Surprises!

I've been meaning to post for many days now. But for those of you that didn't know February 10th, I got proposed to by my wonderful boyfriend and I said yes! I couldn't be more thrilled because he pampered me that day with a day out with the girls shopping then spending the rest of the day glamming me out. I've never felt better and was totally taken by surprise.

So I've been busy lately with being engaged and spending some time with my new fiancee now that we are officially that. And really looking towards the future and what our plans are. I've pretty much given him the yarn business plan and he is up for it. But there's also life plans too. Like looking for bigger rental and setting up in a more proper enviroment. Baby Chase is well on his way to talking and walking although I think he is terrified of letting go and walking but is definitely picking up on language. Especially yelling. He has that down!
Knitting wise I started on this capelet:

It's Kathy Kelly Cabled Capelet and it was an enjoyable knit. I've really liked it, I had done a few mods but nothing really drastic, just switched the needle size, and made the border garter band with buttonholes. I had been doing good so far, even found a few errors. But then I've hit a snag and am just not sure how to go along. Something must have gotten messed up a few rows back and it upset me a little because I had a long of energy going into this project. I'm thinking of frogging it and doing something else with that yarn but I'm not sure yet. I wanted a lot of cables in a worsted weight shawl and I couldn't at the time buy Four Seasons by Alana Dakos. (It's my dream to knit up since I first saw the Mystery Shawl a long.) I missed it mainly because I couldn't find my size 8 knitting needles! And I still haven't. So I don't know what I want to do. I have some yarn that I want to use after I do something with it to bring it a little more color depth to it and I guess I'm going to have to get down and buy some another size 8 needles.
Which brings me to more important news!

I've started my own Etsy shop for hand dyed yarn and finished items! Above is a few of my first colorways. Left to right is A Midsummer's Night's Dream, Surfer's Wave, Black and Yellow, Black and Yellow, and Rose Petals.  Now there's two things I want to mention is that 1. Knitpicks has such a fast service for priority shipping. I ordered Thursday morning and recieved it Friday afternoon! I was beyond amazed. That's the perks of living so close to Columbus where the warehouse is, I guess. And 2. In my master plan I was suppose to start hand dyeing at 5 years down the road but I've decided I should jump on the bandwagon now. Foremost because a lot of my designs have taken backseat because I haven't had the yarn to inspire me to jump up and make things. But now with just that one skein I test dyed I already have a design ready to be casted on. And it makes me excited about designing more interesting things than I have lately. And that color is killing me!

I do still have the toddler socks pattern to write up and share for FREE on here on the blog. I haven't yet gotten down to it, pattern writing can be a progress blocker sometimes, but I will get to it here soon, I have another pair of socks that are on the needles that I've have a pattern to write up soon too, I've just been so busy with other things that I haven't caught up on everything. Trying to do so much knitting wise. Keep on knitting! Next post I'll show some of my other new colorways and more knitting!

Updates, and THROWBACK THURSDAY (past projects you haven't yet seen)

Waiting on tax time is a real struggle! Especially when I have Knitter's Pride Karbonz interchangeables and double pointed needles waiting for me in my Amazon cart! I also have several knitting site's (EatSleepKnit, Knitpicks to name a couple) wishlists full of yarn, I'm anxiety awaiting.

But anyways, some of the projects that I've working on haven't all been strictly knitting design work or even knitting! I have made some crocheted potholders using the ever so simple Tunisian crochet stitch, they are double sided and slip stitched wrong sides together in Sugar 'n' Cream cotton. Super simple, took me only a day and very little cotton to make both. I used 1 1/4 balls for the body and a little bit of matching yarn for the border. Even added a small loop to hang. I plan on making matching ones when we move but as for now these ones are fine.

I also dipped my hand into some brand new techniques.

If you follow pretty much any knitter especially some of the greats (cough, cough West Knits) then you know that brioche knitting is all the rage these days. So I had to try it out for myself.

