Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Knitting in hot weather and giveaway

If you live on the East Coast, you know that it has been horribly hot and muggy here for at least 2 weeks. I actually call this type of weather "sit and sweat". It is practically too hot to knit, but I cannot live without knitting. So I had to think of something. I set out to design something small, yet fun and made with cotton yarn.

I had a couple balls of Rowan Classic Yarns Siena, one red, and one blue. My project needed to require no more than 153 yards. The red project would go to Miss SockPixie, and the blue one to Little Miss SockPixie.

I have a fondness for simple summer kerchiefs, that you can either wear on you head, or around your neck. I am endlessly making some out of fabric, but thought what if I made some knitted ones?




I opted for a simple triangular center, and a lace border. The lace pattern is actually based on a vintage 40's doily. I adapted the stitch pattern to fit my purpose. The little picot edging adds to the vintage feel of this charming romantic project. It also gives an informal, innocent touch to the kerchief. I am particularly fond of the sun like pattern in the center of the kerchief.




The project is small, light, cotton and super fast to knit,and only uses 1 ball of Siena, perfect for that odd ball left in your stash. The ideal kind of summer knitting!

I am testing the pattern right now. The photoshoot will happen tomorrow. I love taking pictures, so this should a lot of fun.  Hopefully there will be a little sun for us! I should have the pattern ready by this Sunday. I will be offering it as a pdf for $3.00, and am creating a video companion to guide you through the knitting steps. I often feel when knitting myself, or when answering your questions that things would be so much easier if we could just see it. I hope you will let me know what you think of this idea of video support.

Oh, one last thing. This lace kerchief does not have a name yet. I would love it if you could help me find a name for it. Regardless of which name I select, I will pick a comment at random  to receive a gift copy of the pattern and its video as well as a ball of Rowan Classic Yarns Siena cotton.

Just leave a comment with your suggestion by Saturday July 17, 8 p.m. East Coast time.

Back to testing...

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137 comments:

Anonymous said...

How about Summer Solstice. Or, Summer Sweetness. I don't think I am good at this so appreciate that you are choosing the winner randomly. So pretty. My girls would love these. ~Kelly

unDeniably Domestic

notablyindigo said...

This name might be a little trite, but if it's got a sun pattern on it I'd suggest "Sunburst" as a name for the pattern. :)

Anonymous said...

It is such a sweet pattern. How about the name Sundance? When will you be dying more yarn? I am interested in the vegan.

Pandora said...

Heatwave Scarflette!

Another beautiful design!

queenie said...

"Flutter"

What a great idea! Looking forward to seeing the pictures from the shoot.

Cheryl M. said...

Red Hot Scarflette

Rumi said...

Love the sneak peeks; looking forward to seeing the entire scarf. What a wonderful idea!

Anonymous said...

How about "Christmas in July"? The lace pattern looks like little trees, and since it's now July....

BTW, the pattern is lovely!

Anonymous said...

How about "Lacey Girl," since you are making one for each of your girls, and it is, after all. a lovely bit of lace.

panfila said...

I nominate "Fireworks". That's what the edging looks like to me when viewed from the center of the kerchief. And we're still pretty close to the 4th of July.

Alternatively (but on the same theme), how about "Bastille Day", which is what it is today.

Pam (panfila on rav)

Anonymous said...

Beautiful! First thing that came to mind is Firefly! The color is wonderful....

Meg said...

Such a sweet kerchief -- looking forward to seeing the whole thing! How about "Under the Apple Tree?" The fact that you're basing this on a 1940's design reminds me of all the great songs of the Glenn Miller era back in the '40s. Although the song is really "Don't Sit Under The Apple Tree," can't you just imagine yourself knitting (and wearing!) this sweet kerchief, in that cheery apple red ... under an apple tree in the summer time? :-)

Gaby said...

I think that "Ruby Drops" could be a nice name for your kerchief :)

Carol said...

Can. Not. Wait! Since it's a 40's doily using no more than 153 yds, I keep seeing the name as-
Charleston 153

Suburban Hausfrau said...

It's so pretty. How about "Sand Castle"? The peaks remind me of turrets, and it is summer, after all...

Mrs. Cricky said...

How about "Soleil" ?? Or "Solstice" or "sunray"
I hope I can be as creative as you someday! I would love to try writing a pattern sometime, but I'm not there yet!

