helliciousknitting

When I was about 19 and dating my future husband (who happened to be 28 at the time), his sister, Betty, taught me how to knit. I had already been doing a lot of needlework anyway; when I was ten my little brother's babysitter would give me embroidery to do so I wouldn't be bored, and years later I taught myself how to tat (making lace with a shuttle). When Betty taught me knitting, I was hooked, and along with quilting and tatting it became another hobby that consumes all of my free time.

I've also recently learned how to spin my own yarn, and Betty, who used to spin, sent me home from Pheonix with her Louet spinning wheel to use until I get one of my own. Now I just need to learn how to shear and clean the fleece and I could clothe my family if a sheep walked by.

In this section I've got a log about what projects I'm working on now as well as patterns and other bits. Check out my Flickr photos for pictures of my needlework.


helliciouspatterns

These are knitting patterns I've designed myself. I've made every attempt to be as clear as possible in the instructions, but if there are any ambiguities, please let me know.

Toe-Up Socks
Once you do socks from the toe up you'll never go back to any other way -- no measuring! This is an easy to intermediate pattern that walks you through all the steps.


Feather and Fan Shawl
I can't really say I designed this as the pattern has been around for a very long time, but I recently knitted a very simple feather and fan rectangular shawl that I constantly wrap myself up in.


Tweedy Double Moss Stitch Sweater
This is the first sweater I've ever designed. Flared sleeves with shirt-cuff tailoring and a double moss stitch and cable motif make a simple design stand out. This sweater is also done in the round and the arms are attached using steeks. Even though it was my first time doing steeks it was successful, so give this pattern a look if steeking makes you nervous.