Category: knitting pattern

Posted in cable knitting, knitting pattern, shawl knitting

Calla Lily Wrap Now Available for Individual Purchase

Posted on by Carol

Calla Lily Wrap, which  was designed as part of the Technicolor: Matinee collection, is now available for individual purchase on Etsy, payhip, LoveCrafts, and here on knitequalsjoy.com. The whole collection is also available on payhip and ravelry.

About Calla Lily:
Inspiration – 1930s & ‘40s Romantic Comedies

My husband is a film buff.  He follows the work of a director or an actor from earliest to latest work, then moves on to another.  Through his influence (and because I’m often knitting while he’s watching a film), I’ve enjoyed many movies I would never have seen otherwise.

Calla Lily Wrap is inspired by Art Deco fashion, which flourished in the 1930s and earlier.  In madcap comedies like Bringing Up Baby, elegant accessories reigned, whether the characters were larking it up on the golf course or traipsing around the countryside. No matter what my daily life looks like, I can imagine myself wearing those beautiful silks and organdies and handling obstacles with panache.  Wear Calla Lily draped over one shoulder Katharine Hepburn-style or clasped around the neck.

Calla Lily is knit flat in worsted weight yarn, bottom-up and sideways, with increases along one edge only.  The cabled panel is an engaging motif, and garter stitch comprises the rest of the wrap.  The finished piece measures 32x42x53 inches.

LL Yarn Co. provided the yarn for my Technicolor designs, both of them in the colorway Golden Hour.  Even the name of the colorway is fitting for the theme, as the golden hour is a favorite time for filming for many a photographer and cinematographer.  The play of light in this colorway, along with the fabulous hand of the LL Yarn Co. Worsted, provided for a delightful experience in designing this wrap.  My second Technicolor design will follow in the Technicolor: Movie Night collection, being published sometime this year.

My movie playlist to accompany knitting Calla Lily:

Bringing Up Baby, 1938.  Featuring Cary Grant searching for an Intercostal clavicle, aided and interfered with by Katharine Hepburn.

The Philadelphia Story, 1940.  Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn, Jimmy Stewart.  Need I say more?

It Happened One Night, 1934.  An early – and classic – romantic comedy, known for “the walls of Jericho.”

May you have a happy and healthy 2023.  I wish you time with friends and family.  I wish you time to spend in creative pursuits and with everything that brings you joy.

xoxo

Carol

 

Posted in designer collaboration, knitting pattern, knitting patterns

Calla Lily Wrap & Technicolor: Matinee

Posted on by Carol

Technicolor: Matinee is a collection of accessories designed by six collaborating designers.  The designers participating in this collaboration, besides myself, are Lindsay Lewchuk, Christine Guest, Sue McCain, Laura Patterson and Jill Wolcott.

My design, the Calla Lily Wrap [please note, link currently leads to Ravelry], was so much fun to design.  Featuring a cable panel on the straight edge, the wrap is then made up of lots of delicious, squishy garter stitch – which is the easiest stitch to work, to boot!  I have made four of these wraps – in gold, pink, purple and orange.  “Technicolor” is very nearly literally true for me with this wrap – which I suppose means that it’s still figurative…

A huge thank you to LL Yarn Co.  for providing the yarn support for Calla Lily.  This wrap takes 2 skeins of their Worsted yarn – which is really lovely to work with and creates the aforementioned squishy garter stitch.

This colorway is Golden Hour.

There was snow on the day of the photo shoot, and we used the vintage pin that had belonged to my mom as a shawl pin.  I believe that it is from the 1940’s – but I don’t really know its story.

This is Calla in Dusted Pink:

I hope you will enjoy the pattern.  It’s designed so that there are two parts that require more focused attention (the cable panel and the increase on each row) and the rest ror smooth sailing in garter stitch!

Technicolor: Matinee (so far)

On the Set by Lindsay Lewchuk (Knit Eco Chic)
Sylvia Needs a Bag by Christine Guest
Steam Heat by Laura Patterson (Fiber Dreams)
Calla Lily Wrap by me
Holyrood Hooded Scarf by Sue McCain

Matinee is being offered in a staggered release, with the price increasing as each new design is revealed, ending with a final selling price of $30.  No matter when you purchase the collection, you will own the whole e-book (updates will be sent to you as each new pattern is added).  The collection is available on Payhip and Ravelry.

