A suite of projects featuring the luxury yarns produced by Handmaiden Fine Yarn.

Four lacy patterns, light and airy enough for a day at the beach!

Celebrate the Celtic heritage of Nova Scotia with these three knitted accessories!

Four patterns with texture and style, designed for city living.

4 knitting designs inspired by the beauty and mystery of the desert!

Four designs to celebrate the Far North, a unique environment rich in story and adventure.

A collection of five patterns, each using only one ball/skein of a self-striping yarn.

The Five--More--Easy Pieces Club consists of five patterns, each released one at a time every three weeks between September and December 2012.

A collection of 10 knitting projects, including caps, mittens, scarf, cowls, hostess gifts, and knitted jewellery. Includes designs for men as well as for women.

These four patterns were the Bestselling Patterns in 2016: the ever-popular Bermuda Scarf and three other lacy confections, especially suited to warm weather wearing or for layering.

These four patterns were the Bestselling Patterns in 2017: the ever-popular Bermuda Scarf and three other lacy confections, especially suited to warm weather wearing or for layering.

These four patterns were the Bestselling Patterns in 2018: the ever-popular Bermuda Scarf and three other lacy confections, especially suited to warm weather wearing or for layering.

These four patterns were my bestselling patterns in 2019 (clockwise from top left): Spell of the Evening, the first design in the style of “kaleidoscope knitting”, Forest Pathways shawl, Summer in the City poncho, and Bermuda Scarf.

The top bestselling patterns for Ilga Leja Handknit Design in 2020.

Four of my most popular designs of 2021!

Four bestselling designs from 2022.

Four shawls that celebrate the luxury of jewels and semi-precious stones. Indulgent pieces to work with delicious yarns and that we will love to wear.

A knitting pattern club for 2010. This club is now completed.

Come and explore knitting’s possibilities with new patterns for shawls, cowls, sweaters, vests, and more. There will also be experimental pieces for wearing and for hanging on your wall, as you wish.

Five designs that evoke the varying landscape.

In 2018 Latvia celebrated the 100th anniversary of Latvian independence. How could I let such a celebration go by without taking part in my own way?

Mix the rich tradition of Latvian knitting with contemporary techniques and sensibility and what do you get? “Latvian Fusion” knitting!

Four patterns in linen yarn, perfect for summer wearing.

Four knitting patterns based on operatic themes and ready to wear for that special evening.

A suite of light and lacy concoctions for flirtatious evenings and nights out on the town.

Six patterns, each reflecting a different character from opera’s diverse repertoire. Designs for elegance and that special evening.

Rich in symbol and metaphor, the river is one of the most evocative of images, giving us knitters many opportunities for creative expression.

Four patterns that evoke the beach and bring together together images of wave and coastline.

Four patterns to celebrate the ever-changing seascape.

The Stripes for Socks Mystery Club is now complete with three sock patterns.

A series of six patterns following musical themes.

Four patterns to wear when strolling through the city on a warm summery day. Lacy stitches, dropped stitches make for airy garments that transition well from day to evening.

Four patterns to celebrate summer with lacy designs and lighter yarns.

Let me introduce you to “kaleidoscope knitting”!

This the final pattern in the Indulge Yourself Shawl Collection.

Pattern No. 3 in the Indulge Yourself Shawls Collection.

This is the second pattern in the Indulge Yourself Shawls Collection.

Pattern No. 1 in the Indulge Yourself Shawls Collection.

Pattern No. 5 in the Year of Kaleidoscope Knitting 2020

Pattern No. 4 in the Year of Kaleidoscope Knitting 2020.

Skill Level: Advanced Intermediate

Pattern No. 2 in the Year of Kaleidoscope Knitting 2020 Club.

Pattern No. 1 in the Year of Kaleidoscope Knitting 2020

Are you ready to work with colour, shape, texture, movement, and structure in your knitting? All at the same time? Let me introduce you to “kaleidoscope knitting”!

