Noro Magazine Spring/Summer 2013

May 13, 2013 in Noro

The new issue of Noro Magazine is starting to arrive in yarn stores across the USA!

Photo by Paul Amato
Semi-Circle Shawl by Tabetha Hedrick

If a store stocks Noro yarns and patterns, they will probably have the magazine, too. You can use the “find a store” feature to locate local yarn stores near you that stock Noro.

(If you aren’t in the USA, check for international distributors on this page, then check for stockists on that website.)

As with the premier issue, independently owned yarn stores are first in line to stock the magazine so it might be hard to find in book stores.

I thought I’d get all that business out of the way up front, since once you preview the magazine you’ll totally want a copy!

Technically, the release date is June 4, but I’ve been seeing stores posting on Facebook about having it in stock.

Full of Pretty

This issue has 34 patterns. There are garments and accessories for women, and garments and stuffed animals for babies.

Six of the patterns are crocheted.

Photo by Paul Amato
Capelet by Yoko Hatta

Most of the patterns are sized from small to XL, with a few reaching to 2X.

There are patterns by Mari Lynn Patrick, Lori Steinberg, Galina Carroll, Tabetha Hedrick, Angela Tong, Kathy North, Debbie O’Neill, Wilma Peers, Irina Poludnenko, Theresa Schabes, Mari Tobita, Carol Sulcoski, Andrea Babb, Cheryl Murray, Holli Yeoh, Grace Akhrem, Shannon Mullett-Bowlsby, Annabelle Speer, Yoko Hatta, Lauren Waterfield, and Christina Behnke.

phew!

You’ll recognize many of those names from the premier issue, as well as Vogue Knitting, Knit Simple, Crochet Today….well, the list just goes on and includes books and self-published patterns!

You are in good hands with these designers.

In addition to the beautiful and creative projects, there is an interesting article about “The Cult of Noro” and an interview with designer Jane Ellison.

But enough of this chatter, let’s take a look at some patterns!

Project Highlights

As I said, there are 34 patterns, so I won’t include them all here. I will highlight some of my favorites and you can preview the others on the Noro Magazine website.

Photo by Rose Callahan
Banded Dress by Mari Lynn Patrick

The patterns start with a number of charming dresses. The hemlines range from mid-calf to knee length.

I like the Banded Dress by Mai Lynn Patrick. There are a lot of interesting textures in this dress from the different pattern stitches used. It looks like it would be fun to knit.

This dress features Noro Ayatori and Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran yarns.

Ayatori is a 60% Wool, 40% Silk blend with 146 yards per ball. There are eight new colors this season for a total of 16.

Cashmerino Aran is a 55% Merino Wool, 33% Microfiber Acrylic, 12% Cashmere blend with 99 yards per ball. The magazine makes use of the solid colors of this soft yarn to accent the vibrant colors of the Noro. With 46 colors available, you’ll have options for creating your own masterpiece!

The next section features four pretty shawl patterns.

Photo by Paul Amato
Semi-Circle Shawl by Tabetha Hedrick

This pretty Semi-Circle Shawl by Tabetha Hedrick graces the cover of the magazine. It has been popular with people on Facebook.

I like the lace stitch used in this shawl, as well as the detail of the picot bind-off (which you can’t see in the itty-bitty picture!).

This shawl is knit using Taiyo Sock yarn, a fingering weight 50% Cotton, 17% Wool, 17% Nylon, 16% Silk blend that has 462 yards per ball. There are eight new colors this season for a total of 26 colors.

All the pictures in the shawl section remind me of the artist Frida Kahlo. Don’t you agree?

The next section is “String Theory”. It features eight adorable tops. I think I love them all!

Photo by Rose Callahan
Short Row Colorblock by Wilma Peers

This Short Row Colorblock top by Wilma Peers is so cool! I love the zigzag design. It also has a neat asymmetrical hemline. The description in the magazine says:

The triangular stripe sequence slims the figure, while a hemmed fold-over collar draws the eye upward.

Doesn’t that sound fabulous?

This top is knit using the wonderful Silk Garden Lite yarn, a 45% Silk, 45% Mohair, 10% Lambswool blend, which is available in 24 colors.

Did you know that Silk Garden Lite was discontinued a few years ago but was brought back due to popular demand? That is a well loved yarn!

