Falling Stitches

Handspun : Raking Leaves

2012-02-27T13:52:00.004-05:00

"Raking Leaves" from Woolen Mill St Yarns, 100% Superfine Merino. Fingering weight, 2 ply, first skein 183yds/53g, second skein 251yds/57g.

I absolutely loved to spin this fiber. First the colors are gorgeous. Muted blues, browns and gold among snow whites. Second, it was my first time spinning merino. It's so soft, cushy, lofty and bouncy! No wonder merino is a luxury fiber!

Now, what to do with those two beauties... any suggestions?

FO : Dayne's Dishclothes II

2012-02-25T14:25:00.004-05:00

It's that time of the year again. Time to give a knitworthy friend some handmade dishclothes. Happy birthday Dayne!

What's Hot : Ravelry (28)

2012-02-23T14:53:00.003-05:00

It's hot hot hot and it has just been listed on Ravelry! Every week or so, I show you the finest recently added patterns on Ravelry! Don't worry if you've missed it! Click on the image and queue it! Please note that all the images are not mine. They belong to the designer. You may need a Ravelry account (free!) to view the pattern profile

Thank you so much for all your wonderful comments regarding Célia! I truly love this design and I might never taking it off... So this is for you guys, enjoy a What's Hot: Ravelry post!

New design : Célia

2012-02-20T14:31:00.003-05:00

Raveled here!

$ 6,00 US

Finished measurement
Chest circumference: 33 (36, 40, 42) 47, 51, 54, 58” / XS (S, M, L) XL, 2X, 3X, 4X

Yarn
4 (4, 5, 5) 6, 7, 7, 8 skeins
Skein Himalaya (80% Merino, 20% Cashmere; 280yds / 256 meters for 100 g / 4 ounces) in Barley

Needles
US6 / 4.00 mm:
40” or longer circular needle
set of double-pointed needles (dpns)
Adjust needle size to obtain gauge.

Notions
9 stitch markers, tapestry needle, and scissors

Gauge
24 sts and 34 rows = 4 » / 10 cm in Stockinette stitch

Célia is a lofty sweater meant to be worn everyday. The simple, oversized fit and the softness of the yarn make it a perfect casual wear. Work with a top-down construction, the sleeves stitches are placed on scrap yarns, as the crew neck shaping and the raglan increases are finished. The body is then worked in the round. The asymmetrical bottom hem, which adds interesting details, is shaped with short rows. The sleeves are then worked in the round and the neck band is picked up. The sweater is shown in size M, worn with 2” positive ease.

Célia is the result of another collaboration between Falling Stitches and Skein. This yarn a wonderful blend of merino and cashmere is just a wonder to knit. Soft, squishy and lofty, Himalaya has everything. It's the coziest, warmest sweater, and yet it's light and a joy to wear. I'm never taking it off.

This design is named after my grandmother, Célia, who passed away while I was knitting the sweater. This one is for you, grandma.

Fiber Stash : My Poor Wallet

2012-02-16T17:16:00.003-05:00

There so many great Etsy boutique out there that I feel like I have to buy fiber from them all...

Edgewook Garden Studios Falkland handpainted roving in Sea Weed Shore

Edgewood Garden Studios BFL Wool handpainted roving in Lion's Pride

Widdershin Woolworks Shetland Roving in Camelot's Intrigue

Woolgatherings BFL/Silk top in muted shades of green, aqua, lavender, and cranberry

Broken Pattern Handdyed Sock Roving in Dawn

TactileDactyl Handdyed Merino Roving in pot-painted red, pale green, soft brown, peach, and butter

TactileDactyl Handdyed Merino Roving in red, peach, butter, dove, and spruce

Pigeon Roof Studios Shetland Roving in Millefiore

On The Needles : Cider House

2012-02-14T10:52:00.002-05:00

What is better than simple toe-up socks to show off a great handspun yarn?

What's Hot : Ravelry (27)

2012-02-09T14:43:00.002-05:00

Random : Knitty but not Fibery

2012-02-06T14:21:00.004-05:00

A postcard I received from a friend in Paris. She bought it at "La Maison de la Photographie".

"La tante tricotante". A beer my boyfriend had last week. He saved the bottle for me. It means "the knitting Aunt".

Sneak Peek : Célia

2012-01-31T15:16:00.002-05:00

Another Falling Stitches / Skein yarns collaboration ... coming soon!

What's Hot : Ravelry (26)

2012-01-30T17:52:00.003-05:00

Hi guys! I know it has been a looooong time since the last What's Hot on Ravelry. Shame on me! I know you guys love this column. So go ahead! Dig in!

Handspun : Cider House

2012-01-25T16:38:00.004-05:00

"Cider House"

Beautiful greens, browns and reds by Greenwood Fiberworks. Handpainted BFL roving.

235 yds/113 g

I am so happy. I wanted a 3 ply, worsted weight yarn. I separated the roving in 3 equal parts. I spun each part separately. I washed them, dried them, wound them into yarn cake.

And I started to ply. I was proud of myself, because as I was plying, my 3 threads looked the same, same thickness, not thick and thin. I was really confident. I wanted to use every last bit of the 3 singles. Moment of truth, at the end of the 3 cakes. And... to my delight, I had less than a yard left on 2 of the skeins! After washing the yarn another time and drying it, I calculated how many yards I had... you know what? It's a worsted. Now I feel like the sky is the limit.

Fibre Stash : Spinning Bug

2012-01-22T13:46:00.003-05:00

I've been bitten by the spinning bug, and I can't stop looking at all those beautiful hand painted rovings on Etsy. I succumbed to temptation, I needed some treats.

Greenwood Fiberworks Hand Painted BFL Roving/Top in "Cider House" (currently on my spindle!)

Greenwood Fiberworks Hand Painted Merino Roving in "Copper Hills"

Wild Hare Fiber Studio Polwarth Wool in "Wisteria"

Woolen Mill St. Yarns 100% Superfine Merino Spinning Fiber in "Raking Leaves"

Handspun : Two Sisters Stringworks Hand Painted Roving

2012-01-18T10:21:00.003-05:00

Seller: Two Sisters Stringworks

Fiber: Handdyed fine Shetland wool top, colorway Light Rain. Handspun on my Drop Spindle.

First skein: 83g/300yds, light fingering, 2 ply

Second skein: 22g/97yds, light fingering, 2 ply

I have to say, I am in love with my drop spindle. I bet that, if I had a spinning wheel, I would love it even more, but as for now, my drop spindle has a special place in my heart. Spinning only brings me joy. Which is not necessarily good, because now I always think about blowing my yarnie budget on fiber. A whole new world of possibilities...

What I think is really inspiring about spinning is that you never know for sure how the fiber will come out as a yarn. I just marvel at the colors twirling together, mixing. It's captivating.

Ok, enough talking, more spinning...

FO : Aidez

2012-01-16T11:53:00.003-05:00

Raveled here!

Pattern: Aidez by Cirilia Rose

Yarn: Knit Picks wool of the Andes Bulky in Wallaby

Needles: 6mm / US 10

Size made: 40"

What a great knit. A real stunner. And I finally have mine!

The cable patterns were intuitive, the minimal shaping is simple yet effective and the result is just to die for. Before blocking it was way too tight, but the wet block gave it an amazing fit. I couldn’t be happier!

I really liked to work with the Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Bulky, but if I was to knit it again, I would choose a fluffier, drapier yarn. I liked it, didn’t love it. Nevertheless the stitch definition is amazing… it depends on what you want as a result!

FO : Nazaire

2012-01-10T21:01:00.004-05:00

Hi guys!

Happy New Year! ... late ...

Here is the first FO of this new year 2012, Nazaire. (Raveled here!)

Nazaire is a simple, long beanie (or tube hat) knitted with my very own Handspun (!!!) and some Cascade Yarn Eco + in Straw colorwar left over. So easy it took only one day to knit!

The beanie is easily knittable and I am certain that a similar pattern can be found on Ravelry. But, if ever you guys want a pattern, let me know!

New design : Micheline

2011-12-01T16:24:00.003-05:00

$ 3.00 USD

How I love to wrap a scarf around my neck or my shoulders. But I think what I like best is to knit them...

The Micheline scarf is a lovely and elegant knit that can be worn wrapped around the neck or loosely drapped on your shoulders. The scarf features alternating lace and ribbing panel of different width. Thoughtfully named after my mother, this scarf is the perfect to-go knit. Originally part of the "Lioness Arts Sock yarn Club", the pattern is now available to all.

Yarn: 1 skein of Lioness Lioness Sock (80% Merino, 10% Nylon, 10% Cashmere, 100g/437yds (400m)

Needles: One set of straight US 6/4 mm needles (adjust size to obtain gauge)

Gauge: 22.5sts and 25 rws = 4”/10 cm in Pearl st pattern, blocked.

