Carrelage is on Ravelry...and available for 25% discount

Carrelage Cowl

Take two skeins of Baah! La Jolla Yarn. Add the symmetrical stranded colorwork motifs of  the Carrelage Cowl. Stir in the comforting rhythms of two color knitting...and you have a rewarding pattern that will add that dash of color to your winter and fall wardrobe.

AND from today (September 21, 2016) to Monday (September 26) you can get 25% off this fun colorwork pattern with the coupon code CCBlog25...or you can just click here.

See it's easy!

I hope you get your copy today and find the joys of stranded colorwork.

New pattern release coming soon. Carrelage!

Carrelage!

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Daddy's Request Re-Launch - It's official!!

Ok, folks, Daddy's Request has been relaunched! 

Daddy's Request: The re-launch!

Daddy's Request - composite

This is the sweater I designed for my dad before I knew how to design. Needless to say, it was pretty obvious it was not going to fit him and the WIP was sent to "back of the closet" exile. 

Years later I pulled it out and finished it...this time for me...and even later, wrote up the pattern...hopefully for you.

Just so you know...this pattern...

...is worked from bottom up in worsted weight yarn...i.e. knits up fast. 

...has small stitch repeats. The largest is eight stitches...most are only 4 stitches...i.e. easy to handle motifs.

...is written in 9 women's sizes and 6 men;s sizes...i.e. easy to find a size that fits your needs.

I used this sweater one year as the class project at the Kanuga Knitting and Quilting retreat. Check out the different color combinations from some of my students.

To celebrate this relaunch, I am offering the Daddy's Request pattern at a 30% discount on Ravelry with the coupon code DRBRL through May 2.

So click the link, get the discount, and start planning your colors!

I cannot wait to see what you choose!

FYI...Daddy's Request is the first pattern of a series of new and formerly released designs I will be spiffing up and offering at discount..so keep your eye out here for your chance at more discounts.

OR...you can sign up for my newsletter and get even deeper discounts.

In the meantime, have fun with your knitting!  I do.

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A Favorite Pullover Relaunch in the works...and A Recipe for Family Favorite Cookies

Daddy's Request

We were talking about these cookies on Periscope the other morning....and I promised to post the recipe. These are called Male Cookies. Do you know them? Lots of butter and brown sugar with just enough flour and nuts to hold them together. Melt in your mouth good.

Male Cookies

1 1/3 stocks butter

2 cups brown sugar

1 cup flour (measure before sifting)

1 teaspoon vanilla

Pinch salt

2 eggs, beaten together

1 cup chopped nuts

Cream butter and sugar; add eggs and flour, vanilla and nuts. Cook in biscuit pan in a slow oven (250˚) about 40 minutes. When cold, cut in small pieces and roll in powdered sugar. Yield: 2 ½ doz.

Mrs. A. L. Wardlaw (Lelia Elliot)

Charleston Receipts (1950)

The name of the recipe apparently reflects the primary appreciators of these scrumptious lovelies. I will say in my family both male and female can eat them with reckless abandon. 

BTW...we talk mostly about knitting during my Periscope broadcasts...but not entirely. 

Download the Periscope app on your smart phone and follow me. I'm vbknits. Then you can join us live. Or you can watch the replays here.

FYI...the picture above is the Daddy's Request pullover which is in the final stages of a relaunch, So standby for the announcement of a discount coupon coming soon to this blog.

If you want even bigger discounts, signup for the newsletter where the distribution is infrequent, but the discounts are great!

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From the wedding held of the Peak this weekend.

via Instagram http://ift.tt/26awfyC

Wild azalea on our walk this morning.

via Instagram http://ift.tt/1S5nT59

Project for Interweave Winter 17. Can't show much....but wanted to report progress. Body done, steeks cut, starting sleeves.

via Instagram http://ift.tt/22CQ0u4

My DH one of the hives this morning to check on the honey production. #beekeeping #applachianmountains

via Instagram http://ift.tt/1TVWGTJ

Talking about stranded color work sleeve/shoulder construction

As some of you already know, when I started out designing colorwork patterns, I started with sweaters. That's all I wanted to do.

