Feather and Fan Stole

I've finally gotten around to photographing a few new FO's. The pic above happens to be my version of the Feather and Fan Stole from Cheryl Oberle's book, Folk Shawls.

This stole was actually an quite an interesting knit by virtue of material, unspun Icelandic wool. Yep, the whole thing is knit with pencil roving. Although, at first a bit trying to work with (the roving pulls apart easily when tugged), I found my groove eventually, enabling me to create this wonderfully rustic, for lack of a better word, knitted fabric.

I love the autumnal quality of the finished wrap and plan to make another one in black and charcoal. Methinks it will be a lovely winter accessory.

Can't wait to dig into my next Folk Shawls project. I'm definitely up for a challenge!

Experimental Granny

What does one do with the first batches of yarn one creates from the beginning of her spinning odyssey? This was the question I pondered as I rifled through the box that contained all of my first spinning experiments. After much contemplation I took up my P hook and started working with the chunky cakes o' yarn. In a matter of hours I had worked up this little diddy...



Definitely not the largest shoulder warmer I've made, but it shows off the chunk-y-delic yarn quite nicely and the overall drape is good.

Some detail...



Feels good to do some stash busting! And now I have room in my homespun box for more ChezLinoleum fiber-y goodness!!

Busy, Busy!

Last weekend, after having returned home from Vegas, Jenna came over to mi casa for a play date with our dyes. I experimented with a few new colorways for roving...



Definitely liking the intensity. I need to make more in the same vein as Jenna and I plan throw our hats into the hand painted ring (read marketplace), offering our fuzzy wares for sale. Just giving you all a head's up...

A few weeks ago I hand painted about 1500 yards of mohair. I love the results!



And finally, I am spinning weekly, if not daily at this point. Unfortunately, my spinning regimen tends to wane when I am traveling. I feel as if I have to give my wheel love when I'm back home (and in between design projects). Currently, I am experimenting with a new colorway...



I'm not sure that I like this yarn yet. The colorway seems a bit conservative to me. Thoughts?

Two New Patterns!

Check out my new designs featured in the September/October issue of Crochet Today mag!

First up, Supersize me!



Yep, these big ole floor cushions are a quick crochet as they use 3-4 strands of worsted weight yarn and a very large hook. I think they would be wonderful in a triad of Autumn colors. Totally fun!

Second, please follow me south and west!




I know, not my usual design fare. However, I think these desert pillows turned out quite splendid! If you're ready to try some crochet intarsia, this is your next project!


Currently, I'm working on some projects for the Winter issue of CT. I can't tell you what I'm designing, but I can tell you that you will not be disappointed...

Left Las Vegas...

...Last Friday. Sadly, I'm back (and sufficiently detoxed at this point). I traveled to the searing city in the desert last week with my Mom and sisters, Natasha and Stephanie. We had a lovely time eating, drinking, shopping and oh yes, playing the slots.

I'll let my little mosaic tell the tale...



From right to left:

1. My sisters Natasha (left) and Steph (right) waiting patiently for their morning meal.

2. Liberace's bowties. Love that guy.

3. A little terrier sculpture plucked directly from Liberace's boudoir.

4. The Wynn Resort. We were first-timers at this hotel. It's quite lovely. Great food too! We ate at Daniel Boulud Brasserie for dinner our first night in town.

5. Boo-tay adorns the front of the Riviera.

6. Rainbow Sprinkles anyone? Pour some in your morning java at the Peppermill.

7. Just like the real thing! Well, okay, not really.

8. Peppermill Restaurant. Great breakfast to be had at this Vegas institution.

9. One of the many Liberacemobiles.

10. I need this outfit!

11. Fireside Lounge at the Peppermill.

12. A must see if you're into the King of Bling. Get thee to the Liberace Museum!

Happy Monday everyone!!

What color is your parachute?

I am...

you are darkgoldenrod #B8860B

Your dominant hues are red and yellow... most of what you do is motivated by your need to change things and have a good time, but you've been known to settle down and think out a situation, too. You tend to surprise people just when they're starting to feel like they've got you down. Your saturation level is high - you get into life and have a strong personality. Everyone you meet will either love you or hate you - either way, your goal is to get them to change the world with you. You are very hard working and don't have much patience for people without your initiative. Your outlook on life is brighter than most people's. You like the idea of influencing things for the better and find hope in situations where others might give up. You're not exactly a bouncy sunshine but things in your world generally look up.

the spacefem.com html color quiz

You are?

