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It’s Winter
Winter Weather It’s often cold in Southern Ontario, Canada in winter and it does snow here but this winter has been a winter to remember. We’ve had lots of days with record breaking low temperature and snowfalls, an ice storm with power outages to tell the grandchildren about and enough snow days to keep the kids really happy. Even though we spent our life savings on propane just to stay warm, and I didn’t really enjoy having my gall bladder removed, I really have enjoyed this winter overall. It’s so pretty to look outside at all that snow. We’ve been feeding the birds and they’re just such a joy to…
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Custom Fit -New Sweater Design Software from Amy Herzog
One of the things I really enjoyed doing this summer was beta testing an awesome new online software for sweater design. Amy Herzog a Fit and Flatter expert and sweater designer “extraordinaire” has come up with something really new and wonderful for all knitters who want a custom fit sweater without all of the math that is usually involved in designing from scratch or even customizing the fit of a purchased pattern. The software is called Custom Fit and its available online to a select few premier users right now but is expected to go live to the public some time in October. Here’s what Amy says about Custom Fit:…
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New Pattern Release “Atherton” Top Down Hoodie for Kids
I am just thrilled to be releasing the final edit of my latest knitting pattern for download. “Atherton” A Top Down No Sew Hoodie with Cable Trim for Kids This is a design that is very close to my heart. One of my own personal favorites developed over years of refining the pattern to fit well, look good and be a joy to knit. Available now as an instant download Here Also available at Craftsy Ravelry Etsy A versatile basic Hoodie Sweater Pattern to knit from the top-down all in one piece. For kids in 10 different sizes from 2T to size 16 or Adult small with about 4″…
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Blarney Vest
When a customer requested a custom knit sweater vest with a round neck I quickly found out why it had to be custom-made as well as custom designed. It is surprisingly difficult to find a vest without a v neckline in ready-to-wear or even in a knitting pattern. There were a few measurements that I felt were critical to fit. I had my customer email me the finished width (1/2 circumference) of the vest as well as the desired length and finished width at shoulders. I usually suggest that if they have a sweater that fits well this is the most reliable way to get out new one to feel…
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Finishing Jacob The Sweater my Guys Like
A few months ago I shared the pattern for the Hat my guys like and now here is the sweater that falls into that same category. With lots of input from DH, the eventual wearer of this pullover, I designed another sweater to match the one I knit him almost 30 years ago. Not only did the original sweater last for 30 years, but hardly a day went by that it was not called into service (except those hot summer days, of course) and it’s still all in one piece even if it is showing a little wear now. As you can imagine, I’ve knit him a few sweaters over…
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One Cosy Cashmere Cowl Finished
I’m making my Christmas presents and wanted to work with some cashmere so I thought this would be a nice little project that would work up fast and give the recipient some wonderful warmth and luxury this winter. It was really fast and such a treat to knit. This one’s for Bethy. I love this cowl and it was so fast and easy, a perfect “knitting as meditation” project. BLOCKING: I blocked it with wires and pins and Wow, what a difference. I really stretched it to it’s max when I blocked and probably wouldn’t have stretched it quite as wide now that I see it dry. I think I…
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Free Knitting Pattern on Ravelry and Craftsy
For a limited time I am offering one of my original design patterns “Top Down Baby Jacket” as a free download pdf on Ravelry or Craftsy. I think you may have to be a member for the Ravelry one but you really should sign up, its the very best knitting site ever. Link to free knitting pattern Top Down Baby Jacket on Ravelry Link to free knitting pattern Top Down Baby Jacket on Craftsy
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An Alpaca Hat to go with the Pullover
Yesterday while watching football I knit this little earflap cap to match the Alpaca Pullover . Ill be writting it up as a pattern soon. let me know if you want to try the untested version and Ill email it to you if you ask before the retail version is ready. Pattern for the Sweater is here Fun and Fast to knit
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Big Cashmere Cowl Pattern
Just wanted to let you know I’ve finished the big Cashmere Cowl. I really like it and it’s just the right length and width to go around 3 times but looks great at twice around also. The Pattern Materials: Cashmere 12 ply Bulky / Chunky weight. buy it at Handknitting.com or (email nancy@nancyelizabethdesigns for more info or to custom order the hand painted yarn) OR I can custom handspin some of this luscious yarn for you. Same email. 5-6 skeins of 50 grams each (approx. 300 grams) based on desired width (and budget 🙂 6.5mm circular needle. Gauge: 10 sts and 28 rows = 4″ or 10 cm over Garter…
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New Craftsy Course a Godsend
Just in the nick of time. I can’t believe I just got this email and Craftsy is now offering a fantastic course on grading for pattern writting. It’s precisely what I need as it’s the complicated math and keeping track of the miriad of calculations that is boggling my mind as I work out these patterns. I absolutely love it. Sizing Knitwear Patterns