New Home!!!!

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!

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:

1. 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.
2. Spend time with family. I don't think I need any explanation with this goal.
3. 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.
4. Keep up with my Allergy blog. I wanted to share more finding about allergy and Celiac Disease and yummy recipes to the blog.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Create a collection of babies and kids design. I wanted to try to publish a collection of kids pattern.
11. Try to clean out some of my yarn stash.
12. To keep better track of my spending.
13. 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

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

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?

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?

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!