Noro Treasure Hunt Winners!

August 6, 2012 in Noro, Sweaters

Oh, boy! We had such a good response to the treasure hunt to find the male model who appears in multiple Noro books. Everyone who played seemed to have fun so we’ll try to hatch up another one soon.

But what you really want to know is whether you were one of the lucky winners. I was able to email almost all of you, so check for a message from Ann (twitter at knittingfever) to claim your prize.

First Tier winners will receive a skein of Noro yarn and a Noro booklet:

Anne T, Cheryl, Julie P, Michelle, Linda B., Gabriele N., Txlady, FamilyDayCareMama, Poizniv, and Ryan H.

(Psst, Ryan! I sent you a message on Ravelry.)

The lucky Second Tier winner who will receive a BAG of Noro yarn (10! balls) and a Noro booklet is: Emily H.O. –Emily, you signed in with Facebook so I couldn’t see your email address. I sure hope you see this! Use the “message” button on Facebook to contact me so I can verify your name when you claim your prize.

Now You See Him…

The challenge was to find the same male model who appears in Volumes #21 through #31.

Most of you did a great job finding him, but some of you might still be wondering (or missed the chance to enter).

The answers are:

Of course, everyone is a winner when they knit with Noro yarns! (groan. Give me a break, it’s Monday and I need another cup of tea!)

But don’t take my word for it, review some of the sweaters and decide for yourself.

Design Y-846 from Volume #26

This great entrelac sweater is in Volume #26. It is knit using the ever popular Silk Garden yarn. There are 16 new colorways for the fall. Wow! That’s a lot of colors from which to choose.

Entrelac is a fun and challenging technique. Actually, once you get the hang of it you’ll find it zips along. It’s very much one of those mysterious knitting techniques that is easy when you know what you’re doing but creates visually impressive results.

You should check with your local yarn store to see about a private lesson or group class to learn entrelac. You’ll be glad you did.

Design Y-595 from Volume #26

These uni-sex cabled sweaters are also in Volume #26. They are knit using Kureyon, a durable 100% Wool yarn great for garments and accessories. There are 8 new colorways for the fall.

Y-894 Hooded Jacket (Rear) from Volume #30

This hooded jacket is another uni-sex garment. This pattern is in Volume #30. It is knit using Kogarashi, a yummy 51% Silk, 49% Wool, available in 14 colorways.

Design Y-892b from Volume #30

This cabled sweater is also in Volume #30. It is knit using Nadeshiko, a 40% Angora, 39% Wool, 21% Silk blend available in 7 colorways. The high angora content makes this yarn soft and warm, and gives it that lovely halo.

…Now You Don’t

But those 10 booklets aren’t the only place to find great men’s patterns using Noro yarns. There are patterns scattered through the other Noro publications as well.

Man's Ribbed Sweater from Noro Magazine

This great sweater is in the premier issue of Noro Magazine. It is knit using Kureyon yarn. The magazine also includes two hats intended for men.

Noro Men book by Jane Ellison

The “Noro Men” book by Jane Ellison is full of sweaters and accessories to cover a guy for head to toe.

Great patterns for men are out there, you just have to know where to look.

Tags: mens, Noro
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Noro Game and Giveaway (July 31 to Aug. 3)–Closed

July 31, 2012 in Noro

Update Aug. 6: First Tier winners will receive a skein of Noro yarn and a Noro booklet:

Anne T, Cheryl, Julie P, Michelle, Linda B., Gabriele N., Txlady, FamilyDayCareMama, Poizniv, and Ryan H.

—–

Projects made with Noro yarns are works of art you can wear and use.

Even simple, drop shoulder, stockinette stitch sweaters look fabulous because of the stunning colors Eisaku Noro creates.

Taiyo Sock #17 - Royal, Turq, Pink

When we flip through pattern books our main focus is on the projects pictured. The questions going through our minds are “What yarn was used? Which color of that yarn? What stitches and shaping are involved?”

The people in the book are just there to hold up the garment for us. If we pay attention to them at all it’s probably just to register their smiling faces and be jealous that they are already wearing the sweater that we want to make.

But maybe you pay more attention than that. Maybe as you flip through the book again, or look at the pictures as you’re knitting or crocheting the sweater, you study the people as well.

Maybe you start to notice that the same male model has appeared in the last 10 Noro pattern pamphlets (Volumes 21 through 31) when a men’s sweater is shown.

Maybe you’re up for a little challenge for a chance to win some Noro yarn? (void where prohibited. US residents.)

Where’s “Waldo”?

Shiraito Color #2 - Hunter, Pink, Blue, Grey

Here’s the game:

Look through the Noro book previews on our website and find this man! I will give you a hint: look in Volumes 21 through 31.

