Spotlight Mirasol Tuhu

October 31, 2011 in Mirasol, Mitts

Tuhu is one of two new yarns in the Mirasol Collection this season. The yarn label says, “Tuhu is a Quechua name meaning wild rabbit.” Isn’t that fun to know?

Dive in!

This wild rabbit is a 50% Baby Llama, 40% Merino Wool, 10% Angora blend that comes in 109 yard hanks. The suggested gauge is 5 to 5.5 stitches per inch on needles ranging from a US 5 to a US 7.

The 12 happy colors instantly caught my eye and once I felt this delicious yarn I was in love. It is soft, but has nice body and spring. Working with Tuhu puts me in mind of heavy cream, or al dente pasta, it has that level of satisfaction. The angora content gives the yarn just a little bit of a halo, but not enough to obscure stitch details.

In Book #24-Tuhu Jane Ellison has designed six sweaters, a scarf, and a pair of fingerless mitts to showcase this yarn.

You can find both the book and the yarn at local yarn stores across the country.

The cables along the raglan shaping are an eye catching detail on this cardigan. The same cables give a nice swing to the cuffs and hem.

This cable and rib top has a nice shape and will be cozy either alone or as an extra layer. Don’t you love the way the center cable splits and follows the neck shaping?

There are two version of this set in the book.

There are two different versions of both the T’ara Scarf and Mittens in the book. One version of the T’ara Scarf is long and skinny and requires three hanks of yarn. The other version, shown here, is a little shorter and wider and takes two hanks. The T’ara Mittens also have a long and short version.

I decided to make the short version of the mitts, which calls for just one ball of Tuhu. I used color #2002–Apple Green, which is one of the “in” colors this fashion season.

This was a very quick and easy pattern. I started on Friday and was done by Sunday afternoon. The pattern stitch makes a nice squishy fabric and the cuff detail is very simple to work.

The mitts are worked flat and seamed, so they would be suitable for a beginner looking to move on from scarves and try out a new pattern stitch. It also means you don’t have to struggle with a thumb gusset.

I’m going to give this pair of mitts to my friend. With all the snow New England received over the weekend I’m sure she’ll enjoy using them as much as I enjoyed knitting them!

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Mirasol Project Update

October 28, 2011 in Mirasol, miscellaneous

The Mirasol Collection is a beautiful line of yarn with a wide variety of patterns designed by Jane Ellison.

It also has a beautiful back story.

The line was developed to help fund a school in the remote area of Munani in the region of Puno to educate the children of the shepherds.

As the US distributor of the Mirasol Collection (distributors for other countries are listed here), KFI regularly receives updates on the school and the children. They are always exciting to read. We thought you would enjoy them, too, as it would give you a chance to see how your purchases are helping.

The students made and flew their own kites.

In August the students made kites using native bamboo and plastic. The kite that flew the highest was declared the winner.

The program director, Lourdes, shared this story about the students’ excitement for their kites:

Huber (5th grade) and Rufina (6th grade) – Their kites were up in the sky and in fact they were highest ones of their class. Then they started to fall down and they were far away. But the kids did not care how far they were and started to run as fast as they could to save their kites. They did not want to lose them since they were made by themselves. For them these kite were their trophy.

A school supporter sent volleyballs and soccer balls.

Over the summer the school received a donation of volleyballs and footballs–soccer balls in the US –which expanded the exercise and sports options and gave the students more opportunity to learn about sportsmanship. Lourdes shared the story of a student named Abad who was very upset when a football game ended in a tie after his team had been winning. “I felt very bad, but later I started to think that next time they won’t beat us, as we will have to work harder and practice much more in order to win,” Abad says.

In July and August the school hired a new principal and new teachers. “Now we have two Quechua-speaking teachers, which are a great asset and help to the school,” Lourdes writes. “Communication with children and parents is more fluent now.” The official language of Peru is Spanish, which puts children speaking the native Andean language of Quechua at a disadvantage when they go to state schools. Now that teachers at the Mirasol Boarding House speak both languages the students are improving in both and will be better prepared for the future.

