Police Box Sox

It's been some time coming, but I have a new pattern out: Police Box Sox. I've knit several pairs of Tardis-inspired sock patterns, but each time I had to add many modifications to get them to fit my foot. I thought it was high time I write my own version.

These socks feature a 60 and 72 stitch count. But around the stranded color work portion of the sock, the stitches are increased to help accommodate how tight stranded knitting is compared to stockinette. The sock is knit top down with a heel flap, but other heel styles can be used in place of the suggested heel.

And the best part is the price: Free! The pattern can be found on bear-ears.com or on ravelry.

Also, I want to give a shout out to my buddy, Kiwipurler for the Knitsch yarn she gave me for my birthday that went into these socks. It is aptly named "Tennant."

From Pines To Pacific

I'm pleased to announce that I've released two new patterns: Pacific Blues and Pacific Ripples. The Pacific Blues hat is knit from the brim up. It has a slipped stitch chevron pattern all over that resembles the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean.

The Pacific Ripples mitts are knit from the cuff up. They also are inspired by the Pacific Ocean. The gusset shaping is cleverly worked in with the chevron patterning.

I decided to bundle up Pacific Blues, Pacific Ripples, and Beyond The Pines all together into a collection called From Pines To Pacific. All three look good using variegated yarn. But a solid or long color repeat will look just as nice.

Happy knitting!

Any Gauge Ribbed Socks

I don't know about the rest of you, but really dislike knitting swatches. I never get gauge and it makes sock knitting in particular rather difficult. Most of my socks are knit on size 0 and I still can't get "normal people" gauge.

Awhile back I had talked about putting out my ribbed sock pattern. And what made this one so wonderful is that it doesn't matter what gauge you get. You measure your foot, your one swatch, and do two simple calculations. Then you match your magic number to one of the cast on numbers and knit your socks. No thinking, just knitting. I've done all the thinking for you. Your welcome. 

As a bonus, the formula can be used for more than a ribbed sock. You can easily plug in stitch patterns if you wish. These socks are knit toe up. The instructions feature a short row toe and heel. Any toe or heel method can be used in place of the short row method. 

If you are interested in getting a copy of the Any Gauge Ribbed Socks pattern, it can be found on bear-ears.com, ravelry, and craftsy.

A big thank-you to kiwipurler for all her help in getting this pattern ready. It wouldn't have been possible without her. 

Sprig Is Here

I am a terrible gift giver. It's not what you think, though. I am excellent at finding a good gift, but I'm terrible at waiting to give them.

Case in point: Mum's birthday scarf. On Sunday, Mum told me that she was going to have an early birthday lunch on Friday. I hadn't started her gift yet because I thought I had another week to procrastinate.

I blocked the scarf today. And then it happened. I couldn't wait. I HAD to give it to her. It was still warm from being in the sun when I handed it over.

I believe she is quite pleased. She even stood for pictures. On a different note, her birthday lunch has been moved to Monday. But I don't care. I don't have to wait anymore.

I wasn't sure when to announce this, but as we all know, I can't wait. So, if you'd like the scarf pattern, Sprig, for FREE, you can check out ravelry, or you can go to bear-ears.com to download it. It's on me.
EDIT - As of November 30th, 2011, this pattern is now a pay-for pattern.

Appalachia

The Appalachia hat has now been released!

And the Appalachia KAL (knit along) has started over at the 11 Hats in 2011 group. I'm pretty excited about it. There are 59 people signed up for it. Maybe I should make another so we have 60 people.

For anyone who is interested in buying the pattern, you can either get it on ravelry. For those who don't have a ravelry account, it also available on the bear-ears.com for $5.

And to add a little music inspiration, here is the song Appalachia by The Church. I absolutely love this song. It was one of the songs I played on the radio when I was a DJ. The video artwork is by David Duchow. (There is more of his artwork on dadaist654's youtube channel.)

Appalachia KAL

I just wanted to let everyone know that there is going to be a KAL (Knit along) for Appalachia. For those who join the KAL, the pattern will be free. You heard me correctly. FREE!

Here's what you have to do:

1) You will need to be a part of Ravelry, if you aren't already.

2) Join the group 11 Hats In 2011!

3) Say you'd like to make the hat on May KAL thread.

4) Cast on the hat May 1st.

The pattern will only be free to those who join the KAL by April 30th, 11:59PM PST. After that, the pattern will be for sale.

I will be sending the pattern out to those who join the KAL on May 1st. Probably around 1PM PST.

