Kaleido By Silkie B.

New Home!!!!

2010-01-22T08:53:00.001-05:00

Hello Everyone...

I just want to inform you that I have a new site setup for better organize my project and design pattern as well as my blog. This site has been working out very well; however, there is something that I would like to do and unfortunately I was not able to do it here...

I will not update this site anymore and please come to my new site and get the updated news about me!!!

Thanks so much for your support and looking forwards to see all of you to my new home!!!!!

http://silkaburgoyne.weebly.com/

Thanks me see u soon!

Silka B.

Happy New Year!

2010-01-13T14:42:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year everyone!

I am not sure anyone has some kind of new year resoluations. As for me, I don't usually have any... ok the statement is not exactly true because I always told myself to lose 10 pounds and be more active for the last few years; however, I broke it every single year. So for myself this year, I figured that it might be nice to set some goals and should try to measure them at the end of the year to see whether I actually succeed my goals at the end of the year. Hopefully by setting goals for myself the year will help me organize my priorities better.

So Here is my lists:

Lose 10 pounds and be more active and eat better. For the fact that I have a gym membership and not utilizing it. It is just not making whole lot of sense and waste money, so I will start hitting the gym.
Spend time with family. I don't think I need any explanation with this goal.
Keep up with my knitting blog! I admit that I am not very good at keeping up with my blog. I always can find excuse to be lazy. But this year, I wanted to be more involve to show more of my designs and ideas on my knitting blog.
Keep up with my Allergy blog. I wanted to share more finding about allergy and Celiac Disease and yummy recipes to the blog.
Try to sit down and write my previous design patterns. I have so many designs that I have actually created the final product but without the actual patterns. I wanted to write down the patterns and post it online.
To learn more on garment construction. I realized that I often have issue with written pattern for sizes that are not my sizes. I think it will be helpful for me to learn more about garment construction so that I can design garment that will be situable for different body type.
Start designing for man. I have always avoided design male garment. Partly because my husband and man surrounding me don't like knitted garment; however, I always wanted to design for man. So this year I would serously try to do it.
Keep track of deadline better. In the past year, I am not good at keeping track of submission deadline; hence, I caught myself missing quite a few deadlines last year.
Adopt a better way of design. I am a very visual person so often time, I would like to actually knit what I design before moving on to next design. Therefore, I was not able to produce more design. This year, my friend annette is will to be my sample knitter; so hopefully, I can do more designing.
Create a collection of babies and kids design. I wanted to try to publish a collection of kids pattern.
Try to clean out some of my yarn stash.
To keep better track of my spending.
To be happy all the time!

I think it's a pretty big list. I am sure I can think of more items to be added to the list later on. Finally, I would love to share latest pictures of my lovely kids!

Kimimae	Isaac

Channah

Again, wish everyone a wonderful year ahead.

Happy Knitting!!!

Silkie B!

Little Beaded Purse / Clutch

2010-01-09T11:07:00.001-05:00

Little Beaded Purse / Clutch
Degree of Difficulty: Advance Beginner

I designed this purse for a Christmas Party. I was wearing a little black dress with ruby red necklace. I wanted to design a purse that would match my outfit. The handle of the purse is handbeaded by me and the handle can be removed and carry this little beauty as a clutch.

MATERIALS
MC Worsted Weight yarn – 150 yards
CC Worsted Weight yarn – 80 yards
CC2 Novelty yarns – choose one that is shiny and matches the CC color – 50 yards

The purse shown is knit in Ella Rae Classic in colors Black and Cherry.

Notions required:

• 1 set US #8/5.00 mm double-point needles
• A pair of size US 11/6.50 mm needles or circular
• Tapestry Needle
• One 7” zipper (Red)
• Fabric
• Sewing needle and thread
• Beading wire and beads in various colors and sizes

GAUGE
14 sts/16 rows = 4” in stockinette stitch using size 11 needle

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Approximated Size after Felting: 8 inches W * 5.5 inches H

PATTERN NOTES
This purse is knit in one piece using one strand of yarn in St st. When working in CC and CC2 combined, work in rev St st. This purse edging is knit in attached I-cord. The handle of the purse is hand beaded.

