Introducing Souviens

Did you ever have one of the experiences that just stuck with you, in a good way? This past summer's trip to Quebec City, remains one of the best trips I've ever taken and the whole household talks about it constantly - making the Quebec motto of Je me souviens -  I remember - very appropriate.

This cowl/stole pattern is a tribute to that great city, and features a lace version of the Fleur di Lis so prominent on the province flag. The large scale lace pattern is backed with a no-sew lining, to provide extra warmth and a (subtle or bold) pop of color. The stole version also provides instructions for adding a drawstring, so it can be worn around the shoulders as shown, or cinched up into a big cowl. 

The samples shown are both knit in Coop Knit's Socks Yeah, a favorite yarn of mine for its color palette, texture, and affordability.  Souviens is available as a PDF pattern, a 2-skein cowl kit or 4-skein stole kit in three different colorways. 

The pattern can be purchased for $6 USD via the following:

Ms. Cleaver Shop | Ravelry | LoveKnitting

Share what you've made!

Use #mscleavercreations and/or tag me @mscleaver on Instagram!

Souviens Cowl/Stole Kits

from $28.00

Complete Kit for the Souviens Cowl (Stole)

Includes:

• 2 (4) Skeins Socks Yeah! by CoopKnits (75% Superwash Merino, 25% nylon; 230yd [212m]/50g)
• 1 (2) skein(s) each MC and CC - Chose from three colorways (L to R last photo, with MC on left of each pair)
  • Greens - MC: Malachite (110); CC: Chyrso (110)
  • Blues - MC: Beryl (107); CC: Danburite (105)
  • Reds - MC: Ammolite (102) and CC: Axinite (103)
• Printed Pattern 

Also available as a PDF Pattern

Size:

Select Size Cowl Stole

Colorway:

Select Colorway Green Blue Red

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Introducing Sprout & Flutter

Sometimes, it's fun just to play - and for me as a designer, designing a hat is like play - after all, sometimes you need a sample you can knit up in under a week! 

The product of my early winter play is this pair of hats  - Sprout (blues) and Flutter (purple/pink). Both hats use simple construction and contrasting colors to play up fun-to-work stitch patterns that use slips and wraps to create texture. Quince & Co's Phoebe yarn, used in the samples, has a lovely kettle-dyed quality that lends extra depth to the colors. 

The samples were designed to be a closely-fit beanie/toque,  but instructions are included for making your version a more slouchy, as desired. I would have loved to have some "on-head" photos, but Little Miss Cleaver has definitively told me, "Mama, no pictures." But she's consistently wearing Flutter, and that's a win in my book, so I'm not complaining.

I'd also like to put out a special thank you to Patti, Katie, Maryellen, Jessi and Jodi for their feedback!

The PDF Pattern contains both designs (for the price of one!), and is sized from newborn to adult large.

The pattern can be purchased for $6 USD via the following:

Ms. Cleaver Shop | Ravelry | LoveKnitting

Share what you've made!

Use #mscleavercreations and/or tag me @mscleaver on Instagram!

Sprout & Flutter -PDF Pattern

$6.00

A pair of hats that use contrasting colors and slip stitches to fun effect!

Sizes: XS (S, M, L, XL). 13.25 (15, 16.75, 18.25, 21.75) circumference un-stretched; 7.5 (7.5, 8.25, 8.75, 9.5) height.  

Chose a size with approx. 2” negative ease. Roughly, XS would fit a newborn; Small, a baby; Medium, a young child; Large and XL, adults. Due to the nature of the decrease pattern, there is no S in Sprout. 

Both samples (L for Sprout, M for Flutter) used approx. 35 g of both colors, including pompom on Flutter.

Sprout:                Flutter:
MC: Mercury        MC: Saturn
CC: Neptune        CC: Andromeda

Also available on Ravelry

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Winter Warm Up Sale!

Woodland Hat - PDF Pattern

$6.00

Woodland is a colorwork hat and mitten set. The thick fabric from the colorwork makes it perfect for keeping you cozy during your walks in the woods.

Size
16”-26.75” circumference, depending on gauge (see chart)

Yarn
1 Skein Each: Nature Spun Sport by Brown Sheep Company (100% Wool; 184 yd [168m]/50g)
MC: Ash (720S)
CC: Pewter Green (401S)
OR yarn you can achieve a gauge w/ between 6 -7.5 sts/in.

