Russet Lodge Custom Knits

House Elf Knits – Stylish Fashions for Freeing Your Elves!

2011-07-13T15:41:00.000-07:00

A friend is cosplaying as Xenophilius Lovegood for the opening night of the final Harry Potter film, and will be handing out copies of The Quibbler. This is my contribution. It's a very simple pattern, I had to estimate the size of a house elf. Feel free to share, modify, comment, etc.

If you’re a progressive witch or wizard, you are well aware of the deplorable conditions suffered by house elves across the country. If you are looking for a way to free your elf in style, look no further! This is a quick project even for muggles, and with two stylish looks (one lacy for female elves, one simple for for males) you can create styles to please any discerning individual! This project is a great way to use up scraps of different colors or show off your handspun.

Materials needed: 200 grams/440 yards worsted weight yarn, size 6 circular needle (at least 36 inches long), size 6 double-pointed needles if desired, one large button for closure.

Cast on 4 stitches, divide onto double pointed needles or use magic loop method on circular needle, join to work in the round.

Round 1 (and all odd-numbered rows): Knit

Round 2: KFB (for male version) or *k1, yo* (for female version), 8 stitches total. Place a marker after each stitch, using a different marker to indicate the beginning of the round.

Round 4: KFB or *K1, yo* 16 stitches total.

Round 6: *k to last st before marker, KFB or k1, yo last stitch*

Continue alternating one round of plain knitting and round 6 until there are 21 stitches in each section. Work arm holes as follows.

Round 1: Cast off 21 stitches (entire first section), knit 2 more sections plain (42 stitches), cast off 21 stitches (entire fourth section), knit to end of round.

Round 2: Cast on 21 stitches using backwards loop or knitted cast-on method, knit 2 more sections plain (42 stitches), cast on 21 more stitches, knit to end of round.

Round 3: Work as round 6 above

Round 4(and all even rounds): knit.

Continue alternating rounds 3 and 4 until there are 42 stitches in each section.
Work button hole as follows.

Round 1: Cast off 6 stitches, knit to end of round.

Round 2: Cast on 6 stitches, knit to end of round.

Work 6 rounds in k2, p2 ribbing. Bind off loosely. Attach button to correspond with button hole, this will vary depending on the size of your elf. Block flat if desired. When worn, the top of the circle will fold down to make a collar. It would also be easy to pick up stitches around the arm holes to create sleeves for your elf.

Presenting the Alaine Sock Knit-Along!

2011-02-09T14:06:00.000-08:00

It's here, knitters! I am hosting this knit-along to give everybody a chance to try out my new Alaine Socks, named and designed for a friend of mine. I'm going to be offering the pattern here for free during the knit-along, and afterward it will be available to download via ravelry for $2.50. The pattern is going to be released in pieces as we go through the knit-along so that everybody can enjoy the surprise factor. This is a lace sock, so it's probably best for female feet and you probably don't want a yarn whose colors are too wild. Semi-solid/kettle-dyed yarn would be ideal. That said, I'm using a hand-painted yarn whose colors are rather subtle.

If you have questions, comments, suggestions, corrections, or any other feedback please leave your comments on this entry. :)

Thanks to everyone who participated in the knit-along. This pattern is now available for purchase only.

Free Pattern - Gulls and Garter Washcloth

2010-12-23T09:08:00.001-08:00

I love the Gulls and Garter stitch pattern. It's lovely and interesting, it looks good in both variegated and solid yarn, and it's fun to knit without being too difficult. As I mentioned, this would make a nice stitch pattern for kilt hose, and is done in multiples of 8 stitches, which works well for socks in general.

Cast on 41 stitches (or a multiple of 8 stitches plus one).

Rows 1-4: slip first stitch purlwise with yarn in front. *K1, P1*
Row 5: slip first stitch purlwise with yarn in front, k1, p1, k1. Work in pattern to last four stitches. *k1, p1* twice.
Continue until cloth is desired length. Work rows 1-4 again. Bind off in pattern, weave in ends, enjoy!

