Chicken's Lifetime

Check out this stop motion video about the progress of a crocheted chicken's life, from egg forward, by YouTube user Betibettin. I did hope we were going to see the full span of a chicken's life, ending in some yummy-looking fried chicken on a plate, but the story took a different turn.

A Bevy of Swan Projects

It's my birthday today, and I've decided to mark the occasion by doing a post of selected swan-themed knitting patterns.

If you've ever wondered why my pseudonym is Orange Swan, the answer is that I chose it almost at random when I needed a username for an internet account back in 2001. Then in 2006, when I set up my first blog, it made sense to use the Orange Swan name because it was already familiar to a community of a few thousand people. Late in 2006, I bought my house and named it Swan's End (yes, I named a semi-detached, bite me), because I realized the swan had become my personal symbol. After I found an awesome swan candelabra at Value Village for $5, I began to buy appealing swan items whenever I came across them, which wasn't often. A friend wisely warned me that I wouldn't want to tell too many people what I'd named my house, because then they'd start giving me all kinds of swan crap, and most swan stuff is tacky. True that. You've seen those white plastic swan planters, right? I've found my best chance of getting nice swan items was to make them. I made the Art Nouvau counted cross-stitch cushion depicted above. But I've never knitted a swan project. So let's have a look at the best swan projects Ravelry has to offer.

This is the Wetwang design, by Ann Kingstone, and the pattern is available for £5.00(GBP). I quite like it. It's simple, effective, and wearable. But I think if I were to make it I would refer to it as my "swan sweater" rather than my "Wetwang". Wetwang is a Yorkshire Wolds village and civil parish in the East Riding of Yorkshire, England, but the name has some seriously unfortunate connotations in modern parlance.

This is the Swan Lake & Lily Stole, designed by by Susan A. Reishus. It's available for $25.00(USD), which is by far the most expensive single pattern price I've ever seen. It is a lovely piece, but if I were to make this, I'd want to make it in a colour to get it away from the old-fashioned, doily-like effect it has in white.

This is the Swans A Swimming design by Sharon Winsauer. It's available for for $9.95(USD). I actually like this shawl design better on the whole than the previous one, because the lace pattern is gorgeous and the whole "kissing swans" thing is a little too twee for me, but I do wish this had a shape that was as good as that of the previous shawl. Shaped shawls lie better than rectangular ones.

I've posted previously about the Hexapuff technique, designed by Stephanie Dosen of Tiny Owl Knits, and other Ravelry members have done some really impressive work by running with Dosen's concept. This chart, which was created by Jennifer Fabian, offers not only swan but penguin and raven lovers a way to customize their Hexapuffs. The chart is available as a free download.

This is the Spirit Swan Knitting Chart, by Melanie Nordberg, and its available as a free download. Melanie Nordberg, by the way, offers a variety of amazing charts on her Ravelry page. I've featured her work before in some of my theme pattern posts. Her charts would make a excellent starting point for someone who wants to design a themed afghan or sweater.

This is the Valkyries sock pattern, designed by Karen S. Lauger and available for $5.10(USD). The Valkyries are the amazons of Nordic mythology and the swan is one of their symbols. I don't know if I could stand to put shoes on over these. It might dilute the Valkyrie power.

Enchanted Knits 2014: A Review

Interweave Press has released a special issue called Enchanted Knits, which features 27 projects that reference well-known fairy tales and literary works of fantasy. Let's have a look at them, shall we?

The Among the Birches Shawl. This project was inspired by Norwegian folk tales of the Hidden Folk, who sometimes lure adults and children into the woods for nefarious ends. It's a nice piece and the texture is lovely. But I wouldn't recommend it that you wear it for any excursions into the woods as it will catch on everything.

The Bamboo Princess Baby Blanket and Hat. This design is based on a Japanese fairy tale that begins when an old Japanese bamboo cutter finds a tiny baby girl in a stalk of bamboo — note the green, the leaf-like lace patterns, the fibre used. Very meta, and it's a nice set in itself. That is one pretty blanket.

