Spotlight: Juniper Moon Farm Moonshine

May 6, 2013 in Cowls, Juniper Moon Farm Yarns, Sweaters

It might not be booze, but I bet the Dukes of Hazard would still want to transport the Juniper Moon Farm version of Moonshine!

After all, who could resist a yarn that is a 40% Wool, 40% Alpaca, 20% Silk blend with approximately 197 yards per 100g? Not me, that’s for sure!

Doesn’t it look glossy and mysterious?

It’s available in 16 colors and has a suggested gauge of 4.5-5 sts per inch on a US 7 needle. Tempted yet?

Ravelry users gave in to the temptation and landed Moonshine in the #1 spot on the Popluar New Yarns list for a good part of the month of April.

Moonshine was #1 on Ravelry’s Popular New Yarn list!

It has been used in 58 projects, with hats and shawls leading the pack.

Amalthea Cowl

The Moonshine book features 14 projects that are a mix of sweaters and accessories.

With a trip coming up, I wanted something portable and relatively simple to work on.

Photo by Susan Gibbs
Amalthea Cowl

The Amalthea cowl fit the bill. It’s knit in the round with a repeating pattern that doesn’t require charts and tons of concentration. The book includes a one skein and a two skein version, making this a great option for your gift box.

Doesn’t it look yummy?

It took me about a week to knit the one skein version. You can add this project to your Ravelry queue here.

The cowl is soft and squishy!

Although I knit it in April, I actually got to wear it a few times before the weather really warmed up. I think I’ll get a lot of use out of it next winter!

Just one skein makes it a great gift option.

XS to 3X

An exciting thing about the sweater patterns in the book (aside from how beautiful they are) is that they all range from XS (about a 30″ bust) to 3X (about a 54″ bust)!

In addition to the wide range of sizes, a variety of styles is includes to cover a wide range of tastes.

Photo by Susan Gibbs.
Calista Top

One of the eye catching ones, and a great option for the warm weather, is the Calista Top. Add it to your Ravelry queue.

Worked in the round from the bottom up, this pretty tank top will be a quick knit. Without seams to sew you’ll be able to weave in the ends and wear it right away.

For something with a little more coverage (hehe), consider the Dione Top.

Photo by Susan Gibbs
Dione Top

Add Dione to your Ravelry queue. I like the textured yoke and clean lines of this raglan sweater.

It is worked top-down in the round and includes some waist shaping for a flattering fit. Once again, minimum finishing means a short amount time between it coming off your needles and going onto your body!

The last sweater I’m going to highlight (and I could keep going!) is the Carme Sweater. Add Carme to your Ravelry queue.

Photo by Susan Gibbs
Carme Sweater

It’s easy to understand why this pretty sweater has 103 favorites on Ravelry. In addition to be attractive, Carme would be a fun knit.

The upper body is knit sideways and then the lower body is picked up and knit down in the round. Once again, no seams to sew!

Now the three sweaters I’ve highlighted are knit in the round, but don’t be shocked when you get the book and some of the sweaters are worked flat and seamed.

In any case, Moonshine is so soft and lovely to work with that you won’t mind spending the extra time with it that seaming will require.

You can read more about Moonshine and the book designer on the Juniper Moon Farm blog. You can preview the other patterns in the book here.

You can locate local and online stores that carry the Moonshine yarn and book (and other Juniper Moon Farm yarns!) by using the “find a store” feature on our main website. Search by zip code and filter by brand to narrow down the results.

Which pattern from the book is your favorite?

Tags: alpaca, cowls, silk, womens, XL
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Stripe Study

May 2, 2013 in Louisa Harding, Sweaters, Tips, Uncategorized

Many knitters and crocheters do not like swatching.

They see it as a waste of time and yarn. Swatching delays their ability to get to the good part of actually starting a project.

There is often little the pro-swatching crowd can say to change their minds, but it doesn’t stop us from trying!