Gulls and Garter Pattern:

Rows 1 and 3 (wrong side): k2 *p5, k3* until last 2 stitches before border, k2.
Row 2: k2 *With yarn in front, slip 5 stitches purlwise, k3* until last 2 stitches before border, k2
Row 4: K4, *insert RH needle under strand 2 rows below, k next st on LH needle, drawing loop through st on needle and under strand in one motion, k7; rep from *, end last rep k4.

Here's how it comes out:

Personalizing Kilt Hose

2010-12-15T08:38:00.000-08:00

I have had an upsurge in purchases of my basic knitted kilt hose pattern lately. The pattern has some notes on customizing the hose by using different stitch patterns in the leg, and I thought I'd share a few favorites. Please be aware that the calf shaping will mean you'll need to be careful about pattern repeats and read your knitting to make sure everything lines up correctly. That said, here are a few nice (and relatively easy) stitch patterns you can use to spruce up a pair of hose (all of these are in the round):

Herringbone Stitch

Multiple of 4 stitches.

Round 1: k all
Round 2: *k2, sl 1 purlwise, k1, yo, pass slipped stitch over these two stitches*

Mistake Rib

Multiple of 3 stitches.

Round 1: *k2, p1*
Round 2: *k1, p2*

Double Rib

Multiple of 6 stitches.

Round 1: *k3, p3*
Round 2: *k1, p1*

These are all nice stretchy stitches that look lovely on hose, and I'll try to get photos up soon.

I will be posting a new washcloth pattern this week, and the stitch pattern from the washcloth would also look great on hose. I will share the stitch pattern when I post the washcloth.

Still kicing!

2010-11-08T14:53:00.000-08:00

Though I reserve this blog mostly for publicizing my patterns and sharing information on some of my products which are available, I thought I would make a quick post to let people know I currently have no waiting list for custom-made knitwear, including kilt hose and bonnets. I am always working on personal projects, and I can't guarantee a time frame, but it's likely to be closer to 6-8 weeks than the year plus wait I've had in the past.

I also offer other services including hand-dyed fibers and yarns, handspun yarns, pattern design, tech editing, pattern translation French/English, charting, writing out charted patterns, test knitting, and article writing/editing. Drop me a line at russetlodgeknits at gmail dot com if you're interested. You can also visit my design page on ravelry or my facebook fan page (links on the left) and check out my latest items for sale at http://shekure.etsy.com. My personal blog ramblings are availble at http://unaspenser.livejournal.com.

Sweetheart Kilt Hose Pattern Available!

2010-08-01T10:48:00.001-07:00

I've just put my Sweetheart Kilt Hose pattern up on Ravelry. I designed this pattern for my husband for Valentine's Day 2008 (finished them over a year later), and now, here it is!

Patterns for Dowload

2010-07-12T10:00:00.000-07:00

I realized there isn't anywhere specific on this blog where you can find the patterns I have available for sale. Both these patterns are $5 and come as a PDF.

Here is my Bonnet/Tam Pattern:

And my Basic Knitted Kilt Hose:

Free Ribbed Beanie Pattern

2010-04-07T10:07:00.000-07:00

Here is an easy little pattern I cranked out when my husband needed a new hat. Feel free to give it a whirl. :)

Ribbed Cap

Size - One size fits all

Measurements :
Head size 21" (lightly stretched, fits my head at a whopping 23")
Depth 7" (If you have a large head, you may need to increase this. Just try the hat on as you go.)

Materials
1 50 g ball worsted weight yarn (I used Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in Forest Heather)
1 size 6 circular needle, 1 set size 6 double-pointed needles, yarn needle

Gauge
20 sts = 5" over k4 p4 rib, lightly stretched
*take time to check your gauge and adjust accordingly*

Pattern
CO 104 sts, join in round, mark beginning of round.
Work in *k4 p4* rib until piece measures 6" from cast-on edge.
Shape top:
Round 1: *k1 k2tog, k1, p1, p2 tog, p1* 78 stitches remain
Round 2: K all K stitches, P all P stitches
Round 3: *k2tog, k1, p2tog, p1* 52 stitches remain
Rnd 4: same as rnd 2
Rnd 5: *k2, p2tog* 39 stitches remain
Rnd 6: same as rnd 2
Rnd 7: *k2tog, p1* 26 stitches remain
Rnd 8: *k1, k2 tog* k1 18 stitches remain
Rnd 9: k2tog 9 times - 9 stitches remain

Cut yarn, pull through remaining 9 stitches and draw up tightly to secure, weave in ends.

