SweaterBabe.com's Knitting and Crochet Patterns Blog

Fitted Cabled Vest Preview

Here's a project I just finished last night!  It's a fitted, cabled shawl-collared vest.

 (I still need to go button shopping to complete it…)

Worked from the bottom up in one piece with thick, bold cables running up the fronts and back. Fitted at the waist with short knit-in sleeves.

Knit in button bands. Cozy shawl collar and ribbed armhole edgings picked up and knit. Garter stitch bordering on the shawl collar ties all the design elements together and adds a nice finishing touch.

Optional garter stitch belt to be worn for extra oomph!

I'll be writing this one up next so watch for it soon!!

It's a fairly quick knit as it's done on size 11 needles.  The color I used is called Blackberry.  I love the color name and it's such a rich blue/purple shade!

I can totally see wearing this as a short-sleeved cardigan over a dress or long-sleeve shirt.  It would be great in an office too (if I worked in an office!).

Free Review Copies for Bloggers!

5/17/10 update: This pattern is now available at: http://sweaterbabe.com/knitting-patterns/dramatic-lace-top-down-wrap-cardi.htm.  Thanks for your patience and happy knitting!

Hi Knitters!

I’m about to release my latest knitting pattern, the #112 Dramatic Lace Wrap Cardigan.

This cardigan features many elegant and feminine details. It's a top-down, seamless design with bold open lace panels adorning the shaped front sections and back, 3/4 length kimono-like sleeves, and a fitted shape.

The open fronts can be worn wrapped sexily around the waist, left to drape beautifully in front, or fastened in many chic ways with a shawl pin.

This new pattern has gotten a LOT of interest already. (Over 300 people commented on the pre-release blog post!)

Free Review Copies for Bloggers!
If you blog about knitting, would you like a free copy of this new PDF pattern for review*?

I have 5 copies to share with enthusiastic knitters who are willing to write and post reviews of the #112 Dramatic Lace Wrap Cardigan knitting pattern on their blogs.

Interested?

Please email me at info@sweaterbabe.com with your name and blog URL. I’ll be happy to send you a free copy of the pattern if you think you can commit to posting a short review* of the new pattern by May 20th, 2010.

Happy knitting!

-- Katherine aka Sweater Babe

* A "short review" is blog post commenting on the pattern and design.  If you don't have time to knit any part of the cardigan, you are welcome to use my photos of the pattern in your blog review.

Preview of the Dramatic Lace Top-Down Wrap Cardigan

Here is a great new top-down design that I recently finished and will try to release in May.

The back and sleeves are worked from the top-down first, with a twisted stitch cable rib accenting the front "raglan" seams.

Of course, as with most all of my designs, the waist is shaped for a sexy fit. Increases are placed within the center of the 2 back lace panels to make it interesting.

The sleeves are finished with lace edgings and a stylish 3/4 length.

Then, the fronts are picked up and knit sideways with wide lace panels at the top and bottom.  The shapes are tapered to create a very flattering V-neckline effect and nicely draped fronts when worn open.

This one is knit in Knitpicks Swish Worsted, which blocks out very well.  The stitch definition and softness of the resulting fabric is perfect! 

I'm just starting to write this one up and hope to have it ready in May. 

The design is a bit kimono-like and can be worn in many ways with the use of a shawl pin or strategically placed snaps or buttons.

Share your comments!

** SPECIAL PATTERN GIVEAWAY **

As soon as this pattern is available, I will randomly choose 2 commenters to receive this PDF pattern for free! 

Just post your comment here before 9pm PST, May 9th, 2010.

One comment per person, please.

Good luck! 

** May 17th Winners Announced! **

And the winners of the free copies of this pattern are . . .  commenters Charyl Biggs and sara who commented on 4/13/10!!!

Congrats! I've emailed you both the pattern pdf.

For everyone else, please find this pattern now in the pattern shop at:
http://sweaterbabe.com/knitting-patterns/dramatic-lace-top-down-wrap-cardi.htm

It's a great top-down design to make now!

My new long, lace shawl-collared vest

I've been asked why I don't "do color".  I'll beg to differ with this vest, the latest project off of my knitting needles.  I'm in love with this gorgeous shade of green (called "lettuce" in Knitpicks Andean Silk).

Ok - so yes, I don't do different colors and colorwork knitting, as I'm much more of a lace, cables, and texture kind of gal.  But you'll have to agree when you see this vest that I do appreciate a striking color, eh?

