So, I’m taking a little break and reading through the February newsletter just received from Patternfish. This month, they presented the top 10 selling patterns in several categories.

Celtic Cabled SlipoverAs I’m reading through, and get to the vest category…..whoa….there’s my Celtic Cabled Slipover! It’s in the top 10 vest patterns sold between June 2008 & December 2011. Here’s what Gayle wrote ~ “Jeanne Clement’s Celtic Cabled Slipover is a beautiful vest positively studded with cables.”

I am so honored that this pattern has been so well received – thank you all! I hope your Valentine’s Day has a nice surprise for you too. :)

Happy Knitting! ~ Jean

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Posted on February 14, 2012

House of Rain, by Craig Childs

Posted on February 10, 2012 | Leave a comment

Have you heard of or read the book House of Rain by Craig Childs? Are you interested in the history and archeology of the southwest? Then this is one book you won’t want to miss. Although it’s been out awhile (since 2006) I was introduced to this book by a photographer I met while on our trip to Moab, Utah last year. He had recommended it to learn more about not just the Moab area but other areas the “ancient ones” populated.

For me, this book is very fascinating. It reads like a rich novel – you can imagine yourself at the places Childs describes. He tells of how he followed  the trail left by the people many historians and archeologist call Anasazi. Through Childs we learn that this isn’t the term the decedent’s of the ancient ones call their ancestors.

As you read this book, you will come to realize that the theories Childs presents for what happened to the Anasazi make a lot of sense – even for the layperson. And I’m left with a desire to visit the places he did, walk in the same footsteps and explore the same areas. The reality is that while I might make it to some, those that are farther off the beaten path are probably out of my reach.

This is a book I recommend that you read if you have an interest in the southwest at all. There is much within it’s pages that makes you want to learn more. I just wish I could have read more than a couple of pages most evenings -so it wouldn’t have taken me nearly a year to read all 445 pages. And there is inspiration in this book for my knitting designs.

Happy Knitting ~ Jean

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Posted in Life Experiences

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Shall we welcome 2012 (ahem, a bit late) properly? It seems like January 1st was just yesterday – not like the last day of the month is tomorrow! I hope everyone had a great holiday season and is looking forward to a positively exciting 2012.

Even though I took some time in November & December to focus on family, my knitting “world” did not slow down. Several designs I did for publishers were released – here’s a quick rundown if you missed them.

Universal Yarns released “Soft Payette Vol 2 – Vests & Accessories”, which under their Designer Partnership program I was able to release the patterns individually at the same time. The pamphlet is available in LYS that carry Universal Yarns and the patterns are available individually through my web site.

Next up was “Earrach Vest”, released by Cascade Yarns  in  their free pattern line up. This was a nice surprise since I thought it wouldn’t be released until closer to spring. The body is knit in Cascade 220 Sport with the scarf/collar in Heritage Silk.

I don’t get the samples back for either the UY or Cascade projects so I’ll be making some time this spring/summer to knit these for myself!

Then, in late December  Creative Knitting released the March 2012 issue – including two of my designs for your home. “Heirloom Table Mat” and “Colorful Kitchen Set” are both quick & easy projects you’ll have fun doing.

And that bring us to January – and my first design release of the year. My newsletter subscribers got a “sneak preview pattern” that I called “St. Nick Socks” in honor of St. Nicholas Day, which is Dec 6th (You don’t subscribe? Why not?). Once I completed the sample pair, had the pattern tech edited and managed to get some decent photos – the pattern was release this week as “Keyll Socks”.  Keyll is pronounced /kaif/, and means “forest” in Manx Gaelic. The twisted stitch pattern on the leg reminds me of tree bark – the forest link, and the Isle of Mann where some still speak Manx Gaelic is the one place my DH really, really wants to visit (for the annual Isle of Mann motorcycle race) – the language link. These socks are great for everyday wear, especially with work or cowboy boots. Nothing fancy, just a bit of texture and all the comfort of hand knit socks.

Next post – I’ve got a book I want to share with you – and no, it’s not a knitting book. See you next week!

Happy Knitting – Jean

 

 

 

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Posted on January 30, 2012

This morning I woke up to find my email had been hijacked and spam sent to my contacts. I apologize to those who received the junk message – Hotmail is supposed to be SECURE – especially when all their security protocols are followed. Hear that MSN! Instead of doing something productive I am now spending my morning working on cleaning up the mess. And looking into other email clients because having my email hijacked is just unacceptable. Hear that MSN?

Hope your day is starting better than mine :) Cheers! Jean

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Posted on January 23, 2012

First – a correction – the issue of Knitcircus our winners will receive is the Winter 2011 issue – not the Gift 2011 issue. We had a bit of a miss communication with the Knitcircus editor.

Please join me in congratulating our winners: Elizabeth, Jessica, Ikkinlala, Shellie, Catherine, Kathleen, Holly, Jean, Karen and Mary Kay! These 10 ‘early birds’ caught the worm so to speak and have been sent the link for their copy of the Knitcircus Winter 2011 Pattern Collection. This is a great issue with lots of wonderful patterns – I know they will enjoy it.

And for those who did not win a copy – this issue is well worth buying, and maybe next time will be your lucky day. :)

Cheers! ~ Jean

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Posted on November 18, 2011