Gauge
Because the pattern repeat is so wide (32 sts), the easiest way to change sizes is by changing your gauge, in conjunction with adjusting the stitch count. Use the chart below to match your gauge to the desired finished circumference.

Measure gauge in blocked colorwork pattern, using suggested needles, then reference chart to choose size.

Sample shown in 128 st cast on at 7 sts/inch (18.25” circ) on an average adult woman sized head. The smallest size would fit a young child, and the largest would fit a man.

Needles & Notions
US 4/3.5 mm 16” circular or dpns
US 6/4 mm 16” circular or dpns
OR SIZE TO ACHIEVE DESIRED GAUGE
Tapestry needle
Stitch markers

Available as part of and ebook or as a kit
 

Add to cart

It's blizzard conditions here in Maine today, but even so, I'm focused on spring. At least design-wise, that is.

I'm hard at work pulling together my spring collection; WILDFLOWER, which means I could use some more space in the "Studio"/spare bedroom - so I've put a bunch of my winter kits, patterns, samples, and more on sale in the shop.  The items listed here are just a handful of the sale goods, so be sure to look around before the end of the sale on January 12th. And if you're more of a Ravelry person, all the WOODLAND patterns are 20% off for the same period, no code needed.

I get some space and you get some cozy knits for the long stretch of winter still to come. WIn-win!!

Felt Ornament Kit - Pink, Blue and Green

$23.00

Available in four colorways (see Embroidery shop for Red), so you can hang them at Christmas or all year round, these ornaments are suitable for the beginning stitcher.

Each kit makes four ornaments and contains:

• 1 sheet 100% wool felt in Ecru

• 1 sheet 100% wool felt in color of your choice

• 2 skeins coordinating DMC floss

• Stuffing

• Needle

• Pattern Template and Stitch Guide

• Guide to basic embroidery stitches

Color:

Select Color Pink Pale Blue Pale Green

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Ice Skater - Complete Kit

from $9.00

Is there anything more perfect in the winter than skating across a smooth patch of ice? This design, simple enough for beginners, uses Satin stitch and chain stitch to capture that beloved winter pastime. 

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With the design pre-printed on a beautiful linen-blend fabric, stitching a heirloom quality piece of embroidery is almost as simple as coloring!

Embroidery kits make great gifts (including for yourself!) and are a wonderfully meditative activity that comes with a beautiful product at the end.

Hang your finished piece right in the hoop (I’ll show you how!), frame it, or sew it into a cushion, bag or quilt.

New to embroidery? Each kit comes with a 2-page color guide to basic stitches or check out the tutorial library for tips and step-by-step instructions.

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COMPLETE EMBROIDERY KIT

Contains everything you need to stitch a beautiful wall-hanging.

• High-quality Linen/Cotton Fabric pre-printed with design

• 6” wooden hoop

• DMC Embroidery Floss to complete design as shown

• Embroidery needle

• Guide to basic embroidery stitches (additional tutorials available at MsCleaver.com)

• Complete kit packaged in a sturdy reusable kraft envelope suitable for gifting.

Have more floss than you know what to do with, or want to pick your own colors? Purchase the pre-printed panel only in the drop-down menu above. Also available as a PDF Pattern. 

*Materials shown are a sample only and may vary by design

Materials:

Select Materials Panel Only Complete Kit

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Tidings Craft Fair

Southern Maine Folks! 

This Sunday, December 3rd, I'll be participating in my first craft fair! I'll be one of the many wonderful vendors at Tidings Craft & Art Fair at the Ocean Gateway in Portland. I'll have all my embroidery and knitting kits on hand, and some special fair deals. 

There's free parking , live music, and kids activities - so come on by!

Not in Maine? You can always order via the online shop, but if there's something you have your heart set on, I'd suggest ordering before Sunday, as I won't be restocking these items before the holidays. 

More details on the Tidings Fair can be found on their Facebook Page.

Indie Design Gift Along 2017 - Shawls & Cowls

It's GIft Along Time again! 

Every year a growing group of independent knitwear designs band together on Ravelry to host a knit-along to kick start your holiday gift knitting! 

This year there are 311 designers from 31 countries and 6 continents, with over 18,150 patterns eligible for the giftalong's 2,000+ prizes.

From now until midnight EST on Nov 28, over 5,000 of those patterns are 25% off with the code giftalong2017

But 5,000 patterns is a lot to look through, so over the next few days, I'll be highlighting some of my personal favorites from the offerings - today I'm wrapping up my list of favs with shawls and cowls.