Voila!

P.S. I now have a facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/russetlodgeknits. Come check it out!

Still Kicking!

2009-12-29T18:48:00.000-08:00

So, along with all the knitting projects I'm cranking out (and believe me, I'm cranking out a lot), I've become hopelessly hooked on spinning my own yarn! My first piece of eye candy is some single ply lace-weight merino which will become the Vernal Equinox shawl. Isn't it lovely?

Here's the other project I'm working on. It's some Navajo-Plied Corriedale cross from Wooly Treasures in shades of black, eggplant purple, blue, and light green.

I fantasize about painting my own roving and rehabbing thrift store sweaters into lovely fiber, but those are way on the back burner behind all my folks on the list.

If you get a chance, check out my etsy shop for an easy way to purchase my patterns, and bookmark it! Soon there will be much more loveliness.

Worldwide Knit in Public Day!

2009-06-10T11:33:00.000-07:00

This Saturday, June 13, is Worldwide Knit in Public Day. If you have any interest in knitting or other crafts, check out the website at http://wwkipday.com. If you search the events for Boise, Idaho, you will notice that yours truly is hosting a knit-a-thon! If you're in the area and would like to swing by and say hi, please do! I'll have knitting supplies to swap/share/give away and some goodies too, and I'll be glad to teach anybody new who shows up how to knit. If you're interested, check out the facebook event (search Worldwide Knit in Public Day) or drop a comment. :)

Happy knitting!

Bonnet Praise!

2009-05-12T11:29:00.000-07:00

Updated waiting list info. My waiting list has dwindled (mostly due to the economy), so hopefully wait times will shorten up considerably.

In other news, I am currently working on the following projects:

Some slipped-stitch colorwork socks in Noro Silk Garden Sock
a cotton mesh tote bag made from some odds and ends from a thrift store
heart cable kilt hose (my design) for Arlen (pattern will be available eventually)
putting a new collar on a sweater of my mom's
a socktopus for my niece
a secret project for a friend
another bonnet for HF

Free Pattern!

2009-01-11T14:34:00.000-08:00

I don't have time to post many patterns, and I certainly don't share every project I knit. However, I thought it was high time I shared a free pattern with my friends. I am on a major dishcloth knitting kick at the moment, and I prefer lacy dishcloths which can dry quickly to avoid mildewing. This dishcloth manages to do just that.

Lace Cable Dishcloth

Materials: worsted weight cotton yarn, size 6-8 needles (gauge isn't crucial), yarn needle, cable needle.

Seed stitch (with odd number of stitches):

All rows: k1, p1 across (you will be knitting the purl stitches and purling the knit stitches)

Lace cable stitch (multiple of 11 sts plus 7):
Row 1 (and all odd rows): purl
Row 2: k1 *yo, sl1, k1, psso, k1, k2tog, yo, k6 rep from * to last 6 sts before border, yo, sl1, k1, pss0, k1, k2tog, yo, k1
Row 4: k2, *yo, sl1, k2tog, psso, yo, k1, sl next 3 sts to cable needle and hold in back, k3, k3 from cable needle, k1 rep from * to last 5 sts, yo, sl1, k2tog, psso, yo, k2
Row 6: repeat row 2
Row 8: k2, *yo, sl1, k2tog, psso, yo, k8, rep from * to last 5 sts, yo, sl1, k2tog, psso, yo, k2.

Pattern:

Cast on 49 stitches. Work in seed stitch for one inch.
Work seed stitch over first and last four stitches of each row. Work lace cable stitch over central 41 stitches. Work to desired length minus one inch, work another inch of seed stitch for the border, bind off loosely and weave in ends.

Kilt Hose!

2008-12-18T11:00:00.000-08:00

Due to requests for more specifics than I gave in my last post, here are my prices for hand-made, custom-sized kilt hose.

