Spring Has Sprung?

March 21, 2013 in bag, crochet, Ella Rae, Katia, miscellaneous, Mondial, Noro

Wednesday was, supposedly, first day of Spring. That is hard for me to believe up here in the North East where it has been snowing since Tuesday night.

Despite the lack of visible grass and flowers outside, I’m still finding myself drawn to the new cotton yarns arriving for spring and summer knitting and crocheting.

Maybe if I put down my Ella Rae Classic Wool arm warmers and start working on something in cotton Mother Nature will get the hint?

Another thing turning my thoughts to Spring is that Easter is just over a week away! It seems so early this year, but there is still time to whip out a few hand made projects to include in the Easter Baskets.

Cotton Crocheted egg by Katia.

This adorable striped crocheted egg is a free pattern on the Katia website.

The pattern is in 5 languages. English is the middle one.

Worked in a chunky cotton yarn with an L hook, you should be finished in next to no time.

If you can’t find the Katia yarn called for in the pattern at your local yarn store, ask for the new Ella Rae yarn Melbourne. This chunky 100% Cotton yarn should be a good substitute.

Garter Stitch Bag by Ella Rae using Melbourne.

While you’re checking out the Melbourne yarn, flip through the pattern book of the same name. There are great spring and summer sweater patterns for women and girls, and some charming accessories as well.

This simple garter stitch bag from the Melbourne book would be handy for carrying your finds during the Easter Egg hunt and then continue to be a cute summer purse after all the Peeps have been consumed.

Mondial Cable 5 yarn in color #315

As you know, the size of the stuffed egg can be changed by adjusting the yarn and hook used. For a thinner option consider the new Cable 5 yarn from Mondial.

This fingering weight 100% Pure Egyptian Mako Cotton has approximately 220 yards per 50g ball and is available in 35 colors ranging from neutral through pastel to vibrant primaries!

Between those two yarns you’ll find Ella Rae Phoenix. There are 12 new colors of this classic, worsted weight, 100% Egyptian Cotton yarn.

Coco by Ella Rae using Phoenix yarn.

This soft, crisp yarn is great for garments and accessories for the entire family. This cute cabled sweater is the Coco pattern from Ella Rae book #116.

Designed by Debbie Bliss, both patterns are free on our website.

Getting away from cotton, but keeping with the Easter theme, is the adorable Noro Bunny designed by Debbie Bliss. It is a free pattern on our website. (The bear pattern is here.)

They each require just one skein of Noro Kureyon yarn, but look just as good in Noro Silk Garden.

But you can always think Spring and knit them in cotton instead!

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Javori Designs

February 14, 2013 in Katia

Usually I focus on “traditional” knitting and crochet patterns–sweaters, hats, scarves, etc.

But, as you know, there is so much more to our crafts. Especially if you start adding beads or non-traditional materials. Many of you probably include some of these elements in your projects already.

These are all reasons I’m excited to tell you that Javori Designs jewelry kits now include Katia Gatsby yarns!

Andi Javori has been designing knitwear for over 20 years. Her jewelry has been featured in numerous magazines. I think it’s easy to see why.

Leah Twist Necklace in Emerald

If you have your copy of the Spring/Summer 2013 issue of Vogue Knitting you would have seen the emerald version of the Leah Twist Necklace featured in the “What’s New” section.

Isn’t that pretty? These kits are totally one of those projects where people won’t believe you made it yourself.

Leah Twist Bracelet in Emerald

The Leah Twist is a new design for 2013. One kit will make either a necklace or a bracelet and they are considered “easy” projects.

In addition to Emerald (which will be great for St. Patrick’s Day in March!) the kits are available in Fuchsia, Sapphire and Topaz.

Leah Twist Necklace in Fuchsia

Katia Gatsby is a 77% Viscose, 15% Nylon, 8% Metallic Polyester blend yarn so you don’t have to worry about a wool allergy if you make or give the kits as a gift.