Swatching is usually done to ensure you’re knitting at the recommended pattern gauge. If your gauge is correct your finished project will be the correct size.

However, swatching can have other uses, such as testing out an unfamiliar technique or learning a new stitch pattern.

In this example, I used swatting to test out the colors I’m using for a striped top.

Meet Billy

Photo by Stephen Jessup.
Louisa Harding book #127, Mila

Billy is one of the patterns in Louisa Harding’s new Mila book. (Add Billy to your Ravelry queue.)

Mila is a new cotton blend yarn (91% Cotton, 9% Polyester Metallic). It comes in 109 yard (50 g) balls and has a recommended gauge of 4.5 sts on a US8 needle. You can see all 12 colors here. You can preview the rest of the book here.

When it was time to select my spring projects I knew I wanted to make something with Mila since cotton has a reputation of being hard to work with. Many people find it fatigues their hands.

I have not found that to be the case with Mila. The yarn’s chainette construction gives it spring and allows for smooth stitching.

When I was selecting my colors I’d only glanced through the book, but hadn’t settled on a project. I remembered many of the projects had striped versions and that seemed fun for the summer.

Louisa Harding Mila #9 – Venice

I started with blue, because it is one of my favorite colors. (You can really see the shiny bits in the blue ball.)

Louisa Harding Mila #1 – White

Then I selected white, because it goes with everything.

Louisa Harding Mila #6 – Tomato

Then I took orange, because I was feeling frisky that day and orange and blue are paired on the color wheel.

As you can see, Louisa shows Billy in two colorways.

Photo by Stephen Jessup.
Louisa Harding book #127, Mila

The red version has long sleeves, while the green and yellow version has short sleeves. (I’m making the short sleeved version.)

I would say the options shown in the book are gradient.

My three colors are far from gradient!

If I’d been buying the yarn at my local yarn store with the book in hand I probably would have followed the example in the book and made a gradient version. Probably in blue. As it was I had to get creative.

But getting creative is one of the best parts of knitting and crocheting! We can make our projects in the colors we want!

Balancing Stripes

Go team!

I remembered that dark colors are suppose to minimize the area they cover so blue would go at the bottom around my hips. White in the middle with orange at the top seemed logical, but I wasn’t sure.

I fished out my trusty copy of Maggie Rhigettie’s “Sweater Design in Plain English” and reread the section about colors influencing how we view a garment.

She says dark colors minimize and light colors draw the eye. Suddenly I wasn’t sure about having white around my waist!

The only way to be sure (and avoid knitting a sweater with which I wouldn’t be happy) was to swatch. I knit abbreviated versions of the stripe sequence to get an idea of how the colors would look together.

I started with orange in the middle, since it was the option I was most unsure about.

I don’t like it. Some people might prefer it (and that’s OK! ), but to me it a little too “sports team.”

Just right.

Happily, the white in the middle was in line with my vision of the sweater.

It was safe for me to proceed.

The other thing all the swatching confirmed was that my gauge was correct. I was very surprised when my first swatch with the suggested needle size was spot on. Usually I have to go down a needle size!

Side by side.

Have you worked a swatch for a reason other than to check your gauge?

Tags: tips, WIPs
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On the Needles: Jenna Top

April 20, 2013 in Elsebeth Lavold, Sweaters

Spring is in the air! Or at least it is for people who don’t live in the mountains, unlike myself.

Still, I know the weather will warm up eventually and I want to be prepared to greet it with a new top.

With that goal in mind I cast on the Jenna Top from Elsebeth Lavold’s “The Lazy Day Collection” book earlier in the month.

Jenna Top in the Lazy Days Collection book.

This top has enchanted me since the book first came out. I love how the pretty lace at the collar and sleeves contrast with the simple stockinette stitch body.

That combination means it will be good TV knitting, but still have interesting parts to challenge my knitter’s brain.