Photo by Rose Callahan
Hourglass Top by Theresa Schabes

This Hourglass Top by Theresa Schabes is very interesting. The design is a result of the front being narrower than the back. You’ll have to be careful with your seaming since it’s a design element!

This top is knit using the popular Silk Garden Sock, a 40% Wool, 25% Silk, 25% Nylon, 10% Mohair blend yarn. There are six new colors this season for a total of 14.

Photo by Rose Callahan
Multidirectional Cap Sleeve Top by Irina Poludnenko

I love the thin stripes on the front of Irina Poludnenko’s Multidirectional Cap Sleep Top. The sides are knit out from the center panel and the sleeves are created through short row shaping.

This top will be a lot of fun to knit!

It is knit using Noro Koromo. This new, worsted weight yarn is a 39% Cotton, 35% Wool, 26% Silk blend with 137 yards per ball and is available in six colorways.

And there are plenty of other cute tops in this section!

In the “Coral” section, this Trellis Lace Duster by Shannon Mullett-Bowlsby is a stand out.

Photo by Rose Callahan
Trellis Lace Duster by Shannon Mullett-Bowlsby

The duster is knit in one piece to the bust using Noro Ayatori yarn in a textured stitch. The bodice is knit in plain stockinette stitch using Debbie Bliss Bella yarn.

Bella is a yummy, 85% Cotton, 10% Silk, 5% Cashmere blend with 105 yards per ball. It is available in 25 colors, so if coral isn’t your thing it should be easy to select a different color to highlight in your Ayatori.

This sweater will make you look forward to walking the dogs on a chilly morning since it will be another chance to wear it.

The crochet section shows variations on themes. Take one pattern and change an element to get another pattern.

The blue capelet at the top of this post morphs into a sweater.

Photo by Paul Amato
Round Yoke Pullover by Yoko Hatta

They are both worked in Silk Garden Lite.

I suppose, if you were feeling wild, you could crochet them both and wear the capelet as a cowl on the sweater.

The shell stitch used gives me the impression these pieces will work up quickly. But speed is one of the appeals of crochet anyway, isn’t it?

Photo by Jack Deutsch
Cardigan and hat by Christina Behnke. Sheep by Susan B Anderson

The baby garments are a pair of cardigans and hats for either a boy or a girl. The girl cardigan (above) is shown with a pair of cute sheep toys, while the boy’s cardigan is shown with a fat teddy bear that looks very huggable.

All the projects are knit using Noro Shiraito yarn.

Shiraito is a melt-in-your mouth blend of 45% Cashmere, 45% Angora, 10% Wool with 198 yards per hank. It is available in 17 colors ranging from vibrant to earthy.

The magazine says you can get two sheep out of one hank! It’s practically a flock. The teddy bear is also a one hank project.

You can start knitting now for fall babies send them home wrapped in love.

Preview the rest of the issue on the Noro Magazine website. Which pattern is your favorite?

Tags: magazines, Noro
1 Comment »

Noro Book Giveaway (3/25-3/27)

March 25, 2013 in miscellaneous, Noro

For our next spring fever book giveaway 10 lucky fans will each win a copy of Noro Volume #26.

In addition to beautiful designs for the whole family, this special book includes wonderful pictures and explanations about the fiber selection and yarn production processes that go into creating Noro yarns.

This book is a real treasure whether you’ve been a longtime Noro fan or are a recent convert.

Unisex sweaters using Kureyon.

These great unisex pullovers are knit using Kuryeon yarn. In addition to having interesting design details they have a unique construction (notice the direction the cables are running!).

Kureyon children’s sweater

Kureyon is a 100% wool yarn that comes in a rich range of colors. As you can see from the difference in the bright, happy colors of this children’s sweater compared to the rich, dark colors of the adult sweaters.

Noro Silk Garden looks great in Entrelac.

The popular yarn Silk Garden is also featured in many designs in this book. Noro yarns look so good in entrelac it’s almost as though this technique was invented for these yarns! (Ok, I’m exaggerating a little.)

Even simple patterns look great in Noro.

But the colors of Noro are so fabulous that even a simple design looks spectacular when you’re done!

I’ve touched on four patterns, but you can see the other great designs in this book here.

Book Giveaway!

Are you a long time Noro lover or have you only recently discovered this great line of yarns?

To enter the giveaway leave a comment on this blog post before March 27 telling us your favorite design from Volume #26, or your favorite Noro book or Noro yarn.

