KAL Mania, Continued...

It seems that this time of the year is a popular one for KAL's (Knit A-Longs) if the many newly-formed groups on Ravelry are any indication. In my last post I mentioned a couple of KAL groups featuring my scarf patterns, and this week Kathleen Cubley, editor of Interweave Knits' Knitting Daily announced a new cowl KAL, including my Orbs Cowl design as a nominee. 

The Orbs Cowl pattern originally appeared in the Knitscene Accessories 2012 magazine and has been knit in some very lovely and creative variations on Ravelry. 

This little pattern is super easy to knit, and makes a cute accessory in a very short time. Orbs can be worn inside out, downside up, or any way you wish as it is completely reversible! I love the rugged, 3-dimensional chevron texture of the stitches inspired by the rough surface of the moon. If you are interested, you can read more about it in the publication release post here. 

If you don't have the issue of the magazine that the pattern was published in, not to worry! You can download the individual pattern PDF from the Interweave website. 

Knit-A-Longs are a lot of fun; group members encourage each other, answer each others' questions and share project notes as they work together through the pattern. If you'd like to participate, be sure to go to the Knitting Daily post and vote for your favorite pattern to join in the fun. Even if you are not interested in participating, you can still vote and follow along vicariously as others knit.

Thanks for stopping by and reading my post today. I wish everyone a terrific weekend and happy stitching!




Modeled photos via Knitscene Magazine

New Knitting Pattern - Orbs Cowl

Knitting magazine design submission calls, or 'sub calls' (when magazines email designers to request design submissions for specific issues) are always fun. The themes, suggestions and photos they send spark a lot of ideas and even when I don't submit anything, I enjoy reading the final issue and comparing it to what I had in mind when I received the sub call. Sometimes they are different than you might expect!

When I received the email from Knitscene last year with a call for designs for their planned new accessories issue, I was especially intrigued. 

The part of the note that really caught my attention was a request for loop/ infinity style cowls and scarves, built around a theme of outer space or sci-fi inspiration.

I love the beauty of the heavens and the quiet mystery of space. And I am a fan of Star Wars, Star Trek and other space-adventure movies.

I contemplated the brilliance of the night stars in the Milky Way,

Saturn's mysterious rings,

and the luminous path of the moon around the Earth. This lunar eclipse photo suggests to scientists that there might be mountains on the moon.

I wanted to make something just a little funky and offbeat and yet still very simple.

All these things influenced the final design I submitted for this issue, the Orbs Cowl (the pattern name was a total surprise as it was not the one we worked with almost until publication, but I think it's a nice fit also).

The cowl's deeply textured stitch pattern reminds me of the moon's craters and craggy surface.

 

The decision of which end is up is 'wearer's choice' with this cowl since the reversible chevron stitch means there is no wrong side up, down, inside or out.

Worked in the round on size US 10.5 needles, the Orbs Cowl is a fast and fun knit, and it's easy to add or subtract pattern repeats to adjust the size of your project.

Berroco's Flicker yarn was a simple choice for the cowl as it has wonderful loft and airiness from a tubular construction, and a lot of 'give' in the strand - a nice quality in an alpaca yarn.

The sub call suggested sparkles or sequins, which I am not normally prone to knitting with, but the metallic thread running through Flicker is very subtle and adds a soft, pretty touch of shine without being flashy.

I am happy to be included in this premier accessories-specific issue alongside so many other wonderful designs. Knitscene Accessories 2012 is packed full with loads of great small projects, perfect for summer travel and early holiday gift knitting. The issue is currently available for preview and purchase online and will be in stores soon.

For fiber fans in Ohio, the Great Lakes Fiber Show will be held this weekend in Wooster. I'm hoping to get up there, so check back here in coming weeks for a rundown and photos from the show.

Thanks for stopping by everyone, I wish you much peace, many blessings and to my US readers, a safe and fun Memorial Day weekend!

photo credits:

milky way

saturn

moon

Knitscene photos courtesy of Interweave Press