There are actually two versions in the book. The short sleeved Jenna version and a long sleeved Jemma version.

Jemma is the long sleeved version.

I like the Jemma version, too, but for the summer I want a faster knit.

Both version use ViSilk yarn, a 90% Viscose, 10% Silk blend available in 18 colors.

ViSilk #13 – Gray Cyan

While I like both colors shown in the book, I decided to go with this nice icy blue since that is more in keeping with my wardrobe.

This yarn is so lovely to knit with!

It is silky soft flowing through my fingers and the fabric has lovely shine and drape.

The texture of the yarn shines in stockinette stitch.

As you can see, the yarn has intentional slubby bit of raw silk throughout. This adds extra interest to the simple stockinette stitch body, but doesn’t interfere with the lace.

I started my top just before I went on vacation so I had lots of time to knit in the car and in the evenings. I’m making great progress and am already above the armhole shaping on the back. I was happy to discover the is some waist shaping, which always makes a sweater more flattering when it has a lot of drape.

There is lace at the collar and on the sleeves

I must confess, I started with the lace inset at the collar! Sometimes it’s fun to start with the interesting parts.

You can see my swatch on the right in this picture. I missed with the US 6 needle recommended in the pattern, but I was spot on with a US 7 needle.

The loopy section in the middle of my swatch is a drop stitch row when I changed needle size. The slack from the elongated stitches helps keep the two sections from pulling on each other so you get a more accurate measurement. It’s easier than starting over with a new ball of yarn!

Even though there were snow flurries this morning the winter can’t last forever! This sweater isn’t going to knit itself so I’d better get back to stitching.

I hope you’re having a lovely (and maybe warm?) yarn-filled weekend.

Tags: WIPs
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Spotlight: Araucania Rinihue

April 12, 2013 in Araucania, Sweaters

Today we’ll take a closer look at Araucania Rinihue yarn.

I’m ready for my close up!

This 80% Wool, 20% Silk blend has a whopping 208 yards per 100g hank. You’d need just two to knit a good size scarf.

The suggested knitting gauge is 4.5 sts per inch on a US 8 needle, but it looks just as lovely in the single or double crochet stitch.

Knit swatch

Like all the Araucania yarns, Rinihue is hand dyed in Chile in a style consistent with traditional styles in that country.

This would be considered an ombre color because it runs from light to dark.

Rinihue is available in 16 colors. Some are tonal ombres such as the burgundy to deep wine (color #1702) colorway shown above.

It comes in hand-dyed variegated colors.

Others are variegated colorways that shift through a variety of colors such as color #1705-Blue, chocolate, green seen above.

Which of the 16 colors do you like best? Do you prefer variegated or tonal colors?

The colors will play out in different ways depending on the size of your project and the stitches you use.

Swatching Rinihue in single and double crocheted allowed me to see which I preferred.

Ravelry show 57 projects using Rinihue. You can see them here. It has been popular for hats and cowls. I’m planning to make a hat with my burgundy yarn.

One of the things I like about Rinihue is its changing personality.

When I first swatched with it I noted it is a hearty yarn with a nice crunchy feel from the silk content.

After washing my swatch became plump and soft with lovely drape. The hearty texture I enjoyed while I was knitting and crocheting was still present.

This variety means the yarn will make for garments and accessories that are comfortable to wear, but can still retain textures and cables.

This cowl neck pullover is in the Jenny Watson Fall 2011 book. This book also includes a lovely jacket and a scarf and hat set using Rinihue.

We also have this free pullover pattern on our website.

Suitable for an experienced knitter this sweater will keep your attention as you knit. Ribbing, cables, smocking, and a textured stitch all combine to ensure you won’t get bored!

You can add it to your Ravelry queue here.

You can locate local and online stores that stock the Araucania brand by using the “find a store” feature on our main website and filtering based on zip code and brand.

What would you make with this beautiful yarn?

