February 2010 Newsletter

Sweet February...the snow is deep but love is in the air. To help you celebrate the 6 more weeks of winter and your precious "Knit for Me Time," I offer you these decadent new lace patterns & yarns, ethereal garments and lusciously warm slippers for your knitting and crocheting pleasure.

In This Issue: Love Your Lace / Thousand Branches Kimono and Woven Woods / Felted Slippers: A Warm Embrace for Your Feet / Cherry Tree Hill Yarn Specials /

Love Your Lace

I'm happy to announce that I've just added the yarns and lace patterns of Jojoland to my website! And for 2010 The Schaefer Yarn Company has introduced a new fingering weight yarn. Plus knitwear designer Sivia Harding has released new designs.

Introducing lace weight Consonance, a decadently soft blend of 50% Cashmere & 50% Silk and fingering weight Melody Superwash crafted of 100% machine washable wool. Both of these Jojoland yarns are perfect for creating lace projects such as the Swirl Shawl knit in Melody Superwash and the Vine and Flower and Grape Vines stoles knit in Consonance.

Meet Schaefer's dreamy new fiber creation Audrey. Audrey is a 1 ply fingering weight crafted of 50% cultivated silk and 50% merino wool. It has the drape and sheen lace knitters covet.

And you'll adore Sivia Harding's 5 new lacey creations! Celebrate Valentine's Day with her Heart To Heart Scarf, this crescent shaped scarf has a heart lace border that is as sweet as pie! And wrap yourself up in a garden with her Hanging Garden Stole. An ethereal delight, this intricately patterned rectangular lace stole features beaded cast on and bind off edges.

The unique shaping of the beautifully patterned Waves in the Square Shawl ensure a comfortable, stable fit. The shawl consists of three equal sections of graceful “Print o’ the Wave” and a beaded picot border. There's nothing simple about Sivia's elaborate, beaded Phoenix Rising Shawl. Its a variation on the basic top down triangle but a flame-like, textured center panel makes all the difference.

And finally her Follow the Leader Faroese Shawl gives you a supreme fit with a bit of garter lace. This top-down shawl features traditional Faroese shaping at the shoulder and back neck, producing a wonderful shoulder-hugging fit that stays on.

Thousand Branches Kimono and Woven Woods
February is also the right time to knit yourself a garment, Jane Thornley's new book, Winter Forest Evocative Guide No. 4 will inspire you to do just that. Its an ode to this reflective season and to forests without leaves. Though two main designs are featured Woven Woods and Thousand Branches Kimono, the real story lies in what you can do with knitting these stitches in fresh ways. Use Jane's designs as offered canvases or find your own by exploring subtle color flows with linen or ombre seed stitches. A vest, a cowlet and a kimono – perhaps you can unfold them anew.

Felted Slippers: A Warm Embrace for Your Feet
And February also has you warm inside snuggling on the couch, the perfect time to create a new pair of slippers, match them to your favorite robe or pajamas or just go with the colors you love most.

Freshstitches brings you two new boot designs, Yuki a pair of knit and felted boots and

Calli a pair of crocheted and felted boots. The soles of these boots are not knit or crocheted, and as such, this design is perfect for outdoor soling!

Knotsewcute's crocheted Felted Adult Slip-ons are warm and comfy! While their Felted Toddler Slip-ons will keep your little ones' toes warm & cozy.

Pick Up Sticks snuggly soft felted boots Snugs are knit and felted boots that come in children and adult sizes. They are true boots that keep their shape when you take them off. Available as a Kit or a Pattern.

To make shopping for your next slipper pattern easier I've organized them all in the Slippers section.

Cherry Tree Hill Yarn Specials
And finally I'm no longer carrying Cherry Tree Hill yarn. All my remaining inventory is now 30-40% Off and Patterns are On Sale for only $3. While supplies last you'll get a Free Pattern with any yarn purchase!

Supersock Merino

Sachet Ribbon

North Country Cotton

Superwash Merino Mini DK

Patterns

Thank you for taking a moment to share my news and I hope you have a warm and wonderful February!

Happy Knitting & Crocheting,
Sandra Singh

Birch

Gardiner Yarn Works has just released their Spring 2010 pattern collection and Chrissy Gardiner's new scarf pattern Birch takes center stage!

Take your skills to the next level with Chrissy's entrelac piece, Birch. This lovely design features a lace motif in the center of each rectangle and comes in three different widths for all your neck and shoulder-warming needs!

Yarn Requirements: fingering-weight yarn, at least 600 (800, 1000) yds (sample uses Abstract Fiber Mighty Sock in Birch).
Gauge: 24 sts/32 rows = 4” in pattern st on size 4 (3.5mm) ndls (gauge is not critical for this project)
Difficulty: intermediate
Sizes: scarf = 7" x 60", stole (pictured) = 10.5" x 60", wrap = 14" x 60"

Birch is sold as a PDF download which means there are no shipping fees. We're also having a KAL for Birch in my Ravelry group, Sandrasingh.com, please join us!


And stay tuned, I'll be updating my blog with the beautiful work that's happening in all of our KALs.

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