Clicking on any photo above will take you to an individual pattern page, or you can see all my Gift Along favorites on Ravelry here. 

I've got 16 patterns in the sale,  including two sweaters.  

As an added bonus, all kits on MsCleaver.com are also 25% off for the same time/same code. - ENDING TONIGHT!

Happy gifting!!

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Indie Design Gift Along 2017 - Socks & Hats

It's GIft Along Time again! 

Every year a growing group of independent knitwear designs band together on Ravelry to host a knit-along to kick start your holiday gift knitting! 

This year there are 311 designers from 31 countries and 6 continents, with over 18,150 patterns eligible for the giftalong's 2,000+ prizes.

From now until midnight EST on Nov 28, over 5,000 of those patterns are 25% off with the code giftalong2017

But 5,000 patterns is a lot to look through, so over the next few days, I'll be highlighting some of my personal favorites from the offerings - today we'll be looking at those most gift-able of knits, Hats & Socks.

Clicking on any photo above will take you to an individual pattern page, or you can see all my Gift Along favorites on Ravelry here. 

I've got 16 patterns in the sale,  including two sweaters.  As an added bonus, all kits on MsCleaver.com are also 25% off for the same time/same code.

Happy gifting!!

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Indie Design Gift Along 2017 - Women's Sweaters

It's GIft Along Time again! 

Every year a growing group of independent knitwear designs band together on Ravelry to host a knit-along to kick start your holiday gift knitting! 

This year there are 311 designers from 31 countries and 6 continents, with over 18,150 patterns eligible for the giftalong's 2,000+ prizes.

From now until midnight EST on Nov 28, over 5,000 of those patterns are 25% off with the code giftalong2017

But 5,000 patterns is a lot to look through, so over the next few days, I'll be highlighting some of my personal favorites from the offerings - starting with Women's Sweaters.

Clicking on any photo above will take you to an individual pattern page, or you can see all my Gift Along favorites on Ravelry here. 

I've got 16 patterns in the sale,  including two sweaters.  As an added bonus, all kits on MsCleaver.com are also 25% off for the same time/same code.

Happy gifting!!

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FO Roundup - Fall 2017

One of the most fun parts of being a designer is seeing how others interpret your designs. Here are a few of my favorite finished objects (FOs) of late, with a focus on cool winter-y gray and blues, and shawls on chairs. (click on any photo to visit the knitter's Ravelry and/or Instagram page):

Toulouse - knit by lovegrayhues

Lamassu - knit by ninafer

Woodland hat knit by elainemaxseb

Dal, knit by rie4

Eiswasser knit by lucidfuse

Atlee - knit by kishpai

Fleet Fox knit by Knitty_Jo

Summer Rain knit by NeweJersey

Want to share your knits with me? Tag me @mscleaver on Instagram, or if it's on Ravelry, I'll see it. :) 

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Dal - PDF Pattern

$7.00

I love textured stitches in Lark, and chunky cables on top of texture just pop! Knit and purl stiches combine for a cushy body, while a stockinette sleeve keeps this cozy raglan from being too busy.

Finished measurements
30¾ (34¼, 37½, 41, 44¼, 47¾, 51, 54¼)"
[78 (87, 95.5, 104, 112.5, 121.5, 129.5, 138) cm] bust circumference; shown in size 34¼" [87 cm] on a 31" [79 cm], 5' 7" [170 cm] tall model (3¼" [8.5 cm] positive ease)
Yarn
Lark by Quince & Co
(100% American wool; 134yd [123m]/50g)
• 10 (11, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17) skeins Carrie's Yellow 125
Needles
• One 32" circular needle (circ) in size US 8 [5 mm]
• One 16" circ in size US 6 [4 mm]
• One set double-pointed needles (dpns) in size
US 8 [5 mm]
• One set dpns in size US 6 [4 mm]
Or size to obtain gauge
Notions
• Stitch markers
• Cable needle
• Waste yarn
• Tapestry needle
Gauge
22 sts and 32 rnds = 4" [10 cm] in stockinette stitch with larger needles, after blocking
19 sts and 32 rnds = 4" [10 cm] in basketweave pattern with larger needles, after blocking.

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Lamassu – PDF Pattern

$6.00

The shawl is worked from the top down. It consists of a trinity stitch body, with crescent shaping, and border of Gilgamesh’s beard and Lamassu feathers. The crescent shape of the body is acheived by increasing 2 sts at the beginning and 1 st at the end of every row.