Tags: silk, spotlight
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Monika Hat Dilemma

March 30, 2013 in Elsebeth Lavold, Hats, Sweaters

I’ve been quietly knitting the Monika Hat from Elsebeth Lavold’s book The Small Things Matter Collection. Add it to your Ravelry queue here.

Monika Set from The Small Things Matter Collection.

I’m not sure why I haven’t been showing you pictures. I guess because I’ve only been working on it occasionally so haven’t make a lot of progress.

That is what it will look like when it’s done. It’s knit flat an seamed. There are short rows to give it the height on one side and the band is knit separately. I think it’s going to be really cute when it’s done.

My dilemma is the colors I selected.

Monika hat progress

This is my progress so far. You can see I sent with an autumnal theme. I’m using a dark brown as my main color between the welts. I was really pleased with how it was turning out until I hit that orange stripe at the top.

I admit the orange yarn has been giving me pause all along. I think there just isn’t enough difference between it and the red/orange yarn below the purple.

The pattern calls for colors three (red/orange) and four (purple) to repeat again in reverse order.

Since it’s too late to put the orange in a different spot (the hat is working up quickly, but I still don’t want to loose all that work), I’m thinking of changing it out.

Shall I switch the orange stripe for the blue yarn?

This steel blue is the leading candidate. Really the only way I’ll know for sure is to rip the orange out and knit the welt with the blue. It’s just 6 little rows so it shouldn’t be too bad.

What do you think?

Silky Wool XL

The pattern for the Monika Hat and Bag actually calls for the original Silky Wool yarn held doubled. However, when I had that little bout of “startitis” at the beginning of March I swatched using Silky Wool XL and was able to get gauge.

Silky Wool XL is an 80% Wool, 20% Silk blend that is available in 28 colors. Each 50 gram ball has approximately 104 yards. It will work on needles ranging from US7 to US10 with suggested gauges of 3.75 to 4.5 sts per inch.

Silky Wool XL is lovely to knit and crochet with because of the nice crunchy feel the silk content gives the yarn. The lovely colors are made more interesting from the tweedy bits in the yarn. It is a complex yarn!

While I’m making a hat, this yarn is wonderful for sweaters and other larger garments.

Florence from The Past Into The Present Collection.

The Florence hooded cape is from the book The Past Into The Present Collection. Add it to your Ravelry queue here.

It makes my heart go pitter-patter. The lovely cable detail combined with the cropped length and the practical hood make this garment a stand out in my book.

Harare from The City(e)scapes Collection.

For something a little more mainstream, consider the Harare cardigan from The City(e)scapes Collection. Add it to your Ravelry queue here.

This will be a great transition piece as we move into spring, and will also make a great cover up when the summer nights turn cool.

The like the wide collar and the simple cable on this cardigan.

Melbourne from The City(e)scapes Collection.

For the man in your life, check out the Melbourne cardigan from the same book. Add it to your Ravelry queue here.

Look at all the wonderful details on this cardigan! A fun cable pattern to knit, generous pockets, and an eye catching shawl collar. This cardigan will be a great addition to his wardrobe…or maybe your own.

Oda from The Come Closer Collection.

For something a little heartier consider the Oda jacket from The Come Close Collection. Add it to your Ravelry queue here.

That wonderfully generous collar will help keep you warm. And the rib and cable pattern will help ensure a comfortable fit. Add some fabulous buttons and you’re ready to go.

I’ve highlighted just a few projects using Silky Wool XL. You can see more on the left hand side of the Silky Wool XL page on our main website.

Check for the yarn and the books at your local yarn store.

What have you made using this yummy yarn?

Tags: WIPs
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Marvelous Mohair

November 2, 2012 in Debbie Bliss, Louisa Harding, Queensland Collection, shawl, Sweaters

Mohair yarn comes from the fiber of angora goats. (Not to be confused with angora yarn, which comes from angora rabbits.)

Some knitters and crocheters shy away from mohair because it’s hairy appearance makes them think it will be itchy.