Later, I started working with various yarns companies who were interested in smaller garments...hats, mitts, and cowls. So off I went into the world of accessories. 

Now, I am returning to the land of sweaters..and have also returned to the dilemma of a pleasing sleeve/shoulder join for an over all colorwork garment. 

Below are two periscope broadcasts where I talk about that journey.

The patterns I talked about included...

Criosanna 
Wilkins
Autumn Rose

As you will see, the journey is continuing...so there will be more later.

Thanks for dropping by...

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Two scopes for you - No Name Yet shawlette and Criosanna cardi stories

You may or may not know this, but when you begin a Periscope broadcast you type in the title of the scope before you hit the broadcast button. The trouble with this system is that sometimes (and for me, it is most of the time) what you think you are going to talk about morphs a bit as viewers ask questions and make comments...which pleasantly sidetrack your original thoughts for the direction of scope.

I actually think this is fun and one of the benefits of live broadcasts.

So this that in mind,,,,here are two recent scopes.

During the first, we talked about my new website going live....

New Website Homepage

We also talked about the stranded shawlette I am working on for Mountain Meadow Wool. I'll post post pictures to Instagram (varianbrandon) when I'm a little further along.


During the second scope, we talked about the Criosanna cardi and the origins of the name of the pattern...which is not what you may think and definitely not what is listed on the pattern description. ;)

We also had a diversion to the podcasts of Brenda Dayne and meaning of a tail slate in the film industry.

What can I say....we have very diverse discussions.




So that's it for this post.

Join the ever wondering discussion live on Periscope! I'm vbknits.

Until then..I'm heading back to my knitting.

Brandon Knitting Designs - website
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Interviewed by Tara Swiger

That should be a label button...don't you think? Or a new t-shirt...
I was interviewed by Tara Swiger!!

Actually, we had a great time talking...about designing knitwear and overcoming the "how come (insert famous person here) gets so many followers and is doing so well? I'm here too" doldrums.

The answer, by the way, is...don't worry about it. Put your head down and get own with your own work Your day will come as well.

So if you are interested in listening to our conversation, click here.

..and if you are interested in Tara and all of the wonderful work she does for makers, check out her website.

Let me know what you think of the interview.

Brandon Knitting Designs - website
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100 Periscope Broadcasts!!

I certainly cannot believe it. 100 scopes! A sincere thank you to everyone who has joined me as we have talked about stranded knitting..and various other ramblings. :)

(Don't you just love it when Periscope catches you in the most flattering facial expressions!) 

The hat we talked about was Elfish. 

Elfish

This is a pattern I have used as a sampler of Fair Isle patterning for beginners or for anyone who has some DK stash busting to do.

 Missed a scope? Check out my other broadcasts here.

Brandon Knitting Designs - website
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Pattern News, ABC's, and a discount for you!

Periscope

Recently on Periscope, I have been trying to go through a variety of topics that relate to stranded colorwork in some reasonable order. I have decided to use the alphabet as a guide to discussion points. Hey, it worked for Sue Grafton!

Here's what I've come up with so far...

A is for Alpaca.
B is for Buttonhole calculations.
C is for using a Crocheted chain to secure steek stitches.

What have I come up with for the rest of the 23 letters? I haven't the foggiest. Join me on Periscope to see if I have thought of something before I hit the "broadcast" button. ;)

Not familiar with Periscope? The best way I can describe it is a live video podcast where the viewers can interact with the presenter...which means you can ask questions while I demonstrate how I hold my needles, or how to use a wooley board, or how to weave in the ends while I knit...and I can answer you right then.

You sign up for a free account on your smart phone and start following me (@vbknits) ...at least I'd love it if you'd join me.

I "scope" most week days and try to keep the conversation to about 20 minutes. Join us. We have a lot of fun!

If you can't watch live, the replay stays around for 24 hours or you can check the blog where I will be posting a link to the latest broadcast.

