moving again ...

.... before you faint, no we're not moving physical abodes ... we REALLY like Virginia.  

But we are moving to a full website with blog and other stuff that I think you'll enjoy.  So re-set your favorite to:

www.marygildersleeve.com

Thank you for reading this note and heading on over ... click around and let me know what you think (remembering of course that it is a work in progress and may still need a little bit of tweaking)!Enjoy the journey

Mary C. Gildersleeve

By Hand, With Heart -- hand-knit designs

bhwh.mary@gmail.com

THREE new designs posted today!

I love Easter ... not just cuz now I can eat candy or because Jesus rose to conquer sin and death ... or even because dh has Easter week for Spring Break. I love Easter because I usually get lots of projects done.  This week has been no exception .... here are THREE new designs I just posted in my Ravelry store:

Lapis Lazuli Lace Scarf (approx. 5" x 54") -- pdf download is $4.00

Royal Red Butterfly Shawl (approx. 33" x 15") -- pdf download is $5.00
NOTE: you must be able to knit from a chart for this design!

The Long and Winding Road Scarf (approx. 5" x 40") -- pdf download is $4.00

AND, I'm about two-thirds done with a cable sampler jacket!  Cool, huh?


All three items above were knit with Spring Gate Farm's Cashmere(50%)/Silk(25%)/Merino(25%) blend in jewel tones.  BTW, for those in the area ... I'll be at Graves Mountain Lodge's Fiber Festival on Saturday (9-4, free) with the lovely lady who breeds the cashmere goats that give us this beautiful yarn!  Please stop by and say howdy ... these and other designs I've done for Spring Gate will be available as well as skeins and skeins of her lovely fiber!

Enjoy the journey

Mary C. Gildersleeve

By Hand, With Heart -- hand-knit designs

bhwh.mary@gmail.com

Look what I received in the mail today ...

It's BEAUTIFUL!  More Knitting in the Sun: 32 Patterns to knit for kids is packed with wonderful knits (of all kinds) to make for kids for those hot, summer months!  The designs are separated into:  accessories, bottoms, sleeveless, short sleeves, long sleeves,and cardigans.  My design is in the center of the cover ... Pippi's Lacy-collared top (pg 71-73) ... and the sleeveless section.  Check it out ... you'll love all the designs in there!

Enjoy the journey

Mary C. Gildersleeve

By Hand, With Heart -- hand-knit designs

bhwh.mary@gmail.com

Spring is blooming ... and so is this baby blanket!

Just finished this beautiful baby blanket for a dear friend who just gave birth last week to a gorgeous baby girl.  

Spring is Blooming is knit with Dale of Norway's Falk (a washable, sport-weight wool) but could also be done in a sport weight cotton!  The design starts in the center with eight stitches and you keep working in circles, increasing as you go (and some of those increases are cleverly hidden within the lace panels) until you end up with 280sts and a 30" diamater baby blanket.


Spring is indeed Blooming!  


NOTE:  You must be able to knit from charts for this bounteous bloom.  


If you'd like to download the pdf of this design, here's the link:

Spring is Blooming ($7.50) 

or check out all my designs at my Ravelry store ....

Enjoy the journey

Mary C. Gildersleeve

By Hand, With Heart -- hand-knit designs

bhwh.mary@gmail.com

New Design and review of the knitting retreat yesterday ....

Here's a design that has just come off the blocking board, photographed and posted in my Ravelry store:

Spring Garden Wrap, done in a cashmere/bamboo blend, and a fun lace pattern.  This design was so reminscent of a freshly planted garden, with it's furrows, that I just had to photograph it in front of our just-blooming dogwood!

The design, knit with Spring Gate Farm's medium weight cashmere (80%)/bamboo (20%) in a gorgeous springy sage green is perfect for all-year wear:  it's got the warmth of wool with the cooling/evaporative properties of bamboo so it will be comfortable all year-round.  The ends are tied and then buttoned (don't you love that button?) for keeping it closed.  The construction keeps the shawlette on your shoulders, too!