My first attempt was pretty crude, even though I had read many articles and how to's tutorials to know that it was going to be a little looser gauge than traditional knitting. I was skeptical. So I casted on for a baby sized hat and ended up with a hat that could fit my fiancee's large head. I learned my lesson than. I frogged that hat and made this one next:

I knitted this hat out of Lion Brand Wool-ease in, I believe, Gray Heather and Oxford Grey. I didn't make it baby size because one of my fiancee's co-workers had seen the first hat and wanted one for himself, so I make this one with an adult in mind and just casted on fewer stitches with smaller needles. The stitches are much tighter and well structured. The guy asked for a pompom so I whipped one up to throw on top. I haven't yet been able to gift it to him.

I also tried double knitting on this little piece here. I couldn't resist adding a color-work. It's something I could see myself making some cowl double knitting designs but right now there aren't any inprogress yet. Check out my Instagram (@hammydesigns) to see what I'm currently using this for.

I also tried out thread crocheting with a pattern off Ravelry (click link for the pattern name).

It was a lot of fun but for sure a lot of work to make a small piece of clothing. It was worth it though to see the end result.  I have already started on another crochet thread project for my future mother-in-law, it just needs starched and a good blocking before you can even sneak a peek at it.

I am going to start a new closing for this blog by having a: 

#Knittersofinstagram Knitter of the Week

 it'll be someone who I've recently found by browsing Instagram and happened upon them and if you ever need some knitting inspiration their feed will certainly help you out. I know that I spend wayyy too much time on Instagram, I'm willing to admit that. I got two today, @una04 and @dankfiber

Both of these people have such beautiful knit work I am jealous! The yarn and pattern are on my queue for Suke-Suke Cowl similar to the one @dankfiber made!

My next post will probably be in a few days when either I have goodies to show off or a pattern uploaded. I do have a blanket design on the needles and some pattern submissions in the works to submit in the next couple days, but nothing else to show. Just waiting, waiting on being able to buy yarn. . .

Life again, but I think I'm back for good. Also Ravelry updates

Well I got a computer! Since my son has started crawling I've been back to knitting and designing. And actually have three new designs already up on Ravelry! I'm stoked to finally be back in the game after such a long hiatus. I also have made my Instagram account my official Hammy Designs Instagram, so don't forget to add me (@hammydesigns) to see live updates of what I'm doing and what's on the needles.

I haven't yet done anything with third party publishing, I think it's mainly because I don't have the confidence I need with my proposals to send them out. I do though write out a proposal to every idea I have, to practice, and I'm sure in no time I will have something more to contribute towards magazines and such.

Anyways completed designs so far are Rufus, a cute little baby hat with dog ears, Becka, a fun little stranded work hat with corrugated ribbing, and Cammi, a striped bottom up sweater with some texture. I am pleased with all of them and am glad to finally be able to get them out to the public. I've had to sit on these for a couple months because of a lack of computer, and I still have a few more designs that I have yet to write up. (One because I have to reknit an entire sample, ugh.) I wasn't totally sure I wanted to keep blogging because I'm not sure if it's something I can keep up with, I like to let live get in the way, but I'm going to try to be regular, at least once a week, starting off.

For the Ravelry updates: (click BUY NOW! to buy, you don't have to be a Ravelry member to buy)

Rufus

Sizes: Newborn [6 months, 12 months, toddler, kids (3-10 yrs)]

Finished measurements: 14" [17", 18", 19", 20"] circumference

Gauge: 4 sts=1", 5 rows=1".

Yarn: Bernat in Walnut (MC) (worsted weight, 7oz/382yds) and Lion Brand yarn Fun Fur in Chocolate (CC) (1 3/4 oz/60yds)

Equipment: US Size 9 circular needles or double pointed or needed to obtain gauge, crochet hook, stitch marker

BUY NOW!

Becka

Size: Fits from 21” to 23” head circumference (snug).

Finished measurement: 22” circumference by 9” long.

Gauge: 5sts =1”, 6 rows =1”.

Yarn: Bernat yarn of Light Navy (MC) and Pale Antique Rose (CC) (worsted weight, about 150 yds of each)

Equipment: US size 7 needles, or size needed to obtain gauge, stitch markers.

