2009 1st Quarter KAL Voting Has Begun!

The voting has begun for our first KAL of 2009! For the 2009 1st Quarter KAL, we will be running a technique based KAL. You will vote on which technique you are most interested in, out of the following categories:

• Garter Stitch
• Stockinette or Reverse Stockinette Stitches
• Textured Knit & Purl Combos e.g., Seed Stitch, Ribbing, Textured Rib
• Cables & Twisted Stitches i.e., any stitch sequence where stitches change position while they are being knit
• Lace i.e., decrease and open increase combos
• Colorwork (2 or more colors, fair isle, stranded, intarsia, mosaic or slip stitch color work; stripes do not count) e.g., Fair-Isle, Mosaic, or Slip Stitch patterns
• Traveling (decrease and increase stitch combos)
• Unusual (Bobbles & Leaves & Entrelac - 3-D shapes on a knitted surface & anything else that doesn’t fit traditional categories)
• Beaded (any item that is attached to the surface)

For more examples of the stitches mentioned above, as well as accompanying images, please visit the Walker Treasury Project.

A few guidelines:

• Voting will run from December 27, 2008 - December 31, 2008
  
• Official KAL dates: January 1, 2009 - February 28, 2009
  
• A qualifying pattern will include at least 25% of the type of stitch pattern chosen by the group during the voting period.
  

We look forward to all of your lovely knits over at the Ravelry Group! Come join us! If you have any questions, you may contact either rchrispy or myself (knittymuggins).

Happy Knitting!

2008 4th Quarter KAL - Category: Patterns

The votes are in and we have a three way tie for our 2008 4th Quarter KAL! The patterns chosen by you for the current KAL are:

• Silken Scabbard by StitchDiva (also on Ravelry here)
• Snow White by Ysolda Teague (Raveled here)
• Baby Cables and Big Ones Too (Raveled here) by Suvi S.

A few guidelines:

• Official KAL dates: October 20 - December 17, 2008
• You may knit any or all of the 3 patterns chosen

We look forward to all of your lovely knits over at the Ravelry Group! Come join us! If you have any questions, you may contact either rchrispy or myself (knittymuggins).

Happy Knitting!

2008 3rd Quarter KAL Winner - Designer Theme

The votes are in and we have a winner! The designer chosen by you for the 2008 3rd quarter SKC KAL is Joan McGowan-Michael. If you need another look at some of her designs, you can check out the cool mosaic rchrispy put together over on the final voting thread at the Ravelry Group. This will be our very first designer themed KAL so there are a few new things to note this time around:

• Official KAL dates: August 1 - September 30
• You may knit any pattern by this designer that you like, whether it’s from her book Knitting Lingerie Style, from a magazine or similar publication, or even a pattern purchased from her website White Lies Designs.

We look forward to all of your lovely knits over at the Ravelry Group! Come join us! If you have any questions, you may contact either rchrispy or myself (knittymuggins). Happy Knitting!

3rd Quarter Final Voting

A late announcement:

Voting has been taking place over on Ravelry on our group board between Kat Coyle, Joan McGowan-Michael, Stefanie Jafel, Wendy Bernard, and Connie Chang Chinchio. The Voting thread will be active till the morning of July 31st. No votes will count after it becomes archived.

One of the mods will announce the winner sometime during the 31st. The new KAL will run August 1st through September 30th.

Please direct all questions to Rchrispy or Knittymuggins

Nominations are open for the 2008 3rd Quarter KAL over on the Ravelry Group

Hello Sexy Knitters!

Just a little announcement here for those of you who have not made the move over to The Official Sexy Knitter's Club on Ravelry yet. Nominations are officially open for the next 2 weeks (July 11, 2008 - July 25, 2008) to decide on projects for our next KAL. This quarter's theme is "Designers" and will be the first SKC KAL held entirely over at Ravelry. We'll continue to use this blog for announcements, but will no longer be posting here. Come join us on Ravelry if you haven't already and put in your nomination for the next KAL. Look forward to meeting you there!

We're Moving!!!