November 15-21: $16.
November 22-28: $20.
November 29-December 5: $22.
December 6-12: $24.
December 13-19: $26.
December 20-26: $30.

Individual patterns may be purchased from the independent designers beginning New Year’s Day.

Enjoy co-designer Christine Guest’s blogpost about the collaboration here: Matinee.
Christine writes about her design, Silvia Needs a Bag.

And Lindsay Lewchuk (Knit Eco Chic) writes about the collaboration here: Matinee.
Lindsay writes about her design, On the Set.
Lindsay interviews Christine.
Lindsay interviews Laura.
Lindsay interviews me.
Lindsay interviews Sue.

One more design remains…see it here and on my Instagram feed.

xoxo

Carol

Yellow Calla Lily
Calla Lily Flower Arrangement

Calla Lily photos used under iStock standard license.

Posted in designer collaboration, knitting pattern, knitting patterns

Technicolor: Matinee – a Designers’ Collection

Posted on by Carol

Technicolor: Matinee is a collection of accessories being released starting November 15, 2022.  Six designers collaborated, choosing several stitch patterns in common, then each going her own way in designing knitwear based on one or more of those stitch patterns.  Our inspiration was the movies – so many ways to go, so much to inspire!

Matinee is being offered in a staggered release, as was our 2021 collection, Rise Up.  On November 15, the entire collection is $16. The price increases weekly, ending with a final selling price of $30.  No matter when you purchase the collection, you will own the whole e-book as each new pattern is added (updates will be sent to you as each new pattern is added).  The collection is available on Payhip and Ravelry.

November 15-21: $16.
November 22-28: $20.
November 29-December 5: $22.
December 6-12: $24.
December 13-19: $26.
December 20-26: $30.

Individual patterns may be purchased from the independent designers about two weeks after the complete collection has been released.

The first pattern in the collection is On the Set, a scarf designed by Lindsay Lewchuk, Knit Eco Chic.

The second pattern in the collection, Silvia Needs a Bag, is by Christine Guest, and the cover photo of this post is a sneak peek of the design.

The third pattern is my Calla Lily Wrap, a right triangle shawlette featuring garter stitch and more of our favorite collection stitches.  Here’s a brief sneak peek of Calla.  I’ve knit it in LL Yarn Co’s Worsted in the Golden Hour colorway.  This yarn is a delight to work with, and I’m very grateful to LL Yarn for providing the yarn support for this design.  It will be added to the collection on November 29th.

The designers participating in this collaboration, besides myself, are Lindsay Lewchuk, Christine Guest, Sue McCain, Laura Patterson and Jill Wolcott.  More details, photos, links, and more will follow in the coming weeks.

Enjoy co-designer Christine Guest’s blogpost about the collaboration here: Matinee.
Christine writes about her design, Silvia Needs a Bag.

And Lindsay Lewchuk (Knit Eco Chic) writes about the collaboration here: Matinee.
Lindsay interviews Christine.
Lindsay interviews Laura.

Posted in KAL, Knit Equals Joy Designs, Knit-a-Long, knitting, knitting pattern, Pumpkin-a-Long

The 2022 Pumpkin and the Fifth Annual Pumpkin Along (PAL)

Posted on by Carol

Hi everyone, it’s been a very long time since I’ve written a blogpost.  Much behind-the-scenes design work has been going on, including 2022’s pumpkin design, the Jack-Be-Little.  More about the other designs a little later.

Jack-Be-Little is a variety of tiny pumpkin readily available each Fall.  This Jack-Be-Little knits up quickly and is made with slipped stitches.   It’s a small pumpkin, 5 inches in diameter and about 2.5 inches tall without the stem.  The pattern also includes Jill-Be-Little (another variety) and Ghost-Be-Little (slight poetic license taken here).  The options vary only in the height of the central slipped stitch section of the pumpkins.

Create your own pumpkin patch by mixing and matching the various Be-Littles, changing up your main colors and contrasting colors, and using either a premade or knitted-on stem.

Hand and glove with the 2022 pumpkin design is the Fifth Annual Pumpkin Along.  Edited to add:  Starting NOW!!

The premise of the PAL is very easy: knit one of the Knit Equals Joy pumpkins (there are now 10!), post progress pictures of your pumpkin on Instagram with the tags #pumpkinalong2022, #knitequalsjoy, and @knitequalsjoy.  I will be giving away Knit Equals Joy patterns (digital) periodically during the PAL chosen randomly from amongst progress pictures posted and tagged on Instagram.  If you’d like to use the above photo on Instagram (or Facebook), it will count as a  progress picture.  Follow those tags to see everyone else’s pumpkin progress and anything related to Fall that we post (because we love Fall!!!).