Leah Twist Bracelet in Fuchsia

You can really see the sparkle of the yarn in these bracelet pictures.

A nice thing about the kits is you don’t have to worry about finding the correct size beads or trying to match the colors because that has been done for you. Instead you can get down to the fun of starting the project. And, of course, the clasp is included so you can wear it as soon as you are done.

Tiffany Necklace in Ruby

In addition to the new Leah Twist design, Andi has used Gatsby to introduce new colors of two of her existing designs.

The Tiffany Necklace show above is available in Ruby, Golden Aqua, and Pink Iris.

(I think the Tiffany Necklace is my favorite, but don’t let the other designs know!)

Toledo in Black Diamond

The stunning Toledo necklace is available in Black Diamond and Purple.

You can see examples of all the colorways in the “shop” section of the Javori Designs website.

The kits are available directly from the Javori Designs website or from select stores, which you can locate using the “retailers” link on the Javori website.

You can also see the designs on Ravelry or “like” the Javori Designs page on Facebook.

Have you knit or crocheted jewelry? Which of Andi’s designs is your favorite?

Tags: Javori Designs
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Ruffling Yarn Beyond Scarves

July 16, 2012 in bag, Circulo, Debbie Bliss, Euro Yarns, Free, Inspiration, Katia, Knitting Fever Inc, Sublime, Sweaters

Self-ruffling yarns like Flounce from our Knitting Fever line and Triana from Katia have been popular for a number of years now. Almost as soon as a local yarn store gets them on the shelf they sell out!

The appeal is understandable.

This style yarn comes in a variety of colors and textures and some even have metallic thread for extra interest. Some of the yarns have a mesh construction which you knit or crochet by opening flat and inserting your hook or needle through the holes in the mesh. Others have a ladder yarn on one edge and fibers on the other. This style you work through the holes of the ladder with the fibers create the body of the project.

You can learn more about some of the self-ruffling yarns we represent and see a video about how to work with them in this blog post.

While the quickest and easiest project to make with any of these yarns is a scarf (most people report being able to finish one in between two to four hours), people are starting to explore the potential of these yarns for uses ranging from trim to entire garments.

Here are a few that have caught our eye.

Vogue Knitting Early Fall 2012

Vogue Knitting Early Fall 2012, photo by Paul Amato for LVARepresents.com

This stunning garment is the “Ruffle Wrap Cardigan” designed by Cheryl Murray. The pattern is in the Vogue Knitting Early Fall 2012 issue. You can see a preview of the issue on the Vogue Knitting website.

The sweater is sized for Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, XX-Large

The body is knit using Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran (Amounts: 10 (11, 12, 13, 14) balls in #9 gray) while the trim is Circulo Tecido Trico Animal (Amounts: 1 hank in #2631 gray leopard).

Tecido Trico is a 100% Polyester fabric ribbon available in a variety of flower and animal prints. Can’t get your head around knitting with fabric ribbon? Learn more about it in this blog post, which includes a how-to video.

Cashmerino Aran is a soft, 55% Merino Wool, 33% Microfiber Acrylic, 12% Cashmere blend available in a rainbow of colors. Have fun mixing and matching the yarns to create a unique look all your own.

Trimmed in Trico

Use either Renda Trico or Tecido Trico as trim

For a more casual look, try your hand at one of these Trico trimmed shrugs, which are available as free patterns on our website.

The one on the left uses a flower print of Tecido Trico for the trim compared to the animal print used in the Vogue Knitting sweater. The body of that shrug is Debbie Bliss Cotton DK, a 100% Cotton yarn available in 20 colors. You can download this version of the shrug pattern here.

The shrug on the right uses Renda Trico for the trim. This is a lace version of the fabric ribbon from Circulo. It is available in 14 colors. The body of the black shrug is knit using Sublime Lustrous Extrafine Merino DK, a 67% Extra Fine Merino Wool, 33% Nylon blend that is available in 10 colors. You can download the black shrug pattern here.