Hi All -- To keep all of you up-to-date.....

I have asked rchrispy to join the SKC administrators and she has graciously agreed to come on board :-) Between KnittyMuggins, rchrispy, and I, here is where we've decided to go with the SKC....

First, in case any of you aren't aware, there has been quite a bit of discussion on Ravelry regarding moving the Sexy Knitters Club to Ravelry. After some discussion, the other admins and I feel that moving the SKC to Ravelry is a good idea admin-wise as well as for our members as it will eliminate the need for members to request posting privileges before each new knit along. For those of you who are not yet Ravelry members, don't panic! The transition from the current SKC site to Ravelry will be slow enough to allow all those SKC members who aren't yet on Ravelry a chance to get in/on/withit! I'm not sure what the approximate wait time is for a Ravelry invite but I hear it's much shorter than it was several months ago -- I'm guessing no more than a couple of weeks.

Second, in order to avoid aministrative chaos, we have decided to form an Official Sexy Knitters Club Ravelry group. This group will be the new home of the original Sexy Knitters Club where things will stay pretty much the same as they are now with the exception of a few changes regarding the way future knit alongs are conducted. We will keep everybody up to date regarding these changes on the Official SKC board so be sure to check there often.

Third, we would like to encourage all current SKCers who haven't yet signed up for Ravelry to do so now so that you can receive your invite before the next knit along begins -- with all the wonderful KAL suggestions, the next KAL promises to be a doozie!

Finally, rchrispy, KnittyMuggins, and I would like to thank each and every one of you who have contributed to the conversation over on Ravelry over the past several weeks. It's members like you who keep the SKC strong and very much alive :-)

FO: Talia

I know the SKC is on Ravelry now, but I thought that one of the last posts should be of FOs. So here's my Talia.

I'll be starting Labyrinth next week!

My yarn for Labyrinth arrived in the mail yesterday. I'm going with Handmaiden Double Sea Silk in Topaz with Ivory for the trim. I was undecided as to whether or not to purchase the Tilli Tomas Disco Lights in natural for the trim. I decided to go with the Handmaiden and I may decide to add clear beads when I get to that point. The yarn is just so incredibly beautiful. Photographs just don't do it justice! I am finishing up another project first then I hope to get started!

Saying hi and checking in with Aleita Shell

Hi. I've just joined the SKC and it's good to be in time for this summer's knitalong. I've decided to knit the Aleita Shell. I liked it the minute I got the Spring Interweave Knits magazine through my letterbox but waited until I finished the project I was working on (Sally Melville empire waist dress) before embarking on this one. I'm also delighted to be doing some stash-busting at the same time, as the yarn has been sitting in my cupboard for a while now and, having been pretty extravagant recently, I felt the need to reduce the size of said stash.

The yarn in question is Rowan DK Handknit cotton, shade 294 and is a beautiful shade of hyacinth blue. (And it's been in my stash for so long I wouldn't be surprised if Rowan no longer make that shade!) It's a matte finish and so far looks promising. I'm looking forward to seeing how it develops. As you may be able to see from the (not very good) photo, I've done the welt and about 2 rows of the stocking stitch body, so there's some way to go.

Thanks for letting me join the fun. I look forward to seeing all your projects.

I'm glad to join and look forward to visiting the site.

Let's KNIT Already!

Well, I for one am happy with the selections we made! I'm so happy, I already started! I knew I was going to make Labyrinth if it won or not, so I bought some Ella Rae Bamboo Silk when WEBS had their awesome sale on it last month.

The stitch gauge is right on, but the row gauge is a little off. But, row gauge is easy to work around, so it doesn't matter. This is my progress as of this morning:

Anybody else start yet?

Why Not?

Okay, so here's what I think we should do..... I've looked over the poll numbers and instead of doing a run-off between the top 5 or 10 patterns, I've decided to pull out all the stops and make this a FIVE way knit along! I mean, why not? By adding the 4th and 5th place winners, we can add an additional 42 knitters to the knit along for a total of 129 knitters!

