Make 2010 Your Year to Knit Hats, Scarves and Gloves

The frosty temperatures bring you a blizzard of new slouchy, lacey and cabled hat, scarf and glove designs from your favorite knitwear designers. Try knitting or crocheting one of these new designs by Woolly Wormhead, Fickleknitter, Lisa Ellis Designs, Katya Frankel, Through The Loops, VADIS Designs, Gardiner Yarn Works, Knotsewcute and Freshstitches for yourself!

The Slouch
Woolly Wormhead's designs are always cutting edge and warm, she's captured both this season with her slouchy beret & beanie styles. Everglade is lacey and can be worn in 2 different fashions - fold the brim for extra warmth or leave the brim long and pushed back for the slouchy look.

The Mayrose beret is knit in the classic Feather & Fan lace pattern and is shaped so that the pattern graduates towards the crown effortlessly, creating a timeless design.

Woolly's Alveare is modern, yet casual with a little slouch in the back, the wide vertical rib on the brim complements the horizontal rib of the body. While her simple yet subtle Star Beanie is fitted and features a classic texture stitch.

Fickleknitter brings us the slouch look too with her new Slouchee, knit in the round it uses an unusual lace cast on technique and the lace pattern is worked in every round.

Cables
Classic cables are always right for every occasion and if you've not tried them before, small and quick hat, scarf and mitten projects are perfect for learning. Winter Cables Hat & Scarf, by Lisa Ellis Designs, feature simple large & small cables that are a pleasure to knit, instructions are both written and charted.

Katya Frankel's Romy and Fearne are both cabled berets, but with very different looks. Fearne is fitted in the front with a touch of slouch in the back while Romy is knit in the round from the bottom up with a more classic beret shape.

Through The Loops' Wood Hollow Hat and Mittens work up quickly. The cables may look complicated, but there's only a simple 8 row repeat, which is easily memorized.

Stay Extra Warm With Earflaps
On cold days in the windy city you'll be happy you're wearing VADIS Designs' urban Striped Earflap Hat. And keep your ears (and head) toasty warm when you hit the slopes (or bus stop) with Gardiner Yarn Works' new top-down earflap hat, Mt Hood.

Earflap hats are perfect for defeating February's gusty winds, take a look at these designs for even more inspiration. Schaefer's Chullo, which includes a matching scarf, Woolly Wormheads' My Deer Stalker and Lisa Ellis Designs' Andean, Twined Ski Hat, Malabrigo Sampler and Happy Hallotwining.

Also new from Gardiner Yarn Works, the Oak St Fingerless Gloves, they'll keep your hands warm but fingertips free, allowing you to knit or perform any activity requiring a precision touch.

Crocheted Lovelies
Crocheters will adore these three new designs from Knotsewcute. The stylish Classic Cables Ladies Tam & Scarf set has a beautiful detailed crochet pattern that is clear and easy to understand. And that special little girl in your life will look like a Victorian princess in the Girl's Button & Cable Tam!

While Knotsewcutes' Basket and Bows Scarf looks knit, its really crocheted, the body takes on a weaved look, while the edgings look like bows; thus the name.

And for a touch whimsy crochet Freshstitches' Koala Hat, its the closest you'll ever come to being a koala bear and this adorable pattern is sized for children and adults.

Yarn Sales
These yarns are ideal for creating warm and beautiful hats and are all On Sale!

Berroco Ultra Alpaca

Malabrigo Merino Worsted

Cascade Superwash 220

Cascade 220 Wool

Karabella Aurora 8, 4 & Bulky

For your shopping convenience I've grouped all my Hat, Mitten, Glove, & Scarf patterns in one section for you.

Thank you for taking a moment to share my news about these new and exciting patterns and yarn sales. I hope you've found at least one or two projects you're eager to create.

Make 2010 Your Year to Knit a Garment: Introducing VADIS Designs

I'm very excited to introduce the arrival of a sensational new knitwear designer to Sandrasingh.com, Vladimira Cmorej of Vadis Designs.

With clean lines and exquisite details Vadis Designs' unique garments and accessories will make you stand out at work or play.

Vladimira's design philosophy is simple, Vadis Designs represent handmade, one of a kind creations that are elegant, feminine and versatile. Vladimira finds inspiration from all walks of life, her designs range from period inspired, to innovative and to simple with interesting details, you'll find something to suit any occasion and season.

With her many sweater, pullover, vest and cardigan designs you'll find one that will flatter you while easily updating your wardrobe.
The Vadis Design pattern collection is sold as PDF downloads with no shipping fees.