Each grade level has a garden plot they tend.

In addition to traditional school subjects, students learn a variety of life skills. Each grade has a garden plot they tend. When the greenhouse was damaged by wind parents helped repair it. Students also learn about the importance of not wasting water, a topic about which they made posters to help educate each other.

The school is a boarding school where the students live during the week while their parents are tending their alpacas. The teachers also live on site. The program is looking to improve the facilities so the teachers can have private rooms as well as a game room for them to relax.

The school got electricity in June so they no longer have to rely on a generator, which expands the leisure options for the faculty members. Can you imagine not having electricity? If the power goes out for an hour I get upset!

You can read more about The Mirasol Project and the school on their official website.

It’s amazing how yarn connects the world.

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Hats with Flaps

October 26, 2011 in Hats, Juniper Moon Farm Yarns, Mirasol, Sirdar

The weather report says there is a chance of snow showers in Vermont and New Hampshire this week. It’s early in the season, so if it does snow it probably won’t stick, but this serves as a portent of things to come.

It’s time to get out the winter woolies and determine whether we need to rearrange our project list to prioritize garments that can be used this winter.

Those of you who live a little further south have more lead time to bundle up, while those people who live in the deep south will have more time to laugh at the rest of us.

Whether you prefer to admire snow from behind a window, or are a winter sports enthusiast who can’t wait to hit the slopes, a hat is a quick way to refresh your winter wardrobe.

You can purchase these pattern books and yarns at fine local yarn stores across the country. You can locate stores in your area by using the “find a store” feature on our website.

Juniper Moon Farm

Tanis Gray designed two fetching hats for the new Juniper Moon Farm line.

The Sluggy Bonnet, which it’s simple Fair Isle pattern, has been very popular. It is knit using one ball each of three different colors of Chadwick, a 60% Merino Wool, 40% Baby Alpaca blend yarn.

You can stick with the colors from the book, or have the yarn store staff help you select a different combination. When Susan Gibbs was selecting the 12 colors for Chadwick she made sure they would mix-and-match nicely for stripes and other color work.

Since Chadwick comes in 202 yard balls I’ve heard from people who have made two Sluggy Bonnets by mixing the colors around.

The Beaded Hat from the Willa book gives you a chance to visit your local yarns store’s bead section (or visit your favorite local bead store!).

This slouchy beret takes one ball of Willa, a 60% Merino Wool, 40% SuperKid Mohair blend yarn. With 12 vibrant colors from which to select you can make a hat for every day of the week.

Mirasol

Hats with ear flaps are both cute and practical. They are also much easier to knit than you might think. Usually it’s a matter of knitting the ear flaps flat, then knitting across them to attach them to the hat on your first round. Sometimes they are sewn on after the hat is finished, which gives you more options for placing them where you want them.

Jane Ellison has designed three ear flap hats for the Mirasol line.

The Isla Hat is in Book #17-Sulka. This hat requires one ball each of four different colors of Sulka, a 60% Merino Wool, 20% Alpaca, 20% Silk blend yarn.

The cute heart pattern will tell the recipient loud-and-clear that you love them (as if a hand knit hat wasn’t enough!), making it a good gift for the holidays or even Valentine’s Day.

If knitting color work isn’t your favorite, the Hattie pattern from Book #14-Akapana might be more your style. This cabled beauty will be fun to knit and warm to wear in the 65% Baby Llama, 25% Merino Wool, 7% Acrylic, 3% Viscose blend yarn.

The Kinglet Hat from Book #6-The Mirasol Accessories Collection has a more rugged look that will appeal to the men out there.

The book includes three version of the hat adjusted for the different weights of Akapana, Tupa, or Sulka.

Sirdar

If you’ve just started knitting, or haven’t made many hats, you should check out the Pom-Pom Helmet from Sirdar Book #361-Big Softie-More Knits for Beginners.

This pattern takes just two balls of Big Softie, a 51% Wool, 49% Acrylic blend that works up at a suggested gauge of 2 stitches per inch. With a yarn that chunky you’ll definitely be finished this hat before the snow hits.