Notions: Optional stitch markers, tapestry needle, blocking wires and pins

Random : Coastal Knits blog roll

2011-11-09T10:44:00.010-05:00

Hi guys! Today I am more than excited to talk to you about what part I played in the awesome book Coastal Knits of Hannah Fettig and Alana Dakos. Those two amazing knitwear designers (and friends!) collaborated to create an array of wearable yet gorgeous patterns inspired by their respective coast, the West coast (Alana) and the East coast (Hannah).

How could I be more excited to part of this? Well, I don't know, I think this can't be topped. My Bayside pullover sample knit was beautifully photographed by the talented Carrie Bostick Hoge. When I saw the picture in the book, I was impressed by the beauty of the knit. Until I grasped that I knitted it. Then I was on the floor.

The pattern in itself is simple yet clever. The pairing of the design and the yarn couldn't be more perfect. The rope-y feeling of the linen yarn can be scary when you cast on, but once the sweater is long enough to try it, the lightness and the breathness (??) of the created fabric is just so summery. I might just need to open the book and knit another one...

Speaking of the book, if you don't already have a copy, go, get out, surf the web, order one! It is an absolute must. Not only is it a beautifully made book, but the patterns are all wearable. I tell you, a must.

Thank you again Hannah for offering me this opportunity to be a part of this book!

Hanspun : Picking up my drop spindle

2011-11-07T10:35:00.007-05:00

Hi guys! I've been a naughty girl lately. I've been cheating on my knitting. My Westphalie and my Aidez are sitting in my knitting basket, waiting for me to work on them. But my mind is elsewhere.

I tried to spin yarn with my drop spindle before, but I wasn't thrilled with the results and got discouraged. At Rhinebeck, I encountered numerous spinners, and watching them spin was my "ah ha!" moment. In a second, I new how to spin, draft, twist.

In a matter of days I spun the rest of my Louet Corriedale fiber, which ended up being a thick and thin single, and ordered some fine Shetland top from Two Sisters Stringworks in two colorway: Hipster (green-yellow) and Light Rain (blue tones).

My first few tries were rewarding enough, and then I could just not stop. I spun the entire roving of Hipster.

Later, I decided to try plying. Althought it is still not perfect, I am quite happy with the way the yarn looks. I decided to ply the Corridale since I am not so fond of thick and thin single yarn. What I have now is a cute 2-ply worsted weight skein of 82 yards/43g.

I separated the Hipster roving in two equal parts. The first skein ended up slightly thick and thin, so it became a 2-ply aran weight skein of 82 yards/55g. The second skein was pretty regular (to my delight) and stayed like it was spun, a single, ligh fingering weight skein of 255 yards/55g.

Finally, don't miss Wednesday's blog post: it's my turn on the Coastal Knit blogroll!

FO : Rhinebeck Kalajoki

2011-11-05T10:06:00.003-04:00

Pattern: Kalajoki by Tiina Seppälä

Yarn: 1.5 skein of Berocco Ultra Alpaca Light in the Moonshadow colorway

Needles: US 2.5 / 3mm, one set of double pointed needles

Raveled here!

Hi guys! I casted on these socks to have something small and easy to carry on my weekend to Rhinebeck. I've been wearing those socks for a week now, and I can hardly take them off. They are cozy, comfortable, and oh so pretty! I absolutely love them! The pattern features both charts for a mirror effect on the foot, a french heel and an anatomical toe. Plus, knitted with DK yarn and 3 mm needles, these pretty ones go fast fast fast!

What's Hot : Ravelry (25)

2011-11-02T10:08:00.003-04:00

Hi guys! I know, you like these posts so much, and I keep you waiting! This week's What's Hot on Ravelry gives a special mention to the new Loft yarn from Brooklyn Tweed. You haven't seen it yet? Check it out, it is absolutely gorgeous! And why do this yarn deserves a special mention? Because the pattern booklet that comes with it is just to died for and this column would take ten pages and 3 hours to make if I was to post all the patterns. So, here is the link to the new Loft yarn by Brooklyn Tweed, and here is your favorite column, What's Hot on Ravelry! Enjoy!

New design : Aubépine

2011-10-30T20:21:00.003-04:00

$ 6.00 USD

Sizes

X-Small (Small, Medium, Large, XLarge, 2XLarge, 3XLarge), 32 (36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56) inches.

Gauge

26 sts and 34 rows = 4’’/10 cm in cable chart with larger needles, wet blocked.

Yarn

4 (4, 5, 5, 6, 6, 7) skeins of Skein Merino/Silk Sport (363 yards/332 meters per 95 g, 50% Merino 50% Silk) in the colorway Raku.

Needles (adjust size to obtain gauge):

US 2.5 / 3.0mm 40” (100cm) circular needles

US 2.5 / 3.0mm straight needles

US 4 / 3.5mm straight needles

Aubépine is a very feminine and elegant tunic length sweater, featuring short dolman sleeves, a very flattering shape, a V-neck in the front and the back and a delicate cable stitch pattern. The front and the back are identical and seamed together at the sides and the shoulders, and then the collar is picked up and knitted. The model is wearing the medium size with 2.0" positive ease.

I am so happy to finally publish this pattern!

FO : Salomé Cowl

2011-10-24T17:52:00.002-04:00

Hey guys, check out what my boyfriend knitted...

The Salomé Cowl, pattern coming soon...

On the needles : Aidez, Kalajoki, Westphalie

2011-10-20T14:48:00.007-04:00

I love Fall. We get to wear all our knitty goodness. But we never have enough, don't we?

My Aidez cardigan is going well, but slowly. I work on it when I'm tired of my tiny yarn/needles projects.

I needed a small project to bring to Rhinebeck, so I casted on these Kalajoki socks. One's already down and I'm about to turn the heel on the 2nd one. A new FO soon?

Oh these? Hum, they're called Westphalie, and they are a new design I'm working on...

Random : Rhinebeck purchases 2011

2011-10-18T12:21:00.013-04:00

What did I buy at Rhinebeck? I wish I could've buy more, but hey, yarn budget. We all know what it's like. I'm usually a buyer with a purpose, and having none on site, I decided to stay logical: fingering or lace weight yarn that can be knit into so many things.

I laid my hands on a skein of Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks That Rock heavyweight in the Swamp Goblin colorway. A generous 198g/350yds skein, enough for a nice, long pair of socks.

I discovered MissBabs' "Yummy Monochrome" sockweight yarn and couldn't help but buy one skein in beachglass colorway. Another pair of socks, I suppose?

The last skein (yes, only three skeins...) was a real surprise. I went to their stand at least four times. I just couldn't decide. At last, I fell in love with a skein of Mocha's Fiber Design Lita Laceweight yarn, 80% Extrafine Merino/20% Silk in the Lauren colorway. Love love love her yarn.

Random : Sneak peek + Rhinebeck!

2011-10-12T12:04:00.002-04:00

Do you remember the secret project I was working on? Well it is currently on the blocking board, and that couldn't get me more excited. I received the permission of Dani from Lionessarts to post a sneak peek, so come on, feast your eyes on that gorgeous yarn.

As for my Aubépine, the pattern is not yet written. My goal is to have it up on screen before Rhinebeck this weekend. Wait wait wait. Did I say Rhinebeck? Yes!! I will travel with my good knitty friend all the way down from Montréal to go check out this famous Wool and Fiber festival! See you there this weekend!

FO: Aubépine

2011-10-06T15:35:00.003-04:00

Oh, how I love wearable knits! Aubépine is an elegant hip-length top featuring a V-neck, both in front and back, dolman short sleeves, and a delicate double stitch and cable stitch pattern. The garment consists in 2 identical panels sewn together and a picked-up neck band. Plus, it is easy to wear over a pair of jeans, a skirt or even leggings, with a belt to show that waist of yours! Knitted with Skein's Merino/Silk Sport yarn in Raku, this top is flowy and light but still keeps you warm.

This yarn, my friend, this yarn... first, the color is absolutely gorgeous. I mean, who would expect a variagated yarn to behave like that with a cable pattern? And the base (50% Merino, 50% Silk) takes blocking wonderfully!

The pattern is not yet written, but I gathered my notes and am working on it...

Random : Has it been this long?

2011-10-05T14:01:00.002-04:00

Hi guys!

Oh my God. Has it been this long since my last post? Almost a month?! What?!? Honestly, I didn't even notice! I thought I was even doing great at blogging! Well, I guess it's my bad...

I think I didn't see the time fly because I was so busy, in my knitting life as in my personal life. I changed job for a new one in my field (I'm translating video games... isn't it fun or what!), my boyfriend got his knee surgery, and I had a bunch of stuff to do in between. And I knitted! A secret project that will be soon revealed, and the pattern that was suppose to be published on October 1st. Talking about it...

