New Knitting Pattern: Lace & Cables Table Runner (that good, happy feeling)

You know those special moments when everything works out just the way you want it to?  Aren't they wonderful?

Such is the case with my latest knitting pattern: the Lace & Cables Table Runner.  I just love it.  (Okay, it's a little shorter than I wanted because I ran out of yarn, but other than that, I love it).  It's interesting, it's pretty, it's simple, yet elegant.  And just to add a little bit of color and texture, I wove some multi-colored ladder ribbon yarn through the eyelets on the sides.

There's not much more to say.  The pattern and directions are available on my Hubpages.  I hope you like it!!

Free Knitting Pattern: Three Designs for Bold Statement Necklaces

The drabness of winter is upon us and once again my mind (and knitting needles) turn to new jewelry :)

I love bold necklaces and have posted three different designs for statement necklaces on my Hubpages.  These designs can be modified in size and length, and you can incorporate as many colors as you choose to match your favorite items in your wardrobe!

I hope there's a design that you like!

Knitting Year in Review 2013

This is the time of year in the blogosphere where all bloggers do a post that looks back over the last year and makes some type of claim about the upcoming year.  And since I don't want to feel left out (or have you feel left out), here's my look back on my three favorite knitting projects from 2013:

1.  The Theresa Shawl by Nikki Wagner from the Fall 2013 Knitscene magazine:  I really love this shawl/scarf.  I've always been a little frightened of shawls, but there's an ease to this design that makes it so comfortable to just wrap around my neck and go.  I used stash yarn for this - I bought the green/yellow variegated yarn at Stitches South a few years ago.  I added the darker blue because I was afraid that I wouldn't have enough of the green color to finish this pattern.  The blue yarn is some Malabrigo Arroyo that I had leftover from my own shawl design, the Crossroads Textured Shawl.

2.  Norah Gaughan cardigan from my Summer Sweater Knit-a-Long:  I've talked at great length about how much I love this sweater.  The design is gorgeous, the color is wonderful, and I'm so happy with the modifications I made to the pattern.  It has become a staple of my wardrobe.  The yarn is Ella Rae Classic Wool.  Although this fiber is not particularly soft, it's only a little bit itchy at the neck and does wear well.  And I wear this sweater A LOT!

3.  Color Field Baby Blanket/Afghan by ME:  sorry, I just had to throw in one of my own designs :)  I do really love how this blanket came together.  I designed it for some friends who were expecting their first child.  I think the colors and design are both cheerful, yet modern.  And the new parents seem to love it!

So, there it is - my look back on 2013 in knitting.  And for 2014?  I have a few things up my sleeve:

1.  I have a couple of new designs that I will be posting on my Hubpages in the coming months.

2.  I want to make a fall jacket for myself.  I'm considering a pattern from Filati Handknitting, Issue 53 (lefthand side of page 12 - love it!).

3.  And I hope to have a few more surprises coming up!

Stay tuned!  Best wishes to all for a happy and bright 2014!!!