Leave a comment with the book Volume Number AND Design number where you see him.

There are two prize levels:

10 people who identify at least one book and design will be randomly selected to receive a skein of Noro yarn and a booklet.

1 person who finds him in all four booklets in which he appears (8 times total) and names all the booklets and designs will be randomly selected to receive a bag of 10 skeins of Noro yarn and a booklet.

Got that? 11 prizes total.

You have between now (July 31) and Friday (Aug 3) to post your answer. When the system challenges you for authentication remember to enter your real email address so I can contact you if you win. Winners will be selected and announced on Saturday (Aug 4)

Tags: mens, Noro
145 Comments »

Lace Collars

June 15, 2012 in Cowls, Debbie Bliss, Mirasol, Noro

We don’t like to put away our knitting needles and crochet hooks just because warmer weather has arrived.

Sure, we might spend time outside gardening or pursuing other activities that can’t be combined with stitching, but at some point during the day it will be time to sit down and relax with our yarn.

When that time comes, we tend to want to work on small projects. Who wants to spread a big afghan across their lap in 80 or 90 degree weather?

While socks, mitts, and hats are all good options, it’s nice to mix things up a little.

Several of the spring/summer pattern books have little lace collars that will be great projects for this time of year. They are small, portable, and often take just one skein of the required yarn.

These collars are knit or crocheted jewelry. They can be worn as accents to dress up a plain blouse or to give an outfit a different look.

Debbie Bliss

Knit Lace Collar by Debbie Bliss

Debbie Bliss has three collars featuring her new Rialto Lace yarn.

This yummy new yarn is 100% Extrafine Merino Wool with approximately 429 yards per 50g that knits to 8 sts per inch on a US 2 needle. It is available in 20 colors.

Just because the suggested needle is a US 2 doesn’t mean that is the size you have to use. For instance, this knit Lace Collar from the “Rialto Lace” book is worked on a US4 needle.

The Rialto Lace book features eight patterns ranging from the Lace Collar to cardigans and shawls.

Debbie has also designed two crocheted lace collars using Rialto Lace yarn.

Daisy Crocheted Collar by Debbie Bliss

The Daisy collar echoes the design in the knit lace collar. The airy, square motifs with a scalloped edge is sure to crochet up quickly.

Chantal Crocheted Collar by Debbie Bliss

The Chantal collar is more dramatic. I love the pleats on this one. It will definitely dress up a plain shell!

Both crocheted collars are in the “Simply Crochet” book, which includes a range of patterns from sweaters and skirts to a bag.

Noro

Jane Ellison designed two version of the Joyce collar for the Noro Vintage book.

Joyce by Jane Ellison

The first, large version is dramatic! It lays nice and flat on your shoulders. This size will be good for a little extra warmth when you don’t feel like dealing with a big shawl or shrug.

It is knit using one hank of Karuta, a 40% Silk, 30% Cotton, 30% Wool blend with approximately 165 yards per 100g. There are eight tonal colorways from which to select.

Joyce (small) by Jane Ellison

The smaller version also takes one hank of Karuta. This is more of a choker or cowl style. The snug fit makes the small one more all-weather since you’ll be able to wear it under winter coats as well.

For both version you’ll have fun finding a fabulous button to finish it off.

Mirasol

The last pattern I want to highlight is more of a cowl than a collar and it’s not actually lace, but I think the construction is so interesting that I have to include it.

I also think it falls into the “knitting as jewelry” category, which qualifies it for this blog post.

Raya Cowl by Jane Ellison

The Raya Cowl, which is a free pattern on our website, is cabled AND braided.

How neat is that?

You start by casting on all the stitches, then work the three strands separately. Don’t worry, the pattern is very clear so it won’t be terribly complicated to knit.

This pattern is knit using one hank of Hap’i yarn, a 100% Pima Cotton with approximately 132 yards per 100g. It is available in 24 colors.

I think any of these patterns would be a good place to start if you want to get a jump on your gift knitting.

You can find the pattern books and yarns at your local yarn store.

What types of projects do you like to work on in the spring and summer?

Tags: crochet, lace, summer, womens
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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
2 Comments »

Noro Magazine & a Giveaway!

May 21, 2012 in Noro

Update May 25: Bloggers! We’ve extended your deadline to June 1 to give you time to get your thoughts together.

We are super excited about the premier issue of Noro Magazine!

Advance copies arrived in the office last week and I had a pleasant weekend drooling over mine. You’ll be able to find it at your local yarn store starting in early June. Some people on Ravelry have already pre-ordered their copy.

Their impatience is understandable considering how awesome the magazine is! (Of course, I might be a little biased.)

The issue features 35 patterns including accessories, garments (including a man’s sweater!) ranging from coats to socks, and home decor items. You will be able to cover your world in Noro!

