Warm and fashionable lace knit accessories for fall

With cooler weather coming to Kansas, my thoughts always turn to knitted lace as a way to stay warm on cooler evenings and morning.  I love to knit with Merino wool blends because this wool is as soft as cotton with the added warmth of wool.  Alpaca is also warm and can be soft but needs to be blended as it has a stretch factor without a blend of silk. merino wool, or angora to keep that from happening.

My newest design is made using a Merino and silk blend with Cascade's yarn called  Venezia Sport.  Ponchos are so versatile and easy to throw on for added warmth.

If you don't want to make it yourself from a pattern, this delightful poncho is available to buy at my Etsy shop and is made with this wonderful yarn.  The pattern can be made with any yarn that is of similar weight and works up quickly and easily.  The pattern is available at my Etsy shop.  The pattern is also on LoisLeigh Ravelry shop, or use the buy now button on the right. LoisLeigh's Creations on Craftsy has my pattern for sale.  If you are from Canada or anywhere in the European Union, you will find it at LoveKnitting.

Do you like wraps or shawls as much as I do?  They add that touch of elegance to any outfit and work up quickly.  This pattern uses Kid Seta Lace weight or any lace weight yarn and is wonderfully soft and lightweight.

The pattern can be found at AndersonsCreations on Etsy.  It is also available on LoisLeigh Ravelry shop or use the "buy now" button on the right.  You will also find this pattern at LoisLeigh Creation on Craftsy or on Loveknitting European buyers.

Do you love to make scarves to keep the cold out?  This scarf was created with the love of evergreens that keep winter green.  This scarf can be made into a hooded scarf if you like.  It uses a DK weight yarn like Misti Alpaca, a soft Alpaca and silk blend.

This pattern can be found at AndersonsCreations on Etsy or on LoisLeigh's Creations on Craftsy.  You will find it on LoisLeigh Ravelry shop or use the "buy now" button on the right of the page.  European buyers can find it on LoveKnitting.

 

Would you like to make a matching fingerless pair of gloves using a DK weight yarn?  I used the same wonderfully warm and soft yarn of Alpaca and silk blend from Misti Alpaca.

This pattern is available for European Buyers at LoveKnitting.  You will find it in AndersonsCreations on Etsy or LoisLeigh's Creations on Craftsy.  Use the "buy now" button on the right or find this pattern LoisLeigh Ravelry shop.



What about the men in your life?  This is a cable pattern I designed as my husband wanted a pair of fingerless gloves that would keep his hand warm and still allow him to feel the wood he is sanding.

This pair is made with Worsted weight yarn that is Pima Cotton/tencel for easy washing and available for you at AndersonsCreations on Etsy. This Winter Tree cable fingerless gloves pattern works up quickly using Worsted weight yarn.  You will find this pattern at my Etsy shop or on LoisLeigh Creations on Craftsy.  European Buyers can find it at LoveKnitting or use the "buy now" button on the right.  If you are a Ravelry member, you will find the pattern at LoisLeigh Ravelry shop.

What about a sweater or shrug that adds glamour and grace to any outfit? I used the amazingly soft and warm Cascade's Venezia Sport which is Merino wool and silk blend. I have several sizes that are already for you at AndersonsCreations on Etsy.

Would you like to make this pattern using your own or Sport weight yarn?  The pattern is very versatile and can be made for different lengths and different sizes from small to 5 extra large.  It can be found at AndersonsCreations on Etsy along with all my knitting patterns.  You can also find it at on LoisLeigh's Creations on Craftsy.  The pattern is available for European Buyers on LoveKnitting or use the "buy now" button on the right.  Ravelry also has the pattern on LoisLeigh Creations on Ravelry

All my patterns have been tested by two other test knitters and comes with my e-mail address if you should have any questions.

I love knitting with quality and luxurious yarns and making them into Autumn accessories that help  others feel glorious wearing them.  What is your favorite type of accessory and what do you love about it?

new spring knit patterns to keep the chill out just in time for Mothers day

I love spring with all the flowers and new growing plants outside.  What may start out to be a glorious day outside, may cloud up and get chilly.  This is the time of year for sweaters, shrugs, capes or ponchos to keep the chill out.

I grew up in the Southwest and ponchos were my go to sweater to throw over any outfit.  Well, they are back in style.  My daughter, who loves hearts, suggested I design a poncho for this current trend.

