The Desert Rose Shawl by Renee Leverington

The beautiful Desert Rose shawl was designed by Renee Leverington of "Goddess Knits" exclusively for Sandrasingh.com and knit in The Alpaca Yarn Company's lace yarn Suri Elegance.
Renee Leverington grew up in Arizona where the crystal Desert Rose is abundant, these beautiful rosette shaped crystals inspired Renee to create her elegant Desert Rose Shawl. Desert Rose crystals are formed when the minerals gypsum and barite fan out and overlap creating petal like rosettes, they're much sought after for their beauty and powers.

Found worldwide, some believe they promote relaxation, visualization and meditation, for knitters these crystals are prized for their lovely, unique shapes that translate perfectly into lace motifs and for the way they evoke warm thoughts of spring and summer days no matter the local or season.

The Desert Rose Shawl's beautiful knit fabric, with exquisite drape, is created from The Alpaca Yarn Company's 100% suri alpaca lace weight yarn Suri Elegance. Its knit from the top down and consists of two identical sections worked together with a dividing stitch and garter edge stitches, the pattern is charted.

Finished Measurements: 88" x 44"
Yarn: 1 skein The Alpaca Yarn Company Suri Elegance (100 grams, 875 yards) Carmel Latte
Needles: size 4 US (3.5mm) circulars
Gauge: 4 stitches = 1" blocked

Sold as a Pattern Only ($8)

And as a Kit which includes the Pattern ($8) and one hank of The Alpaca Yarn Company's Suri Elegance ($30 Solids or $40 Variegated) + (Shipping $6.99) = $44.99 Solid or $54.99 Variegated (NOTE: if you're purchasing more than one Kit or other yarns, knitting needles etc any additional shipping will be reimbursed.)

Versacowl KAL

This lovely cowl is the Versacowl by Michelle Miller, the Fickleknitter. In honor of True Blood Season 3 we're having a KAL for it in my Ravelry group, Sandrasingh.com. The "Keeping Our Necks Warm for TB Season 3 Versacowl KAL," but you don't have to be a True Blood fan to join us!

You can purchase the pattern on my site and I've put together Kits for it too.

This is my Versacowl in progress, I'm knitting it in Karabella Aurora 8, Royal Blue #41. Once you learn the sequence its a very easy pattern and its charted. I got off to a rocky start and had to frog, even my second attempt is not perfect, but I'm not going to stress since it will be worn slouchy.

The pattern includes instructions to style the cowl three different ways. It can be worn around your neck, of course, but also as a hood.

I hope you join us!

FYI beside the Versacowl there are 7 other KALs happening in my group, the two Sandrasingh.com Exclusive patterns Isabella and the Tangled Vine Socks, Midnight Lace Scarf by Chrissy Gardiner of Gardiner Yarn Works, knitty.com's free Mr Greenjeans, In the Courtyard by Ilga Leja, the Murphy's Lace Shawl by Schaefer and Lisa Ellis Designs' Super Bulky Winter Vest. I hope at least one inspires you!

Rhinebeck Sheep & Wool Fest: Part 2 Big Thanks to my DH

This is our second trip to Rhinebeck and both times my DH was my official photographer. He tells me he enjoys himself despite his apparent lack of interest in all things fiber related. But he loves to play with his camera and there are a few things he does enjoy...
Angora bunnies! We both wish we could take one home with us, but our little dog would make it her life's mission to eat it!
So I had to get my bunny fix with a beautiful piece of pottery, a bowl by Vaughan L Smith of Westcote Bell Pottery that was adorned with rabbits. I'll use it in my showroom and be reminded of the pet I may own some day. Sorry no pic of my new bowl!

Another thing my DH enjoys is all the livestock!
Goats are my favorite.

Llamas are DH's fave.

And of course he loves all the free wine and snacks you care to taste...
Plus this awesome museum of old machines and way of life in upstate New York.

Pretty smart the RS&WF organizers thought to include these things!

Coming soon, Part 3 The Ravelry After Party!

Rhinebeck Sheep & Wool Fest: Part 1

The Rhinebeck Sheep and Wool Fest was a lot of fun this year, I was inspired by the beautiful hand crafts and I came away a whole lot richer from all new people I met. Plus I got to meet quite a few people I had only known by phone, Ravelry or email. I was a sponsor for the Ravelry after party and it was a huge success. After the day was over, and I was driving home at midnight, I realized that all the day's events, people I met and photos that DH took would take more than one blog entry to tell about. So this is Rhinebeck Part One...

We arrived around noon, just in time for the Ravelry Meet Up. Here I am meeting Jess and Casey for the very first time. A pretty good size crowd turned out for this meet up.

I learned later that it was Ysolda in this Bob custom! She and another gal knit this giant Bob head and paw mittens.

