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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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
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Ruffling Yarn Beyond Scarves

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

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

The appeal is understandable.

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

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

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

Here are a few that have caught our eye.

Vogue Knitting Early Fall 2012

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

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

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

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

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

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

Trimmed in Trico

Use either Renda Trico or Tecido Trico as trim

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

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

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

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

Dress up a store bought top

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

Tutu Cute!

Ruffled Tutu Skirt by Ewetopia Fiber Shop

But why should grown-ups have all the fun?

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

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

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

It’s In The Bag

Ruffles Galore Purse by Unwind, A Yarn Shop

These yarns are also great for accessories.

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

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

Evening in Paris Purse by Knitting On The Fringe

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

Ruffles Incognito

Quick Knit Capelet by Knitting On The Fringe

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tags: bag, Circulo, Katia Triana, ruffles, sweater
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Purses and Bags

November 18, 2011 in bag, Ella Rae, Louisa Harding, Noro

The holidays are fast approaching and you know what they bring with them.

Cookies? Yes, but not what I had in mind.

Gift projects? Yes, and I know you are knitting and crocheting furiously to get them done.

Holiday parties? That’s the one!

Holiday parties are a great opportunity to visit with family and friends and take a break from the rush of preparing for either travel or house guests. On the other hand they take you away from your knitting or crocheting, but there is no reason yarn can’t still be close at hand.

Why not dress up your little black dress with one of these cute purses?

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

Party Purses

There are two version of the Grace purse in Louisa Harding’s new book “Three Graces.” These sweet little purses will work up quickly because of their petite size.

The first uses one skein of Grace Hand Beaded yarn. The simple design allows the yarn to shine.

The second version takes two skeins (one each of two different colors) because it is jazzed up with a fun, knit flower. If you can’t settled on which color you like best, this purse would be the way to go.

For a slightly larger purse, consider the Pink Cotton Purse from “Knitting Little Luxuries,” also by Harding. There are three different version shown in the book, illustrating how it can be dressed up or made for every day use.

The varied lace patterns will make this purse fun to knit as well as to use. You can make it in Grace Silk & Wool yarn with a contrasting lining for an elegant look. The matte finish of Willow Tweed yarn will still make a dressy purse, but with a different style. Or you can use Ella Rae Phoenix, a 100 percent cotton yarn, for a more practical every day purse.

Speaking of practical purses, you can download the complimentary pattern for the Hawthorn Bag from the Little Cake book from our website. This pretty purse uses six balls of Willow Tweed and has many options for embellishment.

Practical Purses

If pretty little purses like these aren’t your style, try your hand at one of these larger bags that can be used as your go-to purse for daily use. Another bonus to making bags is you don’t have to worry about whether they “fit” when you’re done.

This striped beach bag is knit in Elle Rae Phoenix and is from the book of the same name. Phoenix comes in 24 colors, which gives you many options for combining just the right colors for your wardrobe.

The Margareta Shoulder Bag is from the Noro book “Meet the Man Behind the Yarn” by Cornelia Hamilton. It shows off the beautiful Noro colors and allows you to always have some of this special yarn with you.

Felted bags are great because they are nice and sturdy. Additionally, the felted fabric gives you a “canvas” for adding embellishments to make your bag unique.

This felted bag from Sirdar is dressed up with some fun felted flowers. It is knit in Eco Wook DK yarn and the pattern is in the book of the same name.

This fabulous carpet bag is just one of 12 patterns in an Ella Rae book devoted to felted bags. The patterns all use Ella Rae Classic Wool, a 100 percent wool yarn that comes in 220 yard balls. There are 27 new colors of Class Wool this season, bringing the total to over 200 colors! With that many to select from you’ll sure to find one to please.

As you ponder the approaching holidays remember to take time to pamper yourself. Take a break from knitting or crocheting gifts for other people and whip up a cute purse for yourself. Or when your gift knitting is done and the thought of making another hat or scarf makes you gag pop a purse on your needles for some relaxing stitching.

And after you finish, share a picture of your purse with us on our Facebook page. We love to see what people make with our yarns.

Tags: bag, purse
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