Patterns available on Ravelry
Accessories available on Etsy

I’ve been learning more about Fair Isle knitting recently and wanted to  try a pattern that used this color-stranded knitting technique before embarking on a larger project for my Master Hand Knitting course.

I found a group on Facebook that offered a paid pattern by an expert in the technique, with proceeds going to support the museum on Fair Isle.

It’s a closed group, but if you’re interested in joining a knit-a-long and meet knitters from around the world, it’s worth going to the site and asking to be added as a member:

The Fair Isle Fisherman’s Kep Page

The photo above shows my progress on the kep (cap) – one more small pattern repeat and I’ll be ready to start the decreases, add a tassel and then block the cap.

I hope to wear it when I visit Fair Isle in July.  It’s not really suitable for the climate here in Thailand.

Happy Knitting!
MikeH

Patterns available on Ravelry
Accessories available on Etsy

My lace knit shawl pattern Leafy Transitions is available from Cascade Yarns as a free download.

Here’s the link:
http://www.cascadeyarns.com/patternsFree/FW229_FHByTheSea.pdf

Happy Knitting!
MikeH

Patterns available on Ravelry
Accessories available on Etsy

Variation A

This is the first in a series of bandanas designed for the boyfriend in your life that may be a reluctant wearer of traditional accessories.

There will be 4 basic designs, of which this is the first. Each of the designs will have two variations: the first (variation A) will feature the basics of the design, and the second (variation B) will feature the same design, in different colors, and have a pendant embellishment at the tip of the bottom point.

Variation A

You may well find that the appeal extends far beyond the boyfriend, and you may end up knitting one for yourself – or even a girlfriend!

The amount of yarn needed for color C in either variation is small – around 50-75 yards/45-70 meters.

If you want to add the embellishment to variation B you’ll need a small pendant to attach to the bottom point during bindoff. I chose a small gold-plated brass that’s a reproduction of preColombian jewelry I found on a recent visit to Bogota.

Variation B

Variation B

You’ll find the pattern in my Ravelry store at http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/boyfriend-bandana-1

and the accessories, hand knit by me, in my Etsy shop at
https://www.etsy.com/shop/ScarvesShawlsandMore?ref=hdr

Happy Knitting!
MikeH

Patterns available on Ravelry
Accessories available on Etsy

I’m making some progress on my Boyfriend Bandana project (see previous post).

During a trip to Colombia and Panama recently, I visited a number of local markets and found some pendants or trinkets (los dije in Spanish) that I thought would work as embellishments at the bottom point on some of these accessories.

Obviously there are boyfriends that would not take to this jewelry thing very well, so on an equal number of the variations, they won’t appear!

The photo in the previous post is one of two variations on Boyfriend Bandana 1. The photo below shows a work in progress that is the second of two variations for this first pattern.

This one will have an embellishment at the bottom point, and it’s likely to be the preColombian reproduction in gold-plated brass that you see in the upper left of the first photo above.

Here are a few photos from the trip. It was a wonderful two weeks spent exploring Colombia and visiting Panama City.

For Boyfriend Bandanas 2, 3, and 4 there will also be two variations of each. In the next one I’ll be leaving out the eyelets and lace panel, and introduce a few  stripes in colors that might appeal to the more conservative of the boyfriends out there – but never fear, there will be one variation that boasts some bling.

Boyfriend Bandana 3 is likely to feature a Fair Isle style motif in a band across the accessory – and I’m not sure yet what #4 will bring.

Each set of 2 variations will be available as a pattern, and in the end, all will be available in an e-book.

Keep an eye out on Ravelry and Etsy for the latest offerings!

Happy Knitting – and Happy Holidays,
MikeH

Patterns available on Ravelry
Accessories available on Etsy

Here are a couple of photos of a new design I’m developing for a series of 4 bandanas – some with a lace panel, some without – that should meet the style needs of any man on your list.

This first bandana has a jaunty and sporty look.

Here’s a bit more of the detail – as you can see it’s suitable as an over-the-shoulder throw for the “girfriend” as well!

I’m calling this series the Boyfriend Bandana, and as you’ll soon see, it’s definitely not just for men.

Each of the variations will be available in 2 different colors or combinations of colors and one will include a bit of embellishment at the bottom tip.

Watch this space for the release of the pattern and e-book on Ravelry and for these items available in my Etsy shop.

