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WIP WEDNESDAY

The knitted dress saga... I should have added a lifeline...

As my bad luck with knitting dresses continues, I am reminded of my life choices and my utter arrogance for not using a lifeline while knitting.

Oh, I won't mess up... I have this pattern memorized... I can watch my favourite show and talk to both my kids while I'm counting... NOTHING WILL GO WRONG!

I have lost count of how many times I've had to rip back and start over. The most frustrating part of the lace pattern I have chosen is that there is very little chance of fixing a mistake if you make one, simply because of how the pattern itself is created. Now, I have taken some precautions to turn the odds in my favour. I've literally used every small size stitch marker I own to mark my pattern repeats to lessen the chance of a mistake, but even with these as guides, I still need more concentration than I'm used to giving my knitting, which is making for a very slow knit. THANK YOU, 1930's COBWEB LACE.

If anyone is curious, the stitch pattern I'm using (as far as I know) is called cobweb lace, and it's from a Minerva Style Book that was published in 1934. It was used in a vintage dress design, and I loved it so much that I wanted to try my own take on the stitch pattern to design my own dress.

Cobweb Lace

multiples of 4sts plus 2

Set-Up Row purl to end of row

Row 1 k1, *knit next thread between stitches, k1, knit next thread between stitches, sl1, k2tog, psso the k2tog; repeat from * to last stitch, k1

Row 2 purl to end of row

Row 3 k1, sl1, k2tog, psso the k2tog, knit next thread between stitches, k1, knit next thread between stitches; repeat from * to last stitch, k1

Row 4 purl to end of row

As you can see, it is what I consider a typical lace pattern... easy but not. I find lace demands a lot of attention, unlike other stitch patterns, where your hands develop muscle memory, and you can daydream without making a mistake. Unfortunately for me, I won't be daydreaming for a while or at least not until I get this bodice knitted.

Just another day in the life of a knitter.

If you would like to become a future test knitter for any Times Lost Art patterns, including this dress, please follow me here on Tumblr, or on Facebook and Instagram, for TLA-related updates.

YARN STASH - DE-STASH

I need to downsize my yarn by finishing all my projects...

As any knitter knows, yarn is to knitters as shiny objects are to crows. We just can't resist it, and we have the attention span of a goldfish. Or, at least I do when it comes to starting new knitting projects. If I don't have at least 10 on the go at once, it's a slow month. This worked fairly well in the past, when I had more space and storage, but sometimes life throws you curveballs, and you just have to downsize.

This month, my main goal was to finish my rainbow blanket. It has taken 8 balls of Estelle Eco Cotton yarn so far, and I'm estimating I'll need about 20 more, mostly because I'm holding it quadruple, but that should get rid of half a shelf of my yarn stash. I've only had the yarn for six months, but hey, at least the blanket is getting done now, right!?!

Knitter - 1

Yarn Stash - 0

Hopefully, I win Yarn Stash - De-Stash in July and finish this blanket as well as a few other smaller projects, but at the rate that the yarn calls my name, it's truly anyone's game.

KNIT WIT

TLA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Cotton Embroidery Floss - Go Green

This vibrant assortment of Needle Crafters embroidery floss is perfect for needlework, crafting, friendship bracelets, card making, kid's craft activities, and more!

8 hanks per package 8m (26.2ft) each

TLA PATTERN SPOTLIGHT

What makes our knitting patterns so special...

Each TLA Exclusive pattern includes written instructions for knitting the pattern stitches, both flat and in the round.  At TLA, we strive to help foster competent and confident knitters.  We hope that this added detail will inspire imagination, encourage knitters to create their own unique designs, and expand their stitch library.

Also, to make finding your perfect needle size and yarn as easy as can be, every TLA Exclusive pattern lists the yarn gauge for the yarn used in the instructions (the tension and weight of the yarn itself – usually found on the yarn label) as well as the pattern gauge (the designer’s tension when working that specific knitting pattern).  We hope that this will serve as a great reference for knitters and help to ensure the quality of their work, because quality work comes from quality patterns.

