Io- Easy Rainbow Scarf Pattern

Not really inspired by the mythology of Io, but by her nature.
The image was of a bright rainbow springing forth from the mouth of a river.

Intricate stitch patterns usually get buried in self striping yarn, but this dramatic drop stitch pattern nicely showcases long color changes. I found that a thicker garter stitch pattern between the drops highlighted them more dramatically.


1 skein Wisdom Yarns Poems. You may also substitute Noro Silk Garden, Crystal Palace Mochi Plus, or about 90 yards of any beautiful self striping yarn.

US #10 needles. Gauge isn't terribly important, but a loose, open, lacy look is. Use bigger needles if you want a more dramatic drop stitch pattern.

Cast on 15 stitches.

Row 1- 5 Knit
Row 6: *k1, yo, k1*
Row 7:*k1, drop yo, k1*
Row 8-11: Knit

Repeat rows 6- 11 until the scarf is the desired length. Knit the last 5 rows and bind off.


Legal blah blah: You may not sell this pattern. This is for private use only, etc. etc.
Enjoy!

The Smushy Hat

Ah, more knitty stuff and a random update. Made this cabled hat from a wonderful merino cashmere blend from Holly Berry, a lovely, cozy little yarn shop in Old Colorado City. If you are planning on attending the Witch n' Bitch this Sunday and need supplies (hooks, needles, yarn, embroidery thread, etc) here's the short list:

Needleworks by Holly Berry- they answer my dumb questions. (2409 West Colorado Avenue)

Green Valley Knitters and Weavers- Gorgeous, locally sheared, spun, and hand dyed yarn, as well as commercially produced yarn and roving, spindles, spinning wheels and a nice book selection. (2115 W. Colorado Ave)

Yarn Outlet -my personal fave. Great staff and lux yarn on the cheap. (416 S 8th St)

Hope to see you on Sunday!

-Carmin

Mundane Happenings

Hey there, not a lot going on in the magical front; it's the end of winter here in the Rockies, about that time of year when it feels as if spring is taking it's sweet time.
I've been busily crafting, working on a few new things for the shop, but mostly deep in the heart of knitting goodies for friends and loved ones. Ravelry may be the greatest thing since sliced bread.
The top photo is a baby sweater for a friend, expecting a wee little girl in a few months, and the bottom photo is the first of many Jayne Cobb hats. It's cunning, see? ;)
Witch n' Bitches are ongoing, so if you want to get your crafty on, check our Facebook fan page for the latest news on location (every Sunday, but coffee shops vary).

Hope you all are well!

-Carmin

First Witch n' Stitch Craft Circle This Sunday

Before and after. At least the clouds give us fair warning.

So, the snow in the high country has hit, making our Sunday class hikes a bit dangerous. Rather than call the whole thing off until mid spring, we're hosting a Witch n' Stitch for the crafty folk.

Join us this Sunday at the Nile Cafe for our first Witch n' Stitch! Bring your knitting needles, crochet hooks, yarn, embroidery hoops, beads, or any clean crafts (anything that won't leave a mess or stain) and have a cup of coffee with like-minded magical crafters.

Not crafty?
Want to be?
Bring your newbie self down and learn how to cast on, knit, purl, cable, chain stitch, crab stitch, and all that other tricky stuff.

Like all of our classes, this gathering is free to attend.

Hope to see you there!

10AM-12PM Sunday 11th, at The Nile Cafe (954 Manitou Ave
Manitou Springs, CO)

Raygan's Awesome Dolls

Our friend Raygan made this awesomely cute voodoo doll :) Her eyes seem to follow you around the room, lol.
Raygan will have a spot on our Craftsman's Corner pretty soon, along with quite a few talented local artisans.

Hope you guys are well!

-Carmin

Proud as Punch

A necklace I made for a friend's birthday :)
I carved it out of deer bone that we found in the canyon down the street. This is probably the most complicated piece I've done so far (a Celtic shield knot), and was really proud about how it turned out. I took this picture before the obligatory morning coffee, so it isn't the steadiest shot... lol

A quick note: I didn't get a response from the winner of the incense giveaway, so I'll be selecting a new winner tonight, from the previous entries.

Thanks!

-Carmin

It's Finished!!!!

I love that in-between state of knitting projects... the rush of finishing a piece, and contemplating the next one. Drooling over fibers and possibilities at the local yarn shop, writing patterns in my head, dreaming over complex cables and Fair Isle...but repetition is a killer . That said, this particular scarf was a joy to make. The bamboo and silk combination is light and soft, and the color never got old no matter how long I looked at it :) I chose a moss stitch (a.k.a seed stitch) for an earthy, organic look. It makes an excellent contrast to the elegant and subtle sheen of the yarn. Currently available in the Etsy shop

And on to the next project! Found a luscious hand-spun Romney that's begging to be used.