True - New - Same

While nothing is the SAME any longer, I must say it is TRUE that with my knitting live nothing is NEW. I am as busy knitting as I have always been, and then some.

Patterns on ravelry: https://www.ravelry.com/designers/renate-kamm

Besides the commercial side of knitting I do as I always have. I knit for the ones around me, and for myself. With that out of the way, let's just look at the projects that kept me busy knitting. 

Firstly, I made a hoody for Ruben. It's as he always wanted: Mexican Flag colors, no sleeves, cropped length, machine washable yarn.

Before that, made my first top-down yoke sweater. This experiment is for myself. The yarn was from a Guild stash sale. I like everything about it. 

There was a pattern that had the rights reverted back to me in March. I did not have the shawl because I gave it away (as I do a lot). I used the opportunity to make Joycejubilair again, and give it an alternate lace edging. 

Knitpicks Original

New version

I am ready for the 2nd half of this wondrous  year. No one know where this is going!

Story: Origins of Truth or Consequences Ruana

True Story:
Years ago, on a cold winter's night, I looked at a sale of 100% cashmere yarn. It was Mongolian cashmere offered at a unbelievable half off price. (BTW, many of my knitting stories start that way.)
The yarn came in many colors and the chore to narrow it done to just a few was really difficult.
After some time, I finally decided to just "Act like I was designing with a specific theme for a magazine" in mind, and Et Voila, the yarn color spoke "We belong together", loudly!

Once the yarn arrived I was was overjoyed. The colors were so true to their on-line images, which is not always the case.
Now the yarn needed to be wound and cashmere in hand is an amazing experience. If you have never felt it, go try it. After that the yarn just waited. It even disappeared back in the box with a rubber band around it for at least a year.
It is winter again. In San Diego this means sunshine until that first cold day, from then on it is cold. There is no Autumn Season. I had completed my Christmas projects of one knitted hat for each of my Nieces and Nephews. A period of me-time was ahead. I remembered the cashmere and pulled it out from the box. I first expanded on the mood board because I needed to define this project more. It needed shape and form.

OK, I thought: I can do this! It looked to me like there is going to be a sweater/coat made from this yarn, with a southwestern look. To stay authentic to that Theme I made sure the collar of this garment will have the shape as the coats that a saw researching the southwestern theme.

It was time to create this new coat closely adhering to the original Theme. Stripes, triangles, shawl collar, long, pockets, but basic. Because I had purchased the yarn years ago, I had one special constraint: the colors needed to be balanced such that I did not run out of yarn!!!

I was so proud of my accomplishment. This sweater gets used all winter long.

Don't go yet, the story has an even greater ending.

 To my surprise, there was an actual call for submissions to a publication called Nomadic Knits. It is a newer kind of knitting pattern print book and e-book publication. For the 3rd issue the theme was Arizona/New Mexico.
I had the idea to just take my design and make it into a ruana. The idea was accepted and now, this April 22, 2019 the book is released. You can make this ruana. The yarn for the pattern is from Arizona, just as colorful, and even contains some cashmere.
The book or e-book can be purchased here:
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/nomadic-knits-issue-three-arizona-new-mexico

The yarn already prepared as a kit for 2 sizes can be purchased here:
https://gherkinsbucket.com/listing/685174356/hand-dyed-dk-yarn-kit-for-nomadic-knits

Texture Knitting

Last Year, one day in January ( I don't remember exactly which day it was ) I had decided to make a new vest for my husband Ruben. I searched for some good warm wool and knitted along, just nicely. It did not take long at all. The vest had some knit/purl patterns in it, not much to post about.

I have to say 'had' because after the first wash ( now here you need to know that Ruben washes all clothes ) the vest has shrunk so much that even I could not wear it anymore.

Time to make another one, a promise is a PROMISE.

For the next version I had a different idea. My ideas just come out of nowhere and, lucky for me, I have the time and yarn to translate the idea into something wearable.



The next vest was smarter, had a texture to it and some cables.

He calls it 'Elvis' because of the collar.

This little vest has become a basis for a few of my recent published patterns.

The cables and collar design is mirrored in the sweater named Turfside.






It is published by knitpicks as part of the Crossings collection.





Single pattern link: Turfside



Crossing link: Crossings Collection










BUT WAIT, there is more!!!!!

I liked the way this simple textured panel knitted up. I mean, I liked the rhythmic K2 - P2 on one side, work the stitches as you see them on the other, and then switch to P2 - K2 on one side, and again work the stitches as you see them on the other. All I had to do was hang a marker on the right side of the fabric to remember if it was time to switch.
I was not the only one that liked the looks of this texture. The women that put together Laine Magazine liked it as well. In their Issue #7, released February 15, 2019 my Laemmin Vest was included.

 The entire fabric is made of these texture stitches. Knitted in one piece, from the bottom up, the vest is truly amazing, I think.