Although the body of both shrugs is simple garter stitch the patterns are recommended for an intermediate knitter because of the unique construction technique. But don’t let that deter you! Help can always be found at your local yarn store or at your knit/crochet group.

Dress up a store bought top

For something a little different (and quicker) have a go at dressing up a store bought top by adding a fun Tecido trimmed collar. Download the guidelines for this project here.

Tutu Cute!

Ruffled Tutu Skirt by Ewetopia Fiber Shop

But why should grown-ups have all the fun?

This adorable Ruffled Tutu Skirt for a toddler is from Ewetopia Fiber shop, which is out in Wisconsin. They are generously allowing us to share the pattern with you for free!

The version shown here is using Bossa Nova yarn from Katia. This 72% Cotton, 28% Nylon blend is available in eight colors. (We have a free Bossa Nova Scarf pattern on our website, too.)

This Tutu skirt looks equally cute using a yarn with a larger mesh like Rumples or Triana.

It’s In The Bag

Ruffles Galore Purse by Unwind, A Yarn Shop

These yarns are also great for accessories.

The Ruffles Galore Purse comes to us from Unwind, a Yarn Shop, which is located in Oklahoma. They are generously allowing us to share the free pattern with you! It uses Tecido Trico and a coordinating worsted weight yarn of your choice.

When working this pattern remember that the Tecido Trico yarn with automatically form the ruffle as you work with it. When the pattern says “knit ruffle” there isn’t really a pattern stitch to be worrying about since it will happen automatically.

Evening in Paris Purse by Knitting On The Fringe

The Evening in Paris Purse was designed by Knitting on the Fringe, which is located in Michigan, using Flounce yarn. You can buy the pattern on their website. If none of the Flounce colors catch your eye, consider using Rumples, Triana, or Tricor instead. Or jazz it up with one of the metallic versions of those yarn such as Flounce Metallic, Triana Lux, or Broadway.

Ruffles Incognito

Quick Knit Capelet by Knitting On The Fringe

Keep in mind that with most of these self ruffling yarns you have the option of toning down the ruffles by not opening the mesh.

You can see this in action on the Quick Knit Capelet by Knitting On The Fringe. This pattern is also available for purchase on their website. It was knit using Triana yarn, but instead of opening the mesh they treated it as a traditional bulky yarn.

Another option is to open the mesh occasionally to create ruffles in targeted places.

It is also possible to open the mesh to take advantage of the lacy effect created, but not have ruffles, as seen in the Kelp Forest Shawlette by karinknits designs, which is a free pattern on Ravelry. She includes a link to a helpful video with both knit and crochet instructions on the Ravlery project page.

I hope these projects have inspired you to think beyond scarves when you are considering using these fun self-ruffling yarns.

Have you already tried them out for trim or other projects? Share a picture on our Facebook wall, we love to see the creative things you are making!

Tags: bag, Circulo, Katia Triana, ruffles, sweater
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Spotlight: Katia Azahar

July 7, 2012 in Katia

This cute caplet and dress are in the Fall 2012 issue of Knit Simple magazine, which hits store shelves on July 24.
Both pieces were designed by Sandi Prosser using a combination of Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran and Katia Azahar yarn.

Knit Simple Fall 2012, photo by Paul Amato for LVARepresents.com

Ruffled Capelet
Designer: Sandi Prosser
For sizes: Child’s 2, 4, and 6
Yarn Information: Debbie Bliss/KFI Cashmerino Aran & Fil Katia/KFI Azahar
Amounts: 2 (3, 3) balls in #603 baby pink & 2 hanks in #52 ecru

Ruffle-Trim Dress
Designer: Sandi Prosser
For sizes: Child’s 2, 4, and 6
Yarn Information: Debbie Bliss/KFI Cashmerino Aran & Fil Katia/KFI Azahar
Amounts: 4 (4, 5) balls in #603 baby pink & 2 hanks in #52 ecru

Cashmerino Aran you are familiar with, but Azahar is new this season so it might not be ringing any bells yet.