This book also includes an adult hat with a little bit of color work if you want to give that technique a try.

For a more experienced knitter the Girl’s Cabled Hat in Book #356-Farmyard Girls & Tractor Boys will present a nice challenge. The pattern calls for one ball of Supersoft Aran, a worsted weight 100% acrylic yarn that is machine washable.

That is just a sample of some of the hats you can make to keep yourself and your loved ones warm this season. You can see more patterns on our website and select the style you want before heading to your local yarn store to get your supplies.

Tags: children, hats, mens, womens
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Mega Braided Scarf

October 21, 2011 in Ella Rae, Scarves

For those of you who prefer your scarves on a grand scale, may I present the Mega Braided Scarf!

A big, cozy scarf.

I knit this scarf using three skeins of Ella Rae Mega in colors #12-Lilac, #14-Fuschia, and #26-Timberwolf Gray. There are 27 colors from which to select so you have many options. Match your wardrobe, or make it in team colors, or tame it down by using a single color.

This pattern is suitable for a beginner who knows both the knit and purl stitch.

Mega Braided Scarf

Materials: Ella Rae Mega, 3 skeins (Fiber: 100% Wool–Yardage: 137–Stitches: 2–Needle size: 15–Ball weight: 250g)

Needles: US 15 (or size needed to obtain gauge)

Gauge: 8 sts = 2″ in K1,P1 rib. / 2.5 rows = 1″

Size: about 5″ wide by 8′ long (excluding fringe) after being braided

NOTE: Before starting cut 12 16″ long strands from each color for fringe. (36 strands total)

Pattern:

First Strip:

Cast On 8 sts using one ball of yarn.

Row 1: K1, P1 across

Row 2: K1, P1 across

Continue in ribbing as established until you run out of yarn or reach desired length.

Knit two more strips in the same manner using the other two balls of yarn.

NOTE: If you don’t like the idea of knitting three consecutive strips you can knit them simultaneously:

Using the first ball of yarn Cast On 8 sts. Place a marker. Using the second ball of yarn and the same needle, Cast On 8 sts. Place a marker. Using the third ball of yarn and the same needle, Cast On 8 sts.

The markers will remind you to drop one color and pick up the next. When I was knitting my scarf the other strips slid to the end of my needle, which was another reminder to switch colors.

There are a few advantage to working the strips at the same time: you know your gauge will be consistent; they will be the same length; and they will be done at the same time.

Once all three strips are knit, braid them together in a traditional 3-strand braid. I laid my strips on the bed to braid them and rolled them each into a ball to make them easier to manage.

Divide your fringe into two equal piles, 6 strands of each color in each pile. Attach fringe as desired to ends of scarf.

To secure the ends of the scarf I held the ends so the center strip overlapped the two side strips a little. Then I made sure at least one fringe on each side of the center strip went through the double layer of fabric. I tied those anchor fringes first then tied the other fringes.

Variations

It would be easy for an experienced crocheter to make a similar scarf. Using a P hook and double crochet make strips 2″ wide.
Instead of a scarf you can seam the ends together to make a big, loopy cowl.
The finished knit strips are so long you might be able to get away with working a shorter, one color scarf. I didn’t try that so you’ll have to experiment. I’d suggest dividing the ball in thirds before casting on to ensure your strips are the same length.
You can make a shorter scarf by stopping before you run out of yarn. Keep in mind the strips get shorter when braided so you’ll want to test the length by braiding your version before you cast off.
When I was about half way through the scarf, around 4′ long, the ladies in the knitting group I attend thought it would make a cute, short scarf secured by a big button or shawl stick. They also liked the idea of making a chunky cowl by seaming the ends together.

Mega Book #112

But don’t limit yourself to making scarves and shrugs from this 100% wool yarn. The Mega book has eight patterns including sweaters and accessories.

Chunky hat and moss stitch scarf.