$6.00 for immediate download.

Yesterday's knitting retreat hosted by Dog House Yarns out at Graves Mountain was glorious!  I drove out with a dear knitting friend, chatting the whole way (which was excellent as by the time I got there, I wasn't nervous or anxious at'all!), and although the day was overcast and a bit misty, it was gorgeous!  This was the first time I'd been to Graves Mountain, but it definitely won't be my last ... especially since they are having their 1st Annual "Let's Get Naked: From Toes to Clothes" fiber festival on Saturday, April 30th.


The retreat itself was well attended -- almost 50 ladies of all ages knitting away while listening to me tell them all the wonderful facts about fiber (and NOT the breakfast kind).  We then had an all-you-can-eat, traditional family-food lunch (meatloaf, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables au gratin, spinach salad with fresh strawberries, homemade apple cake with ice cream, etc) .... what a feast!  The afternoon sessions included a few break-out/small group sessions:  I facilitated a "tips and tricks" session where ladies asked me how to fix this or that which of course led to more questions and more answers; I then did an overview of short-rows:  when to use them and how to do them!  It was great fun.


The best part:  after spending a day with wonderful folks talking about one of my most favorite subjects .... I came home to a ready dinner, a clean house and a family who missed me!  What more could I want?


Next weekend, it's off to the Olde Liberty Fibre Faire in Bedford!

Enjoy the journey

Mary C. Gildersleeve

By Hand, With Heart -- hand-knit designs

bhwh.mary@gmail.com

Support creativity and get some bang for your buck!

Last week, I found out about the coolest thing ... a way to support creative efforts, fledgling artists, published designers do even more.  Shannon Okey (the brains behind the phenomenal publishing house of Cooperative Press, hand-knits designer and all round amazingly creative woman) has started a month-long campaign to do even more for indie knitting designers, using a program called Kickstarter.

Here's a video that shows some of the designs that are going into the new series Shannon is publishing:  

I have some designs in these upcoming books -- a set of knitted dolls for Fresh Designs: Toys and a set of southwest-inspired sofa pillows in Fresh Designs: Home.  


Now, these books will be published this summer regardless of Shannon matching (or even better, beating) her goal of $5000.  The important thing here ... and why I've already pledged a bit ... is that this is a chance to help an indie publisher, indie hand-knits designers, and a host of other folks do something very cool ... very creative.  Any pledge, large or small (even $1) will help.  There are some cool incentives for different pledge points -- including copies of the 10-book Fresh Design books!


So what are you waiting for?  Go make a pledge, would ya?  And thanks .... from one of many independent hand-knits designers!

Enjoy the journey

Mary C. Gildersleeve

By Hand, With Heart -- hand-knit designs

bhwh.mary@gmail.com

New "old" design ... September in Colorado

Here's a design that was published in the online magazine, KnitCircus (Fall 2010).  After six months, the design reverted to me, so I've posted it for sale in my Ravelry store.

 The artist modeling September in Colorado!

 Close-up of the yoke design

the full sweater

September in Colorado (sizes XS-XL) is a great exercise in colorwork/stranded knitting.  An original charted yoke design contains all the colors of Colorado in September -- the green on some trees, the yellow aspen leaves, the shades of brown, and of course, the white of the "surprise" snow falls!

This design is available for immediate download for $4.99 from my Ravelry store (the link below works whether or not you're a member of Ravelry)

Enjoy the journey

Mary C. Gildersleeve

By Hand, With Heart -- hand-knit designs

bhwh.mary@gmail.com

KP IDP: another design for your knitting pleasure ....

... and just in time for the warmer weather:

Victoria's Tee (XS - 5X):  Paired with a close-fitting undertop or all by itself, this year-round top is sure to please.  A flattering fit is obtained by the unique construction of this top: the body is knit sideways in a traditional Victorian-era lace-edging pattern and then the bodice is knit in the round, finishing off with the slight capping on the shoulder and a wide, squared-off neckline.  As fun to wear as it is beautiful to look at, this design is knit with an easy care cotton-blend yarn that looks and feels wonderful to wear.  

