Spring knitting and a completely unrelated photo from our 2019 trip to Sedona

Posted on May 7, 2021May 7, 2021 by Carol

Hello everyone and Happy May! I hope this finds you well.

My daily work (non-knitting related) has been quite brain-consuming since October, so my creative output has been low. This has been frustrating to me – I see many lovely designs being published, and not one of them is mine.

So…the Uplift Make Along (UMAL) has been a great boon. Permission to knit someone else’s design! Fun sharing things like pictures of yarn and swatches. WIP progress reports. I love that when someone “likes” my post or photo, I receive notification that they “cheered” my contribution. It’s all very…cheerful!!

The good news is that it’s very low-key…if you’d like to join, you can join at any time – just click on the link in my link tree in the sidebar (or at the bottom of the post, if you are viewing on a phone). More good news, the UMAL goes through the end of June, so there is plenty of time to join in the fun. We are continually adding to a UMAL Pinterest board, categorized by project type. Here’s the Pinterest board: UMAL Pinterest board

Here’s the progress I’m making on my Arkenstone Sweater, pattern by Ruth Brasch.

I’m making it in Malabrigo Washted in the colorway Aguas. It’s working up into a lofty and squishy fabric, and I’m enjoying the lace/cables combo. Now I want to attempt designing a sweater with a similar yoke construction.

Other than working on this sweater, I’ve swatched some fabulous yarn by Denise Voie de Vie. I’m seeing a Spring/Summer top in these colors. They look like a garden party! The colorways are Day Lilies and Greenfest.

More swatching to happen soon with yarn just ordered from Amanda Hope Yarn – the same bases used in last year’s pumpkin design, It’s Fall, Y’all. The fabric created by holding together the Aussie Extra Fine Merino and the Superkid Mohair/Silk is wonderfully soft and shimmery – very chic, elegant, and divine. I’m seeing a summer top in this yarn as well. The best things are the colorways: the main color is called Gauguin’s Joyousness, with Pumpkin as the contrasting color. I just couldn’t pass by that beautiful exuberance of color in Gauguin’s Joyousness! Plus, joy! – always catches my eye when someone else uses it in naming something. I can’t wait to start swatching with this beautiful yarn!

So…if you want to jump in and enjoy some low-pressure knitting fun, come join us at the UMAL. I wish you a fabulous Friday and a great weekend.

xoxo

Carol

KAL, Knit-a-Long, knitting, Make Along

The Uplift Make Along (happy dance)

Posted on April 11, 2021 by Carol

Woo hoo! Doing a happy dance over here! “Why??” you may ask. Because there’s a new and fun make along called the Uplift Make Along (UMAL), and I’ve found it and it’s fun! It’s welcoming and supportive, and it’s a way to meet new friends and find new designers.

The purpose of the UMAL is to support the work of less-known independent knitting, crochet, and Tunisian crochet designers. Like all MALs, it’s a place to share WIPs and finished projects and to cheer each other on. There will be prizes. The UMAL began April 1 and goes through June 30, so there’s plenty of time to finish a project. It’s hosted on a user-friendly platform, but you can also participate simply by making something by a less-known designer and tagging #UpliftMakeAlong on Instagram. If you’d like to join the UMAL, here is your invitation! If you’d like to read up on the UMAL, here’s an informative blog post written by founder Ruth Brasch.

Today is Support Sunday in the Uplift Make Along, and here are four designers I’ve met whose designs I’m loving.

I recently tested Ruth Brasch‘s Arkenstone Hat. The cable was enticing, and the finished design was terrific, so I cast on her Arkenstone Sweater. I think I will have to rethink the yarn I’m using, but I’m so excited to be working on someone else’s sweater! I love the top part of the back (and the cables, of course).

New to me is designer Liz Corke. I found these fingerless mitts, and I think they are so delicate and elegant. I’m looking for just the right fingering weight in my stash. These are the Dromanach Mitts.

I’ve also gotten to chat a bit with the lovely Mona Z, also known as bunnymuff. Her colorwork designs are fun and fabulous. I’ve loved this one since it first came out:

Such is the Quality of Bees Blanket by Mona Z

I think this sheep toy of hers is just about perfect:

And I purchased this hat pattern. The colors are so happy, and I really want to try the Roosimine (or Roositud) technique. It’s a type of Estonian inlay and sort of looks like embroidery.