This pattern is available for free to download via ravelry or clicking this link below:

download now

If you have any problem downloading the pattern, you can also send me an email and I will send the pattern via email.
Thanks for interested in the pattern and let me know if you have any comment.

Happy Knitting!!!!

Retro Crop

2010-01-07T15:44:00.001-05:00

My Retro Crop design is now available in Creative Knitting march issue which is on the newstand now. This is a really fun pattern to work with; very easy to memorize. I use cable fabric motif pair with 1 x 1 twisted rib. Since the cardi is meant to wear close to the body, and there is no shaping involve for the waist; hence, if you want to lengthy the cardi is just as easy as simple add a few inches to the body length. The sleeves are worked from top down; hence, to add length the sleeves just simply by continue knitting to the desire length in the cable fabric motif before switching to a smaller needle to work the ribbing. I do recommend to work decrease every 6 or 8 rounds to provide a more polish look.

If you have any question about the pattern, please feel free to contact me!

Happy Knitting!!!

My Inner Baking Goddess?

2010-01-05T12:03:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year Everyone!!!

In a new year, I caught myself pick up a new habit - Baking!! I started baking because my husband has been dignosed with Celiac Disease and he has been a little depressed about it. The reason why he is not too happy because he loves bread and BEER! It's been hard for him because there is gluten free products in the store; unfortunately, some of the them are good, some are OK but quite a lot of them are simply not too good. Because of this reason, I decided to start explore Gluten Free cooking, mainly baking. I started looking online resources on gluten free recipes and ordered a few cookbook for gluten free cooking. I experimenting some of the recipes and started modifying them. In addition, due to the dietary restriction of my daughter, she has dairy allergy, I started baking with dairy and egg free as well.

I have stared a new blog : http://silkiecook.blogspot.com/ to record my baking journey and provide recipes that I invented or modify for gluten free, dairy free cooking.

Where did the time goes?

2009-12-16T14:55:00.002-05:00

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

2009-11-06T13:02:00.007-05:00

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

2009-11-06T12:50:00.006-05:00

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

2009-11-06T12:34:00.005-05:00

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

2009-11-06T12:07:00.007-05:00

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?

2009-11-05T15:45:00.012-05:00

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

2009-11-04T13:31:00.010-05:00

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

2009-11-04T11:15:00.010-05:00

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

2009-11-04T10:52:00.008-05:00

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

2009-09-15T11:28:00.005-04:00

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

2009-06-16T08:59:00.008-04:00

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

2009-05-15T16:47:00.007-04:00

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

2009-05-15T16:33:00.005-04:00

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

2009-03-29T14:40:00.003-04:00

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?!?!?

2009-03-18T14:14:00.002-04:00

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

2009-01-03T18:03:00.003-05:00

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. 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.

Positano Tote - Another published design!

2008-12-30T16:32:00.007-05:00

Another publish pattern... Positano Tote was published in the winter issue of Interweave Magazine.. For anyone who is interested... Here is the link:

http://www.interweaveknits.com/preview/2008_winter.asp#Positano-Tote

The excitement of seeing your own design in the nationwide magazine is undescribeable. Bring tears in my eyes when I actually saw the design in the magazine. My family members was so excited that they let everyone they know about it.

I have not been very creative lately because of the new baby. Channah Fei was born on Nov. 5 and she is absolutely a perfect baby. She cries, she eats and she sleeps... pretty much like that everyday.. just like a clock. I must say that I am blessed for having such an easy going baby. Ciao for now and watch for more posting soon!

The wait is finally over!!!

2008-09-25T16:29:00.005-04:00

I have been waiting patiently to have my very first pattern to be published.. and it finally happen. The pattern is available in the Creative Knitting magazine, the November issue! Here is the link in case anyone is interested:

http://www.creativeknittingmagazine.com/pages/features_details.php?_id=156

It's been a long wait but it's all worth it. I am also eagerly awaiting for my other design. It is a purse design. It should be published by Interweave magazine in the winter issue or other issue depending on the space.