This poncho is now available made for you using a wonderfully soft and warm Merino wool and silk yarn at my Etsy shop.  If you would like to make it yourself, I now have the pattern at my Ravelry store or for Canadian buyers it is available at LoveKnitting shop.  I should be available by the weekend in my Etsy shop. Or you can use the buy now button on the right.

 

This pattern works up quickly.  You will need 614 yards (562.m) of yarn to make this poncho and uses size US 11 - (8.0 mm) knitting needles which are oversized to add to the lacey affect of the poncho. 

 

This poncho is constructed differently than traditional ponchos.  It is made from two rectangular lace panels that are half as wide as they are long.  These two pieces are sewn together in such a way as to create the V-neck and the point at the bottom.

 

I also made a wonderful shrug that can be warn at night to add flair to any outfit.  I have it for sale at my Etsy shop in a variety of sizes.

If you like to knit and would like to make it for yourself using the colors and sizes just for you, it comes in size small all the way up to 5 extra large.  You can find the pattern at my Etsy shop, on my Ravelry shop or for European Union buyers I have the pattern on my LoveKnitting shop.

 

What a great gift for mother's who have trouble staying warm during the cool of the night or early morning sunshine.  I love to knit in the winter. 

 

Now that it is warming up it is time to get out my crochet hooks and work with cotton thread.

 



Autumn knit patterns and items

It has been a very busy summer with almost a complete month of vacations.  We got to spend a lot of time with our grandchildren.  What a treat.  Then, off to the mountains, where I get so very many ideas.  I love pine trees and the wonderfully delicate flowers

With the cooler weather of Autumn I thought I would showcase some of my knit designs and items for the Fall.

I love knit lace and designed a fingerless gloves pattern and a matching scarf using DK weight yarns.  I designed the fingerless gloves pattern that fits so well because of the stretching ability of knits and the designed shaping in the pattern.  This pattern includes charts along with written instructions.

This pattern can be found at Craftsy,  AndersonsCreations at Etsy.com, Ravelry shop or use the buy now button at the right for European buyers.  For Canadian and European buyers, I now have a LoveKnitting shop.

The matching scarf has written instructions and charts and includes instructions on making the scarf into a scoodie if wanted.

This pattern is in my Etsy shop, on my craftsy shop and my Ravelry shop.  For Canadian and European buyers please use the buy now button on the right hand side or out of my LoveKnitting shop.  My Etsy shop offers a discount for buying both these patterns together here. 

 

My latest lace knit pattern is the De-Vinely Bohemian Lace Shrug.  Again this pattern includes charts and written pattern instructions.  It is made to be flattering to just about any shape or size with different lengths for taller or shorter and has sizing for Women's size small all the way to 5 X-large.

What a glorious way to add warmth and elegance to any outfit for cooler Fall evenings.  Again, this pattern can be found at AndersonsCreations, my Craftsy shop, at Ravelry or my LoveKnitting Patterns or use the buy now button on the right.

 

If you don't like to knit and would love the own this glorious shrug I have made some using a wonderful yarn that is Merino wool (a very soft wool) and silk.  The burgundy and charcoal short shrug is for Women size small to large at my Etsy shop

If you are interested a longer version, because you are taller that most people, in women's size small to large you will find it here.  I used the same wonderful yarn with orchid and cream lace edging.

I also made this pattern for us larger women in size 3 X to 5 X large.  I love the teal color with the light gray lace edging and it can, also, be found in my Etsy shop.





What about the men who would love fingerless gloves.  My husband loves his because as a wood worker, he needs to feel the wood grain to work on it.  The Winter tree cable knit fingerless gloves pattern works up quickly and includes charts and written instructions.  Again because of the stretch in the knit fabric this will fit men's hands and includes shaping so that it will wrap their hand in warmth but their fingers free to feel what they are working on.

This pattern is available at AndersonsCreations, my Craftsy shop, at my LoveKnitting designs, at my Ravelry shop or use the buy now button on the right side of this post.

 

If you would like a pair of these fantastic gloves already made for you, I made a pair using a rust colored cotton yarn for easy washing. 

My Etsy shop



 

All my knit designs can be found at AndersonsCreations, Craftsy shop or on Ravelry or use the buy now buttons on the right of this post.