This cute hat takes one skein of Mega. (The moss stitch scarf takes two.) You can work the hat in a solid color as shown in the book, or you can work a striped version to go with your Braided Scarf. In that case, I’d suggest making the hat first then making the scarf with the remaining yarn. Once you run out of yarn, the scarf is done!

Pom poms are always fun.

These warm mittens also take only one skein. They would be another candidate for a striped version paired with the Braided Scarf. Depending on how much yarn was used in the mittens, you can make a cowl version of the scarf instead. Three color pom poms would tie everything together.

A cozy cover up.

This cute sweater is one of the four included in the book. It takes three or four balls, depending on the size you make. It looks so cozy, especially with the nice kangaroo pocket for keeping your hands warm.

With a knit gauge of 2 sts per inch, projects in this lovely yarn work up fairly quickly. Have fun playing with the colors for the Braided Scarf. And if you do make one of these projects, share a picture with us on Facebook either on our Ella Rae page or our KFI page.

Edited to add: You can locate stores in your area that carry Ella Rae yarn by using the “find a store” feature on our main website. You can filter based on your zip code and brand.

Tags: bulky, scarf, womens
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We Love Scarves

October 19, 2011 in Araucania, Euro Yarns, Filati FF, Free, Katia, Louisa Harding, OnLine, Scarves

The Craft Yarn Council had declared this past Friday, Oct. 14, to be “I Love Yarn Day.”

On one hand, it was sort of like celebrating Valentine’s Day with your spouse since we’re always together and expressing our love. On the other hand, it was fun to have an excuse to make even more noise about our affection for yarn.

We took the opportunity to decorate the office.

It's fun to spruce up the office for a holiday.

And to decorate ourselves.

Everyone loves scarves!

We posted the original version of this picture (without identifications) on Facebook and everyone started asking about the scarves and what yarn was used.

Well, of course you all would ask that! Silly me for not anticipating those questions. But we’ve tracked the scarves down and identified them all for your enjoyment. (You can click on the picture to see a bigger version.)

Starting with the Front Row on the left

The dark pink scarf is the “Titania” pattern from the new Louisa Harding Nerissa book knit in color #7-Cherry.

The variegated fringed scarf in red tones is knit in Euro Yarn Prancer in color #109 – Grey, Magenta, Salmon. You can download the free pattern for this simple cabled scarf from our website.

The sparkly mohair scarf in the middle is knit in Louisa Harding’s new yarn Simonetta. You can download the free Cosimo Scarf pattern, which takes one ball of Simonetta, from our website.

Cosimo Scarf by Louisa Harding

The ruffled green scarf, which generated the most interest on Facebook, is knit in Euro Yarns Sparkle. That green color is sold out, but there are 12 other lovely colors available. Once you select one, download the free Sparkle Scarf pattern and cast on.

If you had your heart set on a green scarf, you should consider Triana Lux from Katia, which comes in 14 colors including a lime green one. This fun yarn is a souped up version of Triana, the difference being the Lux version has metallic threads for some sparkle. Both yarns will create fun ruffled scarves following the free Triana Scarf pattern.

Back to the staff picture, the chunky blue scarf on the end takes one skein of Euro Yarns Quick Thick Merino, which comes in 10 colors. The free pattern features an elongated stitch, which shows off the texture of the yarn nicely.

Second row starting from the left

The first green scarf is in Sparkle, again.

The next scarf, which is just peeking out, is Euro Yarns Tinseltown. This fun yarn has ruffles and sparkles and works up quickly using the free scarf pattern. Currently there are 10 colors of Tinseltown available, but we’re expecting new colors to arrive in a few weeks…just in time for finishing up your holiday gift knitting!

More colors of Tinseltown will be available soon.

The puffy white scarf in the middle is On Line Zico. This fun novelty yarn comes in 8 colors and works up quickly on US size 19 needles. Two balls are needed for the free scarf pattern, which really shows off the texture of the yarn.

The ruffled black and silver scarf is Euro Yarns Broadway, a new yarn that should be in stores by Thanksgiving.