Well, you guys remembered my self-given challenge (publish one pattern at the beginning of the month each month)? I guess that one didn't stood up! Second month and I am already behind! But my boyfriend told me "Why don't you take your time and publish when you are ready?". Well because... yeah, because what? I decided to stop stressing and worrying about it. After all, knitting is suppose to be fun, not stressful!

Oh and sorry.... no pictures this time :-(

What's Hot: Ravelry (24)

2011-09-12T11:17:00.003-04:00

Hi guys! How about you get back , relax and enjoy a What's Hot on Ravelry post? 1, 2, 3, GO!!

FO: Wispy cardigan

2011-09-09T13:43:00.005-04:00

Raveled Here!

Pattern source: Wispy cardigan by Hannah Fettig (Knitbot)

Yarn: Malabrigo Lace in colorway Verde Esperanza

Size made: 34"

Hi guys! Finally, this cardigan is done! It sat in the knitting basket for a long time, went to Europe, was worked on 2 rows at a time... but after much efforts and numerous hiatuses, I finally can wear my Wispy cardigan!

I only have good words about this cardigan. The construction in ingenious and clever, the fit is amazing and the cardigan is just so easy to make! Don't let the lace weight yarn scare you: with US #6, it goes way faster than you think! And the yarn... a dream to knit with and so many colored possibilities! Thank you Hannah for this wonderful design!

Random : I feel like knitting

2011-09-05T17:24:00.001-04:00

Hi guys!

What a week! After releasing a pattern (thanks for all your great comments!), working at my regular job, and running some errands, I found little time to knit. And at one point, all I wished to do was stay at home, alone and knit!

The weather wasn't helping either. We had some fresh and frisky nights in Montreal this week, and I feel like knitting something cozy!

Let me tell you how I usually plan my knitting (I think that with my one-pattern-a-month challenge, you guys know I like to plan things out!). On the needles I always have some designs that I keep at home, a mindless knitting project for the transit or knit nights (usually something I plan on knitting for a long time. There is so many beautiful designs out there!). Unfortunately, my transit/knit nights project is done (more on that later!) and I think I know exactly which one I want to knit next. Something said cozy and quick to knit! Aidez from Cirilia Rose...

New Design : Zébulon

2011-08-30T09:40:00.004-04:00

4.00$ US

Finished measurements

Length at center back: 30 inches; Width: 75 inches

Yarn
1 skein of Skein Yarns Vintage Lace (Lace / 2 ply, 70% Alpaca, 20% Silk, 10% Cashmere 876 yards)

Needles
US4 / 3.50 mm, 40” or longer circular needles Adjust needle size to obtain correct gauge.

Notions
Stitch markers, tapestry needle

Gauge
34 sts and 40 rows = 4” / 10 cm in Stockinette stitch

Kristen from Skein yarns is having a shop update on Friday, September 2nd (Australia time, so it will still be September 1st here). She will add lots of Vintage Lace, so make sure to check her Etsy shop because her yarns are bought quick quick quick! I am so happy Kristen asked me to design something with her yarn: just wait when you hold it and pet it...

Hey! But wait... let me take a closer look... yeah, you're right, it's not September 1st yet! Wow, a 2 days early pattern release? Awesome! Well, let me explain... Unfortunately, I wouldn't be able to release the pattern until Sunday September 4th, and I hate to be overdue, and I was so excited to release the pattern that meh! why not release it early? It's way more fun this way!

Last but not least... how do you feel about buy print patterns?...

Random : Secret projects keep coming

2011-08-22T10:57:00.003-04:00

Secret projects are two-faced. The happy face is that they are really exciting and they always mean that you get either published or mentioned somewhere. The sad face is you can not talk about them until they get released.

But today, I can show the two faces of a secret project. I'm starting to work on a secret project, which means ssshhhh. Let's just say that the lovely Dani from Lioness Arts ask me to knit something. I am also seeing one of my design released Wednesday, August 24th in the Fall Issue 2011 of the Knitcircus magazine! Stay tuned....

On the needles : Aubépine

2011-08-17T14:57:00.003-04:00

Hi guys! What? 3 posts in 3 days? I told you, I am THAT motivated! And since my pattern Zébulon will be ready for September 1st, I thought I could already start the pattern to be released on October 1st (see my self given challenge...). I don't want to spoil it too much, but let's just say that Aubépine won't be a cowl, a shawl nor a hat. Yes, it'll be bigger... And just look at this yarn. When I received this package from Kristen over at Skein Yarns, I was more than thrilled! Her Merino/Silk (colorway Raku) is just to die for. Is it possible to fall in love with a yarn?

What's Hot: Ravelry (23)

2011-08-16T09:15:00.002-04:00

Hi guys! Wow, 2 posts in 2 days? Yes, I am that motivated! I don't know, having a FO to show you, lots of new projects on the needles and looking forward to Fall make me want to blog more! And here is your treat: a much much much over due issue of What's Hot on Ravelry!

FO: Zébulon

2011-08-15T08:51:00.005-04:00

I admire lace shawl designers. Because honestly, designing a shawl is way harder than I thought it would be! But you know what? I loved designing Zébulon.

This time, I mainly went with the flow. I had some vague ideas, I tried them out, didn't work out. Usually, I have a precise image in my head of what I want to design. It was fun to experiment!

The Zébulon shawl pattern will be the first one to be part of my self given challenge: release date, September 1st! Stay tuned...

Random : Knitting and a self given challenge

2011-08-08T09:17:00.007-04:00

Hi guys!

Can I be honest with you guys? I miss blogging. I miss taking pictures, reading your comments, posting my work on here. And who's fault is it? Summer! I'm always outside, staying away from the computer as much as I can. Is is Fall yet?

Even though I don't post it here, I've been a busy bee! Almost every spare time is deidcated to knitting, and I have tons of new ideas! I'm still working on my Zébulon shawl in Skein Yarns Vintage Lace, and I have a few designs on the back burner as well, but there is a new mini collection taking form in here...

And now, what is this "self given challenge" I talked about in the title? Let me explain: I love doing lists, having this to do, having deadlines. I know, it might sound silly, but I love having a date, a goal in mind when I knit. Ok, maybe not that silly, but it helps me a lot in order to achieve something. So here is my self given challenge: I will try, as of September 1st 2011, to release a new design every 1st of a month! That means, on September 1st, stay tuned, because my Zébulon shawl will be ready and live!

That mean I should start other designs right away....

On the needles : Zébulon

2011-07-25T13:08:00.003-04:00

Hi guys!

This yarn... this yarn is amazing. Skein Yarns Vintage Lace in Quill colorway... Those colors... for a new design...

FO: Dayne's Dishclothes

2011-07-15T16:36:00.003-04:00

Hi guys! Do you remember my knitworthy friend? Well he needs some hand knitted dishclothes...

On the needles : Wispy cardigan

2011-07-07T14:24:00.004-04:00

Hi guys! Secret projects are going along nicely, so I decided to treat me and picked up my Wispy cardigan...

Random : Some knitting content?

2011-06-29T14:14:00.005-04:00

Hi guys! Yes, I said that I was going to blog more, but man, with all that gorgeous weather (and sadly all that work) I have a hard time staying in front of the computer! But don't worry, My free time is (almost) dedicated to knitting. Unfortunately, what I am currently working on is a no show (secret!). But that might change in a few days, I might have something to show you!

I love it when designers post pictures of their current work in progress. I love to see a design take form and knowing what the designer is thinking while creating it. That is why, in the next few days, I will *try* to post pictures of one design I've been thinking about for a long time now.

Isn't this yarn just gorgeous?!? Vintage Lace from Skein Yarns is just the lovely. The color, hand dyed, is rich and fabulous, the base is 70% Baby Alpaca, 20% Silk and 10% Cashmere. What could I say more? And I think it will be perfect for a stole...

Random : Where have I been?

2011-06-17T07:22:00.004-04:00

Me in front of the Alps at the Bodensee, Bavaria, Germany

Hi guys!

It has been such a long time since my last post. I could start and find excuses and reasons of why I didn't post in over a month. Let's just hear the important one: I was on vacation!

I don't want to start right away to tell you my trip, it deserves several posts on its own. Lets just say that I had an amazing time and that I bought some yarn! I spend little time knitting (secret projects...), and I have a lot to do in the upcoming 2 weeks (some sleepless/knitfull nights?)...

Have a nice week-end guys, and stay tuned because I am back on track and I plan on blogging more and more!