As far as future knit alongs, we are looking at several different format changes -- we'll keep everybody posted.

For now, let's go ahead and get our supplies ready for this five-way KAL! Since we're running a bit behind, let's go ahead and officially declare this KAL started right now! I can't wait to see which patterns everyone is planning to knit and which yarns you'll be using!

ETA: The top five patterns are Labyrinth, Notorious, Aleita Shell, Printed Silk Cardigan, and Talia.

Here's to you..

ImageChef.com Flower Text

Three Way Tie?

Well, it looks like we have three patterns that all came in neck-in-neck! Should we have a three way KAL? Should we have a run off?

Your opinion matters! Lemme know what you think!

There is some interesting dialogue going on over on the SKC Ravelry group. Hop on over and join in the conversation.

Happy Cinco De Mayo! Let's Vote!

Time to vote! Remember, you must be a member of the SKC to vote however you do not need posting privileges to vote. Voting will last until Thursday at midnight.

Choose Your Favorite!
	Labyrinth
	Lacey - T
	Lilian
	Titiana
	Dayflower Camisole
	Sodera Socks
	Bell Curve
	Printed Silk Cardigan
	Aleita Shell
	Jaden
	Crisp Rectangle Tunic Top
	Fad Classic
	Colette
	Daytrip Cardigan
	Curves Bamboo Tank Top
	Ms. Marigold
	Goddess
	Chinese Lace Pullover
	Talia
	Notorious
Free polls from Pollhost.com

I pre-empted the SKC!

And finished an Aleita Shell just the other day, I hope you don't mind me sharing, seeing as I have been nowhere near my Giselle or Bella patterns :-O

28/4/8 I used just under 300g of Sirdar Denim Tweed DK that was lurking in a box file!

I know it's not the poshest yarn but it goes in the machine and keeps it's shape for years and years without pilling!

Top 20 Nominations for the SKC Spring 2008 KAL

Hello Sexy Knitters! Today is a special day because it's time for the top 20 nominations for the spring SKC KAL! Hooray!

The top 20 nominations are determined by your nominations and how much positive feedback each nomination post receives in the form of comments left by members. Unfortunately, we can only accept 20 nominations at a time for voting purposes. We're very sorry if the pattern you nominated was not chosen this time. Please don't take this personally, and please, if you strongly believe in a certain pattern, definitely nominate it again next time!

Without further ado, the nominees are:

1. Labyrinth from Wendy Bernard (Ravelry link here)




2. Lacey-T from Kitman




3. Lillian from Delicious Stitches




4. Titania from A Mingled Yarn




5. Dayflower Camisole from Knititude




6. Sodera Socks from Sisainen villapaita




7. Bell Curve from Knitty Winter 2007 (Ravelry link here)




8. Printed Silk Cardigan from IK Spring 2008




9. Aleita Shell from IK Spring 2008




10. Jaden from Knitty Spring 2008




11. Crisp Rectangle Tunic Top from Fitted Knits by Stefanie Japel (Ravelry link here)




12. Fad-Classic from Wendy Bernard




13. Colette from Melissa Wehrle (Ravelry link here)




14. Daytrip Cardigan from Melissa Wehrle (Ravelry link here)




15. Curves Bamboo Tank Top by Nikki Adams (Ravelry link here)




16. Chinese Lace Pullover




17. Ms. Marigold from Zephyrstyle (Ravelry link here)




18. Goddess from Jennifer Hansen (Ravelry link here)




19. Talia from Sweaterbabe (in Knitty Spring 2008)




20. Notorious excerpt from Annie Modesitt's book "Romantic Handknits" (Ravelry link here)







So pick your favorite and be ready to vote when our poll is up, sometime in the next couple of weeks! Happy Perusing!

