Do You Feel Lucky?

"Depend on the rabbit's foot if you will, but remember it didn't work for the rabbit. "

- R.E. Shay

OK - I let the Plurkies talk me into doing something outrageous. We currently have 942 Evenstar knitters, and it seems some of our more - ahem - enthusiastic members really want to see us reach the big 1000.

Now, I told them this was highly unlikely, since sign-ups end tonight at midnight, but they suggested we could make a final push and reach that elusive number 1000. They wanted to know if we could do some kind of contest.

Well, y'all know how I love a good contest, especially if it involves nothing more from me than emailing a pattern...or two...or three...

How do y'all feel about seventy?

Here's what we're gonna do:

I will give the entire Fellowship of the Ring series (seven patterns - $45 value) FREE to numbers 950, 960, 970, 980, 990, and 1000.

I will also randomly award two free pattern series to current subscribers, to thank you for your support.

If you order the FotR series tomorrow and are the winner, I will refund the full amount on Tuesday.

So spread the word please - email your friends - plurk your pals - post on your blog - discuss in the RAV forums.

And I will extend sign ups one more day: Monday, March 1st - midnight EST.

So...do you feel lucky? Huh? Do ya?

Endings & Beginnings

In my beginning is my end.
-T.S. Eliot

This coming weekend marks both an end and a beginning here on the sunflower farm.

On Monday we say goodbye to your opportunity to sign up for the Evenstar Mystery Shawl KAL. The pattern will not be available for purchase again until after the KAL is completed in May. The pattern will be sold in it's entirety beginning June 1st.

Over 900 have signed up for this journey, which never ceases to amaze me. The second clue comes out this afternoon, but there is still time for you to catch up, should you choose to join our merry band of latecomers. The more, the merrier...

Of course, though sign-ups are closing, we are but a little way along our path. There are seven clues, taking us through April and into early May.

I am so pleased with this design. I have worked hard to make it worthy of so many people's investment of time and talent. I pray I have succeeded; time will tell...

Also on March 1st, sign-ups open for the next phase of our adventure together: The Fellowship of the Ring series. As previously announced, the series is composed of seven patterns (I forgot one earlier - d'oh!) , taken from the first book/movie of the trilogy.

Argonath
cabled stole in String Theory DK - Labradorite
The pattern features wavy patterns to evoke the river Anduin's course, and is framed on both ends by columnar patterns reminiscent of the statues outstretched arms.






Dwarrowdelf
lace shawl in Tanis Fibre Arts Fingering - Stormy

Design features arched lace -angular like the dwarves design for the great hall in the mines of Moria




Lothlorien
cabled scarf or stole in custom dyed Tamsie Gradience from Unique Sheep
color taken from Tolkien's description of the golden woods, rather than the night time palette suggested by the movie



Strider
unisex cowl in Blue Moon Fiber Arts Peru - Ravenscroft
less greasy than Aragorn when we first behold him, but just as yummy!




Bombadil
hat with fair isle band & twisted stitch top in String Theory Caper Sock - Blue Hill, Cobalt, & Melon
colors taken from Tom's daring fashion choices - blue & yellow - Fierce! (snap)



Mithril
beaded lace vest in Handmaiden Silk Twist - silver & straw
silver lace vest with drawstring and golden trim in a beautiful leaf motif
(and no teeshirt backing, unlike the costume picutured above)




Bag End
mosaic felted bag in Unique Sheep Gradience - Brew Pub
12 by 12 inch felted tote bag, similar in construction to bag pictured

These seven patterns will be available for individual purchase at $8 a piece, but I am offering a discount for those who subscribe to the entire series up front:$45 for the entire series. That is $11 in savings.

I do not have a firm schedule for the patterns, beyond a commitment to thee first coming out May 1st and the others following every 6-8 weeks. Some will obviously take longer than others.

I want to be flexible - if a pattern is ready to release in four weeks, I don't want to hold it until a certain date. Conversely, if a pattern takes eight weeks to complete, I don't want to be pushed into release before it is truly ready. I hope you will understand my reluctance to place firm dates upon the series. Creativity is hard to structure.