Mary (aka Mina) said...

Sweet little thing. How 'bout "Picot Ends Lace".
stay well.

rachel said...

going with a 40s glamour idea how about myrna kerchief for myrna loy

gg said...

How about naming it No Excuse...I have switched my sleeping schedule where I sleep in the afternoon when it is the hottest. I don't have any air conditioners so I stay up late at night just so I can knit. The pattern is a wonderful idea, I can't wait to make it just for the fact that I've been sweating really bad today it's 95 outside so it's about 100 inside even with the fans going and I use a rag to wipe my face with but this will be so cute to use. So with this pattern you will have NO EXCUSE to knit!

Anonymous said...

The color and the edging (looks like netting) reminds me of... Lobster! (perhaps I'm hungry...) Anyways, I thought of lobster and when I think of lobster, I think of Maine. So perhaps, "Maine's Caress"?

mistyknits (rav name)

Anonymous said...

I was thinking Dreamy Tranquillity or Summertime Escapes. I love the pattern, no matter what you name it. It is beautiful.

Theresa
utsc@shaw.ca

Trish said...

The triangles make me think of the Louvre pyramid so I'd suggest "Musee du Louvre."

Margaret said...

Sienna is a lovely name, I think. It certainly looks wrappble & lovable.

Anonymous said...

I, too, had to abandon heavier projects right now due to the heat. I opted for the ubiquitous cotton dish cloth (albeit creative and original designs). I can't wait to try your kerchief. It's lovely!

Joycers said...

I agree with the "sunburst" name if only it were in warm colors (red, yellow, orange). But the name wouldn't work with blues or greens. How about "Shade dropper" it's at least wistful thinking when dealing with the heat. =)

Kathy said...

Gorgeous! I was thinking "Cherry Sour," one of my favorite candies. I keep thinking this would be a great alternative for my newly short hair; rather than a hat, a Cherry Sour Kerchief!

Valerie said...

How about "Cool Thoughts Help Kerchief?

LouannD(TN) said...

Can't wait to see the final pics! And such great ideas so far!

Rachel said...

Maybe "Summer Breeze" since it has the breezy holes and that's all you really think about any way when it's super hot outside :)

I find myself sitting inside knitting in the a/c when it's super hot but on those occasionally beautiful days I love to sit on my back porch and knit.

Anonymous said...

How about Troika? (Troika because of the triangles.) Or Troika Kerchief. The picot edging is a lovely touch. I must make one for myself!

Morgan Syring said...

So pretty! I can't wait to see the whole thing.

Names...
"Homecoming" (I keep getting the WWII images of women waving their kerchiefs when sailors were arriving in port. So of course "USO" popped into my head as well.

Carol M said...

Ny first thought was 'Flutter' but Queenie beat me to it... so I'm going to say 'Gingham'.

Anna said...

How about "Brighid"? Irish goddess of fire, wisdom, and poetry. That's the name that popped into my head when I looked at the kerchief. It's really pretty.

Hyzenthlayk9 said...

What a beautiful kerchief, and so timely - I was just thinking that at this time of year a kerchief would be just the thing to keep the hair from blowing around when driving with the windows down.

Some great names have already be suggested, anything in the Starburst or Sunburst range would be fitting - no matter what colorway was chosen.

Tasha said...

Summer Evening

1. To be crocheted in the evening when 80 degrees is the low for the day...
2. To be worn out for a summer fiesta!

Love the pattern.

Leah said...

Adorable!
When I see it, I think of the doilies I was given to put under my tea party set when I was little.
"Sweet tea party" would be the name or "Summer Tea party"
Kind of silly but I am not good at naming things. We won't go into the names of all my pets... (BTW the secret word to post this... "derper" lol)

Jolene (JoboDesigns on Ravelry) said...

How about "Kung Pao" ? the color looks spicy to me :)

JCL said...

Hmmm... It looks darling. A Bit Of Sunshine and Lace, perhaps?
I can't wait to see more pictures! And the pattern!

Jen
(reallydahling)

omiegosh said...

"Pavot Napperon" which in French means "poppy doily". This shawl says flower to me combined with the doily inserts and edging .

Anonymous said...

Bad Nana - 'Cause Kercheif = Bandana = babushka = something a bad nana might wear! :) It's cute, can you put in a photo that shows the whole thing? I also thought of Redhot - like the candy, or hot tamale, for the same reason, but that is more because of the color you used....

chilblanco on rav

tishka said...