Standard kilt hose: ribbed cuff and knit body in any single color - $65
Cabled hose: ribbed cuff and cable work in any single color (my design choice) - $85
Simplified Balmoral hose: three-color entrelac cuff and single-color body in any colors(pics coming soon) - $110
Argyle kilt hose: ribbed cuff and three-color argyle body in any colors- $140
Balmoral hose: two-color entrelac with two small stripes and single-color body in any colors- $140
Any other custom work priced based on time and complexity (contact me)

Prices updated to reflect yarn costs, etc.

Kilt Hose Ideas

2008-11-26T08:25:00.000-08:00

With the opening of my list to new orders I have been thinking about more possibilities for those interested in my wares. All of my kilt hose orders thus far have either been for plain-knit, simplified balmoral, or argyle kilt hose. I have one order for tartan hose, which are similar to argyle, but the possibilities really are endless. I'm great at cable knitting and even design custom cables. Color work is another possibility for distinctive hose, with options such as diced cuffs as well as shepherd's plaid and other fair isle-style color patterns. I also design colorwork to order, so that you can incorporate initials, designs, etc. into your hose. I encourage everybody to think creatively when it comes to kilt hose, and feel free to contact me any time to communicate about custom work.

Okay, you win!

2008-11-08T10:38:00.000-08:00

Despite closing my waiting list several months ago, the order requests continue to pour in. Since I have a second knitter, and since my customers insist they don't mind the wait, I am going to re-open my waiting list. I will continue to take payment as I get ready to start orders and I will continue to say that you should expect to wait a year for your order. Please try not to flood me too terribly. Christmas is coming, after all, and I have a whole family waiting for knitted goods, since the rule in our family is that all Christmas gifts must be home-made.

New Gear (in which Diane is a craft maven)

2008-09-01T09:36:00.001-07:00

I have been daydreaming for a long time about the perfect knitting needle case, a fabric affair that has pockets of different sizes that I can roll up and tie shut. Yesterday, I finally made that dream a reality. I am in love with my new needle case! Here it is all closed up with my sewing machine (an antique Singer Featherweight that is my pride and joy) and opened with my gear inside:

My gorgeous yarn experiments!

2008-08-25T07:45:00.000-07:00

Now that my yarn is dry and finished I just have to share a few more photos. Here is the yarn in skeins, and then, because I couldn't help but play with it, wrapped into balls and ready to knit. The color's not quite right in the second image, but you get the idea. Sunshine and candy canes, people!

Yarn Dyeing with Powdered Juice Drinks

2008-08-24T16:54:00.000-07:00

I have long wanted to experiment with doing my own yarn dyeing. I had the chance to give it a try this weekend thanks to a few lucky thrift store finds. Both the yarns I got were old and the color just slightly off from what it had once been. Luckily, neither had moth holes or other moth damage, and both were 100% wool.

Kool-aid dyeing is simple... one package of kool-aid per ounce of yarn (to saturate, that is). The drink is acidic enough that no additional acid is needed, and you don't even need that much heat to set the dye.

My first attempt was with a pale yellow worsted weight wool, about three ounces, and some orange kool-aid. I decided both experiments were going to be monochromatic, but I wanted something unique. The yarn was already in a long skein, so I tied it in a few places and I was ready to go!

I mixed up the kool-aid in a large pan (2 quarts of water, 1 package kool-aid, no sugar, of course). I only used one package because I still wanted a fair amount of the original color to show through, with a bit of perking up. Then I put the pan on the stove on low heat.

I submerged about 1/4 of the yarn and waited 15 minutes, submerged another 1/4, etc. until the whole thing was submerged. Another 15 minutes, and the water was completely clear, all dye absorbed. I then rinsed the yarn in cold water and hung it to dry.

The process with the second skein was similar (moved to my mom's house for this one, though). I had one ounce of lace-weight pastel pink wool, which I wound into a long skein (about 1.5 yards in length) and tied with thread. The dye was Disney Cool Splashers mix in strawberry flavor. I wanted a more uniform gradient on this one, so I submerged two-inch sections every five minutes. Because I had a smaller amount of wool, all the dye didn't get absorbed, but a fair bit did!