3 Key Questions

There are three questions I’ve been seeing online.

Q: Is Noro Magazine just available in the USA?

A: Noro Magazine will be available in England through stores that work with Designer Yarns, in Canada through stores that work with Diamond Yarn, and in Australia through stores that work with Prestige Yarns. (Basically, if your local yarn store stocks Noro it can’t hurt to ask about the magazine.) Obviously, the magazine will be available in the USA through stores that work with KFI.

Q: Will there be a digital version?

A: One is being planned, but there is no delivery date. (Sounds to me like you should get the print edition so you can start knitting sooner!)

Q: Will there be a good range of sizes?

A: Yes! Some of the patterns go up to 2X. Finished busts at the high end range from 45″ to 60″. Not every pattern covers the full range of sizes, but there is a good variety.

Also, I haven’t seen this asked, but there are a couple of crochet patterns as well.

Beautiful Patterns

And isn’t beautiful patterns and the finished projects they generate the reason we buy magazines?

It was hard to contain myself to highlighting just a few of the patterns, but I managed to reel myself in. LOL

#26 Cropped Jacket Designed by Irina Poludnenko (photo by Paul Amato)

First up is this cool Cropped Jacket designed by Irina Poludnenko. I love the way the colors fan out from the hem to the cuffs echoing the curve of the body.

It is knit using two colors of Noro Silk Garden Sock, a 40% Wool, 25% Silk, 25% Nylon, 10% Mohair blend. Short row shaping is used to get the neat curve in the lapels and shoulders making this an intermediate level pattern. It is sized for small/medium (large/XL) with finished busts of 38(42)”.

Since you’ll need something to keep it closed, it also gives you a good excuse to buy one of those pretty hand-made shawl pins you’ve been eying at your local yarn store.

#9 Lace Cardigan Designed by Therese Chynoweth (photo by Rose Callahan)

This Lace Cardigan by Therese Chynoweth is just charming. I like the way the lace pattern makes waves in the stripes. The body of the cardigan is knit in one piece to the armholes and the sleeves are worked in the round to the cap shaping.

This is awesome for two reasons. 1) Fewer seams to sew means less finishing means wearing it sooner. 2) The color repeats in the yarn are allowed to play out uninterrupted by seams.

This cardigan is knit in Noro Taiyo Sock yarn, a 50% Cotton, 17% Wool, 17% Nylon, 16% Silk blend. There are 8 new colors this season. This pattern has finished bust measurements of 37 (45, 53)”.

#14 Cap Sleeve Dress Designed by Carolyn Noyes (photo by Rose Callahan)

This neat retro dress is one of two dresses and two skirts in the magazine. I like the checker pattern and the way the colors play together.

This dress is knit using Noro Kureyon and Debbie Bliss Rialto DK. Both yarns are 100% wool. You’ll have fun mixing and matching colors to achieve the perfect look.

The pattern is for an experienced knitter, probably because of the color work involved. It is sized for Small (Medium, Large, X-Large, 2X), which translates to Finished Bust 34 (38, 42, 46, 50)” and Hip 36 (40 1/2, 44, 48 1/2, 52)”.

#24 Trinity Stitch Tunic Designed by Valentina Devine (photo by Rose Callahan)

This Trinity Stitch Tunic by Valentina Devine is one of four sweaters in the “Outrageous Color” section of the magazine. All four are fun, over sized sweaters worked in vibrant colors. I like the happy honey color of this one and the way the stitch pattern makes an interesting collar.

This sweater is knit using Noro Karuta, a 40% Silk, 30% Cotton, 30% Wool blend with approximately 165 yards per 100g. Karuta is new this season and is available in 8 tonal colorways.

This sweater is for an intermediate knitter and is sized for finished bust of 39 (43, 50, 54, 59)”.

#20 Man's Slouchy Hat Designed by Yoko Hatta (photo by Rose Callahan)

This Slouchy Hat by Yoko Hatta is one of three patterns for men in the sweater (although I don’t know why a woman couldn’t wear it). A nice slouchy hat can be worn beyond winter. This one makes me think of my brother-in-law, who can be a bit of a ski bum in winter. I also makes me think of that hat Brad Pitt was spotted in last year that had people questing for a similar pattern.

This hat is knit in two shades of Noro Kureyon. The pattern is skilled “easy” and is worked in the round so as soon as it’s off your needles it can be on the recipient’s head. The pattern has two sizes, 20 (22)”.

#29 Crochet Slippers Designed by Yoko Hatta (photo by Rose Callahan)

These adorable Crochet Slippers by Yoko Hatta are one of the crocheted patterns I mentioned. Won’t it be lovely to pad around the house in these? Every time you look down you’ll have a reason to smile.