I might be biased, a little. The knitting experience is what is drawing me to make this vest over, and perhaps over.

Featuring I-cord edging on the front and the sleeve openings, and a slip stitch hem and collar, the Leammin vest is still easy to make.

I will help anyone that asks.

Bailiff Scarf Pattern

Alpaca fibers are somewhat new to me.
I always thought of wool being scratchy. I just could not wear it. Throughout my many years of knitting the fibers I worked with where mostly cotton, or some kind of poly-amid/wool mix. A few years ago I have read somewhere that alpaca fibers are without some of the 'hooks' that makes yarn scratchy and felt easily. It made sense to me after I also found out that the absence of these hooks makes items knitted with alpaca tend to stretch over time. No hooks in the fiber = no hold of the fiber = stretch.
For the Bailiff Scarf the design was optimized to keep the shape and reduce the natural tendency to stretch by using the yarn 2 strands held together. This 2-stranded knitting also allows the play with color combinations and produced the fabulous marled look.
If you never have entered the world of fisherman's rib knitting, you should. The new Bailiff Pattern is perfect for the first try, or the fully experienced fisherman's rib knitter.
For approx $32.00 dollars (small version) this scarf can be knitted. For yourself, or for your favorite man (husband, boyfriend, friend, buddy). It is super cuddly because the entire scarf is worked 2-stranded which makes the already cushiony fisherman's rib double soft. Alpaca warmth and then double stranded makes this the go-to scarf for keeping deep winter temperatures at bay.
Bailiff Scarf

A year "CHOCK-FULL" of Pattern Releases

When I stepped into my first retirement year I had hopes and dreams. My ambition was to create knitwear that knitters will find interesting enough to make.
I have self published some patterns on ravelry.com for a while now, but to reach more knitters and draw attention to my designs I had to learn a lot more.

First step:  I had to get the attention of some of today's most popular knitting publications.
Second step: Learn how and where to present my ideas
Third step: Learn about yarn. Oh there are so many possibilities
Fourth step: Knit a good sample
Fifth step: write the pattern and adapt it to the particular magazine's style
Sixth step: Don't show picture, keep it secret, don't talk about it.
Seventh step: FINALLY, a pattern is ready to release.

Take a look at Apple Cider Scarf. just released in Creative Knitting Magazine
Pretty Presents

Now I can talk about the project, show my own pictures and feel proud of being a published knitwear designer.

Joycejubilair is finally released! Yahhhh

It was a long wait, but now it is real. Knit Picks has released a Book 'Everyday Wraps' made from fingering weight yarn. My pattern Joycejubilair is part of the collection. The book can also be purchased as instant download e-book, and all patterns are also available as singe pattern downloads.

Everyday Wraps 

Originally the shawl was designed for Joyce. I have never met Joyce but from my husbands description I was impressed by her resolve. She lives with illness that is ever present and un-diagnosed. The shawl has many strong columns and supporting arches that Joyce can wrap herself in.

The first edition of the shawl was made with Forbidden Woolery Superstition in Rosegarden and Knit Picks Stroll in Dogwood Heather.

Once Knit Picks decided to include the shawl in the collection I knitted Joycejubilair for a second time. I had chosen Stroll Hand Painted in Coffee Shop and Stroll Sock in Mint.

The version in the collection book is done with colors that are more blue. I can only say: "regardless of the colors you choose you will not be disappointed". The body of the shawl is knitted easily and quickly, and the lace section is rewarding. 

The body of the shawl is knitted easily and quickly, and the lace section is rewarding. 
It is not easy to accomplish but with just a little attention the repeats are not difficult and adding the beads make this a stunner.

Waiting for a pattern release

A few years back I found a sale of cotton yarn. It was a little 'minty' colored speckled yarn, just my color. I made a v-neck sweater for myself, named it Valace and produced a few photos. I like it and like to wear it.

 

In September last year Knitpicks introduced a new yarn named Color Mist. Its 75% cotton and 25% Acrylic, worsted weight, washable, and I could see it being ideal for Valace. Knitpicks agreed! Yaeh!

After knitting the sweater in Color Mist the photos looked amazing, don't you think?

Knitpicks wanted the chance to produce professional photos with their in-house photographer and I agreed to wait with the pattern release until then. WAITING IS HARD!!!!!!!
If you like this sweater and would like to look at the yarn and pick your favorite shade, here is a link to Color Mist

Some Details to help you decide:

Knitted Sweater Measurements: Bust 36 (39, 43, 46, 50)” with 2 (3, 4, 4, 5)” positive ease. Length 23½ (23½, 24½, 25, 25½). Upper arm 12 (12, 14, 15, 16)

Material: 4 (5, 5, 6, 6) skeins (each 219 yards/100grams) of Knit Picks Color Mist, 75% Pima Cotton, 25% Acrylic, worsted weight, in Lilac Breeze color #27460

Needles: US #7 / 4.5mm circular 32 inches long, or a set of straight needles, or size to obtain Gauge. One additional needle to hold work temporarily, same size or smaller. 

