Startitis

February 17, 2013 in Cowls, Elsebeth Lavold, Hats, Juniper Moon Farm Yarns, Mirasol, miscellaneous, shawl

I had a small case of “startitis” over the weekend.

You’ve had the feeling even if you haven’t heard the name before. It’s that overwhelming urge to cast on or start as many projects as you can.

I was busy swatching over the weekend.

It can be caused by a desire to start a new project without know what you want to make. Trips to a local yarn store or fiber festival can also trigger from the sight of all the pretty yarn.

Finishing (or getting close to the end of) a long term or complicated project can be a cause. And cabin fever (Knitting Fever? hahaha) brought on by cold winters days can contribute.

As you can see, startitis is a wide ranging ailment.

I find it’s often best to give into it, especially the cause is not being sure what project to start. If you do a bunch of swatching one project is bound to rise to the top.

Something Small?

My bout of startitis was brought on by finishing a complicated cowl and needing a new project.

Asta set from Elsebeth Lavold The Small Things Matter Collection

Originally I thought maybe I wanted a small and quick project for some instant gratification after my big project.

The lovely magenta yarn at the 6 or 7 o’clock position in the first picture is a cake of Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool.

You just need one hank to make all three pieces of the Asta set from The Small Things Matter Collection.

But I just finished a cowl, did I want to make another one?

Hats!

The cowl abandoned (although the cuffs were still in play), I decided to focus on my need for a new hat.

As a knitter, I obviously can’t just go to the store to buy one. Instead I spent time thumbing through my pattern books and poking around on Ravelry looking for ideas. (Both those activities can also trigger startitis.)

Monika set from Elsebeth Lavold The Small Things Matter Collection

Right there an another page of The Small Things Matter Collection is the Monika hat and bag.

Look at those stripes! I won’t even have to settle on one color.

The pattern calls for holding Silky Wool doubled, but I had a sneaky suspicion that Silky Wool XL might be the correct gauge by itself.

Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool XL for the Monika hat.

It took a couple tries, but I achieved gauge on US 6 needles. Victory is mine! I started by using the suggested needle size for the pattern (US7) and swatched with regular Silky Wool held doubled as the pattern required and a single strand of Silky Wool XL side by side.

That allowed me to see that the fabric with the XL would be the same (or very similar) to the fabric at the same gauge as the regular Silky Wool. We’ll see what happens since I’ve been too clever for my own good in the past.

Maybe a shawl?

Of course, I couldn’t stop there. Having finished one big project maybe another large project was the way to go.

Gable Wrap Pattern is free on our website.

That purple ball of Juniper Moon Farm Findley (#4 – Renaissance) in the middle of the picture has been taunting me for a while now. That ball and it’s twin want to be the Gable Wrap, which is a free pattern on our website.

I still need to swatch for this one. It is knit using the “Indian Cross-Stitch,” which I’ve never knit before. Swatching will allow me to both check my gauge and become familiar with the stitch before starting the shawl.

The only problem is the suggested needle is US5 and I’m not sure where mine is (we will ignore the implications of one or two active projects that these missing needles imply). I might not end up using US 5 needles to knit this shawl, but I always like to start with the suggested needles when I start swatching. One day I’ll get lucky!

WIPs to fall back on

Fortunately, when I got tired of all the swatching and actually wanted to knit something I had a, ahem, few works in progress to fall back on.

Progress on my Loreto Cowl from Mirasol book #23.

Lately I’ve been trying to pay attention to my Loreto Cowl from Mirasol Book #23.

I love the cables on this cowl. It looks complicated, but once you get the rhythm of the cables it’s pretty straight forward.

I’m using three shades of Kutama, a 50% Alpaca, 50% Highland Wool blend, hoping to achieve a shaded look.

This is a great pattern that is fun to knit, but sometimes I need a break from all those cables!

Blown Away

I took a break from all my swatching and planning to take my yarn outside for pictures. I thought the natural light would show the colors better, but it was late in the afternoon and getting a bit dark.

And then a gust of wind started blowing my yarn off the table and down the hill!

Good thing Samson was there to catch them.

Which seemed like a sign that it was time to collect my toys and go back inside.

I hope your weekend knitting and crocheting was a little more productive.

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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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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Spotlight: Ella Rae Lace Merino

September 7, 2012 in Ella Rae, shawl, Sweaters

Have I mentioned lately how much fun I’m having knitting my Color Affection shawl?