They are crocheted using Noro Kureyon and are sized for Woman’s Small (Medium/Large). This is another “easy” pattern and I bet wouldn’t take long to work up. Maybe it’s time to start your gift projects, if you haven’t already?

#7 Cabled Socks Designed by Christina Behnke (photo by Paul Amato)

Last, but not least, I wanted to highlight these awesome Cabled Socks by Christina Behnke. They are worked toe up using Noro Taiyo Sock yarn. I’m a bit of a sock junky anyway, but these just sing to me.

Anybody up for a knit-along?

This pattern is for an experienced knitter and is sized for an Adult Woman (7″ foot circumference).

A Giveaway to Celebrate

Those are the seven patterns that have caught my eye, but I’m sure I’ll have a new favorite in a few days. LOL.

With 35 patterns, I’ve only scratched the surface. There are more hats and sweaters, not to mention scarves and afghans. Really, there is something for everyone.

You can see a preview of all the projects in the magazine here.

To celebrate the premier issue we’ve decided to do a little giveaway (US residents, void where prohibited!).

There are two ways to enter:

One way–for bloggers: Write a new blog post between now and Friday, June 1, 2012 about which pattern you are looking forward to making from the magazine, or what you love about Noro in general. You must link back to either the yarn or pattern book on the Knitting Fever Inc website or this here blog post. Send a link to your post to Ann at (twitter at knittingfever dot com) to be sure we see it. A randomly selected blogger will receive a gift.

Second way–for non-bloggers: Leave a comment on this blog post between now and Friday, May 25, 2012, telling us what you love about Noro and the new magazine. A randomly selected comment will receive a gift. When the comment system asks who you are remember to enter your real email address so we can reach you if you win.

Sound like fun?

Update May 25: The magazine was scheduled to hit shelves June 5, but we’re seeing reports that stores are already receiving theirs. You might want to call your favorite Noro retailer and see if they have it in stock yet!

Tags: Noro Magazine
320 Comments »

Noro Mini Knits 3

April 11, 2012 in Free, Gloves, Hats, Noro, shawl

Created due to the great popularity of the previous Mini Knits book 1 & 2, Noro designer Jenny Watson offers a collection of 30 new designs covering accessories, babies, and women’s garments in the new “Noro Mini Knits 3” book.

Can you think of anyone more deserving?

Recent studies have shown that the constant gentle pressure of a dog sweater has a pronounced calming effect on dogs that are fearful, anxious or over-excited. Prove this yourself by knitting this stylish dog sweater for your favorite four-legged friend using just two skeins Taiyo.

Taiyo is a 40% Cotton, 30% Silk, 15% Wool, 15% Nylon blend. There are eight new colors this season giving you lots of options for matching pup’s collar or eyes. (giggle)

Now that Spring has officially sprung, let’s not forget an inspiring home decorating project. This cushion uses Silk Garden Lite and has an optional sewn-on knitted lace edging.

Silk Garden Lite is a 45% Silk, 45% Mohair, 10% Lambswool blend with a suggest gauge of 5.5 stitches per inch. There are also eight new colors of this very popular yarn. Good luck choosing just one!

A good transition piece

Dubbed “Polo Inset,” this versatile shoulder topper would look great both over or under a jacket or blazer. Uses only 2 skeins Noro Taiyo. Useful during cold weather because you don’t have to fuss with a scarf, this garment is also great as a transition piece as the weather warms up and you need “just a little something” but not a heavy coat.

Look at the cute pom-pom!

Design 29 uses Silk Garden Sock to make these cheerful cabled socks complete with pom-pom adornment. This popular yarn is a 40% Wool, 25% Silk, 25% Nylon, 10% Mohair blend with approximately 328 yards.

Get your hook on!

All it takes is just one skein Silk Garden Sock to create this retro-looking crochet cap. (Very reminiscent of the swinging ’60s). Now’s the perfect time to brush up those crochet skills.

Fingerless gloves, always a fast and easy knit, also make great gifts. This pattern uses just one skein Taiyo. Mother’s Day is fast approaching, have you planned your project yet?

mmm, yarn

Noro’s self-patterning colors really pop in Shiraito, a luxurious new 45% cashmere/ 45% angora/ 10% wool blend. At a suggested gauge of 7 stitches per inch on size 4 (3.5mm) needles, you really must “fondle” this yarn to appreciate its beauty.

Free Pattern!

Download the pattern on our website.

To celebrate the newDesigner Mini Knits 3 by Noro book, knit this fabulous shawl in your choice of Silk Garden Sock, Taiyo Sock or Noro’s fabulous new Shiraito. What a great spring project!

Download this free pattern from our website (after you click through, look for the “download pattern” link under the big picture on the left) then head out to your local yarn store to get the book.