I can promise you we will be done within the year (or sooner) and then we will move on to the next installment - The Two Towers - and the next mystery shawl pattern.

Sign ups begin Monday, March 1st, 2010.

And....just because I don't think anyone should have to wait till May to get their Elf on...

All sign ups will get immediately upon sign up, a little surprise I've been working on.

Legolas

a quick little weekend project done with sport/dk weight yarn on size 6 needles. The kerchief features an elvish twining leaf pattern that falls in lovely folds around the wearer's neck, and has lovely twisty ends to pull around to the front of your shoulders.

This pattern is not available for individual sale; it is my gift to subscribers only.

OK - I think that about covers it (whew!) Look for sign-ups over on the sidebar, come Monday morning.

Anybody wanna play?

Curiousity

"The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery everyday. Never lose a holy curiosity."

-Albert Einstein

I know I've been noticeably absent from the blogosphere in recent weeks. My profound apologies.

But it has been an intensely creative period as I have ordered yarn, searched for inspiration, and begun construction on the first six patterns in the LotR Series.

Will post full details tomorrow. Until then, here are some pics of yarn, swatches, & even a completed project to pique your curiosity...

CONSUMER ALERT

THIS POST IS FOR ANYONE CONSIDERING PAYMENT ON LINE TO ANY COMPANY - BUT IN PARTICULAR, INDIANAPOLIS WATER COMPANY

THIS COMPANY DOES NOT STAND BEHIND ITS PROMISE TO SERVE ITS CUSTOMERS.

REGARDLESS OF WHETHER YOU HAVE A RECEIPT FROM THEIR PAYMENT PARTNER - WESTERN UNION, THEY SAY IF THE PAYMENT DOES NOT POST BECAUSE OF A SCREW UP ON THEIR END, YOU - THE CONSUMER - ARE RESPONSIBLE.

THEY WILL TURN YOUR WATER OFF AND REFUSE TO TURN IT BACK ON.

IN 53 YEARS, I HAVE NEVER SEEN A COMPANY REFUSE TO STAND BEHIND THEIR PROMISE TO THE PUBLIC IN THIS MANNER.

APPARENTLY ON LINE CONFIRMATION NUMBERS & RECEIPTS MEAN NOTHING.

CONSUMER BEWARE!!!!

I have submitted the following complaint to the Indiana Regulatory Commission:

On December 22, 2009 I went to the company's website to pay my bill on line. I was directed to "click here" which took me to the Western Union SpeedPay website.

There I was offered 2 options: to make a one time only payment, or to set up a recurring payment schedule. I chose the latter, and filled out all fields correctly, including my bank acct. and routing numbers. I received an email with a confirmation number from Western Union on behalf of the Indianapolis Water Co. stating that the payment was properly scheduled and would be deducted from my bank account on the due date each month.

Today, at 5:00, my water was turned off. I immediately contacted the company's customer service line. I assumed my confirmation number and receipt would be sufficient to have them turn the water back on.

Instead I was informed that Western Union had not done anything, that I had only "attempted" to set up the payment, and that the company was under no obligation to act in good faith because Western Union made a mistake.

They suggested I contact Western Union and declined to bear any responsibility whatsoever for their sub-contractor's error. They told me it was my responsibility to ensure the payment was deducted from my checking account.

I paid the bill immediately (even tho the only option I had was to go back through Western Union again) and was informed that I should have signed up through the mail with them, rather than through their own service provider (even though I was following THEIR direct link)They told me it was more reliable (an admission on their part of problems.)

Even tho the mistake was made by them or their provider, even though I have a receipt and a confirmation number, even though I am currently staring at the account details on SpeedPay's site, they refuse to admit their error and will not send someone out to turn out water back on until some time tomorrow at the earliest.