You’ll remember this shawl was designed by Veera Valimaki and is for sale on Ravelry.

I’m using Ella Rae Lace Merino yarn in colors #3-Grass Green, #139-Turquoise and Green, and #34-Medium Blue.

Isn’t it stunning? And, yes, it is as soft and squishy as it looks!

I have one repeat left of the short row section. Then I’m into the solid blue edging. Judging from the comments on Ravelry that is the point people start loosing their focus. I can understand that, considering the rows will be over 400 stitches long at that point!

But I’m not worried. I’ll put a good show on TV, or sit on the porch while the dogs are frolicking, and enjoy the process of knitting with this lovely 100% merino wool yarn.

Did you know there are three weights to the Lace Merino family? The original Lace Merino I’m using for my shawl is fingering weight. A worsted weight version was introduced last year. New for this fall is a chunky weight.

All three weights are wonderful for projects ranging from accessories to garments. Let me show you some project ideas.

Fingering Weight

The fingering weight version has a recommended gauge of 6.5 sts per inch on a US4 needle and comes with approximately 460 yards per 100 gram hank.

This fun ruffled scarf is in Book #114-Lace Merino & Latte. It takes two skeins of Lace Merino yarn.

This pretty, garter stitch shrug is a free pattern on our main website. It takes between 5 to 7 hanks of Lace Merino and has finished bust measurements to fit from 35″ to 53″. It should be suitable for an advanced beginner.

You can see more project ideas and all the colors for the original Lace Merino yarn on this page.

Worsted Weight

The worsted weight of Lace Merino is a good option when you don’t want a bulky project but the thought of knitting on small needles doesn’t appeal to you.

This version has a recommended gauge of 4.5 sts per inch on a US7 needle and comes with approximately 230 yards per 100 gram hank.

This sweet, garter stitch cardigan is in book #113-Lace Merino Worsted. It takes from 2 to 4 hanks, depending on the size you make.

This Long Ribbed Vest is also in book #113. It takes from 6 to 8 hanks of Lace Merino Worsted.

This Long Textured Cardigan is another free pattern on our website. It has 3 sizes ranging from a 31″ to a 47″ finished bust. There is minimum shaping involved, but the pattern stitch will keep you awake.

Chunky Weight

The new Lace Merino Chunky has a suggested gauge of 3.5 sts per inch on a US 10 needle and comes with approximately 132 yards per 100 gram hank.

This is the choice for projects that will work up quickly. But you won’t have to sacrifice looks and comfort.

This Men’s Vest is in the new Lace Merino Chunky booklet that will be out later this fall. The booklet includes patterns for women and unisex accessories.

Our fans are wasting no time getting their needles into the new Lace Merino Chunky.

Johanna Jacket designed by Kate Oates

Trish from Yarn Gallery, a local yarn store in Pennsylvania, sent us this picture of the Johanna Jacket they knit using Lace Merino Chunky. Contact the store to find out about those great buttons and which color yarn they used.

Westport Yarns, a local yarn store in Connecticut, recently held a beginning weaving class. Their staff member Pam used Lace Merino Chunky for her project. Aren’t the colors stunning?

Her scarf looks pretty good for a first attempt! Makes me think some Lace Merino might finally inspire me to figure out how to use my own loom.

But first I think I’ll finish my Color Affection shawl.

What types of projects have you make with the Lace Merino family? Have you tried to weave with it, too?

Tags: children, mens, WIPs, womens
2 Comments »

Stripes!

August 27, 2012 in Ella Rae, shawl, Tips

My Color Affection shawl has pushed all other projects to the sidelines.

But isn’t that always the way after you cast on a new project?

It was easy to feel like I was making fast progress since you start by casting on a small number of stitches and increasing. Anytime I can see a project growing (or shrinking) it makes me feel like I’m getting somewhere.

Then there was the extra motivation of wanting to reach the first set of stripes.

Ooooh, pretty

The green yarn is Ella Rae Lace Merino in color #3-Grass Green. The multicolored ball is #139-Turquoise, Green.

The Grass Green skein is considered a semi-solid color. I think you can see the subtle shading in the fabric in both these pictures. It really adds visual interest to the project.

Can you see the shading in the green?

I’m pleased with how the variegated yarn is working up so far. I admit I was concerned that the green sections of color #139 would blend in with the Grass Green yarn and create strange blotchy spots.

As you can see, that is not the case.

The color changes in #139 are short and rapid, as opposed to the color changes in a Noro yarn, which are very long.

