Knit Up and Dye Episode 101 - New & Redefined

Very excited about the new benefit tier structure for patrons. Please check out my patreon page for more information. New shawl design on the horizon and a call for test knitters.

Host: Jessica L'Heureux
Ravelry: jesseknits
Ravelry Group: Knit Up & Dye Podcast
Instagram: dyemonkeyyarns
Blog: dyemonkeyyarns.com
Email: jesse@dyemonkeyyarns.com
Etsy: http://dyemonkeyyarns.etsy.com
Patreon: https://patreon.com/knitupanddye

Theme Music:
"Throw the Hammer Hard" - Bob Log III
Thank you, thank you, Bob for letting me use this!
Buy his music at boblog111.com
BOB is on WORLD TOUR and might just be near you.
Please visit his website for a show near you.

PATRONS:
Big changes to the benefit tiers. Thank you for all your suggestions and feedback. I hope you love these new options.

"Porch Light" - Estimated release date is May 1st.

Call for test knitters for "unnamed shawl"
Email me at jesse@dyemonkeyyarns.com if you are interested in test knitting. Please use Subject Line: Test Knit

Thank you all for making this possible!  Love you all. See you next week.

Knit Up and Dye Episode 94 - Fell Off the Planet

So glad to be back!! Finally feeling better after having been sick and ready to focus on all things knitty. I show off progress I've made on my How to Eat an Elephant blanket, and talk about a fundraiser I'm passionate about for Paperback Rider Little Free Library and show off some new acquisitions.

Host: Jessica L'Heureux
Ravelry: jesseknits
Ravelry Group: Knit Up & Dye Podcast
Instagram: dyemonkeyyarns
Blog: dyemonkeyyarns.com
Email: jesse@dyemonkeyyarns.com
Etsy: http://dyemonkeyyarns.etsy.com
Patreon: https://patreon.com/knitupanddye

Theme Music:
"Throw the Hammer Hard" - Bob Log III
Thank you, thank you, Bob for letting me use this!
Buy his music at boblog111.com

"Thestral" on Pixie Sock by
Supernatural Yarns
www.supernaturalyarns.etsy.com

How to Eat an Elephant
My formula is on my project page at
https://www.ravelry.com/projects/jesseknits/how-to-eat-an-elephant

Help support Paperback Rider Little Free Library
Fundraiser to purchase a tricycle to help
distribute books for free.

Exclusive colorway and products can be found at
www.dyemonkeyyarns.etsy.com in the
Paperback Rider Benefit section.
Direct donations can be made via
https://www.gofundme.com/paperbackrider

You can also find stories and pictures from her literary pedaling
adventures on her instagram account at @paperbackrider.lfl

Love you all! Have a great week!

Just Released: Let's Get Bubbly!

Just like bubbles in your champagne, bobbles add fun and texture to this slouchy hat.

Now available to the public via Ravelry!

Finished Measurement: 
The directions are given for an adult hat, worked brim up. Circumference 22-25” (55.8-63.5 cm), Length 14” (35.6 cm) exclusive of pom-pom. Length is adjustable to wearer’s preference – see notes within instruction.

Yarn Requirements:
Approximately 330 yards (302m) of Worsted Weight were required for hat 14” (35.6 cm) inclusive of 3 3/8” (85mm) pom-pom. Necessary yardage will vary with any adjustments to length or size of pom-pom. Shown in Dye Monkey Yarns Salsa Monkey (218 yards/100grams, 100% wool, color: Northern Lights).

Recommended Needles: 
Size US 4 (3.5mm) 16” circular needle
Size US 5 (3.75mm) 16” circular needle and a set of double pointed needles (DPNs) in the same size for crown.

Supplies: 
Stitch marker and tapestry needle. Optional: Clover Pom-Pom Maker (large)

Gauge: 
Approximately 22 sts = 4” (10 cm) in stockinette in the round on US 5 (3.75mm).