Pattern News
I am spiffing up some of my patterns and want you to have a chance to take advantage of the dust off.

Adalour Cowl by Varian Brandon

This is Adalour with new pictures and a new layout. This over-sized cowl is designed in four shades of lovely Mountain Meadow Cody Sport. You can have the pattern for 15% off until February 14 with the coupon code Adalour15.

Other Pattern News
Watch for a new pattern from me in the Winter 2017 edition for Interweave Knits. Needless to say, I am excited!!

Alright folks, that's about it from me. I'm going back to my knitting.

Become a Newsletter member  for even more discounts and news or get in touch at one of the links below. I'd love to hear from you!

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Espen: Stranded Hat pattern.

Espen by Varian Brandon

I use Espen for the beginning stranded classes.

Espen by Varian Brandon

Inside Espen by Varian Brandon

It starts with a few rounds of a single color before starting the colorwork. Both the two color and three color versions are shown above. I like the three color better..as it makes the stranded work stand out a bit more.

What do you think?

Indie Designer GAL - reporting day 5

We are coming up to the end of the discounts. The 25% discounts (with the coupon code giftalong2015) end this Friday.

With this in mind, I will get right to my final grouping of patterns picks.

Let’s start with Karen Robinson. Karen’s bundle is filled with cables, lace, and twisted stitches all of which are cleverly combined to form hats, shawls, and cowls. My favorite has got to be Blanchefleur. Love the story, love the lace, love the red!!

Blanchefleur by Karen Robinson

As an aside, I must say I found it prudent to not look away from Karen’s “Don’t Blink Illusion”…if you know what I mean. ;)

I have had so much fun just reading the names of C.C. Almon’s patterns. The references to Doctor Who and Firefly are just so clever! I think my favorite pattern name can be attributed to River Tam…“Also, I Wan Kill You with My Brain.” I miss Firefly.

My favorite pattern, though, conjures up standing stones and kilted warriors. I really like the cables and button finishing of The Lady of Lallybroch socks. Nice job, C.C.!

The Lady of Lallybroch by C.C. Almon

The stranded/colorwork pick today is a delightful pair of lightweight damask-inspired hand warmers by Ella Austin. Leighton House Handwarmers.

Leighton House Handwarmers by Ella Austin

These just seem so delicate and lovely.

Winter's Edge by Varian Brandon

The choice of my own pattern falls to Winter’s Edge which is worked with three colors of lace weight yarn help double. A simple stranded cowl that is light, soft, and also warm. Nice combo. 

That’s it from me. You can find my entire bundle here.

Hope you have enjoyed these daily selections…and I hope you have found some wonderful patterns to fill your knitting hours.

Indie Designer GAL - reporting day 4

Day 4...selections from Ravelry's Indie Designer Gift-A-Long.

Oh, my, Mindy Wilkes has such lovely shawls to offer for the Gift-A-Long! I have struggled over this decision, but have settled on Laidley. Just love the use of color and lace!

Laidley by Mindy Wilkes

I actually don't crochet beyond single crochet and a chain stitch, but Karen Whooley's Spring Leaf Shawlette has me thinking about expanding my skill set. This piece is so elegant!

Spring Leaf Shawlette by Karen Whooley

The stranded pattern today is the very clever, oh so cute, Cluaran Tea Cosy by K. W. Bedigan. How can you resist the thistle top knot!

Cluaran Tea Cosy by K.W. Bedigan

For my pattern today, I'd like to show off Criosanna...one of my favorites.

Criosanna by Varian Brandon

That's my selection for the day. Remembe you can get 25% off all of these patterns with the coupon code giftalong2015.  Enjoy!

More tomorrow.

Indie Designer GAL - reporting day3

Ok, we’re up to day number 3 of searching on the Indie Designer Gift-A-Long.

Here’s what I have found to report on…

My friend Kathleen Dames is a sweater designer who loves a little romance. Currently, she has a number of designs in the various Jane Austen Knits collections. Several are included in her GAL bundle. My favorite has got to be An Aran for Anne, named for Anne Elliott from Persuasion. Just lovely!