Cherry Ribbon Tote

When designing for publication, I am required to provide the pattern as well as the finished object to my editor. Rarely, if ever, do I receive the FO back from them. I get it. They’ve paid me and therefore, they own it. However, sometimes I wish I could have some of these creations for myself.

Case in point…The Apple Ribbon Tote featured in the book, Bag Style. I was so sorry to send this one off to Interweave. I really wanted the bag for myself.

Well, I had no choice. I had to make another one! My newest version of this tote has a cherry pocket instead of the apple pocket seen in the book. I have lots of apparel and accessories in my closet adorned with cherries so this is the perfect mid-summer accessory for me!

It’s cute, no?

Maybe you’d like a Cherry Ribbon Tote too? I concur. Pocket pattern is below. Enjoy!

Original Apple Ribbon Tote pattern is found in Bag Style. Wraffia ribbon can be purchased from Paper Mart.



Cherry Pocket Pattern for Apple Ribbon Tote in Bag Style

Materials:
Main Color ("MC") – 1 spool, Red Wraffia Ribbon (1/4" x 100 yds) color no. 4434830
Highlight ("HC") – 1 spool, White Wraffia Ribbon (1/4" x 100 yds), color no. 4434810
Stem & Leaf Color ("SLC") – 1 spool, Forest Green Wraffia Ribbon (1/4" x 100 yds) color no. 4434865
US I hook
Tapestry Needle

Abbreviations:
ch – chain
dc – double crochet
hdc – half double crochet
Rnd – round
R – row
RS – right side
sc – single crochet
sl st – slip stitch
st – stitch
sts – stitches

Gauge:
13 sts x 15 rows = 4"

Directions:

~ Cherry Pocket ~
Cherry Pocket is mostly worked in the round. Each round begins with ch 1 and ends with sl st in first sc of round to join. Short rows are used for fine shaping of cherry.
Rnd 1/Foundation Rnd (MC) – ch 2, 8 sc in second ch from hook, sl st to first sc to join rnd.
Rnd 2 – ch 1, 2 sc in every st, sl st to first sc to join rnd. (16 sts total)
Rnd 3 – ch 1, (1 sc, 2 sc in next st) 8 times, sl st to first sc to join rnd. (24 sts total)
Rnd 4 – ch 1, (2 sc, 2 sc in next st) 8 times, sl st to first sc to join rnd. (32 sts total)
Rnd 5 – ch 1, 32 sc, sl st to first sc to join rnd.
Rnd 6 – ch 1, (3 sc, 2 sc in next st) 8 times, sl st to first sc to join rnd. (40 sts total)
End working in round. Begin short rows.
R 7 – ch 1, 13 sc, turn.
R 8 – ch 1, 11 sc, turn.
R 9 – ch 1, 34 sc, turn.
R 10 – ch 1, 7 sc, turn.
R 11 – ch 1, 9 sc, turn.
R 12 – ch 1, 6 sc, turn.
End short rows. Begin working in round.
Rnd 13 – ch 1, (4 sc, 2 sc in next st) 8 times, sl st to first sc to join rnd. (48 sts total)
Fasten off. This is the RS of your pocket.

~ Highlight ~
R 1 (HC) – ch 9, 1 dc in 3rd ch from hook, 1 dc in next st, 1 hdc in each of the next two sts, 1 sc in each of the next two sts, 1 sl st. Fasten off with enough ribbon to sew to cherry pocket.

~ Stem ~
R 1 (SLC) – ch 16, 1 hdc in second ch from hook, 1 hdc in next st, 1 sc in each of the next two sts, 1 sl st in each of the next 11 sts. Fasten off with enough ribbon to sew to front of bag.

~ Leaf ~
Leaf is worked in the round.
Rnd 1 – ch 8, 1 sc in second ch from hook, 1 hdc in each of the next two sts, 2 dc in next st, 1 hdc in each of the next two sts, 1 sc in last st, ch 2 and rotate work right, working in the bottom of the foundation ch make 1 sc in first st, 1 hdc in each of the next two sts, 2 dc in next st, 1 hdc in each of the next two sts, 1 sc in last st, sl st to beg sc to join rnd. Fasten off with enough ribbon to sew to front of bag.

Finishing:
Weave in ends. Sew highlight to front of cherry motif. Sew cherry motif to front of bag making sure that you are placing your sts along the sides and bottom edges of the motif, but not along the top, thereby creating a pocket. Sew leaf and stem to front of bag above cherry pocket.

Copyright 2008 Regina Rioux Gonzalez. All rights reserved.