Anyway, this technique is really easy and fun, and you can get all kinds of different results by using tye-die techniques, using squirt bottles to paint stripes on the yarn, etc. It's pretty fool-proof, and I'd be glad to answer any questions. As soon as my yarn dries I'll take pictures of the finished balls and whatever projects they eventually become. Yay!

The knitting continues

2008-08-24T12:16:00.000-07:00

Well, as August winds down and the days start getting shorter my thoughts are turning once again to sweaters and scarves for myself, something I have accepted will probably never happen. The waiting list is gradually decreasing and my knitting minions are improving their skills, though who knows if they will use them for good or for evil.

I am still making a fair bit of business for myself selling patterns. The bonnet pattern has been available for some time through Ravelry and through me directly, and I recently released a very customizable kilt hose pattern as well. I have a pattern for knitted fingerless gloves with mitten flaps, which I have so far only made for gifts, and if anybody would like a copy of that, it is also for sale. All patterns cost $3.

In other news, I have some major yarn lust these days, and it is hard to keep myself from buying new yarn for myself (though I have quite a large stash of quite nice fibers), especially now that Noro has released kureyon as a sock yarn in the same gorgeous palettes as its worsted weight version. It's a bit steep at $20 a ball, but a ball is enough for a pair of socks, and it is hand-painted and amazing. If you would like to pay me in sock yarn, feel free. I am a sock addict. Nothing is as satisfying to me as a pair of socks.

I am also getting to use my knitting skills in new ways. I am teaching a friend from dance class to knit, with the goal of eventual kilt hose for her husband. He's the one whose hose I repaired several months ago. I am doing more repair work on sweaters, socks, etc. and learning more about how to make projects that survive abuse. I have been in talks with my employer for over six months now (I'm a social worker) about using knitting classes as a way to help improve concentration and teach relaxation techniques (not to mention math skills). Any activity where hands are busy so minds can wander is a great help to the sort of clients I deal with.

That's the latest from Russet Lodge. I plan to do much more Fair Isle and Intarsia colorwork in the near future. I need to do something useful with all the leftovers from my projects filling up my yarn stash. Any good suggestions? When in doubt, I usually just look to Knitty.

A little knitting chuckle

2008-08-12T11:38:00.003-07:00

I saw this cartoon today and had a little laugh since it's so true...

nataliedee.com

Russet Lodge: The Real Life Story!

2008-08-08T08:37:00.001-07:00

For those who don't know, I named my knitting blog Russet Lodge Knits after a series of comedy sketches by the venerable Catherine Tate displaying a refuge/home for harrassed redheads called russet lodge. When I was doing some vanity googling I came across this article from The Times Online, and it was eerily appropriate.

http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/families/article1873119.ece

Family forced to flee just for being ginger
Andrew Norfolk

A family of six have fled two homes after enduring a vicious hate campaign, apparently prompted by the colour of their hair.

Kevin and Barbara Chapman say that anti-ginger prejudice has led to their property being vandalised and their four youngest children being subjected to a litany of cruel taunts, verbal abuse and bullying.

The Chapmans and their children, who are from Newcastle-upon-Tyne, have a blaze of red hair which, they claim, has reduced them to living like fugitives in the city. Their plight carries uncomfortable echoes of the Catherine Tate sketch in which a group of ginger-haired outcasts find safety in a refuge after being ostractised by society.

Another victim of hair-colour prejudice, the Premiership footballer Dave Kitson, of Reading, claimed two years ago that fans who made fun of his red hair were as bad as racists.

This year, David Cameron, the Conservative leader, dismissed his homeland security spokesman after a race-row scandal. Patrick Mercer, a former Army colonel, had said that soldiers with red hair were given a “far harder time” than blacks and that comments like “Come on you black bastard” and “Come on you ginger bastard” were “the way it is in the Army”.

The Chapmans – who have nine children, with only the four youngest living at home – appear unable to find sanctuary anywhere Newcastle. At each new home – three in the past three years – their windows have been smashed, graffiti has been sprayed on their walls and the children, aged between 10 and 13, have been physically attacked.

