About Me

Hello, I'm Carissa! Thanks for stopping by my cozy little corner of the internet. By now, you've probably browsed some of my projects and patterns, but obviously, you clicked on the "About Me" because you want to get to know me better, you know, on a deep, personal level. Well, I've gotta be honest. That's a little creepy. I will instead offer you superficial, but hopefully entertaining insights into my life to appease your curiosity.

I have a freckle between two of my toes.

I am from Texas, but I abhor beans and fried things (with a few exceptions).

I have never broken a bone, despite being unfathomably accident-prone.

Asymmetry is one of my biggest pet peeves.

I went to college when I was 16 (and am really, all-around, just a huge nerd).

I wear a size 11 shoe (US).

No wait, perhaps these are too random. How about some more pertinent tidbits...

I've been making stuff for as long as I can remember, graduating from popsicle sticks and fingerpaints in the beginning to predominantly yarn and fabric in recent years. I'm constantly looking for ways to turn stuff into better stuff, and am not embarrassed to admit when projects go awry.

I taught myself to knit when my first nephew was in utero. There has hardly been a day since that I've not fondling some fiber. I began to create my own designs not long after learning. My spacial skills and background in math have lent themselves nicely to the cause. My passion is developing unusual construction techniques, for socks in particular.

My mother put needle and thread in my hands many years ago. I remember the little purple 'quilt' I made for my dolls. In reality, it was just two rectangles of fabric crudely hand-stitched together with a bit of batting in between. But I made it, so I was proud of it. I rediscovered the craft in college, bought myself a basic sewing machine, and went to town. Virtually everything I know about sewing, I figured out by trial and error.

In 2012, I worked very hard to change my lifestyle and eating habits, and I managed to lose 75lb (34kg). Over the course of this journey, I instituted a temporary moratorium on knitted garments since those are a large time investment in a piece that may not have even fit by the time I finished it. Instead, I picked up sewing again - remaking many of the now-too-large garments in my closet, as well as transforming pieces picked up on the cheaps from thrift stores.

So feel free to roam around. If you just can't get enough, you're welcome to browse my Ravelry projects and designs, find me on Facebook, or follow me on Bloglovin, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, or subscribe to my RSS feed to see what I come up with next!

See ya around!

37 comments:

  1. I was charmed by the the simple summer top for someone built like me. It actually looks pretty, as though someone that size might still want to make an effort to look nice.

    I understand see sawing. I lost my first 50 in HS, 100 after the kids, 200 for my 50th birthday, and another 100 plus instead of lap band surgery. Science is finally finding some answers, and the pre surgical counseling was so good that I still have hope, even now that I am well into my 70's. Good luck with your efforts. If that is you modeling the simple top, you look young enough for science to learn how to keep weight off longer than to put it on. With your talent, perhaps you could design a transition line, fast and easy enough to finish while it still fits, and adaptable enough to cope in case it doesn't.

    hugs,

    Siddy

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  2. Hi Carissa! A friend linked your blog to my knitting and crocheting club called "Chicks with Sticks". We make chemo caps for local hospitals. If you every want to make one of your wonderful caps for us, our websites are: www.facebook.com/chickswithsticksstanwoodcamanoisland
    or www.chickswithsticksstanwodcamanoisland.com

    Jamie :)

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  3. Hi carissa,
    What does am2 mean on the heelhead scarf? I can't find the abbreviation on line.
    Alison

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  4. am2 = adjust mount 2
    Basically, you're just turning around the next two stitches so they face the other way on your needle.

    For future reference, all my frequently-used abbreviations are here.

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  5. you are so right about wanting to know who you are. As a beginner at sewing, I was fascinated by all the makeovers, that for a moment, I wondered if you ever thought of joining project runway. You have so much patience it is amazing how you totally transform a skirt into a blouse.

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    1. Thanks, Alexa! I'm not sure I'm cut out for a real "reality" show, but a friendly online competition, absolutely!

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  6. Just wanted to say your refashions are fantastic, very inspiring. Especially love the tweed top you made from a skirt. You've really got the fit down. I've just recently reclaimed space in my house to set up my sewing machine again and refashioning seemed the way to go to get started. Can't wait to see what you do next. btw, your little cityscape logo looks just like my hometown too :-)

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    1. Thanks, Alicia! I've learned a great deal over the last year and a half about sewing to flatter my figure. A little practice - and of course, a lot of trial and error - goes a long way! So glad you've been able to make space for sewing in your own life. It's so rewarding!

      The skyline header is supposed to resemble Dallas, Texas, complete with the green lighting on the Bank of America Plaza building as well as the Reunion Tower ball. Of course, my artistic rendering may not be entirely faithful to reality. So where's your hometown?

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  7. Yes, your work really paid off, your pieces all fit so well. I studied pattern making in school so I can appreciate the effort. Do you use a dress form? I am trying to decide if I want to invest in one. I have a couple of projects in mind but I'm thinking how much easier to do it with a dress form.

    About your header - I was trying to be subtle. I live very near downtown Dallas so I recognized it instantly.

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    1. No, I don't have a dress form... yet! I really want to get one, but I can't seem to find one that would accurately represent my measurements. I'm seriously considering making one out of duct tape or paper tape, using one of many tutorials I've seen online. You can bet I'll post about it if I do!

      Well, color me dense! I just thought I hadn't portrayed my city very well. Good to know my drawing skills aren't as lacking as I thought.

