Ah, life!

When I was newly married and my now 13 year old son was new, I began to blog. I had numerous pages and a few domains- the longest-running being sh0tgun.net. It was a family, craft, cooking blog that eventually gained a decent Google ranking and sponsorship. I blogged for about ten years, give or take and taught myself graphic and web design as well.

I blogged about my kids, gardens, free little patterns (I wrote up a TON of crochet play food), home tips, making soap, my pets, recipes complete with food porn, fiber crafts, holiday traditions we celebrated, pretty landscapes of the south-eastern North Carolina low country- I blogged about damn-near EVERYthing. You know what? I miss it. I miss those days of going back to a certain date on the blog calendar and reminiscing about how tiny the kids were as babies or how cute their rooms were decorated.

I think I fell out of the blogging scene in 2009 when I let my domain and hosting expire. So much has happened in my life since then, as I’m sure most everyone else! I’m such a simple minimalist now that I even make myself crazy. I just find that having so many people = loads of clutter and it just doesn’t help to keep the house tidy. Granted, we are remodeling and are about to undertake some HUGE projects, but the fact is we haven’t lived here with Tim but a year. Moving in with a former bachelor was work with bringing in six people into his home, but now we’re at the point where things have been planned, funds are available, and it will be time to get down to what we have planned for our home this year. There is SO MUCH! One post I’ll list it all, it’ll make your head spin but it involves home, gardens, and outdoor buildings.

I reckon now would be the time to mention that since my first marriage ended (August 2013) and I subsequently moved to central Minnesota I have found out a lot about my failing health and why things for so bad for me those last years in North Carolina. I have fibromyalgia, PNES; a stress-induced seizure disorder that can’t be medicinally controlled brought on by TWO types of trauma disorders- PTSD and complex-PTSD, Reynaulds Disease- where I have to be cautious how cold my hands get as they are highly prone to frostbite as well as any injuries as gangrene is another worry as well. I hate RD because my hands are my livelihood and being prone to anxiety, I make sure I avoid the cold and I ask for help oftimes if I need it using a knife since I tend towards being clumsy with them.

I work my hobbies, chores, work around my health issues. I’m ridiculously busy and never seem to be home as often as I’d like due to numerous appointments on a constant basis. I can’t drive given that I actively seize, so it’s difficult and more than a little frustrating.

Since no one will hire a person who could drop to the floor with a seizure, I’ve been still doing pattern work- just behind the scenes (though I recently released a free shawl design on Valhalla Knits Facebook) and I’ve begun collecting chickens to start small farming. Chickens are freaking amazing. Seriously. I have cats, chickens, and a duck and I swear they are the best therapy one can get. Blogging, too- so this blogger is back!😆

 

Éowyn and Little Red

A few months ago I FINALLY published Éowyn! Since then I’ve had a move and some major health issues, but I’m totally fine! I am happy and quite at peace for once. It’s a novelty!

“And then her heart changed, or at least she understood it; and the winter passed, and the sun shone upon her.”  

Éowyn is a simple yet regal tunic or dress, practical yet elegant- fit for any active princess on-the-go. With eyelet increases and two stunning lace hem options, Knit in DK (in larger gauge- you may have to size up on your needles) to worsted.  

Éowyn can suit any variety of occasions or wear for casual activities like caring for your white palfrey or helping the castle cook prepare the evening meal. 

This design is the debut of a new eBook, Bookworm Series.  

You will need:

• 280-900 yards of dk to worsted weight yarn; 18% main color and 82% trim color
• 16” (24” for sizes 3/4 and up) size US 5 & 7 circular needles
• Size G crochet hook
• Darning/yarn needle
• 2-6 ¾” to 1” decorative button, 1-2 for back; one for the pocket (I get mine from Tessa Ann: (http://www.etsy.com/shop/TessaAnn) 

 

Little Red just released yesterday evening, in time for Cinco de Mayo! Comfy & classic. Featuring cascading heart cables on a background of garter stitch, this flowy, hooded cape will warm you on long adventures in the wood or while cuddling up to read your favorite tale.

