I'm happy to report Cloche v2.0 (now upgraded to "Stella Cloche") was successful! I'm developing a bit of a thing for deep reds I'm afraid. This boundless affection is compounded with the dip of the asymmetrical brim and the welted black band. I do believe this is one of my favorite knits to date, and just in time for my Halloween costume! I was lucky enough to acquire a fantastic vintage flapper dress several years back working at a thrift store and I've been waiting to wear it since. Modeling photos and the pattern to come soon! Pattern now up here!

In the meantime, Stella in 360.

Posted by Jen at 12:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (15)

Sigh... It goes through many prof-reads, test knitting, editing and something still slips through. There is an error in the Scarlet Woman Tank Pattern. Row 4 of the ribbing pattern has an extra Left Twist in it. It should read:

Row 4: k1, *k3, p2, k1, LT, LT, k1, p2* end k1

So sorry about this! I have updated the pattern and if anyone who has already purchased it would like a new copy please email me at jen @ pieknits.com. Thank you!

ETA: For size XS - Cast On should be 93 sts.

*slinks off...*

Posted by Jen at 08:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Finally out of its (summer)hibernation is Teva Durham's Lace Leaf Sweater. Now that the weather is finally dipping down into temps resembling fall I've been motivated to get this finished. It was really already quite close, and at such a large gauge I thought 'Hey I'll have a finished sweater in no time'. Heh, except for that pesky yardage calculation thing for changing gauge, and I thought I had ordered extra. Yeah, I'm short. I'm short one arm cap's worth.
*expletive deleted*

So, in the meantime while I wait for 1 more ball of yarn to wing it's way here (KnitPicks Sierra btw) I've commenced on Cloche V2.0.

Posted by Jen at 07:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)

Because I am really bored.

48 Things You Could Care Less About

1. FIRST NAME? Jennifer

2. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? No, my middle name is a fourth generation family name though.

3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY? Few days ago.

4. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? I wouldn't say like - it's a very boyish scrawl. Probably because it looks uncannily like my father's.

5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCHMEAT? Not real big on the Lunchmeats, honestly I usually don't eat meat at lunch. Otherwise, I'd have to say mesquite turkey.

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? If you actaully answer No to this, you probably have some self-esteem issues to work out.

7. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL? Just this blog.

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes.

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Oh yeah, I always say I'll go on anything.

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? I'm not a big cereal person; actually, I almost always eat it dry. Lucky Charms or Kix, if I'm feeling inclined to be healthier. The only cereal I eat with milk is Raisin Nut Bran which I've got my husband totally addicted to.

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Not if I can absolutely help it.

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Yeah pretty much, although I think I'm getting too soft lately.

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR? Mint chocolate chip and Bubblegum, and yes I will order a double scoop of those even though they are completely odd together.

14. SHOE SIZE? 9, my sister got the nice small feet and finds all the cute shoes, meh.

5. RED OR PINK? Red, although a little pink thrown in now and then amuses me.

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? Lately, that I'm cable of more stupidity than I thought.

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My sister. I always thought that my sister and I, had we by chance been born unrelated and met on the street, would still be best friends.

18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? It's an interesting read, but I wouldn't be annoying and ask people.

19. WHAT COLOR PANTS, SHIRT AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Vintage blue jeans (my Dad's old pair, hehe), black t-shirt (my Harry and The Potters shirt!) and black shoes.

20. LAST THING YOU ATE? Diet coke and mini M&M's (Hey there's Halloween candy in the office, it makes a fine breakfast)

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? I'm on a Voltaire kick lately.

22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? dunno, purple?

23. FAVORITE SMELL? Vanilla - or if I admit to being sappy, my hubby. :)

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? My husband ( He had to go out of town :( )

25. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU ARE ATTRACTED TO? Eyes, smile, wit.

26. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON you stole THIS from? I've seen this going around on several of the blogs I read. They're all regular reads so yeah I like them.

27. FAVORITE DRINK? Diet Coke.

28. FAVORITE SPORT? Not real into the sports, for what's on TV football's ok and easy to watch and do other things since all the down time between plays.

29. EYE COLOR? Blue

30. HAT SIZE? um, normal?

31. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Nope, sister and I are the only ones in all the family to not need eye correction.

32. FAVORITE FOOD? That's always hard, depends on the mood. I will stuff myself to waddling on Mr. Pieknit's Spinach Dal (papu) or Sambar, mmmm.....

33. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? I do like scary movies (although the gore only type is eh) but happy endings in the end.

35. SUMMER OR WINTER? Summer, sweet Jesus I do not miss the northern winters.

36. HUGS OR KISSES? I guess I'm actually kind of a hugging person, but kisses are more fun. ;)

37. FAVORITE DESSERT? Um everything please? Serious sweet tooth over here, although not so much on the fruit desserts. Biggest weakness cookies and brownies though.

38. WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? No idea

39. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? ??

40. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING? I really need to read more. I don't a lot of the time because once I start a book I have. to. finish. it. Despite other things needing to be done and topped with the fact I'm a slow reader that doesn't work too well. Exceptions being Harry Potter and growing library of knitting (and now spinning) books.

