Knit Virus

A while ago I knit this "virus" for my friend, artist Caitlin Berrigan. She instructed me on the structure/geometry/math of a Hepatitus C virus (individual pentagons combine with triangle shaped 'flare ups' which make a geodesic dome...) and I took it from there. She wanted a wearable garment with a hood and I think the result is strangely futuristic and fashionable...

Thehepatitis C virus is externalized in this wearable garment knit into a pattern of the virus’s protein structure. (Hand knit silk & wool.

Visit Caitlin's website: www.membrana.us

Yarns used in this project: Alchemy Silk Purse 100 % silk & Alchemy Sancuary 30 % silk, 70% wool

Next: Family Hat Pattern

This  the next installment to my pattern collection:

Famliy Hat Pattern (click photo to purchase!!)Family Hat

The combination of wool and mohair is always one of my favorites. Both yarns used in this pattern go a long way, making this project an affordable way to outfit your whole family!

Sizes: Child, (Adult Small, Adult Large)

Finished Measurements: Hat circumference 15 (20, 22)”
Gauge: 16 stitches = 4” in Stockinette stitch.

Yarn: 1 skein Cascade 220 (100% Pure new wool; 220yds)
1 Skein Madill Kid Seta (70% Super Kid Mohair, 30 % Silk; aprox. 250 yards)
Yarns held together throughout.

Needles: One 16” circular needle size US #9 (5.5mm).
One set of five double pointed needles size US #9 (5.5mm).
Change needles if necessary to obtain proper gauge.

Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch marker

 

Ravelry Link

Etsy Link

Patterns

Angora Dots Hat pattern (Click photo to purchase!)

I've decided to bite the bullet and try selling my own knitting patterns on the interweb. It's something I've wanted to do and have been meaning to set up for a really long time. I have a few patterns on hand that I plan to set up as downloadable pdf files that you can purchase from my etsy site. If it's successful, or even semi-successful, I think I'll keep adding to the collection. Yippee!!

I tend to get so tangled up in page design, re-inventing logos and wishing for better photos that I never end up getting to the publishing part. These patterns are far from perfect in my mind, but I'm letting that be ok. I just want to see what happens or hear the response, if any.

The first pattern uploaded today:

Angora Dots Hat:

Price: $5

Sizes: Baby (Toddler, Child, Adult Small, Adult Large)

Finished Measurements: Hat circumference 12¾ (14½, 16½, 18 ¼, 20)”

Gauge: 22 stitches = 4”

Yarn:2 skeins Koigu Kersti (100% Merino wool; 114yds) in two colors. There should be enough to make two hats if you reverse top and bottom colors.
1 Skein Alchemy Furry Kindness (70% French Angora, 30% wool; 86 yards)

Needles: One 16” circular needle size US #4 (3.5mm).
One set of five double pointed needles size US #4 (3.5mm).
Crochet needle size F or G.
Change needles if necessary to obtain proper gauge.

Notions:Tapestry needle, stitch marker.

Ravelry Link

Etsy Link

The garter affair

Gianfranco Ferre, Men's RTW 2009I spotted these HUGE knits by Gianfranco Ferre on the NY Times website the other day and fell in love. They're "just" giant garter knit scarves, but I can't help it!

Whenever I see garter stitch used in fashion I have to admit I get a little jealous saying "Why didn't I think of that?" The stitch is so simple it takes little to no effort to create it. In other words, if you just learned to knit this morning, you already posess the skills necessary to make this scarf. Sure, it would take a lot of yarn (read: $$$!) and a good four months of knitting, but you could do it.

This type of accessory is always great for knitting stores, since it sends people running to buy yarn or take a class. Usally the culprit has Marc Jacobs name all over it, but we'll see about this one.

Garter stitch close up

Garter Stitch is often overlooked, but when used wisely the results can be quite striking. Compared to otherstitches, it is more dense, giving it this incredible sculptural quality, the benifits of which you can clearly see in Ferre's collection. In any other stitch this scarf might cling like a wet piece of seaweed, drag, tangle, choke or worst of all-- fade into the back ground.

Gianfranco Ferre, Men's RTW 2009

For some reason I always second guess the choice to use garter stitch. It seems too easy. With all this practice and confidence I have as a knitter, why choose the easiest stitch? Isn't that a cop out? Shouldn't I be designing elaborate fairisle sweaters with Obama's face on them or something?

Sticking to a seemingly tired "old standby" might actually result in something refreshing and modern. Check out my pal Kj who makes People Profile Scarves working just in garter stitch:

 

 

Elizabeth Zimmerman is the QUEEN of garter stitch! This is a version of her Garter Suprise jacket.

 I think I'm going to embrace Garter Stitch with more confidence from now on!