This design is featured in the Knitted Fairy Tales eBook.  Yarn: Madelinetosh MCN Worsted in Cardinal. 3/4/5/6 skeins

Gauge is 4.5 spi on US sz 7 needles with worsted weight yarn in garter stitch

Tools: cable needle, yarn needle

Notions: 1-2 metal clasp(s), frogs, 1” or larger buttons, crochet hook 

copyright ViolettaI

Sea Siren

Drifting along the seaweed shadows of the deep, a little mermaid desires the sandy shores of her prince. Bobbing among the waves she watches and yearns to be human…

Ariel has always been one of my very favorite mermaids. I would like to make a hopeful prediction that on the next season of Once Upon a Time we see the redheaded sea siren make a debut!

A lightweight tank made top down in stockinette then worked in large, lacy waves to the hem. Choose from cropped or full length. Your choice of plain or lacy hem. To coordinate with the Seafoam shrug.

Sizing runs as followed:  Chest; Newborn 15″ to 11/12y 30″

You’ll need:
≈ Size Nb, 3-6m, 9m, 12-18m, 24m, 3y, 4y, 5y:
Approximately 110/135/175/205 (220/240/265/330) yards of
sport weight yarn.
≈ Size 6y, 7/8y, 9/10y, 11/12y:
Approximately 350/370/415/460 yards of sportweight yarn.
≈ US size 4 & 7 circular knitting needles
≈ 4 st markers

On the needles

I finished a test knit last week of Monika Sirna‘s Cabernet shrug design. She plans to rename it but no idea what the new name will be yet. 🙂

I have quite a lot I need to have finished this week! Back to school rush gets me every time. This week my goals are to have: Roseberry test knit which I am 75% done now (or Cabernet shrug for me, waiting on how I should order them!), Sea Siren tank (45% done) for Ella and I have about 15% more to get into on the Lemonade Stand top to help give the designer measurements. SO. A lot. 🙂

I have two more new tests I asked to take part in before I cut myself off of test knitting for others for the rest of the year (there are always exceptions from time to time if I can gift an item) but I normally make a sizeable list and plow through 80% of it. Which seems pretty good to me because I have TOO MANY KIDS. Anyway, those tests are the Kapuzin hoodie and Brook. I started the hood of the Kapuzin and after a tricky start, put the middle bit of hood on a DPN (the rest of the sts were on circular needles) since my long size 6’s are currently sitting in a sweater. It split it up nicely and I was able to maneuver it better the farther I knit. Today’s goal is to finish the hood.

I’m not sure on the yarn I want to use for Brook. I have some pastels and a bit of grey sport yarn that will work as the accent color. If I make Alma a tee, I shouldn’t need much. I will start it late next week possibly.

In KnitKnots design news I have enough testers for Sea Siren to publish if all goes well on the planned date of August 20th! Eowyn is FULL and now seems to be going smoothly. I have a new sketch of the Blue Fairy shawl that I think better represents the actual design:

Testing for it is still open and I will take TWO more testers, I am really pleased with how quickly my test spots have been filling up, and for that I thank you! Upcoming tests for September include Rue, Henry, Lyra, a fun skirt pattern as well as a secret surprise! If these interest you, please join the Ravelry group or the test forum to express interest.

A summer sale and piracy blows

KnitKnots is having a late summer sale. Get 25% off ANY patterns or ebooks on Ravelry! Just use code “JustSitandKnit” at checkout and it will be applied to your order.

Good until 8/5 8a EST. Designs in testing are not valid.

I do still have THREE test spots for the Blue Fairy shawl and a handful for Éowyn and Sea Siren. Details can be found in this post from yesterday,

Now a word of warning: if you sell knitting or crochet patterns on Ravelry, Etsy or elsewhere on the internet, then check the ‘magazine’ thread at this forum: ChCrossStitch for your designs. I am not really sure yet what can be done, but this is clearly copyright violation and that folks, is illegal. Unfortunately the website is based in China or that is a WhoIs mask as the host could be trying to conceal their information. I haven’t looked long enough to know if any of my patterns are on this website but I have seen many of my friends work on it and it infuriates me!