Purchase for $3.50 USD via Ravelry by clicking here:

Knit Up and Dye Episode 64 - Integrity

General discussion includes my return to knitting AND physical therapy, progress on my Daelyn sweater and my Squircle socks, love for the Sweet Tea, No Shade Podcast CowlKAL and my new pattern "Azbury Cowl". I discuss blocking acrylic yarns.  I show off a wonderfully generous gift from Tiffany at Tippy Tree Yarns and remind you of the giveaway. Vote for the Design Along theme on Ravelry.  I also introduce a new product. Come join the fun!

Knit Up & Dye

Host: Jessica L'Heureux

Ravelry: jesseknits
Ravelry Group: Knit Up & Dye Podcast
Instagram: dyemonkeyyarns
Blog: www.dyemonkeyyarns.com
Email: jesse@dyemonkeyyarns.com
Etsy: http://dyemonkeyyarns.etsy.com
Patreon: https://patreon.com/knitupanddye

Theme Music:
"Throw the Hammer Hard" - Bob Log III
Thank you, thank you, Bob for letting me use this!
Buy his music at www.boblog111.com

Featured Patterns & Yarns:

"Azbury Cowl" by Jessica L'Heureux - Available on Ravelry
"Squircle" by General Hogbuffer- Free on Ravelry
"Daelyn Pullover" by Isabell Kraemer - Available on Ravelry

Vanna's Choice by Lion Brand Yarns

Tippy Tree Yarns by Tiffany Foppe
Featuring:
"Riot" fingering on Superwash Merino Twist

Find Tippy Tree Yarns on...
Etsy: www.tippytreeyarns.etsy.com
Instagram: TippyTreeYarns

And watch Instragram: DyeMonkeyYarns for
the Tippy Tree Yarns giveaway
and win a skein of "Riot"
with a bunch of other goodies.

Design Along!
Join us on Ravelry in the "Knit Up & Dye Podcast" group.
Vote for a theme, design and win!

Open call for prize donations!
If you are feeling generous, I'm looking for design along prize
donations.
Please contact me at: jesse@dyemonkeyyarns.com

Knit Up and Dye Episode 53 - Monster Taming

Another Double Demonstration Episode! This time I'm showing you how to use a pom-pom to make embellishments (poms) and I'm showing you another multi-process dyeing technique. General life discussion regarding setting boundaries, knitting discussion in which I show off a project bag, discuss having multiple projects going at once and why, current sweater project, and an exclusive pattern available to patrons and coming up in my shop as a kit!

Three Kinds of Addiction!

The first three of the "Addicted Two Ewe" series are now available for purchase on Ravelry!

Addicted Two Ewe

Still Addicted Two Ewe

Wildly Addicted Two Ewe

All three patterns qualify for 15% off with coupon code LOYAL15 until August 31st!

What makes these patterns GREAT?

• Each pattern uses only basic stitches: cast on, knit, knit two together, yarn over, slip stitch, bind off. 
• The patterns are written to use two skeins of fingering weight yarn held together, helping you bust your stash, while creating exciting colors and textures.
• Each of the scarf designs are flexible enough to "use it till it's gone" so that you don't have a lot of excess yarn.

New Pattern Available: Rachel's Socks

Don’t under estimate her. Just don’t. She is so much more than you think. And if you give her a chance, she will exceed all your expectations by far. Nothing can hold her back; don’t even try. Like the women before her, she is a force of nature.  

Finished Measurement:
The directions are given for a woman’s sock worked cuff down.  Foot length is adjustable.  Leg and foot circumferences (stretched): 8 (11) inches.

Yarn Requirements: 
Necessary yardage will vary with foot length.
Approximately 330 - 367 yards were required for 10 ½” foot lengths in testing over several different yarns.

Shown in Wisdom Yarns
Saki Bamboo Solids
(230 yards per 50 grams, 50% Superwash Merino, 25% Rayon made from Bamboo, 25% nylon, color: Violet).