What's Hot: Ravelry (22)

2011-05-11T09:29:00.003-04:00

Hi guys! I know I know, this blog post is so overdue: it as been almost two weeks since my last post! Unfortunately, I did not spend the last 2 weeks knitting. No, my wrist got injured in a bicycle accident, but now it is feeling better and I can think about knitting again. Those past 2 weeks were awful, but some nice (and secret) projects are coming! That said, stay tuned and enjoy a What's Hot on Ravelry post!

FO: Calligraphy Cardigan

2011-04-28T21:33:00.005-04:00

Hi guys! Guess who's modelling Hannah Fettig's new design, the Calligraphy Cardigan?

Hehe you guessed right, me! Yes, the famous Hannah Fettig asked me to knit her the sample and model the cardigan!

This cardigan is done since the end of March, but I couldn't talk about it for obvious reasons. And I have 3 things to say:

I love the yarn (Madelinetosh tosh DK). It is incredible, soft and the subtle color changes are gorgeous.
The pattern was really well written and the fit is amazing.
Hannah Fettig is a very, very sweet person!

Since it is a sample knit, I had to send the cardigan back to Hannah. I was a little bit sad, I liked it so much... maybe I could knit another one...

Yarn Candy: Malabrigo Lace, colorway Tortuga

2011-04-26T12:51:00.003-04:00

Interview : Skein yarns

2011-04-22T09:57:00.005-04:00

Hi guys! I am really, really happy to post this interview of Kristen from Skein Yarns. I absolutely LOVE her hand dyed yarns, and I am not the only one! She opened her Etsy shop for business in May 2010, and she has already over 2000 sales! This is pretty impressive, but not so much if you look at her gorgeous yarns. I mean, they sell themselves! Check her Etsy shop as fast as you can when she updates it, because you might miss it! Let's hear what she has to say!

How would you describe your work in three words?

Colour Infused Yarns/Fiber (I know thats technically 4 words, but I couldn't resist :))

Where to you get your inspiration?

I get my inspiration from everywhere films, blogs, magazines, landscapes. Sometimes even a word or phrase that I hear sets my mind to thinking about a certain colour or colour combination. I have a small notebook that I carry around so that when I get an idea I can jot it down...otherwise I tend to forget.

What is your favorite hand made gift to give?

I love giving little crochet tea mats/pot holders away..they are so handy and colourful and are really quick to make, plus they use up spare yarn.

If you had an extra hour in a day, what would you do with it?

I wish! I would probably use it to teach myself how to spin. I brought a spinning wheel months ago and I think I've used it 4-5 times, so if I had an extra hour a day I would be using it to spin.

Is there other crafts beside fiber crafts that you like?

I sew, in fact I have a pile of gorgeous fabric ready to be cut into squares to make a simple patchwork quilt...I'm intending to hand quilt it, which will probably take years. And of course I knit, which I absolutely love.

Are you a perfectionist?

Yes, which is a real pain at times because I will spend hours on something trying to get it right when I really should have been satisfied hours ago! I seem to loose a lot of my time this way.

Favorite sense: sight, hearing, smell, taste or touch?

Sight, definitely sight is my favourite sense....taste is a close second.

What is the best advice you've ever received?

I got to the point in my previous career where I just fell completely out of love with what I was doing, my Etsy store had started to pick up and I had a really good feeling that maybe I could turn this into a full time job. I was talking to my mother about what I should do....do I stay with the 'stable' job or do I take a gamble and leave my job (and steady income!) to pursue what I loved doing..my mother said 'Do whatever makes you happy'. Of course a few months later I left my job and I haven't once regretted my decision. That was the best advise ever.

What do you wish for yourself and your business?

That my business continues to grow and that I continue to enjoy what Im doing....it really is the BEST job ever!

Thank you so much Kristen for taking time to answer my questions! You can also read another awesome interview of Kristen at 1000 Alpaca blog. And go check her Etsy shop! (Quick, I know her update was today...)

Oh, and I'll be patiently waiting for some Skein yarn... for an exclusive pattern! I can't wait for the yarn to arrive! Stay tuned...

What's Hot: Ravelry (21)

2011-04-19T10:06:00.003-04:00

Random : Giveaway winner!

2011-04-18T12:21:00.003-04:00

Hi guys!

It's here! It's here! My notebook!

Yes, the Freewheelin' one! A lot of you liked the Bridges & Ballons and the Black Bird one. I almost want them too...

And the winner is ....

KathyR! "The City Sleeps notebook - I like the pocket inside the covers."

Congratulations! Contact me at fallingstitches[at]gmail[dot]com to claim you prize, one pattern of your choice from my Ravelry pattern store!

On the needles: Wispy Cardigan

2011-04-15T11:30:00.003-04:00

Hi guys!

First things first. Yesterday was my last exam. Which means... I finished school!!! I am done!!! Finally, after 5 years of studying at University, I can now say that I am a graduated student, and that I have 3 diplomas: one minor in translation, one minor in German studies and one major in Linguistic. Hello world, here I come.

And now something more title related, my Wispy cardigan. Oh, how much do I love it! Malabrigo lace, stockinette stitch, ingenious shaping... It is really a pleasure to knit. Yes, lace weight sweaters can be scary, but this yarn is a bijou and all that Stockinette stitch keep it oh so simple.

I was planning on bringing it on our 3 weeks vacation in Europe, but I guess I'll have to find another project... I'll have it finish way before we head to France!

Don't forget to participate to my "Guess which notebook I bought" giveaway! I thought my notebook would be in the mail by now, but no... still waiting... so participate!

Random : Villeray FOs

2011-04-13T10:18:00.003-04:00

Hi guys! Today I want to show you some fabulously gorgeous FOs of my spring scarf pattern Villeray. As a designer, it is always heartwarming to see what knitters come up with our patterns. The colors they choose, the fiber, how they style it... And I have to say that the knitters who knitted my Villeray nailed it!

Villeray by Ellemme

Villeray by Azélie

Villeray by ittybitty

Villeray by maanel

Villeray is the perfect Spring and Summer scarf. It is light, airy and feminine. The lace detailed is really easy to memorize and it requires only one skein of sock weight yarn! Perfect for that special skein you didn't know what to knit with...

Buy it here on my blog , on Ravelry or you can find it here in my Etsy shop!

Oh and I almost forgot... there is still time to participate in my Guess which notebook I bought giveaway (one winner will win the pattern of his/her choice from my Ravelry pattern store!) Everybody can win!

What's Hot: Etsy (2)

2011-04-07T19:42:00.004-04:00

I bought myself a new notebook. Guess which one I picked!
One winner (randomly drawn, even if you didn't find it!) will win a pattern (of his/her choice) from my Ravelry pattern store... Check back here to see if you've won! The giveaway ends when I receive my notebook...

What's Hot: Ravelry (20)

2011-04-05T17:16:00.004-04:00

Hi guys! This week's What's Hot on Ravelry is short but certainly sweet! Enjoy!

On the needles : knitting is my outlet

2011-04-01T16:42:00.005-04:00

Hi guys!
Although school and homework are eating all my time, knitting keeps me sane. In stressful situations, knitting is the perfect outlet. But things need to stay simple!

Do you remember my knit worthy friend? The one I was talking about in this post? Well his birthday was in February, and I didn't know what to give him, until I saw that he only had one dishcloth! The morning after I was casting on for some simply simple garter stitch dishclothes. Perfect on-the-go project.

I'm waiting for some secret stuff for secret projects, so in the mean time I casted on the Wispy cardigan from Hannah Fettig. I bought the pattern and the yarn a while ago, so I decided it was the right time. Yes, stockinette stitch is simple, but in Malabrigo Lace? That is for the days I feel good...

Finally, last night I was having a startitis crisis. So not me! I usually finish a project before I cast on for another, or I don't mind having one small project and a bigger project. But last night, I was tired of working on my Wispy cardigan and the dishclothes weren't really appealing. I casted on Aidez cardigan from Cirilia Rose, but I was feeling so bad that I left the cast on row like this. I just couldn't knit another project without finishing my WIPs ...

And you guys, what are you working on? Do you mind working on more than one thing?

Random : SpaceCamp Subscription!

2011-03-31T16:37:00.002-04:00

Hi guys! Just to let you know that today is the last day to subscribe to Space Cadet Creations' SpaceCamp Yarn club! Check out her website for more details!

What's Hot: Ravelry (19)

2011-03-29T18:02:00.005-04:00

Hi guys! I know I know... almost one whole week without a blog post! I'm used to blog more than that! But listen, in my defense, I have been sick, the semester work are getting crazier and the due date are coming closer! Plus, I had to work on the secret project, which I can't blog about (stay tuned!)...

But don't worry, a lot of other knitty things are happening right now: it's the only thing that can keep me safe throughout this storm of papers and assignments! Save the date: April 13th, everything is over!

Until then, enjoy a What's Hot on Ravelry!