When you finish a pumpkin, also use the tag #pumpkinalong2022FO (for finished object).

At the conclusion of the PAL (Halloween, although I reserve the right to extend it if the mood strikes), I’ll randomly choose from the finished pumpkins and will award prizes.  We currently have an adorable pumpkin teapot stitch marker donated by Carla and a skein of Blu Fiber Company DK yarn in the colorway Wild Holly (I used it for a couple of my Jack-Be-Littles, and it is a GREAT colorway and a fabulous yarn to work with) donated by Wild Knits Yarn Shop.  Thank you so very much, Carla and Wild Knits!  I will also donate a $30 gift certificate for Amanda Hope Yarn.  I used Amanda Hope Yarn Extra Fine Merino and Superkid Mohair/Silk in the Jack-Be-Little pattern, and it is divine!

If you’re not on Instagram, email your pumpkins to me at knitequalsjoy@gmail.com.

Come join us and get in on some Autumn-knitting joy!!!

Pumpkin-A-Long Patterns – hover over photo for pattern name, click to read about the pattern or to purchase.

Now, for the other designing going on behind the scenes:

I’m excited to be releasing this pattern within the next week or so for more fall fun:

It’s a quick and easy knit, and you can make the garland as long as you like.  The pattern describes the easiest way to connect the pie pieces, but they can also be connected with twine or baker’s twine, using sewn-on or glued-on buttons, or by using i-cord.

On October 15th, we will be having a relaxed Pumpkin Pie Garland KAL/party/class at Wild Knits.  I’ll be demonstrating some of those construction techniques and we’ll have pompom makers in various sizes.  Lots of crafting fun!  Grandma’s and Mom’s button tins will be there, too.

Also behind the scenes, I’m working with a group of designers on a pattern collection built around three stitches and a theme.  Currently the plan is for two releases, one with smaller accessories and the other with larger items.  I can’t tell you too much about the collection except that my designs are a shawl and a shawlette.  They both feature the same stitch as the centerpiece of the design, but they differ in both complexity and size.  I will be using yarn from LL Yarn Co. for both – the shawlette in their Worsted and the shawl in their MSC DK.  I can’t wait to share the designs with you!  Pictured is a swatch of the stitch I’m using.

Once these designs are written and tested (the shawlette has already been tech edited and tested), I hope to get back to the Warp Nine Sweater.  I got pretty far on it, then changed my mind on how I wanted to treat the bodice and the sleeves.  I absolutely love the yarn by Blu Fiber Company (a local company, BTW), the colors, and the colorwork design, so I look forward to getting back to it.

Come check out the Pumpkin Palooza at Wild Knits on September 17th.  My pumpkins will be hanging out there and I’ll be there for at least part of the day.

Thanks for spending some time here checking out the blog.  I appreciate your support for my design work.  Check out the website and the links in the sidebar to find out the rest of what’s happening with Knit Equals Joy.

xoxo

Carol

Posted in Knit-a-Long, knitting pattern, Pumpkin-a-Long

Spidey!

Posted on by Carol

Greetings, everyone!  I’m pleased to announce that Spidey is now live!  You can find him in my Payhip and Etsy shops, and soon on LoveCrafts.  Use the coupon code SPIDEY on Payhip, Etsy, or here on the website for 20% off until Halloween.

Spidey is an enjoyable, spooky knit.  He’s created through the use of two-color twisted stitches, along with some unusual stitches like cluster stitches and a k5tog (instructions included) that emphasize the three-dimensional qualities of the motif.  You can actually stuff the spider’s abdomen!  Fun and creepy, this pumpkin will be a great addition to your fall décor.  (I did actually have a dream about spiders while designing this pumpkin!)

While it is written for two colors, this pumpkin can also be knit in a single color, since the spider is 3-D.  Be sure to allow for enough yardage if making this option.  I think the design would be great knit in natural to create a “ghost” pumpkin.

This pattern provides a chart for the spider section of the pumpkin.  The instructions for that section are also written out line-by-line.  These instructions are provided at the end of the pattern and need not be printed if one is using the chart.