Skills required : knitted cast on, increasing and decreasing (single and double).

Charts and line-by-line instructions included.

• 52 “ wingspan, 25” depth
• 504 yds of Fingering weight yarn, sample shown in Quince & Co. Sparrow in Blue Spruce 204
• 32-inch circular needle, US 6 - 4.0 mm
• 20 stitches and 32 rows = 4 inches in trinity stitch

Learn more about the Lamassu Shawl in the Chronicles

View it on Ravelry

Photos © Quince & Co.

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Eiswasser - PDF Pattern

$6.00

Inspired by the snowpack on top of the mountains that melts into rivulets, which turns into streams and rivers, Eiswasser (or ice water in German) recreates those streams in a densely-cabled toque that is incredibly warm, despite its name and lighter-weight yarn.

Top it off with a fluffy (faux) fur pompom or leave the spiraling crown open to view.

Size

• 17”/43 cm circumference unstretched at brim, to fit 20-21”/51-53.5 cm head circumference. 9.5”/24 cm high.

Yarn

• Manos Del Uruguay Milo in i2464 Lisboa (65% Merino/35% Linen, 380 yds [347m]/100 g/3.53 oz.)
• Alternatives: approximately 380 yards of heavy fingering/light sport-weight yarn.

Gauge

• 64 sts and 36 rnds = 4”/10 cm in Cable Pattern on larger needle.
• 36.5 sts and 36 rnds = 4”/10 cm in k1, p1 rib on smaller needles.
• Adjust needle size as needed to match gauge.

Needles & Notions

• US 2 [2.75 mm] 16”/40.5 cm circular needle or dpns
• US 6 [4 mm] 16”/40.5 cm circular needle or dpns
• Cable needle
• Tapestry needle
• Removable stitch marker
• Bernat Faux Fur Pompom in Grey Linx (optional)

Read more about Eiswasser in the Ms. Cleaver Chronicles

View it on Ravelry

Photos (c) Bristol Ivy/Ms. Cleaver Creations

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Woodland Hat - PDF Pattern

$6.00

Woodland is a colorwork hat and mitten set. The thick fabric from the colorwork makes it perfect for keeping you cozy during your walks in the woods.

Size
16”-26.75” circumference, depending on gauge (see chart)

Yarn
1 Skein Each: Nature Spun Sport by Brown Sheep Company (100% Wool; 184 yd [168m]/50g)
MC: Ash (720S)
CC: Pewter Green (401S)
OR yarn you can achieve a gauge w/ between 6 -7.5 sts/in.

Gauge
Because the pattern repeat is so wide (32 sts), the easiest way to change sizes is by changing your gauge, in conjunction with adjusting the stitch count. Use the chart below to match your gauge to the desired finished circumference.

Measure gauge in blocked colorwork pattern, using suggested needles, then reference chart to choose size.

Sample shown in 128 st cast on at 7 sts/inch (18.25” circ) on an average adult woman sized head. The smallest size would fit a young child, and the largest would fit a man.

Needles & Notions
US 4/3.5 mm 16” circular or dpns
US 6/4 mm 16” circular or dpns
OR SIZE TO ACHIEVE DESIRED GAUGE
Tapestry needle
Stitch markers

Available as part of and ebook or as a kit
 

Add to cart

Atlee - PDF Pattern

$6.00

Summer begs for basics, and Atlee delivers. In Cleaner Cotton™ Willet, with an a-line shape, scooped neckline and textural details in the yoke, Leah B. Thibault’s tee is a picture-perfect essential for easy days in the sun.

Shown in size 35” / 89 cm with 1” / 2.5 cm positive ease

• Bust Circumference: 33 (35, 36¾, 39¾, 43¼, 45, 48, 50)" [84 (89, 93.5, 101, 110, 114.5, 122, 127) cm] bust circumference
• Yarn: 5 (5, 6, 6, 7, 7, 7, 8) skeins of Willet by Quince & Co in Sail (701)(100% cleaner cotton; 160yd [146m]/50g)
• Needles:

32” circ in size US 5 / 3.75 mm 
16” circ in size US 4 / 3.5 mm 
set dpns in size US 4 / 3.5 mm

• Gauge: 25 sts and 33 rows = 4”/10 cm in St st on larger needles 

Learn more about Atlee in the Chronicles

View it on Ravelry

Photos © Pam Allen

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Corrugated Ribbing Tutorial (for Two Hands)

Corrugated, or two-color ribbing, is a common decorative edging on many colorwork designs, including my Woodland Mittens. It has a great effect, but it can be a bit trickier than regular colorwork, which is usually done all in knit stitches.

