News April 2022

Hi everyone!

A lot is going on around here. So much so that I had to skip last month's news update.

Much behind the scenes work. As you may imagine knitting samples and pulishing patterns is just a small part of all the work that goes into a design until it is ready to be published. 

But of course those are the most exciting parts of the process and the ones that are most interesting to post about. Whereas the not so interesting and "share-worthy" times include sitting in a bubble and designing, doing the math, writing up pattern drafts to knit a sample from and then refine and perfect until a pattern for testing is created, of course the test itself which usually takes several weeks and finally the last finalizing steps to get the pattern ready for publishing as well as creating all the materials and content that need to go with it. All those steps involve a lot of care, attention and love.

Besides that there's always a lot of behind the scenes that takes place in termes of running a business, especially since most of us are a one-woman-show.

But let's get back to what's new!

 

New pattern - Alora skirt

There is a new pattern available in my Ravelry Store - Alora!

 

 

If you are like me and like to wear your knitted pieces all year round, then this is one to consider for you: 

Alora is a very feminine knee length skirt that uses negative ease to create its flattering shape and accentuate your beauty. It’s intended to be worn high at the waist and uses a pretty and simple knit and purl pattern for super relaxing knitting and a stretchy fabric that allows for a very comfortable fit.
You can use any DK weight yarn you have in your stash and you will get the perfect not-too-hot-yet-not-too-cold skirt for in between seasons. Alora is available in seven sizes.

You don't have to knit sweaters only. Personally, I appreciate a nice change from time to time. So why not knit a skirt for yourself? I promise you’ll be surprised by how wonderfully warm, beautiful and comfy you’ll feel.

For more info on construction and sizing please see the pattern page.

I am very happy to finally be able to offer a new skirt pattern for you. Especially since I know how many of you loved my Amaranth skirt. And also now for Alora I've gotten positive feedback already in the test knitting stage. I'm looking forward to see many beautiful projects!
Please use #Aloraskirt and don't be shy to tag me @thedrizzleofhoney on Instagram when sharing your project so I and everyone else can find it easily to share the joy.

 

Sorley shawl

Currently I'm sample knitting on my next design: Sorley shawl.

This two colored shawl has a little different construction. No classic crescent or triangle shape. I often find myself craving a more unique shape of shawl when spring is about to arrive.
Starting point is a center diamond shape where stitches will then be picked up along the sides to work the shawls wings adding texture and pattern throughout.

Each of those wings has one of the two colors used as dominant and the other as contrast.

For the sample I'm using Manos del Uruguay Alegria in Atlantico and Butia. This is of course a fingering weight hand dyed merino yarn. This kind of yarn is always so wonderful to work with especially for shawls. And I know I'm not alone there ;)

So, I'm very excited for this design and how it will turn out. Yes, a test knit for this design will start soon. I will have to finish the sample (a little more to work on the second wing) and then put the pattern in testing shape. :) Follow me on Instagram and join my Ravelry group if you want to know first when the party starts! 

Next design - summer top

For my next design I have also started working on a summer top. Although I feel I am a little bit behind on the schedule on this one. But no worries, I will catch up! 

It will be a short sleeved, top-down, seamless, round yoke construction with a texture pattern in the yoke and stockinette body. I am already thrilled about the design. And it will be my first not free summer top. My other summer tops have been free patterns. So I hope you will love this one just as much as the other ones :)

Have a wonderful weekend and happy easter to you all!

Love,

Stefanie

News December 2021

 Hi everyone!

I hope you're having a great week!

Today I want to share a news update with you.

New pattern release - ARUNA shawl

I am very happy to announce that my new design ARUNA is now available in my Ravelry Store.

ARUNA is a crescent shaped shawl that starts with a garter tab cast on and grows by two stitches on every row. After the deliciously textured body is worked a wide dramatic border is added which is worked from three charts. The design is completed by a spaced petit picot bind off.

Arunas generous size allows you to wrap yourself up perfectly.
Enjoy the voluminous texture and delicate drape while feeling warmth hugging you and embrace the gracefulness of a crescent shawl combined with feminine stylish design.

Use your favorite DK or worsted weight yarn in a solid or variegated tone and feel the flow when starting your project.
Work from big charts and step up your bobble-knitting-game with this design!

Hop over and have a look at the pattern right now! 

I've so longed for this day to come. This design comes from the bottom of my heart. I hope you'll love Aruna as much as I do and give it a warm welcome.♥

New design EMBER hat - testknit

I've also been working on my next design, EMBER hat. I had a great time designing this one. It's always fun and challenging to work with cable designs. And I must say, I'm very satisfied with my sample knit. 

The design has a lot of 2-stitch cables (which luckily can of course be worked without using a cable needle), two wider cables and of course some bobbles! I don't seem to get enough of those lately...
The hat also features loads of texture which makes it so fun to knit and irresistible to look at.

Right now I am hosting the test knit for this design in my Ravelry group. And I'm still looking for some wonderful testers who'd like to knit this very cozy hat design combining beautiful texture and rich cables.

Here's some background info for you, in case you're interested.

Deadline is December 16, 2021.
The pattern comes in three sizes:

Child (Adult small, Adult large) - to fit 50(56, 60)cm / 20(22, 24)inches head circumference. 

The Pattern can be worked to make a beanie 20(22,22)cm / 8(9, 9) inches total length or slouch 24(26,26)cm / 9.5(10.5; 10.5) inches total length.

Using only between 180-220m/197-240yards of sport weight yarn it’s perfect to use your stash. It's a quick project as well, maybe you’re looking for a last minute Christmas gift to make or are in need of a new hat for this season, please have a look at the full test request.

Like I said, the test is hosted in my Ravelry group The Drizzle of Honey Knitwear.
If you like I'll see you there and we can have a good test knitting time!

Change in eStore

As you all know, besides offering handknit patterns for purchase on Ravelry, I'm offering ready to wear knitwear on Etsy as well. 

But I am about to close that store down because it never really worked for me. Also I never got warm around their shop manager, it's just not for me somehow.

But of course there are a lot of alternatives out there to be explored and that's what I'm currently doing on the side. I'm looking for something where I can offer both: handknit patterns and my knitwear. Having another place besides Ravelry to sell my patterns is appealing for me too. Although you don't have to have a Ravelry account in order to buy patterns, I'm not sure everyone knows about that. 

Another reason is I would like to have "my own store" as well. That's also why I don't want to use a platform like Etsy anymore.

Recently I have been looking into payhip. And I wanted to ask, do you have experiences with payhip? Good or bad, or any other services like that? Any recommendations or suggestions?

Don't worry, my Ravelry store stays open, there is no better place for knitting in the world! 

 

That's what wanted to share with you today. 

I hope you're having a little winter wherever you are (if you are on the northern hemisphere). We've had a little bit of snow so far. And it's gotten cold, -10 degrees C more or less. But I always prefer the cold to the wet rainy weather. 

And I always love when the first snow falls. Everything gets a little brighter and the air smells so fresh and clear... That gives me a sense of calm and quiet which I try and keep in my heart and mind as long as possible.

Thanks for reading!

Have a wonderful time!

Love,

Stefanie