  

The design is $4.99 for download 

from Knit Picks' site (where you can order the yarn and the design at the same time!)

or

order from my Ravelry store (buy now).

NOTE:  This makes a nice round one-dozen designs for Knit Picks!

Enjoy the journey

Mary C. Gildersleeve

By Hand, With Heart -- hand-knit designs

bhwh.mary@gmail.com

Here's where I'll be in the next few weeks ...

... why don't you join me?

First, on April 9th, I'll be the main speaker at Dog House Yarns 1st Annual Knitter's Retreat out at Graves Mountain.  My morning talk will be on "The Ins and Outs of Using This for That" ... in other words I'll be talking about substituting yarns and how to avoid making expensive (both monetary and time) mistakes.  For all of you who want to sub non-wool for a wool pattern ... or don't have the $$$ to knit up a musk-ox sweater ... this is the talk for you!  We'll talk about fiber, blends, why designers use certain yarns, and generally have a wonderful time talking knitting all morning.  After an all-you-can-eat luncheon, I'll be leading two break-out sessions:  "short-rows" and "tips & tricks".

Then, on April 16th, I'll be heading down to Bedford, VA to participate in the Olde Liberty Fibre Faire, where all the proceeds go to Bedford Hospice House.  I'll be available at two times during the day (more specific details coming) to explain short-rows and discuss substituting yarns.  Stop on by and I'll be happy to talk about whatever problem, question, or issue you're having with your knitting.  One of the time-slots, I'll be with Jane in the Spring Gate Farm's booth -- she'll have my cashmere patterns for sale as well as her luscious Virginia-grown/raised cashmere fiber.  The other time, I'll be hosted by Leslie of Greenberry House ... she's got amazing stuff, too.  Note: there will be no food available on-site at the OLFF - the organizers, in their infinite wisdom, opted to avoid having food vendors.  Which means, BYOL and save the money for shopping (or there are tons of places right outside the location).

Don't you need a fiber fix?  Mark your calendars, grab your needles and knitting and be sure to stop by and say hi if you are able to attend either (or both) of these fiber-rich events!  Fiber -- more than a breakfast option!

Enjoy the journey

Mary C. Gildersleeve

By Hand, With Heart -- hand-knit designs

bhwh.mary@gmail.com

I'm back ...

... after my two-week, self-imposed internet hiatus (did you miss me?)....

I'm not sure about whether I'll get the miracle (I'm just going to leave it in God's hands), but I do know that I had a very productive two weeks -- lots of changes ahead, some book reviews to post and two new designs ready for your knitting pleasure:

"Victoria's Tee" is available for immediate download ($4.99) and is sized from XS-5X.    Knit in a fingering-weight, cotton-acrylic blend, this is a great year-round top -- looks wonderful over something or alone!

Malcolum's Cluthar (very rough Gaelic translation for Malcolm's Cozy) with cap and toy cube is available for immediate download (4.99).  The blanket is knit in worsted weight, organic cotton and the cap will fit a baby 0-6mo.  The cube is a large, 7-inch toy with bells buried deep inside for the baby's amusement.  A lovely set for a dear friend's first baby.

Oh, and for those of you in the area (or want to come visit):  I'll be the morning speaker (as well as doing a couple of afternoon sessions) at Dog House Yarns' knitting retreat on April 9th out at Graves Mountain.  Stop by and say hi if you're able to come out and join us!

Enjoy the journey

Mary C. Gildersleeve

By Hand, With Heart -- hand-knit designs
bhwh.mary@gmail.com

Prayer, fasting and abstinence for a special intention ...

will mean this blog will be on hiatus for the next 14 days.