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  8. I have a variation on your premie hat patterns, if you would like to add it. I've made many of your patterns for the NICO unit at Seton Hospital, Austin where my niece is a nurse. suzwil67@gmail.com

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  9. Hi Carissa,

    My name is Anuj Agarwal. I'm Founder of Feedspot.

    I would like to personally congratulate you as your blog Carissa Knits has been selected by our panelist as one of the Top Knitting blogs on the web.

    http://blog.feedspot.com/2016/02/09/top-knitting-blogs/

    I personally give you a high-five and want to thank you for your contribution to this world. This is the most comprehensive list of top Knitting blogs on the internet and I’m honoured to have you as part of this!

    Best,
    Anuj

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  10. Hi Carissa, I love the preemie hat patterns but would like to make for a full term baby. As I'm a beg knitter I don't know how to adjust the pattern. Can you help me?

    Thx, Maureen

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    1. A full-term newborn's head circumference is about 2 inches larger than my preemie pattern. You could use a thicker yarn and larger needles to make a slightly bigger hat. Or if you added 12 stitches at the original gauge that would increase the circumference about 2 inches. Then you'd work even for an extra inch or so before beginning the crown shaping. You'd also need to throw in an extra decrease round (*k5, k2tog* around) at the beginning of the crown shaping. Hope that helps!

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  11. Hi Carissa! My very sick little niece saw your design and fell in love! It's her birthday today and she's in the hospital, fighting for her life. She posted that if someone would make this for her she promised to get better. <3 I found a friend who is feverishly knitting as fast as she can. I just wanted to let you know that your kind gesture of posting the pattern for free is helping a terrific woman find the will to live. Seriously. Thank you so much for your kindness and your amazing talent!

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    1. It was the Wonder Woman design, BTW. ;)

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    2. Oh, Mike, thank you so much for sharing that! I'm thrilled to have contributed in some small way. My thoughts are with your niece and her doctors. Hoping for the best!

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  12. i loved your Wonder Woman shawl i just finished it and it was a absolute pleasure to knit...the pattern was so interesting with the short row shaping and as the pattern evolved before your eyes it just made you keep on knitting

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  13. Thank you Carissa, I am volunteer-knitting preemie hats on round dpns (without seems) and you have great patterns.

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  14. Carissa, I need help on your Wonder Woman pattern. My granddaughter (11 years old) wants to knit the shawl but we can't seem to make the gauge work. Our fingering yarn, using size 4 needles, comes up at 22-24 stitches per 4 inches. Can we make this work? It's beautiful yarn. Thanks, Anna

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    1. The gauge given in the pattern was measured after blocking, and I'm a pretty aggressive blocker. Even if you don't get quite that loose of a gauge, your shawl should still be a decent size because my original sample is huuuuge!

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  17. Hi,
    I love your Dissent Cowl. Navy with pink is a winner anyway but the design is to die for.
    Unfortunately, I don't knit. Is there a possibility you could make a similar one in crochet?
    Thanks

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  18. im from a browning family
    my great grandma love your stuff

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  19. Hi Carissa,
    Do you sell cloth patterns for your knits...or could you? I love your shawls, but live in the tropics so if I could recreate the shape with lighter fabric, that would solve a lot of my wardrobe issues.
    Thanks for letting me know.

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  20. Hi Carissa: I am making the Yip Yips, which I think are amazing. You listed 120 yards to make them. I am assuming that means I need to buy two 108 yard skeins. Is this correct? I had just purchased one on Etsy and realized it was only 108 yards. Please advise for if this is correct I need to order another one. Thanks for the pattern.

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  21. my daughter-in-law sent me your wonder woman pattern. Need to know if you have a tutorial i could watch to get the hang of this. I am a knitter, but this looks quite complicated.
    Also where do you get this yarn? Is it knit all in one piece?
    Ealine

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  22. Help. I just purchased your cowl designed in honor of RBG. The yarn you used is no longer available. Can you suggest a substitute?

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    1. Any DK weight yarn should work. The yarn I used was 100% merino wool, but that's not strictly necessary.

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  23. Even after I had agreed to your particular mortgage she was capable of lower it even further. mortgage payment calculator You'll apply and acquire this loan, and it is put for the senior's home being a lien. canada mortgage calculator

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  24. Hello! I purchased a kit from you at the East Texas fiber fest in 2019. I am just now getting to the project. I have a pesky day job! When I entered to download code it says the it has expired! Is there a way I can get a new code and I promise to use it right way! Thank you!
    Tina Westmoreland
    tinawestmoreland1@yahoo.com

    tinawestmoreland1@yahoo.com

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  25. Hi I'm stuck on exactly how to transition from row 22 to row 23 on the tip yip pattern. Can you please give me some guidance?
    jlambertus@yahoo.com
    Thank you

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    1. Did you get an answer on this? Row 22 you only sc in 16 stitches then turn. Row 23 ch1, decrease over the first two stitches, sc in the next 27 stitches, decrease over the last two stitches, for a total of 29 stitches.

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  26. Hello Carissa, I am working the yip yip pattern and rounds 30 & 31 don't jive together. 30 says do not turn, however; 31 appears to be another round addressing the same area as 30. The only way this could happen is to turn. Overall, the pattern is very easy. I hope you address the 30 & 31 issue here as well as in the pattern. I noticed other people asking in this site as well with no feedback. I've spent a bit of time and materials to be in limbo at the very end of the pattern. 😢😢😢

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