This yarn is a 66% Cotton 26% Acrylic, 8% Nylon blend with approx 23 yards per 100g. Instead of a standard yarn construction, Azahar is a novelty yarn that reminds me of a rick-rack ribbon combined with regular yarn to give it more body.

You can get a better idea of what I’m taking about in this picture.

Not your average yarn!

Katia created a video demonstrating some of the way to knit and crochet with Azarha, which you can see on their website.

The unique structure of Azahar provides you a variety of options for use ranging from scarves and garments to trim.

In addition to the cute outfit in Knit Simple, the Katia book Child #61 features two garments for a young girl.

The first is this cute little skirt that uses a cotton yarn as the base and Azahar to create all-over ruffles.

Child #61 (S/S 2012) by Fil Katia

The other is this pretty pullover that is slightly more conservative with Azahar used tiers of ruffles around the bottom.

Child #61 (S/S 2012) by Fil Katia

You can also use it alone to make a scarf, as seen in the Katia book Elegance #70.

Elegance #70 (S/S 2012) by Fil Katia

Usually to create ruffles it’s a matter of needing to knit several rows of sever increases. Fun yarns like Azahar take the labor out of the process and allow you to quickly and easily add flair to a project.

Have you made a project using Azahar? Share a picture on our Facebook wall. We love to see your projects.

You can preview the rest of the Fall 2012 issue of Knit Simple magazine on their website.

Tags: children, ruffles
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Beach Cover Ups

May 23, 2012 in Araucania, Ella Rae, Elsebeth Lavold, Katia, Noro

This morning on Facebook one of my friends linked to an article in New York Magazine about “beach sweaters,” which it described as loose knit sweaters to use as a cover up.

The article was accompanied by photos of store bought sweaters ranging from $275 to $1,800. Although, to be fair, there was one for $75 as well. There was also a little slide show of “real” women (not models) they stopped on the street wearing similar styles.

It made me think how lucky we are to be knitters and crocheters. We have the ability to make ourselves similar garments that will be much more flattering because they will be in a style we prefer, sized to our bodies, and in a color we can select from the wide rang available at our yarn store rather than was it on the department store rack.

Knitting and crocheting also gives you more control over the fiber content, as well.

And we all know that unless you’re knitting a long coat out of cashmere or qiviut, you won’t be spending anywhere near $1,000.

I took a little stroll through our books and came up with some patterns that will work at the beach, pool, or on a picnic. Take a peak, then head to your local yarn store to gather supplies.

Katia

The spring and summer books from this Spanish brand offer a wealth of airy tops that fit the bill.

This Batwing Top (which is actually a poncho, but I have to stick with the official pattern name) is a free pattern on our website. (The English directions are on the second page of the PDF.)

It would be a quick knit on US10.5 needles. This project is knit in simple stockinette stitch, allowing the textured yarn to do all the work for you.

The sample is shown in three colors of Temis, a 55% Cotton, 40% Acrylic, 5% Nylon blend with approximately 137 yards per 50g, available in 13 colors. Make yours in stripes, as shown, or a solid color.

This beautiful crocheted top is another free pattern on our website. The pattern stitch isn’t difficult, but you’ll need strong pattern reading skills for this one as it relies heavily on a chart. (The chart is on the second page and the English directions are on the third page.)

This top is crocheted using an H hook and Alabama yarn. This 50% Cotton, 50% Acrylic blend with approximately 115 yards per 50g comes in 25 colors ranging from neutrals to rich primaries.

This cute cardigan from the Sport #69 book is crocheted using Gemini, a 100% Cotton yarn with approximatley 77 yards per 50g.

Gemini has a mesh texture, which give you a lot of flexibility when knitting or crocheting with it. You can either work with it as you would a traditional yarn, or open the mesh up to create frills, or switch back and forth. There is a video on the Katia website demonstrating the different options.

This last top is reminiscent of the Alexander Wang top the lady on the fifth slide in the New York Magazine article bought at Barney’s. It takes just two balls of Malindi, so you know you’ll be spending less than she probably did!