A shawl to explore colour and structure with the movement of bias kitting and the fascination of short rows. Let me introduce you to a new style of knitting that I am calling “kaleidoscope knitting”!

There are many pathways through the forest, each with its own secrets and delights.

Mythic Forest Collection

Pattern No. 4 in the Latvia 100 Collection.

Pattern No. 3 in the Latvia 100 Collection.

Pattern No. 2 in the Latvia 100 Collection.

Pattern No. 1 in the Latvia 100 Collection, celebrating the 100th anniversary of Latvia’s independence.

Pattern No. 4 in the Sea and Shore Club.

Pattern No. 3 in the Sea and Shore Club.

Pattern No. 2 in the Sea and Shore Club.

Pattern No. 1 in the Sea and Shore Club.

Pattern is part of my Far North Collection.

Pattern No. 3 in the Stripes for Socks Mystery Club.

Pattern No. 2 in the Stripes for Sock Mystery Club.

Pattern No. 1 in the Stripes for Socks Mystery Club.

A lacy capelet, reflecting the colours of early morning, makes for a light and versatile cover-up, suitable for any time of the day. Work it in dreamy pastels or sultry dark tones for the look that speaks to you.

The Desert Canyon shawl evokes the subtleties of a landscape filled with diverse possibilities.

Pattern No. 3 in the Desert Series.

In the desert, sun plays on sand and stone, creating many tones and moods. Depending on the time of day, colours are heightened or simply washed out.

Choose your own floral handpainted colours to knit this openwork shawl with its decorative lace panels. Worked along the bias in a combination of Garter Stitch and lace faggotting, it offers exquisite drape and the gentlest coverage when outside temperatures soar.

The Quiet Forest shawl, worked from the top down to create a Faroese-style shawl, takes its inspiration from the rich imagery of the forest. With a subtly variegated fingering yarn, it can reflect the many moods of the woods at any time of year. Choose a colour that evokes your own forest memories.

Construct a statuesque silhouette with this long, loose fitting vest. Make it even more striking by choosing a handpainted yarn with a varied colour combination.

Time for some knitting fun! Time to play with colour and think of knitting as something more than making garments.

This regal, over-sized cowl is both elegant and practical, perfect for wearing when sauntering about the grounds. Wearable and versatile, it can serve as a capelet on its own or be worn close to the neck under a jacket or coat.

I am having fun knitting socks for gifts this holiday season. What not join me?

Suggested Yarn: Double knitting or light worsted weight yarn in the following amounts:

Suggested Yarn: Double knitting or light worsted weight yarn in the following amounts:

Yarn Requirements: Double knitting or light worsted weight yarn in the following amounts:

Level of Difficulty: Easy

Create your own wildflower garden with this openwork shell. Gather together four colours or more to work this combination of lace and wrapped and dropped stitch patterns.

Pattern No. 6 in Opera Season III Collection.

Make the last days of summer extend into the fall with a subtly shaped shawl that can also be worn as a capelet or small poncho.

Pattern No. 5 in Opera Season III Collection.

Pattern No. 4 in Opera Season III Collection.

Pattern No. 3 in Opera Season III Collection.

Pattern No. 2 in Opera Season III Collection.

Pattern No. 1 in Opera Season III Collection.

Skill Level: Intermediate

Pattern No. 5 in the Latvian Fusion Sock Club.

Pattern No. 4 in the Latvian Fusion Sock Club.

Pattern No. 3 in the Latvian Fusion Sock Club.

Pattern No. 2 in the Latvian Fusion Sock Club.

Pattern No. 1 in the Latvian Fusion Sock Club.

Part of the River Seasons Collection.

Part of the River Seasons Collection.

Part of the River Seasons Collection.

Part of the River Seasons Collection.

Part of the River Seasons Collection.

Part of the River Seasons Collection.

This collection is now complete. To view all six patterns in the collection: River Seasons Collection.