Ten randomly selected people will each win a copy of Volume #26! (US residents, void where prohibited.)

Have fun and good luck!

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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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Vogue Knitting Live Fashion Show–Noro & Debbie Bliss

February 10, 2013 in Debbie Bliss, Noro

Vogue Knitting Live in New York City in January included not only great classes with awesome teachers, but a fashion show.

Both an informal one as a result of the attendees wearing garments they had knit or crocheted and a formal one complete with catwalk.

Many beautiful garments were given their moment in the spotlight.

As you can imagine, we were especially excited to see Noro and Debbie Bliss patterns come sashaying down the runway.

Our friends at Vogue Knitting shared some of the official pictures with us. If you attended VK Live in NYC you can reminisce. If you’re planning to attend the Seattle or Chicago session this should whet your appetite. And if attending isn’t on your calendar you can still enjoy gazing at the pretty pictures!

Crochet Noro

This is the “Shades of Blue Shawl” from the Crochet Noro book. It is crocheted using Noro Taiyo Sock yarn, a 50% Cotton, 17% Wool, 17% Nylon, 16% Silk blend. Of course, it’s available in more colors than blue so you can make a shawl that fits your wardrobe.

This is the “Beaded Lace Shawl” also from the Crochet Noro book. It is crocheted using Noro Silk Garden Sock yarn, a 40% Wool, 25% Silk, 25% Nylon, 10% Mohair blend.

You can preview more patterns from the Crochet Noro book here and here.

Noro Magazine

This Pompom cape is knit using Noro Karuta yarn. This 40% Silk, 30% Cotton, 30% Wool blend is available in 8 colors, including a lovely green that would be suitable for the Pantone Color of the Year Emerald.

This cozy Collared Coat is knit using Noro Nadeshiko yarn. This chunky yarn is a 40% Angora, 39% Wool, 21% Silk blend available in 13 colors. A warm coat like this will be useful in the recent cold weather!

This Cropped Jacket was one of the most popular patterns in the premier issue of Noro Magazine. Shortrows are used to accomplish the shaping, making this cardigan as fun to knit as it will be to wear. Two shades of Noro Silk Garden Sock are used to create the stripes.

This Striped Shrug was another popular pattern. This easy pattern is a big oval with armholes, but shaping allows it to fall into place when worn. Two colors of Noro Silk Garden Lite are used for the stripes.

You can preview the rest of the magazine here and read about my top picks from it here.

Knit Noro

Although the “Knit Noro” book has been available for a few years now people still return to it for project ideas. This beautiful Fair Isle Cardigan is a perfect example of why. Knit using Noro Silk Garden Sock, you can get a different look depending on the colorways you select.

The Knit Noro book is full of garments and accessories that range from easy to challenging. You can preview the rest of them here.

Debbie Bliss

While Debbie Bliss the designer taught a few classes at Vogue Knitting Live, Debbie Bliss the patterns got a chance to shine as well.

This cozy, cabled turtle neck sweater is from the Fall/Winter 2012 issue of Debbie Bliss Magazine. It is knit using Debbie Bliss Paloma yarn, This chunky 60% Baby Alpaca, 40% Merino Wool blend is available in 24 colors, 8 of which are new this season. This soft yarn works up into garments that are great for cuddling by the fire.

Look at the swing on that shawl! The Snowflake shawl is knit using two balls of the yummy new Debbie Bliss Rialto Lace yarn. This 100% ExtraFine Merino Wool is available in 20 colors so don’t feel confined to a white shawl. And don’t forget the color #8-Red is an official Stitch Red product. You can read more about our participation in this heart health project in this blog post.

This Ribbed Sleeved Dress is in the new Debbie Bliss Winter Garden book. I bet it would look just as nice over jeans or slacks as it does with this skirt.

Winter Garden yarn is a bulky 30% Merino wool, 30% Baby Liama, 20% Linen, 20% Silk blend available in eight colors. This soft, warm yarn is great for garments and accessories. You can see more project ideas here.

There were many more garments on display during the fashion show, but this post is getting pretty long as it is!

I’ll leave you with a video clip of the Noro section of the show. It’s fun to see the garments in action.

Tags: Debbie Bliss, magazines, Noro, Vogue Knitting Live
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Jenny King’s “Fashions to Flaunt Crocheted with Noro Yarns”

November 30, 2012 in crochet, Noro

As though the new hardcover Crochet Noro book wasn’t exciting enough, Australian designer Jenny King has just released (December 1) “Fashions to Flaunt Crocheted with Noro Yarns.”

