Where did the time goes?

Can someone tell me why times goes by so fast? I often started knitting all the holiday gifts since september but this year... i have just started about a week ago.. so I am way behind... I did only manage to finish 2 pair of mittens and working on my 1st pair of socks... I need to work on a couple more socks and a couple beanies... and I am afraid that I am not going to finish it all. Nevermind that the new round of submission at the beginning of Jan. I would need some HELP!!!!! Can someone out there help me knit???? I guessed I am wishful thinking at this point.

HELP! HELP! HELP!

Information About my Purse Patterns

For those of you that are interested in my purse patterns. All of them are available through Ravelry.com:

http://www.ravelry.com/designers/silka-burgoyne

If you are already a member of Ravelry.com you can search my designs by going to the above link or search my name under designers. Once you are there, you can also see my other published designs. You can also search me under my username 'Kaleido'.

All my purse patterns are $4.00 each. If you are interested in all 4 of my patterns currently available (I am on the process of adding more), I will bundle them and sell it for $12.00 or 3 patterns for $10.00. All you would need to do is to email me at silkiebee@gmail.com to acquire more information and I will send you payment information.





I am constantly trying to improve my design so any comments, good or bad, are welcome.

Silkie B.

2 Sided Purse

2-Sided Purse
by Silka Burgoyne for Kaleido by Silkie B.

Degree of difficulty: Intermediate

I wanted a purse to have 2 different sides, in a way, I wanted a purse to showcase 2 different personalities. I decided to go with a very straight forward approached. I used 2 simple patterns for each side, diagonal and stripe. I added flower detail to one side of the purse to make it more girly.

MATERIALS[MC] Worsted Weight yarn – 220 yards
[CC] Worsted Weight yarn – 280 yards
[CC2] Accent yarn – choose one that in light weight.

The purse shown is made in Ella Rae Classic and Copa by Cascade yarn.
Patons Classic Wool or Lambs Pride Worsted will work well with the pattern. The Accent yarn is very flexible, choose one that is appeared to you.

1 set US #8/5.00 mm double-point needles
A pair of size US 11/6.50 mm needles

Notions required:
• Tapestry Needle
• Magnetic Snap (1)
• A pair of handles you desire
• Plastic Canvas – for bottom and side panels
• Fabric and Interfacing (optional)
• Sewing needle and thread

GAUGE
12 sts/16 rows = 4" in stockinette stitch using size 11 needle

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Approximated Size after Felting: 13 inches W (Bottom), 10 inches W (Top) * 11 inches H

PATTERN NOTES
This purse contains three pieces: purse body 1 and 2, and purse bottom. The side panels of the purse are knit by picking up stitches from both side of the purse bottom. The attached I-cord is used for edging.

The pattern is available to purchase at Ravelry.com for $4.00: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/two-sided-purse

or click the botton below:



or visit my Esty Store at:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/SilkaBurgoyne

Please leave me a comment if you have any question about the pattern.

Silkie B.

Liz Tote

Liz Tote
by Silka Burgoyne for Kaleido by Silkie B.
Degree of Difficulty: Intermediary

I designed this tote with my friend Liz in mind. She is always in green and carry a big bag. With her red hair and fair skin tone. Green is a nice color on her. I wanted a have a nice size bag that is very practical. I incorporate a mosaic pattern that I saw in a magazine into the body of the tote. The mosaic pattern could potentially make the purse more bold or masculine; hence, I added the ribbon detail to the top of the tote to provide a softer look.

The liz Tote is worked using 2 strainds of yarn throughout and worked in the round. The picture shown was worked using Patons Classic Wool. Any worsted weight yarn such as Cascade 220 or Ella Rae Classic Wool will worked perfiectly for the pattern.

MATERIALS
[MC] Worsted Weight yarn – 460 yards
[CC] Worsted Weight yarn – 400 yards

The purse shown is knit in Patons Classic with colors Sage (MC) and Black (CC).

1 set US #10.5/6 mm double-point needles
One 24” long US 13/6.50 mm circular needles
1 set of US 13/6.50 mm straight needles

Notions required:
• Tapestry Needle
• 4 Stitch markers
• Ribbon
• Lining Fabric (Optional)
• Sewing needle and thread


GAUGE
10 sts/14 rows = 4" in Stockinette stitch using 2 strands of yarn and size 13 needle

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Approximated size after felting: 12 inches W (Bottom) 15 inches W (Top) * 14 inches H

The Liz Tote is available for purchase at Ravelry.com for $4.00: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/liz-tote

or Click the button below.



or visit my Etsy store at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/SilkaBurgoyne
Any question about the pattern, please feel free to contact me!

Silkie B.