Mr Chapman, 49, has reported several incidents to the police and – after the slogan “Ginger Is Gay” was daubed on their home this week – is in discussion with council housing officers over another move.

He says that the taunts of neighbours, adults and children, have become so bad that his 11-year-old son, also called Kevin, contemplated suicide. Last week the boy was assaulted by a girl in the street who punched him several times and left him with a black eye.

“Kevin’s never even seen a life yet and he’s been driven to this. The abuse we have to endure is just disgusting,” Mr Chapman said.

“It started more than three years ago, when the kids started getting bullied by local lads over the colour of their hair. They’ve been punched, kicked and thrown over a hedge. Every time they go out, these gangs have got to them. We can’t even go to the local shops, which are only two minutes away, because the kids get all their stuff taken off them.”

The younger children have attended three primary schools in the past three years as the Chapmans moved from their old home in the Walker area of the city, first to Newbiggin Hall and then, a year ago, to Kenton Bar. The couple’s 10-year-old daughter, Ryelle, said: “Every time we make new friends we just end up getting bullied and it happens every time we leave the house.”

A Newcastle City Council spokesman said that housing staff were aware of the family’s plight and were discussing it.

Mr Chapman said the council had suggested that he should dye his family’s hair, which outraged him because he had brought up his children “to be proud of themselves . . . and the way they look”. The spokesman said that the dye suggestion had initially been made by Mr Chapman and that the housing officer’s response had merely been: “You could always do that.”

The Catherine Tate sketch:

Inside Russet Lodge, the shelter for ginger-haired people:
Sandra: Being ginger is who I am; why should I deny that?
Rita: You shouldn’t. And that’s why we’re here. We have all sorts of gingers here. Gingers in denial, confused gingers, even militant gingers. But they have one thing in common. They don’t need to fear the outside world. They’re all welcome to stay here in peace and harmony. . . . Duracell, ginger nut, carrot top, copper nob. We’re used to getting that kind of abuse every day out there. People asking us to move away from areas where food is being prepared. Total strangers assuming we’re Scottish. Forever trawling the streets, trying to find a hairdresser’s that isn’t fully booked. Well, not in here. This is a safe haven for everyone and everything ginger. Let’s keep it that way.

As darkness falls outside the Russet Lodge refuge, a crowd gathers with flaming torches, carrying placards bearing the slogans “No Gingers!” and “Not In My Village”.

As the title credits roll, they are heard chanting: “Gingers Out! Gingers Out!”

With a heavy heart and mixed feelings...

2008-07-14T14:34:00.000-07:00

I just realized while going back through old orders that my wait time is up to nearly a year! This means I am not spending enough time knitting and am taking on more projects than I can handle. While I feverishly train my husband to knit bonnets and help with orders and continue my busy and challenging life the orders keep coming at a slow and steady pace.

It is with all this in mind that I have decided to stop taking new orders for a while. I will still be selling patterns and will consider pattern design on a case-by-case basis. However, I simply cannot keep up with the volume of orders I have received, and I feel it unfair to ask anybody to wait a year for a $45 hat. When my waiting list time is back down between 8 and 12 weeks I will open it up to new orders.

I would like to thank all of my clients for their patience with me. I'm only one woman, and hand-knitting takes a lot of time. When you add chronic tendonitis and carpal tunnel (due in large part to knitting) and a full-time job, the time stretches on ever longer. If you have any questions or comments about this feel free to send them my way, and if you know any knitters who would like to make a little cash, definitely send them my way. Thank you to all my customers so far. If you're on the list, you're still on it. If you're not on it yet, watch this space.

-Diane

Just a note on my philosophy as a fiber artist...

2008-01-20T08:16:00.000-08:00

Kilt hose = happiness

2008-01-18T06:25:00.000-08:00

Well, kilt hose have been consuming my life lately. Firstly, I am SO thrilled that I have finally finished and mailed the Isle of Skye Argyle hose. Here are reviews on X Marks the Scot, Brotherhood of the Kilt, and The Kilt Forum. Isn't my customer dashing in them?