Usually when you knit with a hand dyed or hand painted yarn the recommendation is to blend the colors by alternating two different balls. To accomplish that you would knit two rows with one ball then the next two rows with the second ball. The rows are short enough that you can carry the yarn not in use up the side without having to cut it.

Alternating rows helps smooth out the color changes and minimize any pooling that might take place. However, some people like the patterns that develop from using a single ball at a time so you should play around with a new yarn and see which method you prefer.

Since I’m already striping #139 with the Grass Green it isn’t necessary for me to worry about alternating yarns in my Color Affection shawl.

I’ve only just started the first stripe section. I can’t wait to reach the next section, which includes the short rows and using all three colors.

Did you make a lot of progress on your weekend projects?

Tags: Color Affection, WIPs
4 Comments »

Color Affection Bandwagon

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

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

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

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

Yarn Tree Studio use Elsebeth Lavold Sikly Wool.

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

Island Yarn Company made one using Noro Taiyo Sock Yarn

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

Sedona Knit Wits made one using 4 color of Lace Merino

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

12 rows in!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tags: Color Affection, shawl, WIPs
7 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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Debbie Bliss Magazine Spring/Summer 2012

February 28, 2012 in Debbie Bliss, shawl, Sweaters, Uncategorized

The new issue of Debbie Bliss Magazine hit store shelves earlier this month. Since it is chock full of good stuff it takes a while to consider the patterns and select which ones to highlight.

When I get a new magazine first thing I do is flip through quickly to see what grabs my attention (of course this usually happens in the store as I’m deciding to buy it).

Then I like to have a more leisurely read, perhaps with a nice cup of tea.

Simple Tank (#2)

Hands down my favorite project is the Simple Tank (project #2) in the “Simple Stripes” section.

This top uses Rialto 4-Ply a 100% Extra Fine Merino yarn. This is a very soft, fingering weight yarn. The pattern doesn’t take much yarn at all (from 5 to 7 balls depending on what size you are making) and should work up quickly. There is some gentle side shaping, which should make the top very flattering.

The stripes are narrow enough that it should be possible to carry the unused yarns up the side thus avoiding a needing to weave in a million ends.

Of course the fuchsia and tangerine stripes are very stylish right now. They aren’t my usual colors (I’m much more of a red and blue girl), but I think I’ll stick with them. It’s good to work outside your comfort zone sometimes.

If you don’t feel like challenging your color sensibilities Rialto 4-Ply comes in 27 colors, which makes it easy to change them up if the fuchsia and tangerine aren’t speaking to you like they are to me.

See other patterns using Rialto 4-Ply in the “Beach Belles” book.

Lace Stole (#10)

The next pattern that caught my eye was the pink Lace Stole (project #10) in the “Touch of Blush” section.

The “Touch of Blush” section includes four patterns (two tops and two shawls) using the new Rialto Lace yarn. Continuing the Rialto line, Rialto Lace is also 100% Extrafine Merino wool. It comes in 429 yard (50 gram) balls, has a suggested gauge of 8 sts to the inch on a US 2 needle, and comes in 20 colors.

The Lace Stole is worked on US6 needles and requires three balls of yarn. I like the leaf motif marching up the stole. This piece looks like it would be an attractive way to chase the chill on a spring evening.

See other patterns using Rialto Lace in the new “Rialto Lace” book.

Openwork Cardigan (#28)

Another attractive chill chaser is the Openwork Cardigan (project #28) in the “Summer Shimmer” section. There is a tunic, a shrug, and a skirt in the section in addition to this feminine cardigan.

Design by Nina Sagulin, the cardigan requires three to five balls (depending on the size) of Party Angel yarn. Party Angel is a delicious 72% Superkid Mohair, 24% Silk, 4% Metallic Polyester blend available in 10 colors.

The cardigan is knit on US10 needles, so don’t let the fine gauge of the yarn intimidate you. The lace pattern is also fairly simple with the wrong side rows work in plain purl stitch, which gives you a chance to rest.

I like this cardigan because it’s lightweight, but I know it will be warm because the halo from the mohair will help trap air. This would be a great garment over a summer dress out in the evening. I think the styling would also lend itself to wearing in the office when the air conditioning gets too enthusiastic.

If you don’t want the glitter of Party Angel for office wear, you can substitute Angel yarn a 76% Super Kid Mohair, 24% Silk blend. Six new colors brings your total color choices up to 24.