The pattern is in the Elegance #70 book. Malindi is a 100% Acrylic yarn with approximately 22 yards per 100g that comes in eight colors. You can watch a video showing how to knit with this interesting yarn on the Katia website.

Elsebeth Lavold

You might think of Elsebeth Lavold primarily in terms of warm, cabled garments, but she does have a number of books for spring and summer.

The Mint top from The Sugar and Spice Collection is fun because it converts from a mesh tank top to a string bag. Talk about a multipurpose project.

Mint is knit using Hempathy, a 41% Cotton, 34% Hemp, 25% Modal blend with approximately 154 yards per 50g. This popular yarn has six new colors this season, bringing your choices up to 28.

For the more modest, consider the Glenda tunic from The Lazy Day Collection. With simple shaping and an asymmetrical hemline, this garment will be flattering on a variety of figures.

Glenda is knit using ViSilk, a 90% Viscose, 10% Silk blend with approximately 132 yards per 50g. There are six new colors of ViSilk this season, giving you 26 from which to select.

Louisa Harding, Noro, Ella Rae, and Araucania

With a name like Beachcomber Bay, it’s not surprising this Louisa Harding book has some good options. The Mussel top features drop stitches that allow your bathing suit to peak out while they offer ventilation.

The Long Sleeveless Wrap from Ella Rae’s Family Postcards book is a more modest option that will make a good transition garment in the fall as well.

The Lace Top from Noro Volume 31 features a drawstring belt to cinch the waist. It is knit using Karuta, a yummy 40% Silk, 30% Cotton, 30% Wool blend yarn with approximatley 165 yards per 100g, available in eight colors.

Last, but not least, is the beautiful Lacey Edged Jacket from Araucania. This amazing garment features both knitting (the body) and crocheting (the edging) for the bi-stitchual crafter.

It is made using Nature Cotton, a 100% Cotton with approximately 106 yards per 100g. This is a smoothie bulky yarn, thin/thick spinning, with soft texture and high quality. Great for fast projects, this 100% cotton yarn gives even more beautiful options for your creations. Six new colors have been added this season.

There are many more patterns on our website that can be worn as coverups depending on the look you are seeking. I hope the ones I’ve highlighted get your creative juices flowing. Stop by your local yarn store for even more inspiration.

Remember, your knitting and crocheting skills allow you to be in style and still stay unique.

Share a picture of your finished beach cover up on our Facebook page. We love to see the projects you make with our yarns.

Tags: summer, sweater, womens
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Evita Merino

December 14, 2011 in Cowls, Free, Katia, Scarves

Looking for something a little different and unique?

Evita Merino from Katia is a good choice.

An exclusive limited-edition yarn, Evita Merino by Katia is perfect for luxurious end-of-year gift knitting.

With fluffy puffy wisps of synthetic fur interspersed along super-chunky merino wool, any project using this yarn will knit up in no time flat…leaving you plenty of time to knit one in every color.

And, of course, synthetic fur means no bunnies were harmed in the creation of this yarn!

Here, we are happy to provide you with not just one but TWO free patterns, each using only one skein: a sumptuous scarf and a jaunty cowl…both perfect for glamour and warmth during the upcoming winter months.

Free Cowl Pattern!

MATERIALS: EVITA MERINO: one 100 gm skein

COWL

With size 19 needles (U.S.)/(15 metric) cast on 18 sts.

Work Stockinette St; slip first st of each row as if to knit if it is a purl st and the contrary if it is a knit st.

When skein is nearly finished, bind off (cast off) all sts. Sew the 2 ends together.

Free Scarf Pattern!

MATERIALS: EVITA MERINO: one 100 gm skein

SCARF

With size 19 needles (U.S.)/(15 metric) cast on 8 sts.

Row 1: * K1, YO *, rep from * to * and end row with K1.

Row 2: * K1 , YO and drop wrap f rom previous row *, rep from * to * and end row with K1.