Anne Purse

Anne Purse is the purse I designed for my friend Anne. She is a mother of three beautiful girls, very girlie and goofy and loves pink. I utilized 2 shaped of pink to create a nice contrast. With Ruffle and rhinestone buckle make this a ultimate girly purse!

Anne Purse shown in the picture was worked using 1 strand of of Cascade 220 and 1 strand of Bollicine Sissi Yarn throughout. You can substitue Cascade 220 with any worsted weight yarn such as Patons Classic Wool or Lamb's pride wool. Bollicine Sissi is a mohair yarn that provides an subtle but interesting texture to the purse. However, adding bollicine Sissi yarn is optional depending on the preference of the user.

MATERIALS
[MC] Worsted Weight yarn – 220 yards
[CC] Worsted Weight yarn – 220 yards
[CC2] Mohair yarn – 220 yards

1 set US #10.5/6 mm double-point needles
1 24” long US 11/6.50 mm circular needles

Notions required:
Tapestry Needle
Magnetic Snap (1)
Decorated Buckle
4 small D-Ring
Stitches holder
Lining Fabric (Optional)
Sewing needle and thread

GAUGE 12 sts/16 rows = 4" in Stockinette stitch using size 11 needle

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Approximated Size after Felting: 11 inches W * 9 inches H



The pattern of the Anne Purse is available to purchase at Ravelry.com for $4.00

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/anne-purse



or visit my Etsy store at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/SilkaBurgoyne


Like always, comment are welcome!

Silka B.

Where did the time go?

Today is my baby Channah's 1st Birthday... is it really? How time flies! I just want to share some new pics of my baby girl! She is a tiny compare to other kids at her age but she is one active girl.. has been walking for 2 months already!!!!

Here is a picture of Channah in tutu... She enjoys going to Kimi's Dance class... and she loves walking into the dance studio and look at herself in the mirror... something tells me she will also be a dancer!

Here is a pic of Channah as a Lady bug in Halloween.. it was cold other so she does has quite a few layer.. make her looks kind of chubby.. and yes, I am on the process of written down the pattern for her Beret... it's cable and lace panel.. very easy knit in worsted weight.. so stay tune....

All I really wanted to say to Channah is 'Happy 1st Birthday sweetie... you are definitely my sunshine and I love you more than you can imagine even thought you keep me up all night!'

Apple Tote

I designed Apple Tote while I was walking around my favourite yarn store. I often let the yarn inspired me. Do you ever has experienced when the yarn just stopped you and asked you to make something out of it? It was fall and apple picking season and how appropriate is the color of the yarn also called 'Apple'?

I also made the Apple Tote for charity.

I took my 'Apple' color yarn and make it into a roomy and versatile tote bag.

Material:

[MC] Menuch Bulky [100% Wool; 110yd per 100g skein]; color: Apple - 2 skeins

[CC] Menuch Bulky [100% Wool; 110yd per 100g skein]; color: Chestnut - 1 skeins (for trim)

Finished Measurement:

Approximated Size before Felting: 18" W x 16" H x 5" D

Approximated Size after Felting: 15"W x 10" H x 4" D

Notions:

1 set of US #10.5/6.50 mm dpn

A 24" long US #13/9.00 mm circular needle

Note: Substitue this yarn with any bulky yarn will produce the same effect. As always, the finished measurement is for reference only. The actual measurement depending on the lenght of the felting process. I would also recommend lining the purse to increase the durability.

This tote Bag is available to purchase at Ravelry.com for $4.00 http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/apple-tote-2

or you can contact me directly by email me at silkiebee@gmail.com

Attached is a couple pictures of the tote bag.

Like always, comment is always welcome!

Silka B.

Lace and Twist Cable Gloves and Socks

After a long wait, my lace and twist cable gloves and socks patterns are available in the Interweave Holiday issue which is available in the newstand near you. I am very happy with the pictures of the projects. I have attached the pictures in this post.

Following are the pictures of the gloves:

And the following is the pictures for the socks:

Both of the projects are worked using sock yarn in size 1 needle and they were worked using magic loop method. Want to know more about magic loop, please refer to my earlier posting.

As always, I welcome any comments and if you have any questions about the patterns. Please feel free to contact me! Also, please do drop by Ravelry to check out my other designs!

Silka B.

Kaleido by Silkie B

Scooped Lace Vest

I am so excited to see my scooped Lace Vest is now available in Jan Issue of Creative knitting which in the newstand now. As always, they did such a good job on the picture and make the vest look great!

The magazine version:

My original version:

The version in the magazine is a longer version and my original design was a shorter version; hence, the pattern also provide a belt option. With the latest fashion trend... a belt is a must have for this winter. As always, if anyone has any issue with the pattern, just simple drop me a line..

Not sure why the magazine drop off my last name.. hmmmmm...

As always, you can look for my design in Ravelry.com - just search Silka Burgoyne as designer!