The Butterfly Fairy Tank. Very pretty and wearable summer top. I like that this designer found a way to incorporate butterflies into this design in a fashion that isn't too twee for a grown woman.





The back view and part of the front of the Chloris Sontag. Hoo boy. From the description on the Ravelry pattern page:

This wrap is inspired by the nymph better known by the Latin name Flora. Goddess of flowers, greenness, and growth, she was said to be the wife of Zephyrus, the West Wind. Mixing crochet with knitting, this lush piece takes a utilitarian bit of warmth from the past — the sontag, or bosom friend — and updates it with plush reversed textures, lacy motifs, and thick and thin yarn combinations for a signature accessory that will still ward off a bit of chill.

Wear this and you'll look and feel like a goddess of flowers, albeit one who has just had an epic battle with a weed whacker. As for practicality, you'll notice that the description refers to a "bit of warmth" and says it will "ward off a bit of chill". Only a bit, mind you. The front does look much more promising, but we can't see very much of it in any of the pictures provided.

The Colubrida Wrap. This piece references the snake that figures so often in mythology — and fortunately in a not too-literal way. It's a nice piece. It lies well and that "serpentine" lace border is something different and interesting.

The Eglantine Sleeves allude to the briars that surrounded Sleeping Beauty's castle for the duration of her century's sleep. And they're a beautiful piece of work, but I'm trying to figure out how one would style them. I can see they'd be useful to wear with a shawl or cloak, but if the weather is cold enough to require both, wouldn't you just put on a jacket instead?

The Giant Slayer's Vine Scarf is, of course, based on the tale of Jack and the Beanstalk. It's a beautiful piece. The mohair-silk yarn choice works especially well, as it gives it such an luxurious and ethereal look and feel. But then I may be biased, as I seem to have a fetish for mohair.

The Hansel and Gretel socks are meant to represent the candy house where they are imprisoned by a witch. I'm a not a big fan of mismatched socks, even when they are clearly paired by a reversal of design, because to a casual glance they look like the result of doing laundry while drunk, but these are cute and one could knit them both the same way if one wanted.

The Hervor's Undermittens are named for a Norse mythological character named Hervor. I like the design on the whole as it's a nice blend of lines and curves and I do like a elongated glove as it's both more aesthetic (it creates a clean line at the wrist) and more practical (no wrist exposed to the elements). Not a fan of the colour scheme used here, but that can be changed.

The Honest Woodsman Pullover is named after the Aesop's fable about a woodcutter who loses his axe in the river. Very much like this sweater. It's something a bit different with interesting visual lines and texture while being a design even a very conventionally dressed man (and isn't that most men?) would care to wear.

The name of the Hunger for Rampion Pullover refers to the root that Rpaunzel's mother asked her husband to steal for her from a neighbouring witch's garden, while the cables on the sweater are meant to evoke Rapunzel's hair. It's a lovely piece, though I would make the sleeves wrist-length rather than this length. Unless you plan to dangle your arms temptingly out the window for the benefit of any passing princes.

The Into the Magic Forest Blanket is another beautiful baby blanket, this time based on Labyrinth. Love the spirals and cabled devices along the border. Warning: this baby afghan might make you think about David Bowie every time you use it.





The Kitsunetsuki Cardigan refers to the kitsune, or fox spirits, of Japanese mythology, which sometimes have multiple tails. Not thrilled by this one. Those seams in the front looks rough and unfinished and the cables in the back look random. The whole thing looks like a design experiment that didn't work out rather than a finished design.

The Maleficant's Cloak design. Maleficent is the name assigned to the witch in Sleeping Beauty. This piece is pure costume, but maybe some people like to have a physical prop when they're pretending to be Angelina Jolie.

The Merlin Sweater. This Merlin plainly favours traditional cabled sweaters and saves his creative moments for his incantations. Nothing wrong with that.