BUY NOW!

Cammi

Sizes: 12 months [18 months, 2T, 4T, 5T].

Finished size: Chest: 18" [19", 21", 23", 24"].

Length: 10" [10.5", 11", 12", 12.5"].

Gauge: 5 sts=1", 6 rows=1".

Yarn: Caron Simply Soft in 1 each of (MC) White, (CC1) Plum Wine, (CC2) Light Country, (CC3) Limelight, (CC4) Sunshine, (CC5) Persimmon, (CC6) Autumn Red (worsted weight, 7oz/366yds)

Equipment: US Size 7 circular and double pointed needles or needed to obtain gauge, stitch holders, stitch markers.

BUY NOW!

I'm so excited with all these pattern. Certainly opens up more of my skill set and is building up my profile. I know that it'll take time to improve but I'm feeling like I'm going down the right path for me. I currently have an adult sized sweater and a secret project on the needles right now. Slow progress on the sweater, but I mean it is a sweater... I'll show a picture of it when I'm closer to completion. Keep on knitting!

Life, ya know

I gave birth to my second child, first son on April 28, 2015. He just turned three months old and has been  real challenge to juggle and keep up with everything. I use to go to the library to write out these posts but it's been pretty difficult most days to get out of the house with him in tow. I haven't done much knitting or designing since my last post but have finally picked up the needles at nap times and playtime to get a little here and there. Currently working on a few design ideas I hope to throw at a few independent yarn business for yarn support to get out of the cheap acrylic. Working from a Kindle with pictures is nearly impossible so if my update posts lack pictures I do apologize. I'm hoping to find myself a decently priced computer before long. Than I'll flood you with pictures to make up for it. I can't wait to get some of these ideas on the needles!

Pattern Release: Haven Cowl

Haven Cowl

 Knitted with a elongated stitch crisscrossed, this cowl will definitely be a show stopper with it's unique pattern. The cowl is 26" around and 10" long meant to keep you warm and toasty through the cold winter months.The elongated stitches are made by wrapping the yarn over the needle several times then dropping them to the front in the next row and finishing off by picking them up several rows up.

Recommended skills: Advance Beginner

Measurements: 26” circumference, 10” long

Gauge: 4 stitches & 6 rows = 1”

Tools: U.S. size 8 or needed to obtain gauge

Yarn: Less than one skein of Red Heart in Aran (370 yds/7 oz) or similar yarn in worsted weight.

In other news I am emailing my first design submission to a magazine today. Hoping they will accept it, it has to do with this stitch. I'm 28 weeks pregnant today and it's kicking my butt with exhaustion. Only getting a few hours of sleep then waking up early doesn't help. That's why I'm only half here haha. I am super stoked about this pattern but not rested enough to talk about it right now. Maybe I'll go into more detail after a nap....

Buy it Now

Twisty Slouchy

Just posted my second pattern on Ravelry. It's a simply lace and cable slouchy that has been torn apart and frogged three times before I was satisfied that it was perfect. Now that I have a few patterns under my belt I'm planning on turning more towards yarn support, sponsors, and publication. Not that I don't have a million more ideas I want to run with in terms of self publishing. I plan on doing at least a release every 2 weeks, focusing on accessories, with self publishing and taking bigger things to publishers. I'm so lucky to be able to have full time concentration on this starting out.
I'm short on time so here is Twisty!

Recommended skills: Basic lace (yo, decreases) and basic cabling

Size: Fits an average woman’s head (22”)

Measurements: 18” circumference (unstretched), 22” circumference (stretched), 9 ¾” long

Gauge: 11 sts = 2”, 8 rows = 1”

Tools: U.S. size 6 DPN of 16” circular needles, or size needed to obtain gauge.

    Cable needle

Yarn: About 200 yards of Simply Soft Caron in Pagoda (aran weight, 6 oz, 315 yards)

Buy it here!

