new patterns

Well, I know I switched addresses on you and told you we are now at redribbonfox.blogspot.com, but I thought I'd update you here with a couple of new patterns and also remind you to follow me at the new address. I hope you'll join me there, but in the meantime, check out the new cowl and fingerless gloves patterns :) xoxox

New Northwest Red Matching Mitts pattern available now on Ravelry and Etsy. Yay! This is a very easy, quick pattern. You can make BOTH pairs in one day, easily! What a great way to knock out a couple of gifts on your list at once. They are so fun and fast...I hope you'll check them out :) Happy Knitting!

Here's the newest Red Ribbon Fox Knits design: The Sienna Cowl. It is knit from less than 1 skein of Malabrigo Worsted yarn (color shown is Ronoake). 

It's available for purchase on Etsy and Ravelry: 

http://www.etsy.com/listing/86298592/sienna-cowl-knitting-pattern-pdf

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sienna-cowl

This pattern is a quick, interesting knit that results in a cute cowl that can be worn pinned, as shown above, unpinned, or as a cute head scarf to keep your ears warm, as seen below.

ALSO, if you are new to knitting charts and want to learn to read them, this is a great pattern for you! The chevron seed stitch border is presented in a simple, easy-to-follow chart. Trust me, you can do it! It will expand your knitting horizons to be able to knit from charts. Seriously!

I hope you'll try this pattern. Isn't Malabrigo just the best??!!

New blog location: redribbonfoxknits.blogspot.com

Don't forget to join me over at our new location! New posts and knitting lovelies. Please check it out here:

http://redribbonfoxknits.blogspot.com

xoxoxo

We're all turning into foxes...

SO...after much, well, some, ok ALOT of deliberation, I've decided to unite my design and knitting world under the same, sweet red fox. So the address of this blog is moving! Please visit:

http://redribbonfoxknits.blogspot.com

Yay! It will look VERY similar :) I just thought it would be nice and clear and uniform to have things with a similar brand. I'm very excited about the change and so is Mr. Fox. Here is his new look for all things knitting!

So, pretty please update your blog subscriptions and I'm very sorry for any inconvenience, but now we will have even more fun with Mr. Fox as our guide!! xoxoxo

New purling method for continental style knitting

So, I have wanted for a LONG time to start knitting continental style, 'picking,' rather than the English style, 'throwing,' that I learned a long time ago. Because I've done some stranded colorwork and have learned to hold one color in each hand, I have become comfortable knitting continental style. BUT, purling has always been a pain for me to do...too slow and cumbersome and not worth giving up the speed I have with English style.

A friend at a knit shop tonight showed me how she purls. I also learned this evening that it is the Norwegian method of purling and that it is used because in Norway they do lots of colorwork knitting in the round. This method allows you to keep your yarn at the back the whole time, so you're not moving your yarn in between your stitches, from the front to the back. It seems like a lot of movement when you break it down slowly, but when you try it out a few times you will definitely pick up speed. If you've ever done a rib cast-on then you may feel that this method seems familiar.

Seriously, why have I never seen this before! Anyway, I'm working on a LARGE cowl neck for the sweater I'm making right now and it's all 2x2 ribbing. This new method may just safe my life and save my elbow! See what you think about it and let me know. Here is a link to knittinghelp.com's video:
Norwegian purling method

oh, hi again :)

I found a lovely for you this morning. Beautiful cast silver real knitting and crochet stitches. Isn't this lovely? I am in awe.

Cast Silver Knitting and Crochet article

Today is my first day of a silversmithing class here in Portland. I am so excited! Multnomah Arts Center offers many cool classes and I have ALWAYS wanted to learn metal smithing. I will let you know how it goes. Super excited. Are you learning anything new this fall? So far I've learned Tunisian crochet and natural dyeing. I think I wish I was really going back to school :)

Flock Together Mitts - new pattern

So, I've gotten the designing bug. Here is my latest pattern, Flock Together Mitts, for sale on Ravelry and Etsy. They are super quick to make and would be a great gift :) Feathery goodness for your fall season...


http://www.etsy.com/listing/82679705/flock-together-fingerless-mitts-pattern

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/flock-together-mitts

Tea Latte Cowl pattern!

Well it's about time I had a new pattern. Here is the Tea Latte Cowl...a cozy, chunky cowl knit in a herringbone stitch on large needles. This is lovely and warm in a wool roving yarn by Patons, but it could work with a variety of chunky yarns. I've always admired the herringbone stitch. The stitch has such a classic look, but the chunky yarn adds a modern feel. I hope you'll try it out! Available for sale on Ravelry.