Repeat these 2 rows throughout.When skein is nearly finished, bind off (cast off) all sts.

Enjoy!

Tags: cowls, Katia Triana, scarf
4 Comments »

Meet the Self Ruffling Yarns

November 23, 2011 in Euro Yarns, Katia, Knitting Fever Inc, Scarves

Scarves are fun to knit because they provide such variety in such a small package.

They can be long or short.

They are good for practicing new stitches and techniques.

They make lovely gifts for family and friends.

But even more fun are scarves knit from self ruffling yarns.

Everyone loves scarves!

Knit in garter stitch on big needles with just a few stitches these scarves work up fast. The best part is even though you are knitting simple garter stitch the unique construction of the yarn does all the work and you end up with a fabulous, complicated looking scarf.

Because of that unique construction–maybe a mesh you knit into or a ribbon edged with a ladder yarn–self ruffling yarns don’t look like normal yarns and can confuse both experienced and novice knitters alike.

We’ve created two videos to introduce you to these fun yarns. A round of applause for Karen, from our customer service department, who bravely agreed to be the star (don’t we all get shy when a camera is turned on?). You may have met Karen through the KFI ID on Ravelry.

This first video is an overview of some of the yarns available, their construction, and how they look knit up.

Self Ruffling Yarn: An Overview

Yarns discussed in this video include: Triana, Triana Lux, Broadway, Ondas, Ondas Lux, Flounce, Flounce Metallic, Sparkle, Ripple, Tinseltown, Rizos, Ronda, and Park Avenue.

A free pattern for this Ronda Scarf is one of many on our website.

There are free patterns for many of these yarns on our website. You can check them out on the free patterns page or if you are on the specific yarn page there is often a link on the left hand side of the page.

In this second video Karen demonstrates how to knit with a few of these yarns.

Self Ruffling Yarn: How to Knit

See, it’s not as difficult as you might think.

Katia, the makers of Park Avenue, shared this video of how to crochet with this unique yarn.

Novelty yarns might not be your style, but you should give them a try. You might be pleasantly surprised both with the process and the results. Many of these yarns are very easy to work with once you get the hang of it.

Triana is fun to knit and wear.

They can also be addictive! I made a scarf using Triana and it was like potato chip knitting…I was so fascinated I couldn’t stop until the scarf was finished. Luckily it only took about four hours to knit so my family wasn’t too neglected. ha!

As always, you can find these yarns at your local yarn store. If you make one, share a picture with us on Facebook.

Tags: scarves
9 Comments »

We Love Scarves

October 19, 2011 in Araucania, Euro Yarns, Filati FF, Free, Katia, Louisa Harding, OnLine, Scarves

The Craft Yarn Council had declared this past Friday, Oct. 14, to be “I Love Yarn Day.”

On one hand, it was sort of like celebrating Valentine’s Day with your spouse since we’re always together and expressing our love. On the other hand, it was fun to have an excuse to make even more noise about our affection for yarn.

We took the opportunity to decorate the office.

It's fun to spruce up the office for a holiday.

And to decorate ourselves.

Everyone loves scarves!

We posted the original version of this picture (without identifications) on Facebook and everyone started asking about the scarves and what yarn was used.

Well, of course you all would ask that! Silly me for not anticipating those questions. But we’ve tracked the scarves down and identified them all for your enjoyment. (You can click on the picture to see a bigger version.)

Starting with the Front Row on the left

The dark pink scarf is the “Titania” pattern from the new Louisa Harding Nerissa book knit in color #7-Cherry.

The variegated fringed scarf in red tones is knit in Euro Yarn Prancer in color #109 – Grey, Magenta, Salmon. You can download the free pattern for this simple cabled scarf from our website.

The sparkly mohair scarf in the middle is knit in Louisa Harding’s new yarn Simonetta. You can download the free Cosimo Scarf pattern, which takes one ball of Simonetta, from our website.