Finally, the multicolored orange “hat” is actually a sampler strip knit from various shades of Araucania Patagonia meant to show off the different colors. It would have worked just as well for a scarf and is a good option if you can’t decide which of the 40 colorways available is your favorite.

The red vest is knit in the ribbon yarn Kristha from Filati FF. This yarn has limited availability so you’ll want to be sure to call your local yarn store to ensure they have it.

You can search for stores that carry Filati FF, and all the brands we represent, using the “find a store” feature on our main website.

As you can see, we had fun on “I Love Yarn Day.” We hope you did, too, and that you enjoy keeping the celebration going with some of these scarves.

Tags: scarves
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Spotlight: Euro Yarns Blitzen

October 17, 2011 in Euro Yarns, Free, Scarves, Uncategorized

As any knitter or crocheter knows, chunky yarns paired with big needles or hook, make for fast-to-finish projects.

Blitzen has a textured base and pompoms.

Sometimes you need a quick project for a last minute gift. Other times you need something you can finish fast to “cleanse your palate” from a long term project.

The new yarn “Blitzen” from Euro Yarns can satisfy that need. This 100% wool yarn comes in 110 yard hanks and has a suggested gauge of 1 to 2 stitches per inch on US15 – US 17 needles. I used a P hook for my crochet swatch. The yarn comes in six colors. I used color #4-Red, Violet for my swatches.

The yarn is a tonal colored pencil roving with a tight yarn binder, which gives it a rippled texture. This is interspersed with chenille like tufts creating elongated pompoms.

The pompoms don't interfer with knitting.

The pompoms are very soft and flexible so they hardly impede the ability to knit. They wrap right around the needle and the loose gauge on the large needles allows them to slide through the stitches easily.

The free pattern on our website requires one skein of Blitzen yarn and will make a scarf about 8″ wide by 68″ long. A very generous size for wrapping up against the winter wind! The scarf is knit in an elongated stitch created by working yarn overs which are dropped on the next row. It should be easy for a beginner knitter to tackle and a breeze for an experienced knitter.

One skein makes this generous scarf.

The pompoms also did not interfere with crocheting. When working a double crochet stitch I was able to incorporate the pompom right into the stitch. However, I thought that squished them down a bit and ruined the fun of the yarn. But that did depend on which side of the fabric you were looking at.

Then I tried working a mesh pattern by chaining 5, skipping 5 dc, and single crocheting in the next dc. On the next row I chained 5 and single crocheted into the ch 5 space of the previous row.

Double crochet and mesh stitch both work.

I found this gave me more flexibility in dealing with the pompoms. I could either work them into the chain stitch OR I could fold the pompom in half and skip to the smooth yarn on the other side to make my stitch. This was a little smoother to work and made the pompoms stand up in a very perky manner.

I’m sure one skein of Blitzen will make a generous sized crocheted scarf worked in either method.

Tags: Blitzen, crochet, scarf
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Magazine Round Up Fall/Winter 2011

October 12, 2011 in Debbie Bliss, Inspiration, Louisa Harding, Queensland Collection

Nothing is quite as inspiring as a visit to your local yarn store where you can see and feel all the beautiful yarns in person. That will definitely get your creative juices flowing with the desire to start a new project.

Blue Thistle Shawl Interweave Knits Gifts. Photo by Joe Coca.

If all the beautiful yarn leaves you dizzy you can bring some order to your thoughts by cracking open a current issue of one of the fabulous knit or crochet magazines available in print or online.

Nothing beats flipping through a magazine at your local yarn store and being able to leave with everything you need to start a project. Unless, of course, you’re a subscriber then you get to relax at home with your new issue as you plot your next shopping trip.

Our yarns are featured in five current issues, as well as the Fall/Winter 2011 issue of Debbie Bliss Magazine (of course).

Debbie Bliss Magazine

Fall/Winter 2011

The new issue features patterns by Debbie and other designers for both adults and children, as well as some home decor items.

The cover scarf is knit in her new yarn Riva, a chunky 70% Wool, 30% Acrylic blend that comes in 12 variegated colors.