The published designs are great encouragement for me to keep on knitting. I have been laid back for awhile since I am currently 34 weeks pregnant and eagerly awaiting for the arrival my my third little bundle of joy. I am sure I will get my mojo back to keep on knitting and designing. And I will certainly keep updating my blog.. I know.. I have been extremely lazy updating my blog :P

Keep tuning in for more project!

Too many yarn?!?

2008-02-15T14:28:00.003-05:00

Yet again I dropped by my favorite yarn store to check out some yarns; but most importantly to check out what kind of yarns I wanted to buy and where they are located so that I can go back there tomorrow during the big sales. Yes, my favorite yarn store is having a big sales and it only happens once a year. I remembered last year I went there with a couple of friends; standing in the cold for 20 mins to wait for the door to open. I stood in the cashier line for 2 hrs trying to pay. Was it worth it? My answer is a definitely yes. I got the most beautiful silk yarn for half of the price that now made into a lace shawl. It's all worth it.

Of course when I left the store this morning, I could not help myself but left with 2 big bags of beautiful yarns that are already marked down. As I was driving home, I asked myself, 'Do I need any more yarn? What am I going to do with it?' As I walked in the door, my husband saw me with those 2 bigs bag of yarns. He looked and laughed and walked away. As I took the bags down to the basement, I realized that I ran out of plastic tub yet again to store my yarns. So that's when I asked myself, 'do I have too many yarns? Do I go back there again?' It's really a silly question to ask myself. I am sure any knitter out there has a stash of yarns somewhere in the house. One of the lady in my knitting group once said, 'there is no such thing as too many yarns.' I have to agree with her.

As I closed the basement door, I knew that I will wake up bright and early tomorrow, bundle myself up and stand in line like hundreds of the other people. And I am sure, at the end of it all, i will be happy with my new stash of yarns.

Some good news....

2008-02-06T13:55:00.000-05:00

I have been trying to submit my design to magazine and website and hoping one day.. my design will be published. I submited a few projects and got rejected. I was disppointed everytime I got rejected. I was naived and I was not awared of competition is so big out there.

Before the holiday, I tried submit a couple projects again. I went on a vacation to Hong Kong and China and forgot all about it. I figured it would probably be the same situation again. As I started to regroup myself and get ready for new round of submission. I got an email that one of my pattern I submitted before the holiday would get published in the fall this year! I was excited! Now I need to get the sample and pattern ready to send to the magazine before the deadline in March.

I could not wait to see my pattern on the magazine... too bad I have to wait for quite a long time. With this a little bit of good news, it really get me going on my knitting and my design. I know it's a long road for me if I wanted to pursue my dream, but it definitely a good start!

Regrets on unfinished project....

2008-02-01T14:30:00.000-05:00

A lot of knitters usually have a few projects going on at the same time... and sometimes there is always a project laying around that the knitter knows would never get finished. I wonder whether anyone out there ever regret never finished a project?

I am like many of the knitters out there... have 4 projects going on at the moment in which a couples of them I know I would eventually finished or never finished.. the other two projects I am currently working on. I have regrets never finished one important project and I would not forgive myself not finished it....

I enjoyed making felted purses. All my purses are inspired by people around me. I tried to encompass their personality and daily activities to design a purse just for them. One of my mother-in-law's good pal, Dee Dee, has seen my purses and wanted me to make her one. I did a little interview with her sometimes in October last year, I asked her prefer color, size and strap option. She told me that she wanted a purse with black and lime green, medium size with shoulder strap. I took her suggestion and designed a purse just for her. I started knitting the Dee Dee purse and change a couple details along the way. I was hoping to finish the project before the holiday however due to the time constraint, I have to put it aside. Since winter is not the best time for felting project so I decided that I would pick it up again in spring.

