diy – Page 3 – Cowtown Knits

Introducing the Beverly Beach Shirt

April 28, 20147 Comments

Woohoo! The first new pattern in a long time! More exclamation points!!! The process of designing and perfecting a sweater pattern is long. But it’s pretty satisfying in the end.

And here she is, Beverly…

The Beverly Beach shirt is knit in one piece as a rectangle, starting at the bottom front edge and ending with the bottom back edge. Garter stitch button bands are knit along both sides as you go, with buttonholes along the front and buttons along the back. The buttons join the front to the back, making this a seamless knit.

Sizes: XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL), fits bust sizes 28 (32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52)” [71 (81, 91, 102, 112, 122, 132) cm].
This top is meant to be loose fitting and is designed with a generous amount of ease. Sample shown is size M modeled on a 34”/86 cm bust. Please refer to the detailed schematic in the pattern to determine your appropriate size.

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Laid out

The release of this pattern also marks the debut of my new pattern layout. Check out the front page and tell me what you think!

Sneak Peeks

April 26, 2014Leave a comment

You may have already figured out by my lack of posting much lately, but my knitting and designing mojo all but disappeared in the new year. After such a busy and crazy push leading up to the holidays I decided to take a bit of a break, but then it was really hard to get back into it.

This is not to say I haven’t been puttering here and there. I did finish a new design, which is just now finishing up testing and getting the last look-over from my editor. Look for its release early next week.

I also got some motivation to come up with something new when my kids’ preschool requested some items for a silent auction. I fiddled around with some colourwork and landed upon something I’m kinda excited about. The hat pattern is mostly written but it’s not exactly the right season to release anything wintery so I’m going to hold onto that one until fall. Until then, here is a sneak peek, working on it in my new favourite place to knit…

Hanalei beach shot

Finally, I’ve just finished writing up a pattern for a striped pullover in kids’ sizes. The Atticus sweater is off to the editor for the first round of revisions and will be in testing soon. Here’s a quick look for now…

So, even though it’s been a little slow around here lately, I think I’ve finally got back into the swing of things. I’ll be posting some more in the next few days about some other exciting goings-on around the land of Cowtown Knits.

Introducing Hearts and Butterflies

December 2, 2013Leave a comment

New pattern day!

Despite my best efforts, my little girl is as girly as they come. When asked what she wanted on her hat the answer was definitively “Hearts, with a butterfly on top.” Well, my girl, ask and ye shall receive. I present you with the girliest hat ever.

This hat features an all-over heart design knit using stranded colorwork. The bottom of the hat is hemmed, providing a nice thick band to keep ears nice and toasty on cold days. There are also instructions for the optional butterfly to be sewn on after.

Sizes: Preemie (Newborn, Baby, Toddler, Child or Teen, Adult), fits 12 (14, 16, 18, 20, 22)” [30 (35, 40, 45, 50, 55) cm] circumference.

Another big thanks goes out to Eleanor Dixon for technical editing, and to the adorable Eloise (aka Doodie) for modeling!

From now until the end of Saturday, Dec. 7th, the pattern is available for 50% off!

And don’t forget, this is also eligible for all the Gift-A-Long fun!

Featured Indie Designer of the Day: Laura Aylor

November 24, 2013Leave a comment

I just finished up another project for the Indie Design Gift-A-Long! This one is Devonshire Cream by Laura Aylor.

The cowl is knit as a tube that eventually is grafted together, with the finished project like an inner tube. The result is a cowl that has no “wrong side” and is extra warm and squishy. I used baby llama yarn that is so super soft, it will be a pleasure to wear around the neck. Unfortunately, this cowl is destined for someone else so I will not be experiencing the luxury.

Laura’s other patterns are also beautiful. Like my last featured designer, Laura’s designs are very elegant and have a very clean look. I’ve seen a number of her patterns come up in the Scarves and Cowls thread I’m moderating in the GAL, including the beautiful Oak Park and the extremely popular Tuck.

All of Laura’s paid-for patterns from her Ravelry Store are eligible for the Gift-A-Long. Although the discount period has already ended there’s still lots of time to participate in the GAL and win some great prizes. Patterns that have previously been purchased are eligible as are those that are purchased full-priced!

Featured Indie Designer of the Day: Bonnie Sennott

November 14, 20133 Comments

I just finished up my first project from the Indie Design Gift-A-Long, a Shallows infinity scarf designed by Bonnie Sennott of Blue Peninsula Knits. I knit it with Madelinetosh Tosh Sock in the Well Water colourway and using Miyuki seed beads.

Bonnie’s designs are just gorgeous. They are elegant and stylish, the kind of timeless pieces that anyone could wear and keep in their wardrobe for a very long time.

She has 8 patterns available for the Gift-A-Long, 4 cowls (Birchleaf, Biscuit, Deephaven and Shallows) and 4 mitts (Shallows, Rockywold, Fiery Searcher and Leaves of Three).

Again, you should go check her out, you will not be disappointed! Also, there is just over a day left in the Gift-A-Long sale so hurry over to Ravelry quick so you can still get the 25% discount. And although the sale is almost over, we will still be knitting and crocheting along together until Dec. 31st so there’s lots of fun and prizes left to be had.