Right now I'm also working on The Endless Bonnet, in addition to my first knitted doily (from a book of 1940s doily patterns courtesy of a friend), and also repairing two pairs of kilt hose for a friend of mine who happens to do piping and Scottish Country Dance. The hose appear to be hand-made (though why anybody would make 100% acrylic hose by hand is beyond me) and look like someone blew the ends out of the toes with dynamite. They won't be perfect, but they'll be strong and they don't look nearly as bad as how he'd tried to repair them with thread. In short, I can rescue those kilt hose you can't bear to part with.

I've updated my waiting list and I really am trying to plough through all the back orders so the wait time isn't so long. Sadly, I recently over-felted several bonnets and am now in the process of re-making them. If you'd like a child-size bonnet, contact me. I have two.

I have been looking in vain for an online version of the article in Interweave Knits about the bonnets. I have my hard copy, and I may give in and scan it. It's very interesting.

As always, contact me for patterns, knitted wear, etc. I won't bite. :)

In case you're curious...

2007-12-17T12:14:00.000-08:00

For anybody who has been wondering, my wedding went very well, and my husband will be moving here instead of having me move to Scotland. I have very mixed feelings about that, but I just want to be with him. That's the important part.

The other big news is that I quit my second job to devote more time to knitting, and I may be hiring a second person to help with bonnet production! These are big steps for me, and I'm excited to try to branch out into publishing a knitting book, teaching classes, and learning to spin my own yarn. I really do apologize to my customers who have been waiting (and waiting and waiting) for me to finish their projects. I haven't forgotten you, I promise! I carry my knitting with me everywhere I go and work on it as often as possible. I racked up about 12 hours of knitting last weekend with no sore wrists in sight, so I plan to keep cranking out the goodies.

Also, I am in the process of wrangling a scanner to scan an article from the holiday gifts edition of Interweave Knits Magazine . There's a great article in it about Stewarton, Scotland, which was known as "The Bonnet Toun" for its production of bonnets like mine. Bonnets haven't been in production there for over a century, but there are great historical photos and info on how famous the town was for its bonnet production. If you're at all interested, pick up a copy of the magazine. It's got great gift ideas too.

So to sum up, thanks for being patient, and here's to making 2008 the Year of Knitting!

Latest project :)

2007-11-03T09:16:00.000-07:00

I know I haven't been posting or knitting much lately, and I apologize to everybody for being slow. I am currently working two jobs, planning a wedding, and trying to orchestrate a move back to Scotland (again). I haven't forgotten about any of you, though, and to prove it here's the first of a pair of argyle kilt hose made to match the Isle of Skye tartan. The yarn's a bit thicker than the previous kilt hose I posted about, but it's very soft, and the hose have been a fun and challenging project.

Russet Lodge Review on Xmarks!

2007-10-08T20:28:00.000-07:00

Here is a link to a review of my simplified Balmoral hose over on X Marks the Scot. I'm glad they were so well-received and the pictures are much nicer than mine.

Also, the waiting list has been recently updated for all my pending customers. :)

New Photos!

2007-08-29T09:03:00.001-07:00

I thought it was about time that I posted a pic of the indigo bonnets, since I've made so many of them. Here's a pic of my latest, modeled by me. As you can see, this one's just a wee bit on the small side considering my enormous head, but it's a good representation of the color.

Here's some of the socks I've made myself recently. They are both 100% wool and machine washable and wonderful. I haven't made the second of the green pair yet, but I wear the pink ones all the time.

Simplified Balmoral Hose

2007-07-25T06:38:00.001-07:00

I just wanted to share some photos of the pair of kilt hose I'm currently working on. The cuff is similar to Balmoral hose, but my customer wanted something a tad less fancy and formal, so instead of a two-color entrelac cuff with about six rows of entrelac bordered by several different colored stripes, we did a few rows of the entrelac in three colors and left it at that. The result is, I must say, very pleasing.

If you're interested in purchasing something like these (or anything else) please scroll down for more info or contact me at russetlodgeknits@gmail.com.