Nomination

I would like to nominate the Lelah top again for this round. I'd love to have a cute strapless top for this summer...

the pattern is available on craftster now and the pictures aren't the best, but there are many beautiful examples on Ravelry.

http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=26874.00;

A nomination

Notorious by Annie Modesitt
Pattern Page
Raverly Page

This super sexy flirty tank from Annie's new book offers you a free sampling of her look and feel.
It ranges in size from 25" - 57". There are a beautiful example of an FO on Flickr. Here

Spring Nominations

When I think spring, chilly mornings and chilly evenings come to my mind, with loads of sunshine inbetween. And in the daytime I want to have something that keeps me warm when those gusts of wind bring rapid temperature changes. The garmet has to be classy, keep me warm and hide all those holiday pounds that I haven't quite succeeded in burning off . That's why Talia is the perfect choice for me. It is a free pattern, designed by SweaterBabe, a.k.a. Katherine Lee, and is available on Knitty.com.

And for all the lucky ones living in the warmer climate than me, there's this cute DROPS Bolero cardigan in Silke-tweed.

Something that could make all of us happy would be Camellia, designed by Stefanie Japel. This pattern is available on glampyreknits for $6.00.

Labyrinth Nomination

I can't believe this isn't up here yet, but I would like to nominate Labyrinth by Wendy Bernard/StitchDiva. Here's the pattern link, Ravelry link, and a pic:
(Photo borrowed from Stitchdiva's Flickr page, where other views and styles of the top are available)

Nomination: Lacey-T

I would like to nominate Lacey-T by Kitman.

This is perfect for knitters who love lace knitting and I think this is perfect for spring. You can wear a tank tube, spaghetti or long sleeves underneath getting the layering effect.
The pattern sells for $5 and has a size range of 32-46 inches
Click here for more pictures and details.

Spring KAL Nominations

Crisp Rectangle Tunic Top by Stefanie Japel

In Fitted Knits by Stefanie Japel

Link to Ravelry page

Bell Curve by Kira Dulaney

Pattern is free on Knitty

Ravelry link

I have a couple more to suggest, too, but the computer I'm on is going slow so I'll have to come back later

3 Nominations

Printed Silk Cardigan - Found in Interweave Knits (Spring 2008) this is a design by Connie Change Chinchio

Click here for more pictures and details.

Aleita Shell - Found in Interweave Knits (Spring 2008) this is a design by Bonnie Marie Burns

Click here for more pictures and details.

Jaden - Found free at Knitty.com (Spring 2008) this is a design by Ruby Lo

Click here for more pictures and details.

Nominations - Tank tops

Scarlet Women Sleeveless Tank by Jennifer Tallapaneni
Ravelry Page
Pattern Page

This pattern is clingy but not revealing. It allows you to wear your normal bra and there are instructions on how to create strap stays. Designer has optional short rows to allow for a smoother fit. This is a stunning simple tank that can go places. Pattern is priced at $5.50 and has a size range of 32-54 with 2" between each size.

Curves Bamboo Tank Top by Nikki Adams
Ravelry Page
Pattern Page

I love the subtle details of this tank which cause your eye to form curves or enhance those that you have. It can be worn from hot days alone to a tank under a suit jacket or sweater on cooler days. The pattern sells for $6 and has a size range of XS-2X (32-47 inches)

Goddess by Jennifer Hansen
Ravelry Page
Pattern Page

This pattern my put you off by the stick thin model but it is striking. Look at these examples that I found on Ravelry (all are flickr links for you non-Ravelry members). There are three different body shapes. This is a top down design with short rows to create the drapy front. Price is $7 with a size range of XS - 3X (33.5 - 52 inches)

Ms Marigold by Zephyr Style
Ravelry page
Pattern page

We all love the Zephyr style patterns here on the Sexy Knitter's Club. Why not throw in another? This one has the option to be simple or a bit girly. The pattern is $5.50 for a PDF and the size range is XS-2X (32 - 44").

Emerald Seas by Hilary Engebretson
Ravelry Page
Pattern Page

This pattern is from last summer's Knitty. I love the look of it and the versatility you can have from putting different colored ribbons down the front. Size range is XS - 3X (27-51 inches).