The Riddles with Dragons Shawl does seem to hang well, and the lace pattern is attractive, but that edging looks rather unfinished. This design looks like it needs a little more work before it's done.





Rumplestiltskin's Wrap. Oooh, quite like this one. It's beautifully detailed and gracefully shaped.

Singeli's Silver Slippers. Love these too. I do like a slipper that has a bit of style and elegance to it, and between the shape and the embroidery on this design, these slippers have both.

The Snowdrop and Rose Red Cowl. In my pattern reviews, I often criticized the way cowls sit, comparing them to flat tires or cakes. This cowl could teach a class in masterful cowl sitting. It has a very romantic feel to it, and yet it's totally wearable for a contemporary woman. Nice work!

The String of Flowers Circlet. This is... pretty enough for what it is, that being an accessory for the younger and more boho among us. I'd consider making something like this as a headband for a little girl.





The Sylvania Cardigan. Lovely classic sweater with an especially beautiful back detail.

The Taking Flight Kerchief. Pretty little kerchief for wearing around the house as you do all those chores at the behest of your evil stepmother.





The Entwife's Coat, so named after "beautiful Entwives were partners to the Ents of Middle-earth" in J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy. I'm torn on this one, because there is much I like about it, such as the detail and the front shaping and that awesome rose button. But the jacket as a whole is so very bulky it's not flattering, and those extra flounces at the back aren't helping. I'd be inclined to rework this design entirely to make it more streamlined.

This is Thumbelina's Dress. It doesn't say on the Ravelry page for the pattern what use this dress will be. I would want to make it to fit a particular-sized doll, such as a Barbie. Such a pretty, fanciful piece needs to be used and enjoyed.





The Undine Shawlette, named for a water-spirit of German legend. This is a beautiful piece, although I do question how well it's going to stay around one's shoulders.

The White Queen Stole is inspired by Jadis (AKA the White Witch) of C.S. Lewis's Narnian series, and it's a gorgeous piece fit for a bride. Just don't offer any Turkish Delight candy to any small children when you're wearing it.

The Woodcutter's Socks. Nice socks. Appropriately enough for the name they bear, they are simple and workmanlike.

Vogue Knitting Fall 2014: A Review

Vogue Knitting has released its Fall 2014 issue. Let's have a look at it, shall we?

Pattern #1, Hooded Cabled Scarf. This hooded scarf is shaped in such a way that it can also be worn as a shawl. Very clever and useful design with a timeless appeal in its cabled texture.

Pattern #2, Bateau-Neck Pullover. Classic cabled sweater. The cropped sleeve and hem length won't be for everyone, but can be lengthened.

Pattern #3, Deep V-Neck Cardigan. I quite like this one, which is one of those "classic with a twist" designs that appeal to me most. It's a take on the traditional cabled cardigan that catches the eye. The lines are good and face-framing. I even like the dropped shoulders, which are necessary here given the combined width of the neck and the ribbing around the neckline.

Pattern #4, Close-fitting Pullover. Another cabled pullover. The overall look is quite traditional, but there are some interesting components in this design, such as the laddered central panel and the textured stitch (which looks like some kind of double moss stitch) used for the sleeves.

Pattern #5, Long Cabled Coat. This piece has a certain suggestion of Renaissance fashion about it, with the corded effect at the shoulders and the combination of a high collar and cut-away neckline. It would be a little costume for me, but I can see it looking very stylish on the right person.

Pattern #6, Cabled Shell with Arm Warmers. This cabled tank is a nice classic piece, and the arm warmers are fine in their way, but wearing them as a set looks a little silly. Is Vogue Knitting going to present us with a matching shorts and legwarmers set next?

Pattern #7, Funnel-Neck Turtleneck. This is the cover design. The cables on this piece are interesting, but this isn't a terribly flattering item. I'd raise those dropped shoulders and neaten up the fit somewhat.

Pattern #8, Fretwork Pullover. Quite like this one. Those openwork cables are an interesting effect.

