My designs

My designs are available to be purchased on Ravelry. Instant PDF downloads, with no requirement to sign up. Members get the PDF stored in their Ravelry library.

Follow this link for more information. SweetP Designs on Ravelry.

A selection of my designs available on Ravelry

And the winner is...

Rachelle... congratulations! You have won a copy of Jen Beaumont's Pixelated Pullover!

Remember all of Jen's patterns are eligible for the Giftalong 2014. You can find them all here !

Thanks everyone for reading and entering the competition :)

Jennifer Beaumont: Interview

Today I have the pleasure of welcoming Jen Beaumont to Mahi and Aroha. Jen is one of the participating designers in the GiftAlong 2014 and has some gorgeous colourwork designs in her portfolio. I particularly love her pixelated designs.

Welcome!

Can you describe your design portfolio in just 3 words...
seamless colorful contrast

Pixelated Hat

                                                         
How did you get started designing? Where do you draw inspiration from?
I started designing when I was inspired to knit a hat with a certain color combination and contrasting pattern and I couldn’t find a pattern that already existed. Shortly after, a friend asked me to write it up so that she could make one, and I found that it felt quite natural to me. I enjoy solving math problems and complicated puzzles. I didn’t have an intention to “be a designer”. Now that I have started, I can’t stop “designing”. I continue to be inspired by the nuanced COLOR created the amazing dyers that are working right now, and usually certain color combinations and patterns. I also look at fashion photography and can be inspired by a fabric or a shape of a sweater’s collar, and bam… I usually make drawings or watercolor paintings first, and then search out the perfect yarns and swatch, swatch, swatch… The climate is very cold in winter where I live, and I have found that stranded sweaters really help keep me warm. I have been working on a series of stranded sweaters that I unofficially call “winter armor” because of the warmth and structure of the densely stranded patterned fabrics.

Pixelated Pullover

How does designing fit in with the rest of your life? It is a full time job, part time job, or other? If you do a different job full time, is designing at all related?
I have two young children and we are homeschooling, and I also have another part-time teaching business. The designing isn’t related to these other things but I think that my other work contributes to who I am as a designer. I think I am happier when I have my hands in a few pots.

Gemstone Wristers

Your designs draw heavily on the interplay of colours - is this something that you’ve always been attracted to? Why colourwork?

From an early age I was obsessed with color and loved to paint or draw with colored pencils and when I was in college, I was co-enrolled in the School of Art along with my academic studies (both in science and writing), and studied painting and color. I have a strong visual bent. As a child I had a photographic memory. Today, I may see a fabric or a color combination in nature and I hold onto it for awhile in memory and it grows into my designs. I am interested in not just one color, but its interplay with another contrast, or several, which is why patterned fabrics have inspired my design process. Stranded color work has been a means to painting with yarn I suppose. I am strongly attached to the original color combination that I visualize, although sometimes it multiples, and I have to see other color combinations in the same pattern. I don’t think about what would be popular but I will knit duplicate samples because of this need to see the interplay of other colors.

Tessellated Pullover

What’s next for your design line? Is there anything you want to tell us about?
For example, I am currently working on publishing my Polar Prism Cardigan which has a prismatic stranded pattern over all the cardigan. I am in the process of knitting another version using Rain City Knits yarns with a navy-black background, with hot pink, hot coral, and bright orange gradient for the “prism tiles”. I live in a place where it is quite cold, and snowy, and gray for many months of the year, in West Michigan, and all this color work really brightens and warms up the days. After this design, which is almost done with technical editing, and nearly ready for test knitting, I have another design that will be worked in Rain City Knits yarn and it is inspired by a Chanel coat, worked in a surprising stitch pattern and color combination… Another stranded sweater design will be published by Stitch Seekers in February, and I have another that will be in the Midwestern Knits book this summer, worked in a West Michigan dyer’s yarn, The Plucky Knitter’s Plucky Single. If there is time between these projects, I plan to work up some stranded sweaters for my children.

Thanks Jen for stopping by, it was great to learn more about you and your design process. 

You can find Jen's designs on Ravelry here: http://www.ravelry.com/designers/jennifer-beaumont

I am giving away one of Jen's patterns to a lucky reader. Just comment below which pattern you would like to win and your Ravelry name. Will close for comments midnight Monday 1 Dec (NZT).

Congratulations to..

Briony of Gradient who has won a copy of Cheezombie's Splat Cat coasters pattern.


Remember you can see of all Cheezombie's very cool patterns here. AND you can find Briony's beautiful yarns on Facebook here :)


Thanks everyone for entering the competition and stay tuned for another designer interview this week!

Cheezombie. The Interview.

Photo credit: cheezombie

Cheezombie often finds herself bleary eyed and finger sore, but still knitting and watching slasher movies and cartoons at 2 a.m. The byproducts of these late night sessions fuel others, whereby creating a cycle of sleeplessness and creativity. 

I'm very excited to welcome Cheezombie to MahiandAroha! 

Your designs are instantly recognisable as “Cheezombie”. How did you get started designing your cute little critters? What is that appeals to you about designing toys?
My toy designs are inspired by my caffeinecartoonwikipedia fever dreams , but I alter them slightly to be less unsettling to children and the elderly. Except telepathic kitten,he’s just creepy

Which of your patterns is your favourite critter and why?

My personal favorite design of mine is the slug. It was one of my first, so I’m partial, but also it reminds me of myself. Smallish, slimy, likes beer, and avoids salt. And splat cat. He’s just hilarious.

Photo credit: cheezombie

What’s next for the cheezombie design line? Anything you are working on you would like to share? Where do you get your inspiration from?

 Beats me. The needles do what they do, I’m just the puppet.

Are you really a zombie? Who IS cheez?  

Nope, not a zombie, just a crazy kid trying to make it in this big world. I do love dairy though, hence the cheez.

If you were stranded on a (cold) desert island and were allowed 3 knitting/yarn related things, what would you pack?

I would bring a knitted boat, a knitted crew, and knitted friends.

I have actually knit a cheezombie pattern! The kiwi (of course, what New Zealander can resist this pattern?) featured in Knitty Deep Fall 2011. 

Photo credit: sweetp

Have you ever been to New Zealand and seen a real kiwi?
I was actually trying to knit a kiwi fruit. I googled the wrong picture and by the time I noticed I had already finished the pattern.

Thank you so much for dropping by!

 I love cheezombie's patterns. Cute and quirky and ideal for gifting.

I've got this obstinate octopus in my queue!

Photo credit: cheezombie

All of Cheezombie's patterns are eligible for the GiftAlong KALs. 
You can see them all on Ravelry: http://www.ravelry.com/designers/cheezombie

Her sale patterns (be quick ends 21 Nov 2014 US EST) can be viewed here: http://www.ravelry.com/bundles/3342


GIVEAWAY....
Win a copy of your favourite Cheezombie pattern. Simply leave a comment with your favourite Cheezombie design and I will gift a Cheezombie pattern to a randomly selected winner. (Must be a selfpublished pattern). Giveaway ends midnight Sunday 23rd Nov (NZ).

GAL KNITTING

The Ravelry GiftAlong 2014 has officially kicked off. I have spent the past couple of days in bed with a headcold which was the perfect excuse to spend some time looking through all the wonderful designs and making a (long!) xmas make list.

First on my list is two Marjie shrugs. These are for a dear friend's little girls - her two year old and her new baby girl. I don't normally get in to the whole matchy matchy thing but I thought it might be nice to make the same pattern but in different yarns.

Marjie is by New Zealand designer Julia Stanfield. Julia has been an online friend for a number of years and is a really lovely lady. Her designs are "seamless, stylish and simple" but mostly just really wearable which is really appealing when you are trying to choose something that's both lovely but also going to get worn by the recipient.

 I love the look of this little cardigan that has the cropped/short sleeves ideal for over summer dresses, but also the button up front for when you need a bit more coverage. 



I am just about finished a tiny little 17" Marjie in a gorgeous purple from Candy Apple Lane and so far it has been a nice relaxing knit. The pattern is written out line by line so it's ideal for both the beginner knitter and for TV watching while you knit.  I also love that you cast off the sleeves as you go rather than putting them on holders - makes for minimal finishing and would be great for gradient yarns.

You can see all of Julia's giftalong sale patterns here: http://www.ravelry.com/bundles/4665

2014 Gift-A-Long

It's that time of year again, the second annual Ravelry Indie Designer Gift-A-Long (GAL) begins this week! This year there is an impressive 293 designers participating and it looks as though it will be even bigger and better than last years fun event.

Not sure what the GAL is?

The GAL is a co-ordinated knit/crochet-along event featuring independent designers. The GAL begins on November 13th and runs until December 31st 2014.


Join the Ravelry group to knit and chat-along and be in to win any of the thousands of prizes up for grabs. There are games and giveaways and lots of fun activities going on in the group. It's a fantastic way to support indie designers on Ravelry and also to find new to you patterns and designers.

As well as the KAL aspect for the FIRST WEEK of the GAL, there is a coordinated pattern sale. Every participating designer has made a bundle on their designer page featuring a selection of patterns. These patterns will be discounted by 25% if you use the code: giftalong2014

Sale period is Thursday November 13 at 8 pm (20:00) US-EST to Friday November 21 at 11:59 pm (23:59) US-EST

Here is the bundle of patterns I am discounting for the GAL. I am so excited to be joining in this event again this year. Last year it was so much fun and I had a great time finding new-to-me designers and knitting up some gifts.

I hope you'll join us!

New pattern: Lucie

I've been really enjoying crochet at the moment. It's nice to be branching out a bit with my crafting and learning new skills.

Lucie is my latest pattern release and is a result of my recent crochet fascination. I love crochet borders, how graphic they are and how the shapes are different from what you can achieve with knitting. Lucie combines super fast knitting with a crochet border to give a lovely, soft and snuggly shawlette with a big loopy crochet border.

Lucie is a % type pattern so there is no need to count stitches, and this allows you to make the most out of whatever size skein you have. I recommend having at least 150g of DK or light worsted yarn on hand. As written its a lovely little size for wrapping around your neck - the loose gauge makes the garter stitch really lofty and soft to wear.

Lucie is suitable for any type of yarn but looks particularly nice in gradient yarns. This sample was knit using Tri'Coterie DK Merino SW in a lovely purple gradient. Because the body is knit top down you get the standard gradient effect on the body and then a subtle side to side effect on the edging. It's quite a pretty effect which I really like.

Lucie is available to purchase on Ravelry now: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/lucie-shawlette

New pattern: Diamond Crush

Diamond Crush

Designed to let your yarn do the talking, this is an ideal pattern for long colour change yarns such as Kauni 8/2 Effektgarn. A 150g/600m ball of Kauni will give a generous shawl with a wingspan of 180cm approx.

Diamond Crush is knit using a top down construction and features pretty diamond panels and eyelet detailing. Two edging options included - either straight or wavy. 
This is a written pattern and has been tech edited and test knit.

Want to knit this shawl in 4ply instead? A 400m skein of 4ply/fingering yarn will give you a smaller shawl at approx 150cm across and 60cm deep, knit on 4mm needles.

I love seeing the different variations of this shawl appear on Ravelry. Starting with a different colour gives a completely different look to the pattern. 

Purchase the pattern now on Ravelry: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/diamond-crush

New pattern: Astrolabe mitts

Astrolabe Mitts

Pretty fingerless mitts with a feature lace medallion motif reminiscent of the shape of an Astrolabe (an ancient device used by astronomers and navigators to determine the position of the Sun and stars).

Negative ease and a thumb gusset make for a snug and comfortable fit.

Astrolabe mitts are knit in the round in DK/8ply yarn. I prefer magic loop but DPNs (or 2 circulars) are also fine.

Sizing is achieved through gauge. For petite/teen size the gauge is 23st/10cm (suggested needle size 3.75mm). For average woman size the gauge is 22st/10cm (suggested needle size 4mm).

You will need 50-75g of DK. Pattern lists 75g/160m approx but myself and testers all used closer to 50g for the pair. If you want to make longer mitts then definitely have more yarn on hand!

Pattern available now on Ravelry! http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/astrolabe-mitts

New Pattern: Fifth Avenue

Inspired by Audrey Hepburn, Fifth Avenue was an exclusive design for the Red Riding Hood Yarns “Ladies of Luxe” yarn club.

Audrey Hepburn is perhaps best known for her acting career – particularly for her role as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s – but the reason I chose her as my inspiration was her selfless humanitarian work, particularly in her role as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. Audrey to me was a true lady of luxury - a style icon with a generous and giving spirit.

These long fingerless mitts are knit in luxurious silk blend yarn and feature an exquisite lace panel and pretty cable detailing, perfect for that special night out (or a stroll down Fifth Avenue).

Fifth Avenue mitts are knit in the round in DK/8ply yarn. The suggested yarn is 50% silk which give a lovely sheen and great stitch definition. You will need most of a 100g/220m skein.

Find them on Ravelry: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/fifth-avenue

New patterns: Knit Actually

Now on Ravelry Knit Actually Hat and matching Knit Actually mitts. Knit inside out in Worsted weight yarn for fun, fast knitting. Hat is sized NB to L Adult. Recommended yarn is Malabrigo Rios.

New Pattern: Ruthie

Meet Ruthie.

A pretty and versatile cardigan for girls aged 2-12y.

Ruthie is my first garment design! I am so thrilled to finally be able to publish this cardigan which began as just a kernel of an idea way back sometime last year.

Ruthie is a top down raglan with pretty yo increases. The front has a simple slim look while the back has increases to make a flirty lace panelled skirt.

Short and long sleeve options makes this an ideal 'in between' seasons cardigan and a great versatile layering piece.

The fronts don't meet so the cardigan can be worn open, or you can make crochet (or button) closures to secure it at the front.

I knit my sample for Miss9 in Tri'Coterie DK Sparkles but this design works well in any DK/8ply yarn that has a nice stitch definition (but it's a great design for those special skeins of sparkle yarn you've been hoarding away!)

Ruthie is written for chest sizes 53cm to 73cm which roughly corresponds to 2years through to about 10 or 12y, and  has been techedited and test knit. You can see all the lovely Ruthie test knits here.


Ruthie is available on Ravelry for $US6.

New Pattern: Elegant Tyranny

Yesterday Stitch Seekers released Edition 1: Decadence and Decay. This is an exciting new biannual publication focusing on high fashion, and showcasing themed collections of knitting and crochet patterns. Stitch Seekers are a brave new voice on the knit scene and I am thrilled to have a pattern in this stunning collection.

Elegant Tyranny

Elegant Tyranny - long arm warmers reminiscent of medieval gauntlets and inspired by the French Monarchy. Knit in DK/8ply these are a fast, fun knit. Sparkle yarn adds a touch of luxury while the modern styling makes them a truly wearable accessory, perfect for autumn.

You can see the whole collection on the website: www.stitchseekers.com

Logo Love

You may have noticed the blog has had a bit of a makeover. I am super excited to now have a logo for SweetP Designs.

This has been a long time coming and I couldn't be more thrilled with the design and the 'package' that Polly from Queue and Accumulate put together for me.

I have also started a facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/sweetpknits to share news, promotions and other happenings, and am pinning at http://www.pinterest.com/sweetpknits/. Follow me for awesome NZ and knitting related pins and boards.

New Pattern: Filigree

Filigree is my latest design I am so excited to share.

Filigree was inspired by the Vintage yarn range by Skeinz.

Vintage DK is a great solid DK/8ply yarn, it's got a nice stitch definition, is easy to knit and comes in a pretty range of suitably vintage inspired colours. Filigree is the latest yarn in the range and is a kid/mohair laceweight (think kidsilk haze-like). In a clever move Skeinz have used the same colour palette so both yarns can be used together.


For Filigree I used the Vintage DK for the body of the shawlette - this means it knits up quite quickly and is great for TV knitting - and the mohair for a touch of romantic whimsy in the floaty edging.


100g of the DK gave me a small shawlette, ideal for wrapping around your shoulders, under a coat, or securing with a pin or brooch. BUT the pattern is written in such a way that you can make this any size you like depending on your yarn choice and yardage.

 

I think the monotone version (colourway is Pewter) has a vintage romantic look while stripes give a more modern look. It's amazing how just changing the colour scheme can make it look entirely different.

For this version I used Charcoal and a brighter green (Persian). I love how the lace pattern looks in the darker yarn.




In the pattern and in this photo tutorial I explain how to use the slip stitch selvedge method to make a neat top edge when changing colours in the body.

Filigree is a fun, relaxing knit and would make the perfect 'in between seasons' accesssory.

Filigree is available now on Ravelry for $5US. http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/filigree-6

Stripes! Tips for a neat edge when changing colours

A photo tutorial showing how to make a tidy and neat edge when changing colours.

This is an easy way to make a tidy and neat edge when working in stripes using a slip stitch selvedge. A neat colour change is important when working a flat piece where the colour change edges are going to be visible - such as a shawl.

Please note that this post was written specifically for my Filigree Shawlette pattern where every row is knit (ie garter stitch), and where there are 2 colours that change every 2 rows.

Update: This blogpost is also referenced in my Faster than Light shawl pattern which is also garter stitch stripes :)

1. The first st of every RS row is slipped purlwise with yarn in front. This stitch is in the OLD colour.

2. Now wrap the old colour working yarn to the back. Now get ready to knit the next stitch using the NEW colour. At this point I drop my old colour and pick up my new colour working yarn.

3. Knit the next stitch using new colour. Bring it IN FRONT of the old colour. See where the arrow is pointing? Thats the new colour come to the front (then wrapped around the needle like it's half way through making a knit stitch)

4. Complete the stitch and your RH needle should look like this:

5. As you get further into your piece of knitting the edge will look like a neat line of "Vs" - a lovely neat colour change edge :)

Knitter "Cityracoon" kindly made a youtube tech clip of these instructions which you can view here:
Slipped st edging


If you have any questions please leave a comment below :)
Happy Knitting!

FO: Waves of Love hat

I got interviewed last week by Karen from SpecialKknits. Karen has  some lovely patterns for sale on Ravelry and her Waves of Love hat caught my eye. It's based on the rhythmic chinese wave stitch pattern and really makes hand dyed yarns come to life. 

 I knit mine in JOY Precious Possum (Tanzanite). Super soft, lofty and oh so warm this hat was made for our family babysitter who is off to Dunedin for University. It's cold down there so I thought a warm hat might be appreciated.

 I modified the crown a little bit, doing the decreases twice as fast to try and get a more slouchier top. I also did the rib as single rather than double, mainly because the possum tends to behave a little bit like alpaca and I wasnt sure it would hold the rib.

My model is a little bit smaller than the intended recipient but I think it still looks good. I love the way the colour variegations have pooled and the hat is so warm and dense. Im really happy with how this turned out, the pattern is nice and clear and makes for a nice relaxing knit.

Karen is running a mystery mitts KAL on Ravelry during January http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/january-mystery-mitts Looks like a lot of fun!

My turn...

My turn to be interviewed! Karen from SpecialKknits asked me some questions about my designs and design process. You can read it here: http://specialkknits.blogspot.co.nz/ and be in to win one of my patterns for free!

And the winner is...

Comment #8
Congratulations "tweetee" - you have won a copy of Faye Kennington's soon to be released fingerless gloves pattern :)

Thanks to Faye for letting me interview her and to everyone who commented <3

Remember you can see all of Faye's designs here http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/ukeeknits/patterns