Apparently, paying on line is not safe, regardless of what companies lead you to believe. Apparently we have no rights if we choose to do so. And apparently confirmation numbers are a fraud.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

One Series to Rule Them All

When the cold of Winter comes

Starless night will cover day
In the veiling of the sun
We will walk in bitter rain

But in dreams
I still hear your name
And in dreams
We will meet again

When the seas and mountains fall
And we come, to end of days
In the dark I hear a call
Calling me there
I will go there
And back again

Words and music by Fran Walsh and Howard Shore,
Based on the song for the Entwives by Tolkien.

I have finally pulled this whole mess into a semblance of order. So many ideas...I haven't been this excited in ages!

I have decided to divide the patterns by the book/movie they come from; a trilogy of knitting!

LORD OF THE RINGS PROJECT

Fellowship of the Ring
Evenstar (circular mystery shawl KAL)
Argonath (cabled stole)
Dwarrowdelf (lace shawl)
Lothlorien (cabled stole)
Strider (cowl)
Bombadil(fair isle tam)
Mithril (beaded vest)

The Two Towers
One Ring (mystery shawl KAL)
Balrog (mosaic cowl)
Rohan (fair isle cape)
Ringwraith (lace stole)
Eowyn (tw st. gloves)
Tree Beard (lace scarf)
Legolas (lace ruana)

Return of the King
Elessar (triangular mystery shawl KAL)
Minas Tirith (mosaic hat)
Into the west (lace)
Samwise (cabled cowl)
Arwen (lace)
Gimli (mod. stole)
Green Dragon (intars mittens)
Requiem (hood)

I have tried, whenever possible, to include both a variety of techniques and a variety of accessory types within each cycle. Wouldn't want anyone to feel bogged down or bored!

I do not have a firm schedule for the patterns, beyond a commitment to thee first coming out May 1st and the others following every 6-8 weeks. Some will obviously take longer than others.

I want to be flexible - if a pattern is ready to release in four weeks, I don't want to hold it until a certain date. Conversely, if a pattern takes eight weeks to complete, I don't want to be pushed into release before it is truly ready. I hope you will understand my reluctance to place firm dates upon the series. Creativity is hard to structure.

I can promise you we will be done within the year (or sooner) and then we will move on to the next installment - The Two Towers - and the next mystery shawl pattern.

Sign ups begin March 1st, 2010.

Patterns will be available individually as they are issued for $8 each. Those who purchase in advance get a price break - $40 for the Fellowship of the Rings series (first six patterns).

First pattern will be released May 1st, with others following every 6 to 8 weeks until complete.

Here's some preliminary pics to whet your appetite.

Argonath (cable & lace stole - String Theory DK weight)

Mithril (beaded vest - Handmaiden Silk Twist)

Bombaldil (fair isle hat - String Theory Caper sock fingering weight)

Dwarrowdelf (lace shawl - Tanis Fibers lace weight)

Strider (cowl - worsted weight)
Bag End (mosaic bag - fingering weight)
Lothlorien (cabled stole w/ gradient colors- DK weight)

*****

A word to those who are waiting on other designs:

I know for every pattern on which I have begun the design process, there are avid knitters wanting to cast on. I know I design far more than I have time to knit. I know there are knitters out there who are disappointed in this new development and what it means to my other projects, which have been tabled for the current moment.

I beg you forgiveness and your patience. All things happen for a reason and all in our world works towards the good. I believe I am meant to follow this muse, where ever she may lead. I will get back to these projects, I promise. Like Isildur's heir, I shall return.

*****

Tomorrow at 6:00 PM EST the first clue comes out for the Evenstar Mystery Shawl KAL , however we are still taking sign-ups till February 19th.

Yesterday I signed up with an automated email service to better manage the large number of people involved. The business has officially outgrown my home server.

You should have received an email from Aweber on my behalf, requesting you to confirm your membership in the KAL by clicking on the link at the bottom. Make sure you have done this before 6:00 tomorrow or your first clue will be delayed.

And now, if you will excuse me, I am off to make final corrections to tomorrow's clue.

