old news and new news

Last year was rather overwhelming at times, but when I look back, I'm quite proud of what I accomplished.  Tech editing and designing for Twist Collective has been a growing experience for me, and I'm so honored to be part of this amazing publication.  I'm happy to have finally got my own website off the ground last year.  And I've finally found a good balance (for now) with my other part time jobs and my knitting career.

New this year, and partially responsible for my current state of organization in my complicated life, I've been using Remember The Milk to keep track of my various do lists.  It's a godsend!  I've finally learned to not assign myself a task without a due date.  Okay, I don't always make my self-imposed deadlines, but somehow I've finally learned to be more realistic when I set them, and most of the time I do now.

I have 3 new designs that I'll be adding to my site soon.  Here's a preview of one of them:

(Some of you may have already seen this in my projects on Ravelry.)

I'm calling this sweater Gawain.  The pattern is all ready to go, I just need to have a photo shoot.  It's knit in Malabrigo, and I have ordered the yarn in a bright blue to knit this up for myself as well!  (Alas, the sample size is too small for me, as usual.)  Of course, I still haven't finished my own Jaali, so I guess we shouldn't hold our breath.

The construction of this sweater is traditional flat-knitted pieces, but when I knit it for myself, I'm considering doing it in the round, and then offering the pattern in that format as well.  Let me know if that's something you'd be interested in buying, and maybe if I get enough interest that will be the kick in the pants I need to make it happen on the sooner side.

The other two new designs I have on the nearer horizon are a pair of gloves with exquisite twisted stitch cables, and a beret with a cable edging (me and my cable edgings... it never stops).  The beret is knit in Madelinetosh worsted, which I am absolutely in love with, and I did a floppy and a non-floppy version.

I also designed some socks out of Madelinetosh sock yarn, but I think I'm going to submit those for publication elsewhere.  And I have some new things coming out in Twist this year.  Lots and lots going on!

In non-knitting news, I just started learning to play electric bass.  (In my copious spare time?)  My fingers are sore, but hopefully it will be worth it.

Happy 2009 / MLK Day / Inauguration!

Comments

[nestranestra]

I would love to see the Gawain pattern offered in the round. Ot os a beautiful design!

[Jeanine]

Happy New Year Alison!

I hope it's a blessed and prosperous year for you.

[Judi]

Gawain is glorious, Alison. I love your design aesthetic, and I can always count on liking your patterns. Thanks, too, for turning me on to Twist Collective! And I just saw the Madeline Tosh yarns touted on the Purl Diva website. Best wishes for continued "balance."

[Linda D]

Can't wait to see the pattern ready for purchase. I must have it! But even tho I detest seaming, I think I'd knit it flat...

[kiss my style]

this is absolutely gorgeous! the cable is really delicate.

[Danielle]

Good to see you online again :)

I'm loving your cabled ways...

[Heather]

love, love, love, love! and I'd knit Gawain either way, but would love to have the options in the pattern. I'm much more likely to cast on an in-the round sweater as I perceive it to be easier and more portable, even tho that makes NO sense.

[Manise]

Gawain is beautiful! I think it would be nice if you offered it both ways so one has a choice. Love your cabley ways! As a result of seeing your beret on New Year's Day, I am the proud owner of several skeins of MadTosh sock and some Oxblood in the worsted weight is on order :-).

[Sally]

I love the Gawain and want to buy the pattern once it is up here. How many yards of yarn do I need to buy?

[sally]

yes, circular needles for Gawain!

[Jamie]

Thanks for the "Remember the Milk" link. I'm gonna check that out!