Mudra: June's Adorn Anew Pattern!

Ready for June's Adorn Anew pattern? Introducing Mudra!

Mudra Necklace is created by taking an I-cord that has beads slipped up in between the cord’s stitches (just like Mudra Cuff) and hooking it through a pendant with a half hitch knot. The beaded sections have smaller size 8 beads surrounding a larger accent bead.

I'm sure you are wondering about the donut I found... just like Beignet I used a 2 inch shawl ring from Jul designs. This handcrafted Balinese ring one is made with slices of cinnamon stick that have been fused to a wood base with resin. A bonus? The ring actually smells a bit spicy : )!

Of course I think one of the fun things about the patterns in Adorn Anew is seeking out your own supplies to make a truly unique creation BUT, you know what? For those of you who would rather have me get it all together for them I have NEW KITS for both Mudra and Mudra Cuff!!!! Read more about them here!  Kits have started shipping out to stores this week, and they will be debuting at TNNA later this month, I've also stocked the Etsy shop as well....

Video Tutorial: Backwards Loop Cast On

A few of my patterns, including the popular Butin Collar use this Backwards Loop Cast On... I realized it was time for me to shoot a quick video to teach you how to easily work this technique!

The Backwards Loop Cast On gives a very flexible base, which makes it great for an edge that you want to be able to block out (like in lace)... but not so much for an edge that needs structure (like on the bottom of a sweater).  It is also worked with only one strand of yarn, so it is perfect for working with pre-strung beads on the cast on row as well! 

Are there any other techniques you'd love to have me show you how to do with a quick video?  I've started a list, and am happy to add to it!

Because I like to eat....

One of the many things I adore about traveling is experiencing new recipes and foods!  The last night I was in Canada the guild took me to Hometown Eatery... I had been advised by some knitters to try their warm chick pea salad, and OH.MY.GOODNESS, I ate the whole thing!

Fast forward a week later, I still couldn't get that salad off my mind, so I did a quick google search, and look what I found!  THE RECIPE!  My dear friend Maya and I had a playdate last weekend and we whipped it up together, and you know what?  I ate it all up again!  SO.GOOD!  We did a few mods, like using local goat cheese in place of the feta, omitting the olives, and using chives from the garden. 

Last night my hubby and I dug into a pan of Shakshouka.... I've been hearing about this legendary egg dish, but I never had the fortune to run across it on a menu (or go to Isreal), so I decided it was time to whip it up!  One of my favorite cooking blogs, Smitten Kitchen had a recipe that I followed *almost* verbatim... I did use some smoky paprika and roasted tomatoes instead of regular, and again, local goat cheese instead of feta.

What have you been cooking lately?  I am obviously feeling a bit inspired in the kitchen and would love some new ideas (obsessions) to try out!

Severn Shawl: A New Pattern in LaceKnits!

Interweave just released a new E-Mag entitled LaceKnits... and guess who has a design in it? 

I'd like to say that when photography is as stunning as this is I feel like I don't need to say much about the design, thankyou Interweave! You can, though, read more about the yarn requirements and other details on Ravelry.

Wondering about the construction?  Severn Shawl is constructed similar to Kinetik, with 2 triangles worked separately, side to center, and then joined as you would the heel of a sock with a lacy cabled center panel. 

The sad news?  Right now this pattern is only available through Lace Knits... and you have to have an I-Pad to purchase and view it.  Copyright will revert back to me in 2014, I promise to let you know when it's available as an individual pattern either through myself, or Interweave.

All photos copyright Interweave Press 2013