Until we meet tomorrow in dreams...

How Dat?

"Life is a perpetual instruction in cause and effect."

_Ralph Waldo Emerson

First Off: I owe you all an apology. Can't believe it had been over a week since my last post!

Gulp!

It would appear that cooking & cleaning aren;t the only casualties of my new-found addiction, ahem, obsession, ahem, focus...yeah, that's it...

I never intended to go so long; have just been incredibly busy with the knitting of the Evenstar as well as the design work of the rest of the Lord of the Rings collection.

But it has been a truly joyful period as well as busy. My creative muse no longer sits on my shoulder. She has moved in and taken over my house. She has interrupted my sleep, tickled me during my daily shower, and invaded every corner of my life (except for my familial relationships - girl's gotta draw the line someplace, y'know?)

The other great passion in my life right now is football. My beloved Indianapolis Colts are back in the Super Bowl and ready to take on the NO Saints. Or as someone on Plurk put it: Who dat? meets Been there, done dat...

"Who dat?" is a worthwhile question. I remember my days with the Indianapolis Arts Chorale. They wanted me to raise money, not do publicity, but I found the two to be joined at the hip. You can't raise money if no one knows who you are. Who dat comes before Why dat, Where dat, When dat, & How dat.

I am informed by other knitters that I have moved past the Who dat stage. Apparently people have heard of me and that is no small feat. It takes a lot of waving your hands around and yelling, as Horton's Whos did, "I am HERE! I am HERE! I am HERE!" It takes perseverance, and dedication, and hard work, and no little amount of hubris to get to that point.

These days, I am more consumed with How dat.

• How do I get direct download for my patterns?
• How do I program a web store?
• How do I communicate effectively with everyone?
• How do I keep up with all the questions?
• How do I find time to knit in all the hubbub of over 700 people knitting at once?
• How do I make the yarn look the way I want it to?
• How do I work with new software & get it to do what I want?
• How do I release a pattern in stages rather than all at once?

How dat.

And most importantly, how do I answer your "How dat"?

That is the essence of being a designer. The best designer in the world is useless if he or she can't figure out how to tell others how to complete a pattern.

I am a firm believer in the power of How dat to change the world. The answers are out there waiting to be discovered. Whether those answers teach us how to knit a shawl or build a hydro electric dam.

Or feed a world.

Who dat is one of the first questions we ask: as babies, as newlyweds, as we meet new people every day. It introduces us, one to another, and helps us to form the connections that sustain us in our daily lives.

How dat moves beyond introduction to instruction. It teaches us new skills, new ideas, new ways at looking at our world and the people in it. It takes us to places we haven't been before. How dat invented the wheel, and the light bulb, and landed us on the moon.

Who dat aquaints us. How dat enlightens us, excites us, energizes and delights us.

How dat compels us to step beyond our known limitations and grow. It propels us along the journey's path.

Frodo knew What dat - what he had to do: take the ring to Mordor. And he soon learned Who dat, as the fellowship formed.

Frodo was just a Hobbit from the Shire. He did not know the way. But he knew his own limitaions. He knew the importance of asking the questions.

How dat took over from there, took him beyond his neighborhood, his home, all the way to Mount Doom & back.

How dat is an amazingly powerful question and , I would argue, the force that shapes the world.

Or at least, my small part in it.

So... I bet you want to know how dat with regards to the Evenstar KAL...

Here is everything I know (about this anyway):

The shawl will be a full sized round one inspired by Arwen’s Evenstar from Lord of the Rings. Shawl will take 1700 yards of laceweight, and require an intermediate level of skill; no expertise required, just patience. Written & charted directions. Every other row is straight knitting (circular equivalent of purled wrong side rows)

I am doing mine in Blue Moon Fiber Arts Silk Thread II in Winter Solstice. There will be optional beading on the outside edge of the piece. Bead count is 2900 - size 8/0 seed beads - get extra so you have wiggle (or jeez, did I just dump those on the floor?) room.