Summer Leaves by Robin Dodge
Ravelry page
Pattern page

Had enough of cleavage and midriff-baring fashion? This summer top shows off a bit of skin in the back. And if you still like to show a little cleavage and midriff, it turns out this top is actually reversible, although pretty daring if the leaves are worn in front without a camisole! The construction is essentially like making a cardigan with no sleeves. But instead of the typical closure, knit leaves are sewn over the middle of the back (or front) to close the sweater. This creates daring little open areas in between. Perfect for warm summer days.
This pattern is free and has a size range of XS-2x (30-50 inches)

All Lined up by Robin Dodge
Ravelry page
Pattern page

This is a free pattern with a small bit of colorwork. Do you have one skein of pretty yarn that you want to knit with but don't know what to do with it? Well this pattern allows you to use 50yds of your special yarn. It is an easy to follow pattern with a wide size range XS-2X (30-50 inches) where the designer has sized the squares to be proportional to the body.

Please specify in comments which top you like so that the right one can move onto voting.

Nominations

Colette by Melissa Wehrle
Ravelry link
Store link

A flirty lace V-neck cardigan made in a snuggly yarn in a wide range of sizes XS - 3X (31.5 - 54)

Daytrip Cardigan by Melissa Wehrle
Ravelry link
Store link

This is a lovely scoop neck cardigan that can take you places. It has a large size range XS - 3X (31.5 inches - 55.5 inches). It is knit our of a wool/cotton blend so it is perfect for our transitioning weather.

These are from a non-posting member. Mine will come next week.

Because geeky is the new sexy...

... I'd like to nominate Knit and Tonic's Fad Classic. It would look super cute over a short-sleeved button-up shirt... perfect for spring and early summer. Thoses a bit more daring could probably wear it on its own... The pattern has sizes XXS-3XL and is knit in the round. It's available for download for $5.50

Nomination - Chinese Lace Pullover

I nominate the Chinese Lace Pullover. The pattern has sizes ranging from Small to 3X and includes instructions for working the project in flat pieces or in the round up to the armholes. It's available by download for $5.50

A Lacy Nomination

Kozy Kitty's post is great and inspired me to nominate lacy Sodera socks:



...in case people are tired of knitting tops and want some sexy sock fun. It's a free pattern and would be very comfortable in a cotton yarn.

Nominations

I have several nominations for the next KAL:

The first two are free patterns--

We have Lillian,

Then there is Titania.  I fell in love with this pattern the minute I saw it.  It is easy to understand and it is made out of Brown Sheep cotton fleece which is inexpensive, comes in a multitude of colors and is readily available.  The pattern also comes in a very wide range of sizes ranging from XXS to 3X.

My last nomination is for the Dayflower Camisole which is a paid download pattern.

This one is made from Classic Elite Premier (which I happen to have in my stash) and could easily be made of cotton fleece or any other dk weight cotton.

The two tank/camisole patterns could be worn year round as layered pieces and Titania would easily be a 3 season piece.  I love them all!

Knit Along Updates

Hi All! As we wrap up the Giselle/Bella Paquita knit along, I just have to say that these knits have left me speechless, which doesn't happen often. You sexy knitters have really outdone yourselves this time!

As always, please send me pics of (or links to) your finished Giselles and Bellas in order to be entered into the knit along drawing. Please title your emails "Giselle/Bella KAL for easier email sorting. We will be giving away another Hip Chicks Knit tee shirt as well as a skein of one of my newest favorite yarns called Tatamy Tweed DK by Kraemer. Have y'all heard of this yarn? It's a cotton/acrylic blend (45% cotton, 55% acrylic) that knits up into a lightweight fabric with beautiful drape; perfect for spring! I recently discovered this yarn and am in love but am willing to part with a skein of it to our next winner.

Now, on to our next knit along! We will take nominations from now until the third week of April and will vote shortly after that. You will need to request membership and posting privileges if you haven't already done so in order to nominate patterns, and remember that feedback (both positive and negative) helps determine which nominations stay and which are weeded out come voting time.

Finally, a big shout out to Carissa who has done an amazing job of putting together Flickr groups for each of our knit alongs. If you haven't already done so, check out the groups and then show Carissa some SKC love!