Your collection of crochet hooks must be standing up and dancing by now, because I know mine are.

The fabulous colors of Noro in the crochet stitches we love…sigh, life is good. (Remember, I grew up crocheting so I can legitimately say things like that.)

Jenny has been designing crochet patterns for 15 years. She also travels around teaching classes and owns a local yarn store in Australia. In addition to books, her pattern have appeared in Vogue Knitting Crochet and Interweave Crochet. You’ve probably seen some!

The patterns in Fashions to Flaunt use yarn from across the Noro line, from the sock yarns to the bulky yarns so you’ll be able to select a project based on how quickly you want to finish. If you’re like me, you crochet faster than you knit anyway, so a lovely new project can be completed quickly.

With 17 garments ranging from accessories to sweaters I could go on and on all day, so I’ll just highlight a few that caught my eye.

These are adorable!

Maybe I’ve been a little slipper obsessed lately, but these are adorable! And they look pretty simple as well. If you are in gift crocheting mode I bet these would be good candidates, they look like they would take next to no time to make.

Bobble Scarf=One ball of Silk Garden Sock

The Bobble Scarf takes just one ball of Silk Garden Sock yarn. I bet you could use Taiyo Sock yarn as well. Jenny tells us this pattern is very popular in Australia because it’s quick and easy to make. I think it’s because the finished scarf is so unique. Aren’t the trailing bobbles fun?

There is a lot of visual interest in this scarf between the textures of the fabric and the great Noro colors.

The Crosscross vest is one of the garments in the book.

I like this one because of the unique construction.

It's mild mannered in front.

The fronts have great flow and drape.

Isn't that cool?

Then the back is like “Ta-da! Didn’t expect that, did you?”

I think this vest would be great for adding extra warmth without making you too hot.

Another neat garment is the Aztec Shawl. Jenny sent us extra pictures that aren’t in the book.

This first one is from the book. “Oh, look at the pretty shawl with the interesting edging.”

There are many ways to wear the Aztec Shawl

But what you should realize is that there are multiple ways to wear it. This is a very flexible garment!

I like how this way forms a collar

Worn this way it looks like a totally different shawl. I like how the edge folds over to form a collar for this option.

This is the way Jenny wears the Aztec Shawl

Jenny says this is the way she wears the shawl. It really shows off the interesting edging. It’s also an excuse to wear some of those pretty shawl fasteners you’ve collected.

Two other shawls and a scarf have multiple wearing options as well.

There are a variety of attractive patterns in this book that range from easy to intermediate skill levels. I think you’ll find plenty of projects to keep your hooks busy.

Keep a sharp eye on your crochet social media next week. There will be a blog tour for the book and I hear some of those reviewers will be giving away a copy of the book and a ball of Silk Garden Sock yarn. cool!

First stop will be The Crochet Dude on Dec. 5. Then Crochetville on Dec 7.

Or, don’t bother waiting, and just buy yourself a copy (print or digital!), then swing by your local yarn store for supplies.

Tags: crochet, Noro, womens
3 Comments »

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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Crochet Noro Book

October 31, 2012 in bag, crochet, Hats, Mitts, Noro, Scarves, Sweaters

Noro has always been good about including a mix of both knitting and crochet in their pattern books.

You can see examples in the new Noro Passion book by Jane Ellison, in the Volume #31 book, and in the premier issue of Noro Magazine.

Now, after a few hard cover books dedicated to knitting patterns, there is an entire book of crochet patterns!

The Shades of Blue Shawl graces the cover

Crochet Noro brings together many of today’s favorite crochet designers and one of the world’s best-loved yarns to create to create a collection of incomparable beauty and originality. From exquisite shawls to stylish cardigans to quick-to-crochet accessories to fabulous bags and totes, this stylish book contains 30 gorgeous projects to entice every crocheter.

Eisaku Noro has been creating his world-renowned yarns in Japan’s Aichi province for more than forty years. Spun from the finest natural materials with great respect for enviromental concerns, these spectacular yarns are dyed exclusively by hand in a dazzling array of colors. The patterns in this artful collection employ several popular Noro yarns, including Silk Garden, Silk Garden Lite, Silk Garden Sock, Taiyo, Taiyo Sock, Kureyon and Shiraito.

