A couple weeks ago Heatherly of Intwined Pattern Studio sent me a link to download her stitch pattern software. It’s as if she had sensed my need. I have stitch pattern software that I use for creating charts for my patterns, which I had been happy with until I realized I couldn’t add color. I needed to be able to add color to the chart for Shane.
I installed it and got to work. So nice! I don’t like reading documentation for software. I prefer learning by just clicking on things. It is very user-friendly. It took me a few tries to figure out how to write out certain instructions. For example, something like “slip 3 wyib” has to be written as “slip wyib3″. Once I got the hang of it, entering the pattern moved right along. I wasn’t able to figure out how to enter an instruction that is worked for a multiple of times; (k2, p2) 3 times has to be typed out as k2, p2, k2, p2, k2, p2. This is a bit cumbersome, but maybe I just need to actually read the help.
Aside from being able to add color, some of my favorite features are the document tab for entering notes, switching between flat, round and skipping rows with ease and being able to rotate, flip and mirror parts of a chart. But my absolutely favorite part, which made me geek out a bit, is the ability to add stitches to the stitch library. There always seems to be at least one rare stitch that I need in a chart, but there isn’t a symbol for it in the program. Intwined Pattern Studio lets you import symbols, add a description and abbreviation. Fabulous!
A new pattern, just in time for Stitches. Shane is one of those garments that appears to be really tricky to knit, but in fact is quite simple. The fabric is created using an easy slipped stitch pattern to create a fair isle-esque look. It’s knit from the top down in one piece. There are no side seams, which means you won’t have to try to line up the stripes on the sides. The collar is a loose-knit scarf that is sewn along the edges of the vest. After all my indecision on this vest, I’m really pleased with how it came out. Download it here.
This garment, along with all of our patterns, will be available for inspection, trying on, etc, at Stitches West this Thursday-Sunday. Hope to see you there.
Stitches West starts this Thursday! We have three ways to win some free JP stuff.
1. Stop by our booth, #622-624, and add your email to our mailing list. You’ll be entered in drawing to win a free JP bag.
2. If you’re the proud owner of a JP bag, carry it at the show, stop by our booth and tell us on video why you love the bag so much. You’ll get a copy of our latest beret pattern, Mila, and be entered in the drawing to win a free JP bag. You must be carrying the bag to participate in this.
3. Follow us on Twitter and send our tweets to your phone (instructions below). At various times throughout the show we’ll tweet a question. The first person to get to the Jordana Paige booth with the correct answer with receive a free copy of Mila and be entered in the drawing for a free JP bag.
Yep, you can participate in all three opportunities to increase your chances of winning. Good luck and I’ll see you soon!
Here’s how to send our tweets to your phone:
1. Create a Twitter account if you don’t already have one.
2. Set up your mobile preferences by selecting Settings > Mobile
3. Follow Jordana Paige
4. From our Twitter page you’ll see a check mark next to Following. On the right side of Following is a little icon that looks like a phone. Click on it so it turns green. OR
From your phone text follow jordanapaige to 40404
The very first article written on my business was August 8, 2003 in The Monterey Herald. It’s framed in my office. Today a new article came out, written by the same reporter, Lisa Crawford Watson. So fun to look at how far the business has come. Read it here.
(The article isn’t available online anymore. I’m working on getting it scanned to post here!)
Aren’t knitting and the Olympics just a perfect pair? Last night I watched the figure skating while finishing the collar on my vest. I’m going to have to rip it out because I don’t like it, but there will be Olympic coverage all day, so the thought of re-knitting it isn’t so bad.
By now all but a few of you have received your bags from the Handbags Help Haiti fundraiser. I’ve enjoyed reading this Ravelry thread, tweets and variousblogposts as you search for imperfections. So happy to see you’re having such difficulty finding them. Yesterday the money from the sale was deposited into my account, so I was able to get the check in the mail to Doctors Without Borders. Everything is wrapped up now. Just have an interview on Friday with a reporter who will be writing a story on it.
The vest I’ve been working on is blocking. The pattern will be available in time for Stitches West. I still need to write the pattern, knit the collar, get it edited and do a photo shoot. I’m cutting it close, so I thought I would add a little more pressure on myself.
Monday I decided to design a beret pattern for Stitches as well. I’m planning some fun stuff (read: prizes) for Stitches which will involve this pattern among other things. Adrienne of Wool Candy is dying up some yarn for me. She has really beautiful colorways. I have no plans for the beret yet. I’m hoping to be inspired by the yarn. If you have a special request, you can weigh in with your opinion here or on our Facebook page.
A couple weeks ago Heatherly of Intwined Pattern Studio sent me a link to download her stitch pattern software. It’s as if she had sensed my need. I have stitch pattern software that I use for creating charts for my patterns, which I had been happy with until I realized I couldn’t add color. I needed to be able to add color to the chart for Shane.