Love the kerchief and the color choice. "Sweet Lacelet" or "Sweet Lace" are my choices.

AnDy said...

I hear ya' on the muggies...even the basement doesn't provide much relief....
as to a name....how about
'Summer Soleil"
translation: Summer Sun

AnDy in Maine

susieg said...

Love the new pattern, great colour. I think a nice name could be "nobel kerchief"

Anonymous said...

Hot tamale would be nice! love the pattern!

Ronda said...

Annie Oakley Kerchief. Because strong women rock, but they don't have to loose their femininity in the process.

Connie said...

I love what I see...can't wait to see the whole thing and the pattern! Only name I came up with is "Sitting Sun."

Skrewkat said...

The way the lace is reminds me of peaks and valleys. Been snifting between:
Fire on the Mountains
Summer's Valleys
and
Pompeii

alcatmom said...

Lovely lacy design! And just to prove that I stink at naming, I offer 'Nostalgic Kerchief' as my suggestion.

Anonymous said...

"Not a Ker-choo Kerchief". I'm just starting to do lace patterns. Will have to try this one for sure!

D. Estrada said...

How about "Pixie's Sun Shawlette" because you can wear it in the summer time, and you're making it for your little ones!

I know its not great... i too suck at naming things!

Karen Bass said...

When I think of kerchief's I always always think of the picture of Rosie the riveter. Not sure why but I do. So maybe Rosie, or Hot Rosie. Anyway it is beautiful. Looking forward to the pattern coming out.

Lindsay said...

Licorice Lace.. the color is so delicious it makes me think of candy and reminds me of when I used to play with my shoestring licorice, weaving and braiding it in to bracelets and necklaces before eventually partaking of it.

Laeun said...

Summer Sweetie! :)

Monika said...

It's beautiful! Maybe it's name should be "Summer fling"? I love that it's red, and the lace border is gorgeous.

Serena said...

It's a lovely kerchief. The border reminds me of a gable, so my suggestion is the Gable Kerchief. ;)

GinaF said...

Heat Wave!

MarthaJane said...

how about red hot mama?

Mary Kay said...

Unforgettable

thalassa said...

Hi,
your kerchief looks absolutly great! For the name, the first thing that crossed my mind was "vitrail" wich means stained glass in french. I think the sharp angles and the fact you can see through it gave me this idea.

Alicia said...

Hi I love your kerchief. How about Sunny Days for a name?

Criquette said...

I can't wait to get my hands on this pattern! The edging reminds me of mountain, so in honor of the Tour de France, you could name it after one of the mountain peaks on the tour, Aubisque.

Anonymous said...

Picot the Sun

i love small kerchiefs, i'm looking forward to this one.

mym on ravelry

arlenelaf said...

Love the kerchief - I'll be looking forward to the pattern. How about "Pretty Little Thing" for the name?

Anonymous said...

How about 'Summer Bloom'? You have got lots of options already. I don't think mine is the best!

Susan said...

The first thing that popped into my head was Simply Red.

skitz said...

The kerchief makes me think of mountains and valleys, so how about Mountains and Valleys Kerchief? Bribgs to mind the view from Skyland Lodge on the Blue Ridge Parkway looking over towards Massanutten. I can't wait to make it. I love wearing kerchiefs, too

Kristin said...

What a wonderful design. I would love love to call it SummerFun.
Thank you for sharing it with us.

Kristin from Germany

Cheryl said...

I love the color.. I say Red Hot or maybe even Sizzle

Tiina said...

Summersweetie

rosalia said...

Oh, my! I love this pattern, this colour...
may be its ideal name will be fire in heaven. The sensation of an ethereal fire and a lace like wings inspired to me this name.
Huges
Rosalías

mimouna said...

This looks great! I love one skein projects.

How about naming it "Irresistable"?

susieb said...

Wow - soo many really good names! and of course, the ones I thought of were taken. Can't wait to see the entire kerchief.

Robin said...

Love the kerchief. I want to make one whether I win or not.
How about vintage summer

Erika said...

It's lovely. What about Summer Spray?

Gail said...

Your pattern reminds me of hibiscus flowers.

Branwen said...