After the maddness of the holiday, I went on a month long vacation oversea with my family. By the time I returned, I got an horrible news from my mother-in-law that Dee Dee has fell and broken her hip during her vacation in Vegas. Before her operation, the doctor found out she had heart failure. Dee Dee underwent triple bypass surgery and had complication. Dee Dee passed away a couple days ago, a week shy of her 69 birthday.
I was devastated. I regret never finished the Dee Dee purse. Now I looked at the unfinished purse, I asked myself whether or not I should finished it. I hate not to finish it but at the same time I could not bring myself to finish it. It remained me so much of Dee Dee - A joyful lady.

As of today, I don't think I will finish the project. But when the time pass, I might eventually have the courage to finish it. Now, I looked at those unfinished project, I told myself, one day I shall finish them so that I won't have another regret like the Dee Dee purse.

10 Simple Tips from a Felt Addict

2007-12-17T14:32:00.000-05:00

Different people addicted to different things whether the thing is an object; shoes or ice-cream or an action such as shopping or surfing internet. As for me, my object of addiction is felting, felting purse especially.

I am relatively new to felting. I started felting about 4 months ago when I saw my neighbor Ann took a ‘Learn to Knit’ class in a local yarn store. Ann learnt the basic of knitting, such as cast on, bind off, knit and purl stitches. She also learnt to knit and felt a bag. I saw Ann’s purse before it was felted and I was puzzled and confused. The knitted version looked so fragile, the stitches was so loose and it did not look practical and sturdy at all. But when I saw the purse again after it was felted, I was amazed by the transformation. I could not help but wanted to make a purse myself.

My very first purse was a pattern I found on the internet. It was very simple and a relative small in size. The purse only requires one skein of yarn. For my first try, I did not want to make a big one because I did not want to waste money and time if any disaster strikes. I knitted the purse rather quickly and tried to felt it by following the felting instruction came with the pattern. Unfortunately, the instruction was written for top loader washing machine and I could not get my purse to felt in my front loader. It was discouraging. Instead of figure out how to do it in my machine, I ended up asked my friend, Wendy, to felt the purse for me because she has a top loader machine. Even after all the misfortune of trying to felt my first purse, I was hooked after Wendy handed me the felted purse – my first felted purse. The purse looked so cute and beautiful (at least in my eyes it was) that it made me forget all the bad experience.

How can you tell I am a felt addict, especially felted purse addict?
Let me count the ways:
1. I found excuse to go to yarn stores to search and buy feltable yarn.
2. I have basket and basket of feltable yarn in all brands, weight and colors.
3. I keep buying purse hardware even though I have no idea when I will use it.
4. I borrowed and bought ton of books about felting and purse from library and book store.
5. I knit in big fat needle.
6. I knit during my trip to my sister-in-laws cottage instead of enjoying the great outdoor.
7. I have felted purses hanging in my deck to dry all the time.
8. I have my neighborhood ladies called me the purse lady

The list can go on and on. I do not mind people call me the purse lady. I love making purses and I am proud of it. My neighbor, Karen, saw me and Ann knit that she herself started to knit and felt as well. Karen knows how to crochet and knitting is rather new to her. But after her first purse, she was also hooked. Karen starts to ask me questions about felting. I am no expert but I made enough mistakes along the way that I could share some of my experience in felting to her so that she did not need to go through the mistakes like I did. And now, I would like to share my 10 felting tips to anyone who is interested in trying out the beauty of felting.

Tip 1: Find a pattern and get your supply
For a new felter, I would highly recommend to find a simple pattern to start. Follow the material and notion sections to get your supply. There is not a strict rule to get the same yarn that mentioned in the pattern especially if the pattern only calls for one main color feltable yarn. However, if you are working on a pattern that required more than one feltable yarn, then try to stick with same brands yarn for all colors.