Which pattern will you make first? Share your thoughts in the comments or on our Facebook page.

Tags: pets, small
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Vogue Knitting + Noro yarn = Awesome!

February 16, 2012 in Free, Noro

If you are on Facebook and you love Noro yarns then I hope you’ve been keeping a sharp eye on the Vogue Knitting magazine wall.

They declared this “Noro Week” and have been giving away bags of yarn!

Yeah, you read that right! Yesterday they gave away a bag of Kureyon and today (Thursday) they are giving away a bag of Silk Garden.

I will give you a moment to pick yourself up from the floor since I know you just swooned.

I wonder which yarn it will be tomorrow?

Now to enter the giveaway you have to go to the Vogue Knitting Facebook page, find their post about the giveaway, and share it with your friends. It’s very simple. When you are looking at the VK status update you’ll see little blue words that say “like, comment, share.” A quick click and you’re in the running.

While it appears the giveaways are open to all their Facebook fans, people who live in Connecticut have an extra change to celebrate.

Vogue Knitting Editor Trisha Malcolm will be at a local yarn store called “A Stitch In Time” in Bethel, CT, for a trunk show this Saturday, Feb. 18, starting at noon.

She’ll be giving a preview of the spring issue of Vogue Knitting magazine and doing a book signing for the Knit Noro Accessories book.

You should call the store at (203) 748-1002 to let them know you’ll be attending so they can make sure they have enough books.

Free Noro Patterns

Now there are a slew of lovely Noro pattern books available for purchase at your local yarn store.

You can preview the books on our website so you can have a strategy before you go shopping.

But if you can’t head out to the store right now, there are a scattering of free patterns out there you can download.

I made the Kuyeron cap last year.

First up is the Ribbed Cap available on the Vogue Knitting website. You have to set up a free ID to access it.

The pattern takes one skein of Noro Kuyeron. It is knit flat and seamed, which makes it good for beginners who aren’t ready to tackle knitting in the round. I make one last year and it was a quick and easy pattern.

Next up is a pair of Kuyeron Basic Socks on the Yarnmarket.com website. This pattern is sized for Women’s Small (Medium, Large).

Over the years many patterns on Knitty.com have featured Noro yarns. There is a wide range of garments including socks, mitts, scarves, blankets, and even a skirt!

And, of course, we have many free patterns on our own website that use Noro yarns. Including this adorable bear and bunny pair designed by Debbie Bliss.

As you can see, it’s very easy to fulfill your need for Noro!

Tags: Noro
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Sock Tips: The Leg

February 8, 2012 in Ella Rae, Knitting Fever Inc, Mirasol, Noro, OnLine, Socks, Tips

Once you finish the cuff of your sock it’s smooth sailing down the leg.

While most people find the cuff can be tricky to start the leg can be as easy or hard as you decide to make it.

Consider the leg the canvas for your creativity. This is a good place to practice techniques or stitches you’ve been wanting to learn. You can try your hand at lace, cables, Fair Isle, or any number of knitting tricks without the commitment of an entire sweater.

Lace socks are lovely.

For instance, these Leaf Lace Socks from the Knit Noro book are a good way to practice lace knitting.

Since socks are small they are a good project to test something out and if you decide you don’t like it you don’t have to worry about leaving a large project unfinished. They are also a good choice for testing a new yarn or indulging in a special yarn.

Custom Fit

Some people don’t like hand knit socks because they fall down. That might be a simple matter of improperly sized socks. While it is obvious that socks that are too big will fall down, the book “Getting Started Knitting Socks” by Ann Budd (Interweave Press, 2007) says socks that are too small will shift down as well.

Most sock patterns are sized for the widest part of your foot on the assumption that it will be similar to the size of the top of your leg. But since people are different that isn’t always the case. Unlike commercial socks, you can easily change your hand knit socks to accommodate those differences.

The leg is a good the place to make adjustments to your sock size and how it fits.

If you want more room in the cuff of the sock for your calf you can cast on enough stitches to fit there and then decrease down the sock leg to the ankle. If you are working toe up you would flip that suggestion and increase up the sock leg.

It’s a simple matter of measuring your leg where you want the cuff to be and your ankle. Multiple those numbers by your gauge to get your target stitch counts. Then subtract them to figure out how many stitches to decrease (or increase). Then work the decreases at regular intervals down the leg. You don’t want to work them all at once because the change in size will be too abrupt and the sock will probably be restrictive in that area.

For more of a discussion on applying knitting math to shaping check out the “sleeve” section of The Knitting Architect on our website.

Budd suggests knitting the cuff and upper leg on a knitting needle one size larger than you plan to use. Many people, she writes, find the larger gauge from the bigger needle provides enough room.