I'm typically a "picker" or continental style knitter, but this tutorial will use both the "picking" and "throwing" techniques for the most efficient way to work this pattern. Not familiar with continental style? This is a helpful tutorial. 

By working the rib with two hands this way, you don't have to fuss with dropping and picking up a different color for each stitch.

For the purposes of this tutorial, the green will be our contrasting color, or CC; and the grey will be the main color, or MC. This tutorial also assumes you will be working in the round.

One important thing to know before you start, two-color ribbing will have less recovery/elasticity than regular ribbing, so you may wish to go down a needle size, especially if you're replacing a solid rib with a corrugated one.  

To start, cast on in your CC and join in round. Knit one round in CC.

Join your MC at the start of the round. From here, you will knit in the CC, and purl in the CC.

Take your CC, or the color you will be doing knit stitches with, and hold it in your right hand. Take the MC, or the color you will be doing purl stitches with, and hold it in your left hand, tensioning the yarn around your pinky finger as in Continental style. To begin, both yarns should be behind the needles, with the CC in front of the MC. 

Step 1: With the yarn held in your right hand, work a knit stitch by "throwing" or wrapping the yarn around the needle with your right hand. 

Step 2: Shift the left hand needle, so the MC yarn is in front of the work. Purl the next stitch Continental-style. Shift yarn back behind work.

Repeat Steps 1 and 2 until you reach the desired length of rib! 

Ready to Get Knitting?!

Woodland Mittens - PDF Pattern

$6.00

Woodland is a colorwork hat and mitten set. The thick fabric from the colorwork makes it perfect for keeping you cozy during your walks in the woods.

Size

Sample shown in Medium at 7 sts and 8 rows/inch (7.5” circ/7.25” long, not including cuff). In general, Small will fit a child; Medium, a woman; and Large, a man.

Yarn
1 Skein Each: Nature Spun Sport by Brown Sheep Company (100% Wool; 184 yd [168m]/50g)
MC: Ash (720S)
CC: Pewter Green (401S)
OR yarn you can achieve a gauge w/ between 6 -7.5 sts/in.

Gauge
Because the pattern repeat is so wide (32 sts), the easiest way to change sizes is by changing your gauge, in conjunction with adjusting the stitch count. Use the chart below to match your gauge to the desired finished circumference.

Measure gauge in blocked colorwork pattern, using suggested needles, then reference chart to choose size.

Sample shown in Medium at 7 sts and 8 rows/inch (7.5” circ/7.25” long, not including cuff). In general, Small will fit a child; Medium, a woman; and Large, a man.

Needles & Notions
US 4/3.5 mm 16” circular or dpns
US 6/4 mm 16” circular or dpns
OR SIZE TO ACHIEVE DESIRED GAUGE
Tapestry needle
Stitch markers

Available as part of and ebook or as a kit
 

Add to cart

Woodland Hat & Mittens Kit

from $24.00

Contains almost* everything to a matching hat & mitten set.

· Pattern Booklet for sizes child to large adult

·  Nature Spun Sport by Brown Sheep Company (100% USA wool) to complete adult-sized hat & mittens - 2 skeins for hat OR mittens, 4 skeins to complete both adult-sized patterns

· Tapestry Needle

*You will need to supply size 4 US(3.5 mm) and 6 US (4 mm) circular needles

# skeins:

Select # skeins 2 - Hat OR Mittens 4 - Hat AND Mittens

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Introducing WOODLAND - A Ms. Cleaver Collection

I'm pleased to announce the launch of my first seasonal collection: WOODLAND.

Consisting of four new embroidery designs, three new knit designs and one old favorite, WOODLAND takes you through fall, to the holidays and beyond into winter. Projects range from beginner-friendly to the more complex and each design is available as a stand-alone pattern or as part of a complete kit of high quality materials like 100% wool felt and 100% wool American yarns, making your making all the more attainable.  

The four knitting patterns can be purchased as an e-book for $18.00 USD or individually ($5-$6 USD). Likewise, the embroidery hoop designs (Cabin, Ice Skater and Moose) can be purchased as a set for 20% off the individual price.  

Flip through the lookbook below, or check out the shop!