Now, I was very happy when a couple of people commented on My Sense of Direction Mitts. It’s always fun when something you’ve designed calls to someone else. Designer You-Shan Feng is making these mitts, yay! This morning she posted on Instagram:

My Sense of Direction Mitts by You-Shan Feng (yarncontortions on IG)

This picture she edited was so diverting that it led to another episode of what I like to call “Why Carol is a bad cook.” When the post notification popped up on my phone, I had to write a response right that moment. I completely forgot that I had pancakes cooking on the stove. Needless to say, the pancakes were pretty decimated . End of story: burnt crusts removed, pancakes consumed – despite a slight burnt taste.

You-shan’s designs (currently available on Ravelry) are jaw-droppingly amazing to me, so I wanted to share a couple here.

New sweater ready for testing by You-Shan Feng

And this one, which she is making according to a friend’s design preferences:

If you join the Uplift Make Along on the platform, you’ll be able to find all of these lovely designers, and more. My thanks to them for allowing me to share these photos here.

I’ve added some new linky things to the blog’s sidebar. Especially check out the Link Tree. Now you’ll easily be able to find links to whatever’s going on in Knit Equals Joy land.

I hope you all have a great week. Maybe you’ll even join me for future episodes of “Why Carol is a bad cook.” 😉

And I hope to share more about the UMAL over the next few months.

xoxo

Carol

colorwork knitting, knitting, knitting pattern

Garden Cowl Now Available as an Individual Pattern (and with an introductory discount)

Posted on March 27, 2021 by Carol

Hello, everyone! I’m pleased to announce that the Garden Cowl is now available as an individual pattern on the Knit Equals Joy website and in my Payhip and Etsy shops!

I had so much fun designing this cowl! The elements really wanted to play together – stripes, abstract diamonds, a flower, a big color block section – and each side of the fabric is the reverse of the other (using positive/negative space to create the design). Bold colors wanted to play along, too. And it’s really fun to me how Bridget’s test knit worked beautifully with just two colors – a solid and a beautiful variegated. The colors in that variegated yarn (Malabrigo Rios in Liquidambar) just shimmer and sing!

Use the coupon code LOVESPRING for 20% off through April 10th. The discount is good on the website as well as on Payhip and Etsy. Pattern purchase includes the pattern in both English and Spanish.

Pattern details, including yarn requirements for either a 6-color cowl or a 2-color cowl, are here.

Colorwork is so much fun! This cowl is just the thing to keep you entertained and to provide you with a lovely accessory when done.

Enjoy!!

xoxo

Carol

beach, Cannon Beach

Oregon Coast Mood

Posted on March 14, 2021 by Carol

Hello, everyone!

It’s been too long since I’ve shared photos of the Oregon Coast. These were taken at Cannon Beach in February. I was socially distanced and was able to get some great photos. I hope you enjoy them!

Thank you for stopping by!
xoxo
Carol

knitting

The Rise Up Collection, Beginning to End

Posted on February 28, 2021February 28, 2021 by Carol

Hello, everyone! It’s the last day of February, and it’s a beautiful sunny day here in Oregon!

I wanted to wrap up the Rise Up Collection, now that all of the patterns have been added. The entire collection is available as one e-book, including each designer’s inspiration, on Ravelry and on Payhip. Each design is now also available as a stand-alone pattern through each of the designer’s various shops.

Before I add in the pictures, here is the story of my inspiration for my design:

The Rise Up Collection began with a challenge. This group of designers would draw from the same inspiration: a set of Pantone colors titled “Rise Up” and a group of stitches voted upon by us. The challenge appealed to me in a couple of ways. Personally, what would I come up with? And it would be really fun to see how everyone would interpret the same inspiration differently.

The Pantone Rise Up colors were delineated into four color stories: Makeshift, Vibrant Rebellion, Eclectic Folk, and Raw Craft. The two that spoke to me most were Vibrant Rebellion and Eclectic Folk. Vibrant Rebellion mainly in the use of bold color and “a license for self-expression.” Eclectic Folk in its emphasis on “crafted and eclectic” and in its revisiting of the Peace and Love Movement.

