New Patterns are on Their Way

This past weekend, Kim and I went to the Pittsburgh Knit and Crochet festival as vendors. One thing I always do when I go to shows is look for new patterns just for you. (Well, and maybe for me, too.) Of course it's good to have plenty of yarn, but patterns (and of course knitting needles) allow you to actually do something with that yarn.

At the Pittsburgh Knit and Crochet show, I found two new pattern companies that were willing to sell to shops, and so I ordered from them.

The first is from a woman named Kate Lemmers. Kate has two designs in the Winter 2008 Knitter's Magazine, and she has worked in the yarn industry for ... well, oh dear ... to tell you the truth, I'm not sure how long. But I have been running into her about once a year at various shows ever since we started the shop, so I know she's been in the industry at least 5 years. Now she is launching her own patterns. Kate lives near Allentown, so I'm trying to talk her into teaching a class or two for us at some point soon. You will love her as much as I do.

Anyway, I am the first shop ever to buy her patterns from the new pattern company she is launching. I feel good about that! So that I could get the word out to you immediately, I photographed her work at the show. (By the way, everyone shown gave me permission to take photos of their work.) The first is a cute little neck scarf. I like it because it's not only attractive, but quick to make:



Next is a cabled sweater I fell in love with. I think I might have to make it. The secret ribbing at the side is designed to provide shaping. Clever:


And I also loved this sweet little baby sweater:

I hope we'll be seeing much more of Kate's work. (Don't worry, Kate! I'm going to nag you incessently to keep designing new things!)

The second company I chose patterns from was a place called Ewe and I, which was run by Kathy Disantis and Dianne Rodabaugh. I had never met them before, but they were so sweet. And I loved, loved, loved this sweater that they designed:

It's a sampler sweater. Some sampler sweater designs look incoherent, but the patterning in this one hung together. You can either make it in one color, or use intarsia to make it more of a patchwork. I also liked how the neck just folds back: Minimal finishing. I ordered a bunch of those patterns. I think I see a class coming.

This is another little sampler sweater pattern that I bought. It would look great in Noro yarns:



Here is another cute sampler pattern, for those of you who prefer knitting scarves:


And finally, this is for my group of customers who all wanted a sweater pattern just like a sweater that our knitting teacher Lynn was wearing one day and everyone wanted me to figure out how to design it. I haven't had time, and I haven't been able to figure out a good stitch pattern for it. Fortunately, Ewe and I did all the work for me, and they gave a vest option too!


Thank you, Ewe and I! You have just saved me hours of time!

These patterns should all be in the shop soon. Let us know if you want us to hold one for you.