 

Autumn is one of my favorite times of year in Kansas with the heat cooling down to comfortable without air-conditioning.  What is your favorite way to add warmth to outfits with the cooling temperatures?







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? 



 

 

  

 

 

Mother's Day ideas

I have been super busy with business taxes, custom orders and some other tasks.  I am done with taxes and have a bit of time to write in my blog.

I did want to share a link to an online magazine, Mental Floss, that is showing different bookmarks.  My cowardly lion is in the round up with a wonderful review.  http://mentalfloss.com/article/63057/11-beautiful-bookmarks-bibliophiles-will-love  What an honor to included in this article.

Is your mother a reader?  Does she have a favorite character from a book that is not trademarked?  Here a link to some bookmarks that are already made.  https://www.etsy.com/shop/AndersonsCreations?section_id=6209177&ref=shopsection_leftnav_2

I just finished a custom order for someone who wanted an Alice in Wonderland with the flamingo so she can play a game of croquet.  She is going to put it in a shadow box and not use it as a bookmark, so I was able to stuff the body of the flamingo.  Here is the finished product.

I am really happy with the result.  I enjoy custom orders as I get some really great ideas from them.

If you would like to make your own bookmarks I sell patterns at my Craftsy store, Etsy bookmark patterns or use the buy now buttons on the side to buy them on Ravelry.com. I also have some of the patterns bundled for better prices at my Etsy shop.

Etsy bundled sale patterns

If you don't see the group of patterns you would like to purchase, just ask me in my Etsy shop and I can set up a group just for you.

 

Does your mother love roses and doilies?  Here is doily she will love.

Rose budding hearts doily



Want to make it for her yourself?  Use the buy now button to get it through Ravelry.  On Craftsy, doily pattern or in crochet patterns at my Etsy shop.

 

Does your mother love rainbows?  Here is a sun catcher that looks wonderful in a window and includes a crystal to create rainbows on her wall.

sun catcher in Etsy shop

If you would like to make your mother a sun catcher, this pattern includes instructions on how to attach a crystal drop to make the rainbows on her wall and can be found Ravelry shop pattern, and in my Etsy shop or on Craftsy.

 

Does your mother like columbines as much as I do?  These wonderful chokers would make the perfect addition to her spring wardrobe.

etsy shop pre-made columbine chokers

Would you like to make these beauties in the colors she would love.  Click the buy now button to find the pattern on Ravelry.com, at Craftsy.com, or in my etsy shop.

 

With spring comes the up and down temperatures from day to day and sometimes hour to hour.  For that special mother who deserves only the best, this glorious shrug is available in my shop.

spring shrug

This one is made for a woman size small to medium and is made using wonderfully soft Merino wool and silk yarn.  It is nice and long.  If your mother needs it in another size and color combination, here is the same pattern with the same glorious yarn for women up to size large. 

marsala and charcoal shrug

 

Hopefully, I will have the pattern back from the testers soon to offer that in my shops as well.

 

With mother's day right around the corner and spring in the air, I hope this round-up gives some great ideas for items any mother would love.  What do you think?





Winter knit patterns to help keep you warm outside.

This year, winter has really hung around.  With the cold hanging around the country we have burned more wood this year than in previous years.  I love to knit and crochet by the fire.  Lately, I am working on a new pattern for a shrug.  Here is a picture of the completed project.

 

It fits women's XS to Medium.  I made it with Merino wool and silk and it is the perfect accessory for adding warmth and flair to an outfit.  This link takes you to the completed shrug.  long shrug.  I am currently working on another for larger sized women in teal and grey.  The results are stunning and I am excited to get this listed in my shop.

 

Hopefully, I will have the pattern ready to be tested soon and it will be available in several sizes.  All my patterns are tested by at least two others and the knit patterns include charts.

 

A scarf is also needed in this weather.  Here is a design for anyone who is dreaming of flowers.

Iris scarf pattern

You can find it already made for you in my Etsy shop and I made it again with a wonderfully soft and  silky Moreno and silk wool.  long lacy iris scarf.

 

Here is another scarf that I designed using Suri baby alpaca and silk yarn.  I love how nice and warm this design keeps the wearer.



 

pine-trees-and-cones-scarf-or-scoodie pattern

 

Of course I had to design some fingerless gloves to complete the set using the same yarn.