Recommended Needles: 
Size 2 (2.75mm) Double Pointed Needles (DPNs) or size required to get gauge.

Directions are given using 4 DPNs.  Pattern can easily be worked with two circulars or via Magic Loop Method.

Supplies:
Tapestry needle for weaving in ends.  Stitch markers may be helpful.

Gauge: 
Approximately 32 sts = 4” (10 cm) in stockinette in the round

Pattern is BOTH charted and written for your convenience.

Purchase for $3.50 USD from Ravelry HERE or

Knit Up and Dye Episode 14 - Boundaries

In which I set my intention word for the year, tell you about a couple sales and show my current WIP.


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Studio Renovations Done-ish...and back to work!

I'm proud and excited to announce the studio renovations are done(ish). We still have a couple of projects to finish before it will be truly complete, but the work on the space itself is finished, right down to the trim work. Now I have a functional, peaceful space to knit and design in.

So, no more excuses, right?

Well, I don't have any grand new designs for you right now, but I have recently released a couple of designs that had previously only been available via the Signature Series Kits. The Ebbenflow Cowl became available for individual pattern purchase in January, and as of today, the Ferndale Shawl is also available. You can find each of these patterns on Ravelry.

Part of the studio upgrade included an upgrade to my product photography via a photobox. If you pop into my Etsy shop Dye Monkey Yarns anytime in the next couple of days, you'll notice a number of products have new photos. I'm working hard to provide the absolute best color representation possible. And just for you, I'm adding new colors too!

Oh, and if you read the whole blog post you win! Use "LOYAL15" in either my Ravelry or Etsy shops until February 14th and get 15% off your purchase. Coupon code is good in BOTH shops.

Signature Series Kit 2: Ferndale Shawl - Now Available!

I'm very excited to announce the Ferndale Shawl kits are now available for purchase.

Kit includes 2 skeins of Twist Monkey in “Old Money”, ravelry/digital delivered copy of Ferndale Shawl pattern (written & charted), and a coordinating fabric project bin courtesy of Harbor House Baskets - retail price for items individually is $80.50 -
KIT PRICE $70.00 + S&H 
International Shipping is available.
Click to Purchase

The project bin included with this kit is lovely! Square base 6.5" x 6.5" (16cm x 16cm) / 7 3/4" (19.5 cm) tall. Cotton with stabilizer/stiffener - shown with top edge turned down to show off contract/coordinating internal fabric. Lovely shades of cream/ecru/beige - will compliment almost any decor; excellent size for your current knitting project & tools. Could readily hold 4 skeins of yarn + project. Multiple home uses as well.

COUPON CODES DO NOT APPLY to this item. Thank you.

Please, if you are not a member of ravelry, let me know what email address to deliver your pattern to. Patterns will NOT be delivered in print format. Thank you.

Quantities are limited, so act fast.  Pattern and yarn will not be available again until February 2016.

New Pattern Available: Ebbenflow Cowl

Energy, water, air, love, and laughter all experience an ebb and flow. The trick is learning how to go with the flow and, oddly enough, it is ultimately the most natural way. It actually takes more effort to strain against the ebb and flow in our lives. Soft, elastic, light and pretty, this slightly biased cowl will accentuate any outfit. It may not help you sort out all the stresses in your life, but it will give you an easy project to work on while you ride the waves.

Finished Measurement:
This cowl is knit in the round with no seaming. Directions are given for a 56” circumference cowl with a height of 13”. This pattern is easily adaptable. To change circumference you need only cast on more or fewer stitches in multiples of 20. Changes in height are achieved by working more or fewer vertical repeats of the lace chart.

Yarn Requirements:
Necessary yardage will vary with any sizing customization you choose to execute.
Approximately 350 - 380 yards were required for the 56” circumference/13” tall cowl as instructed.