What's Hot: Etsy (1)

2011-03-23T07:22:00.002-04:00

Hi guys! I think that this Etsy treasury sums up my current state...

Have a happy rest of the week!

FO: Béthanie II

2011-03-18T12:27:00.003-04:00

Hi guys! This FO was done a long time ago, but I just gave it to its recipient this week. Another Béthanie inifinity scarf, knitted with Rowan Purelife Cotton DK, two strands held together.

I really love the result, and so does my friend!

To finish this post on :

A personal note, let's just say that there is only 4 weeks left of school before I graduate...

A knitty note, the secret project is almost done, the deadline is coming fast...

Have a nice week-end!

Interview : SpaceCadet Creations

2011-03-16T17:45:00.005-04:00

Hi guys! I am really happy to introduce you a new post tag, {Interview} ! For time to time, I will post the answers of a fiber artist, and talk a little bit about him/her.

All pictures are under copyright of SpaceCadet Creations

The first person answering my questions is Stephanie from SpaceCadet Creations. She is a lovely, smart and dedicated to her art yarn dyer. Her business, SpaceCadet Creations, is growing and growing and she is having more and more success! Here is what she has to say!

How would you describe your work in three words? SpaceCadet Creations is all about modern, funky, and fresh!
Where do you get your inspiration? Absolutely everywhere – the world is full of colour! But in truth, I get the most of it from inside my own head. I have something called synesthesia – it’s a condition where the senses don’t fully separate during infant development and what it means for me is that I literally see colours all the time. I know it sounds crazy to anyone who doesn’t have this, but it’s true! Hearing music makes colours dance before my eyes, and physical sensations, such as stubbing my toe or feeling a warm breeze, creates colours in my mind. As a dyer, it means I have colour inspiration constantly!
What is your favorite hand made gift to give? I absolutely love creating colourways for my friends and giving them yarns that are custom-made just for them. And for my friends who don’t knit or crochet… wait, what are those?!?
If you had an extra hour in a day, what would you do with it? Probably sleep! I’m a total nightowl and happy to stay up and work to 1am, 2am, later… but the world doesn’t work that way and expects me to be up before noon, so I am perpetually short of sleep!
Is there other crafts beside fiber crafts that you like? I love to cook! Does that count as a craft? And having moved back to the US after living all my adult life in Britain, I find that the foods that I can get here are completely different from the what I got there, so cooking has become an adventure all over again. It’s been a lot of fun, discovering new ingredients and new recipes that work in the US!
Are you a perfectionist? In some areas and not in others. I try to be very precise in my dyeing – I see a colour in my mind and I want to recreate it exactly, which can be a bit difficult as I dye strictly from primaries and hand-mix all my colours. I also like my dyeing to look really tidy: nice clean changes of colour, not much splotchiness. It’s funny, because I know a lot of my customers aren’t nearly as fussy about it as I am – some of them even like the splotchiness. And there I am, trying to keep my dyeing all perfect, but you should see my house – half the time it looks like a bomb’s hit it!
Favorite sense: sight, hearing, smell, taste or touch? I think smell, because it’s so very evocative. The smell of something from my childhood will take me straight back there! The smell of kettle on a gas stove takes me right to my grandmother’s kitchen in Yorkshire… the smell of Imperial Leather soap does too. And there is nothing, nothing, nothing like the smell of the warmth in the air on a spring breeze!
Do you have a key phrase that keeps you going? Like a mantra? One day, quite a while ago now, the phrase “it’s ok to struggle” popped into my head. I’d been working on something difficult, really struggling with it, and beating myself up for not getting it straight away… when those words popped into my head, and I realized I needed to stop beating myself up, and to stop expecting myself to get everything right the first time. It’s only through struggle that we learn, and only through struggling that we improve. So, it’s ok to struggle, whether the struggle is with some big issue in my life or just in dyeing skein after skein before finally hitting the perfect colour.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? I actually think it’s the answer to the previous question, to know that it’s ok to have to try, try again.
What do you wish for yourself and your business? I am thoroughly enjoying creating my colourways, talking to my customers, and watching my business grow. It is such a an exciting time right now! We’ve done our first knitting festival (Pittsburgh Knit & Crochet), we’re about to do HomeSpun Yarn Party in the DC/Baltimore area on March 27, and – I am SO EXCITED about this – we’ve just launched SpaceCamp, the SpaceCadet’s new yarn club, with subscriptions open until the end of the March. It has been such a whirlwind of exciting activity around here! So, I guess, to answer your question, what I really want for myself and the business is for all this excitement and fun to never, ever end!

Thank you so much Stephanie for being so generous! I think you answered my questions like a pro!

Like she said in her answers, don't forget to go look (and subscribe to) at her Yarn club! It's a incredible opportunity to support an artist and knit with gorgeous yarn! Her banner will be on my blog until the subscription time ends. Oh, and just to let you know, I plan on winning her giveaway on her blog...

You can also reach Stephanie on these following platforms:

Website

Yarn club info (subscriptions open until 31 March)
Current contest (ends Thurs 17 March)
Twitter @SpaceCadetCreat
Facebook
Ravelry Group

You would like to be featured? You are a fiber artist? Contact me at fallingstitches[at]gmail[dot[com]

Yarn Candy: Merino/Silk Sport from Skein yarns

2011-03-14T11:19:00.005-04:00

It's here! It's here! The "patience" has paid off!
I was lucky enough to receive a gorgeous sample skein of Merino/Silk Sport from Kristen at Skein Yarns in "Rouge" color way.

I can't way to swatch with it...

Random : That waiting is killing me!

2011-03-11T11:01:00.005-05:00

I'm disappointed. Yes, disappointed, sad, frustrated! But, why? you say. Because I am waiting for some gorgeous yarn and it's not there. Not there. Nope. The mail lady came this morning, and there was only junkmail in my mailbox.

But but but? I calculated the time it was suppose to take? I'm usually right with delivery times? No? Argh!!

I wanted to do a "yarn candy" post today. Not anymore! In french, we say C'est tombé à l'eau, which means "it fell into the water" ...

I will not leave you empty handed though. My yarn comes from Kristen from Skein yarns. Here is what you can see in her Etsy boutique...

Scrumptious isn't it? Go check her blog out : www.skeinyarns.blogspot.com. Her yarn is the prettiest, but her projects are also gorgeous! (check out her Claire Bennet jacket!). Don't forget about her, I will talk about her a lot more later... Have a nice week-end!

What's Hot: Ravelry (18)

2011-03-08T10:18:00.003-05:00

Hi guys! Here's this week What's Hot on Ravelry! Enjoy and get your queue ready! On my part, my needles are on fire (for the secret project), as is my nose... go away cold!

Promotion: Snow day in Montreal!

2011-03-07T16:53:00.003-05:00

Hi guys!

We got a big snowstorm in Montreal today.

Use the coupon code SNOWDAYMONTREAL in my Etsy boutique and get 25% off!

Have a nice snow day!

New Design : Gespeg

2011-03-04T09:11:00.003-05:00

3.00$ USD

Ravelry pattern page

Size

17” unstreched (meant to be stretched out on head) (Blue version)
19” unstreched (meant to be stretched out on head) (Pink version)

Gauge

Size 17” : 4” (10 cm) = 21sts x 40 rows in Double diamond st pattern with US 7/4.5mm
Size 19” : 4” (10 cm) = 19sts x 36 rows in Double diamond st pattern with US 8/5.0mm

Needles

For size 17” (19”) : One set of 5 dpns US 7/4.5mm (US 8/5.0mm ) knitting needles OR size needed to get gauge.
Cable needle

Yarn

Both sizes: 1 skein of Cascade Yarn 220 in Westpoint blue (100g, 220 yards, 100% wool)
OR 1 skein of Madelinetosh tosh vintage in Isadora (110g, 200 yards, 100% Merino)
OR at least 200 yards of any worsted weight yarn.

Gespeg is a slouch hat, perfect for cold days or chilly nights. Gespeg features a slipped stitch pattern, a twisted stitch ribbing, and beautiful crown shaping and just enough slouch to have a young and hip vibe. Pull it down on your ears or wear it a little bit higher, you won’t want to take it off! This pattern features charted and written instructions for both stitch pattern and crown shaping. Pattern has been tested and proof read.

I had so much fun designing this hat. I had fun working all those slipped stitches and seeing the stitch pattern come alive. And working with Madelinetosh is just about a dream come true! Yes, one of my knitting resolution was to buy some Madelinetosh for the first time. Now I can cross it off the list!

It was also my second collaboration with my photograph friend Laurie. We are really closed friends and it's always a pleasure to model for her!

On another note, I'm currently working on a super secret yet very exciting project. I will have to hustle and work like a mad knitter, but it will be oh so worth it! secret secret....