I'd love to have as many people as possible be a part of this KAL. The hat is made from a skein of Mini Mochi (Lake Trail) and a skein of Malabrigo Sock (Chocolate Amargo). But any sock weight yarn would do, preferably with a high wool content. The needle sizes needed are 2 (2.75mm) and 3 (3.25mm). I used small circulars, but dpns would be fine too.

Lion Hat Pattern

Knit/ Crochet Blog Week may have just finished, but the fun isn't going to end. Today the Lion Hat pattern has been released!

It comes in adult and baby sizes. And for only $5, the pattern can be yours. You can either go to Ravelry, or you can press the buy now button.

Not enough excitement for you?

Stay tuned in, because tomorrow I have some major news!

Baby Hat Release

The day has finally come! All the current animal hats now have baby sizing! If you have already purchased a copy, you have nothing to fear. You can simply re-download the pattern.

You can either go on ravelry to get a copy, or you can click the buy now button by each pattern in this post.

To get the sheep hat pattern for $5: buy now

The pattern itself doesn't change. The small sizing is created by using thinner yarn and smaller needles.

To get the giraffe hat pattern for $5: buy now

There will be a Bear Ears website up in the near future.

To get the fox hat pattern for $5: buy now

But until then, the blog will have to do.

To get the bear hat pattern for $5: buy now

Babyizing In Progress

I finally finished re-knitting the baby samples of the bear hat. The pattern doesn't reflect the changes just yet, but it will soon. I just need to have several people check for errors before I release the updated version. And pictures. I've got to find some babies.

Here is a quick sneak peek of the next hat to be released. The adult version of the hat has been knit. I just need to "babyize" it. 10 points to anyone who guesses what the hat is. (Unless I've actually told you and you "guess". Then you get -10 points.)

I'd be lying if I didn't admit that re-knitting and adding baby sizes to the patterns was a bit stressful. To keep my sanity, I've been knitting this sweater in the evening. The pattern may look complex, but it is actually pretty relaxing to knit and easy to adjust sizing once you've gotten your gauge sorted out. The pattern is the Fireside Sweater by Amber Allison. I just have the back and two sleeves to go. I'm fairly certain I'll finish in the middle of summer during a heat wave.

I Don't Own A Baby

I have gotten lots of lovely feedback regarding the animal hats. By far the most common response was, "Oh! That hat is so cute. Does it come in baby size?" Followed by me saying... "Ummm.... no." I had been resisting making a baby size for several reasons.

1. I don't have a baby (I almost said I don't own a baby... but that's not quite right) , so baby sizing is a bit mysterious to me.

2. I don't really have any friends that have a baby.

However, thanks to my parents who advised that I listen to my customer base, the answer will soon be, "Yes, it comes in baby size." All I need now is a baby. For pictures, not for me.

Fox Hat Pattern

Happy Valentines Day to everyone! (or Singles Awareness Day) Scooter is my valentine today. He's a pretty good one to have. Just give him a biscuit and he feels loved. I may have slipped him some stew as an extra treat though. He has repaid me by going off for a nap.

I have just finished up the fox hat. Extra thanks to Kenna for modeling for me.

If you are interested in purchasing the pattern, it is available on Ravelry. Or, if you do not have a ravelry account, you can buy it here. The price is $5.

I thought it would be fun to start mentioning what I was listening to or watching while making each hat. This hat was completed while listening to the album "Andorra" by Caribou.

Sheep Hat Pattern

The Sheep Hat is now available for purchase. It is a knit hat with crocheted ears.

You can find it on Ravelry. Or, if you are without a ravelry account, you can purchase the pattern here for $5. Just press the buy now button.

So what are you waiting for?

First Pattern For Sale - The Bear Hat

It's official! I have a pattern for sale. I've been working on having this become a reality for a whole year now.

That pattern is a knit hat with crocheted ears. You can check it out on Ravelry. It's called Bear Hat. Or, if you'd rather, you can buy it by pressing the buy now button. No ravelry account required. The pattern is being offered for $5.

Of course if you don't buy the pattern, Grumpy Teenage Bear will stare you down and sigh heavily.

Mr. Tumnus Chose My University Degree

Scooter is back home with my parents. Turns out he is an expert escape artist in the country. He also loves to play tag. He is never "it".

The Mr. Tumnus scarf is finally finished. I've dreamed about making it since The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe came out. That movie helped me to decide on my university degree. (Design)

I used two ends of Touch Yarns Brushed Solids. Co 15 sts. [K2, P2] K2, P1 until you have your desired length.

Too bad Scooter wasn't a better behaved boy. He missed out on another excellent evening.