Happy Knitting!
MikeH

Patterns available on Ravelry
Accessories available on Etsy

This is the second in a series of two spring accessories (see also In Due Time) that I’m releasing in the late fall because I’m impatient for spring. Lilacs were always my favorite spring blooms where I grew up in the far reaches of northern New York state.

This heart or bandana-shaped shawlette features a lace stitch pattern near the top line and a different stitch pattern across the bottom edge – buds, blossoms, and branches in all. The rest of the piece is knit in plain stockinette.

I used 2 25-gram balls of DROPS Kid-Silk (75% mohair; 25% silk; 200 meters/218 yards per 25g ball) in color 09 – a light lilac.

This is so light and lovely, and I enjoyed working with this yarn, especially on US 4/3.5mm needles.

Measurements:
57×21.5 inches (145×54.5cm) after blocking

Pattern available in my Ravelry store:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/waiting-for-lilacs
Shawl available in my Etsy shop (after 10 December):
https://www.etsy.com/shop/ScarvesShawlsandMore?ref=hdr_shop_menu

Happy Knitting!
MikeH

Patterns available on Ravelry
Accessories available on Etsy

I’ve just completed a couple of new designs in anticipation of spring – although it’s several months away.  There must be some knitters out there that don’t like winter!

The first is called In Due Time, a rectangular lace knit wrap –

When I was young (many years ago) I was always impatient for spring to arrive – starting in November, when the leaves had finally all fallen off the trees. I was also told that spring would come in due time – and hence the name of this lace knit rectangular wrap design.

The pattern features buds waiting to open surrounded by seed stitch, all indicating the potential of that wonderful season to come – In Due Time!

The yarn I used for this accessory is a blend of baby alpaca, linen, and silk. Although it’s no longer available, any light fingering weight yarn would be suitable, but I do have a preference for blends that contain linen and/or silk.

The pattern includes written instructions and a stitch pattern chart.

Measurements after blocking:
12×61 in (30.5x155cm)

The pattern is available in my Ravelry store:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/in-due-time
The accessory is available for purchase in my Etsy shop:
https://www.etsy.com/…/…/lace-knit-rectangular-wrap-in-baby…

The second of the two patterns is a tribute to my favorite spring flower, and if you come back next week you’ll get to see what that is.

Happy Knitting!
MikeH

Patterns available on Ravelry
Accessories available on Etsy

I often see questions about whether to block a knit item or not and wanted to share some photos about why (as a lace knitter) I think it’s not only a good idea, but essential.

If your project doesn’t look like much when you’ve finished binding off, a quick soak and a stretch can work wonders.

The bandana-shaped shawl in the photos was knit in fingering-weight 100 percent merino. The pattern is one of mine on Ravelry (paid), Vineyard Rain:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vineyard-rain

Before (above)

During (above)

After (above)

Before I got involved with lace knitting I never blocked any of my finished work. The thought of it was intimidating, I didn’t want to take the extra time involved, and I was sure I wouldn’t be able to do it successfully.

Now I block just about everything, including sample swatches, and find the result a much more professional, finished appearance.

Happy Knitting!
MikeH

Patterns available on Ravelry
Accessories available on Etsy

A couple of weeks ago I posted photos of two of my projects for Level 2 of The Knitting Guild Association’s Master Hand Knitting Program.

Here are some photos  of the final project, which is a hand knit vest.

And a photo of the neckline and all my materials ready to ship to the US.

So now I wait to hear the results of the committee’s evaluation and get back to my lace knitting.

As a matter of fact, I already have two projects on the needles and I’ll share the progress with you next week.

Happy Knitting!
MikeH

If you’re getting ready to knit some gifts for the holidays, I have a selection of nearly 50 scarf, shawl, and wrap patterns in my Ravelry Designer Store – including 3 ebooks.

The prices are very reasonable, with most patterns in the $2.00-3.00 range – and some are even free!

Go to http://www.ravelry.com/stores/michael-harrigan-designs
to see what’s available.

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If you’re thinking about buying some hand knit accessories for holiday gifts, have a look at my shop on Etsy. There are scarves, shawls, and wraps for adults – and pets as well!

Go to https://www.etsy.com/shop/ScarvesShawlsandMore?ref=hdr_shop_menu
and you’ll be surprised at the reasonable pricing.

Happy Holidays in advance!
MikeH