Tip 2: Get to know your yarn
Not all yarns are created equaled; hence, all yarn felt differently. When buying yarn for felting, you would like to choose yarns that are feltable. Yarn such as 100% Wool or Alpaca will felt beautifully. There are also other yarns, such as Soy/Wool blend yarn and mohair will felt beautifully as well. DO NOT use superwash yarn even though they are 100% Wool. Superwash wool is treated to be used in washing machine.

Tip 3: Do not Mix and Match yarns in one project unless you are sure
I am going to say it again, ‘Not all yarns are created equaled.’ Even though the label says 100% Wool, but different brands of 100% Wool felt differently; they can be different in gauge, felting time and even felted surface. If there is a reason why you will need to use different brands of feltable yarns in one single project, make sure to do a switch for each of the desire yarn and felt them to make sure the felted results are compatible before using them in a project.

Tip 4: Try not to be too caught up by the sizing information on the pattern
The sizing information on the pattern is always an approximation. The final felted sizes usually depending on the yarn, the way you knit (tight or loose) and the length of the felting process. There are a lot of factors come along with felting. If your felted item is smaller or bigger, it is really no big deal. If the sizing of the purse is important to you, I would recommend knitting a switch before started any project; hence, you can adjust the number of stitches and needle size before starting.

Tip 5: Do fix your knitting mistake before felting
A lot of people will tell you that felting is very forgiving. If you made a mistake; such as drop a stitch or have a hole on the purse, you don’t really have to fix it because after the purse is felted, the hole will not show up. The statement is not always true. It is true that felting is very forgiving, it helps to hide a lot of mistakes; however, a hole is a hole, in a case where you have a hole on your knitted piece, you will like to fix it because the hole will still show up after felting.

Tip 6: Do not attach any hardware before felting
If you are making a purse and would like to attach a pair of wooden handles or apply D-ring to the purse. Do not attach them until the felted purse is completely dry. You can always attach them by using yarn or sewing thread (hand quilting thread works the best) and sewing needle later.

Tip 7: Pay attention during felting process
Depending on the machine you use, the felting time varies. The most ideal scenario is to have a top loading machine because you can adjust the water temperature and level; it also shorten the felting time. However, as the front loading machine is more energy efficient and most likely, you will have a front loading machine. Not too worried, a front loader does felt; however, it takes much longer to felt. If felting with front loader, you would like to set the machine to hot/cold cycle, put your knitted piece in a zip pillow case, a little hand soap and a pair of old jean. A lot of time, it will take at least a full cycle or two to felt. Be sure to check your item often to prevent too much felting. One key thing, do not let your felting item to go through the spin cycle because the spin cycle will change the shape the purse. I also like to recommend using a color catcher when felting especially if you are felting a very light color item and you have a pair of old blue jean in the machine in case of the color of the jean bleed.

Tip 8: Shape the felted item before it dry
Most likely, after the felting process, the felted item will change its shape because of the washing and spinning of the machine. Hence, make sure to stretch and pull the felted item to the shape that you want. When the felted item is wet, it is OK to stretch it. The felted surface is strong enough to endure any kind of stretching. You would also want to cut a piece of plastic to put at the bottom of the purse if a flat bottom is desired. Put an empty box (according to the size of the purse) inside the purse when drying is very effective to shape the purse. For any reason if the shape of the purse is not what you wanted after it is dry, you can always make the purse wet again and reshape it.

Tip 9: Do consider lining of the purse to give it a finish look
After the purse is felted, it should be strong enough to carry around especially if using double strands of yarns during knitting. However, you might want to consider lining the purse. The lining does not only give the purse a more finish look, but also increase the duration of the purse. You can also add heavy interfacing to the lining fabric to increase the sturdiness of the purse. The lining of the purse can be time consuming because of the hand sewing work but it’s not rocket science. If lining is not your thing, I will higher recommend using a piece of plastic (plastic canvas work the best) and sew it in the bottom of the purse to give it a more firm bottom. Even though lining is time consuming but consider all the benefit of lining; it will make the hard work all worth it.

Tip 10: Show off your purse
After all the hard work you put in to the purse, you should always show it off. After all, if you don’t use the purse, why make it at the first place!

