KIS Designs

It's hard to believe that summer is nearly over and we're already seeing the "Back to School" advertisements.  I guess this means that it's now appropriate for me to offer my Collage Skirt formula as one of my favorite Back To School knitting projects!  I've been making these skirts for more than 10 years now, and three things keep me coming back to make another:  The near-instant gratification of a finished project.  The ability to clear out a fair amount of stash yarn with this formula.  The creativity-unleashed method of color & texture blending. This project employs an "everything but the kitchen sink" approach to stash-busting. Random bits of leftover sock yarn combined with DK and/or worsted weights are held together to form a chunky weight yarn that is uniquely yours. They work up so quickly, and are somewhat addictive, so be prepared--bet you can't make just one! The formula is available for FREE ...

I love knitting on the road. Windows down, radio on, the hum of the engine and the feel of the yarn and needles in my hands (It's okay-- I'm not the one behind the wheel)! It's all so relaxing...until my husband hands me the map and asks me to find the directions to where we're driving.  Why does he do this to me? Furthermore, why does he do this to himself?? My husband was born with a 100% accurate internal compass. Mine was broken when I got it. Never, ever works! Here's what I see when I look at a map: I see lines going "this way" intersecting with lines going "that way". Scribbles on a complicated-to-fold page.  I give it a try every time.  I will stare at that map until the creases in my brow match those on the page in my lap.  Then I take out my phone and ask Google Maps to talk us through the directions. She talks, he listens, I knit and we all arrive at our destination. God bless you Google Maps!  New Hat Pattern: S...

Body & Sleeves Tracking Sheet for alternating yarns The key to making the Sleeves of your 4 Strands Sweater match the Body is through careful tracking. Print this worksheet out and keep it with your pattern to make this tracking easier.  *tip:  weigh the stash yarns that you plan to use for the body of your sweater and reserve ½ of each color for working the sleeves. B: Body S1: Sleeve 1 S2: Sleeve 2      Fill in the number of rounds for each yarn used and check the Body, Sleeve 1 &  Sleeve 2 boxes once completed. B   S1  S2 ⬜ ⬜  ⬜ _____rounds _____________________________________________(yarn) B   S1  S2 ⬜ ⬜  ⬜ _____rounds _____________________________________________(yarn) B   S1  S2 ⬜ ⬜  ⬜ _____rounds _____________________________________________(yarn) B   S1  S2 ⬜ ⬜  ⬜ _____rounds _________________________________...

From Stash.... A recent Snow-day sparked the desire for spring-cleaning. Naturally, I started with my stash! Looking at all the lovely odds-and-ends of my leftover yarns prompted this sweater creation. Random bits of sock yarn and mohair seemed the perfect complement to the Malabrigo Arroyo that I had left from a previous sweater project that didn’t pan out (mixed dye-lot). Add to that, a gorgeous skein of Mountain Colors Winter Lace that I received for my birthday, and voila! A sweater was born! ...to Sweater! 4 Strands is a simple, top-down sweater with  next-t0-no shaping and plenty of ease. It works up super-quick  at 3 stitches to the inch-- and because of its construction it’s guaranteed to be a one-of-a-kind garment, no matter how many times you make it! I am offering this sweater pattern for FREE in my Ravelry shop so grab your copy here: FREE Pattern! and get ready to clean out your stash! If you'd like some some help determining the...

W. on 80 by Kelly Forster /KIS Designs Named for the highway that leads from Oregon to Colorado which is highlighted in a verse from one of my favorite Joe Bonamassa songs.  It’s where the “ road starts climbing up to Mountain Time .”   Knit in Malabrigo Dos Tierras yarn, in colors that emulate this long stretch of highway and the dashes, lines and textures of its oft-traveled pavement . Road-trip anyone? Grab your PDF pattern here:  Cast On!

New Pattern Release: "Alexandra" Cowl and Hat set  designed to showcase Alexandra's Crafts beautiful Pendleton Gradient Shawl Cake. This pattern duo takes full advantage of the 400-yard shawl cake. Each-and-every drop of color within the over-sized skein is fully appreciated as they spill into the cowl and climb up through the hat. Both pieces are knit from the bottom-up. SIZE Cowl: One Size. Hat: Adult S [M] FINISHED MEASUREMENTS [After Blocking} Cowl Circumference: 25.5 inches/64.77 cm Cowl Depth: 8 inches/20.32 cm Hat Head Circumference: 19[22.5] inches / 48.06 [57.15]cm Hat Depth: 7[7.5] inches/17.78[19.05]cm Hat Pictured is Adult M. Ready to Cast-On your "Alexandra" set? Link to my Ravelry Shop directly from the home page of this blog, or click the link here:  Cast On! You can get your mitts on this amazing yarn here: Yarn

New Pattern for January: Brightly Cap “In order for the light to shine so brightly, the darkness must be present.” -Francis Bacon I've been thinking about this quote and what it means to be a light in a dark world. I have not been given the gift of eloquence so I often stay quiet.  Listening. Hoping that my actions convey my desire to be a light in the darkness.  Hoping that KINDNESS will make a come-back.   Hoping that LOVE will win over hate. Hoping that HOPE will return.

2018: A Year in Stitches 2018 saw 18 new patterns (10 hats, 5 shawls, 2 cowls and a water-bottle cozy)! The new year offers a blank page just waiting to be filled with new patterns (some of which are in the works even even as I type this 🤗. I'm excited to discover what 2019 has in store and I look forward to exploring new yarns, stitch patterns & techniques and opportunities to knit with you all!  New Knits: Knitted samples previously used for pattern development and display are now available on my "Knitwear by KIS Designs" page here on the blog.  All of these pieces were knit by me and are in New (never worn) condition.  Take a look here:  Knitwear by KIS Designs  . I am  regularly  adding more items, so be sure to check back often for new goodies! Thank you!