I want to encourage you to not be afraid! Mohair, especially kid mohair, can be very soft and cuddly.

If I’m not sure about a yarn I hold it against the inside of my elbow or against my neck to see how I’ll react. The skin in those areas is fairly sensitive so I know if I’m ok there I’ll be able to make a sweater.

Mohair is on my mind because Wild Purls, a yarn store in Montana, keeps posting pictures of their pretty display of Debbie Bliss Angel yarn on their Facebook page.

Debbie Bliss Angel display at Wild Purls

Isn’t that just beautiful? It’s like a calorie free layer cake!

You can see they have both the original Angel yarn and the Angel print yarn there around the bottom layer.

What could you do with all that pretty 76% Super Kid Mohair, 24% Silk blend yarn? Well, let me give you some ideas.

Debbie Bliss Angel

These pretty mittens are in the Angel book.

These pretty mittens from the Angel book take just one ball of Angel yarn.

Small projects like these allow us to indulge in luxurious yarn. The three yarns in the Angel family (Angel, Angel Print, and Party Angel) come in 220 yard balls, so it’s easy to make a one skein project.

The Angel book also has sweaters and shawls.

There are also projects using Angel yarn in the last few issues of Debbie Bliss magazine.

The Striped Stole uses Angel and Bella yarns

This Striped Stole is from the Spring/Summer 2012 issue and uses both Angel and Bella yarn.

Queensland Collection

Caracara yarn from Queensland Collection is a 50% Acrylic, 30% Nylon. 20% Kid Mohair blend. It is more affordable than the Angel yarn, but still soft and fluffy.

You might remember that I made a Scaruffle using this yarn in the spring.

Make it with or without the rosettes.

There are 10 new colors of Caracara this season. To go along with them we’ve release two free patterns using this yarn.

The free pattern for this simple ribbed shawl uses six balls of Caracara.

If a shawl is too much of a time commitment right now, there is also a free scarf pattern that uses two balls, but still has the pretty rosettes on the ends.

Luxury Mohair

Another yarn to tempt you is our Luxury Mohair, which is a 75% Kid Mohair, 25% Silk blend. It is available in eight colors and has a generous 273 yards per hank.

The edging on this shawl is amazing.

This beautiful shawl is in the Luxury Collection book and uses six balls of Luxury Mohair.

Isn’t the edging just stunning?

Louisa Harding Simonetta

While we’re on the topic of stunning, let’s not forget Simonetta yarn from Louisa Harding.

Warbler is from the new Sorella book.

There are eight new colors of this 60% Nylon, 26% Kid Mohair, 14% Metallic Polyester blend that has 264 yards per ball.

You can probably still find copies of the Simonetta book at your local yarn store.

The new Sorella book has patterns that use Simonetta and a variety of Louisa’s other yarns.

The Warbler sweater shown here uses Simonetta and Grace Wool & Silk in coordinating colors. Think of the possibilities in color combinations!

Araucania Yelcho

The final yarn I’ll highlight is Yelcho from Araucania.

There are three new colors of this 60% Wool, 20% Kid Mohair, 10% Silk, 10% Nylon blend. It is a bit thicker than some of the other yarns I’ve mentioned, but still has 275 yards per hank.

This cozy dress is crocheted.

This fabulous crocheted dress is a free pattern on our website.

It is worked flat from the bottom up and seamed. An experienced crocheter who doesn’t want to commit to an entire dress could probably figure out where to start the pattern to make a pullover or tunic length garment instead.

This dress has a fabulous cabled edging on the hem, cuffs, and collar.

Go See For Yourself

I hope I’ve given you an idea of the range of projects you can make using mohair yarns.

This post just scratches the surface of the mohair blend yarns we have available. You can see more yarns and get project ideas on our website.

You should head down to your local yarn store so you can pet some of these yarns in person and get a better idea for how soft they are.

