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!!!