March and springtime knit and crochet

Spring is almost here in Kansas.  March can be an early spring a little further North of us but we are seeing Daffodils bloom here in Kansas.  One of my springtime designs is inspired by these wonderful flowers.  This daffodil fairy bookmark or decoration is so bright and cheerful, just like the flowers.

She is available to buy at AndersonsCreations on etsy.  For thread crochet folks who would like to try a pattern that is a little more challenging you can buy the pattern using the "buy now" button on the right or at my craftsy store or if you are across 'the big pond,' you can find it at my lovecrochet store.

I have been asked to make a Poppy Fairy and so I am currently working on that one.  It is so much fun to come up with new designs trying to make crochet stitches that end up looking like the wonders that God has around us everyday.

Another fun design that is perfect for March is my lucky Irish leprechaun.  He is holding his pot of gold and has a lucky 4-leafed shamrock on his hit.  He can be used as a bookmark or decoration to take the 'luck of the Irish with you wherever you go.  You will find him at my etsy shop.

 The pattern works up quickly and easily.  His pattern is found under crochet patterns at my Etsy shop or by using the "buy now" button on the right or at any of my online stores.  What a great gift for anyone who wants to celebrate their Irish heritage.

With the warming temperatures during the day, the morning and evenings can still be chilly.  I grew up in the southwest and ponchos were normal sweater attire.  I designed the Majestic Queen of Hearts pattern for my oldest daughter who loves anything with hearts. 

Now I wanted to design a poncho for my youngest daughter.  She loves plants and I thought what better way to celebrate that love then with a leafy poncho.

I used Moreno and silk wool to put in AndersonCreations on Etsy.  The pattern is made using two lace panels that are sewn together and has a simple cable to separate the leaf patterns.  It works up quickly and is such a fun look.  I love ponchos because they fit everyone.

I thought for my daughter, since she has three preschoolers, I would make hers using a different yarn.  I made a huge mistake in doing this.  Using different yarns on my patterns works well but the gauge needs to be considered in doing this.  The Moreno and silk yarn was a Sport weight and the Pima Cotton yarn I wanted to use for her was a DK weight.  I made the poncho with the DK weight and it came out so big that it didn't want to stay on her shoulders.  I am embarrassed to admit that I could make such a basic error but I did.  I had to take the whole poncho out and re-knit it using smaller needles to get the correct gauge. Proof that when making a garment, it is always a good idea to swatch to get the right gauge.

One of my pattern testers for this delightfully fun knit used an Aran weight yarn and it came out beautifully when she used smaller needles. The pattern is now available under knit patterns at my Etsy shop, or by using the 'buy now' button on the right.  It can also be purchased at LoisLeigh Ravelry shop, on LoisLeigh's Creations at Craftsy or at https://www.loveknitting.com.

March is a fun time of me with a birthday for my dear husband and my youngest sister. I love coming up with new a different ideas for them both.  What do you like about March and early spring?

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? 



 

 

  

 

 

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?















Valentine's patterns and spring time lace knit and crochet patterns

With the weather just beginning to warm up in Kansas, I thought I would do a post on some of the wonderful knit and crochet patterns I have available for the spring.  Because it is just starting to warm up, there are a lot of times a beautiful wrap is just the needed accessory to stay warm.

One of my favorite designs is this lovely knitted lacy wrap called Pretty in Hearts.  Made in colors of your choosing, it works up quickly.

.

click this link to buy from Craftsy or choose the buy now button to by from Ravelry

 

Another exquisite wrap design, that is a little more difficult because it involves nupps, but just as great for staying warm on cool nights is my 2 hearts together wrap.  My pattern have all been tested by others and include picture tutorials of stitches.  This pattern also includes instructions on how to make it without the nupps.

to buy from Craftsy use this link, to buy from Ravelry use the buy now button on side bar

 

I also made a scarf for lace knitters who love the iris flower.  This delightful scarf will provide warmth around the neck and head with the promise of spring coming.

click to buy from Craftsy. Use the buy now button on the side bar to buy from Ravelry

 

If you would like to get this beautiful scarf already made using Merino wool (a very soft wool) and silk, I have it my etsy shop. AndersonsCreations.etsy.com

 

I love knitted lace designs.  I also love to crochet.  I have many different patterns that would work well with the Valentine's Day or a spring time theme.

 

One of my favorite items in my own home in the winter time is my sun catchers in the window of my kitchen.  It catches the winter sun shining through the prism and creates rainbows all over the walls.  Here is the pattern for my sun catcher.

To buy from Craftsy, use this link. Ravelry use the buy now button on side bar

If you would like to buy this premade you can find it in this link.AndersonsCreations.etsy.com.

 

If you love doilies as much as I do you will love this pattern.  The doily will add that special touch to any display you have in your home.

 

To buy from Craftsy use this link. EU buyers please use the buy now button on the side bar

If you would prefer to buy it ready made it can be found here.  AndersonsCreations.etsy.com

 

Of course, I had to make a story bookmark to celebrate Valentine's day.  Here are two patterns that can be made for Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy lovers the world over.

Use this link to buy from Craftsy. EU buyers please use the buy now button on the side bar

 

Buy the ready made bookmark here.

 

I couldn't leave Raggedy Andy out, so here is what this bookmark looks like.

Craftsy pattern site. EU buyers, please use the Buy Now button on the side bar

 

Buy a premade Raggedy Andy bookmark here

 

Naturally, they gave each other heart shape Valentine's. 

 



My husband and I got married in February and so beside Valentine's Day this time of year is very special to us.  What do you like about this time of year?



 















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.