See other patterns using Party Angel in the leaflet of the same name. See other pattern using Angel in the book of the same name and the book “A Fine Romance”.

Moss Stitch Chair Throw (#19)

One of the nice things about the Debbie Bliss Magazine is that in addition to garments there are usually projects for the home as well.

The Moss Stitch Chair Throw (project #19) in the “Coffee and Cream” section is 22 3/4 inches by 43 inches, just the right size for covering up without getting overwhelmed.

It looks so soft and luscious in the magazine I just want to snuggle into it.

The throw is knit using nine hanks of Paloma and US 15 needles, which means it should work up quickly. Paloma is a new 60% Baby Alpaca, 40% Merino Wool blend that comes in 16 colors. With the high alpaca content this yarn is like knitting with a cloud. Finished projects are both warm and soft.

If I was going to make this throw I’d go with either color #9-Basil or #8-Mustard, either of which would match my decor. But the smart thing would be to go with color #7-Rust, which would match my Golden Retrievers, since I suspect I would have to share it with them.

See garments us Paloma in the book of the same name.

Napkin Rings (#22)

A project I wouldn’t have to share with Samson & Baru would be the Napkin Rings (project #22) from the same section.

One ball of Eco Baby will make all four rings. A cardboard tube, such as from a roll of gift wrap, is used to give the rings structure.

Eco Baby is a 100% Organic Cotton yarn available in 24 colors that comes in 137 yard balls.

The napkin rings should be quick to make and easy to show off–just have a dinner party! If your knitting project queue is long the rings will be a great summer project when you don’t want to be covered in yarn.

The magazine includes patterns for place mats and a table runner to complete your table’s outfit.

See other projects using Eco Baby in the new “Celebrating Family” book.

And Much More!

I’ve highlighted a few of the patterns in the magazine that have caught my eye. With 30 projects, you see something new each time you pick it up. I haven’t even mentioned the cute garments for kids and babies!

Honestly there is a cute Striped Sweater (project #16) in the “Kids Ahoy!” section that I wish came in my size!

And what would a magazine be without articles?

There is a good tutorial about seams with nice clear, big pictures.

An interview with Anna Hrachovec, the designer of the “Knitting Mochimochi” book, along with her pattern for teeny chickens.

And an article about Debbie and her daughter Nell’s visit to Canada in September.

Quite a bit to keep you busy as you wait for spring to arrive.

Look for the magazine at your local yarn store (where you can pick up the yarn for your favorite project as well) or at your local book store.

Tags: magazines
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Capelets

January 19, 2012 in Cowls, Debbie Bliss, Elsebeth Lavold, Louisa Harding, shawl, Uncategorized

For the secret superhero in you. Because we all know women are superheroes when it comes to the amount we juggle.

And why not look awesome and stay warm while doing it?

You can’t remove a coat with flourish and pizzazz and instantly demand attention. The cape (and capelet) does this.–Helen (@Anchorgirls on Twitter)

Now when you think of a cape you probably envision Superman’s or Batman’s ankle skimming garment. I’m sure you can knit a floor length cape if you want, but I think these elbow length, or maybe waist length, capelets are more practical.

First, they won’t take as long to knit as a floor length one. Second, you’ll probably have more opportunities to wear them.

You’ll find capelets are more structured than a shawl and more flattering than a poncho. They are good transition pieces for the spring when we shed our heavy coats but still need a little something to keep warm. They are also useful during the winter if you live in a drafty old house like I do and want to wrap up rather than crank the heat!

In Magazines

Vogue Knitting Winter 2011/12, photo by Rose Callahan

The pattern for this “Cabled Cape” is in the Winter 2011/12 issue of Vogue Knitting, which hit newsstands at the beginning of the month. It is designed by Yoko Hatta and takes 9 balls of Noro Retro.

Retro is a 64% Wool, 24% Silk, 12% Angora blend that comes in 110 yard hanks. This is sure to be a warm cape and the touch of angora will give it a soft halo.

From "Jane Austen Knits" in Silky Wool

While Hatta’s Cabled Cape has a poncho like structure with slits for your arms for ease of movement, the “Northanger Abby Hood” is more of a traditional cape with an open front.

This pattern, designed by Catherine Salter Bayar, is in “Jane Austin Knits 2011.” This magazine is a special publication from Interweave Press. It came out a few months ago, but should still be available.

The Northanger Abby Hood uses 4 skeins of Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool. This yarn is a 45% Wool, 35% Silk, 20% Nylon blend that comes in 192 yard hanks. There are 6 new colors this season, so it will be easy to select one that matches your wardrobe.

