Prints: Untitled (*)

Out of the gates and into studio for fall 2016. Subtle, autumnal hues to start the season. Untitled (*). Copper and cream on natural stock. Subtlety. Nuance. Go figure. This could be a first. Interesting new territory. We’ll see if it takes.

Knit Pattern: Up & Over Mitts

Finishing up the current batch of patterns is Up & Over Mitts. These explore different constructions by combining knitting in the round with flat knitting.  The bottom section is the familiar cuff up, in the round knitting. The pattern switches direction after binding off with the top section is knit flat, perpendicular to the bottom. A stitch is picked up at the bound off edge in each row, connecting the new section to the old while the section is knit.

Here are some pattern details:

Special skills:
• Knitting in the round
• Increase
• Cable stitches
• Picked up stitches

Size: Adult
Approximate finished measurements: Glove length: 7 in (17.8 cm), Flat width: 3 in (7.6 cm) – larger in thumb gusset area. (sample for measurements was blocked and may be larger than unblocked mitts)

Needles: US 6 (4 mm) double pointed needles – set of 4 recommended. Cable needle.
Stitch marker and stitch counter optional.

Yarn: Worsted weight
Featured Yarn: Patons Classic Wool Worsted in Bright Red

Buy the pattern here for $3.50:
Up & Over Mitts on Etsy
Up & Over Mitts on Craftsy

Knit Pattern: Oblique Mitts

Introducing the third pattern of 2016: Oblique Mitts. This subtle diagonal rib is made by shifting stitches over with 1/1 cables. It’s a bit more fun to knit and adds a little sophistication to the standard 2/2 ribbing.

Pattern details:
These fingerless mitts knit from the bottom cuff up.
They are knit in the round.

Special skills:
• Knitting in the round
• Increase
• Cable stitches

Size: Adult
Approximate finished measurements: Glove length: 7 in (17.8 cm), Flat width: 2.5 in (6.4 cm) – larger in thumb gusset area. (sample for measurements was blocked and may be larger than unblocked mitts)

Needles: US 6 (4 mm) double pointed needles – set of 4 recommended. Cable needle.
(You may find it is easy enough to switch sts on needles without a cable needle as all cables are 1/1 stitch.)
Stitch marker and stitch counter optional.

Yarn: DK weight (can also be knit with worsted weight)
Featured Yarn: Cleckheaton Australian Superfine Merino in Truffle

Buy the pattern for $3.50:
Oblique Mitts on Etsy
Oblique Mitts on Craftsy

 

Knit Pattern: Scallop Cable Mitts

 

I’d like to introduce the second pattern in my new fingerless mitts series: Scallop Cable Mitts. These are the most heavily cabled gloves I’ve made to date. I was pleased with how the cables meander from the center to the outside of the cable. I’ve knit these with a few different types of yarn, but I love the simplicity of a beautiful hand-dyed yarn that allows both the texture of the pattern and the beautiful subtle variation of color to shine.

Pattern Notes:

These fingerless mitts knit from the bottom cuff up and are knit in the round.

Special skills:
• Knitting in the round
• Increase
• Cable stitches

Size: Adult
Approximate finished measurements: Glove length: 7.5 in (19 cm), Flat width: 3 in (7.6 cm) – larger in thumb gusset area. (sample for measurements was blocked and may be larger than unblocked mitts)

Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) double pointed needles – set of 4 recommended. Cable needle.
(You may find it is easy enough to switch sts on needles without a cable needle as all cables are 1/1 stitch.)
Stitch marker and stitch counter optional.

Yarn: Light Worsted Weight or DK, approx 115 yds (100 m)
Featured Yarn: Madelinetosh Tosh DK in Weathered Frame

You can buy the pattern here for $3.50:
Scallop Cable Mitts on Etsy
Scallop Cable Mitts on Craftsy

 

Things We Like: Charles & Ray Eames’ “Solar Do-Nothing Machine”

Modern furnishings, sure. Landmark exhibits, yep. Groundbreaking films, uh-huh. But what you might not be familiar with is the Eames’ Solar Do-Nothing Machine, a sculpture for Alcoa, the Aluminum Company of America, created in 1957.

A kinetic sculpture that lures you in with wild colors and patterns that shimmy, shake, sparkle and spin, the Solar Do-Nothing Machine takes a potentially boring subject (solar energy) and dazzles with accessible, whimsical, high-modern style.

But the film—culled from footage unearthed in 1995 by Eames Demetrios—is where the magic really happens. Close-ups and panning shots bring you right into the piece backed by a jazzy soundtrack that pairs perfectly with classic aesthetics and bouncing, spinning parts. And just like a good sugar rush, the party ultimately comes crashing to a halt—in this case when a cloud passes overhead. Science. Bummer.

For me it’s all nearly too much, too perfect. The glimmering geometry, the pop colors, the choreography of moving shapes, and, of course, the soundtrack all make this thing utterly hypnotic. Pity the fool who puts the film on repeat. Sure, that’d probably be me. If that happens and you see me sitting there totally zoned out, just know I’m in a high-keyed happy place. And pick my jaw up off the table on your way out.