Shown in Dye Monkey Yarns, HipHop Monkey
(400 yards/100grams, Fingering, 100% Superwash Merino, color: Chalk Line).

Recommended Needles:
Size 8 (5mm) 40” Circular needle or size required to get gauge.

Supplies:
Tapestry needle for weaving in ends.
Stitch markers and row counter may be helpful.

Gauge:
Approximately 12 sts / 28 rows = 4” (10 cm) in lace pattern in the round, blocked.

Pattern released exclusively in Dye Monkey Yarns Signature Series Kit 1: June 2015

The kit includes: Ravelry pattern download or digital delivery of PDF for Non-Rav Members and one (1) skein of Dye Monkey Yarns HipHop Monkey Colorway: Chalk Line (100% Superwash Merino 100g/400 yards)

$35.00 Each, S&H included

If you would like to order your kit with additional skeins of "Chalk Line", please contact me for pricing and I will invoice you directly.

I am happy to ship kits as gifts. Please specify in "additional instructions" when ordering or email me directly.

Kits will ship on or before June 13th.
A Knit-A-Long will be hosted in my JesseKnits Ravelry Group. Feel free to join us!

My apologies - at this time I am only shipping to North America (ie US & Canada).

Public pattern release scheduled for January 2016.

New Pattern Available: Moontrimmer

Fastest way to get anywhere is by broom, but what if you want to fly to the moon?  Simple, grab a Moontrimmer broom and attain previously unimaginable heights and greater successes. Flying higher since 1901.

Finished Measurements and Yarn Requirements will vary based on your yarn & needle selection as well as chosen number of Body Chart repeats. As a general guide I offer the following:

Sizes / Blocked Dimensions:
Small: (7 body chart repeats) 54” wide x 23” deep
Large: (10 body chart repeats) 75” wide x 31” deep

Yarn Requirements:
Small: Approximately 490 yards of fingering weight
Large: Approximately 980 yards of fingering weight

Shown in Fino (color: 419 Brass Button) by Manos del Uruguay (490 yards/448 meters per 100g – fingering weight – 70% Merino, 30% Silk)

Needles: Size 4 (3.5mm) 40-47” circular needles
Note: For cast on and setup, I prefer to work on either short straights or DPN’s.  It provides more control and less clutter, allowing you to establish your setup with more stability.

Supplies: Cable needle, tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and row counter may be helpful.

Gauge: Approximately 24 sts in pattern = 4” (10cm).  Your gauge will vary depending on your yarn and needle choice.

  Ravelry $5.00 USD

New Pattern Available: Swift River Cowl

Twisting and turning alongside the equally winding Kancamagus Highway, the Swift River feeds the dense trees whose leaves transform from summer greens to breathtaking shades of yellow and red just as autumn’s temperatures turn crisp.  Pull on the Swift River cowl, hop on your motorcycle and wind your way along the river and through the woods.

Finished Measurement:
This cowl is knit in the round with no seaming.  Directions are given for a 26” circumference cowl with a height of 13”.  This pattern is easily adaptable.  To change circumference you need only cast on more or fewer stitches in multiples of 12.  Changes in height are achieved by working more or fewer vertical repeats of the lace chart.

Yarn Requirements:
Necessary yardage will vary with any sizing customization you choose to execute.
Approximately 380 - 410 yards were required for the 26” circumference/13” tall cowl as instructed.

Shown in Shalimar Yarns, Zoe Sock
(450 yards/100grams, 4 Ply – Fingering, 100% Australian Superwash Merino, color: Sapote).

Recommended Needles:
Size 4 (3.5mm) 32” (80cm) Circular needle or size required to get gauge.

Supplies:
Tapestry needle for weaving in ends.  Cable needle.
Stitch markers and row counter may be helpful.

Gauge:
Approximately 28 sts / 36 rows = 4” (10 cm) in stockinette stitch in the round.