Lovely project! How about naming it Scarlet after Scarlet O'Hara. Gone with the wind was first published 1936 and the first film came out 1939 - so it nearly corresponds with the 40's pattern you used.

Anonymous said...

"Phoenix" or "Phoenix awakens"

This pattern literally came out of the heatwave, cause you couldn't imagine knitting with wool.

I have given up on knitting in this heat (yes we have heatwave going on here in Finland too) and started to crochet small things with cotton.

Video idea sounds really nice, cause some of us have to knit with different languages and things are not always so straight forward.

-Henna.J.

Anonymous said...

The pattern is absolutely beautiful. I really like the name someone else has mentioned "Under the Apple Tree". Here is my feeble attempt at a name. "Lazy Days of Summer".

-Becky.C.

Janina said...

I really like this! I think maybe "Sunburnt Summer"

Judy said...

I would like to have the pattern because I want to use it to make a short t-shirt longer. The name I would give your project is; ‘hot (because of the red color) summerbreeze’ (cotton is cool like a breeze and the lacy part also)

greetings from Holland,
Judy

Joanne said...

looks cute! I live on Long Island so I am feeling the muggy humidity too. so the name....since its 40's inspired and that the WWII era, my suggestion is VICTORY scarflette, neckerchief or just Victory. I hope u have fun with the name suggestions.

Leona said...

call the kerchief "la femme rouge"...
slightly mysterious,sexy...it will sell a lot of patterns. Auntie kay

Anonymous said...

LOL - the only thing that keeps running through my mind is "SunShine on my Shoulders.....

andiknit said...

mountain dew?

Anonymous said...

Love it, it is absolutely gorgeous. A name is such a hard thing. Breezy Summer is what I think of when I see it. Really nice can't wait to purchase the pattern.

SheilaD

Anonymous said...

I left a comment, but can not see it. So I apoligize if this is duplicate. Love it and can not wait for it to be published. It reminds me of a "Breezy Summer" or maybe that we are hoping for a breezy Summer up on the East Coast.

SheilaD

Josee said...

The lace makes me think of mountains so how about 'Summer Peaks'? Whatever the name you choose, it looks lovely. Looking forward to the pattern!

Karen said...

I have been suffering through the heat also - knitting only with cotton - market bags, kerchiefs, dishcloths. Your kerchief is lovely - I look forward to the pattern. As for a name how about Sunny Days.

Tracey said...

How about "Not your grandma's kerchief"

It's so pretty. I love the color you selected.

rebeccat said...

"Aurinko" means sun in Finnish. It's kind of fun and goes with your theme on non-English names for your great patterns.

andrea said...

I would name this kerchief "Regina". The border is so stately! Love a giveaway and thank you for the offer.
Here on the Eastern Shore we are referring to this ungodly humidity as "tropical swampish!" LOL!

Sereknitty said...

The colour reminds me of tomato red, so I would call it "Roma" ... also reminds me of riding on a scooter in Italy and wishing I had something to hold my hair off my face!

Beck said...

Love the color and the pattern. My suggestion is...

Red Hot and Ready

Crystal said...

I love the idea of video support!
How about cabeza for a name. 8)

Messy Karen said...

very pretty. it looks like Raindrops. that's a good name. or you could call it So Pretty.

amanda said...

"Helios" possibly? Meaning god of the sun.

slashkitten said...

How about Coral far more red?

Turtle said...

It is so beautiful! Seriously love it! With the color and the little lace "airvents" it makes me think of "hot Summer Nights"

lol, i so want to knit this!

Heather K said...

Looks lovely! How about Hot Lite?
Looking forward to the photo shot pics - and the pattern, of course.
LOL

Gina said...

Wow, so many beautiful suggestions. How about Wildberry.

Cheers!

Gina C.

Diane said...

Petal Lace - it reminds me of a cross between Dahlia flower petals and Queen Anne's Lace. Can't wait to see more pix. It is very feminine and very pretty. I am sure it makes you feel as such to wear one!

Emma said...

Kimberly.

It just strikes me as a Kimberly!

JJ said...

Love It!!

How about Mesa Kerchief

SovereignCrux said...

Oh my gosh, I am in love with this design already and absolutely MUST make it for both myself and my mother. I hope you release it soon. As I never win anything ever (lol, I am serious), I will most likely need to purchase the pattern.

My name suggestion - Pixie Coif?

tammy said...

so pretty! how about pixie's sol...