Lace Capelet knit in Angel

This adorable Lace Capelet was designed by Brooke Nico and is sure to delight the little miss in your life. It’s knit in Angel, a 76% Super Kid Mohair, 24% Silk blend that has six new colors this season.

Vogue Knitting Fall 2011

Photo by Paul Amato

This stunning Nordic Cardigan is designed by Shiri Mor. It is knit in Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran and Angel. One of Debbie’s signature yarns, Cashmerino Aran is a 55% Merino Wool, 33% Microfiber, 12% Cashmere blend that added six new colors this season.

The Nordic Cardigan comes in sizes X Small/Small (Medium) and requires 9 (11) balls of Cashmerino Aran in #28 charcoal; 3 (4) balls of Angel in #6 ecru. You can see additional pictures on VK 360.

Knit Simple Holiday 2011

Photo by Paul Amato

Designer Renee Lorion used Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino to create this cute layette set. Like Cashmerino Aran, the lighter baby version is a 55% Merino, Wool, 33% Microfiber, 12% Cashmere blend that added six new colors this season.

The layette set has sizes for Newborn-3 months, 6-9 months, 12-18 months. Yarn requirements are:

Pants amounts: 3 (3,5) skeins in #40 celadon
Cardigan amounts: 3 (3,4) skeins in #40 celadon
Blanket amounts: 5 skeins in #40 celadon

You can see additional pictures on KnitSimple Up Close.

Interweave Knits

The Holiday Gifts 2011 issue features two projects.

The pretty blue shawl at the top of the post is the Blue Thistle Shawl by Susanna IC. It takes 6 skeins of Queensland Collection Kathmandu Aran, a 85% Merino Wool, 10% Silk, 5% Cashmere blend. The shawl in the magazine used color #172 ocean blue, but there are 30 colors from which to select, including six new ones.

Photo by Brad Bartholomew

The Northwoods Coasters were designed by Robin Ulrich using Debbie Bliss Donegal Aran Tweed in colors: #281103 (A; brown), #281114 (B; moss), #281104 (C; beige), #281101 (D; black), #281109 (E; blue), and #281102 (F; gray), 1 skein each.

They would be quick to make for yourself or as a gift.

The Knitscene Winter 2011 issue comes out at the end of October.

Photo by Brad Bartholomew

It includes the lovely Tereza Pullover by Melissa LaBarre. This sweater is knit in Louisa Harding Millais, #03 crumble (raspberry heather), 9 (10, 11, 12, 13) balls. Millais is a 50% Wool, 50% Acrylic blend that comes in 11 colors, of which four are new for this season.

You can see additional photos on the Knitscene website.

Curling up with a good knitting magazine is almost as fun as curling up with your knitting! When it’s time to give your hands a rest by taking a break from your knitting why not flip through an issue?

Tags: magazines
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Gift Knitting Ideas

October 10, 2011 in Araucania, Cowls, Elsebeth Lavold, Gloves, Hats, Mirasol, Noro, Scarves, Uncategorized

Malin by Elsebeth Lavold

The middle of October is here and you know what that means.

Time to start thinking about your holiday gift knitting (and crocheting) if you haven’t begun already.

Including today, there are 73 days to December 21, the first day of Chanukah, and 76 days to December 24, Christmas Eve.

Have you ever timed your knitting? Not your stitch per minute speed, but how long it takes you to complete a project. For instance, I know a pair of socks usually takes me two weeks. A sweater for myself (an adult small), if it’s the only thing I work on, takes about a month. While a sweater for my husband, a men’s large, takes about two months.

If you are a member of Ravelry you already know that it is a great place for tracking how long a project takes, which is all important when planning your gift knitting time.

To maximize gift knitting time many people stick with simple or small projects, which makes accessories a great choice.

We have a number of books focused on accessories and other small projects that might help get your gift knitting juices flowing.

Elsebeth Lavold

The Small Things Matter Collection (Book #17) by Elsebeth Lavold is a good place to start. This book features around 20 projects ranging from hats and gloves to shawls and bags. There are even a pair of cute decorative boxes.