These exciting projects are as much fun to stitch as they are to wear. If you aren’t yet hooked on Noro, you will be.

With so many awesome patterns from which to choose, it’s hard to select favorites.

Fortunately, I find that I crochet faster than I knit, which means I could work through the book at a good pace.

Since many of the projects are accessories that require just one or two balls of yarn there is a lot of crochet gift potential in this book as well.

Here are a few patterns that caught my eye.

Hats

Swirly Tam in Silk Garden Sock

This Swirly Tam is very attractive. I like how the ridges add visual interest.

It takes just one ball of Silk Garden Sock. So if you love that yarn, but don’t like making socks, this could be the pattern you’ve been waiting for.

Engineer Cap in Kureyon

Add a little bit of rebel to your wardrobe with the Engineer Cap. It also gives you a chance to use some of the great buttons you’ve been collecting.

This hat takes two balls of Kureyon. With 8 new colorways for the fall no two hats will be the same.

There are two other hats in the book, as well.

Scarves

Strawberry Lace Scarf in Shiraito

There are several scarf, cowl, and shawl patterns in the book. (See, good gift ideas abound!)

I think my favorite is the Strawberry Lace Scarf. I like the large size of the motifs, which has always been one of my favorite crochet designs.

There is no doubt this scarf is unique!

Crocheted using two hanks of Shiraito, a 45% Cashmere, 45% Angora, 10% Wool blend, this scarf is destined to become a favorite because the yarn is so soft and luxurious.

Mitts

There are two pairs of mitts in the book. The elegant and textured Shell Stitch Wristers and the fun Bobbled Mitts below.

Bobbled Mitts in Silk Garden Lite

The Bobbled Mitts are crocheted using two hanks of Silk Garden Lite.

Maybe it’s because we’re still getting rain and clouds from Hurricane Sandy, but the bright, happy colors used in the sample pair make me smile.

Sweaters

Cap Sleeve Cardigan in Taiyo Sock Yarn

Just because I’ve highlighted small projects don’t think this book is all accessories. There are several sweaters as well and even a skirt.

I like the circular design of the Cap Sleeve Cardigan. It’s very visually appealing.

Crocheted using 3 to 4 balls of Taiyo Sock Yarn, a 50% Cotton, 17% Wool, 17% Nylon, 16% Silk blend, this cardigan will be a year round staple in your wardrobe.

It’s just the right size for chasing a chill in doors or wearing over a sun dress outside.

Purses and more!

Flower Blossom Purse in Kureyon

In addition to the projects you can wear, there are 3 purses, a set of bowls, and a throw blanket.

Of the purses, the Flower Blossom Purse makes me smile. Wouldn’t it be a great way to add a bit of color to a gloomy winter day? Or to use in the spring to encourage the flowers to bloom?

The pattern calls for four balls of Kureyon. While the sample in the book uses a bright happy color, you can always select one of the dark or neutral colorways depending on the season and your wardrobe.

This is just a sampling of the projects in this book. You can preview the rest on our website.

The book has started arriving at local yarn stores across the country. Head down to yours to get your copy and supplies!

Tags: bag, crochet, hats, mitts, Noro, scarves, sweater
3 Comments »

Knit Simple Holiday 2012

September 20, 2012 in Debbie Bliss, Noro, Socks, Sweaters

The Holiday 2012 issue of Knit Simple magazineis hitting store shelves October 2.

Knit Simple Holiday 2012, photographs by Paul Amato for LVARepresents.com; Rose Callahan; Jack Deutsch and Marcus Tullis

As you would expect, it is full of great projects to make for yourself or your loved ones.

Two patterns feature our yarns and are just charming!

Knit Simple Holiday 2012, photographs by Paul Amato for LVARepresents.com; Rose Callahan; Jack Deutsch and Marcus Tullis

Striped Pullovers

Designer: Debbie Bliss

For sizes: 3-6 (6-9, 9-12, 12-18, 18-24) months

Yarn Information: Debbie Bliss/KFI Eco Baby

Amounts: Boy’s version: 2 (2, 3, 3, 4) balls in #05 aqua; 1 (1, 2, 2, 2) balls in #06 apple

Girl’s version: 2 (2, 3, 3, 4) balls in #13 coral; 1 (1, 2, 2, 2) balls in #11 pale pink

Debbie Bliss designed these cute sweaters using her Eco Baby yarn. (Where does she find the time?)