If you know what actions can be taken, please let me know. I know there is buzz about the piracy on Ravelry, I am unsure of any other sites though.

Test calls: Sea Siren, Eowyn and Blue Fairy

I have THREE designs currently in testing:

 Éowyn Tunic/Dress

 Sea Siren

 Blue Fairy

I’ll be using some lustrous KnitPicks Curio and Enchant glitter yarn for my Blue Fairy Shawl…

Feel free to join in with us as we work these up! Details can be seen by clicking the individual links listed above. Be sure to join the forum so I can email you the pattern. The testing forum also hosts discussion and helps with technical issues.

I also gave the blog a small makeover after the husband told me it was ‘too blue!’

On the needles

In my efforts to become a better blogger, I’m going to begin to share the projects I’m working on and have finished. With a house full of kids and very little time I will do my best! I am quite excited for school to begin again, three will be out of the house during the daytime and I can (hopefully) get better into the swing of designing and such. Unfortunately, last week I found out I have mono so that’s been a time suck as well- lots of exhaustion and feeling utterly crummy. I can only wish that I will be better soon!

I have been knitting my heart out when I can. I recently finished this lovely test knit for the wonderful Elena Nodel, Queen of the Waves shrug which will be releasing soon…

Alma is wearing her shrug over her Ariel inspired Sea Siren tank, another upcoming design of mine for the Knitted Fairy Tales series, currently in testing. She just adores the super silky milk fiber (Viking of Norway Milk & Honey), lace cuffs, beads and sparkling buttons. The version of the Sea Siren she is wearing is the cropped, plain hem style. If you are on Ravelry you can see the project page for Sea Siren here. I am still looking for test knitters for this pattern, so please join the test forum for details and signup. I would like to release Sea Siren by late August and it’s a quick seamless knit, top down with no finishing- when you’re done you weave in your ends and that’s it! I will be working up my second prototype in a week or so with full length and the lace hem option.

I’m currently working on an embarrassing amount of projects but in design news I am working up the Henry prototype for my Knitted Fairy Tales series of patterns inspired by the TV show Once Upon a Time. Should be ready for testers in late August for an early fall release. I also have my second Éowyn (for my Bookworm Series) prototype (dress version) on the needles in some delightful Madelinetosh Tosh DK. I’m finalizing the math and adding the final touches to the pattern which will be ready for testing tomorrow if time allows. The first prototype (tunic version) can be viewed here.

Next up for release will be the Blue Fairy shawl & Owen hat prototypes (Knitted Fairy Tales) and the Rue cardigan (Bookworm Series) in early fall. I will post photos and details as they go into testing and release.

Tests, tests, tests, tests! I am test knitting quite a few things for various designers. I really enjoy the opportunity to edit patterns for others, as it gives me a nice break to my own design work. Keep your eyes peeled for the releases of these lovely and innovative designs!

Finally I have my relaxation project, one so simple that I don’t need to keep to a pattern every moment and can kick back and hang with the kids or watch movies as I work…

My super luxurious Daenerys knit with Colour Adventures Exquisite Sport (a scrumptious blend of merino/silk/cashmere) in Elena’s Watercolors colorway, a real treat. This is the Dragon’s Rest Shawl pattern. I am working the lace spine and body section currently and as the wing edges (or rather, the end of the knit) grows near I will use some Madelinetosh Merino DK in the Heuchera colorway. In my mind the violet matches Dany’s eyes to perfection and I just know that when I wrap myself in this beauty I will truly feel like a khaleesi!

Seafoam

Introducing Seafoam! Swishing about in the seaweed in Neverland’s Mermaid Lagoon, colorful merfolk frolic and splash about in the sunshine. It’s summer, it’s hot and I miss Once Upon a Time during it’s off season!

Thus, the idea for a mer-inspired shrug with open lacework was born. Seafoam is truly light as air and knits up on large needles for a fast project. A great garment for instant gratification and mermaid lovers everywhere. From infant to adults!

You’ll need:
ѻ 100-350 yards of DK to light worsted weight yarn
ѻ needles; sizes US 6 & 10-10½ & hook; US G
ѻ yarn needle

Watch in late August for a coordinating tank top design!