Silka Tong Burgoyne

Kaleido by Silkie B.

Here come the Lacy Baby Cardigan

So the Lacy Baby Cardigan is finally out in September issue of Creative Knitting. Very excited about that... so those of you who would like to check it out, here is the link...

http://www.creativeknittingmagazine.com/inthisissue.php

Now just need to wait for my other design....

so what's going on with me... yes, I am working on my daughter's cardigan.. and getting a little stress a couple days ago because I miscalcuated the amount of yarn that I would need and the yarn that I used is being discountinuing by the company... so thank god for googles, I was managed to find the same yarn but mostly would not be same dye lot.. but it should work out find.. now I can't wait to get the yarn and finish the cardi since the weather is getting a little bit chilly in the morning...

stay tune for the pic!

Jasmine - The Cardigan

Finally got around to take some pic of my chopped cardigan.




And yes... that's my back... I am not the best model.. so excuse me for not showing my face.

I have chosen the cable fabric stitch for the overall motif. I think the solid feel of the motif give a nice structure to the cardigan. The yarn provides a little simmer for a fun and dressy addition to an outfit. The sleeves for the cardigan are worked from top down and worked in magic loop method for minimal seaming. the ribbing for neck, sleeves and body bands are working in 1*1 twisted rib. This Jasmine Chopped Cardigan is meant to wear closed to the body with no ease and cut right at the wrist.


The pattern for this cardigan will be avaiable in the March 201o issue of Creative Knitting.

Openwork Lace Vest

Between work, knitting and taking care of the kids.. it's really hard for me to keep up with this blog.. but I finally got around to take some pictures of my project. The following is a vest I designed about a year ago and the pattern will be available in the Jan Issue of Creative Knitting which is out in Nov this year.

When I designed this vest, all i wanted is to make a very lacy vest that I could wear for work and for fun and I wanted a very quick knit. The sample in the picture was worked in Ultra Alpaca and only required 3 skeins. The vest was worked in a round using size 8 circular needle with minimal seaming. The version in the picture is a shorter version; whereas the version in the magazine will be a longer version of the same vest. This vest is meant to wear close to the body with possible 2 inches negative ease.

Baby Lace Cardigan

Finally got around to get some picture taken for my projects and introduce my cute little daughter. This Lace baby cardigan was designed when I realized that I was expecting a girl last year... in a way, I was so excited that I am having a girl because I can make so many cute things for little girl. the following and above few pictures are the baby lace cardigan that I designed and I am happy to announce that the pattern will be available in the November Issue of Creative Knitting (out in sept) for those of you who might be interested in the design. The pattern is available from size 6 month - 2 yrs.

Following is the pictures of the baby cardigan and let me introduced my very own Channah as the model for the cardigan.

The Chop Cardigan - Jasmine

After redid the buttonhole and neckband 3 times... I finally finished the Chop Cardigan that I have been working on for the past 2 weeks plus. I called the cardigan 'Jasmine' because the yarn that I used it's indeed call Jasmine...

I did the buttonband and neckband 3 times because I could not make up my mind what I wanted to finish the cardigan.... the cardigan is chop length, cut right on the waist.. all over cable for the cardigan body... my first idea was to create a light ruffle since the cardigan is meaning to wear like a shrug without button... I thought ruffle was a good idea... however, after I finished... I must say it's not easy... 500+ stites each row for about 1.5 inches... took forever... the ruffle somehow make the cardigan a little bit out of proportion.. and it made people put more focus on the ruffle then the cardigan itself... so I pulled the ruffle out and try it again... the 2nd time, I decided to go a more traditional way, to put 4 button holes on the button band so that I have the option to button it if I want to... After I finished, I put the buttons on and try the cardigan on. Again same problem... the button drew too much attention from the sweater.. .May be it was the buttons that I chose... the buttons are silver with rhinostone.. I chose it because the yarn has silver thread througout.. and I though it was a good idea. I left the buttons overnight... I figured I would take a look at it in the morning to decide whether I still don't like the buttons on the cardigan.. .woke up at 7 this morning... looked at the cardigan and tried it on again.. and yes.. I hated it.. so I pulled it out again.. and decided to just do a neckband and buttonband without buttonhole.. I should stick with my original design to not do anything fancy to draw people's attention away from the body and shape of the cardigan.

After I finally finished the neckband, I put it on again. And then I told myself.. .that's it... I am satisfy.. .the next step.. is to press the cardigan.. take some picture and start writing the pattern down and get the schematic going... and yes... I hate the last part. May be it's the software that I used... I really do need help to get a good one... Stay tune for the pictures!

What's going on with me lately?!?!?

Where did all the time goes..?? Between work, take care of the 3 kids, knitting, designing and getting sick... it's been a long while since my last post.