There are six new colors of this 100% Organic Cotton yarn. You’ll be able to mix and match to create just the right look for the young one in your life.

Knit Simple Holiday 2012, photographs by Paul Amato for LVARepresents.com; Rose Callahan; Jack Deutsch and Marcus Tullis

Lace Cuff Socks

Designer: Karen Baumer

For sizes: Adult Woman

Yarn Information: Noro/KFI Silk Garden Sock

Amounts: 1 skein in #252 black/green/blue

These great socks were designed by Karen Baumer using Noro Silk Garden Sock yarn. The cuff really makes these socks stand out.

The Noro colors will be a great way to bright up a drab winter day, too.

Preview the rest of the magazine on the Knit Simple website.

Look for the magazine, and supplies, at your local yarn store.

Do you knit and crochet a lot of holiday gifts?

Tags: gifts, magazines
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Fisherman’s Sweaters

September 17, 2012 in Debbie Bliss, Inspiration, Juniper Moon Farm Yarns, Mirasol, Noro, Queensland Collection, Sweaters, Viking of Norway

The fashion update in Friday’s Wall Street Journal was about Fisherman’s Sweaters being a big trend this fall. (You should be able to read the article here as a free preview.)

It’s nice to see the fashion industry catching up with what us knitters have known all along. Namely that these sweaters are visually stunning, cozy to wear, and a ton of fun to make.

The article gives a nice, brief introduction to the history of these beautiful cabled sweaters, but as knitters also know all that already.

That just means we can skip straight to the good stuff of inspiring patterns that we can knit and continue to wear proudly after fickle fashion has moved on to less appealing garments.

Viking of Norway

Cabled Sweater from Viking of Norway book #1103

This beautiful tunic length turtle neck is from the Viking of Norway book #1103 (Balder, Naturgan, Alpaca Superfine). Turtlenecks were mentioned frequently in the WSJ article.

This sweater is knit using Balder, a chunky, 100% wool yarn available in 31 solid and variegated colors. You can see them all here.

Debbie Bliss

Cable Paneled Sweater from Debbie Bliss Blue Faced Leicester book

With her classic styling of course Debbie Bliss would have a pattern (or two!) to fit the bill.

This stunning Cable Paneled Sweater is just one of four in her new Blue Faced Leicester book that will keep you both warm and stylish.

There is also a cabled scarf and shoulder capelet if you want to bring in the elements of the Fisherman’s Sweater trend without knitting an entire sweater.

This book supports Debbie’s new Blue Faced Leicester yarn, which is available in 16 colors.

Blue Faced Leicester sheep are a traditional British breed whose wool has a long staple length, which creates yarn with luster and drape. You really need to see and feel this beautiful new yarn in person to really appreciate it.

Mirasol

Inka from Mirasol Book #29

Inka is another beautiful cabled turtleneck, this time from the Mirasol line. This is one of four cabled sweaters Jane Ellison designed for the new Book #29 (Api & Hasa). Another pullover and two cardigans round out the cabled entries, along with simpler sweaters and some accessories.

Inka is knit using Hasa, a 50% Alpaca 40% Wool 10% Silk blend available in 12 colors.

Not only are the cables on this sweater a lovely combination of a braid and honeycomb, but I love the generous collar. Great for keeping the wind out!

Juniper Moon Farm

Sideways Cabled Cardigan from Juniper Moon Farm Willa book

If being traditional isn’t your style, then turn the cabled trend on its side with this cardigan from the Juniper Moon Farm Willa book. This cardigan is finished with a zipper so no need to worry about knitting button holes.

This sweater is destined to become one of your favorites since Willa is a soft, chunky 60% Merino Wool, 40% SuperKid Mohair blend that will make it a joy to knit and wear. See all the 12 colors here and start plotting your own.

Queensland Collection

Cable Panel Vest from Queensland Collection #1001 pamphlet

For people in warmer climates (or age ranges, haha) who are getting warm just looking at all these long sleeved sweaters, I haven’t forgotten you!

This pretty cabled vest is from the Queensland Collection pamphlet #1001-Sweet Pea Multi.

Sweet Pea is a soft, 100% Organic Pima cotton yarn available in 20 colors both solid and multi.