Where do you fall on the mohair spectrum? Do you love it or shy away?

Tags: mohair, shawl, sweater
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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 »

Yarn Spotlight: Mirasol Ushya

October 25, 2012 in Cowls, Mirasol, shawl, Sweaters

There a six new colors of Ushya from Mirasol for the fall. This 98% Merino Wool, 2% Nylon blend yarn has a chainette construction, which gives it bulk and loft while remaining light and fluffy. The air pockets created by the unique construction will help keep you warm.

With a suggested gauge of 2 to 2.5 sts per inch on a US 15 needle you’ll be able to finish projects quickly.

You might remember that over the summer knit the Tatu Cowl from the Ushya & Sulka Book #27 is just a few days.

I wanted to highlight some of the beautiful patterns, both old and new, using this yarn.

Mirasol Book #30 by Claudia Wersing

Isn't this fair isle coat beautiful?

This stunning color work coat is called “Oriental Dream.”

I like the details of the corrugated rib and the generous fold over collar.

Love the cables on the Cayenne vest

For something a little simpler consider the “Cayenne Vest.”

This project highlights that despite the fluffy nature of Ushya yarn it has good stitch definition for cables or pattern stitches.

You can find both these patterns in the new Book #30 by Claudia Wersing (Miski, Sulka, Ushya) by Mirasol.

Book #19 by Jane Ellison

This was the first Ushya book to come out.

It features sweaters, scarves and even pillows!

All you need is a cup of hot coco!

I like the Jacob sweater.

It looks warm, cozy and comfortable, but the all over pattern stitch keeps it sophisticated. I think it would be good for either curled up on the couch knitting and drinking coco or going out to lunch with friends on the weekend.

You can see all the patterns from this book here.

Independent Designs

I was wandering around Ravelry the other day and noticed there are many patterns listed for Ushya. The first few rows are Jane Ellison’s patterns from the official books (which makes them easy to review), the bottom of the page and onto a second page and patterns by independent designers.

There are hats, scarves, and cowls that all take advantage of the warm and chunky properties of this yarn.

Two patterns caught my eye.

Springy Sproingy Cowl by Shannon Squire. Photo by Vivian Aubrey

The Springy Sproingy Cowl is by Shannon Squire at Twisted Yarn Shop, a local yarn store in Portland, Ore. You can see the other lovely pictures Vivian Aubrey took of the cowl on the Ravelry project page.

I like the combination of open and closed panels used on this cowl, which calls for just one skein of Ushya. Best of all the pattern only cost $1!

I think between this cowl and the Tatu Cowl you could cross a bunch of gift knits off your list in a weekend.

tree by leaf by Courtney Buckalew-Kramer

This is the tree by leaf by Courtney Buckalew-Kramer at Mosaic Yarn Studio, a local yarn store in Des Plaines, Ill.

Isn’t it stunning?

I like the grand scale of the leaf motifs. This wrap is very eye catching and unique. It’s sure to be a conversation starter when you wear it.

It looks like the pattern requires 2 skeins of Ushya (might be best to buy 3 and either return the extra or use it to make a hat). The pattern costs $5, which is standard for an independent designer and worth the money since you can get right to the fun of knitting.

Free Patterns

Speaking of knitting a hat, don’t forget that we have a free pattern for a one skein Ushya hat on our website.

Free pattern on our website

Worked in the round on US13 needles you’ll be finished knitting in practically no time at all.

Free pattern on our website

If more than your head is cold you might want to also download the free Ushya sweater pattern while you’re there.

This modified drop shoulder pullover will be suitable for an advanced beginner looking for their first sweater project, or an experienced knitter looking for an easy project.

It’s worked in garter stitch and the only shaping is around the arms.

The next time you’re visiting your local yarn store give Ushya a squeeze. I’m sure you’ll be enchanted.

Tags: free pattern, gifts, Jane Ellison, Ravelry, sweater
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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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