Cosimo Scarf by Louisa Harding

The ruffled green scarf, which generated the most interest on Facebook, is knit in Euro Yarns Sparkle. That green color is sold out, but there are 12 other lovely colors available. Once you select one, download the free Sparkle Scarf pattern and cast on.

If you had your heart set on a green scarf, you should consider Triana Lux from Katia, which comes in 14 colors including a lime green one. This fun yarn is a souped up version of Triana, the difference being the Lux version has metallic threads for some sparkle. Both yarns will create fun ruffled scarves following the free Triana Scarf pattern.

Back to the staff picture, the chunky blue scarf on the end takes one skein of Euro Yarns Quick Thick Merino, which comes in 10 colors. The free pattern features an elongated stitch, which shows off the texture of the yarn nicely.

Second row starting from the left

The first green scarf is in Sparkle, again.

The next scarf, which is just peeking out, is Euro Yarns Tinseltown. This fun yarn has ruffles and sparkles and works up quickly using the free scarf pattern. Currently there are 10 colors of Tinseltown available, but we’re expecting new colors to arrive in a few weeks…just in time for finishing up your holiday gift knitting!

More colors of Tinseltown will be available soon.

The puffy white scarf in the middle is On Line Zico. This fun novelty yarn comes in 8 colors and works up quickly on US size 19 needles. Two balls are needed for the free scarf pattern, which really shows off the texture of the yarn.

The ruffled black and silver scarf is Euro Yarns Broadway, a new yarn that should be in stores by Thanksgiving.

Finally, the multicolored orange “hat” is actually a sampler strip knit from various shades of Araucania Patagonia meant to show off the different colors. It would have worked just as well for a scarf and is a good option if you can’t decide which of the 40 colorways available is your favorite.

The red vest is knit in the ribbon yarn Kristha from Filati FF. This yarn has limited availability so you’ll want to be sure to call your local yarn store to ensure they have it.

You can search for stores that carry Filati FF, and all the brands we represent, using the “find a store” feature on our main website.

As you can see, we had fun on “I Love Yarn Day.” We hope you did, too, and that you enjoy keeping the celebration going with some of these scarves.

Tags: scarves
3 Comments »

Say Hello to Aloha Yarn

September 12, 2011 in Free, Katia, Patterns, Scarves

This loopy scarf is fun and easy to make.

Aloha is a fun new yarn from Fil Katia that is available in nine colors.

Katia is a Spanish collection of beautifully European novelty yarns for both adults and children. Their yarns range from textured yarns like Aloha, which work up quickly into fun scarves, to smooth yarns suitable for a wide range of garments.

Aloha is a 50% Wool, 45% Acrylic, 5% Nylon blend. The structure is fluffy loops of wool held together by a sewn binder.

The recommended knitting needle size is a US 50, which create large enough stitches to allow you to draw the wool loops through without a struggle.

A binder holds the loops of wool together.

You can also use your hands, which is the option I choose since I didn’t have a pair of US 50 needles handy. Besides, not only did it sound like more fun to just use my fingers, but it gave me more of an opportunity to interact with this soft, squishy yarn.

The free pattern to make this scarf is on the ball band and you can also download it from the KFI website.

If the idea of working with such loopy yarn on such big needles is a little intimidating, fear not! The good folks at Katia have created two YouTube videos demonstrating working with the yarn either with needles or your hands.

Knit Aloha with your hands

Knit Aloha with needles

You don't even need to knit it.

15 Minute Scarf

Actually, if you’re feeling particularly sassy (or lazy!) you don’t even have to knit the yarn to start using it as a scarf right away. You can just open the hank up and loop it around your neck a few times! No one will ever know.

But for more structure, go for the knit scarf.

It took me about 15 minutes, maybe half an hour, to make this scarf using my fingers.

The first thing you do, after snipping the strands taming the hank, is to tie a little knot on both ends to prevent fraying.I made my knots close to the end of the yarn and they blend right in with the scarf body. On both ends of the yarn I had part of the wool that wasn’t captured by the binder, but I just snipped that off.