This vest is my current obsession.  I wanted a longish vest, and I definitely wanted the shawl collar and some sort of angled front.  Then, of course, is my need for stitch patterns.  I used an all-over lace stitch for the bottom, then transitioned to a simple all-over cable pattern after some gathering at the waist.

The generous shawl-collar and wide ribbed front bands are in 1x1 ribbing.  The upper back is in 2x2 ribbing for a nice fit.

Do you like it?  It's my new fave.  I didn't add any closures because I didn't want to limit how it was to be worn.  Here are photos showing it pinned under the collar and at the waist using Romi's Shawl Pin.  I also love it left open or belted with a wide leather belt.

Pattern coming soon!  Gotta finish the girl's ruffled edge cardigan first.  Then, this one is next in line.

*** 4/12/10 UPDATE ***

This pattern is now available!  Find it at: http://www.sweaterbabe.com/knitting-patterns/shawl-collar-long-lace-vest.htm.

P.S. If you are a SweaterBabe.com Knitting Club Member, just download this one for free at the Club.  Not a member?  You can join in April for $7.99/month and you'll get a free pattern like this EVERY month, plus so much more!

Preview of 2 Upcoming Cardigan Patterns + a Giveaway!

Here are the latest projects I've just finished knitting and am trying to write up as fast as I can!

First, is a ruffled-edge top-down cardigan that my little girl inspired (and requested!). She fell in love with the buttery color, so I committed to making her a new cardigan with all the girly elements she loves.

The design is top-down, so you will be able to adjust for what you need in terms of sleeve and body length.

The ruffled edges are done in a moss stitch, as are the button bands and little collar. Pockets are knit in and the fronts are adorned with big lace hearts! I'll try to release this pattern in February or March with a full range of toddler to teenager sizes.

And below is a vest pattern that will also be a cardigan pattern! It's a new, improved version of the super popular #38 Fabulous Lace Inset Cardigan. This time, it will have a full size range, a slightly longer length, lace panels that mirror each other and a sleeveless vest version!

BOTH of these patterns are now availalble in the Knitting Pattern Shop!

*** Enter to WIN copies of these 2 pattern!! *** Just comment on this blog post by 9pm PST, February 26th. ONE comment per person, PLEASE! At the end of this month, I will randomly choose 3 winners to receive a copy of BOTH of these patterns as PDFs (the winners will receive this pattern the day I release them in the Shop). Good luck to all!

** February 27th update **
Commenting on this giveaway is now closed.  Thanks to all who entered!  Winners to be chosen this week.

** March 18 update **

And the randomly selected winners of these patterns are. . . (sorry for the delay!):
Roz
Faye M
and Jenness Weldon!  Congrats!

I've emailed a copy of these 2 patterns to each of you.  Please let me know if you didn't receive them.  Thanks to all for entering!  These patterns are BOTH available now at: http://www.SweaterBabe.com/knittingpatterns.htm.  Happy knitting!

Two NEW projects just off my knitting needles!

Here's a preview of some upcoming patterns.  Hope to release them by year end, but holiday craziness may get in the way. . .

This cowl is one I am wearing ALL the time!  It just makes anything I'm wearing instantly more chic.    

Plus, it's fun to "juge"(? - that word that those guys from Queer Eye used to always say!) the cowl around my neck.  I can bunch it up a bit more if I'm cold, or let it hang looser in front once I'm inside and warming up.

And, I can even pull it down over my shoulder a bit like a cowl-neck shrug!

Watch for this pattern coming soon! It's a quick knit and let's you learn a great lace stitch pattern.

I also just finished this stunning Gathered-Waist Jacket.   This one is big on the details.  You can see that it starts with a gorgeous lace bottom, which is then gathered dramatically at the waist.  Twisted stitch mock-cable panels then go up the front and back. 

I finished this one with a lovely shawl collar and extended elbow-length sleeves.

You'll see more photos of it when it's ready to be released.  Hopefully by early 2010!

What do you think?

Are you making cowls for holiday gifts this year?

Mobius Cowl Yarn Giveaway!

Here's a new giveaway for you to enter! 

This one is for the YARN and the new KNITTING PATTERN, #104 Mohair Lace Mobius Cowl.  The yarn is 2 balls of GGH Soft-Kid in a light lavender color (shown above).  It's a shade lighter than the sample, but also a very on-trend color for this season!

For more on this cowl, see the details at: http://www.sweaterbabe.com/knitting-patterns/mohair-lace-mobius-cowl.htm.  It's a fabulous gift item!  Knits up quickly and is so soft and luxurious, it feels and looks like a very expensive item!