You will also need size 3 US needles (or to obtain gauge)in both dpns and several circular lengths (at least a 24” & 40”) 30 stitch markers (if you want to place marker between each repeat) and a small crochet hook for beading

Sign ups run through Friday February 19th. Cost is $8, $1 of which is donated to Doctors Without Borders for relief in Haiti. You can sign up here on Rav or on the sidebar of my blog

I have released a swatch to be used for both determining gauge & practicing your lace knitting skills. Swatch directions are available on Ravelry as a free pattern download, or you can wait until I email it to you.

First clue will come out on February 12th at 6:00 PM EST, just in time for the Ravelympics. Subsequent clues will come out every other Friday through May 7th, for a total of seven clues. Right now I am emailing communications, but I am working on getting direct downloads in place. You will get an email with the password to unlock the download.

IF YOU HAVE NOT GOTTEN ANY EMAILS FROM ME & HAVE SIGNED UP MORE THAN 36 HOURS AGO, PLEASE CONTACT ME IMMEDIATELY AT susanpandorf@comcast.net so we can resolve any email issues prior to Friday's clue release

If you keep up, by Memorial Day you will have a stunning shawl, perfect for any and all summer events. The entire pattern will be available for purchase in June.

But that’s not all…

This shawl will kick off a new series.

Eighteen additional patterns in the collection will come out every 6-8 weeks and be available both individually or as 8 pattern subscriptions (at a discounted price). Sign ups for the series open March 1st.

There will be three Mystery KAL’s (counting this one) and 15 (so far) additional stand alone pieces in the collection. The KAL’s will run independently of the other patterns in the series. KAL patterns will be available for purchase after the completion of each KAL (June for Evenstar)

Here is the series as it currently stands - I have not finalized the order yet:

Evenstar Mystery Shawl (duh)

Ringwraith Stole: lace/twisted stitch stole in BMFA Geisha in Raven Clan
Argonath: cabled wrap in String Theory DK
Arwen’s Requiem Hood in BMFA Luscious Single Silk
Lasgalen (or Greenwood) Ruana: gradated lace in Unique Sheep Luxe
Eowyn’s Riding Gauntlets: twisted stitch fingerless gloves
Lothlorien Wrap: cabled wrap in special custom dye gradiance DK by Unique Sheep
Dwarrowdelf Shawl: triangular lace shawl in Tanis Fiber Arts lace
Bag’s End: mosaic stitch mushroom bag (but you will probably keep other things in it)in Unique Sheep tinsel toes
Mithril Vest: in Handmaiden Silk Twist
Gimli Scarf : modular knit (unisex) in Noro Kureyon Worsted
Green Dragon Mittens: color-work mittens in Tanis Fiber Arts fingering (kit)
Samwise Gamgee Neckwarmer: (unisex) in (too cool) yarn from the mill that made the cloaks for the movie
Strider Cowl (unisex) in BMFA Peru Ravenscroft
Rohan fair-isle capelet in KnitPicks Palette
Bombadil Hat fair-isle in String Theory Caper Sock
Into the West stole or shawl in Unique Sheep Eos Custom Gradiance

and two more mystery KAL’s

Elessar Triangular Mystery Shawl in Woolen Rabbit alpaca lace
One Ring Mystery Shawl: circular in Unique Sheep Mordor gradience

This is now officially a trilogy! 1st Mystery shawl - series of 8 patterns - 2nd Mystery shawl - series of 8 patterns - 3rd & final Mystery shawl.

I have decided to keep the KAL group on Ravelry to simplify matters. If you want the very latest scoop on the entire LOTR project (spoiler alert) you can follow along with my progress on Plurk

I am so excited about this project. I hope you will all sign up and tell your friends. There will definitely be pattern giveaways throughout the project, and possibly yarn & merchandies also, if I can find someone to coordinate those. Any volunteers?

Thank you for your participation, your inspiration, and, most of all, your patient assistance and answers to my eternal question:

HOW DAT?