After our Rav Meet Up DH and I were off to see the vendors. And the first thing I noticed were all the new vendors, I saw lots of knitting and fiber arts supplies plus knitwear for sale, but also lots of other beautiful nonfiber things as well, such as pottery, jewelry and artwork that I don't remember from 3 years ago.

Many of the fiber artists were felters and they were selling amazing ready made felted objects and felting kits. I thought this was an interesting addition and a great way for collectors of raw fibers to use up their stashes when they want to take a break from spinning. Two of my favorite ready mades were the silk scarves that had been decorated with felt designs and the felted whimsical creatures from life like animals to trolls. Felted hats and flowers were also popular, both off the rack and in kits.
Felted Hats...

Felted Nativity Scene...

Trolls!

Here I am modeling my favorite scarf of the day, a light blue silk with a felted design throughout. Sadly I did not purchase it or get this woman's card. If anyone recognizes this beautiful work please post a comment, thanks.

I'm noticing felting more and more on the market these days. Its always been around and always will be, take Pick Up Sticks Felted Knit Designs for example, but its being taken to a whole new level. There is an artist in residence with a shop behind me here in New York City, on Lexington, who creates beautiful silk blouses that are adorned with felt along the hemline, plus she carries a line of felted jewelry. So I was not surprised that so many felters were at Rhinebeck this year.

This is Marlene of Marlene's Felting Madness, demonstrating the technique to make one of her felted flowers. We have video of her felting this flower, maybe I'll figure out how to upload it.

Here are some other highlights of our day...

The United Nations declared 2009 the "International Year of Natural Fibers" and in conjunction with this celebration and to raise money for livestock and training in sustainable agriculture Heifer International organized the knitting and assembly of the world's longest scarf. Parts of the scarf were knit around the globe and the entire thing was assembled here at Rhinebeck.

Beth the owner of Uncommon Threads and The Alpaca Yarn Company hosted the knitting of the World's Biggest Sock. Its been traveling around the country and landed in Rhinebeck, here I am knitting on it. We hope it breaks the Guinness Book of World Records some day.
And here I am with Beth, I've known her for several years now by telephone and email only. I carry The Alpaca Yarn Company's Suri Elegance lace and have a Sandrasingh.com Exclusive shawl pattern coming out soon that is knit in it.
Speaking of Sandrasingh.com Exclusive patterns here I am with Kirsten Kapur of "Through The Loops Designs," creator of Isabella.

And here I am with Shelia Ernst, another wonderful artisan I've only known via email. If you're searching for beautiful and useful glass buttons, knitting needles, crochet hooks, beads, stitch markers or shawl pins make sure to visit Shelia & Michael Ernst's website Glasspens.com, they hand make the most lovely designs available.

This is getting long enough, stay tuned over the next week for more entries!

Rhinebeck Sheep & Wool Fest, Rav Party....

Its very early on Sunday morning, we got home very late last night from Rhinebeck. We had a blast, the whole day was wonderful! I met some people I have only known online and by telephone. I saw some beautiful fiber arts and had a great time meeting fellow knitters & Ravelers at the Rav Party. It will take me a few days and a few blog entries to cover all the events.

But here I am leaving the stage after they announced I was one of the party sponsors. That's Casey, Jess, Mary Heather and one other person I'm not sure of her name. Does anyone know?

Rhinebeck Countdown!

Only 5 more days until we'll be in upstate NY at the Rhinebeck Sheep & Wool Fest. This year DH and I will be accompanied by Darcy, the Knottyknitter, who is making her first trip here from sunny S. CA. Darcy is one of my Rav friends and this will be our first meet and greet in person!

I was at Rhinebeck a few years ago, before I blogged. Plans for this trip are in motion, the car is rented, the dog has a sitter, the camera is being repaired, all we need is the arrival of the big day. Lots of pictures will be taken thanks to DH, who is also a Rhinebeck veteran and I'll be sure to blog about our adventures.

Also, I'm one of official sponsors of the Rhinebeck Ravelry Party Saturday night at the Elk's Lodge! I'll be there so please find me and say hello, I'll be wearing a black tshirt with the Sandrasingh.com logo on it and my Starky cardi.

I had hoped to wear my Mr Greenjeans but these dreams were dashed by the reality of my slow knitting. Though he is coming along nicely he is far from ready. As you can see, both sleeves are 9" and I've even started the cable pattern on one of them and I've picked up stitches for the shawl collar. But there is still no end in site.

I'm told the temperature could be as low as 43 degrees and rainy. So my Starky from long ago, plus a few other knit items will have to do!

Speaking of knit items very soon I'll be releasing my third Sandrasingh.com Exclusive pattern! A shawl by Renee Leverington of Goddess Knits. Stay tuned!

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!