Alpaca treat

Here is another version of my "Peony Cape" pattern, knit in a wonderful natural alpaca yarn. The yarn was a gift, and is raised and spun on an Alpaca farm near La Center, WA. The pink edging it Knit Picks Andean Silk. Now that our weather has cooled, I am enjoying wearing this cape very much!

Copyright 2010 by Invisible Loom and Craft. All Rights Reserved.

On and off the loom

I know it is Tuesday, but I'll have to owe you a tea recipe. I wanted to thank all of you for the kind reception to the Daisy Chain Sweater. I cannot wait to hear how it knits up for you. I also wanted to show you my latest "off the loom", "The Dandelion Shawlette." I am very excited about this pattern for several reasons. First, it is a "small shawl", using only 250 yards of yarn. Second, it is made in DK weight yarn on a "regular" gauge loom - 1/2 inch, and I believe can be made on a large gauge in worsted weight. It has a true lace shawl feel and look to it because of the lighter weight yarn. Finally, and this I am very happy about, it is knit from side to side, with the top band, center panel, and the lace border, all knit at the same time. It was many tries to make this pretty shawl, and I am so happy with the result! I am working on writing the pattern - always takes longer than the knitting some how. I am in love with the yarn, too. "Knit Picks City Tweed DK" in Lemon Curd. I like tweeds, but they always seem scratchy and heavy to me. This yarn is a merino/alpaca blend, and it is soft and a pleasure to wear.

Let me know what you think of this little shawl.

Copyright 2010 by Invisible Loom and Craft, all rights reserved.

The Daisy Chain Sweater Pattern

I am delighted to announce that I have finished the pattern for "The Daisy Chain Sweater." This will be my first for sale pattern, after 30 plus free patterns. It is available at Ravelry in a large print pdf download for $5.00 US 

"The Daisy Chain Sweater is a lacy sweater made in one piece, with minimal
seaming. This pattern includes a new loom knitting stitch pattern, “The Daisy Chain”, as well as detailed written directions for making an adult size 8 sweater on a round or flat ½ in gauge loom. Sizing can be easily adjusted by measuring and increasing or decreasing pegs and length. Two looms are needed for this pattern, one that is flat or round with at least 56 pegs, and one round with about 35 pegs.

Copyright 2010 by Invisible Loom and Craft, Renee Van Hoy. All Rights Reserved. Personal Use Only.

Special Olympics Scarf Project

This photograph is from the Northern California Special Olympics Summer Gamers, 2010. My "baby" girl is in the poster.

There is a project to make scarves for the 2011 Special Olympic Winter Games (we do not have Winter Games here) using a pretty blue and turquoise. Coats and Clark Yarns has information, photos and pattern suggestions for this project:
http://tinyurl.com/25b443k

The Special Olympics is a great program, and our girl has benefited from it very much. I hope you can knit a scarf for these great kids!

On and off the loom

Off the loom at last, the "Daisy Chain Sweater." I'm very excited about this sweater, both because of the new lace stitch (named "Daisy Chain") and the knitting process, which uses a large loom, and then a smaller loom for the sleeves. The sweater is nearly seamless. The stitch has a wonderful give and drape to it that is flattering to the figure as well. I made it out of Cottontots Cotton yarn, but the stitch lets the cotton relax and drape very nicely. I'm working on writing the pattern, then I have a few more of these sweaters to make. I think a cardigan version for myself would be nice too :)

On the loom, I have a deep sapphire "Blue Rose Shawl" for one of the teen girls. Even more enjoyable, I have a capelet that I'm making from a gift of hand spun alpaca. I've never had 100% alpaca, and hand spun to boot. It is such a treat to work with! The yarn is undyed, and a soft oatmeal shade. Such a treat. I hope your looms are just as happy as mine are!
Copyright 2010 by Invisible Loom and Craft, all rights reserved.