Light your own winter fire and counter the cold of winter with the vibrant colours of a self-striping yarn.

Pattern No. 4 in the Five--More--Easy Pieces Club.

Pattern No. 3 in the Five--More Easy Pieces Club.

Pattern No. 2 in the Five--More--Easy Pieces Club.

Pattern No. 1 in the Five--More--Easy Pieces Club.

Here is a light cover-up that doubles as a shawl and a vest.

This circular shawl doubles as a cape and is formed entirely with short rows.

More than a “mere bagatelle”, this summer shawl is created by working short rows and increases in a strategic way. Its curving shape will insure that it will sit comfortably on your shoulders.

Like a running passage in music, the Cadenza cowl is a decorative addition to any outfit.

Skill Level: Intermediate

Skill Level: Intermediate

A long, curving shawl that falls like a musical cascade.

The fifth and final pattern in the Five Easy Pieces: One-Skein Projects with Self-Striping Yarns ebook.

Pattern No. 4 in the Five Easy Pieces: One-Skein Projects with Self-Striping Yarns ebook.

Part of the Landscape Collection.

This shawlette was designed to celebrate the third anniversary of the Tinsmith’s Wife Yarn Shop in Comfort, Texas.

Pattern No. 3 in the Five Easy Pieces: One-Skein Projects with Self-Striping Yarns ebook.

Pattern No. 2 in the Five Easy Pieces: One-Skein Projects with Self-Striping Yarns ebook.

Pattern No. 1 in the Five Easy Pieces: One-Skein Projects with Self-Striping Yarns ebook.

This sweet triangular shawl reflects the delicate and translucent quality of Antonia, the fragile singer with the beautiful voice. Worked in a delicate lacy stitch pattern, it uses stepped increases along both sides to create its shape.

An ultra-feminine capelet to grace the shoulders of an evening.

This pattern is part of the All About the Yarn: Yarn Tasters’ Club--now available as an e-book.

This fluid cape, worked in the round in a gently rippling stitch pattern, is reminiscent of the Rhinemaidens in Richard Wagner’s opera, Das Rheingold.

This pattern is part of the All About the Yarn: Yarn Tasters’ Club--now available as an e-book.

A lavish, sumptuous shawl, based on the character of the Marschallin in Richard Strauss’ opera Der Rosenkavalier. It can be worn as a neck wrap or a capelet.

Mimi is a shawl with a unique construction, but with a 19th century look, evoking the romance of the opera “La Boheme”.

This pattern is part of the All About the Yarn: Yarn Tasters’ Club--now available as an e-book.

This pattern is part of the All About the Yarn: Yarn Tasters’ Club--now available as an e-book.

Part of the Far North Collection.

Create your own collar with the beaded look of African jewellery.

This pattern is included in my e-book, Gift List: 10 Knitted Gifts for Every Occasion.

This pattern is included in my e-book, Gift List: 10 Knitted Gift for Every Occasion.

Part of the Far North Collection.

Reminiscent of the caribou’s unique markings, this textured cap is worked first in the round for the brim. It is then worked back and forth in rows to accommodate the separate striping along the depth of the cap.

A sensuous scarf or poncho as rich and delicious as its namesake, the French brioche pastry.

A vibrant scarf worked in a multi-directional, modular method. It is worked outwards from a central diamond, ending in a decorative diamond motif at each end.

Part of the Far North Collection.

Using colour, texture and form, the Indonesia scarf evokes the beautiful terraced rice fields of Indonesia. The interlocking stitch pattern of the main section recalls green layers over the expanse of a field, while the ruffled edging, with its pronounced knit-stitch ridges, isolates the individual rice stalks.

Part of the Far North Collection.

A shawl or scarf in an undulating stitch pattern, calling forth the sand dunes of the Sahara desert.

Part of the Linen Collection.

An openwork scarf, knit in a version of the Grand Eyelet Lace stitch pattern, adds grace and elegance to any outfit.

