Once again, I’ve been busy re-knitting one of my older styles.

When I do this, I sometimes find a new way of working the item or just that a different yarn gives the piece a new life.

In this rendition of Shelley’s Lace Jacket,  I  used Cascade Cotton Rich in the worsted weight instead of the DK I used previously.  Here she is waiting to be assembled:

And here she is completed:

                  The heavier yarn makes Shelley’s suitable for Fall rather than just a Spring/Summer design as I saw it previously. The lace design and the weight of the yarn makes the garment drape against the body as if it were fitted, but there is actually no body shaping written into the instructions  making for some good, straightforward knitting. What’s not to like?

This will be our first time exhibiting at OFFF, one of Oregon’s most eagerly awaited fiber related events of the year!

The festival takes place this year on Sept 26th and 27th at the Clackamas fairgrounds in Canby, Oregon, just minutes south of Portland.

White Lies Designs will have our booth set up on the lawn, so come by and see us!

More info and directions.

Sometimes the sweater models that I use for shows get a little shopworn and need to be replaced.

In knitting up the Colette Jacket again, I decided to change the yarn to something with a loftier hand in a deeper color.  

Here is Colette just yesterday as I finished up the last sleeve and  had pressed the pieces.  The color is called Oceana.

And here she is today:

She knitted up ultra-fast in only 5 1/2 days of very casual knitting and with the new yarn was far more economical than the one I formerly offered for this style.  The old yarnpack was $73 USD  in this size ( 35″  bust ), but in our new Cascade Soft Spun is only $41.25 USD. 

Who can’t use a little price break in today’s economy? And I can’t think of anything else to do that’s this much fun for under $50!

Not a lot of knitting content today, other than a few pics of some finished garments stacked in a pretty color arrangement.    I really just wanted to show some pics of some of the favorite things lying around my house, some (most actually) of which I’ve collected at yard sales and thrift shops.     

There is also some of my artwork from my Frederick’s of Hollywood days, my current inspiration board in my office and some of the brooches my husband made from vintage buttons and buckes.  Enjoy!

Interested in having me for a teaching/workshop/trunk show event for your guild or shop?

If you’re a shop owner or event organizer, and interested in scheduling a workshop, have a look  at some of the classes I offer and to  contact me for more information. If you are a yarn shop customer and interested in me teaching at the shop that you frequent, please feel free to pass my info on to your local shop owner.

 Are you a fan of Debbie Macomber and her Blossom Street series?

Her newest ,”Summer on Blossom Street” contains a quote from Joan on page 187!
Email us with the first three words of the quote, your name and email address before August 1st. Your entry will go into a drawing to win a White Lies Designs pattern and a copy of one of Annie Modesitt’s brilliant little Flip technique books!  http://www.whiteliesdesigns.com

Oh yes, I do love my vintage chic circa 1944. 

Shoulders were strong but femme, necklines were sweet  and the sweater girl was the pin-up princess of the day. A pair of pretty little lace patterns winding over and around the girlish topograpy was enough to set a young man’s heart afire.

 My Zelda, she can be yours too.  Find her in the latest issue of Yarn Forward Magazine #15 or right here.

Sometimes I like to re-visit my older styles and update them with a little tweak.

Since shoulders are sneaking back into fashion,  I decided to give Myrna’s sleeves a little facelift and restore the gathered sleeve that this 40’s inspired beauty came with originally.  So,  I re-knitted her with more shoulder interest and even wrote the instructions to include sewn in tulle sleeve heads to be sewn in afterward for supporting their shape.

Purists might actually want to add shoulder pads for the full 40’s splendor.

Hi Portland, OR  Knitters!

If you’re wondering what it takes to fine tune your fit from frumpy to fabulous , wonder no more!

I’ll be teaching my “Whip Your Knits into Shape” class at Abundant Yarn and Dyeworks the evening of May 13th, 2009.

If you’re a difficult fit, this class is for you. Adding designer shaping touches to your knitted garments is easy once you know a few simple rules and how to apply them. Flatter your figure by shaping any garment as you knit it. Darts, ease, and short row shaping are all important elements for a custom fit. Learn which ones to use to play up your specific body type to it’s best advantage.
The class will run from 6 to 9 pm.
Call (503) 258-9276 to make your reservation.

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We’ll also be  at the Knit and Crochet Show the 15th through the 17th  at the Doubletree Hotel, booth #28.

Here’s a discount coupon to help get you in. Right click on it to print.

I’d love to see you all there!

Join Bobbin’s Nest Studio , Bonita Knitting Store AND Joan McGowan-Michael for a fabulous Couture & Color Retreat spent with fellow knitters in beautiful Santa Barbara.

I’ll be the Designer in Residence for this wonderful trip, Oct 16th through the 18th! 

 Catch the train in either San Jose, CA  or San Diego, CA and take a relaxing ride with us to Santa Barbara where we will spend a delightful weekend knitting, taking classes, shopping and of course, eating! Did I mention knitting?

My Whip Your Knits into Shape class will help you hone your fit and teach you the little techniques that turn your knitting from frumpy to fabulous!

There will also be a wine and cheese reception, color class, trunk shows (including one from White Lies Designs),  and a knitting clinic  among other fun activites.

More information can be found at : http://www.coutureandcolor.com/

Edit:  Early bird discount!  Save $150 by booking this trip before May 1st!!!