Vest: Two Color

Cardigans, Sweaters & Pullovers:
Cropped Asymmetric
Curved Hem Cardigan
Denim
High Waist
Open Shoulder
Pullover With Rib Opening
Pullover With Overlap Sleeves
Two Button Cardigan

Tops:
Spiral
Puff Sleeve
Top With Armbands

Hat: Striped Earflap

Yarn Market News - "At Your Knit's End"

I've been quoted in the January 2010 issue of Yarn Market News! Leslie Petrovski interviewed me for her article "At Your Knit's End."

The article discusses the stresses of being a yarn shop owner and the pitfalls of "burnout." Petrovski identifies and defines this malaise and of course provides ways to combat it.

I'm quoted talking about the poor economy we're in and how many YSO, and people in general, have found it troubling. This is my quote..."Its been really frustrating," she explains, "We're now fighting for the same dollars that car dealerships and Wal-Mart are fighting for."

The article ends on a happy note, thank goodness, giving me just the uplift I need to keep burnout at bay for another day.

New Lace Patterns & Lace Yarn Sales

Winter is a befitting season to knit lace. As you grow your lace creation, row after row, the dark days of winter grow longer with each stitch. As your delicate lace pattern emerges graceful snowflakes fly creating dazzling patterns across your icy windows. And as your lace garment begins to take shape, unfolding like tree buds & flowers, your imagination turns to spring's warm breezes that will ruffle your new lace shawl elegantly draped across your shoulders.

From the warmth of your home and in the glow of your computer visit Sandrasingh.com to see the new lace designs from Fiddlesticks Knitting, Goddess Knits, Through The Loops Designs, Jojoland and Susan Lawrence.

Shawls
Create a figurative garden as you knit Fiddlesticks Knitting's Garden Shawl. Stroll with your needles down the flower-strewn paths that frame drifts of leaves, ferns and flowery borders. Based on Shetland lace patterns, this shawl is knit from the centre outwards and then the lacy leaf edging is added. And various fern motifs from Shetland to traditional combine in Fiddlesticks' delicate Fern Glade. At the top, small motifs like little fiddleheads grow to become graceful fern fronds. A traditional Snail Shell edging finishes the shawl in a fanciful nod to the snails we see on dewy ferns in the morning.

Spend a relaxing day in your garden wearing Goddess Knits' Wild Flower Meadow or Spring Arbor shawl.

Or finish just in time for Valentine's day to add a little romance to your life with Goddess Knits' ribbon embellished Victorian Romance Shawl. February is also Mardi Gras time, you'll be the life of the party with the beaded Mardi Gras draped around your shoulders. And Goddess Knits' delightful Fairy Wings is knit from the top down and measures 76" x 35" when complete.

Add a touch of summer to your wardrobe with Susan Lawrence's, of Knitting As Fast I Can, Beach Glass. This small crescent shaped shoulder shawl is worked entirely in garter stitch from the bottom edge up to the nape of the neck and the rows get shorter as you knit!

Scarves
Ostrich feathers have been used for decades to make feather dusters. In Susan Lawrence's Feather Duster Scarf she paired an ostrich plume stitch pattern with a lovely mohair/silk yarn to create a light-as-a-feather triangular scarf. The instructions are both charted and written row-by-row and this project is appropriate for beginning lace knitters.

Jojoland's Lattice Lace scarf is also appropriate for beginner lace knitters and even for more experienced lace knitters who are in need of a quick project. Its knit in Jojoland's Melody Superwash yarn and instructions are both written and charted.

Fickleknitter Design's lacey scarf pattern Fragment knits up fast and includes dropping stitches and the 3 needle bind off. Its perfect for small amounts of lace yarn, 150-200 yards, or Schaefer's Anne.

Susan Lawrence's Ink Spot is a tribute to the quickly vanishing days of cursive writing. The lace pattern used in the pointed ends resemble the nib of a fountain pen and the strong lines in the main section are representative of ruled notepaper. The scarf is knit in two identical pieces and joined at the center and the lace pattern incorporates a stitch called a nupp.

Mittens
Add a little elegance to your winter with Through The Loops' Katinka Mitts. These mitts are worked sideways and have functional buttons along the outside edge of the hand. For ease of knitting Kirsten Kapur has included both charts and written instructions. There are two sizes given, the larger size is worked in sport weight, the smaller size is worked in fingering.

Cowls
No matter how low the temperatures dip you'll be warm in either Goddess Knits' Snowbunny or Hosta Leaf cowls. Both ares knit in the round from the bottom in up.