Like the blush on a rose or a lilac, this delicate, transparent shell is the lightest of cover-ups, easily matched with a camisole or swim suit.

Part of the Linen Collection.

Skill Level: Advanced Intermediate

Part of Linen Collection.

A brightly coloured scarf to honour the textile traditions of Peru.

Part of the Linen Collection.

The Scotland scarf borrows from the bold colours of Scottish tartans and is a template for creative colour expression of all kinds.

The Austria Scarf is part of the International Year of the Scarf Club.

This free scarf pattern is offered in honour of the people of Haiti, during this time of crisis. It was in response to the earthquake disaster there in 2010.

The Norway scarf is a scarf/cowl combination worked in the round, in two colours, using the Fair Isle technique. It is essentially a long tube that is grafted together to form a Moebius ring. It may then be worn in several different ways.

Worked from one end to the other in an easy-to-remember lacy stitch pattern, the Greece Scarf is perfect for take-along, summer knitting. A rhythmic, gentle knit, it is made even more pleasurable when worked in a self-striping yarn, reflecting the colours of the sea.

Part of the Landscape Collection.

Part of the Landscape Collection.

Part of the Landscape Collection.

Part of Landscape Collection.

This pattern appears in my e-book, Gift List, together with 9 other designs.

A felted messenger bag with the gradual unique striping sequence of Kauni Effekt yarn.

This pattern is part of a collection in my e-Book, Gift List, together with 9 other designs.

From Summer in the City Collection.

From the Summer in the City Collection.

From the Summer in the City Collection.

From the Summer in the City Collection.

Part of City Collection.

Part of City Collection.

Part of City Collection.

From the City Collection.

A study in flirtation, this lacy shawl with ruffled sides can be worn in many ways. As a long stole, or capelet with a ruffled collar or as a shrug.

At home on the beach, the Mermaid can be seen sporting among the waves.

A light, airy shirt for the beach, worked in a light, fingering weight yarn.

This stole, worked on the bias in a Lace Garter Stitch pattern, reflects the constant movement of tidal water. The gently ruffled ends, streaming outwards, represent the melding of river and ocean.

A cool, lacy shell, worked in a linen-silk yarn, with a matching scarf that can be worn on its own or as part of the ensemble.

Size: One size fits most

“In La Traviata, the beguiling Violetta knows she can have any man she wants and dismisses Alfredo’s early confessions of love as madness.

The pattern can be knit as either a scarf or shawl with fingering or sport weight yarn.

Part of the Seascape Collection:

Part of the Seascape Collection.

Part of the Seascape Collection:

Part of the Seascape Collection.

The Ancient Bark Moebius wrap encircles the head and shoulders in continuous movement. Easy to work, the wrap uses blocks of Basketweave Stitch interspersed with rows of Garter Stitch. After knitting is completed, the work is given a single twist and the two ends are grafted together, forming a continuous loop.

Description:

Description:

Note: Pattern recommends sport or DK yarn. The pattern model is knit in Handmaiden Lady Godiva, which is a lighter worsted (DK).

From the Summertime Collection.

From the Summertime Collection.

From the Summertime Collection.

This handpainted scarf with its angular lines is achieved by combining a simple lace pattern with garter stitch blocks. The constantly changing direction of the pattern creates the effect of an interlocking brick façade.

This pattern contains two scarf patterns, each playing with the theme of diagonal lines.

Like the aperitif it is named for, this scarf is all delicate froth and sweetness. Knit in one piece from one end to the other, it is easy and fun to work. The two side borders are picked up and knit in a self-curling Reverse Stockinette Stitch. Each corner is finished with a long, elegant tassel.

This wrap, evoking the mystery of the forest, is knit in a continuous flow of bias knitting in Garter Stitch until the collar and border are added at the end. Enhanced by the natural striping of a handpainted yarn, it drapes in different directions, when worn in different ways.