Knee high socks are fun, but take more yarn.

Another time shaping will be important is if you make knee-high or thigh-high socks, like these Rainbow Knee-Highs that are also in the Knit Noro book. (The ruffled cuff can be worn up as shown or folded down.)

For taller socks you’ll want to work shaping to accommodate the change in circumference from your calf to your ankle. If you are following a pattern the designer will have figured it out for you. If you want to design tall socks yourself, Elizabeth Zimmermann has a discussion along with a legging pattern in her “Knitters Almanac” which could be adapted.

Yarn Amounts

Most sock patterns are written for crew length socks, but there is no reason you can’t go longer (or shorter). If you aren’t sure of what length to make the leg, a good rule of thumb (maybe it should be a rule of toe? tee-hee) is to make it as long as the hand of the person who will be wearing it. This rule is very convenient if you are making them for yourself since you can just lay your hand on your knitting to check the length and not have to worry about fishing out your tape measure.

If you do make tall socks keep your yarn consumption in mind.

Some sock yarns come in high yardage balls, such as Noro’s Silk Garden Sock with 328 yards and Taiyo Sock with 462 yard, which is usually enough to get a pair of crew length socks out of one ball of yarn. Other yarns come in slightly smaller balls, like OnLine’s Supersocke Silk with 220 yards, which usually require two balls to make a pair.

In either case, a pair of knee- or thigh-high socks will usually need three or even four balls of yarn to ensure you don’t run out. Conversely, a pair of ankle socks might only need one ball. The staff at your local yarn store will be able to guide you in the proper amount of yarn to purchase.

Yarn usage is a good argument for knitting socks toe-up. You divide your yarn in half and just knit to you run out!

Design Options

Striped Socks are a good way to use up scraps.

As I said at the beginning, the leg can be as plain or fancy as you desire.

When using fun self-patterning yarns, like the OnLine Supersocke yarns or the Indulgence 6ply pictured at the top of this post, you can knit plain old stockinette stitch and still end up with a fabulous sock because the yarn does all the work. Plain socks are good projects to have on the go so you can knit without paying attention.

Another good option is continuing the cuff ribbing down the leg. Some people prefer the way ribbed socks fit. This is also a simple pattern for automatic knitting.

Striped socks, like the pair pictured above from Ella Rae book #114-Lace Merino & Latte are a good way to use up scraps. If you work the color changes every two rows you can usually carry the yarn, rather than cutting it, and save yourself from having a ton of ends to weave in. On the Ella Rae sock you can see the cuff and foot were worked in a solid color to tie it all together.

Colorwork socks are nice and warm.

For more of a challenge work a patterned leg, like these Sparrowhawk socks from Mirasol Book #06-Accessories Collection.

An important thing to remember with color work socks is that the strands will take up room inside the socks, which might make them smaller. If you are following a pattern the designer will have account for that in the sizing options. But don’t let the potentially tricky sizing put you off, the floats (strands) from the color changes also make the socks extra cushy and warm.

Get Schooled

Still intimidated by knitting socks? Check for a class at your local yarn store. Most stores run beginner sock classes on a regular basis since they are such popular projects but can be tricky when you start out.

During the class the teacher will probably review what type of yarn to use, how to make fit adjustments, and walk you through the tricky bits. You also get the companionship of working on a project with a group of people who will be able to encourage each other and cheer accomplishments.

Of course, there are also many resources online. I like the information available at the Socknitter Forum. I’ve seen a lot of praise online for Silver’s Sock Class (but I haven’t tried it myself). For experienced sock knitters, don’t forget there are tons of great sock patterns on Knitty.com.

What are some tips you have for getting a good sock fit?

Tags: socks
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Valentine’s Day Ideas

February 1, 2012 in Elsebeth Lavold, Louisa Harding, Mirasol, Mitts, Noro, Sweaters

Including today, Valentine’s Day is just 13 knitting or crocheting days away!

No, I’m not trying to rush the holidays along. I’m trying to give you enough time to actually make one or two of these projects. It would be irresponsible of me to suggest gifts to make for Valentine’s Day on that day, don’t you think?

When you think of Valentine’s Day you probably think of hearts, chocolate, and flowers. With that theme in mind, I’ve curated a collection of patterns from across our lines that feature heart motifs. Some can’t be missed and some are a little more subtle.

You can find these pattern books and the yarns to make the projects at your local yarn store.

Mirasol

Turns out Jane Ellison is pretty big on heart motifs and has peppered them through the collections she’s created for Mirasol.

A good project to practice intarsia

The Burru Tini Mittens from Book #27-Sulka-Ushya are a good (and obvious!) place to start our tour. Since fingerless mitts are small they are a fast project that you should be able to finish in plenty of time for gift giving. They are also very useful, both inside and out, and your loved one will think of you whenever they wear them.