So what have I been doing for the last 2 or 3 months...
1. my baby Girl is 4 months old now.. she is a joy to have.. very easy.. very content... very cute! She enjoys being held; so I learnt to hold the baby and knit at the same time.... not too easy to do.. but I managed to squeeze in some knitting time....

2. Just put my design project in the mail to Creative Knitting. My Lacy Baby Cardigan will be featured in the Nov. 09 issue which will come out in September this year. Very happy about that. This is a cardigan that I designed for my little baby before she was born. It will be nice to share my design to people that enjoy knitting for little baby. The pattern will be available in size S (6 mo), M(12 mo) and L (24 mo).

3. Just finished a round of winter design submission to CK and IK. Not sure whether my designs will be picked; will just have to wait and see.

4. Finally got around to felt my mosaic tote and my felted mitten 2 weeks ago... both project turned out beautifully.. I am very happy about the result especially the mosaic tote.

5. I have started working on the 'Forestry' cardigan for my friend, Peggy. the 'Forestry' cardigan is from Vogue Knitting fall issue. I have to say that there are quite a few mistakes on the pattern, so it's taking me a little bit longer than I should.. but it is looking very good. Hopefully, I will post some pictures when it's over. The yarn that I chose for the project is from Knitpicks. I am very happy with the yarn.

6. I have started working on the Chop Cardigan that I designed. I must say that the design is still in progress. I tend to change the original design quite a bit as I get further into it. So far, it is looking what I am expecting. I am using the yarn, Jasmine from Louise Harding. I bought the yarn last year because of the color and feel of the yarn. The yarn is dreamt to work with; however, the only problem I have with the yarn is the weight. It is a little heavy. I designed my Chop Cardigan around the yarn, I decided to make the cardigan a chop one because of the weight of the yarn. I have finished both front and half way through the back, it's looking good... will definitely post some pic when I complete it.

7. Always finished a felted wristlet for my friend, Brenda. Brenda wanted a basic black felted wristlet for her mother for Christmas last year... and yes, last year... I am way behind... but because I was pregnant last year and took away most of my knitting time, I did not finish it. So I am hoping to finish it ASAP.

8. I have about 4 designs sketch.... I just need to put them on my computer so I don't lose my thoughts.

So a lot going on with me..... and I promise to keep up this blog and post more pictures of my finished project!

Magic, the Magical Loop

I knitted my very first pair of socks using 5 dpn, the traditional way what a lot of knitters think. Although the socks came out great for a first timer in socks knitting, I wanted to have an easier way to knit socks. Then a couple years ago, I heard about people talking about the Magical Loop method, I also heard people saying about knitting a pair of socks using 2 circular needles. I wasn't sure how I felt about the magical loop method when I first heard it... but since handknit socks are in everyone wish list for the holiday, I was willing to try different method to knit socks faster. I finally did some research on the magical loop method and try it. And I totally love it. Since mastering the skill, I have knitted more than 10 pairs of socks and I also using magical loop method method for fingerless mitten, finger mitten and hat. Since most of the socks patterns are written in 5 dpn, so I have figured out a basic sock pattern to use magic loop. I have so much fun knitting socks and mitten, I have started designing pattern for socks and gloves for using the method.

To see whether the magical loop is a better method than 5 dpn, I have tested in a seasoned knitter, my mother. She have been knitting for more than 40 years. She knitted everything using dpn and she believes it's easier to use dpn when I taught her the magical loop method. she tried the first pair of finger mitten using magic loop, she was not sure when she started; however, when the mitten was finished, she absolutely loves the magic loop method. I figured if I can change my mother's mind, then the magic loop method is indeed a good alternative to dpn for socks, mitten etc...

Here is a design that was published in the November issue of Creative Knitting magazine. The fingerless mitten is knitted using magic loop method.

In case anyone who is not familiar with the magic loop method, a magic loop is actually a long circular needle, a circular needle with at least 32" long, preferable with circular needle that has very flexible wire, such as needle from KnitPicks or Audi Turbo needle.

Following is the instruction of the magic loop method:

1. 1. Cast on an even number of stitches (sts) and slide sts to middle of cable.

2. Divide sts in half and pull cable loop out between two groups of sts.

3. Slide sts down to their respective needle tops. You will have half of your sts on each needle tip. Hold needle tops parallel and pointing to right, working yarn will hang from back sts. Place a marker on the front group of sts to mark begining of the round.

4. Pull back needle tip out until you have enought cable to allow you to work sts on front needle.

5. Work all sts on front needle, being careful not to twist.

6. Slide tow groups of sts back to their respective needle tips. Repeat step 4 as many times as needed.

So here is the simple way of magic loop method. It might seem awkward to knit a pair of socks using the method at first; however, once you get familiar with it, it is a piece of cake.