An Aran for Anne by Kathleen Dames

Have you seen Tanja Osswald’s mitts patterns? Incredible! She also includes some very lovely shawls and even a pair of gingerbread men in her GAL bundle, but I am really mesmerized by the mitts.

My favorite? Cranberry Mittens…which are actually mitts…and wonderful!

Cranberry Mittens by Tanja Osswald

My favorite stranded pattern today is the Thrumviator by Michele Bernstein.

Thrumviator by Michele Berstein

This pattern has been out for a few years and I know it is thrummed and not actually stranded, but I just love it!

For my shameless plug, here are the Knights Banner Mitts.

Knights Banner Mitts by Varian Brandon

Made with 3 colors of Mountain Colors Weaver’s Wool, these guys have an easy stitch repeat which reminded me of the tents used by medieval knights.

You can find my complete bundle here.

That’s it for me today. More tomorrow.

Ravelry's Indie Designer GAL - reporting day 2

My second day searching and researching the Gift-A-Long.

Here's what I have found...

Two designs from fellow designers.

Jill Wolcott is not only a good friend, she is a clever designer and an excellent teacher. Her offerings for the GAL contain a collection of accessories that show off her skill as a creator and help the knitter learn a variety of easy to master techniques.

The most adorable is quite obviously the St. George's Baby Hat...

St. George's Baby Hat by Jill Wolcott

....but I am partial to the Point Roberts. I just love the felt balls at the corners!

Point Roberts by Jill Wolcott

Joeli of Joeli's Kitchen is another friend and designer who has created a community of support for knitters in all of her various endeavors into the craft. Her bundle of patterns for the GAL includes adorable and practical (a wonderful combination) designs for small children and a few things for their moms.

My favorite has got to be Pepo Pie...so debonair!

Pepo Pie by Joeli of Joeli's Kitchen

Now...my favorite stranded pattern for the day...

Since we are on the subject of knits for kids...aren't these cutest ever?

Stripy Ziggy Stripy Zaggy hats by Kate Bostwick

This is the Stripy Ziggy Stripy Zaggy hats from Kate Bostwick. Just precious!

...and finally one from my bundle. Unfortunately, I am not offering any children's patterns. I can continue to hat theme and show you the West at Heart Hat. 

West at Heart Hat by Varian Brandon

I'll talk more about the accompanying mittens on another day.

Ok, that's my report for Day 2. More tomorrow.

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Ravelry's Indie Designer Gift-A-Long 2015 - reporting day 1

The Indie Designers Gift-A-Long is in full swing….November 19-November 27….25% off patterns offered in bundles by participating independent designers (including me!) You can find more information here.

Many knitters have said how overwhelming the sheer numbers of patterns offered is this year.

To help sort some things out, for the next few days, I plan to do three things…

1 - Highlight my favorites in the bundles of a group of fellow designers who are also friends,
2- Feature a couple of my favorite stranded patterns,
3 - Indulge in a bit of shameless self promotion and showoff one of my patterns.

So lets start with a couple of my fellow designers…

Clare Devine’s pattern bundle contains several lovely lace edged shawls, wonderful socks, and lots of gorgeous fun lace hat designs. Peppermint Leaves is one of my favorites…

Peppermint Leaves by Clare Devine

Libby Jonson designs under Truly Myrtle. Her design bundle includes drapey lace shawls and interesting lace hats. I had a hard time deciding which pattern I liked the best. The crescent-shaped Antipodes shawl won out.

Antipodes by Libby Jonson (Truly Myrtle)

Now for the stranded pick of the day…

Stephannie Tallent’s Byzantime Cowl has always been a favorite. I like both the pattern and the color selection.

Byzantine Cowl by Stephannie Tallent

Now for one of my patterns…

Here’s Weyburn.

Weyburn by Varian Brandon

FYI..the Weyburn’s rib is used in my business logo.

That’s it for now. More later.

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