This pair is knit in Sulka, a 60% Merino Wool, 20% Alpaca, 20% Silk blend available in 37 colors. The pattern requires two hanks of the main color and one hank of the contrasting color. These mitts would be a good project for practicing your intarsia technique as well.

For the person on your mind?

Another great Sulka project is the Ilsa Hat from Book #17-Sulka. A fun pompom tops off the cute heart motifs and ear flaps make it extra warm. I saw several versions on Ravelry where people worked solid hearts instead of just the outline.

Now that's a heart motif!

Write your love large with the Kisdon sweater from Book #21-Hapi & Nuna. Since it’s a sweater, you might not finish this in time for the holiday, but it probably won’t be the first time your Valentine has received an on-the-needles present from you! Goodness knows we’ve all done it.

The two yarns featured in this book are both lovely. Nuna is a 40% Wool, 40% Silk, 20% Bamboo Viscose blend with shine and drape from the silk and bamboo viscose, as well as warmth spring from the wool. It is available in 26 colors.

Hap’i is a worsted weight, 100% cotton yarn available in 24 colors. It has a little bit of thick-and-thin texture to it for extra interest. This yarn is a great choice if you or the object of your affection are allergic to wool.

Make it long or short

If you don’t want to make a garment, try your hand at the Heart Mobile from Book #6-Accessories Collection. They are knit using Mirasol Tupa, a 50% Merino, 50% Silk blend with a suggested gauge of 5.5 sts per inch. Make it as long or as short as you want. Or just make one heart to decorate a gift.

A hug you can hug!

Another non-garment option is the Tomas Toy from Book #4-Children’s Collection. We always say a hand knit gift is a long distance hug, well here is one they can hug back! Tomas is especially good for children if you are worried about them outgrowing a sweater before you can finish knitting it.

Noro

Heart pillows can be stuffed with yarn scraps

Jane Ellison’s heart theme continues to her Noro designs with the Heart Pillows from Book #9-Noro for Kids. After knitting up these quick projects you can stuff them with either fiberfill or all those yarn scraps you can’t use but also can bring yourself to throw out!

Louisa Harding

Whiskers scarf from Queen of Hearts

But Jane Ellison hasn’t cornered the market on heart motifs. You won’t be surprised to hear that Louisa Harding’s book “Queen of Hearts” features everything from scarves and bags to sweaters and cardigans sporting hearts large and small.

The Whiskers scarf shown here is knit using two hanks of Mulberry, a luscious 100% silk yarn. Maybe you should tell your Valentine to skip the flowers this year and get you a bouquet of Mulberry instead!

Sometimes it's ok to wear a heart on your sleeve

For that beloved young girl in your life there is the Charity sweater from Book #16-Kindred. From the lace and heart cuffs to the all over lace pattern on the body, this sweater will be as enjoyable to knit as a box of chocolates is to eat.

Charity is knit using eight balls of Kashmir Baby, a 55% Merino Wool, 10% Cashmere, 35% Microfiber Acrylic blend that comes in 32 colors. If pink is a little too sweat for your little lady other abound.

Elsebeth Lavold

XO cables are subtle love notes

If all these hearts are a little too over the top for you, cover your loved one in hugs and kisses instead with the Dakar set from Book #21-The City(e)scapes Collection.

In addition to being fun to knit the XO cable is a bit more subtle. This set is knit using Silky Flamme, a 50% Peruvian Wool, 30% Alpaca, 20% Silk blend sure to keep the person wearing it warm when they are away from you.

Be Your Own Valentine

Since not everyone loves Valentine’s Day, I have some anti-VD suggestions as well.

You are your best Valentine.

The most obvious one is to go ahead and treat yourself!

The Party Angle Stole by Debbie Bliss uses five balls of her Party Angel yarn. This beautiful yarn is a 72% Superkid Mohair, 24% Silk, 4% blend that is both warm and lofty. It comes in 10 colors to suit your mood.

Another option to to take any of the patterns I’ve suggested and make them in black or your favorite color, instead of the traditional pink and red.

Or you can stick with the red heart and duplicate stitch a crack using black yarn to create a broken heart. The options are endless.

Whether your Valentine’s Day is sappy or serious keep in mind that yarn lasts longer than flowers!

Tags: gifts, holidays
5 Comments »

Creating Noro

December 12, 2011 in Inspiration, Noro

Noro is a beautiful yarn line from Japan, which KFI is proud to distribute to American knitters and crocheters.

The yarns in the Noro line range from soft to rustic and textures in between. Fibers including wool, kid mohair, silk, cotton, and angora are all used in varying proportions to create the different yarns.

