Learning My ABCs

A is for Apple; B is for Blanket Stitch

D is for Dice

F is for Fern Stitch

and French Knots

and Fly Stitch

N is for Needleweaving

S is for Snickers

Day at DeCordova

Comet Cuff, crochet pattern by Betsey Sennott

My sister Betsey and I met up at the Decordova Sculpture Park and Museum yesterday, to celebrate her birthday. First we saw the indoor exhibitions--my favorites were the large-scale, rough-hewn cedar sculptures by Ursula von Rydingsvard and a small show of photographs and drawings that give you an idea of what to expect from Andy Goldsworthy's future Snow House project at the DeCordova.

Then we spent lots of time wandering the grounds. Here's a little photo tour of some of the artwork--some manmade, some made by nature.




Paul Matisse, The Musical Fence












John Wilson, Eternal Presence














Kitty Wales, Feral Goose



































Last but not least: The winner of my Elegant Lace eBook contest was starfish15 (sorry, don't have a real name for her). Thanks to all of you who left comments and good luck with your lace projects this summer!

500 Favorites Giveaway

As of today, my Restless scarf pattern has been favorited 500 times on Ravelry. That calls for a giveaway!

One lucky winner will receive a copy of Elegant Lace, an eBook collection of three of my lace designs--Restless, Anita Caroline, and Stony Brook.



To win, just leave a comment by midnight EST, Friday, June 24, answering this question: Are you working on any lace projects this summer? If yes, which ones?

I'll use a random number generator to pick the winner. Be sure your reply includes a way for me to contact you--such as your Ravelry username or your email addy.

Pattern Release: Briza

Here comes the summer ...



To celebrate summer's arrival, I'm releasing a new knitting pattern, a tank top called Briza. It's available on Ravelry and in my Etsy shop.


Pattern: Briza, by Bonnie Sennott
Yarn: DK weight cottons or cotton blends
Needles: US4 and US6

Briza features a crisp knit-purl stitch pattern set against a stockinette ground. It has a notched hem, and garter stitch edging on the neck and arms. The stitch pattern runs the entire length of the back, spicing up both the garment and the knitting process.



I knit the sample in Classic Elite's Classic Silk (50% cotton, 30% silk, 20% nylon; 135yd/123m per 50g skein; color #6967, Wave Break), but you could substitute your favorite DK weight cotton or cotton blend.

One of my favorite things about Briza is the notched hem. It's made by knitting two pieces flat, then joining them on a circular needle. The tank is then worked in the round to the armholes. Only the shoulders require seaming.



A big, big thanks to Katie for her cheerful modeling. I loved her blue nail polish and collection of sunglasses! She was lots of fun to work with and came up with some funny and creative ways to solve the perennial problem of "What do you do with your hands when you're modeling that won't obscure the knitwear?"



Thanks also to Katherine for her expert tech editing, and to my sisters Jenny, Jackie, and Betsey, who are all knitting their own Brizas and have given me much helpful feedback.

Happy Summer Solstice!

Breezy Sunday

I came home from Squam Art Workshops two weeks ago, but in my heart, every day, I'm still there...



I'm working bit by bit on the Stitch Dictionary sampler . . . I think my backstitch and satin stitch are getting better. I confess I splurged on some delicate French embroidery thread from Purl Soho.



I do not regret the splurge--it's fine and lovely and a pleasure to work with.

Yesterday I frogged the Gully Socks that I began right before Squam. The pattern had numerous errors, including a chart that was entirely wrong. I notified the designer, who has issued a corrected PDF. But since I had to rip back quite a ways, and I wasn't loving the Valley Yarns Huntington yarn (splitty; too loosely plied), I stopped altogether. I'll try the pattern again some other time, with a different yarn.

I do want some new socks, though, so I cast on with yarn purchased at the Squam Art Fair:


Pattern: None--I'm improvising
Yarn: Liberty Fibers fingering weight merino/nylon, colorway Totem LE
Needles: 2.50mm for the cuff; 2.25mm for the leg

The difference in the happiness quotient between this new sock and the frogged sock is amazing. Lesson learned (once again): if it's not working, it's not working. Say good-bye and cut your losses!

Meanwhile, Briza--my new tank top design--is almost ready to release. It's with a tech editor, and I also need to do a photo shoot.




back detail


hem detail

Hope to announce the pattern release soon!