Have a nice week-end!

What's Hot: Ravelry (17)

2011-03-02T07:57:00.003-05:00

Hi guys! This week's What's Hot on Ravelry is somewhat small, but those designs are gorgeous! Enjoy!

Random : Knit worthy

2011-02-28T14:37:00.003-05:00

Humorous knitting tags from Knitterella

As a knitter, I'm always willing to knit something for the people I love. For my dear boyfriend, for his mom, for my mom, for my close friends (the ones that don't know how to knit!), for my relatives. And as knitters, you guys know what a knitted gift means to us. It's neither just yarn nor just time. It's the love we put in. Every knitted stitch is made with the recipient in mind. And we want the gift to be perfect, to be amazing! Even if it's a simple scarf. Because you know that they'll love and cherish it.

As a knitter, I've also knit for not so knit worthy people. You know, you say yes, you don't really want to but the person seems so enthusiastic. And so you knit, and knit, and sometimes it's not a project you really want to knit but you do it anyway. You can't wait to finish it, so you can knit something you will really enjoy. And you hope that, at least, the recipient will like it. And they don't always do.

Where do I go with this? Well, this week-end I just discovered a knit worthy friend. For Christmas I knitted him a simple yet filled with love scarf. I didn't know how he would react. It was the first time I was knitting for him. He loved it, but you know how sometimes guys are, they do not extend their joy. So, I can say that I was pleased with his reaction.

Fast forward to this week-end. It was his 25th birthday, and we were having a great time with friends. One of his girl friends that I just met was staring at my knitted shawlette and asked : "Are you his friend who knits?" I said yes. She was so excited to meet me, because apparently my friend talks about me when he wears his scarf. And he wears it. A lot.

As a knitter, there is absolutely nothing that can beat the feeling of a loved knitted gift. Absolutely nothing. And I think that, if we think about it, that's why we knit. Have a nice week!

Sneak Peek: Gespeg

2011-02-25T16:52:00.003-05:00

It's off to the test knitters...

What's Hot: Ravelry (16)

2011-02-22T09:47:00.003-05:00

Hi Guys! You are lucky. Two What's Hot on Ravelry within a week! I couldn't wait any longer to post it, there is some gorgeous new patterns that came out over the week-end! Enjoy!

Random : Stylish Blogger award!

2011-02-21T10:48:00.004-05:00

Hi Guys! This morning I woke up with a sweet surprise: I was nominate by Bridget from Spinndiva and received a Stylish Blogger award! If you're wondering what it is, it's a unofficial award designed by a person who reads your blog. This person was also nominated by one of her/his follower. Isn't it a great way to say "continue to blog!"?

I love awards like that, because they are a great way to hear about readers. The other fun part is: you have 3 small tasks to do. The first one is thanking the person who nominated you. So here I go Bridget, thank you again for nominating me! You've been one of my first followers, if not the first, and you've always been there. My success, my sad story, my projects... I am more than happy I have been nominated by you! Check out her blog, she really is a giving person, she is so lovely and delightful! Ok. Did I thanked you enough? hihi!

The second task sharing with you 7 personal things that you probably don't know about me:

When I was about 18 years-old, I had my hair dyed. I had every color. Blue, red, orange, pink (that was awesome), violet, green, yellow, black... Since then, my hair have always stayed brown, my natural color.
Before knitting, I had 2 passions: music and drawing. I studied music for more than 10 years. I play piano, bass clarinet, orchestral percussions and I babble drums. And I used to sell my drawings. I stopped, because I didn't had fun anymore...
I don't have any allergies.
I don't smell anything. Yes, you read right: I don't smell anything or so. I was born this way (funny reference to Lady Gaga perhaps?).
I love to exercise.
I also love to eat, which balances it out!
I don't like summer!

Hey that was fun! Now my third and last task is to give the Stylish Blogger Award to 15 other blogs! Wow that's a lot! But hey, I love to give, so here we go!

Thea from Baby Cocktails : I love her designs and her posts!
Eva from Missingstitch : We can see her bloom at every project!
Allison from The Sweatshop of love : Always so lovely!
Kristen from Skein : I'm just so jealous of her success!
Hannah from Palindrome Knits : We have so much same tastes!
Gudrun from The Shetland Trader : Huge fan. It says it all.
Hannah from Knitbot : Again, huge fan.
Veera from 100% rain : Who doesn't love her designs?!
Alana from Never Not Knitting : Her photographs are always so beautiful!

Have a nice week everyone!

What's Hot: Ravelry (15)

2011-02-18T10:18:00.001-05:00

15th What's Hot on Ravelry! Thank you so much guys for all the wonderful comments about this column. And to thank you even more, use the coupon code WHATSHOTONRAVELRY and get 25% off of everything in my Ravelry pattern store and my Etsy boutique! The promotion runs until 8pm Sunday night (Eastern North America time)! Enjoy!

FO: Lace Legwarmers

2011-02-16T16:52:00.004-05:00

Raveled here!

Yarn: Classic Elite Yarns Alpaca Six

Needles: 3.0 mm / US 2.5

Source: CEY website, by Pam Allen

Overall: I love them!

Daylight time in Winter is short. So short, that I waited at least 2 weeks before I could take pictures of my lovely Lace Legwarmers! So after school, I grab the camera and took advantage of the last sunshine rays...

They're perfect over leggings, with a short winter skirt, or even with skinny jeans!

I did follow the pattern throughout: I did one cuff 1.5" long, 8 chart repeats, and then another 1" long cuff. The pattern says to do increases at some point. I didn't need to! I used smaller needles than recommended and they ended just the right size! And if I would've follow the pattern, I would've run out of yarn... now, both legwarmers weight exactly 50g each!

I would totally do them again, if I hadn't so many things to do, for school and knitting...

On the needles: Squeezing in

2011-02-14T15:42:00.008-05:00

Despite school and work, I manage to squeeze in some *small* knitting time.

Gespeg (here the prototype in some Cascade 220 leftovers from Émilien) is a crossbreed between a beret and a beanie. I love wearing hats, but berets have the unfortunate tendency to be useless in winter, and beanies don't have enough space for all my hair.

After finishing the Gespeg prototype, I wanted to test knit it, but with a truly gorgeous yarn. And, one of my knitting resolution this year was to buy some Madelinetosh for the first time. And so I did, I bought some gorgeous Madelinetosh Vintage in Isadora colorway. I love the subtle tone changes! And Isadora is a color that will be in this Spring!

Do you remember the German assistant who bought from me three scarves for Christmas? Well the recipients loved them, and now she wants one for herself! Since she's allergic to animal fibers, I'm using some Pure Cotton DK from Rowan for another Béthanie. I think I'll have to finish it soon, before Winter ends!

I'm also working on something that I can't show you... but it has a deadline!

Villeray

2011-02-11T14:23:00.003-05:00

3.00$ USD

Raveled here!

Yarn : 2 skeins of Fleece Artist Merino 20/60 (115g, 342 yards per skein). To achieve the pattern’s lenght, you will only use a small amount of the second skein. You will use approximately 450 yards of yarn. If you want to use a substitute yarn, one skein of Malabrigo Sock or Madeline Tosh light will be enough.

Needles : One pair of straight 3mm/US 2.5 knitting needles or needles size to get gauge

Gauge : 22sts x 30 rows = 4’’ in Spider lace pattern, blocked.

Villeray is an airy and flowy scarf, perfect for chilly Spring mornings and evenings. The all-over lace pattern gives a feminine touch to this upcoming season accessory.

Long and wide enough to be worn many ways, Villeray is ideal to complete any outfit!

I'm really, really happy about this design. It came out exactly as I wanted, lacy, light but just enough warm to be worn all day in an office, at school or outside!

And as for a knitter, Villeray is a really convienient pattern: it only requires one skein of sock yarn! It’s time to use that cherished skein!

What's Hot: Ravelry (14)

2011-02-08T16:35:00.002-05:00

After receiving positive comments about the new format (yay!), I reiterate this week! Enjoy!

Sneak Peek: Villeray

2011-02-04T11:44:00.002-05:00

Pattern coming soon!

What's Hot: Ravelry (13)

2011-01-31T13:09:00.003-05:00

Hi guys! This week's What's Hot on Ravelry is different. The way I used to do this post was taking me way too much time. It took to much time to a) gather a whole bunch of beautiful new patterns, and b) format and edit all the pictures. I will try to publish this post more often, but with less contents. I also changed the way I presented the pattern. Let me know what you think! Did you like the sections better? Do you still want to know which one's my fav? I'm waiting for your feedback!

