Patterns « Blonde Chicken Boutique

Happy Hat Kit and Knitalong

By Tara, on January 10th, 2011%

Join a handspun, handknit knit-along! . . . → Read More: Happy Hat Kit and Knitalong

11 shawls in 2011

By Tara, on January 6th, 2011%

Inspired the Ravelry group, 11 shawls in 2011, I’ve been poring over shawl patterns.

Even though I’m not one for resolutions, I can always get behind more shawls.

Kitchen Sink Dyeworks yarn, possibly for a shawl?

My explorations started with Romi’s 7 small shawls. While I love everything Rosemary designs, I especially love Celaeno, Maia Shoulderette and Shawl #6 (leave a comment here guessing the name and you may win a shawl pin)

Another source of inspiration is Jessica Rose’s queue + finished projects. I fell completely in love with her Orchid Thief.

At this time, my list of shawls-I’d-actually-knit is:

1. Lee’s crazysmart Betiko. I imagine making 2 or 3 of these (worsted Noro! sock yarn!) and at least one of them is going to be in handspun. I think. (zephyr laceweight, dyed by me, perhaps for Citron?)

2. Citron. I . . . → Read More: 11 shawls in 2011

Amigurumi Smitten

By Tara, on November 4th, 2010%

In which I fall in love with crocheting toys. . . . → Read More: Amigurumi Smitten

Kneesocks in Handspun

By Tara, on September 16th, 2010%

Thinking about handknit, handspun kneesocks. Here are a few patterns to get started…. . . . → Read More: Kneesocks in Handspun

Talking to Yarn-Lovers: Kim Werker

By Tara, on July 30th, 2010%

Welcome to the first installment of Talking to Yarn-Lovers. Each week I’ll have an interview with a different yarn-lover (maker, knitter, crocheter). If you want to share your yarn-love, sign up here and I’ll email you some questions!

Today I’m talking to Kim Werker, writer, editor, celebrator of ugly, and all-around-crafty-gal.

How long have you been knitting or crocheting? I’ve been knitting for seven years and crocheting for six. Where do you find handmade yarn? Do you have any favorites?

I find handmade yarn online, in local yarn shops, and at fibre festivals.

I’m absolutely in love with Felicia Lo’s Sweetgeorgia Yarns, which are hand-dyed here in Vancouver. I’m currently crocheting a shawl out of hand-dyed silk yarn from Indigo Moon, which also happens to be a local-ish yarn – she dyes off the coast on Gabriola Island.

What have you made with handspun yarn?

I made a . . . → Read More: Talking to Yarn-Lovers: Kim Werker

I want YOU (for fame and glory)

By Tara, on July 8th, 2010%

I’ve been thinking a lot about working with handmade, eco-friendly yarn ever since I posted the list of over 40 patterns for handspun and handdyed yarn.

I’m knitting this shawl out of my banana yarn:

And this shawl out of UrbanGypz’s handdyed seasilk yarn (delicious!)

How do YOU work with handmade or eco-friendly yarn?

I’d love to collect your stories, opinions and tips and create a resource for all of us.

If you’d like to talk about handmade or eco-friendly yarn and how it fits into your crafting, just let me know by filling this out. I want to hear from EVERYone: new knitters, old crocheters, yarn professionals, average joes!

Each week, I’ll share your stories here, so we can all learn from each other!

PS. If you know someone who would like to talk about their own crafting, send them this . . . → Read More: I want YOU (for fame and glory)

40+ Patterns for Handmade Yarn

By Tara, on June 24th, 2010%

“What can I make with this yarn?“

Over the years I’ve compiled scads of ideas (and posts) on what to make with handspun yarn, banana yarn, hemp yarn, even handspun organic cotton (which I keep selling out of, but look for a few more colors tomorrow morning!).

After almost 4 years of this yarny adventure it’s time for a the Mother Of All Lists.

Let’s do it!

Patterns for Banana yarn Patterns for Hemp Laceweight Patterns for Handspun Organic Cotton Patterns for 1 skein of handspun yarn Part 1 Patterns for 1 skein of handspun yarn Part 2 Knitting patterns for handspun yarn (for boys) Knit gift patterns Knitting patterns worth buying Granny Square patterns Crochet Patterns for handspun yarn Sweater patterns for handspun yarn

If I’m missing YOUR favorite patterns, share them in the comments!

PS. Want the yarn and the pattern to . . . → Read More: 40+ Patterns for Handmade Yarn

What Can I do with Hemp Laceweight?

By Tara, on May 6th, 2010%

I just put a new color of hemp laceweight in the shop and I thought I’d take the chance to answer the perrenial question:

What can I do with this?

Well, with 625 yards in 2 oz, there is a LOT of very fine yarn to work with.

What Customers Have Made

The most popular project (from customers of A Novel Yarn), has been the ultra-simple Stockinette Scarf.

This one, knit in Pomegranate, was made by Jodi (who also makes the BEST cream cheese pound cake) and it is looong. Over 6ft long!

The pattern is super simle: Cast on 30 sts on US10.5 needles. Work in St st. Bind off when you have just a bit of yarn left.

Bonnie . . . → Read More: What Can I do with Hemp Laceweight?

Good Beginner Lace?

By Tara, on March 25th, 2010%

Next month I’m teaching a lace class at my yarn shop and I’m trying to pick a good lace pattern.

I want something with charts, with paired increases and decreases, and plenty of challenge.

You can see my current picks here.

Which one do you prefer? Should I pick one from this list or would you start with something else?

(let me know in the comments of right here and not on A Novel Yarn, because I don’t want us to skew the voting over there!)