Although I tried to stay consistent with the size of the stitches I was making, I quickly realized that the loopy structure of the yarn is very forgiving and hides any variations in gauge.

My completed scarf is just over 5 feet long, so there is plenty of length to loop it, fold it, or otherwise arrange it to suit your tastes.

And don’t let the fluffy texture fool you, this scarf gets rather warm after you wear it for a few minutes.

But I think this yarn has potential beyond a fun scarf.

I bet it would make a neat trim for a variety of projects. You could use multiple rows for the brim of a hat or one or two layers for the cuffs and collar of a sweater coat. I’m not sure if it would be better to sew it on or try to knit it on, that would be something to experiment with.

Knitting Aloha gives it more structure.

Another idea would be to use it for the body of a stuffed animal. Can you just see a cute, fluffy, stuffed sheep with Aloha for it’s body? Again, the trick would be in the execution.

This yarn has just hit store shelves and is already popping up in Ravelry projects.

Our friends at Mia Bella, a local yarn store in Illinois, whipped up a scarf using the green Aloha and shared a picture with us on Twitter.

You can locate a store near you that stocks Aloha by using the “find a store” feature on our main website.

Tags: Aloha, free pattern, Katia, scarves
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Nifty Novelties

September 4, 2011 in Euro Yarns, Free, Katia, Patterns, Scarves

Katia Triana Scarf

Sometimes it’s best not to take yourself too seriously, both in knitting and life. Novelty yarns can aid in that goal, especially when you are feeling fun, flirty, or just flamboyant.

Novelty yarns have textures that include eyelash, flags, metallic fibers, and sometimes combinations of all three (or more!). They are only limited by the yarn designer’s imagination. One of the great things about novelty yarns is you can knit in simple garter stitch but have a high impact finished project because the yarn does all the work.

Right now yarns that produce ruffled scarves are very popular. Our local yarn store partners tell us they can’t keep these yarns on the shelf! That is understandable since these are such fun, fast, projects. Using these yarns can finish a scarf in a few hours.

Triana by Katia

Triana yarn by Katia produces a springy, ruffled scarf. In the ball it looks like a tape yarn. You need to spread the tape out to open the mesh before you knit it. Once you work a few rows you’ll find it very easy to knit with Triana.

Triana is a mesh yarn.

You can download a free scarf pattern from the KFI website for Triana. The pattern is in multiple languages; English is the third one down. I also made a video showing you how to knit with this unique yarn.

To keep the end neat, you can fold the first loop of the end over and knit it together with your first cast on stitch. When you get to the end of the ball, cast off in the normal manner and pull the tail through to secure it. The ruffles will hide your tail if it is short enough.

Tinseltown by Euro Yarns

Tinseltown by Euro Yarns has more firm ruffles and a bit of metallic fiber for extra sparkle.

Tinseltown has shine!

Compared to Triana’s mesh construction Tinseltown has feathery fibers secured between two strands, while a third strand creates open loops along one end. You knit into those open loops.

WEBS, a yarn store in Massachusetts, has made a nice video showing how to knit with ruffly ribbon yarns that have a railroad edge like Tinseltown. You can download a free scarf pattern for Tinseltown from our website. Once again, after a couple hours of easy garter stitch knitting you’ll be rewarded with an eye catching scarf.

If glitter isn’t your style, then check out Rizos by Katia for a similar style yarn without the shine.

Fast and Fun

Triana, Tinseltown, and Rizos and are just a few of the yarns you can use to make fun ruffled scarves. They are also a good choice when you need the satisfaction of finishing a project quickly because you knit a scarf in just a few hours. If you are making gifts for friends you have many color choices, as well as sparkles and plain, from which to select.

If you don’t usually knit with novelty yarns I hope you will give one of these a try. You might be surprised by how much you enjoy it!

Tags: Euro Yarns Tinseltown, Katia Rizos, Katia Triana, ruffles, scarves
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