Jessica Sant said...

Lacey triangular kerchiefs always make me imagine a beautiful Russian girl walking down a street. So the name I'd suggest is "Katerina" or "Svetlana"or maybe "Natalya".

Can't wait for the pattern!

Karen said...

What a sweet edging. How about Cosette?

Sharon said...

The red one can be called hot tamale, and the blue one cool azul. (I am so clever!)

kat said...

how about:
french kiss
cranberry crush
crimson crush
red romance

i luv it, cant wait to make it!
kat

Jocelyn said...

It looks like a "Summer Rain" to me. Your daughters are very beautiful!

Chitownknittergal said...

How about Summer Breeze? It looks so light and fabulous - you can still feel the breeze through your hair.

Thank you for this opportunity. I can't wait until you release the pattern!!!

Partly Cloudy Knitter said...

It reminds me of the summer kerchiefs worn by the Irish girls in my old neighborhood. My friends name was Shayla. Shayla would be a beautiful name for your pattern!
Cathy

Susan L. said...

How does this sound....Triangular Lace Kerchief? Lace out of a math shape!

celaine53f@comcast.net said...

The kerchief is so sweet and so french! How about 'Ma Cherie'

rheawhite said...

I love it, how about "Rosie"? The 40's and headscarfs always makes me think of Rosie the Riviter.

Terrie D. (StarSpry) said...

This is such a lovely kerchief! I love the idea of video support for your pattern :)

How about naming it Vintage Sun Kerchief?

Patty said...

The thought of wearing one of your beautiful kerchiefs makes me want to dance, makes me want to sing...therefore I suggest the name of THUMBELINA. (It also makes me feel nine feet tall!)

MaggieBelize said...

Ooh, some really good suggestions ... I like the "Apple Tree" idea, and "Roma" - not only for Rome, but also for the tomato-red color! Continuing the apple idea, how about Pippin or McIntosh Kerchief? (I know Pippins aren't red, but it's such a cute word.)

Emily said...

Oh I adore this one! (And I have such a thing for kerchiefs to hold back my ever-more-unruly fringe.)

How about Sugar Snap? (I've no idea why...it just came to mind because the pattern is sweet and little things like that knit up in a snap.)

Unknown said...

I love little projects that are easy to pick up and take along during the summer. It's nice to not have a huge wool THING on your lap in weather like this!!! Love the thought of a small project like the kerchief that acts to cool you off once you've finished it! Thanks for such a cool project. :)

Kristina

Unknown said...

This makes me think of the cover of a fairy tale my Mom read to me as a kid - especially with the red! What about "Gretyl"? (Like a cool spelling of "Hansel and Gretel"?
Kristina

Anonymous said...

Beautiful scarf-How about "Summer Dreams"?

Kasia said...

wow so many names already, when i saw it i thought about FIRE, or spicy red :) evening summer charmer, well i am really interested what will you chose! btw it is a beautiful piece and iam sure will be a star among the others shawlettes! all the best from warm France! á bientot...Kasia***

Kasia said...

actually something with PIXIE would be great, it is your pattern so people can thing straight away about you :) just a little thought...

Kairi said...

Inspired by the photo of your beautiful daughters wearing the kerchief, I suggest "Sisterhood", or "Sister-hood"

Anonymous said...

I keep thinking "Madeleine"

Allie said...

As soon as I saw the photo of your girls wearing their kerchiefs, I thought of 'Woodstock' - it has an innocent retro look about it. Having said that, someone else said 'Solstice'and I think that'd be a beautiful name.

Grace said...

Summer Dew is my suggestion

Anonymous said...

This is soooooooooo pretty!

Jane said...

Pixie Cap is the only thing I can visualize

barb said...

my those are lovely kerchiefs. As for a name? Here is my lame offer:
Lacey Kerchief.

Lois said...

I would call it trellis. The name sings of summer.

grammynan said...

"Robin" after the red breast!

Allie said...

I don't know if I know how to post a comment but I'll try again as I don't think it worked the first time I tried - I saw your photo of your girls wearing their kerchiefs and immediately thought of 'Woodstock'. I liked 'Solstice' that someone else said too.

Elizabeth said...

How about vintage lace kerchief...I know, I know, so original :)

Diane said...

Maiden Lace or Fair Maiden Lace

Anonymous said...

Willow