Kilt Hose Photos

2007-06-27T06:29:00.000-07:00

These are very bad and rudimentary photographs of the kilt hose I finished months ago, but I thought I'd get them up on the site. This is what I'd consider a $50 pair of hose. The construction time was about a week all together, and I did design the pattern myself so it's available to interested parties. I'm currently working on a simple pair of entrelac hose and I'll share photos of those too. For now, please enjoy these low-quality pics of what is undoubtedly a high-quality pair of hose, modeled by my very own rather shapely Scottish Country Dance calves.

P.S. if you're interested in purchasing these hose, please contact me. Otherwise I've got someone in mind to give them to.

Now also offering Hebridean Bonnets!

2007-05-17T06:38:00.000-07:00

Hebridean Bonnets, also known as tam-o-shanters, after the Rabbie Burns poem of the same name, are a slightly more modern take on the headwear of the Scots. They are most commonly associated with the 1860s, but are still worn today. This pattern is now also available for purchase, as are the hats themselves. Pattern and hat prices are the same as the eighteenth-century style bonnets, and may be purchased from the paypal menu at the top of the blog.

Jacobite Bonnets!

2007-05-15T06:51:00.000-07:00

For those of you who've always thought Scotch Bonnets were just a type of flower, I've got news for you. They're hats too. Lovely felted wool hats. Think tam-o-shanter or beret on steroids. These babies are lovely, almost completely waterproof, and much softer than wool has any right to be. They were the hat of choice for Scots fighting in the '15, the '45, the French and Indian War, and even the American Revolution.

Sadly, these bonnets are now pretty tough to find in this country, especially hand-made, as they should be to be authentic, and in any variety of colors or sizes.

That's where I come in. I've designed my own pattern, and am now offering my bonnets to the world! Check the paypal menu at the top of the blog to order, or drop me an email.

Hat prices include shipping. Custom sizing available.

Go nuts, Scotophiles!

EDIT: Here is a photo the first Jacobite bonnet. I think it looks great!

Kilt Hose Pattern Now Available!

2007-04-16T09:33:00.000-07:00

Interest in my kilt hose and knitted goods is coming along slowly but surely. I've changed my profile and this blog to make it easier to contact me by email, but I also get comments on this blog via email when you make them, so feel free to get in touch however you like!

I should be finished with a sample pair of the standard kilt hose this week, and as soon as I can chase down a camera photos will be posted here. I know I'm trying to sell them, but these things really are wonderfully comfortable. The size is very customizable for differing calf, ankle, and foot sizes.

I've decided to make the pattern itself available for sale too for anybody interested in knitting their own. I've made standard small, medium, and large sizes, but if you have unusual measurements, I'm happy to customize it. Please contact me to order either kilt hose or the knitting pattern!

More Great Offers!

2007-03-13T10:26:00.000-07:00

My fiance, Arlen, is a Scot. He loves his kilts and wears them with pride. He recently joined a forum for his fellow kilt-wearers from around the world, and pointed out to me that many of them are looking for hand-knitted goods. Favorite seem to be kilt hose, tams, and Aran sweaters, and these fellows seem to have a very difficult time finding quality hand-knitted clothing.

This, then, is my offer to the kilted men of the world, as a woman who loves one kilted man in particular.

I am now offering hand-knitted goods for the Scots and Scotophiles of the world. Custom sizing and designs are available, and the sky's really the limit. I can do argyle, plain knitting, ribs, cables, your name/initials, entrelac, anything. Really! I'm also happy to design and share patterns for those interested in knitting these types of goods themselves.

Please comment or email me if you have questions or to make your order. You pick the fiber, color, weight, everything!

Getting Started

2007-03-03T06:49:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Russet Lodge! This blog is dedicated to my knitting and fiber art exploits, and as a place to sell my work and help new knitters get started.

Here's what's coming soon to Russet Lodge:

Knitting patterns designed by me
Hand-made knitwear
Knitting needle cases
Stitch markers
Project bags
Hand-spun yarn
Hand-dyed wool roving

Stay tuned, and if you're interested in any of these things before I get around to posting them, please feel free to contact me and request them!