I must warn you, felting is addictive. Once you start, it will be hard to stop. And you might turn into a felt addict just like me!

Happy Felting!

Purse Purse Purse

2007-09-27T12:32:00.000-04:00

It’s been a while since my last post. But I have been busy. Busy to design, knit and felt purses. I am also busy to actually sit down and write all my design patterns. I thought it’s easy to write a pattern but I was totally wrong once I started to write a pattern. Writing pattern is hard! Not only do I have to follow the standard for pattern writing, but also need to remember what I did when I was knitting the purse. I have a really bad habit of altering my design as I knit and not recording my changes in my design notebook right away. So I did take me forever to sort everything out and record everything.

But I finally did manage to get all my patterns written down and have the owner in a local yarn store to proof read them to make sure I got the format and wording correctly for a knitting pattern. And yes, I am excited to have a couple of local yarn stores to carry my design patterns. I felt like my design dream is getting somewhere. It’s a good feeling.

I have attached a few of my designs for anyone who might be interested. I design inspiration come from all sources. I named the purse after the person who inspires me during my design purse.

1. Jenny Purse

2. Karen Purse

3. Liz Tote

4. Kimimae Purse

This is my first posted design pattern - Wendy Tote

2007-07-05T12:18:00.003-04:00

This is my very first time... so hopefully you guys understand what I trying to say... also, please let me know what you think!!!

Wendy Tote Bag

Material:
This tote bag is made with Ella Rae Classic, but it can be subsitute with any felt-able Aran/worsted weight yarn. The decorated flower is made with both MC and CC and the leaves and stem is made with Brown Sheep Nature Spun yarn.

Yarn
MC – 2 skein of color Cherry or other feltable Aran weight yarn (approx. 280 yards)
CC - 1 Skein of color Bungandy or other feltable Aran weight yarn (approx. 200 yards)
CC2 – about 25 yards for 2 leaves and stem

Notion
A pair of 10.5 straight needles
One 10.5 24” circular needle
4 markers
Tapestry Needle
Magnetic Snap
A pair of 6.75” * 3.75” oval handle
Lining Fabric (Optional)
Heavy Interfacing (Optional)
Sewing thread (Hand Quilting Cotton thread work great) – Optional
Plastic Canvas (Optional – for purse bottom - but highly recommended)

Sizing:
The sizing for this purse is only for reference. The final size of the purse is very much depending on the knitting style of the knitter and the length of the felting process.

Size before felting: 13W, * 15H * 5 D (Without the purse handle)
Size after felting: 11W, * 9H * 3 D (Without the purse handle)

Pattern:
The Wendy tote bag is knitted in a round, the purse bottom is made separately and the purse body is knitted by picking up sts from the purse bottom. The purse handle tabs are made by picking up sts from the top of the purse body. This pattern is written for 4-rows stripe version, if you prefer a single color version, just simple double the MC yardage and ignore the color change in the direction for purse body.

Purse Bottom:
Purse Bottom is knitted using garter sts. To start, use MC and cast on 40 sts. Knit for 24 rows, end with WS row.

Purse Body:
Purse front is knitted in a round using St st and the sts are picking up from the purse bottom. To start, with WS facing up, start by picking up 40 sts from the cast on side, place marker (pm), pick up 12 sts from the side, pm, pick up 40 sts from the cast off side, pm, pick up 12 sts from the side, total of 104 sts.

Before starting row 1, you will need to fix the yarn to the correct position to start. After picking up sts, the yarn tail is actually on the left-hand side, in order to start knitting in the row, bring the yarn to the front, slip marker (SM) to the left, then slip the 1 sts from right-hand side to left-hand side, bring the yarn to the back, then slip the 1 sts and marker back to the right-hand side.

Start row 1 by using MC and knit in a round for 3 rows. Please be sure to move the marker along while knitting so you know where is the start of the body and where are the sides of the purse. After 3 rows in MC, switch to CC and knit for 4 rows (4-rows stripe). These 7 rows are the set up rows for the purse.

