On Stranger Tides

I have had so much fun designing On Stranger Tides.  Not only was it a blast to knit (I'm casting on for a second pair), but there were so many fun ideas that I had for the pattern layout.  I don't want to give anything away, but it's full of intriguing graphics and definitely ocean themed!  Ive always loved sea creatures and the mysteries of the deep.  When I was a kid and got to go to Disney World one of my favorite rides was 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.  Towards the end of the ride a giant squid would wrap it's tentacles around the submarine we were riding in.  That was my inspiration for the pattern logo.

 Shown in Sanguine Gryphon Bugga Satin Green Forester

The pattern design was inspired by the lacy plants and tentacled creatures that live in the tropical waters of the warm Caribbean.

 Shannon did a fantastic job test knitting and should have her socks up on Ravelry in a few days.  She's on a much needed long weekend with her hubby.  I managed to coerce her into a quick photo shoot after knitting the other day at the library. I think they look great in this lovely blue yarn too.  It's Dream in Color in the Superhero colorway.

Use coupon code: Tentacle on Ravelry for $1.00 off of On Stranger Tides.  The coupon is good through Sunday April 7.  

Ive been very honored to have my Ferry Beach pattern nominated in the Socks that Rawk group for their Q2 KAL.

Saturday update!  Ferry Beach made it to the finals for the Q2 KAL! 

3 Million and Counting

Ravelry just reached its Three Million Member mark.  Three Million.  That just amazes me.  It means there are three million fiber enthusiasts that are all in one place.  People from all over the world; knitters, crocheters, spinners, weavers, farmers, all banding together for camaraderie and fun.  All with one thing in common: the love of yarn and fiber.  I can honestly say that a large percentage of my kitting and fiber friends Ive met because of Ravelry.  My position at Shalimar Yarns started from a friendship formed on Ravelry.  I spend countless hours browsing patterns and chatting with friends on there.  Thank you to Jess and Casey, you guys are the best!  I wish you many more millions of members and future success!

 

Speaking of Ravlery, (I know not the best segway but it's all I have going on the Monday after Daylight Savings Time) I recently added my latest pattern: Mirrored Step to my Ravlery shop:

 

 

 

It's a fun and very easy knit which produces a lovely textured pattern.  The socks are a mirror image of one another.  The unisex design is versatile enough to work with both semi-solid and variegated yarns.  The socks above are in Sanquine Gryphon's Bugga Adonis Butterfly. 

 

This is a close up of my dear friend Tierney's Mirrored Step test knit. She used Into the Whirled Saginaw Sock in Viola.  If you have a chance, check out Tierneys Blog.  I just noticed that she posted a new cookie recipe on there.  I know what I will be making tomorrow!