KIS Designs

My son never asks me to knit for him unless it's something nerdy.  For example, this Halloween he requested a quick and simple Ninja cape and hood--three days before  Halloween!  I've also made him a knitted lego-man and have talked at length with him about design ideas for a complete knitted Star Wars set.  So when he came to me with a request for a simple vest, I was ecstatic-- finally, something normal!!   Then, the rest of the story............. His Challenge:  to design him a vest that he could covertly wear to a civil war reenactment but would actually be "modern" in that it would feature the image of the firebird from the video game he is currently lusting after.   Challenge accepted my son! Knit from the bottom up, this is a quick and seamless knit designed to fit boys and girls. Ready to Cast On?  Grab the pattern here:   

New Knitted Cuff Pattern Just Released! "Danno" knits up in a flash and uses only .2 ounces of fingering weight yarn.  This is a great pattern for cleaning out your stash basket.  Need a gift in a pinch?  This bracelet can be made in an evening! Ready to Cast On?  Grab the pattern here: 

New shawl pattern just released today! Named for its lovely pine color reminiscent of the Pacific Northwest’s layered hills of lush fir trees.  “Pseudotsuga” is also the name of a delicious, hand-crafted beer from Seven Brides Brewing, a very talented Oregon brewer.  This beer boasts a delightfully woodsy taste with the slightest hint of pine. Want to Cast On your Pseudotsuga?  Grab the pattern here:  

Trees go wandering forth in all directions  with every wind, going and coming like ourselves, traveling with us around the sun two million miles a day, and through space heaven knows how fast and far. -John Muir "Wandering Forth" is a new bracelet design that uses a mere .1 or .2 ounces of leftover fingering weight yarn. For the above bracelet I used .1 oz of 100% silk that was expertly hand-dyed by the amazingly talented Laura Macagno-Shang, owner of Textiles A Mano in Eugene, Oregon.  You can find her online at   http://textilesamano.com/ Ready to Cast On?  Grab the pattern here:  

Just in time for your Holiday Knitting: Better Together e-book is now available for download. Two-by-two or Three-at-a-time...Better Together is a collection of Hats, Cowls and Fingerless Gloves that form complete ensembles.      

My "Lakes End" pattern series is now complete with the addition of  "Lakes End Fingerless Gloves". This has been a fun set to work with.  The stitch pattern gives you loads of texture and is completely reversible allowing for more versatility.  The patterns are available individually at present but I am working on an e-book collection that will include these three patterns along with 6-8 others at a discounted price--stay tuned for updates on its release ;-) Happy Knitting!

Lakes End  Inspired by a recent camping trip, “Lakes End” pays tribute to the view from our canoe:  deep, crystal-clear water and its enchanted depths filled with the rich color and texture of twisted tree roots.  Beautiful hand dyed yarn and twisting, winding cables give this cap similar texture and interest with an added bonus:  It’s completely reversible! And it's available  for download here: 

"For Luck Cowl" has been resurrected from the heap of UFO's, and in keeping with my New Years Resolution, has finally taken it's full shape. It has been tested by the fabulous Debbie Engelhard and is ready for release.  This cowl was designed to pair up with the "For Luck" Tam ( http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/for-luck ) and uses a beautiful merino/silk blend yarn, expertly hand-dyed by the amazingly talented fiber artist Melanie Dilworth of Black Trillium.  Here's another piece of "luck":  A single skein of this yummy yarn will yield both the cowl and  the hat! See my "Cast On" page for order information, or get it here:

Continuing my New Year's Resolutions' UFO Countdown............ "Half-Time Cowl" is finally finished, tested and ready for release! Show off your team spirit--in style!  Knit this cowl in your favorite team's colors.  Double it up and wrap yourself in the warmth of beautifully hand-dyed yarn as in this one made from Wonderland Yarns, "March Hare".   Stay loose, and wear it as one long loop... or keep it soft and simple, as in this single color version knit in Cascade Yarns Eco Duo.   No matter how you make it, "Half-Time Cowl" is a whole lot of fun to knit and is guaranteed to keep you cozy  during those chilly night games! Get your copy here:

Rimrock Shawl has been put to the test and is now ready for download! Thank you to all of my wonderful test-knitters who volunteered their time and energy to make this shawl possible: Barb Barraclough, Darrel and Becky McClure, Becky Smith and Jill Rue.  You are all truly amazing! And another equally large "Thank You" goes out to the fabulous Mill Stream Knitters Guild for giving this shawl its name.  You ladies ROCK! Want to knit your own "Rimrock" Shawl?  Get the pattern here:

At long last, Alchemy & Roses shawl pattern is now available for download. This is an intermediate/advanced knitting project--and I think, well worth the extra effort! The finished piece is lightweight and feminine while the shape is very practical for a shawl in that it stays square on your shoulders and doesn't slip around like some shawls. buy now

Half-Full Moon pattern is now live! This has been a fun one to knit (in fact, I have made 3 of them so far)!  Half-Full Moon is a quick little crescent-shaped shawl which sports a pretty lace border.  It packs a whole lot of drape and color into its frame as well!  Shawl can be made up in any weight yarn which will make this an all weather favorite!   See my "Cast On" page for info. on where to find a downloadable copy of this pattern.

Sand Dollar Hat is now available as a PDF Download (See my "Cast-On" page for details). This is a great summertime knit comprised of rustic and cool cotton/linen blend "Zooey" yarn by Juniper Moon Farms.  Highly textural and airy--just the ticket for concealing campers hair while maintaining your sense of style! Pattern includes two sizes:  Children / Adults.  Easy care (just wash and wear).

"Upside Down" Jack Johnson Who's to say What's impossible Well they forgot This world keeps spinning And with each new day I can feel a change in everything And as the surface breaks reflections fade But in some ways they remain the same And as my mind begins to spread its wings There's no stopping curiosity I want to turn the whole thing upside down I'll find the things they say just can't be found I'll share this love I find with everyone We'll sing and dance to Mother Nature's songs I don't want this feeling to go away... "No Stopping Curiosity" is a new reversible hat pattern that will be out this week.  Sized to fit Children and Adults, this is a great cap that's loaded with texture--just right for showcasing hand dyed yarns.  It'll have you flipping your lid!

My daughter came to me the other day and told me that it was her "Sharing Day" at school next Friday and that she thought she'd share her fairy collection.  Not realizing she had a collection of fairies, I asked her how many she had.  She answered:  "Just the one, but I thought you could make me some."   "Some".......... How many is "Some"?   This is where she informs me that her teacher told her that a "Collection" meant 9 things. NINE!??! Not to worry mom, she said.  You have til next Friday. So, here is the start of her "collection"of "Garden Sprites".  Each one has her own unique personality (with the help of varying clothing and hair colors and facial features). Thankfully they knit up in a flash--so hopefully I can meet the boss' deadline! I really love my daughter ;-) Pattern is available for FREE via Ravelry and Craftsy.  See my "Cast On" page for more info...

"Good Turn" bracelets give you the shot in the arm you need to spring into summer! Loads of color and texture make up every bracelet and each one is a One-of-a-Kind creation--never to be duplicated.  Named "Good Turn" because no matter how you turn them, there is something wonderful to look at! Get your Good Turn bracelet here:   www.kisdesigns.etsy.com Oregonians can find more of these bracelets at Stone Buddha  http://www.stonebuddhamarketplace.com/

Meadow Hopper is now available online (see my "Cast-On" page for order information) I knit these in The Yarns of Rhichard Devrieze and I now know that I don't want to knit socks in anything else!  His yarns are so sproingy and wonderful to knit with!  They give amazing stitch definition--and his colors!!!   Wow!  Heavenly.

Testing is complete and "Carly's Shrug" is Ravelry-Ready! This is a great little project that is just in time for the sunshine!  Designed at the request of my daughter who loves to wear tank tops--but isn't allowed to in school.  With this little shrug, she can wear her favorite sparkly tank under these little sleeves.  Pattern includes sizes from Children's XS to Adult XL.

