In “Step It Up Knits”

November 9, 2012 in Noro, Sublime

You’ve heard of Vickie Howell, right?

Of course you have. She’s a prolific knitting designer, has several books under her belt, and was the host of the Knitty Gritty TV show.

I used to enjoy watching Knitty Gritty. I even made one of the patterns featured.

But I digress.

Vickie has a new book out called “Step It Up Knits,” published by Chronicle Books.

The goal of the book is to help you “step up” your knitting skills. (See what I did there? haha)

A wide range of techniques from cables to Kitchener stitch and mosaic knitting to mitered squares, are presented in step-by-step tutorials.

There are also 25 projects that allow you to practice your new (or existing!) skill right away. Practice makes perfect, right?

We’re excited by the fact that two of the projects use our yarns.

Fancy Pants. Photo by Jody Horton

The Fancy Pants newborn leggings are knit using Sublime Baby Cashmere Merino Silk DK.

Imagine the “oohs” and “aaah” when these cute leggings are opened at the next baby shower you attend.

There are four new jewel tone colors of this soft, smooth 75% Extrafine Merino Wool, 20% Silk, 5% Cashmere blend. With the wide variety of colors available, you’ll be able to make leggings to satisfy the fashion sense of all the new parents in your life.

Boot Legged socks. Photo by Jody Horton

The Boot Legged socks are knit using Noro Taiyo Sock Yarn.

There are 17 colors of this 50% Cotton, 17% Wool, 17% Nylon, 16% Silk blend.

A great thing about using Noro yarns for socks is you can focus on the pattern as you knit and trust the color changes in the yarn to give your finished project extra “pow!”

Some of the techniques you’ll learn are explained in text. Others also have photo tutorials. There is a sneak peek of one of the photo tutorials on Vickie’s blog. I like it when there are real pictures in a knitting book (as opposed to drawings) because I think it makes it easier to see what is happening. You, of course, may feel differently.

The book was just published in October. Check with your local yarn store to pick up a copy (along with your yarn supplies). Many of the projects in the book are small (socks, mitts, hats), which makes this book a good option for gift knitting.

I noticed that if you leave a comment on Vickie’s blog before Nov 14 you’ll have a chance to win a copy.

Tags: books
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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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In Vogue Knitting Spring/Summer 2012

March 3, 2012 in Debbie Bliss, Sublime

The change of seasons is always an exciting time for knitters and crocheters.

New yarns are arriving in local yarn stores almost daily. Your LYS might even be putting their winter yarns on sale to make room for those summer treats, giving you two reasons to stop by for a visit (as though you need an excuse in the first place).

And, as if all those new yarns weren’t stimulating enough, new issues of all your favorite knitting (and crocheting) magazines start appearing.

A potent combination to encourage you to finish off those winter projects and start thinking about lighter garments to welcome the new season.

The Spring/Summer 2o12 issue of Vogue Knitting hits newsstands March 6 (although subscribers have already received theirs and I’m hearing people have found it in stores).

We’re excited that our yarns are featured in two of the patterns.

(Yes, we’re always excited to see our yarns in the knitting and crochet magazines. We can be a little excitable around here. I blame the yarn fumes.)

The apple of your eye?

This is the issue cover for which you’ll be looking.

(I think I’ve been watching too many fairy tale based TV shows because I’m worried her apple might be poisoned.)

Color Zig-Zag Top

Vogue Knitting Spring/Summer 2012, photo by Rose Callahan

First up is the Color Zig-Zag Top designed by Katharine Hunt.

Isn’t it adorable? Stripes are all the rage this season, but can also be timeless.

A simple design, but you know the chevron stitch will make for interesting knitting. Once you get the pattern established you should be able to knit on auto-pilot.

This top uses Debbie Bliss Eco Baby, a 100% Organic Cotton yarn available in 24 colors. Stick with the mellow sea-side colors in the magazine or make your own colorway.

Yarn quantities are as follows:
For Sizes: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large
Amounts: 3 (4, 4, 4) balls in #16 cream
3 (3, 3, 4) balls each in #20 sea foam and #15 gray
2 (2, 3, 3) balls in #05 turquoise
2 (3, 3, 3) balls in #06 green

If you start knitting now, you’ll be ready for when the warm weather finally returns.

Semi Circle Shawl

Vogue Knitting Spring/Summer 2012, photo by Paul Amato for LVARepresents.com

Next is the beautiful Semi Circle Shawl designed by Lynette Meek.

