sneak peek

In all honesty, I've spent most of July covered in paint and sanding dust as I've been working around chez October House on several projects. And I'm not nearly done. Why is it that painting takes twice as long as I think it will?  Ah well, these walls, doors and furniture aren't going anywhere:)

I have, however, managed to get in some time designing a few new cross stitch patterns, one of which will be released next week:

A Country Day - or - if you prefer, A Summer Day. The chart includes both versions.  

I'm busy working away on a few more designs which won't be ready for a bit, but here's a sneak peek of one of them

You knew I had to design a pattern about my favorite craft!

Quiet Colors - a small pattern collection

We had a terrific time at DFW Fiber Fest this year, and while we were there, our new pattern collection debuted at the Fiber Fest and on Ravelry.

Quiet Colors is a small pattern collection of accessories. They are sophisticated, yet easy to knit designs that have a classic feel. I've used my favorite yarns to knit these patterns, and they are yarns you want to knit with over and over.

Abella Stole 

Acropolis Socks

Intermezzo Shawl

Cataleen Mitts

You can find the collection in the Ravelry shop, as well as the Etsy Shop.

I'm going to cast on the Abella stole for myself in greens (Picholine & Riesling in Arbor Fingering) once we're back from PLY Away. I figure if I start now, it might be done in time for next winter:)

Handspun Friendly Patterns

I don't know about you, but in my mind you can never have too many patterns. And that goes double for patterns that are good for handspun! So I say,let's start a collection of handspun-friendly patterns.

There's also a thread in the October House Fiber Arts Ravelry group where you can post your favorite handspun-friendly patterns.

HIRO MITTENS by Julia Farwell-Clay

THE SETA SCARF by Sosae Caetano

WABI MITTS by Karen Templar

IDK TRIANGLE SHAWL by Laurie Beardsley

Folklore Socks

I have a new pattern available as of today...Folklore Socks.

An easy, yet interesting slip-stitch pattern gives these socks a great textured look. These started with a stitch pattern I loved, but it didn’t work in the round. I added a stitch and lo….an addictive pattern was born!

Once you slip a stitch twice (for two rows) it is pretty secure. Then you can cable without a cable needle. Cool!

The pattern is charted and written. 

$4.00

I love to knit socks, and these are a very fun knit!  The pattern looks great in a semi-solid or a handpainted yarn.  Click here to purchase.

Ripple Cowl

I've got a new pattern for a quick and easy cowl.

Check it out!

Sojourn Mitts

I'm sharing a new pattern with you...my own!  These mitts are warm and cosy,  snug without being too snug.  Durable, yet lovely.  I love fingerless mitts.  Maybe it's because my hands are almost always cold.  But especially when I'm typing on my computer or using the mouse, my hands freeze!  So, what's a knitter's answer to cold hands?  Knitted mitts.  This is Brown Sheep's Nature Spun Sport which I've overdyed in a plum color. 

These are available as a free download on Ravelry.  Here is the link to the pattern:  Sojourn Mitts

I hope you'll try them and let me know what you think.  I have a few more patterns coming in the weeks ahead, so I'm beyond excited to actually get started with my first one.