 Ravelry $2.50 USD

New Pattern Available: Aliqua Duo

Any two competitors can become a team and any two teams can become competitors.  Want to show support for your team but want something with a little more pizzazz than that logo’d cap and scarf? Worked in garter stitch with simple increases and decreases, you could whip this up while watching the game, and end up with something distinct, classy and still full of team spirit.

Finished Measurement:
Measurements will vary depending on how strongly or subtly you block your finished piece.  Approximately 74” x 14.5”

Yarn Requirements:
100 g each of two colors (A & B) Worsted Weight
Shown in Malabrigo Yarn Rios
(210 yards/100grams, 100% merino, colors:
66 Lavanda (A) & 138 Ivy (B)).

Recommended Needles:
Size 8 (5mm) 40” circular or size required to get gauge.  Please note – gauge is flexible, but yardage will vary

Supplies:
Tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

Gauge:
Approximately 18 sts / 23 rows = 4” (10 cm) blocked

 Ravelry $2.50 USD

New Pattern Available: Forbidden Forest Shawl

The Forbidden Forest is strictly forbidden, unless, of course, you’re a giant, centaur, spider, unicorn, three headed dog, dragon, thestral, troll, werewolf, or strictly forbidden yourself. Punishment for entering varies; you might die, get detention, or be escorted out by a wild turquoise Ford Anglia.

This pattern is being featured as a KAL. Feel free to join in/get more information HERE.

Finished Measurement: 
18” deep at center / 56” wide at neck

Yarn Requirements: 
Necessary yardage will vary with gauge.
Approximately 750-800 yards were required for shawl as shown.

Shown in Supernatural Yarns Pixie Sock 
(Approx. 463 yards/100grams, 75% Merino, 25% Nylon, color: Shoot Me Again, Best Pray I’m Dead).

Recommended Needles: 
Size 8 (5mm) 47” or longer circular needle 
Size 10 (6mm) 47” or longer circular needle for cast on and Row 1 ONLY

Supplies: 
Tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

Gauge: 
Approximately 22 sts = 4” (10 cm) in lace pattern after blocking, however, gauge is flexible and can be adjusted to your personal preference and yarn/needle selection for this project. Bear in mind that yardage needs will differ.

Ravelry $5.00 USD

New Pattern Available: Luna Loves Neville

Wit beyond measure may be man’s greatest treasure, but if he’s got an eye out for Nargles in the Mistletoe, likes sitting in the stables with the Thestrals, and isn’t quick to dismiss such things as the Blibbering Humdinger or the Crumple-Horned Snorkack, he’s likely to win the heart of a Miss Lovegood, and that is a treasure indeed.

Finished Measurement:
The directions are given for a woman’s sock. Foot length is adjustable. Leg and foot circumferences (stretched): 8 (11) inches.

Yarn Requirements:
Necessary yardage will vary with foot length. Approximately 380 - 400 yards were required for 10 ½” foot lengths in testing over several different yarns.

Shown in Supernatural Yarns Mermaid Sock (400 yards/100grams, 100% Superwash Merino color: Lockhart).

Recommended Needles:
Size 2 (2.75mm) Double Pointed Needles (DPNs) or size required to get gauge.
Directions are given using 4 DPNs. Pattern can easily be worked with two circulars or via Magic Loop Method.

Supplies:
Tapestry needle for weaving in ends. Stitch markers may be helpful.

Gauge:
Approximately 32 sts = 4” (10 cm) in stockinette stitch in the round.

Ravelry $3.50USD

New Pattern Available: Willows Which Whomp

Stereotypes implying weakness can be damaging, especially for trees.  Decades of a melancholy cast are sure to become a self-fulfilling prophecy.  Willows wishing to rid themselves of this emo blight need only whomp any thing or one that thinks them a sad sight.  Many whomping willows have gone on to fulfilling lifelong employ in the security field – proof that confidence and determination will rise above.