The main potion of the purse body starts with * 4-rows stripe in MC and follows by 4-rows stripe in CC, 8 rows total. Repeat * 6 times for total of 48 rows. AT THE SAME TIME, work increase by following the increase instruction on the first row of these 8 rows. At the end of these 56 rows, 24 sts will be added and there will be 128 sts on the needle.

Increase Row:
Slip marker (sm) to the right, Inc 1 sts and knit to the next marker, inc 1 sts before marker, sm to the right, knit to next marker, sm to the right, inc 1 sts and knit to the next marker, inc 1 sts before marker, sm to the right, and knit to the end.

The idea is to increase a st each at the beginning and at the end of one side of the purse body. At the end of this round, 4 sts will be added.

To knit the top potion of the purse, start by using CC and knit for 8 rows, work increase for the first row of these 8 rows by following the increase row instruction. 4 sts added with 132 sts total. After 8 rows of CC, follow by 3 rows of MC. The next row is the start of the turning ridge. The turning ridge row is used to firm up the top edge of the purse.

Turning Ridge:
Row 1 (WS): Knit
Row 2: Knit
Row 3: Purl
Bind off all 132 sts

Fold on the turning ridge toward the WS of the purse, sew it in place. The double thickness on the top will give the firm up the top edge of the purse and help shape up the top of the purse.

Handle Tabs (Make 2):
Lay the purse flat so that RS of purse front is on top, use MC to pick up 28 sts in the middle of the purse. Knit in St st for 15 rows, ending with WS rows. Bind of knitwise.

Turn the bag around to the purse back and make the handle tab same way as the front.

Flower:
I have made the flower into 2 tones to bring out the red and the burgundy from the purse. If you prefer, you can knit it in one single color.

Use MC, cast on 10 sts:
Row 1: Knit
Row 2 and all WS: Purl
Row 3: Knit in the front and back of each sts, 20 sts
Row 5 (CC): Knit in the front and back of each sts, 40 sts
Row 7(MC): Knit in the front and back of each sts, 80 sts
Bind off using CC.

Roll on the cast on side and form a flower, use MC and tapestry needle and sew the flower so that it will not change shape. Once the flower formed, sew the flower onto the purse, you can sew the flower anywhere you like on the purse. If you would like the flower on the corner of the purse, make sure to sew it at least 2” from the top.

Felting:
Once all the component is in place, the purse is now ready to felt. I would recommend to use a safety pins to pin the leaves in place, both of the stem and the outer part of the flowers. Use Hot/Cold water setting with the lowest water level, put the purse in a zip pillow case or mash laundry bag along with a pair of old jean, use a little bit of hand soap instead of detergent and start the washing cycle. Be sure to check the progress frequently, the felting length will vary depending on the machine. For the front loading washing machine will take a little big longer in compare to top loader machine.

Finishing:
After the purse is completely dry, you can line the purse by using some matching fabric and attach a magnetic snap to the purse by following manufacturing instruction. I would highly recommend using the plastic canvas for the bottom. It will give it a little bit of body. I like to line my purse to give it a better shape. Also, you can go crazy with the fabric, it will give your purse a little bit more characters.

Abbreviations:
St st - Stockinette Stitch
RS - Right Side
WS - Wrong Side
MC - Main Color
CC - Contract Color
K2Tog - Knit 2 Together
SKP - Slip 1, Knit 1, PSSO (pass the slip stitch over the knit stitch)
Dpn - Double pointed needle
K, P - Knit, Purl
pm, sm - Place marker, slip marker

Happy Knitting!!!

So what bout this blog

2007-05-02T09:24:00.000-04:00

I would like to create this blog to share some of my idea in knitting... I am no expert. I often refer to beginner knitting guide for basic stitches... but I just like to knit. I like to create thing and come out with new design. My crafty sister-in-law called that 'Silkieize'.
I have never written any pattern before, so it might take me awhile. But stay tune, I will start posting pretty soon.....