I have been knitting seriously for about 14 years, and during that time I feel like I have at least dabbled in almost all the techniques out there: cables, lace, fair isle, and every sweater construction under the sun.  Well, just about every construction.  Last year I came across the contiguous method by Susie Meyers, and I was immediately intrigued.  

Top down, set-in sleeves, all worked at the same time with a nice shoulder slope.  It almost sounded too good to be true to this designer's heart.  So, I finally decided to step out of my comfort zone and give it a try.  

And, since I like to make things as difficult as possible for myself, I decided to add in three different cables.  I had forgotten what it was like to jump into a new technique and the nervousness of wondering if it would work out right, and what if I have to rip back?

The shoulder seam is almost complete, and I'm really liking the results so far.

The pattern is another in my little collection of honeycomb cables. Instead of using two stitches as the 'shoulder seam', I am using a single honeycomb cable, with more intricate cables around the neck and in the back panel.

What techniques have you tried for the first time this year?  

Once I find a stitch or technique I like, I tend to get obsessed with it and create several designs around it.  At the moment my obsession is with honeycomb cables.  Easy to work, especially without a cable needle, they make a great filler for more complicated cable patterns or create a nice allover pattern.  

In my current designs I am using honeycomb cables as a filler for shapes outlined by cables.

Here are the instructions for allover Honeycomb Cables.  

This stitch pattern uses 1/1 cables:
1/1 LC: Sl 1 st to cable needle and hold to front, k1, k1 from cable needle.
1/1 RC: Sl 1 st to cable needle and hold to back, k1, k1 from cable needle.

Simple and easy, right?  Even easier (and faster!) to work when you make the cables without a cable needle.  Below are videos with me demonstrating how to work the cables without a cable needle.

Almost a year ago I had the idea to make a small collection of four elegant and refined designs that could mix and match, all worked in the same yarn.  My design process always starts with a few scribbles and notes, half-processed ideas that need to ferment in my mind until they are fully developed.  Then those scribbles turn into more coherent details, and a more clear and concise sketch.  After lots of scribbling, erasing and thinking, these are the final sketches I created.

I decided to call it the Simple Elegance Collection, simple styles worked with elegant details.  After receiving my yarns, and taking a deep breath, I jumped into the knitting process.  Lots of calculations, knitting, ripping and re-knitting, and eventually these four designs came to life.

First there was Lucine, a yoked skirt.

Next came Janesse, a short sleeved cowl neck pullover perfect to pair with a blazer or leggings.

Going into the holiday season, Katrina made her debut.  A fitted cropped pullover with elbow length sleeves, adorned with a vintage brooch.

Finally came Thara, a fitted round yoke cardigan.  With all the details in the yoke, only simple jewelry and accessories are needed.

Patterns can be purchased separately, or save money and purchase as an ebook for $15.

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