Skills Needed: Working in the round, reading colorwork charts (line-by-line instructions for the charted sections are also included), knitting through the back loop, yarnovers, kfb, m1 and m1p increases, k2tog, ssk, p2tog and p2tog tbl decreases, twisted stitches, and i-cord (instructions included).

Measurements, approximate (These will vary depending on amount of fiberfill used):
Circumference:  33 in [84 cm]; diameter:  10.5 in [27 cm]; height:  7 in [18 cm].

Yarn: 
MC:  300 yds [275 m] Manos Del Uruguay Alegria (Fingering; 75% Merino Superwash/25% Polyamide; 445yds/100 g) in Cusco.

CC:  125 yds [115 m] Malabrigo Sock (Fingering; 100% Superwash Merino Wool; 440 yds/100 g) in Black.

Stem:  30 yds [27m] Yama Yarn Merino Linen Singles (Fingering; 90% South African Merino/10% Linen; 394 yds/100 g) in Terre Verte BG.

Needles:
Base of Pumpkin, Crown, and Stem:  US size 2 (2.75 mm) double pointed needles and 16 in. (40 cm) circular needle.

Colorwork Section of Pumpkin:  US size 3 (3.25 mm) 24 in. (60 cm) circular needle.

Gauge:   33.5 sts and 32 rnds = 4″ [10 cm] in charted pattern st on larger needles.  This pattern is worked at a tighter gauge than normal so the fiberfill does not show through fabric.

Other Materials:  Stitch markers if desired, small tapestry needle, tape measure, 1 bag (16 oz.) polyester fiberfill (you will not need the entire bag).

Spidey is, of course, Pumpkin-a-Long eligible.  As a reminder, there are weekly pattern prizes for participation and a drawing for some great prizes at the end (US Thanksgiving) to be chosen from among finished pumpkin projects.  The deets are here: The 2021 Pumpkin-A-Long (PAL).

Thank you all, and I hope you have as much fun knitting Spidey as I did designing him!

Pumpkins forever!

xoxo

Carol

 

Posted in KAL, Knit-a-Long, knitters, knitting, knitting pattern, knitting patterns

The 2021 Pumpkin-A-Long (PAL)

Posted on by Carol

Pumpkin-A-Long

This year’s Pumpkin-A-Long has begun!  It’s easy to play along, and I hope you will.

Right now there are seven eligible pumpkin patterns, and soon this year’s pumpkin design will be added to the pumpkin patch!

The premise of the PAL is very easy: knit one of the Knit Equals Joy pumpkins, post progress pictures of your pumpkin on Instagram with the tags #pumpkinalong2021, #knitequalsjoy, and @knitequalsjoy.  I will be giving away Knit Equals Joy patterns (digital) periodically during the PAL chosen randomly from amongst progress pictures posted and tagged on Instagram.  If you’d like to use either of the above photos on Instagram (or Facebook), they will count as progress pictures.  Follow those tags to see everyone else’s pumpkin progress and anything related to Fall that we post (because we love Fall!!!).

When you finish a pumpkin, also use the tag #pumpkinalong2021FO (for finished object).

At the conclusion of the PAL (Thanksgiving), I’ll randomly choose from the finished pumpkins and will award prizes.  Wendy at Amanda Hope Yarn is graciously sponsoring the PAL with a $30 gift card from her shop.  She has a great eye for color, and her yarns are scrumptious!

If you’re not on Instagram, email your pumpkins to me at knitequalsjoy@gmail.com.

Come join us and get in on some Autumn-knitting joy!!!

Pumpkin-A-Long Patterns – hover over photo for pattern name, click to read about the pattern or to purchase.

Spidey

I’m thrilled that this year’s design, Spidey, is almost ready for publishing!  Spidey creates a creepy spider through the use of two-color twisted stitches and some other fun textury stitches.  I am looking for some knitters who’d like to test out the pattern for me.  If that’s you, please let me know via email.

Pumpkins forever!!

Carol

Posted in colorwork knitting, knitting, knitting pattern

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

Posted on 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

 

 

 

Posted in KAL, Knit-a-Long, knitting pattern, knitting patterns, Pumpkin-a-Long

New Pumpkin Pattern, PAL, Discount

Posted on by Carol

I’m thrilled to announce that this year’s pumpkin pattern is now live!  It’s called It’s Fall, Y’all.  