10-25% Off Your Favorite Lace Yarns

Alpaca Yarn Co Suri Elegance

Margaret Stove Artisan Lace

Malabrigo Lace

Jojoland Consonanace

Happy New Year! January 2010 Newsletter

Ring in the New Year with some much deserved "Knit for Me Time." You probably wrote your New Year's Resolutions, but have you planned your knitting goals for 2010? Get more enjoyment from knitting this year by taking a moment to plan broadening your knitting circle while sharpening your knitting skills.

As you know Ravelry.com is a place for fiber artists to keep track of their yarn, tools & patterns as well as a source of inspiration. But it offers you even more, its a global community of fiber artists with whom you can communicate with as often as you wish.

If you're already a member please join my group, Sandrasingh.com and if you're not a member, make joining Ravelry your first knitting goal. My Ravelry group is hosting 9 KALs, you're sure to find at least one project you'll want to knit along with a new skill you want to learn. Joining a KAL lets you knit a project at your own pace in the company of like minded knitters. Fellow knitters are happy to help you select the perfect yarn and answer any technique questions you may have. At the end you have a new garment, learned a new technique and have made new knitting friends!

In This Issue: Improve Your Lace Skills / Learn to Knit a Hat, Scarf or Mittens / Knit Socks "Toe Up" or "Top Down" / Learn to Knit In The Round / Knit Your First Garment /

Improve Your Lace Skills
Goals: Learn to knit lace or improve your skills, read a chart, knit from the center out, knit a circular or triangular shawl.

To many knitters creating a lace garment is a right of passage that often seems like a mystery. But its simply a matter of learning basic increase and decrease stitches and repeating a sequence, so make 2010 your Year of Lace! If you're just starting Jean Clement's, of "Desert Rose Designs," Pamper Yourself Spa Collection is a wonderful introduction. This practical and pretty set is knit with one skein of Schaefer Yarn's Susan, and includes a Hand Towel, Face Cloth and Soap Sack all featuring an unique eyelet pattern. The Face Cloth and Soap Sack are creatively worked in the round from center to border.

With just a little lace knitting experience you can knit the gorgeous, intoxicating Desert Rose Shawl by Renee Leverington of "Goddess Knits." Its classic triangular construction will be a comfortable knit for those with lace experience and a rewarding challenge for those looking to delve into the world of lace. Its knit with one hank of The Alpaca Yarn Company's lace weight yarn Suri Elegance. This charted pattern consists of two identical sections worked together with a dividing stitch and garter edge stitches.

Or if a circular shawl is more your style and you want to knit with a slightly thicker fingering weight yarn create Schaefer's splendid Anne Murphy's Lace by Chris Carroll. Its charted and knit in the round from the center out with 2 or 3 skeins of Schaefer's Anne yarn. Complete one of these projects and you'll feel like you can knit anything!

Learn to Knit a Hat, Scarf or Mittens
Goals: Learn increases and decreases, the slip stitch technique, cabling, how to read a chart and how to knit a hat, scarf or pair of mittens.

Hats, scarves and mittens are considered knitting staples, they're often quick knits, perfect for gifting and can be worked in yarn of any fiber or weight.

Isabella, by Kirsten Kapur of "Through The Loops," is a hat, scarf and mittens knit in Malabrigo Merino Worsted. Each is knit in a simple pattern with a stunning result, the color work at the borders of each piece is deceptively simple, there is no carrying two colors in the same row. The stitch pattern is created by slipping stitches and then knitting the carries together a few rows later, even the more complex looking body of each piece is worked this way. There is no cabling involved, the intricate looking pattern work is really just slipped stitches!

And use that skein of luxury yarn you've been saving to knit Gardiner Yarn Works' very special Midnight Lace Scarf. Its adorned with a cables and lace pattern that is charted and is an easy knit for an Intermediate or Advanced Beginner.

Knit Socks "Toe Up" or "Top Down"
Goals: Learn how to knit a pair of socks from the "toe up" or "top down," cabling, how to read a chart and Judy's Magic Cast-On technique.

Many knitters have a love affair with knitting socks. Learn what all the fuss is about in 2010 and knit yourself a pair. The delightfully cabled, Tangled Vine Socks, by Chrissy Gardiner of "Gardiner Yarn Works" are knit with one skein of Malabrigo's Sock. The unique leafy cable design gives you an opportunity to learn cabling and the pattern allows you to choose the direction you prefer to knit, "top down" or "toe up." Then choose a foot to start with, the socks are a mirror image with right and left feet. An illustrated tutorial is included for Judy's Magic Cast-On and the cable pattern is both charted and written.