Knit from the bottom-up, this is a simple and eco-friendly project designed to keep your coffee warm, while keeping your hands cool.   Project is small and portable and works up in a snap—they make great gifts too! Free Pattern:    SIZE One FINISHED MEASUREMENTS 4 inches tall  X 4 inches at its widest point after blocking MATERIALS  Yarn: Worsted weight, washable yarn.  I used Cascade 220 Superwash; 100% Superwash Wool; 100 gr/3.5oz ; 220 yds/ball; Color: Really Red.  One ball will make several . Needles: One set US size 4(3.50mm) DPN’s GAUGE 6 sts =1 inch KNITTING THE COZY CO 45 sts and divide evenly onto 3 DPN’s.  Join for working in the round, being careful not to twist your sts, work 5 rounds in k2, p1 rib.  Step 1:  *K1, k1f&b, k10, k1f&b, k2; rep from * around.  6 sts increased (51 sts total). Step 2:  *P1, k1, p1, k1, yo, k3, sk2p, k3, yo, k1, p1, k1, p1; r...

Spring has sprung! As my tribute to this lovely season, and all the beautiful fruit trees in bloom, I have created one of my "A Good Turn" bracelets.  (I call these bracelets this because, no matter how you turn them--there is always something Good to look at)! This type of bracelet takes several hours to make--and sometimes several months.  I like to gather the materials, unhurried, and customize them to the wearer if possible.   The bracelet below was made for my friend Sharon and features copper & brass (to help her hands/wrists when knitting), silver, vintage glass, sea shells, serpentine, carnelian, jasper and quartz (just to name a few) as well as beads fashioned from old record albums (because she loves music)!

Though I get a little side-lined (okay-- distracted)  I continue my quest to conquer my UFO's.  This week, "Naiad" rose to the top of the literal heap and became Finished Project #3 !  It only took two years, but I think this lovely scarf was worth the wait! Naiad is ethereal and whisper-soft with subtle lace and delicate ruffles that had me thinking of a mermaid the entire time I was knitting.  Romantic and light--it would be an ideal bridal accessory while being equally at home in less-formal settings.  Scarf is knit in two pieces which are grafted together before blocking.  

"Saccharine" marks my 60th pattern, so to celebrate this landmark I have decided that it needs to be available, as Adam Sandler says: " for FREEEEEE! " https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0y9DkJcxH4 Okay, now that I have your attention, here is the link to the pattern:   http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/saccharin "Saccharine"  is a sweet little shawl/wrap that knits up at lightning speed!  In fact, you could have one completed in a weekend!   So, what are you waiting for??  Cast On!

It's a Wrap is a collection of 6 knitted bracelet patterns Each bracelet knits up quickly using up even the smallest bits of left-over sock yarn.  They are a great way to showcase a favorite button or even an orphaned earring!  Loose your imagination and get your bling on! If you would like to purchase this collection, please see my "Cast-On" page for ordering details.

New hat pattern has been tested and approved! Sweet November This is a quick-knit which includes sizes to fit babies-adults.  Best part:  It's completely reversible, so you will always have a cap to suit your every mood! *See my "Cast-On" page for pattern ordering info.

While burried in my Knit-Flix UFO 's ... along comes "Paula".   This was a custom order request, that I tried to say "No" to... but there was this lovely yarn , and a fair amount of arm twisting...add my being a spineless yarniac to the edquation and  "Paula" was allowed "cut-sies" in line. Good news is that this is a very enjoyable knit which comes together very quickly despite the scarf's loooooooong, slinky length.     Tassels:  Knit em' or Fugget about em'! *Pattern available online: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/paula-9 See my "Cast On" page for additional ordering options.

Meadow Hopper Socks  I am diligently checking off my list of 14 UFO's, and here is #2 on the list:  Meadow Hopper Socks.   I am happy to announce that they are off the needles, blocked and out for testing!  We are making progress here! Pattern will be available soon...so stay tuned. Now I am off to work on UFO Numbers 3-14! Happy Knitting!

New Years is the time for resolutions, and I have deemed 2014 to be the year of the UFO's (Unfinished Objects):   Finish em,  or Fugget about em! I have gathered all of my UFO's in one location and discovered that I have a staggering 14 of them!   FOURTEEN!   Chalk it up in part to knitters A.D.D. or the fact that I work at a yarn shop and have way too many options, or just plain insanity ( yeah, that's our last option ), but I have started each of these projects with the intentions of finishing them--honest! Some projects have gotten set aside due to other's jumping the queue (shop samples, pattern requests, custom orders, etc) and others have simply been forgotten in a basket that I tucked away all too well.  Still others have been gathering dust (figuratively) for over 3 years and I believe it's time to take a close look at these and make the hard decisions:  Will they be finished--or will they be yarn? Let's Start with the "current pro...