Louisa Harding

Poetry from Louisa Harding

“Poetry” from the Three Graces book is another lacy, split front capelet. It uses a mix of Grace Hand Dyed, Grace Hand Beaded, and Grace Silk & Wool.

This pretty garment can top off a casual outfit but is still elegant enough to wear with a party dress.

Anise in Millais

“Anise,” is from the “Absinthe” book.

Knit using 5 balls of Millais, a 50% Wool, 50% Acrylic blend that comes in 65 yard balls, this garment is a little more substantial than Poetry featuring a textured stitch instead of lace.

Wear it under your winter coat instead of a scarf, then keep using it alone when Spring makes a return.

Debbie Bliss

Shoulder Cape knit in Riva

Another substantial capelet is the “Shoulder Cape” from the “Riva” book.

The pattern takes from 4 to 6 balls of Riva, a chunky, 70% Wool, 30% Acrylic blend that comes in 88 yard balls and 12 colorways. This cape is worked flat and seamed, so it should be easy for a beginner to tackle. The chunky yarn means it will work up quickly.

Cabled Capelet in Cashmerino DK

For a little more challenge, consider the “Cabled Capelet” from the “Charlestown Collection” book.

This garment has a more tailored look with four big buttons highlighting the front.

It is knit using Cashmerino DK, a 55% Merino Wool, 33% Microfiber, 12% Cashmere blend that comes in 121 yard balls and 46 colors. This yarn will knit up into a wonderfully soft and warm garment.

Lace Capelet in Debbie Bliss Angel

For a capelet that is lightweight, but still warm, you’ll want the “Lace Capelet” from the “A Fine Romance” book. This feminine project takes between 2 to 3 balls of Angel yarn.

A 76% Super Kid Mohair, 24% Silk blend, Angel won’t weigh you down, but it will keep you warm because of the air caught in the fuzz from the Kid Mohair. There are now 24 colors of Angel available for all your moods.

And if your mood is glamorous, you can just as easily use Party Angel, a 72% Superkid Mohair, 24% Silk, 4% Metallic Polyester blend. The Metallic Polyester will give your capelet just a hint of shine.

Get Stitching

As you can see, capelets come in a wide variety of styles. From simple cowl-like garments like the Riva Shoulder cape to textured beauties like Anise and delicate shoulder covers like the Lace Capelet.

These are just a few of the patterns we have available. You can see more cape patterns on our website.

Now that you’ve seen the potential, use the “find a store” feature on our website to locate a local yarn store near you and prepare to cover your shoulders in style.

Then visit us on Facebook and share a picture of your finished project. We love to see what you’re making.

Tags: capelets
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Spotlight Debbie Bliss Party Angel

November 21, 2011 in Debbie Bliss, shawl

Debbie Bliss’ beautiful Angel yarn is ready for the holidays with the addition of a touch of metallic polyester thread.

The new blend is called “Party Angel” and comes in ten colors, five with a silver color and five with a gold color. Party Angel is a 72% Superkid Mohair, 24% Silk, 4% Metallic Polyester blend, that comes in 220 yard (25 gram) balls. The suggested gauge is 5.5 sts per inch on a US 5 needle.

Debbie has released a leaflet with two patterns featuring this yarn.

This beautiful stole takes five balls of Party Angel. What a dramatic addition to your holiday outfit this will be!

It will be warm on your shoulders, but lightweight enough to comfortably loop on your arms if the room is warm.

The stole is shown in color #1-Black, silver.

If shawls aren’t your style, this pretty shrug should suit your needs. The simple design lets the sparkle of the yarn shine through.

People will admire your outfit, but you’ll know it was easy to knit each half and sew them together in the middle. The collar adds some warmth and structure.

The shrug is shown in color #6-Fuschia, Gold.

The original Angel yarn has six new colors. Angel is a 76% Super Kid Mohair, 24% Silk blend that comes in 220 yard (25 gram) balls and also has a suggested gauge of 5.5 sts per inch on US 5 needles.

With the same yardage and gauge you could easily substitute Party Angel in a pattern originally calling for Angel.

Remember those cute children’s patterns in the Fall/Winter 2011 issue of Debbie Bliss Magazine? I bet little girls would love a version with a little glitter!

As always, you can find this yarn and the accompanying patterns at your local yarn store.

When you finish your project, share a picture with us on our Facebook page!

Tags: shawl, womens
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