Tuesday, January 7, 2014

When it is cold I like to....


Design a new pattern!
This is Tidal Wave.
I'll be publishing the pattern soon.
I used 4 skeins of Shibui baby alpaca dk on size US 3 needles.
I have been trying to resist wearing this around the house until after I do a proper photo shoot, but hey it's cold out and it is so warm and cozy. Can you blame me :)



I wanted to design a pattern that was easy to remember in your head, but gave an interesting look.
The pattern is made up from knitting and purling. No cables or stitch markers!


Also I got some custom dyed fiber in the mail so I can start my Spire.
This freezing cold weather is so welcomed by me if it means I can stay inside and spin all day.



Oh wait I have a job I can't spin all day. But I can spin at night and last night I got 400 yards spun. 
Only 1200 more to go!


I had the fiber dyed in a gradient so it blends smoothly from a rich deep chocolate brown color to a very light tan color. I am thrilled with the fiber and the color. I am one happy customer!
The fiber is made of superwash merino, bamboo and nylon. It is so shiny and bright I love it.

I hope you are all staying warm out there! I was at the farm this morning to check on the alpacas. I was so concerned about them with these low temps and the unrelenting wind.  While my face and even my toes were freezing the alpacas were looking at me as if to say "what is the big deal?"

I guess it helps to be covered with that fine luxurious fiber.

I'm listening to the audiobook Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte narrated by Susan Ericksen. 
I had read the reviews on the audiobook and everyone was raving about the narrator and the story. I decided to buy it and within minutes I was so glad I did. I am enjoying it so much. I am going to be so sad when the book is done and I can't hear Susan Ericksen's voice anymore. I am going to have to hunt down all the other books she has narrated! If you are one of the people that says "I can't listen to books". I would definitely recommend this one as your first audiobook! 

While I was looking for the link to this book I saw there is a movie. I am so excited to watch it when I am done listening to the book. That was a fun surprise!


links-

ps- I have to give a HUGE thank you to Chelsea Yarns. They show me so much support with my patterns. I was honored when they shared my new Tidal Wave pattern on their facebook page yesterday. I am still overwhelmed with all the amazing and lovely comments on my pattern.  

Thank you so much!



18 comments:

thecrazysheeplady said...

This pattern is STUNNING! And your yarn is gorgeous!!!

Unknown said...

The pattern is lovely. I can't believe its as simple as knits and purls. The yarn is stunning also. Beautiful colors.

Love of Cuteness

Debbie said...

It's so pretty Andee and congrats on the shout out on Facebook!!

I have been scraping!!

Lori ann said...

you are AMAZING! your shawl is gorgeous andee. truly. and your spinning, oh my goodness. stay warm there sweetie.

steph said...

lovely!!! cuddle up!

Sarah said...

Beautiful!! Wow, that yarn you're spinning is incredible!
Jane Eyre was my first audiobook too, but narrated by Elizabeth Klett via the CrafLit podcast. I never thought I'd love audiobooks as much as I do now and am so glad I started last summer to listen to Jane Eyre, which is one of my favorite books anyway!
Stay warm!

Rachel @ The Philosophers Wife said...

Oh wow, what a gorgeous pattern! I can't wait until you publish it! If it only uses knits and purls, maybe, just maybe I could give it a try!

Donna said...

What a pretty pattern. I would have worn it to keep warm too! I love Amy at Spunky. Are you going to keep the yarn as a single or ply it? It looks gorgeous so far! I love gradients.

kjramstack said...

Beautiful! And the title of your new pattern is so fitting. I think it's so funny that you stuck your mannequin outside to model in the cold. Heehehee

A Little Blue Dragonfly said...

This is so beautiful! It looks soft and elegant, but nice and warm, too! :)

Gretchen R said...

That is simply gorgeous! I love the proportions of this shawl. It seems like something that would be great to wrap up in.

Leanne said...

mmm this is YUMMY!!!!

Jessica Snell said...

I love the gradient you're getting in that yarn. (And I love listening to audiobooks - it goes so well with knitting! or even doing the dishes.)

Anonymous said...

Love your new pattern and that yarn is GORGEOUS!

I first listened to Jane Eyre through the CraftLit podcast (http://crafting-a-life.com/craftlit/). Elizabeth Klett was the reader and she did an amazing job.

Here's some more Jane Eyre enabling for you...http://www.youtube.com/user/TheAOJaneEyre.

Creative Design said...

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! Visiting from Yarn Along!

Best,
Sheila
http://sheilazachariae.blogspot.com/2014/01/top-yarny-goodness-for-2013.html

CathieJ said...

What a beautiful pattern.

sustainablemum said...

Oh wow, what a beautiful pattern.

Your spinning looks gorgeous too :)

debby emadian said...

This is so beautiful. I love the colour and the pattern and I love bamboo it's so soft. Jane Eyre has to be the best Bronte book. Enjoy the movie.
Happy knitting,
debx