Back in the knitting basket

2011-01-28T15:18:00.008-05:00

February is coming, and even though Winter is far from over, I can hear Spring knocking at the door. We knitters have to think at least one season ahead, if we want to wear our masterpieces. And you know what? I'm no exception. I'm a knitter, and I'm thinking one season ahead. This is why, my friends, I decided to put warm and cozy Iberville back in the knitting basket. Yes! I mean, why would I want to knit something that I will only wear in several months? I love it with a passion, but my heart is screaming for something else!

One of my 2010 knitting resolution was Knitting must stay a pleasure. Even though I did succeed last year with this resolution, it doesn't mean that it's now out-of-date. I'm sticking to it. And knitting Iberville doesn't give me any knitting pleasure right now.

This is why, after looking through my inspiration board, I decided to cast on something springy, summery, light and feminine. I wanted something that I could easily wear on a chilly Summer night, or all day during Spring. And I wanted lace.

I had three skeins of gorgeous Fleece Artist Merino 2/6 sleeping in the same knitting basket where I've put back Iberville (yes, I have a few). I knew they would be perfect! And this, at least, will be ready for the right season!

Etsy update

2011-01-24T12:35:00.005-05:00

Hi guys!

Just to let you know... I updated my Etsy boutique with some new gorgeous Stitch Markers (click on my Etsy boutique on the right!)

If only I could knit more!

2011-01-21T14:12:00.005-05:00

Despite all the work I have with school, I managed to squeeze some knitting time. One of my 2011 knitting resolution is to blog more, again despite all the schoolwork. And I'm really proud because I feel like I'm blogging more!

I wanted to show you some sneak peeks of Iberville, which will be a new design. I wanted some vintage-ski pullover fair isle, and something cozy. With these patterns and the Berroco Peruvia Quick (Super Bulky), I think everything is checked...

I'm super excited about it. But, sorry for the crappy pictures. It's -20 Celsius outside, it's über sonny, and unfortunately, I'm not able to take pretty pictures...

I'm just a little but disappointed; not because of how the design is going or the yarn! Not, I'm disappointed because I don't have enough spare time to work on it! Let's just say that I am halfway through the body part...

Ok, time to go back to homework! *sigh*

What's Hot on Ravelry? Issue # 12

2011-01-18T16:49:00.002-05:00

I know you've been waiting for it! The first What's Hot on Ravelry Issue of 2011!!! I hope you made some room in your queue! Oh and... I shamelessly included my newest patterns in there somewhere! Have fun and enjoy!

MY FAVORITE (and in my queue!)

CARDIGANS AND PULLOVERS

SHOULDER AND NECK WEAR

HEAD WEAR

HAND WEAR

LITTLE ONES

Giveaway winner!

2011-01-15T20:43:00.004-05:00

Thank you very much to all of you guys who participated. I am really happy to announce the winner of the 100 (read lot more) followers giveaway:

Carla!

"I love reading your blog because of the Rav Roundups, but also because that AWESOME striped fella's cardigan keeps showing up! I just love it! I hope I win, just to get that pattern!

Carla"

Thank you all again for your participation and Congratulations to you Carla!

FO: Kerrera

2011-01-14T13:56:00.005-05:00

Raveled here!

Yarn: Berroco Ultra Alpaca in Lichen Mix; 6,2 skeins

Needles: 5,5mm and 5mm

Source: Kerrera by Gudrun Johnston

Overall: I'm dead from too much love.

Psst... update: Go look at the pattern page on Ravelry! My pic is there!

I am really, really, excited. This garment is, in my opinion, one of the best garment I've made for myself. I am really, really happy. I know, I say really all the time. Although this time, it is love, love, love!

But this love story didn't happen before a long time. At the beginning, even before casting on, I was in love with this cardigan. I had the yarn in my stash, the pattern was already bought. It's just that, I was afraid. Yes, I was feeling like a high school girl, too shy to talk to guys. I was afraid to cast this sweater on. Everything felt scary: the double garter stitch, the short-row sleeves, the hood, the pocket seaming... I even wondered if I would have the patience to knit the bottom part in the round!

And then, after months and months of dreaming about this sweater and of wondering about how it would look on me, I decided that this year's Christmas vacations were the best time. I had gain knitting confidence during 2010, and I felt ready for a good, long selfish knit. Plus, I had just finished my semester, so I knew I had plenty of time to knit. On December 17th, I decided to challenge myself and knit this entire sweater during the holidays, despite working and family dinners, etc. Unfortunately, I didn't make it. Disappointed, I though that, with school,t I wouldn't have much time to knit. Well, I made room for it. Because you know what? Knitting is as important as anything else. Yes it is.

My determination and my overcoming of my knitting fears led me to this beautiful, cozy, wearable, enjoyable, marvelous knit. I knew that Gudrun Johnston was a well-known knitting genius (and fairy), but I had no idea that she could make a so well written pattern. Gudrun, if you read this, please know that I love you. This is my first Gudrun, and certainly not the last.

I also really enjoy modelling Kerrera. I was feeling so comfortable in it, that I didn't feel like directing the shoot and always looking at the pictures my lovely boyfriend was taking (his knee is better by the way. I was just enjoying myself so much, that I almost forgot that somebody was taking pictures...

Flabbergasted

2011-01-11T11:30:00.006-05:00

First, I want to say a big THANK YOU to all of you who commented on yesterday's giveaway post. You still have time to participate, go go go, until Friday January 14th. I'll post the winners on Saturday evening, after work!

Second, I asked you to write your email in a special format (forexample[at]mymail[dot]com) to prevent any untrustworthy people and spammers to access your email.

Third, did you know that my little Google follower widget on the right side of this blog is only for the blogger followers??? Some commentators gave me a head up: in Google reader, I am apparently at 500 followers... and some people told me that they follow me on Delicious and other bookmark websites. ... I, well I... I am flabbergasted! I fell off my chair! So, let's just call this giveaway the I love you dear readers giveaway!

Finally, I wanted to share with you the progress I've made on my lacy legwarmers from CEY. I'm thrilled with how the first one is turning out, and I feel like I will never have enough time to knit them and wear them before the end of this winter!

Sorry for the crappy background, you know, school stuff... Speaking of school, it's time to get ready!

100 followers give-away!

2011-01-10T09:59:00.007-05:00

I've been looking at my blog really often this past week. I was always aware of how many Google followers I had. And yes, the moment is here, there it is: I have 100 followers! When I started this blog in April 2010, I never thought that I could reach 100 followers. And yet, if you look at the Google follower widget on your right, it's over 100!

My follower widget has always been my popularity gauge, despite all the statistics gadget blogger provides. I mean, if you deliberately subscribe to a blog, it means that you read every post, and you are looking forward for the next post, right? I noticed that I have some devoted readers who are always there!

So, like I said in the beginning of this post, I have been stalking my own blog this week, and I have been preparing myself for this moment. This is my way of saying thank you, dear followers:

100 followers give-away!

The prices

One handmade dnps knitting needles case, featuring 16 pockets, a flap and tie ribbon (outer fabric is from the Amy Butler fabric line);

3 sets of 6 handmade stitchmarkers, featuring one stitchmarker with an extra bead;

5 of my best selling patterns, Émilien, Cybelle, Claire Bennet, Béthanie and Phébée, that you will receive in your email reception box in lovely .pdf format.

All this items have been all handmade by me, with love!

How to win

Post a comment on this post, telling why you read my blog. The give-away starts now as of Monday, January 10th and will end on Friday, January 14th, 00h00 eastern america time,which gives you a week to participate.
Only the comments with email addresses will be counted. (Write you email address in this format in the comment: your.address[at]yourmail[dot]com. Blogger doesn't always provide the email address of the commentator!)
One comment by person please!
I will draw one comment, using a random number generator.
This give-away is for everyone, all around the world!

So, you have one week to participate! What are you waiting for!!! Good luck!

Continue to follow my blog! subscribe! At 200th followers, we might have another give-away...

Quick update

2011-01-06T13:52:00.003-05:00

I just want to say thank you for your support comments for my boyfriend. We followed your advice, we went to see a doctor. He now has pain pills and has a appointment with the surgeon on February 1st. And I have to say that his mood got really really better. I guess his optimistic side took the wheel back! I'm so happy that he has the ability to get over it a bit and trust the doctors. I'm sure everything will go well. Let's not jinx it ;-)

Knitting wise, I made some progress on my Kerrera, but I decided to treat me a bit, so I casted on for another project that has been longing in my Wips for a while now, some Lace Legwarmers from CEY. I haven't made some progress really, but I least I casted on. And they will make a great on-the-go project.

I also have swatch for a new design, and it'll be called Iberville. Just a hint: it's Berroco Peruvia Quick, it's Norwegian style fair isle, it's vintage-ish and oh so cozy... pics to come soon?

