Summer surprises and newest knit pattern

Yesterday was the warmest day so far (heat index if 100+) so, of course, our air-conditioner decided to die.  Our little house heats up like an oven and we were all very well done.  Luckily, we were able to buy another one and my husband was able to get it in and working.  Today, I am very comfortable and very thankful.  (I think our old air-conditioner had been going for a while, judging by how much better the house feels with the new one.)

I have got my newest knit pattern back from the pattern testers and it is now for sale.  The response has been amazing and one of my biggest sellers to date.  I held an informal survey on Facebook and combined a couple of suggestions for the name and the De-Vinely Bohemian Lace Shrug was put on my Ravelry store, my Craftsy site and my Etsy shop .  This pattern has both written instructions and charts to follow.  It can be made for women's sizes small clear up to 5 X-large.  There is a shorter version for people who are shorter in stature and a longer version for taller people.  The lace edging is a vine pattern that I designed and should flatter most figures.

For people who do not enjoy knitting, I have a women size small to medium longer version in my Etsy shop.  The yarn I used is a luxury merino wool (which is so soft) and silk blend.

long lavender shrug

 

I also made a shorter version in the same size with the same luxury yarn in a different color combination.

burgundy and grey shrug

 

The main section is made using a right twist on a two stitch ribbing pattern.  Right twist are not hard and are a way to add a cable look without using a cable needle.

 

After working a knit 2, purl 2 ribbing for 4 rows, you create the right twist on the knit stitches on the 5th and 6th row.  This adds some interest to a plain rib design.

 

To work the right twist on the 5th and 6th row, when you come to the knit 2, knit the in the 2nd stitch on the needle, without taking it off the needle.

 

 

 

Next knit the first stitch. 

 

Finally, you take both stitches off the needle and you will see you have a pretty little twist in your rib.

This stitch adds some interest in the design without taking out the stretch and shrinking of the rib so that the garment fits your particular body shape.

 

I want to thank everyone who has bought this pattern from an independent designer which is what encourages us to design more.

 

I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer and  staying comfortable in the warm summer temperatures.  I am going to be crocheting with a cotton yarn tonight next to my new air-conditioner.  What do you like to do in the summer heat?