DK the Nautical Knitter

Some of you have shown an interest in the Frost Flowers and Leaves shawl that I am diligently working on. I thought you all might also be interested in this beauty. The pattern is from Lankakomero, is in English, and is free. Her patterns are all absolutely delightful and her knitting ability is something I strive for.

Enjoy.

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Just a quick post to let you all know that the new Kim Hargreaves book Heartfelt: The Dark Horse Collection has just been released. Oh man, there are at least three patterns I already have my eye on; Emily, Elizabeth, and Aislin. Which ones do you like?

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Kim Hargreaves has a new book coming soon.  I have my eye on several of the patterns from the previous collections as well.  Beautiful stuff here.  When the publishing date is announced I will post an update.  Stay tuned…

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In case you haven’t heard yet, the fall issue of Knitty is out today. I was able to peruse the patterns and articles and there are some nifty new patterns out this quarter. None of the patterns really jumped out and grabbed my interest though. This probably has a lot to do with the fact that I have enough in the works already. The Secret of the Stole, KAL, all my other stoles, shawls and socks in the works, and my muse tapping on the window with another stole pattern in her hand are all keeping me focused and slightly on edge these days.

However, I belong to a group called Sexy Knitters Club and throughout the year the group holds nominations on the next “item” we should all knit together. It is like a perpetual knit along. I like this group because they are a very active and very talented group of knitters and they keep me inspired and “on my game”. Sometimes the patterns that win the nomination have to be purchased if you want to participate and sometimes they are free. On the right is one of the newest nominations for the next KAL. It is straight from the fall issue of Knitty. My news travels fast these days.

I like the design above, but my vote will probably go to this really cute cardigan by Drops Design, Garnstudio.

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I was making excellent progress on Caroline. The bust darts went just as planned and the circular knitting around the bodice was really looking super. Then I realized that the yarn I am using and my mis-judgment on gauge combined to make the bodice about 4 sizes too large for me. So, I am frogging back to the bra section and will work the bust dart and beginning bodice section again.

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Don’t you know it, just when I got the ball really rolling on designing my own top and the progress on my Frost Flowers and Leaves shawl is cranking along nicely along comes this new KAL, Mystery Stole #3, that I happen to already have the perfect yarn and beads for. The membership for this KAL closes tonight at midnight, I think, and the total members as of this posting is up to 5800+. That is 5799 enablers and little ole’ me. ARRRRGGHHH!!

Well, at least I am not lacking for projects. The top design is working out really well and I hope to be enlisting test knitters within the next month or so. Stay tuned…

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The pattern I picked out to start next is a cute semi-sheer lacy empire waist thing. Unfortunately, I purchased the proper weight yarn in a color and texture that I like and then noticed the pattern called for hemp yarn. The yarn I purchased is a poly-blend. The pattern says that the top will knit up small and then block out to the proper size. That is probably true with the hemp, but the yarn that I purchased is not going to block (stretch) like that. Soooo, since I have already knit a swatch and I like the fabric that I have obtained with this needle size and yarn, I went searching the net last night for something to make with it. Here is what I have settled on:

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