I was very little during the Peace and Love Movement. Most of it went right over my head, although I do retain vague images from the news. What I do remember much more clearly is the fashion – and some favorite pieces of clothing. There was a skirt with miles and miles of gathers made from the most gorgeous, bright shades of orange. And a maxi dress in purple and white. And the happiest color of all was a bright, hot pink.

These bright colors, along with the stitch pattern Abstract Diamonds, drove the inspiration for me. I added an original colorwork design, the large flower motif – my “license for self-expression” – and the Garden Cowl emerged.

Here are the seven designs comprising the Rise Up Collection:

Mountain View from Knit Eco Chic

Alcyone from Christine Guest Designs

Emergence from Fiber Dreams

Shooting Star on Ravelry from Marcela Chang Knits on Ravelry

Garden Cowl by me

Vacillate from Ruth Brasch Design

Phoenix Cosy from Jill Wolcott Knits

The collection comes in both English and Spanish, and it was translated by Marcela Chang. The hard work behind the scenes of compiling the collection and making it available for sale were done by Laura Patterson (Fiber Dreams) and Jill Wolcott. My thanks to all of them and to all of the designers for their participation in creating these lovely designs! Thanks to all of you for your support for the collection and for our design work.

Thank you for reading, and I hope that you all have a lovely week!!

xoxo

Carol

designer collaboration, knitting patterns, Rise Up 2021 Collection

Vacillate and the Phoenix Cosy, the final patterns in the Rise Up Collection

Posted on February 9, 2021February 28, 2021 by Carol

Hello, dear friends! The final two patterns are now available in this year’s fabulous Rise Up Collection! The patterns are Ruth Brasch’s Vacillate Socks and Jill Wolcott’s Phoenix Cosy.

Ruth Brasch’s Vacillate Socks especially feature a Fleegle Heel, which does not require picking up any stitches in making the heel flap. They also feature traveling cables and alternating textures. Very fun!!! Ruth designs lots of socks, so you will be in good hands when making these socks!

Jill Wolcott designed this shoulder cozy, also known as the Phoenix Cosy. The design is created using slipped stitches and German short rows. Jill writes her patterns in a different and interesting style. Take a look and enjoy! I love this watercolor rendering she made of the cosy. The final photographs will be added to the Collection soon, as will the Spanish translation of this pattern.

The Rise Up Collection is available as an e-book on Ravelry and as an all-in-one collection on Payhip. The whole collection is published in both English and Spanish.

January 5

Mountain View from Knit Eco Chic

Alcyone from Christine Guest Designs

January 12

Emergence from Fiber Dreams

January 19

Shooting Star on Ravelry from Marcela Chang Knits on Ravelry

January 26

Garden Cowl

February 2
Vacillate from Ruth Brasch Design
Phoenix Cosy from Jill Wolcott Knits

Soon, the individual patterns may be purchased from the independent designers a week or two after the entire collection has been released. The Garden Cowl’s individual price will be $6.50.

I wanted to share this gorgeous version of the Garden Cowl knit by Bridget, who graciously tested the pattern for me. Bridget used just two colors of yarn: Erika Knight British Blue Yarn in the colorway Clarissa (about 380 yards) and Malabrigo Rios in the colorway Liquidambar (about 460 yards). Her knitting is just beautiful, and the colorways are perfect. You can really see the use of positive/ negative space in this photo.

For all the details, like the yarn and needle sizes called for in the pattern, please see The Garden Cowl.

Thank you for your support in this fun and collaborative venture with me and with the other six independent designers. In the next post, I will post photos of the entire collection.

Have a great week!!

xoxo

Carol

designer collaboration, knitting patterns, Rise Up 2021 Collection

The Garden Cowl

Posted on January 26, 2021February 28, 2021 by Carol

Hello, dear friends! I’m so excited to share that my newest pattern, The Garden Cowl, is now available as one of the seven patterns in the Rise Up Collection. The Garden Cowl is a big bold colorful cowl featuring abstract diamonds, an original colorwork flower, stripes, and colorblocking. Using positive/negative space, each side of the fabric is the reverse of the other. It’s a fun piece to knit and to wear.