Worried

2011-01-03T12:40:00.003-05:00

First, thank you all for your kind comments regarding my boyfriend. Unfortunately, we are a bit worried. You see, 4 years ago, Bertrand (said boyfriend) twisted his knee while biking (he does dirt ride biking and stuff) and ripped his anterior crossed ligament on his left knee. Ouch, I know. It's a bad injury and he had to go into surgery. Everything returned to normal after some rehabilitation and workout, but one year after the surgery, he slipped on a wet floor and twisted his knee AGAIN. What happened? Yes, you know, his fixed ACL ripped again. At that time, he didn't wanted to go into surgery again, so he just got extra careful with his knee.

What happened on Saturday is not cool. He was in pain, and if it wasn't getting better on Wednesday, we wanted to got to the ER.

Luckily, yesterday his knee was better, but he's still wondering what to do. Should he get a surgery to prevent any further injuries? The thing is, after the surgery, he can't work for at least 2 months. And in May we are going to Europe to see his family and to attend his friend's wedding. Vacations in crutches... not the best! Money is not a worry here. We sorted things out, and we can make it.

Anyway, I feel a little overwhelmed by all this, because I have never seen my boyfriend in such a state of mind. He is scared (even though he doesn't want to say it), and it pisses him off. I don't know what to do, except comfort him, I guess.

But let's end this post on a good note. Kerrera is knitting up quickly! I'm almost halfway done with the 2nd sleeve. And it looks gorgeous! I can't wait to finish it. And I hope, really really hope to get it done soon: school is starting Wednesday. Hopefully I'll have some spare time to knit!

And it begins...

2011-01-01T16:44:00.003-05:00

... with a not so cool note! Yep, 2010 ended with celebrations and happiness, but 2011 began with a injured knee and rain. We were suppose to go snowboarding over the week-end but my boyfriend fell in the stairs and hurt his left knee badly. And, it's raining! Not even snowing! So instead of moping, we are inviting some friends over to eat and to play board games. Finally, 2011 starts in a good way!

Berroco Ultra Alpaca in Lichen Mix

Knitwise, I'm knitting Kerrera, by Gudrun Johnston. The project has been in my queue for a long time now, and I've had the yarn in my stash for a while.

And you, how did 2011 start?

Why the cupcakes?

2010-12-31T11:35:00.006-05:00

It's the last day of the year 2010. Unconsciously, I did a summary of this past year. I say unconsciously, but hearing everybody around me doing the same helps! I heard that 2010 was a disastrous year. Well, I had a wonderful year! I opened my Etsy boutique (which needs a good lifting...), I published new designs, I got awesome readers and my knitting and my blog is doing great. I started studying german, which was a dream, I'm in love, I have marvelous friends, I like my job and the people I'm working with. Everything is working so great! And I can't thank you enough for reading my blog, making nice comments on my work and loving my designs. I love you too.

And so, my boyfriend is working today, he's coming back from work at 5h p.m., then we have guests for dinner and then it's off to the party! This is why I made yummy pear-cinnamon cupcakes.

Happy new year 2011 everyone! See you next year!

Émilien

2010-12-28T17:01:00.003-05:00

6.00$ US

(with Paypal via Ravelry)

Sizes available 32” (36”, 40”, 44”, 48”), S (M, L, XL, XXL)

Yardage required 7 (7, 8, 9, 10) skeins of Cascade 220 yarn or any worsted weight yarn. To replicate the cardigan on the picture, you will need 3 (3, 4, 4, 5) skeins of Cascade 220 Heathers colorway Westpoint Blue and 4 (4, 4, 5, 5) skeins of Cascade 220 colorway Silver Gray.

Needles 40” circular needles, US 7 (4.5 mm) needles. 40” circular needles, US 6 (4 mm) needles 1 set of 5 dpns, US 7 (4.5 mm) 1 set of 5 dpns, US 6 (4 mm)

Notions Provisional Cast-On

There is no better way to end 2010 than with a new release. I am really, really happy to present to you all, my newest design, Émilien. I received a surprisingly big amount of positive comments in the previous post where I talk about Émilien, so I am very excited about this release!

Émilien is, in my opinion, the perfect boyfriend cardigan. The lines are slim and clean, the zip closure and the hood are practical, and all that stockinette keeps it simple.

The top-down construction and the stockinette stitch require not much attention. Perfect for an evening in front of the television. Since the cardigan is knitted with a worsted weight yarn, it goes quickly! Ideal for January and post holidays knitting!

Dear readers, this is my Christmas gift to you! I know I haven't been around much lately. I was planning on spending more time on my knitting and on my blog after my finals, but it seems that I keep myself busy even without school! So, I know I'm late, but Happy Holidays! Stay tuned, I will have a What's Hot on Ravelry post soon, and some new year's knitting resolutions....

Béthanie, Quentin and Phébée

2010-12-16T16:25:00.010-05:00

You may remember that, in one of my last post, I said that I needed to make three scarves before December 15th, despite studying for my finals. Well, be proud of me people, because I made it, and with spare time! I had already knitted Béthanie when I made the post, but now Quentin and Phébée are also done! Yay me! As I am writting, they are on their way to Germany!

Béthanie - infinity scarf

2.00 US

Let's start with a quick refresh of Béthanie, a stylish yet simple infinity scarf. I really love the way it stays right on your face, protecting you from the cold wind. The bulkiness of the Cascade Ecological Wool really makes this scarf a good, quick, appreciated Christmas gift!

Quentin - scarf

2.00$ US

Quentin is a really, really simple unisex scarf. This pattern is for the knitter who is running out of time! Knitted with a super bulky weight yarn, it is knitted up fast fast fast! The stitch used creates a smooshy, squishy fabric. And again, this scarf is a great unisex gift.

Phébée - infinity scarf

2.00$US

Phébée is a feminine, gorgeous infinity scarf, like its sister Béthanie. The concept is the same, but the delicate stitch used here creates a proper stylish effect. The Cascade Eco + makes it soft and warm. So, it's two birds one stone: style and winter protection!

The three patterns are available separately or together, in the French Canadian Knits Quick Christmas Gifts ebook, available throught Ravelry on throught my Etsy boutique!

5.00$US

What's Hot on Ravelry? Issue # 11

2010-12-03T12:34:00.004-05:00

Hi guys! Yes, I know, it's been again more than a week since the last What's Hot on Ravelry. I'm finally seeing the light, the semester ends in about 2 weeks and almost all of my papers are done. Yay! And you know, Christmas is coming and maybe you'll find some gift ideas in this issue! Or you can find the perfect post-holiday-craziness-comfy-front-of-the-tv knit! Enjoy this issue!

MY FAVORITE

CARDIGANS

PULLOVERS

HEAD WEAR

NECK AND SHOULDER WEAR

HAND WEAR

FOOT WEAR

LITTLE ONES

FO: Béthanie

2010-12-02T12:31:00.003-05:00

Raveled here!

I received an order last week, to make 3 scarves before December 15th. Our German assistant is going back to Germany on the 16th, and she wants to give handknitted scarves to her friend, her brother and his girlfriend. I keep talking about knitting in my German classes and in my papers. She saw some of my handknits and ask me if I could knit something for her. Of course I said yes! It's a great challenge, but I have one third of the way done, and Béthanie is the first third of this challenge!

I had in mind a simple, straight forward and casual infinity scarf. The stitch pattern, called "powder stitch". It's simple, mindless, and perfect for a quick scarf!

I used some good old Cascade Yarns Ecological wool and some US #10 - 6 mm needles. Again, this made it a super quick knit!

This scarf is perfect for a holiday gift for a dear friend or family member. Another thing that I like about this one: it can totally be for women and men! Maybe for a secret Santa gift?

Since I have 2 more scarves to make, I'll publish the patterns at the same time. Speaking of the other scarves, I have to go yarn shopping!

FO: Émilien

2010-11-25T15:26:00.003-05:00

Raveled here!

Finally, after starting this hoodie almost 3 months ago, after putting it aside because of school, after cheating on it with my Pompom hat, after going throught another busy period at school, after blocking it and sewing the zipper, it's done! Done done done! And you know what? It's gorgeous.

Some good old Cascade 220, basic top-down construction (with a provisional cast-on!), a simple hood and some great color matching, it's all it took to make this awesome cardigan. My boyfriend is so pleased: it's simple, the stripes are catchy (they match his eyes!), and it's über comfortable.

It was the perfect relaxing in front of the tv knit. Stockinette st, no waist shaping (since it's for men), worsted weight yarn, almost no sewing...

I think this cardigan is really perfect for a husband, a boyfriend or a close male friend. I mean, men don't want intricate cabling, complicated construction. They want something simple that they can wear everywhere!

And if you were wondering... yes, there will be a pattern! Give me some time to write it down and be test knitted!