Noro

Child's Cabled Vest from Noro Volume #32

And don’t forget the young ones in your life. This Child’s Cabled Vest is from Noro Volume #32. Children’s garments are a great way to practice new techniques because their small size means they work up quickly, but take long enough to let you really practice.

This booklet also has a great unisex cabled pullover pattern for adults.

This vest is knit using Kureyon, a hard wearing 100% wool yarn. Check out the eight new colors for the fall.

More to Explore

I have only scratched the surface of all the cabled sweater patterns available from our various yarn lines.

There are plenty more to inspire you for men, women, and children. You can preview more of them here.

Then head out to your local yarn store for even more inspiration and supplies. If you haven’t tried cables yet, I’m sure the staff at your local yarn store will be happy to arrange a lesson for you.

Tags: Aran Sweaters, cables, Fisherman's Sweaters
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Color Affection Bandwagon

August 25, 2012 in Ella Rae, Elsebeth Lavold, Noro, shawl

Color Affection is a shawl pattern designed by Veera Välimäki. It is a striped, asymmetrical, garter stitch shawl that employs short rows to create its unique shape.

On Ravelry there are 5,477 projects and 7,539 queues listed.

I feel like I keep seeing it everywhere, and each one seems more beautiful than the next! I could no longer resist jumping on the bandwagon.

Yarn Tree Studio use Elsebeth Lavold Sikly Wool.

This version was made by Yarn Tree Studio, a local yarn store in North Carolina. They used Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool for their version. This 45%Wool, 35%Silk, 20% Nylon blend is available in a wide range of solid colors. The slight tweedy texture of the yarn adds extra interest.

Island Yarn Company made one using Noro Taiyo Sock Yarn

Island Yarn Company, a local yarn store in Massachusetts, used Noro Taiyo Sock Yarn for their shawl. The long color changes of this 50% Cotton, 17% Wool, 17% Nylon, 16% Silk blend add an interesting dimension to the look of the finished shawl.

Sedona Knit Wits made one using 4 color of Lace Merino

Sedona Knit Wits, a local yarn store in Arizona, made theirs larger by adding a fourth color. They used Ella Rae Lace Merino for their shawl, which is the same yarn I selected.

Lace Merino is a fingering weight, 100% Superwash Merino Wool with approximately 460 yards per hank. Plenty of yardage to meet the pattern requirements. This yarn is available in a wide range of both semi-solid and variegated colors, which can make it a little tough to decide just which colors to use!

#32 - Crimson, #139-Turq, Green, #34-Med. blue

Since blue is one of my favorite colors, I decided to use that as my starting point and selected #34-Medium Blue to start narrowing my options.

I thought it would be interesting to include one of the variegated colors both to see how it behaved in the pattern and to tie the three colors together, so I selected #139-Turqoise, Green because some of it’s blues echoed #34.

Then it was matter of selecting a third shade. First I picked #32-Crimson because I thought it matched some of the pink bits in #139.

#32 - Crimson, #139-Turq, Green, #3-Grass Green

My friend suggested picking up the greens in the multi colored skein and selected #3-Grass Green.

Although the blue was my starting skein, I thought I do my due diligence and try a pink, multi, green combination first. It was nice, but wasn’t speaking to me.

#34-Med. Blue, #139-Turq, Green, #3-Grass Green

Then I did the blue, multi, green combination and knew I had a winner. The colors were pleasing to my eyes and the pink in #139 would add extra instance.

With my colors selected, I dove in. My right arm got a bit of a work out winding all three skeins consecutively, but it was worth it to do it now so I won’t be stalled when I reach the color changes in the pattern.

12 rows in!

It seems most people work from light to dark as the sample shawls in the pattern show. Following the trend, I cast on with the green yarn.

I’m already 12 rows in, whoo-hoo! I might have confused my M1L and M1R a few times and I might have grabbed an incorrect strand here and there when working them, but I don’t think anyone will notice when I wearing it.

At least, no one besides my husband should be close enough to me to notice and he doesn’t knit. (haha!)

I can already tell the Ella Rae Lace Merino was a great choice for this shawl pattern. In addition to being soft, it has a lot of spring and life as I’m knitting. This makes it easy to manipulate the knit fabric as I’m twisting and turning it to work all those increases.

The green will be my companion for a while longer before I reach the first set of stripes. Then the real fun will begin!

Have you made the Color Affection shawl? Was it easy for you to select colors?

Tags: Color Affection, shawl, WIPs
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