Finished Measurement:

The directions are given for an adult hat, worked top down.  Length is adjustable to wearer’s preference. Circumference 22-25”.  Pattern is written and charted.

Yarn Requirements:

Necessary yardage will vary with any adjustments to length. 

Approximately 180 - 200 yards were required for hat 10 1/2” from crown tip to rim.

Shown in Cascade 220 (220 yards/100grams, 100% wool, color: 8407 - Oyster).

Recommended Needles:

Size 5 (3.75mm) 16” circular needles and a set of double pointed needles (DPNs) in the same size.

Supplies:

Stitch marker and tapestry needle.  Row counter may be helpful. 

Gauge:

Approximately 24 sts / 33 rows = 4” (10 cm) in pattern after blocking. 

Changes, Adjustments and Progress

I know. You are shocked. You were sure I had either died or dropped off the planet. Neither is true, but life has changed, to be sure.

In January I started a new job. This position, unlike my last, is full time and doesn't offer the same "knit while you work" luxury as the last. I very much enjoy my new occupation, but it has definitely abbreviated my knitting and design hours. During the first weeks, while I settled in, I enjoyed nearly no knitting. Now that I'm more confident and past training, I'm back to my true passion.

The Forbidden Forest Shawl is in the final testing stages. This is my first crescent shaped shawl. It is also my first bottom up design. I've created a lovely leafy pattern that starts large and becomes increasingly smaller as it works toward the body of the shawl, much like walking from the forest edge into its depths. Each of these are reasons to be proud, but it's the neck edge detail that really sets this design apart.

I'm working with Shannon Shaw of Supernatural Yarns to release this design as a kit. Details will follow as they are hammered out.

Finally, I'm excited to announce that Cherokee Rose socks are now available for individual pattern purchase. This pattern was originally available in exclusive cooperation with Shannon Shaw's Supernatural Yarn's release of a colorway by the same name as part of her Daryl Dixon sock yarn club. I'm very fond of Supernatural Yarns. Shannon is an exceptionally talented yarn dyer and has an exquisite eye for color.  Be sure to visit her online on Ravelry and via her Etsy shop where you can find her Firefly, Harry Potter, and Hunger Games inspired colorways.

Available via Ravelry - $3.50 USD.



Now, if I can just figure out how to knit in my sleep...

First Donation

Today I proudly made the first donation to Mercy Hospital of 50% of the proceeds from the sale of Claire - Women's Hat pattern during the month of December 2013.  The donation was not a large amount - $13.12, but any amount I can contribute to a good cause and good people providing my mother-in-law with excellent care during her cancer treatment is money well spent in my book.

Please remember, and tell others, that 50% of the profits from the sale of this pattern will be donated to Mercy Health System of Maine in honor of the pattern’s namesake, my mother-in-law, Claire, who is bravely battling cancer.

Available now on Ravelry - $3.50

New Pattern Available: Michael

It’s cold in St. Paul in November - really cold. You’ll wish you’d brought your hat kind of cold. Lucky for you, someone who knits loves you. This masculine, reversible, bottom up hat offers “roll it up and stuff it in your pocket just in case” flexibility for the traveling businessman. Oh, and it’s warm.

Yarn Requirements: Approximately 185 yards of worsted weight yarn. Shown in Nature Spun (color: Irish Shamrock) by Brown Sheep Company.
Needles: Size 5 (3.75mm) 16” circular needles and a set of double pointed needles (DPNs) in the same size.
Supplies: Stitch marker, tapestry needle. Row counter is helpful.
Gauge: 22 sts/28 rows = 4” (10 cm) in stockinette stitch Change needle size as needed to obtain gauge.


Notes: Hat is knit in the round, rim/bottom up. Pattern instructions are written and charted.

Extra special thanks to LeslieM80 and her husband, Michael, for the inspiration.

Sizes: Men’s - Will fit head 22-25” Available now on Ravelry - $3.00