Now, let the nominations begin, and remember THINK SPRING!!!

Giselle, ma belle...

Is it still March? Yep, just barely! I actually had this one finished a couple of weeks ago, and I've already worn it several times, but I only just got around to taking the pictures today.




I made it in size small (the first numbers in parentheses), using 8 skeins of Debbie Bliss Pure Silk in purple and 1 ball of Katia Gatsby in gold for the trim.

I am very happy with the fit and, despite the miles of stockinette hell, it was actually a pretty fun project. I particularly liked how the sleeve flares were shaped.

My Finished Bella Paquita

Hi all. I wasn't sure I'd get this done in time, but here it is!



Apologies for the truly awful photo - it's pouring rain here today, and I am swamped with work. I'll post better shots and details soon, but I wanted to get something up.

Best of luck to all the other last-minute finishers!

Keylimegirl's Bella Paquita Finished!

My Bella is done! And, I love it. It's probably my favorite thing I have ever knitted. Getting there, though, was kind of a process, and after I cast on I got so frustrated with charts and sizing that I may have accidentally knit 4 hats, a bag, an entire cardigan, and most of a Tubey while I was supposed to be making this. But, it's all done,and I'm in love. I didn't end up steeking it, as the silk/wool yarn drapes so nicely that I like the way it looks in the back with all the lace there, so all I did was tack it down in 5 places so that it would lie properly.


*Posted for keylimegirl by knittymuggins due to blogger issues

In the nick of time!

I finished Giselle last night just in the nick of time as I had hand surgery today!  




Details:

Pattern: Giselle from Stitch Diva, cropped version, Size Small
Yarn: Handmaiden Double Sea Silk in Periwinkle--3 skeins
Handmaiden Sea Silk in Mahogany--1 skein (for crochet edging)
Ribbon: Hanna Silk Satin hand dyed in French Roast--3 yards
Needles: Addi turbo size 6, Crochet hook size E
Began Feb./ Finished March 27

I love this pattern but I'm disappointed that it didn't come in smaller sizes. The smallest is a 34 which is my actual bust measurement. This design needs to have negative ease. The back view shows that the sweater doesn't quite hug the body the way it should. In retrospect, I should have tightened it up when I put the crochet edging on. I was also a little rusty with my crochet skills. It's been years. There was a graph type thing with the stitch pattern which was somewhat unclear. I didn't get it quite right up the front and around the neck, but I figured it out for the rest! Overall, I'm pleased with the results and I'm sure I will wear it.

Flickr Group Updates!

** updated March 24, 2008**

We are trying to gather an extensive collection of all our KAL photos. If you participated in any of the KAL's, please show off your handiwork in our flickr groups!

The SKC has one flickr group for sexy but non-KAL knitting here: Sexy Knitters Club: http://www.flickr.com/groups/sexyknittersclub/

These groups are for the individual KALs (in order of occurence):

Bella Paquita: www.flickr.com/groups/skcbellapaquitakal/

Giselle: www.flickr.com/groups/skcgisellekal/

Juliet: http://www.flickr.com/groups/skcjulietkal/

Tree Jacket: http://www.flickr.com/groups/skctreejacketkal/

Fifi: www.flickr.com/groups/skcfifikal/

Red Carpet Convertible: www.flickr.com/groups/skcredcarpetconvertiblekal/

Sahara: http://www.flickr.com/groups/skcsaharakal/

Rusted Root: http://www.flickr.com/groups/skcrustedrootkal/

Wicked: http://www.flickr.com/groups/skcwickedkal/

Eiffel: http://www.flickr.com/groups/skceiffelkal/

Simple Knitted Bodice: http://www.flickr.com/groups/skcsimplebodicekal/

Sizzle: http://www.flickr.com/groups/skcsizzlekal/

Tempting II: http://www.flickr.com/groups/skctempting2kal/

Orangina: http://www.flickr.com/groups/skcoranginakal/

Picovoli: http://www.flickr.com/groups/skcpicovolikal/