The cowl is knit as a tube in the round and sewn together at the end. It is long enough to wrap around twice in really cold weather. This can be a great stash-buster; approximately 75 yards each is all that is needed for four of the six colors, along with a few skeins each of the background color and the flower/colorblock color. For all the details, like yarn and needle sizes, please see The Garden Cowl.

The Garden Cowl is available now as part of the Rise Up Collection. Rise Up is sold as an e-book on Ravelry and as an all-in-one collection on Payhip. The whole collection is published in both English and Spanish.

From January 26th through February 1, the entire collection is $24. On February 2, the last two patterns will be added and the collection will be its final price, $28. No matter when you purchase the collection, you will own the whole thing as each new pattern is added.

Here are the other designs in the collection:

January 5

Mountain View from Knit Eco Chic

Alcyone from Christine Guest Designs

January 12

Emergence from Fiber Dreams

January 19

Shooting Star on Ravelry from Marcela Chang Knits on Ravelry

January 26

Garden Cowl

February 2 – Next Week!
Ruth Brasch Design
Jill Wolcott Knits

Individual patterns may be purchased from the independent designers a week or two after the entire collection has been released. The Garden Cowl’s individual price will be $6.

I hope that you’ve enjoyed the Rise Up Collection so far and that you will enjoy the Garden Cowl.

xoxo

Carol

designer collaboration, knitting patterns, Rise Up 2021 Collection

The Rise Up Collection, Fourth Release: Shooting Star

Posted on January 22, 2021February 28, 2021 by Carol

The fourth pattern in the Rise Up Collection, Shooting Star, is now available. Shooting Star is a top-down seamless steeked colorwork sweater designed by Marcela Chang. This is a great stash-buster and a great opportunity to learn steeking or to exercise your steeking skills.

Rise Up is sold as an e-book on Ravelry and as an all-in-one collection on Payhip. The whole collection is published in both English and Spanish.

From January 19 through the 25th, the entire collection is $21. The price increases as patterns are added, ending with a selling price of $28. No matter when you purchase the collection, you will own the whole thing as each new pattern is added. Release dates (and price increase dates) are listed below. The collection will be a great deal all the way through (even at the final price of $28, it’s just $4 per pattern) – but it’s a super deal right now!

January 5
Mountain View from Knit Eco Chic
Alcyone from Christine Guest Designs

January 12
Emergence from Fiber Dreams

January 19
Shooting Star from Marcela Chang Knits (these links lead to Ravelry)

January 26
Garden Cowl from Knit Equals Joy

February 2
Ruth Brasch Design
Jill Wolcott Knits

Individual patterns may be purchased from the independent designers on February 9, 2021.

Jill Wolcott (Jill Wolcott Knits) has interviewed each designer, and the interviews go up on her website the same week as each designer’s pattern is added to the collection. I’ve really loved learning about these designers and what drives their inspiration.

Marcela hails from Chile. She is a trained fashion designer, and she is not afraid to use color! Here, Jill interviews Marcela. I like that Marcela’s designs are fun, just like she is!

My Rise Up pattern, the Garden Cowl, will be released next Tuesday the 26th. I can’t wait to share it with you!

Have a great weekend!!

xoxo

Carol

designer collaboration, knitting patterns, Rise Up 2021 Collection

Rise Up Collection, Third Release: Emergence

Posted on January 13, 2021February 28, 2021 by Carol

And now for the third pattern release of the Rise Up Collection, Emergence! Emergence is designed by Laura Patterson of Fiber Dreams. I love that she started with the same colorwork stitch pattern (called Abstract Diamonds) I used in my design, but she morphed it into a lace stitch. How creative is that? Here it is knit in a lovely gradient.

Rise Up is sold as an e-book on Ravelry and as an all-in-one collection on Payhip. The whole collection is published in both English and Spanish.

From January 12 through the 18th, the entire collection is $18. The price increases as patterns are added, ending with a selling price of $28. No matter when you purchase the collection, you will own the whole thing as each new pattern is added. Release dates (and price increase dates) are listed below. The collection will be a great deal all the way through (even at the final price of $28, it’s just $4 per pattern) – but it’s a super deal right now!