Lace shawls are great additions to your wardrobe. They are nice to wear around the house and also get a lot of attention out in public. People will be impressed with your knitting skills when they see you wearing this one.

This shawl is knit in Sublime Baby Cashmere Merino Silk 4ply. This soft, snuggly yarn is a 75% Extrafine Merino, 20% Silk, 5% Cashmere blend available in 12 colors.

The shawl in the magazine uses five balls in color #1-piglet.

You can learn more about both patterns (and the other projects in the issue) on the VK 360 website.

Once you scope them out, head out to your local yarn store to pick up your supplies.

First the new Debbie Bliss magazine, now the new Vogue Knitting, any day now we’ll be hearing about the new Interweave Knits issue!

Can you feel the energy returning to your needles?

How does the changing of the seasons affect your knitting? Share your thoughts in the comments or on our Facebook page.

Tags: magazines, shawl, sweater, womens
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From Silly to Sublime

January 23, 2012 in Cowls, Sublime, Sweaters

Although Knitting Fever Inc.’s headquarters are on Long Island I work remotely from New Hampshire. Hooray for technology!

The field where I let my dogs run.

The mild winter has allowed my friend and I to continue to walk outside in the mornings rather than being trapped inside on treadmills.

Last week the winter weather returned with a vengeance. We should have checked the conditions more carefully before heading out on Thursday as it was around 3 degrees Fahrenheit! Despite our scarves, we were sure our faces were going to freeze off. We didn’t turn back, but we did cut our walk short.

Which is how I found myself looking for a yarn to knit the Nosewarmer, 2nd Generation pattern from Knitty.

Color #284--Jolie

I settled on Sublime Extra Fine Merino Wool DK. This 100% Extra Fine Merino Wool yarn comes in 127 yard (50g) balls. The suggested gauge is 5.5 sts per inch on a US 6 needle.

Wonderfully soft merino wool seemed like a good choice for a project that would be pressed to my face! I didn’t want a fuzzy yarn and I also didn’t want a fragrant yarn. The Sublime fit the bill on all counts.

There are 32 colors available, but I decided to go with the bright orange color #284-Jolie because it’s such a happy color. Really, if you’re going to make a hat for your nose, you might as well go for it and make it in a bright color. I also like to tell myself that since Tangerine Tango is the color of the year my nosewarmer is actually very stylish. haha! Of course, the hazard of making it in orange is that you’ll end up looking like a duck.

I like my nose, but have no respect for my dignity.

As an experienced knitter I found the pattern quick and easy to work. I’d say it is an intermediate level pattern. It would be a good pattern for learning the short row technique because it is a small project and basically all short rows. The Knitty pattern has an explanation of how to work the short rows and also has a link to a photo tutorial.

My friend laughed heartily and called it a “snoot boot” when I presented it to her. I cannot claim that we actually wore them during our walk Friday morning, but I will mention that it makes my glasses fog up. But then, so does my scarf when I pull it up.

Garments you might wear

While I’m running around in the frozen tundra looking like a duck, you might be more interested in making a project you won’t be embarrassed to wear out in public.

A more reasonable way to keep warm.

The Snood pattern from #654 – The fourth fabulous extra fine merino wool dk book by Sublime features a pretty lace pattern and is a much more reasonable way to keep your face and nose warm when Jack Frost starts pinching you.

Something for after your walk?

The Pompom slippers is one of three slipper patterns in the same book as the Snood. This would be a quick pattern and a good way to warm up your toes after tromping through the snow on your morning constitutional.

Lovely details highlight this sweater.

For a more challenging project, take a look at “Skater Girl in Gorgeous Green.” Full of texture and details (look at that cute collar!) this sweater will keep your attention during those winter evenings. Another version of the pattern has more of a v-neck and no shawl collar.

Look for this book at your local yarn store to see the other attractive sweaters and accessories that round out the pages.

For the little man in your life.

If you’re looking for projects for the young people in your life check out “#643-The second children’s double knitting book” also by Sublime.

This book features 10 patterns for boys and girls using Extra Fine Merino Wool DK.

Shown here are the Fred Hat and Dizzy the Rascal 2. (Version 1 of the sweater is worked in one color.) Let him help select the colors to ensure it will be worn.

If your little man is daring, there are also lovely cabled sweaters in this book.

Although all weather is knitting weather, I’m sure you’ll agree that there is something about a crisp layer of snow on the ground that makes curling up with your yarn and needles more enjoyable. Why not do it with a yarn as “Sublime” (tee hee) as Extra Fine Merino DK?

Tags: children, womens
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