The mathematics of determining a hat circumference

Posting my first selling design, Diamond Trinity, on Ravelry has been so far rewarding. Not with sales (as I hoped) but more with views and favs. The Ravelry community seems to like my work. Yay! I was so scared that nobody would look at it or want to make it but that doesn't seem to be the case. And I couldn't be happier. Well maybe with more sales but that'll come I'm sure.

Moving onto to more design with the feeling of accomplishment I have been faced with difficulty. My latest design for a hat was unsuccessful because it came out too big. I forgot about negative ease and while blocking the hat came out wayyy too big. So I was forced to frog the entire item and make some adjustments. I didn't realize coming into designing that it requires so much math! But to be proficient you have to get things right the first time.

But I thought the way I thought this through would be a good idea to mention to my fellow readers as some might be interested in how a designer determines the hat circumference especially with a stitch repeat pattern involved. And this will help you if you want to change a hat size if the designer didn't include the size you want.

It's really all about mathematics and a little swatching. As long as you know the circumference you wish it to be, the stitch repeat (if there is any), and the gauge, you can potentially design any hat you want without guessing. The gauge you get by swatching a 4x4 square. Make sure it measures out as a whole number of stitches, that'll make it easier to work even if it's by 1", 2", or 4". The stitch repeat you'll need to make sure that the numbers match up especially if your stitch repeat and gauge are two different numbers.

For example:

• The circumference of an average adult woman is 22". Subtracting 2 for the negative ease (22-2) that'll equal 20 for the total circumference of the hat.
• The stitch repeat for this hat will be 12 st.
• The gauge is 11 sts = 2", 8 rows = 1".

Now to figure out how many stitches are needed for a 20" hat with a 11/2 gauge you multiply the circumference by the gauge. (Note: Make sure to keep the gauge a ratio (11/2) as to make sure you don't end up with an inaccurate sized hat. If the gauge was 23 sts = 4" you'd write that out as 23/4, it won't come out as a whole number but it's a more accurate measurement then if you estimated it to 1" yourself.)

So 20 * (11/2) = 110 st.

Now if you didn't have a stitch repeat (like a basic stockinette hat) that would the number of stitches needed for a hat that would fit that gauge and be snug on an average woman's head (22"). You just cast on 110 sts and start knitting.

But this hat has a 12 st repeat. Which will complicate farther because dividing 12 by 110 doesn't equal a whole number. So how do you figure this out? I do it by dividing 12 by 110 and round to the nearest whole number. It won't all perfectly fit but it gets me as close to the size I need that it won't make too much a difference. 110/12 = 9.166... That rounds to 9. Which makes 9 repeats of a 12 st repeat. Now to get the accurate number of stitches you multiply 9 by 12. 9*12 = 108. Which isn't that far off from the original number of 110. So really it won't affect your sizing that much but keeps you from having a wrong number of stitches for your hat. Cast on 108 and start knitting. I'll post more about determining a length in another post.

Advanced things to keep in mind:

If you are making a hat with ribbing don't forget that your stitches need to also equal your ribbing. Like if you wanted your hat to have a 4 st ribbing (k2, p2) and your number of stitches were 110, your ribbing would be off because 110/4 = 27.5. Now to fix this you would need to either increase or decrease the number of stitches to make the ribbing then decrease or increase the number before starting on the stitch pattern. For a 4 st repeat you could either cast on 108 or 112. With 108 you'd have to increase by 2 sts somewhere after finishing the ribbing or with 112 you'd have a decrease by 2 sts somewhere after finishing the ribbing to get back to 110. Now since the ribbing is usually smaller than the hat because of it's elasticity I'd suggest making it a little bigger than decrease the hat, it won't make that much difference with the sizing. Decrease after the ribbing can be easy if you knit the entire first row before starting on the stitch repeat pattern because you can just knit 2 together twice equally without too much problem. If not then just try to figure out where you can inconspicuously knit 2 together twice in your pattern without much notice.

And it's just like that. Now if you're a little math challenge this might not be easy for you understand and I'm sorry. I wish I knew a way that was simpler and brought the same results. But as of yet I don't :( If I do though, I won't hesitate to post about it. Now off to finish this hat!