 



pine-tree--cone-fingerless-gloves pattern

 

When I was designing the women's gloves my husband asked for something that he could wear so I had to design some fingerless gloves for him and other men.  I made a cable stitch that looks like a winter tree.

 

winter-tree-cable-mens-fingerless-gloves pattern

mens-winter-tree-cable-knit-fingerless for sale



 

Stay warm and be sure to bundle up when venturing into the frozen out doors.

 

victorian-carolers-wall-hanging pattern

crochet-victorian-carolers-wall-hanging already made

 

What do you like to do when it is too cold to go outside?















Warm knitting patterns for January

Brrr... It is cold in Kansas this January and it looks like a large part of the world is dealing with frigid temperatures.  So what do I do when it is so cold?  I sit next to our fireplace in a very comfortable chair and knit with Merino wool yarn.  The yarn I am using currently is Merino and silk yarn.  (I like warm and soft wools, hence the choice of Merino)  This way I stay warm and comfortable and provide a warm choice for others looking to stay warm.

Here is a wonderful pattern that I made my husband.  He wanted a fingerless glove so that he could continue to feel the wood he works on in his heated shop.

buy from Craftsy with this link. Use the buy no button on sidebar to buy from Ravelry

 

I  made a pair to sell in my Etsy shop using cotton and tencel to add to the ease of washing.  I love the color

pre-made mens fingerless gloves

Of course, I couldn't forget the women out their who love to make warm fingerless gloves.  I love pine trees and see very few of them in Kansas so I decided to design some in this lace knit pattern.

Buy pattern from Craftsy using this link. Use the buy now button to buy from Ravelry.com

 

 

I loved this lace pattern so much I just had to design a scarf to go with it.  I used Misti Alpaca lace weight yarn which is quite warm and soft. 

Buy pattern from Craftsy.com



 The pattern also gives directions for making it into a hat/scarf called a scoodie if you wish.





Use this link to buy this pattern from Ravelry.com

 

Last year, my neice asked my to design a scarf for her using purple as the color.  I came up with lace knit design for people who love the wonderful iris flower.  I used Cascade's Merino and silk DK weight yarn for this pattern

Use this link to buy the pattern from Craftsy. Use the buy now button on the side to buy the pattern from Ravelry.com

 

If you don't want to knit the pattern your self I have a long scarf already made for you out of this fabulous yarn in my Etsy shop.

luxurious lacy merino and silk iris scarf in Etsy shop

I am currently working on a shrug design I hope to have out soon using the same wonderful Cascade Merino and silk yarn.  It is so soft and warm.

 

What do you like to do when the temperatures turn cold to help stay warm?

 

luxurious lacy iris scarf pattern

April is such a busy month at our house.  Not only is it tax season but this year was Easter.  Now add my birthday and my grandson's birthday and it is hard to get anything else done.  My husband delighted me this year with a gift that brings out the girl in me.  He got me an entire fairy village.  Of course I had to set it up with a carosel horse to visit the village.  Here is how it is set up right now. 

Anyway, April has been fun (except for taxes).  My wonderful niece asked me to spin some angora and Merino wool into yarn and design a scarf for her.  Her favorite color is purple so I decided a lacy iris scarf would fit the bill.  This is my new favorite spinning wheel.

It spins so fast the yarn was made in no time at all.  Then came the design process.  I love lacy knits and my niece lives in Phoenix so I thought a little lace in this warm and soft angora/merino yarn would be appreciated.  Here is her scarf finished.

  

 

When it was time for the making a pattern, I looked around for some yarn that would be as soft as the yarn I made, since pattern buyers don't all spin.  I found a new yarn that I love on sale at Craftsy.com for a excellent price.  You can get your own here: cascade-venezia-sport-yarn

 

They even had the perfect color of Orchid Haze.  I love, love, this yarn.  It is so soft and it really shows the stitch definition.  It is 70% Merino Wool and 30% silk to add that shimmer.

 

I will be buying more.  Well the pattern is finished and back from two separate testers.  One of them is using the pattern to make a pillow top.  Here is a picture of the finished scarf.  I still am looking for a model.  The mannequin works to start the process.

 



 

The pattern is for two sizes: 

8 inches (20.32 cm) wide by 67 inches (170.2 cm) long or

    Long Scarf: 8 inches (20.32 cm) wide by 100 inches (254 cm) long. 

I love how it came out.  What do you think? 

All in all, April was a wonderful month.