But what Noro is really known for is its colors. Fabulous colors from muted earth tones to bright rainbows are combined in a stunning mix that surprises and delights.

Many people consider Noro yarns to be on the level of art and, like art, they elicit passionate responses both for and against.

Of course, I fall into the Noro Yarn Love camp.

Our relationship has developed slowly, but the more I learn the deeper my love becomes. I first encountered Noro Yarns when I was working in a local yarn store. The unique colors and interesting textures stood out on the shelves and caught my eye.

Creating the famous Noro colors is a hands on process.

Since working for KFI, I’ve found out more about the way Noro Yarns are produced and it has made me appreciate the artistic qualities of these yarns more. The PDF “The Manufacturing of Noro From Farm to Product” (which you can download here) is a fascinating look at their process. Sometimes understanding more about a product can change your perspective on it.

Hands-On

The report explains Eisaku Noro, the line’s founder, takes steps to ensure “all manufacturing processes are checked to eliminate any adverse effects on the environment and on people.”

In an industrialized world, Noro takes a hands-on approach to yarn manufacturing. “Nowadays, almost all spinning process is done by machine, but at NORO Yarn, machines are used only when the process cannot be done by hand. First of all, we spin wool by hand and then knit them by hand and check its knitted texture,” he writes in his introduction to the report.

Isn’t that great? Hand-spun yarn! The Noro staff also frequently hand-card the fibers when aligning the colors for spinning. It’s a labor intensive process, but they prefer it because it is gentle on the fibers.

Saying that yarn binds us all together may sound trite, but as yarn is gliding through my fingers as I knit I do sometimes ponder the many people who have touched it before me. Knitting and crocheting are not solitary practices.

Sourced With Care

When we stop to think of the effort that went into bringing us yarn we can’t help but take a global perspective. Some stitchers are very interested in knowing where their yarn came from and the conditions in which is was produced. Other just enjoy the finished product and don’t need a back story. The internet (and websites like Ravelry) can help us find out.

As I learned while reading the report, Noro sources fibers from all over the world, from England to Australia and South Africa to Peru. The Pima cotton they use is produced in San Joaquin County, California. Practically our own backyard!

“We ourselves visit the places of origin for some of the raw materials and closely examine the farms and their environment,” the report says. As evidenced by this picture of Eisaku Noro sitting among the South African goats that produce the kid mohair used in his yarns.

Eisaku Noro meets with his kid mohair producers.

Environmentally friendly detergents are used to scour the wool and in many cases the animals are raised in an area free from agricultural chemicals. Recycling and energy conservation are also priorities at their facility in Japan. It’s always nice to see a company producing a quality product while being responsible stewards of the environment.

“With Warm Hearts”

But in everything I read in the report, the line that really resonated with me was, “We consider that to be truly handmade is to make yarns not only by hand but also with warm hearts, thinking of our customers who use our yarns.”

This attitude is very similar to my own thoughts on my crafting. Like most people, I do a lot of my knitting and crocheting while watching TV or at my knitting group. It’s a secondary activity and my hands are often moving on their own. But when I’m making a gift for someone I always try to take some time to think about them, as though my happy thoughts will seep into the project I’m making and be released when my loved ones uses it.

Who knows? Maybe they do.

And maybe the care and energy Eisaku Noro and his staff put into making the yarns we enjoy gives them a vibrancy we can’t detect with just our eyes and hands.

Noro colors are known for their vibrancy.

If you love Noro yarns, there are plenty of places online for you to chat with like minded people. You can share pictures of projects you made using Noro yarns with us on our Facebook pages for Noro or Knitting Fever. On Ravelry the Nuts For Noro Group is very active.

If you are just learning about Noro you can test the waters using this free pattern for a Teddy Bear designed by Debbie Bliss. (The Bunny Pattern will be released at a future date.) It takes just one skein of Noro Kureyon, a 100% wool yarn.

Teddy Bears not your style? Then check out the free pattern for the Cowslip hat and scarf designed by Jane Ellison (look for the “download pattern” link under the big picture on the left). They are knit using Noro Silk Garden, a 45% Silk, 45% Mohair, 10% Lambswool blend.

Now that you know more about Noro Yarns go ahead and succumb to the colors.

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Now You See Him…

…Now You Don’t

Where’s “Waldo”?

Debbie Bliss

Noro

Mirasol

Katia

Elsebeth Lavold

Louisa Harding, Noro, Ella Rae, and Araucania

3 Key Questions

Beautiful Patterns

A Giveaway to Celebrate

Free Pattern!

Free Noro Patterns

Custom Fit

Yarn Amounts

Design Options

Get Schooled

Mirasol

Noro

Louisa Harding

Elsebeth Lavold

Be Your Own Valentine

Hands-On

Sourced With Care

“With Warm Hearts”

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