Gauge: 19 sts and 25 rows = 4” / 10 cm over stockinette stitch. 

Prize or Price

English is a hard language to learn, I know from experience. But then life (or is it live?) is not easy either.
I have learned that the price paid up front usually results in a prize. Not always right away and sometime not even recognized.
I am retired now, no longer working from 8 to 5. My prize for the price of working for 50 years. That was a big investment, something long-term. Now I can fill my day-time hours with all the things I like to do. Like knitting!
Let's face it, knitting is what I like to do.

My latest challenge: calls for submissions 

I want to find out if I can share more of the knitting I design. Besides self-publishing there are still the traditional 'knitting magazines' out there and I have found ways to submit some of my ideas.

This activity, while a challenge and a goal, must not retract from what I want to do though. While at first enthusiastic, I have to stay true to what it is that I like so much about knitting.
First must always be THE REASON for knitting a certain piece.
My passion comes from designing for someone, or using the new learned stitch, or discovering the properties of a new yarn color or fiber blend.
Check out that pose from Allison with her new AMALGAMATION ballerina leg warmers.

 The design is called Amalgamation and combines some of the softest independent dyer yarns to create this magic. The 2 strands of Candy Skein Delicious Series, one in colorway Foil Wrapper and one in colorway Watermelon create not only a stunning color combination, but the 70% alpaca/20% silk/10% cashmere feels extraordinarily soft and comfortable. Any little hopeful ballerina will appreciate the feel of these leg warmers. Her eyes will sparkle when she discovers her favorite little creature beaded into the leg body. The pattern includes dragonfly, butterfly, bird, and frog templates.
Just look at the detail that is hidden within:

The prize can't be purchased, is not for sale, can't be staged, is undeniable worth every moment spent knitting. Not only does Allison wear her leggings, she wears them ALL THE TIME!

The pattern can be purchased on ravelry.com   ravelry link to AMALGAMATION
or loveknitting.com  Loveknitting link to AMALGAMATION

The instructions are for knitting in the round or knitting flat and seaming. So easy that an experienced beginner can succeed! It is not hard at all the mount a bead, believe me. Just place a bead on a small (#14) crochet hook, insert the hook in the stitch, pull the bead over the stitch and place the stitch back onto the knitting needle. For the amalgamation pattern, since the yarn is always 2 strands, mount the bead only on the one, lighter colored strand.

As time flies

I have not done enough. This thought keeps creeping into my head every now and then. I use this thought to reflect on the things I have done and if they were positive.
Looking back to the time when I wrote the last blog entry it seems, at first: I have not done enough.
Letting that thought provoke my memory for a few seconds: NOT True!

I have generated a new sock pattern. As in proper Yarn-Stube fashion, the socks were for my friend. The pattern was a side product from that. I have named them Pink Pearl, after the color of the incorporated row of pink beads.

How to bead the stitches is part of the pattern instructions

No matter how the socks are worn, cuffs up or down, the beads are visible either way.

This is the pair that went to Seattle. Made from a skein of knitpicks Hawthorne fingering yarn.

This is my pair, made from a skein of Oink fingering in bubble gum.

I also worked on a new design and am finishing up writing the pattern (sizing the vest for different sizes) for swellegance. I must declare here that Ruben has been very patient. He still is not allowed to wear the vest. Just a few more days......

You probably wonder what the new design is. 

Well, there are actually a few in my head but one was on my needles already and my thoughts keep going back to it. Knitting for me is not just to get a pattern figured out, complete the sample, photograph it and sell it. For me there always is an idea for something with a person in mind. A friend saw me working on the design and commented. She said: It is strange that I love this color so much and always have, but there is not one piece of clothing in my wardrobe made of this color. I am planning on changing that with something made from this: 

 The world would not be whole or fair if there were not a made out yarn little something for me, right. Every now and then, there is time for me. I did want to learn the really strange art of knitting in a weaving pattern. It is called entrelac. Enticed by the images in a basic entrelac knitting book, I had to try it.

And, now I wear it. The pattern is called Lornas cowl and is already published in english on ravelry. The name is simply from the yarn that was used for this small, but highly effective neck warmer. This was my first time knitting with Lorna's laces and it will not be my last. The thread is spun tight enough for the knitting to be so easy and there is not splitting, no imperfections through out. The finished cowl has a shine to it and it does warm exactly where it needs to.

 Overall, I can proudly say, I am doing it! Life, intertwined with knitting.
In the next few weeks knitpicks will be publishing Motrose and Swellegance. Just in time for the winter knitting season. Yes, I have done enough this summer!

Oh, let's not forget, it is winter knitting season and giving season. I must be working on something. You bet! Stay tuned!