It’s Fall, Y’all features chevrons – made simply, through the use of increases and decreases.  The fabric is created by holding a fingering weight yarn together with a mohair yarn, which produces a shimmery fabric with a soft halo.  You can make two shapes/sizes with this pattern, a short pumpkin and a tall one.

You can purchase the pattern here Buy Now or find it in the Pattern tab or Pumpkin-A-Long Patterns tab at the top of the webpage.

I’m so happy with the way this pattern turned out.  I hope you will enjoy it!

Speaking of pumpkins. come knit some pumpkins with us during the third annual Pumpkin-A-Long (PAL)!

  1.  The PAL goes through Thanksgiving.
  2.  All of the Knit Equals Joy pumpkin patterns are eligible.  Pumpkin-A-Long Patterns
  3.  Discount through October 15, 2020 using coupon code PALpumpkins here on the website or my Payhip store.
  4.  If on Instagram, use the tags #pumpkinalong2020 and #knitequalsjoy.
  5.  If you’re not on Instagram, email your finished pumpkin pictures to me at knitequalsjoy@gmail.com.
  6.  Prizes.
  7.  Post this picture to your Instagram feed if you would like to announce your pumpkin love!

If you are local, join the PAL at Wild Knits Salem!  In collaboration with Holly, we are offering a special discount on the patterns to the LYS patrons.  I’m so excited that this is happening locally this year!

If you are an LYS owner or indie dyer, contact me at knitequalsjoy@gmail.com if you’re interested in joining the PAL and/or offering the pattern to your customers.

Have a wonderful weekend!  Please share your pumpkins on IG, and tag me @knitequalsjoy so I can see your wonderful Autumnal creations.  The happiest of Falls to all of you.

xoxo

Carol

Posted in KAL, Knit-a-Long, knitters, knitting, knitting pattern, knitting patterns

Pumpkin-A-Long (PAL)

Posted on by Carol

This year’s Pumpkin-A-Long has begun!  It’s easy to play along, and I hope you will.

There are seven eligible patterns, see below.

The premise of the PAL is very easy: knit one of the Knit Equals Joy pumpkins, post a picture of your pumpkin on Instagram with the tags #pumpkinalong2020 and #knitequalsjoy.  Follow those tags to see everyone else’s pumpkin progress and anything related to Fall that we post (because we love Fall!!!).  If you’re not on Instagram, email your pumpkins to me at knitequalsjoy@gmail.com.

At the conclusion of the PAL (Thanksgiving), I’ll randomly choose from the finished pumpkins and will award prizes.  I have an adorable felted pumpkin (not made by me) and yarn, of course, to offer as prizes.

Use the coupon code PALpumpkins for 15% off any of these patterns through October 15, 2020.  Discount available only on patterns purchased through knitequalsjoy.com or my Payhip store.

Come join us and get in on some Autumn-knitting joy!!!

Pumpkin-A-Long Patterns – hover over photo for pattern name, click to read about the pattern or to purchase.

Enjoy!!!

Carol

Posted in knitting pattern, sweater pattern

Little Ethereal Sweater Pattern Release and a Discount

Posted on by Carol

Hello dear friends,

I’m thrilled to announce the release of the Little Ethereal Sweater Pattern.  This children’s sweater is written for newborn through size 8-10 years.  This cute little sweater is so much fun to knit!  And of course, choosing your yarn and colors is half the fun.

I used Amanda Hope Yarn Aussie Extra Fine in the colorways Lisa’s Purple and Princess.  The colors worked together perfectly, and the yarn is a delight to work with.  I love the finished sweater!

My friend Marcela Chang from Chile translated the pattern into Spanish.  The purchase of the pattern includes two PDFs, one in English and one in Spanish.

I’m offering the pattern at a steep discount this weekend here on the website (click on “Patterns” above) and on Payhip.  Use the coupon code INTRO40 for 40% off– coupon expires 9/14/2020.  However, if you miss that discount, the pattern is still on sale with a 25% discount here and on Payhip with the coupon code HELLO25 through 9/30/2020.

The Pumpkin-a-Long (PAL) is starting shortly, and I will post again soon about it.  As usual, there will be prizes (!) and a new pattern for this year.  Stay tuned!!!

Plaid Pumpkin

I hope that you will stay well, and if you are here in the West, that you are staying safe from the wildfires.  Our kids were evacuated from their honeymoon because of the wildfires…they will have stories to tell, but they are safe and sound, and I am very grateful.

All the best,

Carol