Please visit https://www.timeslostart.com for more details and to browse our ever-expanding pattern collection.

WIP WEDNESDAY

The beginning of a new collection...

Typically, I don't do pattern collections, not because I don't want to, but because until recently, I never planned that far ahead. As an amateur knitwear designer, I just designed things I wanted or needed to make… a blanket or teddy bear for my kids, a hat or scarf for a very cold Canadian winter day… But I've had this idea bouncing around in my head for a while, and it's about time I bring it to fruition.

Back in 2021, my cousin and I were chatting about what I wanted my design aesthetic to be. At the time (and even now), my patterns were just a big jumble of whatever idea popped into my head. I was looking for a way to be more cohesive with my knits, and my cousin suggested a Spring/Summer collection in extremely bright colours with a very modern early-2000s feel. "Like what we wore as teenagers," she said. My cousin loved nature, so she suggested using bright colours, like those you see in someone's flower garden or when walking down a trail at your favourite campground. I turned my nose up at the idea at the time because I didn't want to just sit and make a tank top in boring old stockinette. I loved dark colours and had just discovered vintage knitting, and old-time lace was speaking to me!

Nearly five years after that conversation with my cousin, I have finally sat down to design a Spring/Summer knitting pattern collection. The first pattern should enter pattern testing this July, with a tentative full collection release date in May 2027. If you would like to become a future test knitter for any Times Lost Art patterns, please follow me here on Tumblr, or on Facebook and Instagram, for TLA-related updates.

P.S. If you are wondering about the yarn I use for my patterns, it's exclusively Estelle Yarn. More to come on their amazing yarn lines at a later date.

TEST KNITTER CALL

Grumbles' Slouchy Winter Hat

TLA is seeking test knitters for an updated version of our "Grumbles' Slouchy Winter Hat". We have expanded our size range and updated our pattern layout to make knitting fun and easy. If you would like to apply to be a tester, please submit your application through Yarnpond.

EVERYONE DESERVES A MODERN HAT And what could be more modern than a slouch hat?! This unisex, urban winter hat has it all. It is a simple knit for beginners who are a bit more adventurous and want to try easy textured stitch patterns using the foundation stitches of knitting (knits and purls) for a more decorative look. This hat comes in sizes from baby to adult, so it has got your family’s ears covered no matter what stage you are at.

This knitting pattern is a digital download in a PDF format.

Difficulty Level: Beginner

Size: 0-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-12 months, Toddler/Child, Teen/Adult S/M, Adult L/XL

Stitch Patterns Used: 2x1 rib, moss stitch

Stitches Used: knit, purl, knit two together, purl two together

Techniques Used: knit in the round

Needles Needed: US 8 (5.0 mm) circular needles, US 10 (6.0 mm) circular needles suggested length for both sets of circular needles - 20 cm (8”) for smaller sizes, 40 cm (16”) for larger sizes

KNIT WIT

TLA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Storybook Embroidery Scissors

These embroidery scissors feature high-quality stainless-steel blades with sharp points for precise cutting and trimming. They are perfect for snipping yarn tails and threads. They have beautifully ornate, floral scrollwork-shaped handles, and the scissors are small and compact, making them an elegant addition to any knitting bag or sewing basket.

Dimensions 5 cm (2") Wide x 11.25 cm (4.5") Long

TLA STORE SPOTLIGHT

We may just have what you've been looking for...

WIP WEDNESDAY

The knitted dress saga... Cue disaster music...

It never seems to fail. I get going on a project, and then I run into issue after issue with the design. I always try to do things a bit outside my skill set, thinking I can learn as I knit. Which, in reality, is a good plan because pushing your limits is how you learn new skills, but maybe I shouldn't push my limits so hard when I'm on a deadline!