January 5
Mountain View from Knit Eco Chic
Alcyone from Christine Guest Designs

January 12
Emergence from Fiber Dreams

January 19
Marcela Chang Knits

January 26
Garden Cowl from Knit Equals Joy

February 2
Ruth Brasch Design
Jill Wolcott Knits

Individual patterns may be purchased from the independent designers on February 9, 2021.

I love that yarn talks to Laura, just as it does to me. It absolutely lets us know what it wants to be – or when it doesn’t comply, what it doesn’t want to be. And like me, she loves color. I think her lace designs are just lovely! You can find her website here: Fiber Dreams and here, Laura writes about Emergence.

I hope you are enjoying this collection as much as I am. This staggered release is a boon, allowing me to have time each week to really savor each pattern and to learn more about each designer.

Have a great rest of the week!

xoxo

Carol

cowl pattern, designer collaboration, inspiration, knitting, knitting patterns, Rise Up 2021 Collection, sweater pattern

Rise Up Collection, First Two Patterns: Alcyone, Mountain View

Posted on January 10, 2021February 28, 2021 by Carol

Greetings from Oregon on a foggy Sunday afternoon! The beautiful, saturated color of the Alcyone Sweater cheers me every time I see it, and Knit Eco Chic’s love for the North Carolina mountains surrounding her brings a smile to my lips in recognition of my own similar love for the beauty of nature here in Oregon.

These two are the first two patterns released in the Rise Up Collection, sold as an e-book on Ravelry and as a collection on Payhip. On January 5 (through January 11) the entire collection is $15. The price increases as patterns are added, ending with a selling price of $28. No matter when you purchase the collection, you will own the whole thing as each new pattern is added. Release dates (and price increase dates) are listed below.

January 5
Mountain View from Knit Eco Chic
Alcyone from Christine Guest Designs

January 12
Fiber Dreams

January 19
Marcela Chang Knits

January 26
Garden Cowl from Knit Equals Joy

February 2
Ruth Brasch Design
Jill Wolcott Knits

Individual patterns may be purchased from the independent designers on February 15, 2021.

Jill Wolcott (Jill Wolcott Knits) has interviewed each designer, and the interviews will go up on her website the same week as each designer’s pattern is added to the collection. I’ve really loved learning about these designers and what drives their inspiration.

Lindsay (Knit Eco Chic)

Lindsay and her Great Dane Puddles are inseparable. Here he is assisting her in choosing which one to use in a photo shoot!

Lindsay’s Rise Up pattern is Mountain View. Lindsay uses ecologically-friendly yarns in her designs; this yarn is AppleOak FibreWorks LinCot, shown in the color Mayfly. I love the rustic look created by the blend of linen and cotton! It would also be really lovely in a smooth yarn, like this Amanda Hope Yarn Luxe DK in Chartreuse (80% Superwash Extra Fine Merino/10% Cashmere/10% Nylon, approximately 100 grams/246 yards). All of her colors are fab but I’m also really drawn to this Oil Rubbed Bronze. No matter what yarn you choose, you’ll have a winner in the Mountain View Cowl.

Here Jill Interviews Lindsay 🙂

Christine Guest’s Alcyone Sweater is the second pattern in Rise Up. Christine’s background is chemistry with a minor in math. The structural influence of elemental building blocks really comes through in her designs. Here’s another photo of Alcyone, where you can see that the lovely stitch motif is carried on at the base of the sweater.

I think this sweater design is just gorgeous! You can read more about the pattern here: Alcyone.

And here, Jill Interviews Christine. 🙂

Alcyone photos by Avi Dascaloff.

Purchase the entire collection today or tomorrow, 1/11/2021, for $15 at Payhip or Ravelry. The collection will be a great deal all the way through (even at the final price of $28, it’s just $4 per pattern) – but it’s a super deal right now!

My pattern will be available separately on February 15, at $7. So grabbing the entire collection is still the best way to go.

Tuesday (1/12), Laura of Fiber Dreams will be adding her pattern to the collection. I believe she and I used the same stitch pattern, but while I used the original colorwork pattern, she morphed it into a lovely lace stitch pattern. It’s another winner!

Hoping that you will enjoy this collection and the fun insight into the creative process in each of the interviews.

All the best,

xoxo

Carol