Learn to Knit In The Round
Goals: Learn to knit in the round, follow a simple lace pattern and read a chart.

Once mastered knitting in the round opens up a world of knitting opportunities such as hats, socks & cowls. Fickleknitter Design's sophisticated Versacowl is knit in the round and completely seamless, making it ideal to learn this technique. It also features a simple, charted lace pattern and is well suited for a first time lace project. It knits up in

1 skein of Malabrigo Merino Worsted or 2-3 skeins of Karabella Aurora 8.

Knit Your First Garment
Goals: Learn how to knit and finish a fitted garment, knit seamlessly in the round, pick up stitches to add sleeves and a collar, knit a button hole and learn how knit a rib and cable pattern.

If your goal is to move beyond accessories this year and complete a garment Lisa Ellis Designs' fitted Super Bulky Winter Vest is the perfect starter garment. This vest knits up in a matter of hours with no seaming and minimal finishing. The pattern includes two style options, an open front and a closed front. Its knit in Cascade Yarns' chunky

Magnum. The pattern is also written for Plus Sizes and Children, knit all three versions in this KAL.

Mr Greenjeans is a free cardigan pattern from knitty that is also knit seamlessly in the round. You pick up stitches to add the sleeves and shawl collar, plus knit a button hole, it makes a great first time sweater project for an Advanced Beginner. Its knit in Schaefer's 100% merino wool yarn, Miss Priss.

Have another project in mind for 2010? Feel free to start your own KAL & invite your knitting friends! And to get you started on your project take 10% Off your next yarn purchase, offer is good for yarn that is Not On Sale, use

Coupon Code: KAL01. All the best in 2010 and I look forward to seeing you in my Ravelry group, Sandrasingh.com

Buy 5 Schaefer Patterns and get the 6th for FREE

Purchase any 5 Schaefer Patterns and you'll receive a 6th Pattern for FREE!

You can pick your complimentary pattern, simply write the name and pattern number in the Comments Box during checkout.

All Schaefer patterns are sold as PDF downloads that are emailed to you after purchase, which means no shipping fees!

My time in the Big Apple is winding down...

Here are a few highlights from my trip...
We had a private tour of the UN with one of DH's colleagues who worked for the UN's Security before joining DH's department. He told some great stories about doing security detail for the Secretary General and about some of the other heads of state he got to meet. He took us into the Security Council, both the large public room and the smaller briefing room where only important head's of state meet during times of crisis. We were warned not to take photos when we entered this smaller room, to bad, because I was probably sitting in a chair that Bill Clinton or Collin Powell had sat in!
This is the larger, public Security Council. The mural behind us was hung before the UN began worrying about offending various nations with various images. Now this mural would have never been hung in this room due to its religious nature.
Here I am in the Delegate's Lounge where I suppose only Delegates are supposed to get to relax. BTW this furniture was a gift from Germany.

I also put Mr. Greenjeans aside for this trip since it was getting to big and bulky for travel and I started this Lace Ribbon Scarf, the pattern is free on Knitty. After many false starts and very emotional froggings I cracked the code of the lace chart and have knit over 20". I'm knitting it in Serendipitous Ewe's Fate Fingering in my exclusive color, Twilight Sky and I'm loving the way its turning out!

We had a wonderful Xmas day, went to see Up in the Air with George Clooney and than over to China Town for dinner. China Town was hopping! We found a crowded restaurant and figured it had to be good since so many people were there and had a delicious meal. We strolled the streets with other out-of-towners doing NY for Xmas and than headed home.

Yesterday we went to Soho to hit some furniture stores. We found a really great store with vintage furniture, clothing and home decor that was selling metal sock molds from the 1960s that were used in factories to create knit socks. No pictures yet, as soon as I get them hung in my office I'll photograph them.

And I have one more story to tell from the Sunday before last, we were shopping at ABC over on Broadway. We did our usual take the elevator up to the top floor than walk down floor by floor. I kept on seeing this woman I thought looked an awful lot like Uma Thurman. At one point I was walking right next to her and I said to her, “You look just like Uma Thurman,” to which she replied, “I used to.”

When we got downstairs she was a head of us and this mother daughter pair stopped, turned around as she went past and said, “That was Uma Thurman!” I had to ask them if it really was and they were 100% sure it was. DH was with me, with his camera and he refused to take a pic of her even though she wouldn’t have seen him do it!

Can you believe I told Uma Thurman she looked like Uma Thurman?!