A New Year of Knits

I love the excitement of a new year of knitting! Here is my latest pile of inspiration – love these colours together. 2012 is promising to be a big year for JoolsyWoolsy with many new designs and ideas on the table. I look forward to sharing them with you in the coming months.

Until then, happy knitting!

Jools x

VKL, LA, and Hugh Jackman!

It’s two weeks today since I arrived home from my epic trip to LA for Vogue Knitting Live and I am finally taking a few minutes away from the knitting to fill you in. As you can tell from my pics, it wasn’t all about knitting – I managed to squeeze in a bit of cheesy LA sight-seeing; including this Friends favourite hang-out (mock set).

I also managed to score a ticket to a live taping of Rove LA on the same night that Hugh Jackman was making a guest appearance. I could hardly contain myself in the second row and so you can imagine what I was like when he came over to eat Tim Tams with the girls in front of me. I took my chance and leaned over to let him know that he should try them with a glass of milk – he shook my hand and we discussed the Tim Tam Milk Explosion theory. As you can imagine, it was very hard to remain calm at this point. Even a walk-by of Gerard Butler and McSteamy from Greys Anatomy could not match it.

Ok, enough of the name dropping, back to the knitting. My expectations of VKL were high, especially after the air miles I had travelled to be there. I was truly amazed by the wealth of knitting knowledge that had all converged on the Hyatt Regency and took full advantage of this opportunity. The highlight classes were Shirley Paden’s Cardigan Construction and Josh Bennett’s Custom Knitting Design classes. I had the opportunity to hang-out with Josh a little after the Gala Dinner and he is an absolute inspiration as a designer and teacher. He has such a flare for his craft and an amazing sense of humour. His class was as much a performance as it was a lesson – such great fun. This rather fuzzy photo was of us at the Gala Dinner.

The biggest highlight for me was meeting Trisha Malcolm, editor-in-chief at Vogue Knitting magazine. I love this woman; she is an inspiration, and a truly generous soul. As a fellow Aussie, she took me under her wing for the weekend and we shared many a laugh (and the odd glass of wine). I can’t believe I was fortunate enough to share her company and feel very grateful for the experience. I look forward to returning the hospitality when she next visits Australia.

I almost forgot – the shopping! Yes, the marketplace was great fun and I did manage to boost the US economy a little with a few yarn purchases. Stevn Be’s stall was my favourite and I have some amazing skeins of hand-spun sitting here waiting to become something magical. Here is a snap of us together – don’t you love his sweater?

I could have done a lot more credit card damage at the marketplace but I was lucky enough to win one of the amazing goodie bags at the Gala Dinner. This was crammed full of hundreds of dollars worth of knitting loot. As hard as I tried, I couldn’t get it all in the case and so was able to de-stash a little with a lovely woman I met from Seattle in the Starbucks line. It was a great feeling to share the knitting love around ( after all, I have so much yarn already).

I would love to be heading to NY in Jan but will have to give the next VKL a miss. I will be sure to make next year’s events – just wish the flying time was not sooo long.

Happy Knitting!

Jools x

Full Bloom now available in Yarn Australia magazine

I am very excited to announce that my latest pattern is featured in the latest issue of Yarn Australia magazine. This vintage inspired cloche features the gorgeous Madelinetosh Vintage yarn but can be substituted for your favourite worsted weight. I just love green and pink together and so decided to add the ribbon tie detail on the brim.

The crown shaping creates the image of an open bloom. This was such a fun knit to create and helped me through the chills of Winter. Bring on Spring!

Happy Knitting!

Jools x

Creme Brulee

I am the first to admit I have a sweet tooth and so I was naturally drawn to the beautiful Skein Merino Silk Sport yarn in this burnt sugar colour. I was reminded of my favourite dessert, Creme Brulee and from there a new summery design was created for a little guilt-free indulgence. Here’s a sneak peek…

And if you can’t resist the real thing, remember that knitting burns calories!

Happy Knitting!

Jools x

Coming Soon…

I thought it would be a good idea to give a sneak preview of my new designs that will be released very soon. Here goes…

Firstly, this design was inspired by the gorgeous exclusive Happy Knits colorway of the ever popular Madelinetosh yarn, Happiness. I wanted to design a piece that highlighted the beautiful variations of blue in this yarn and so Chasing Waterfalls was born.

Next is a little piece of my hometown Melbourne, Australia. I wanted to design something that reflected Melbourne’s unique, funky style. It reminds me of my days at Art College. This little sweater waistcoat is a great seasonal piece that can be layered over various tops depending on the weather – perfect for Melbourne’s “four seasons in one day” reputation.

Finally, a vintage inspired cardigan filled with the romance of yesteryear. I love the lace detail and the ribbon-tie waist. This design was named after my beautiful daughter Gabrielle.

All designs will be released soon so stayed tuned. In the meantime, Happy Knitting!

Jools x

Vogue Knitting Live

I am very excited about my upcoming trip to LA for Vogue Knitting Live. This will be my first VKL and I am very much looking forward to meeting like-minded passionate knitters from around the globe.

My upcoming trip has made me realise how knitting can bring people together from all walks of life. I have loved sharing travel ideas with various VKL attendees and can’t wait to meet them in person in September. Mostly, I am excited about meeting some of my designer idols, such as Shirley Paden. I look forward to sharing more on the event in the future.

Happy Knitting!  Jools x

Something New, Something Blue

Something Blue

Here is a new pattern I have been working on that I am hoping to release in the next few weeks. I love the way the neckline came together, as it adds definition to this beautifully hand-painted yarn. Just a sneak peek of some exciting new patterns arriving soon at Joolsy Woolsy.

Happy Knitting!

Jools x

Sweet Little Buttons

Button Nest

I just had to share these sweet buttons I have set aside for an exciting new project I am working on. I have recently discovered the importance of adornments and trimmings with knitting. The perfect set of buttons can really make a piece something special.

Happy Knitting!

Jools x

Meet Millie

Millie Vest

Millie is my latest design; a fitted vest with beautiful lace detailed sides. This pattern includes waist and bust darts for a flattering fit. Best still, it only takes 3 skeins of gorgeous Madelinetosh Vintage yarn so it’s a super quick knit! Available for purchase from the Ravelry pattern store, just click the link.

Happy Knitting!

Jools x

Mittens KAL

After much ripping back, I managed my first mitten. I am building myself up to the second – otherwise I will be bringing back the “One Glove” 80s fashion style. Great pattern and beautiful yarn – Yarn Love Elizabeth Bennett in Reverie.

Happy Knitting!

Jools x