Pattern #9, Cabled Scarf. This is an okay piece. You may find it a little on the unwieldy side size-wise, but if you do, you can always cut it down in size.

Pattern #10, Cropped Cabled Pullover. This is really quite a beautifully detailed piece, though that cropped length is definitely not for everyone. I'd suggest lengthening it, but at first glance that twisted cabled detail in the center of the front looks like a hand from below desperately grasping a rope, and I'm kind of afraid of what making the sweater another six inches or so longer would reveal.

Pattern #11, Dolman Pullover. This look is maybe a little too Flashdance for me.

Pattern #11, Dolman Pullover. The less open neckline makes this a little less Flashdance, but it's still too much like a plain baggy sweatshirt for me. Like the variation on this design that preceded it, it's neither an interesting nor a flattering pattern.

Pattern #12, Hat. Nice little chevron cap.

Pattern #13, Mesh Sweater and Ribbed Scarf. I rather like this one. There's something pleasing about the layered texture of this mesh, and the plain solid scarf makes a nice contrast to it.

Pattern #14, Cowl. The scale of this cowl looks a little on the large side, but you can always downsize it, and the colours and texture are good.

Pattern #15, Long Vest. I don't know about this one. I can see it looking quite stylish on a clotheshorse type, but I think on most women it would look a bit much, and I want to scale it down somewhat and chop that back mullet hem to a length that's equal to the front hem.

Pattern #16, Colorblocked Poncho. At first glance I didn't like this, but now I think it's growing on me. It's got a certain modern appeal. I can't help but feel it needs some better detailing at the neck, though, and I would definitely fix the mullet hem. Why the mullet hem, designers? Do you think we otherwise won't be able to tell the front of our clothes from the back?

Pattern #17, Capelet. I like the idea of gathering a capelet in front, but I don't like this particular execution of it, which looks a little rough compared to the rest of this otherwise polished, textured piece.

Pattern #18, Intarsia Crew-Neck Pullover. Not sure I get the point of this one, with its somewhat pointless abstract design and random lines of hairy yarn. I keep thinking I'm watching a polar bear eat a seal, or looking at a knitted replica of early cave paintings.

Pattern #19, V-Neck Cardigan. This one's just dowdy. Even the model can't lend it any style.

Pattern #20, Hudson's Bay Pullover and Shawl. This set is, of course, based on the iconic Hudson's Bay striped wool blanket. It might be Canadian bias on my part, but I very much like these two pieces, which are an excellent knitted rendering of Hudson's Bay Company trademark stripes and work well in their own right. You could do these pieces in other colours and they would still work beautifully. HBC really ought to get this designer under contract if they haven't already.

Pattern #21, Zipper Embroidered Cardigan. Nice piece with a good shape and interesting detail. I think there are better colourways for the embroidery down the front, but it'll be easy to find them.

Pattern #22, Vibrant Colorwork Pullover. Very much like this one. The colourway is amazingly well worked out, and the design is fun in an adult way.

Pattern #23, Raglan Pullover. I think this one is Morticia Addams's idea of a Christmas sweater. I tease because I love — I actually do like this sweater, with its quite original and striking detailing (fab idea to embroider around that yoke!), and you could remove any lingering "Morticia at Christmas" associations I may have just saddled you with by doing it in another colourway.

Pattern #24, Duster Coat. Really nice piece. The shaping is great, and the bouclé collar, cuffs and hemline are excellent. I'd go with something other than the southwestern-style pattern at the hem and cuffs, but that's a personal preference, because it does work very well as is.

Pattern #25, Cocoon Coat. The details here are great (i.e., the collar, intarsia, and pockets) but the overall shape is frumpy. I'd shorten this to regular sweater length and neaten up the fit.

Pattern #26, Short-Sleeve Top. Something about this isn't working, and I can't quite figure out what. I think it might be the colourway, which isn't pulling together properly. I'd do this one in black, charcoal and light gray, white, and one vivid cool colour, such as red or magenta.