To enter this giveaway, please comment on THIS blog post by 9pm PST, October 31, 2009.  A random winner will be chosen from all commenters.  Please, one comment per person ONLY.

Thanks for entering and good luck to all!

Can't wait to see if you win?  This pattern is one of the two free patterns for SweaterBabe.com Knitting Club for October.  Not a member?  Join today for just $7.99 per month.

OR, purchase this pattern from the SweaterBabe.com Pattern Shop. 

**** November 4th Update ****
And the winner is. . . Shelly Grabill!!! She is the randomly chosen commenter who will receive the GGH Soft-Kid yarn and pattern for this cowl.  Thanks to all for participating!  More giveaways coming soon.

Drape-Front Lace Cardigan

Here are some of the many ways to wear my new Draped-Front Lace Cardigan (pattern coming soon)!

It's another top-down design using Knit Picks Swish DK yarn in a wonderful green heather shade.

Here it is with the fronts pinned lightly at the top so the rest is left open to drape:

 

And here is what the cardigan looks like without any pin closure:

 

Then, you can have lots of fun with this cardigan by pinning the fronts closed in different ways - off-center, a little lower to allow the top to drape, or gathered at the waist! The shawl pin used in these photos is a beautiful silver bird pin from DesignsbyRomi.com (I'll be reviewing her Shawl Pins soon!).

This pattern has yet to be written up, but is in my queue!

Enter to win a fr-ee copy of this pattern! Just enter a comment on this post by 9pm PST, September 20th. Three winners will be randomly selected to win a fr-ee copy of this pattern emailed to them as soon as the pattern is released. Limit one comment per person, please. Good luck!

Luxe Cabled Cowl and Membership Giveaway!

Chunky lush cowls are looking to be big (literally AND figuratively) this coming fall and winter!

Here is my version (pattern #103 Luscious Cabled Cowl, coming very soon!) - a super quick knit in a bulky weight yarn.  The fabulous all-over cable pattern and the rich, heathered color make this cowl easily pass for the super-expensive ones I've seen in fashion magazines!

The cables at the edges of the cowl create a elegant wavy edging for the top and bottom.  It's worked sideways, then seamed up the back.  If you prefer a skinnier cowl, you can knit fewer rows; if you prefer a looser cowl, knit more rows.

AND this cowl project only uses 2 hanks of yarn!  The sample is knit in Knit Picks Swish Bulky, a very soft merino wool that feels great snuggled up against my neck. 

Here are some photos of the new cowl, worn draped around the neck and pulled up:

Here it is folded over a bit in front to keep out the chill.

 

I think this is a great pattern to make as gifts for friends.

Look for the pattern announcement in an upcoming email newsletter.

P.S. Eager to get this pattern? Love patterns like this? Then join the SweaterBabe.com Knitting Club! Members will get this pattern FIRST and AUTOMATICALLY as part of their monthly fr-ee pattern(s) benefit that comes with membership. Members also enjoy direct access to SweaterBabe, exclusive KALs, special giveaways, and more! Join now for only $7.99 per month. Check out all the details on the Knitting Club.

P.P.S. Meanwhile, I'll be giving away one-month's free membership* to 3 people who comment on this blog post by 9pm PST, September 8th. With membership, you'll get this pattern and more for fr-ee during your trial month!  Winners will be chosen at random on September 10th.  One comment per person, please.

* To claim your free month of membership, you will be required to enter your credit card to set up subscription fees for the months after your fr-ee trial month. You will be able to cancel all future subscription fees at any time if you are not happy with your membership.

9/8/09 Update:  Entry into the giveaway is now closed.  Thanks for all the great comments!  Winner to be posted later this week.

9/10/09: AND the 3 randomly chosen winners are. . . Julie Brandenburg, Stephanie McGuckin, and Alison!  You have each been emailed with instructions on how to start your fr-ee membership month.  Enjoy and congrats!!!

Flutter-Sleeved Cardigan Pattern Preview!

 

Here is the Flutter-Sleeved Bloused Cardigan - coming soon to the pattern shop!

It's knit in Knit Picks Andean Silk (my current fave), so it has a beautiful drape and super-soft feel.

Lots of details make this one very unique with a nod to vintage style, but still very up-to-date and wearable!  Oh - and yes, it's also top-down (after the cabled, lace neckband it knit).

I'll announce the pattern soon through the SweaterBabe.com newsletters!

Here's another view: