It has been a long time since I have come up with a knitting design. In fact, it has been a long time since I touched my knitting needles. Not that I don’t enjoy knitting and designing, it’s just that my work schedule has been crazy this year. Looking forwards to the new year, my regular work schedule will be busier than ever, but I am determined to spend a little more time knitting and designing. I will definitely put out an Accessory Collection for 2013 and hopefully a few publications next year.

Above is a sneak peek on my first design for the collection 2013 – Maia. Maia is a light weight lace border triangle shawl with simple eyelet lace rib on the main body and a lace border. The lace border is worked after last row of the main body of the shawl by casting on the border stitches and attach it onto the main shawl body along the way while knitting the border. By working on the border this way, the shawl will have a seamless look and without any fuzz to attach the border to the shawl later.

When I designed Maia, I wanted a project that is simple enough for a beginner who would like to try a little bit of lace knitting. I also wanted a project that is easy enough for a knitter to take along on a road trip. It should be a fun project for anyone.

I will be working on the writtern pattern and pictures this holiday… so stay tune for the pattern come early next year!

This will be my last post of the year. I would like to take this opportunity and wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Although it’s a couple months late, but I would like to introduce my Snow Time Hat Design that is currently featured in the Interweave holiday gifts 2012 issue. And this will be my last magazine publication this year and may be next year. Not that I am no longer knitting or designing, the truth is that I simply don’t have enough time due to my family commitment and work situation this year.

The Snow Time Hat is worked in a round without any shaping on the top. The top is enclosed using grafting technique to give a seamless look. The pom pom detail is optional. And the snow time hat is best to work using fine weight yarn.

The pattern offers 3 sizes, and the finished Size is approximately 12¾ (14½, 16½)” circumference and 6½ (7, 7¼)” tall. The Size small will fit an infant from 0-6 months.

Recently, I have contacted by someone from Austrian Knitting Addicts group in Ravelry that would like to get permission from me to use my designs for one of their initiative. My Snow Time Hat design is one of pattern that they would love to use. Some of the knitters from the group are currently organising charity knitting for the Austrian Childhood Cancer Organization. Some of the projects will directly be given via the parents’ initiative to the little patients at the children’s oncological station at St. Anna hospital in Vienna; then what remains will be sold at the Christmas market in the hospital. I was actually happy that they contacted me and interested in my designs. I have requested to have some pictures taken so that I can share in my blog about this wonderful project. So stay tune for more information about this charity event.

I would like to introduce Kelsey for Knitscene Fall 2012 issue. Kelsey is an opera gloves design that can be customized into a pair of fingerless armwarmers. I would like to provide flexibility to the knitters; hence, the pattern provide 2 versions of Kelsey. If you would like to shorten or lengthen the gloves/mitts, simple subtract/add a repeat of the cable pattern.

I love cables in the winter. I like the structure of the cable and it always give me the cozy feeling. For kelsey, I have chosen to use a large interwined cable panel and pair it with simple ribbing. The ribbing provide the stretch and make the gloves/mitts to stay on the arms and hands better.

Following is some details of Kelsey:
Size 7½” hand circumference, 16″ long (gloves), 13¼” long (mitts)
Yarn Zitron Kimono (54% merino wool, 46% mulberry silk; 328 yd [300 m]/100 g):
• #4018 latte brown, 2 skeins (gloves)
• #4004 wild berries purple, 1 skein (mitts)
Yarn distributed by Skacel
Gauge 36 sts and 38 rnds = 4″ in k2, p1 rib on larger needles
Tools
• Size 1 (2.25 mm) needles (see Notes)
• Size 2 (2.75 mm) needles (see Notes)
• Markers (m)
• Waste yarn
• Cable needle (cn)
• Yarn needle

If you are interested in the pattern of Kelsey, it will be published in Knitscene Fall 2012 issue and will be on newstand July 10 or you can simple go to Knitscene and get a digital copy now. As always, if you have any issue with the pattern, feel free to contact me.

Happy Knitting!!

As I am working on the new Accessory Collection for year 2012. I decided to combine 4 of my accessory patterns that I designed last year and created an eBook. This publication is currently available for sales in Ravelry.com in a discounted price. You can still however buy each individual pattern separately.

Here are the detail of the patterns that included in the collection:

	Maneisha Maneisha is the very first design I have created for my Accessory Collection 2011. Maneisha is a fingerless mittens design that combined Eyelet Cable Rib and a texture stitch. I wanted to create a design that is fun for experienced knitters and also fun for beginner who would like to experience working on cable and lace and using magic loop method.
	Hannie A little cable beanie design for both kids and adult. Please don’t be fooled by the cover, the pattern for this beanie has adult sizing! Hannie features allover double texture cable motif and it is perfect for both gender. Knit in heavy worsted weight or bulky yarn and it will definitely keep you nice and cozy in the winter. Hannie knits up quickly and will be a perfect gift for the holiday.
	Serena Serena is a cable cowl that is a perfect accessory for the cold weather. It is also a perfect gift for someone you love. Work in worsted-weight yarn and features interweave cable panel pair with 6-sts cable rib that is perfect for both gender and kids. Serena is easily customize to fit each individual needs.
	Reese Reese is a cable scarf and Beanie set is for all ages and gender. It’s a prefect gift for anyone or yourself. Reese Scarf measures 60″ x 8.5” and it can be widen or length depending on personal preference. It can also modified to turn into a cowl. Attached I-cord has applied to all sides of the scarf to prevent the side to roll inward. The attached I-cord also create a nice smooth side edging.
Kaleido by Silkie B – Accessory 2011 is on sales now on Ravelry.com for $10 USD. If you are interested in this collection, simple click on the ‘Buy Now’ Button below and it will bring you to my Ravelry. If you would like to purchase any of the patterns within this collection, simple click on the design image that you like, it will bring you to the individual pattern detail page and you can purchase through there.
Happy Knitting!!

Suzanna, is a pair of legwarmers design that is named after my dear friend Suzanne who is also the photographer for some of my designs. Over dinner one night, she showed me a pair of legwarmers that she loved and told me that she would love to have a pair. I told her, ‘Well, I will see what I can do.’

I went home that night and started sketching the design. I know that I wanted something simple and classic. I also wanted the legwarmers to be a nice compliment to an outfit but not to over-power it. Therefore, I decided to keep the main body of the legwarmers simple and jazz it up with other design elements such as side buttons enclosure and the lace trim.

The final product is better than what I expected.

Here is information of the legwarmers:

SIZE
S (kid), M (Teen/adult), L (Comfy fit)

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Circumference: 10 (11.5, 13.15) inches after pressing without stretching
Height: 12.5 (15, 15) inches tall

The height and circumference can be varies depending on personal preference. The legwarmer will stretch and add up to 3-4 inches to the finished circumference.

The pattern included the detail instruction for the pattern and all the related charts.

If anyone is interested in the pattern, it is now available at Ravelry.com in PDF format.

Happy Knitting!!!

Above is my very first design, Suzanna, a legwarmers design features twisted rib, small cable rib, buttons side enclosed and stretch ruffle trim. The legwarmers measures 19.5 inches in height and stretch up to 15 inches in circumference. The pattern will be written in 2 sizes, one for kids and one for adult. Stay tunes for the pattern in the next 2 weeks.

A big thank you to my talented friend Suzanne at SP Photoart for taking the pictures.

One side note, I have people emailing me and wanted to know when the pattern for Taylor is available. I am working on the written pattern; hopefully, by the end of the month. Please stay tune for more update.

For those of you who loves to knit gloves and mittens, you might be interested in this eBook features 7 wonderful and unique patterns that was previously published in the magazine. One of my design, ‘Lace and Twists Gloves’, was previously featured in the Interweave Gifts, 2009 publication, is included in this eBook. This eBook is absolutely free to download, simple click on the image to get your free Copy!

Here is the detail of these wonderful patterns, these image and description are from http://www.knittingdaily.com:

	Lace and Twist Gloves by Silka Burgoyne This glove knitting pattern forms with a frame of a simple cable in columns of lace. Sock yarn with a blend of wool and bamboo was selected for finesse and refinement to create decadent knit gloves. The perfect luxurious gift for yourself or a loved one, this knit gloves pattern is one you are sure to turn to again and again.
	Layered Turkish Gloves by Mari Lynn Patrick Mari Lynn designed these ambidextrous knitted gloves to work with equal comfort on either hand. Worn together or alone, both the knit gloves and undergloves are rich and beautiful. The solid-colored undergloves are a dramatic “opera” length, while the over-gloves incorporate stunning Turkish patterning. This Turkish sock pattern is interpreted with varying background coloration and is complemented with the simpler colorwork on the palm and glove.
	Uncommon Gardening Gloves by Donna Druchunas Donna looked in vain for gardening gloves with a comfortable fit, so being the adventurous knitter she is, she tried knitting a pair for herself. She used a washable cotton yarn blended with stretchy elastic to make her knitted gloves snug and flexible. The easy-to-knit side gussets allow lots of room for flexing thumbs, and are quite the ingenious feature of this knit gloves pattern. These gloves are definitely practical, but the lace pattern at the cuff makes them good enough for wearing out and about (after washing of course).
	Two Color Norwegian Gloves by Nancy Bush These knit gloves were inspired by a pair with similar patterning in the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum in Decorah, Iowa. Worked in the round, these knitted gloves are made warmer with two layers of yarn, resulting from the intricate two-color patterning. Although the pattern and shaping makes this a challenging project, the end result is work the effort. Knit some tradition into your wardrobe when you claim your free knitting patterns for gloves collection!
	Motley Mitts by Lisa Shroyer The distinctive coloration of projects worked in variegated yarns always has that “handknitted” look (not a bad thing). So Lisa decided to celebrate the knit stitch with a simple mitten knitting pattern. A chunky two-ply with very short color runs is worked in rows of stockinette, forming a subtle hourglass shape with short rows. This hourglass folds over the hand and wrist and is seamed up one side, creating knitted mittens with a tailored fit. The short-rows in the fingerless mittens knitting pattern are very basic and easy to follow making this a good project for practicing this shaping technique.
	Winter Twilight Mitts by Laura Rintala This fingerless gloves knitting pattern was inspired by a purple overcast sky showing through the black silhouettes of winter trees. Originally, Laura planned to make the knit mittens two at a time but the tension of the stitches didn’t work with the soft cashmere yarn. So instead, she slipped them onto bamboo DPNs and worked them up separately. Thankfully, the luxurious feel of the yarn made these knit fingerless gloves sheer indulgence to work separately.
	Mittens, Interrupted by Eunny Jang Another study of the use of variegated yarns in knitted mittens, this mitten knitting pattern is the perfect simple design for knitters of all levels. Paired with a dark solid, a bright yarn and woven-look slip-stitch gussy up this truly easy knit. With only two pattern rows and no hand shaping, you can have this design started and finished in no time.
Happy Knitting!!

I have just realized that it’s really been awhile since my last post… say at least a couple of months. The truth is that I have been so busy at work that I have unfortunately put my needles on hold for majority part of last year. I did however manage to knit 4 pairs of Maneisha in a slight variation from my original design for my daughter’s dance teachers for the holiday. It’s such a fun pattern to knit if you have not check it out already.

So what have I been up to lately. Well, I will be busy this month to finish up a couple pairs of gloves for the Fall 2012 magazine publication and that will most likely be the only design that I will have for publication this year. I will be providing 2 versions of my design; convertible and full gloves version as you see below.  Thank you Suzanne at SP Photoart for taking the wonderful pictures and Amy for being the model. The sample of the convertible version was worked using one of my favorite yarn tern from Quince & Co in color sea grass; whereas the full gloves version was worked using a hand-dyed yarn from my friend Lindsey of  Waterloo Wools.

After I finish my commitment to the magazine later this month, I will start my big project of this year. You might be wondering what my big project is. Well I will finally start to work on my very first kids collection.  I actually have started the project last year; a couple of designs has finished but missing the actual written patterns; some of the design has swatches and most of the collection will be worked this year. My kids collection will feature knitwear and accessories from the little tiny to teen. It’s a very ambitious project but I am sure it will be a lot of fun!

First of all, I would like to introducing my first design for the collection – Taylor.

Taylor is a cap and sweater set for a baby; the pattern will be available from size 6 mos to 4 years. I designed this set for my friend, Glenna’s god-daughter who has given birth to a baby boy this past August. Taylor features celtic cable as the main center motif and I paired the cable with variation of cable rib. I have so much fun designing and knitting the Taylor set this summer and is very excited to include this design as part of my kids collection. A special thanks to my friend Karen K for taking the picture and have her baby girl Nia as the model.

Another design for the collection is Isaac. Isaac is an unisex cable cardigan design for your boy or girl. I designed this sweater with my son Isaac in mind. I don’t normally like to mix colors but with this particular design, I actually decided to play with colors. I love cable for winter sweater and it’s not surprising for me to incorporate cable into this sweater design. Isaac also features mock turtleneck and button enclosure. There is no buttonhole on the body band; hence the possible for the front enclosure is versatile depending on individual preference. The pattern for Isaac will be available from 4 to 10 years old.

I will keep updating on my collection throughout the year… so stay tune!

Reese Scarf measures 60″ x 8.5” and it can be widen or length depending on personal preference. It can also modified to turn into a cowl. Attached I-cord has applied to all sides of the scarf to prevent the side to roll inward. The attached I-cord also create a nice smooth side edging.

Reese Beanie has 2 sizes. Small size for kids and Large size for adult.

General Information about Reese:

SIZE
Scarf: One Size
Beanie S(Kid). L (Adult)

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Scarf: 60 x 8.5”
Beanie: Circumference: 16 (18) inches after pressing without stretch
Height: 7.5 (8.5) inches tall

MATERIALS
Yarn: Rustic Tweed by Queensland Collection (63% Wool, 27% Alpaca, 7% Acrylic, 3% Viscose; 278 yd /100 g) Color: Medium Olive (912); 2 skeins.

NOTE: Substitute Rustic Tweed with any dk weight yarn that maintains the same gauge. In addition, depending on the length of the scarf, you might need more yardage of yarn.

RECOMMENDED NEEDLE SIZES
Scarf: A set of Size 6 (4.00 mm) needle or 32 inches circular (cir).

Beanie:
Ribbing: A 16” size 3 (3.50 mm) circular needle or a set of size 3 (3.50 mm) dpn
Beanie Body: A 16” szie 6 (4.00 mm) circular needle or a set of size 6 (4.00 mm) dpn
A 29” size 6 (4.00 mm) circular needle for crown shaping using magic loop method.

The pattern includes detail written instruction, tutorial for magic loop method and attached i-cord, and all charts.

If anyone is interested in the pattern, it is now available at Ravelry.com.

Happy Knitting!!!

Introducing Hannie – A little beanie design for both kids and adult. Please don’t be fooled by the cover, the pattern for this beanie has adult sizing! Hannie features allover double texture cable motif and it is perfect for both gender. Knit in bulky yarn and it will definitely keep you warm and cozy in this winter. Hannie knits up quickly and will be a perfect gift for the holiday.

Detail of the project:

SIZE
S/L (for kids) M/L (most teen and adult)

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Circumference: 17 (19.5) inches after pressing without stretch
Height: 7.5 (8.5) inches tall without pompom.

MATERIALS
Yarn: Osprey by quince & co. (100% Wool, 25%; 170 yd [155 m] /100 g) Color: Rosa Rugosa; 1 (2) skein(s).

NOTE: Substitute Osprey with any heavy worsted weight or bulky yarn that maintains the same gauge.

RECOMMENDED NEEDLE SIZES
Ribbing Body – Size 8 (5.00 mm): 16 inches circular (cir). Adjust needle sizes to obtain the correct gauge.
Beanie Body – Size 10.5 (6.50 mm): 16 inches circular (cir). Adjust needle sizes to obtain the correct gauge.
A set of size 10.5 (6.50 mm) dpn or a 29” or longer circular knitting for crown shaping using magic loop method.

NOTIONS
stitch markers, Tapestry needle

GAUGE
14 sts and 22 rows = 4 inches in Stockinette st with Size 10.5 (6.50 mm) needle after pressing
16 sts and 24 rows = 4 inches in Beanie Ribbing using Size 8 (5.00 mm) needle after pressing

The pattern include written instruction and charts for the beanie body and crown shaping for both sizes. The pattern is now available in Ravelry.

Happy Knitting!!