the perfect gift for a little angel.

New Looks from Katya Frankel
Round out your fall wardrobe with these three pieces from Katya Frankel. Her new Patty Sweater is an elegant and straightforward sweater that knits up quickly from the bottom up in an Aran or worsted weight yarn.

And Brielle is a beautiful pattern for a pair of cabled socks, it includes directions for both circular and double pointed needles as well as charted cables coupled with the written instruction. And introducing a new hat design, the cabled Cecile, a versatile hat that can be worn as a beanie or pushed back for a slouchy beret look.

Kidknits, Not Just for Kids Anymore!
Erika Florey of Kidknits is an expert when it comes to designs for babies & toddlers, now she's trying out her knitting needles on designs for women. Introducing her first creation, the lovely Sunset Lace Stole. A lacey stitch pattern teamed up with a cotton yarn making for this perfect autumn stole.
A New Take on Ulmus
Luckily for us the innovative Kirsten Kapur has been on a shawl and scarf kick lately, her new Rectangular Ulmas is just that, a rectangular version of her triangular shawl Ulmus. The pattern is written for three sizes ranging from an 11" wide scarf to a generous 24" wide shawl.
Bottoms Up with Knotsewcute
Now that the cool weather is here we'll be trading in those cold drinks for hot ones. Be prepared by crocheting and felting Knotsewcutes' unique and re-usable Bottoms Up Felted Coffee Cuff. And their new crocheted All Seasons Scarf is just what you need winter, spring, summer and fall! This scarf is easy to make and also doubles as a shawl so it will be sure to be a favorite addition to your wardrobe.

Happy Halloween from Freshstitches
Welcome Halloween with these whimsical crocheted Amigurumi projects from Freshstitches. It's not Halloween without a jack-o-lantern... and these Jack-O-Lanterns and Pumpkins can be crocheted in two sizes and you can make the face to suit your style! And you'll go batty for this next design, Lemuel the Bat! He's soft with big wings, and ready to celebrate Halloween! And Freshstitches' adorable crocheted Pumpkin Hat is great for chilly fall days and the pattern is written for child to adult sizes.

And be sure to check out these new Freshstitches patterns. Everyone loves a garden gnome! And cutie Marv the Gnome prefers to live indoors next to a potted plant, instead of out in the wilds of your backyard. Own your own alpaca with Sherwin the Alpaca! No hay or grooming required! Adorable Gerry the Felted Bear, stacks up at 11 inches tall and is a fantastic beginning project to learn to crochet and felt! And smile for the camera with this adorable crocheted Camera design, its perfect for young photographers-in-the-making.

Thank you for visiting with me and sharing my news. Remember I'm always happy to help with any of your fiber arts needs, special ordering a yarn or pattern that I carry or helping you locate an out of stock yarn to finish a WIP. I can be reached at sandrasingh@sandrasingh.com, or toll free 877/519-1693 or on Ravelry, I look forward to hearing from you and hope to see you in Rhinebeck!

Introducing the Knitting Handbags of Jordana Paige

As a knitter or crocheter on the go you understand the importance of being organized; patterns and yarn need to be neatly stored, small accessories such as stitch markers and pointy hooks & needles need to be safely secured in their own pockets, plus you need space for your wallet and other necessities. And as a woman, you understand the importance of looking smart and stylish in every situation. Thanks to the beautiful, yet practical, knitting handbags designed by Jordana Paige, you can have it all.

Jordana offers a knitting bag that will suit your personal taste. Crafted of vegan leather each style handbag has numerous pockets and it's own distinct personality!

With its vegan croc leather finish and nickel hardware the Rio is an indispensable carryall and is now available in two new colors for Fall!
The sophisticated Knitter's Satchel is fashioned with features for carrying your knitting while looking good, and crafted of soft vegan pebbled-leather detailed with top-stitching.

And you'll want to carry Bella whether your knitting is inside or not, it has all the pockets you’ve come to love in a Jordana Paige handbag.

Meet Jordana Paige: Jordana has been knitting since she was 15 years old. Three years later, as a freshman in college, she founded her knitting bag company, Jordana Paige, www.jordanapaige.com. She combined her loves of organization and knitting to offer knitters a way to tote their knitting and daily necessities in one functional and stylish handbag. Jordana's designs, both handbags and knitwear, are inspired by classic style and simplicity. Her knitwear has been published in Vogue Knitting, Knit Simple, Knitty.com, Big Girl Knits and the television show Knitty Gritty. Since founding her company Jordana has graduated from college and now designs and runs her business full-time in California.

Meet Ivete Tecedor of Chiagu

Like the cool breezes, the arrival of Fall also ushers in new pattern collections from your favorite knitwear artists, the Autumn Grasses Cardigan from Jane Thornley featured in my last blog post and Patty & Brielle, by Katya Frankel will be featured in my upcoming blog posts.

This post is dedicated to a new talent, introducing Ivete Tecedor of Chiagu!

As you know I'm constantly seeking talented knitwear artists to introduce to you and add their unique collections to my website. Besides my customer's valuable suggestions, Ravelry is often another source of inspiration and it was while browsing their pattern selection that I came across the wonderful creations of this award winning designer. I instantly fell in love with her interesting lacey and cabled textures, color combinations and fresh takes on simple classics and I immediately knew that my customers would also adore her creative talents.

Meet Ivete: Based in New York City, Ivete Tecedor Lester has been designing since 2001 and self-publishing knitting patterns since 2005. She loves yarn even more than she loves knitting, so her designs often feature gorgeous yarns in simple silhouettes that really allow the yarn to shine through. Handpainted and variegated yarns are well-represented in her patterns, especially her favorite yarn ever, Koigu KPPPM. One of her designs, the Tramonto shawl in 14 colors of KPPPM, won "Best in Show" at the Juried Knitting Exhibition at Kiana Malekzadeh Gallery in 2005. Ivete was one of the original knitbloggers and has been blogging about knitting since 2001. Check out her blog at www.knotology.net.

What does her name "Chiagu" mean? The word itself doesn’t mean anything, it’s a phonetic spelling of the Brazilian name “Tiago,” which for years has been Ivete’s favorite name. She just loves the way it sounds! As you plan your fall projects you'll be delighted by the shawl & wrap, sweater & shrug and accessory designs of Chiagu.

Have you been wanting to knit one of the shawlettes that have been popular this season, Chiagu's Leila pattern includes two versions of this classic triangular shaped shawl, a full size and a shawlette. And the Soho wrap plays with handpainted yarns through subtle stitch patterns and unusual construction. Wear it as a scarf or stole depending on your outfit!

The Tramonto Shawl is oversize and knit lengthwise with 14 colors, arranged to shade like the sunset. This challenging lace pattern is given in chart and written form. While the Onda shawl plays with color and stitch pattern by combining gorgeous hand painted colors with the well-known Feather & Fan stitch, its perfect for first-time lace knitters!

A fast way to update your fall wardrobe is by adding a shrug, it gives a new look to your favorite blouses and tees. Chiagu's Halfobi Shrug is part shrug, part bolero, this cardigan is fun and quick to knit, worked in one piece from cuff to cuff, with minimal finishing.

And a classic cardigan can be made either casual or more sophisticated for work. Weekend is casual and features unique details to keep it looking polished while relaxed. Perfect for throwing on over a tank and jeans and the gauge lets you actually finish it in time for weekend fun! While the updated classic tunic length cardigan Laura will have you polished at the office. It features a patterned yoke and cuffs knit in a simple stockinette base cable pattern, 3 buttons at the yoke to give a fluid, flattering drape to the front and extra long sleeves to add a bit of drama.

And the Cecil socks and versatile belt Cummerbund are fast accessories that will make your knitting fun!

All Chiagu patterns are sold as PDF downloads that are emailed to you after purchase with zero shipping charges.

Its finally Autumn...

Explore the colors of the changing season with the very special Autumn Grasses Cardigan, designed by Jane Thornley. This is Jane's design story..."There’s something about a shawled cardigan that brings out the romantic in me: visions of Victorian heroines prowling grassy heaths and windswept moors abound. But here my romantic heroine goes modern with a little bohemian stirred into the mix. In this tale, she knits herself a caped cardigan suitable for casual weekends or for an extra layer of textury warmth, thinking to herself that she might meet a new love wearing such a garment or, better still, learn to be content in her own company."

This cardigan is knit in a textury mix of DK-weight yarns on size 5mm/US8 needles in a play of seed, garter, and simple openwork stitches sprinkled with bobbles. Choose the bolero-shaped version or the longer, hip-skimming, rendition. Sizes for the longer version go from small to bodacious (up to size 56 in hip, suitable for plus sizes).

Purchase any 5 of Jane's patterns and you'll receive a complimentary hank of Cherry Tree Hill yarn! The purchase of one of Jane's Books counts as 2 Patterns. During check out state in the Comments Box which yarn you want, Supersock Merino, Supersock DK, Superwash Merino Mini DK, Sachet Ribbon, North Country Cotton, Ariel or Suri Lace Alpaca and give three color choices. Shipping is FREE in the US & Canada.

Just need the Cherry Tree Hill yarn? All Cherry Tree Hill Yarns and Patterns are 40% Off.

And if you're looking for a spirited knitting adventure one of Jane Thornley's Inspirational Fiber Excursions are sure to please. Explore the exotic colors of Morocco in March 2010 and live the Tuscan Dream in October 2010.

Amy Singer of Knitty!

Yesterday I took a trip into Austin to visit the Knitting Nest yarn shop. Stacy, the owner was hosting a special Knitty.com event and Amy Singer was there! This is Amy, and it was my first meeting of knitting royalty! (Watch Stacy's blog or Rav group she has a shot of Amy, taken during this visit, wearing a crown!)

The book sitting next to Amy is one of the four she's written, Big Girl Knits. I really should have sat next to Amy in this pic, but oh well!

Any way, Amy is very nice and interesting to talk to. She's very proud of the work she's done on Knitty and told us more about the format changes she's made to make the site easier to navigate. Look for my upcoming ad on Knitty.

While at the Knitting Nest I also got to meet a couple of local Austin and San Antonio Ravelers! We enjoyed sitting & knitting together right along with Amy. Stacy has a very comfortable area set up with couches and coffee tables, making you feel right at home.

If you get a chance to meet Amy I say, "Do it!"

September 2009 Newsletter: The Season's Best

Knitters love Accessories! And what's not to love, especially this time of year, stash dive and quickly knit up one of this Season's Best designs that will update your wardrobe in a heartbeat and make a much appreciated gift. With new projects from Ilga Leja, Through The Loops, Melissa Wehrle, Gardiner Yarn Works, Sandrasingh.com Exclusive & Lisa Ellis Designs, you'll find one you covet and another that's gift worthy!

In This Issue: / Bliss / Warm Heart, Warm Hands / Ilga Leja's Kauni Messenger Bag / High Line by Through The Loops / New Sock Designs from the Gardiner Yarn Company / Tangled Vine Socks /

Bliss
A delicately stitched shawlette is perfect for all seasons and Bliss by Melissa Wehrle of Neoknits is just the one you've been looking for. Worked in a DK weight yarn, it knits up very quickly and without much fuss.
Ilga Leja's Kauni Messenger Bag
About a year ago I carried Kauni Effekt yarn and you may have some left in your stash, now Ilga Leja brings us this fabulous new messenger bag that's knit in this fun striping yarn. Combine the gradual striping sequence of this unique yarn with the geometric construction Ilga's Messenger Bag and you will have a one-of-a-kind carry-all.
High Line by Through The Loops
Wrapping a large scarf around your neck is not only popular, but practical for the upcoming cool weather. Set the urbanite in you apart with Through The Loops' High Line.
New Sock Designs from the Gardiner Yarn Company
And to round out the Season's Best Accessories, Socks!

Adding to her much loved Fall/Winter '09 Collection Chrissy Gardiner of Gardiner Yarn Works introduces four new sock designs! Designed for Sock Summit '09 Chrissy's Sunset Beach are a fun toe-up pair that feature a unique scalloped fold-over cuff and knotted stitch pattern. And the Forest Park Socks are personal with the inspiration found from the strolls Chrissy takes through the huge nature park in her native home of Portland, OR.

Her cabled Butterfly Garden Socks are designed to show off your mad skills, cables, traveling stitches and bobbles keep it interesting both knitting and wearing these intricate toe-up socks. While the Wavering Cable Socks feature cables that wave lazily down the leg, its a fun twist on a simple cable pattern!

Tangled Vine Socks
Chrissy Gardiner also designed my newest Sandrasingh.com Exclusive pattern, the Tangled Vine Socks. These delightfully cabled socks are knit in one skein of Malabrigo's Sock yarn and the beautiful and unique leafy cable design will keep your knitting interesting for a long time! And three of the most important accessories for winter are a hat, scarf and mittens, this Season's Best is my Isabella pattern designed by Kirsten Kapur of "Through The Loops."

Please stop by my Ravelry group Sandrasingh.com and join our KALs for Tangled Vine & Isabella!

With so many wonderful new socks, wraps, mittens and even a handbag & hat to create I'll leave you plan your next project. Remember I'm always happy to help with any of your fiber arts needs, special ordering a yarn or pattern that I carry or helping you locate an out of stock yarn to finish a WIP. I can be reached at sandrasingh@sandrasingh.com, or toll free 877/519-1693 or on Ravelry, I look forward to hearing from you.

Simply "Bliss"

A delicately stitched shawlette perfect for all seasons, Bliss by Melissa Wehrle of Neoknits. Worked in a DK weight yarn, it knits up very quickly and without much fuss.

Difficulty Intermediate
Materials

• Handmaiden Fine Yarns Double Sea Silk (70% Silk/30% Seacell; 273yds/250m; 100g): Topaz, 2 skeins OR 360 yds/329m DK weight yarn

• 1 US size 7 (4.5mm) 24" or longer circular needle or size needed to obtain gauge

• 1 stitch marker

• Size E/4 crochet hook

• Waste yarn in contrasting color and Tapestry needle

Gauge 14 sts and 25 rows = 4"/10cm in Lace Pattern with US size 7 (4.5mm) needle, blocked
Techniques used in pattern Crochet Chain Provisional cast on, Decreasing and increasing and Following a lace chart

Want to see all of Neoknits' Designs, visit my website. Bliss is sold as a PDF download, no shipping charges apply.