We have seen a house that is available for sale ... an 1838 house that is in a perfect spot, cutting dh's commute 30 minutes EACH way, near all the friends we have down here, and more than 1.5 acres around the house (so LOTS of play area for the kids). I SOOO want to move to this house ...

BUT

we'd need a major miracle to have all things come together. In asking God's divine providence to "kick in", I am planning to fast (drinking only tea/water/coffee and not eating any sweets), to pray more (by going to daily Mass and carving an hour out of each day for prayer time), and to (and this is a BIGGIE for me) abstain from the Internet (by only checking email twice a day and not doing anything else online).

We are asking for a clear sign from God whether or not to pursue this house ...

So I will update you all on this intention on March 1st (which is also String Bean's 11th birthday). Will you please add your prayer to my self-imposed sacrifices while I'm away?

Enjoy the journey

Mary C. Gildersleeve

By Hand, With Heart -- hand-knit designs
bhwh.mary@gmail.com

KP IDP: my tenth design just went up!

I now have a total of 10 designs available on Knit Picks' website, the latest being the Cabled Cottage Cozies.  Here are quick links to these designs (both available on the KP site and in my Ravelry store) for immediate download:

 Cabled Cottage Cozies (KP - $3.99) or Ravelry  $4.00

 Celtic Closure in sizes XS-4X (KP - $4.99) or Ravelry $5.00

 Completely Cozy & Reversible Scarf for Him - (KP - $2.99) or Ravelry $3.00

Elegant Eliza Ballerina Bunny - (KP - $2.99) or Ravelry  -$5.00 (the Ravelry design has Exquisite Edgar Bunny included)

Season-Spanning Cardi in sizes XS-1X - (KP $4.99) or Ravelry $5.00

Fun Felted Saddlebag with matching accessories case - (KP $2.99) or Ravelry  $3.00

Memories of Eire vest in sizes XS - 1X - (KP $4.99) or Ravelry  $5.00

 My Favorite Sweatshirt and Mitts in sizes XS-5X (KP - $4.99) or Ravelry  $5.00

 Patrick: An Irish Lad's Jacket in sizes 2T to 10 - (KP $4.99) or Ravelry   $5.00

 Rib Tickler Hoodie in sizes XS-1X - (KP $4.99) or Ravelry  $5.00

My Ravelry store has lots of other patterns for immediate download ....
check it out and let me know what you think!

Enjoy the journey

Mary C. Gildersleeve

By Hand, With Heart -- hand-knit designs
bhwh.mary@gmail.com

More Easter knitting ... Eliza and Edgar Bunnies!

Here's a great addition to the Fabric Baskets I posted on Sunday ... Elegant Eliza and Exquisite Edgar! 

These knitted bunnies are 13" and 15" inches in height and are easy for little hands to hold.  Since they're made in one-piece with removable clothes, little ones can pull and play and chew and play and not tear these dolls.  Knit in worsted-weight, washable cotton (the samples shown were knit using KP's Comfy Worsted),  the dolls are easy-care, too!

Wouldn't your little ones love these in their Easter baskets?  For $5.00 you can download this lovely pattern for both bunnies ... just click the button! 

You can check out this and my other knitting designs on my Ravelry site ...

Enjoy the journey

Mary C. Gildersleeve
By Hand, With Heart -- hand-knit designs
bhwh.mary@gmail.com

Easter knitting .... a fun set of nested baskets

... that are "green", too!

 

 

I just finished writing the handcrafts column for the Spring issue 2001 of mater et magistra, an issue with lots of editorial space dedicated to celebrating Easter.  And what better way to celebrate than to make a set of nested basket knitted using a re-purposed sheet?

If you don't want to wait for the Spring issue (altho, if you are Catholic and have kids -- even if you DON'T homeschool them -- you probably WANT to subscribe) ... this pattern is available for immediate download from my Ravelry store
($4.00 for the pattern which includes tips on working with fabric "yarn" and other info).

Enjoy the journey

Mary C. Gildersleeve

By Hand, With Heart -- hand-knit designs
bhwh.mary@gmail.com