41. WHAT'S ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? It's just a black optical mouse pad (has a cool green gel wrist support though)

42. WHAT DID YOU WATCH LAST NIGHT ON TV? Tim Burton's Corpse Bride

43. FAVORITE SOUNDS? Good music (this can be very broad), my Boy's laugh

44. ROLLING STONE OR BEATLES? Bit before my time, but lean more towards the Stones. I do have a thorough education on both though, thanks to my music buff Father.

45. THE FURTHEST YOU'VE BEEN FROM HOME? That's easy, India. I like to say I couldn't really go any farther without starting to come back.

46. WHAT'S YOUR SPECIAL TALENT? *Right, removes mind from gutter* Well I guess I've taken to this whole knitting thing fairly well.

47. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Des Moines, Iowa

48. WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Copy and paste from blogland

Posted by Jen at 11:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

After finally getting to finishing up the pattern and some deadline knitting, I was feeling like a quick little knit before working on finishing up some WIPs.

I knew the perfect thing. I had been wanting to make some of these since I first saw the pattern - mini pumpkins! These are easily one of my favorite Halloween decorations and now I have one that won't rot.

Fantastic pattern by Wool Windings - "Miniature Felted Pumpkin"
Yarn: Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Bulky (stash busting- right on)
Needles: I used 10.5 dpns as that's what I had, just worked it loosely

I also got to visit my purse and ribbon at the State Fair of Texas. As promised, cheesy photo of me and entry.

Posted by Jen at 11:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (13)

Happy Birthday to

my biggest supporter in everything I do
the funniest guy I know
my design inspiration
yarn enabler
knitting disaster sympathizer
guy with an alarming about of needlework knowledge for never having knit a stitch himself
the greatest listener
the most amazing person I've ever known
Love of my life

Happy Birthday Sweetie!!! I love you!

Posted by Jen at 04:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (10)

The Scarlet Woman pattern, she is finished.
This bra-friendly tank top features wide straps and optional bra-stay snaps to keep those undergarment straps from peaking through. The optional short row bust darts provide a smoother fit. Deceptively simple diagonal ribbing for the empire waist add shape and detail while keeping the top portion solid enough that an undershirt is not required for actual wear. Throw on during a hot summer's day or layer over a long sleeve shirt for a fall look. Available in sizes for 32-54 inch bust. Additional photos available here.



The instant download rundown -after payment via Paypal you will be given a link to download the pattern. This link will also be emailed to you and will expire in 48 hours. For any questions about the pattern or whole download process please feel free to email me at- jen@pieknits.com

Pattern: Scarlet Woman Tank (Bra-Friendly Top)
Diagonal stitch ribbed empire waisted sleeveless top with a bra friendly square neckline.
Gauge: 21 sts and 26 rows = 4" in St st.
For Bust Measurements: 32 (34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54) inches
Needle size: US size 6/4 mm and US size 5/3.75 mm
Yarn: Classic Elite Provence (100% Mercerized Egyptian Cotton; 205yds/186m per 100g skein) Color: #2627 French Red; 3(3, 3, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 6 ) skeins
[Alternate] Elann.com Sonata (100% Mercerized Cotton; 115yds/106m per 50g/1.75 oz skein) Color: #3919 Burgundy Rose; 6(6, 6, 7, 7, 8, 9, 9, 10, 10, 10, 11) skeins
Skill level: Advanced Beginner (optional short rows, single crochet edge)
Price: $5.50
Format: PDF instant download
Errata: Here

Posted by Jen at 07:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

Well I'm back and recovering, which means it was a great trip! I also did manage to get a few pictures.

My sister and I, all dolled up with the excuse of Halloween haunted housing. She's become quite the make-up artist and I got her to play with her awesome make up on me. Too bad for the crappy lighting, but someone needs to send me her other pics.

You know it's also always a brilliant idea to take pictures at Last Call. I'm surprised we managed one this decent although my camera didn't escape with out a few up the nose shots.
The 3 J's. My sister Jessica, me, and my oldest friend Jessica. Yes, we had creative parents.

Here I am being a tourist in my hometown, but I had never been on the Boone Scenic Valley Railroad (or any train for that matter). It was a nice refresher of the Iowa countryside (and you know, real trees).


More scenic views.

Of course, there was also shopping.
I did score the exact Lamb's Pride I wanted for Felted Cloche v2.0. Other items are some Cascade Fixation (woohoo more socks!), Brown Sheep wool shampoo, VK Holiday 2005 which I had also been searching for and was high pleased I didn't have to pay shipping, some garnet colored beads, handmade button for a felted purse, and some Banana Butter from our local Iowa Orchards at the Farmer's Market. Des Moines has gotten some niiiice yarn shops. Actually, it's gotten a lot of nice things since I moved. I consider that highly unfair.

By golly! Is that finally some freaking knitting!?

Why yes, yes it is. My first completed sock to be exact, just in time for SocktoberFest! The thing actually fits too, who'd a thought? I did manage to get quite a bit of knitting done this trip, including several inches into the 2nd sock. No SS Syndrome for me!

Posted by Jen at 04:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (12)