The last time I spoke about this WIP, I was just finishing a 2x2 ribbed hem. I got nearly done and realized I had been knitting it at the wrong gauge with the wrong size needles. I almost cried. I knew it looked small, but I had even double-checked my measurements, not realizing they were for the sleeves rather than the dress's body. NEVER KNIT PAST MIDNIGHT! Even hopped up on coffee, you are bound to make silly mistakes!

So I have frogged everything and gone back to the drawing board. I am no longer doing a ribbed hem, as I can't stand looking at ribbing at the moment. Let's hope the lace portion goes better than the ribbing. Now I need a new idea for my hem.

The saga continues…

TEST KNITTER CALL

Pounding the Pavement Winter Hat

TLA is seeking test knitters for an updated version of our "Pounding the Pavement Winter Hat". We have expanded our size range and updated our pattern layout to make knitting fun and easy. If you would like to apply to be a tester, please submit your application through Yarnpond.

CLASSY and SOPHISTICATED… UPTOWN… DOWNTOWN… This winter hat, designed especially for men, has it all. With a modern twist on the humble rib stitch, you will be the talk of the town in no time with this beautifully textured, masculine-looking, must-have cold-weather accessory.

This knitting pattern is a digital download in a PDF format.

Please note that the “Pounding the Pavement Winter Cowl” companion piece shown in this picture is also available as a knitting pattern at https://www.timeslostart.com

Difficulty Level: Beginner

Size: Teen/Adult S/M, Adult L/XL

Stitch Pattern Used: broken rib

Stitches Used: knit, purl, k2tog

Techniques Used: knit in the round

Needles Needed: US 8 (5.0 mm) circular needles, US 10 (6.0 mm) circular needles suggested length for both sets of circular needles – 40 cm/16”

KNIT WIT

TLA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Metal Yarn Needles 2pc

Needle Crafters Metal Yarn Needles 2pc

Small: 1.05 mm x 48 mm Large: 2 mm x 70 mm

TLA PATTERN SPOTLIGHT

What makes our knitting patterns so special...

Each TLA Exclusive pattern includes written instructions for knitting the pattern stitches, both flat and in the round.  At TLA, we strive to help foster competent and confident knitters.  We hope that this added detail will inspire imagination, encourage knitters to create their own unique designs, and expand their stitch library.

Also, to make finding your perfect needle size and yarn as easy as can be, every TLA Exclusive pattern lists the yarn gauge for the yarn used in the instructions (the tension and weight of the yarn itself – usually found on the yarn label) as well as the pattern gauge (the designer’s tension when working that specific knitting pattern).  We hope that this will serve as a great reference for knitters and help to ensure the quality of their work, because quality work comes from quality patterns.

Please visit https://www.timeslostart.com for more details and to browse our ever-expanding pattern collection.

WIP WEDNESDAY

The knitted dress saga...

For a handful of years now, I have been trying to knit a dress. The idea came to me after I saw this picture in an old knitting pattern book from the 1930s.

At the time, I didn't have the skill set to knit something like this, but it's always been in the back of my mind. As I've gained more knitting and design experience, I've been practicing simple lace stitch patterns and learning to read charts properly. For all the lace knitters out there, I applaud you… Those charts always seem to give me a headache and make my eyes go cross-eyed.

Now, after a lot of practice, frogging, and reknitting, I've finally started designing a dress that seems to be working. I don't want to get my hopes up quite yet, but I'm almost done with the 2x2 ribbed hem, and so far I've had only one near-fatal mishap with my stitches. I know I should use lifelines when I'm working with smaller knitting needles. That would be the smart choice, but who has time for that! (Says the girl who spent almost an hour rescuing her stitches and putting them back on her itty-bitty US 0 (2.0 mm) circulars.) In the next week, I hope to have my lace tried and tested and be well on my way to making my very first knitted dress.

Wish me luck… I'm going to need it.