Most of the projects are knit in Silky Wool, which adds eight new colors this season so it will be easy to match your recipient’s tastes.

Matching the recipient’s tastes is an important first step to make sure your gift is used and not relegated to the bottom of a closet. Don’t select flashy colors for someone who likes neutrals and don’t select a complicated stitch pattern for someone who would prefer a smooth stockinette.

For your gift to be a success you need to spend some time thinking about what the person you give it to will enjoy wearing rather than what you’ll enjoy knitting. Hopefully you’ll be able to find a project that satisfies both of you.

The Malin smoke ring, shown at the top of this post, could be such a project. It calls for just two skeins of Silky Wool and features an easy lace pattern with shaping accomplished by changing needle sizes.

With the continuing popularity of cowls, your gift with be both cozy and stylish as well as fun to knit.

Mini Knits

Jenny Watson has put together “Mini Knits” books for several of the lines for which she designs.

Araucania Book #6 features 16 designs ranging from garments to home decor items.

For a change of pace there is also a cute teddy bear pattern. Just one skein of Itata is needed to make this new friend.

One skein of Araucania Itata is needed for this teddy.

If you enjoy making teddy bears, Debbie Bliss also has a few patterns. There are two sizes in her Booties, Blankets and Bears book that take Cashmerino Baby, which has six new colors this season.

There is also a free pattern for a teddy bear using one ball of Noro Kureyon on our website. Kureyon has eight new colors this season. That’s a lot of variety for your bears!

When making stuffed animals as gifts keep the age of the recipient in mind. Judge whether embroidered on eyes or plastic safety eyes will be better. For stuffing, it is easy to get either fiberfill or plastic beads at a craft store. Some knitters like to put the stuffing in a old panty hose that has been sewn or tied shut to prevent any from sneaking out through the fabric.

While Noro yarns make adorable stuffed animals they are mainly known for eye catching garments.

Jenny Watson’s Noro Mini Knits Two book covers a variety of garments from hats and scarves for both men and women to sweaters and shrugs for women of all ages.

Convertible mitts let you search for change.

One skein of Noro Silk Garden will make these cute flip-top mittens. This style of mitten is great because it keeps your fingers warm but if you need dexterity you can free your fingers without taking off the whole glove. The pattern is also fun to make with the challenge of the fingers to keep your attention.

K'acha scarf and gloves

The men in our lives can be some of the hardest people to knit for. To make it enjoyable for everyone it’s really important to select a style and color they will enjoy wearing. Showing them a selection of pictures of projects and yarns can help them narrow down what they would like. It is especially useful if they don’t “speak yarn” because instead of having to explain what they want they can just point.

This handsome scarf and glove set are from Jenny Watson’s Mirasol Mini Knits book. The set it knit in K’acha, a 60% Merino Wool, 25% Suri Alpaca, 15% Silk blend that comes in 12 jewel tone colors. Surely there will be one to satisfy that fussy man you know. The book also includes a men’s cabled hat and a boy’s vest.

Don’t worry, the book also includes plenty of pretty patterns the women in your life, including a cardigan, cowl, and hats.

If you get a start now, and plan carefully, you’ll be able to meet your gift knitting goals.

Tags: gifts, gloves, hats, mens, scarves, womens
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On The Needles

October 7, 2011 in Ella Rae, Euro Baby, Juniper Moon Farm Yarns

Braided scarf in 3 colors of Ella Rae Mega.

Three projects have been occupying my time.

If you think that is conservative, believe me it could rapidly escalate to five or six Works in Progress (WIPs) if I don’t maintain my focus. I’m sure you know just what I mean.

I find that I make the most progress on a project if I stick to one at a time, but I seem to be happiest with at least three on the go.

After all, different moods and situations demand different types of projects.

I like to have one relatively simple project–either plain stockinette stitch or maybe ribbing–for when I’m watching something on TV that I actually want to “watch” or when I’m tired and don’t want to have to think.

Then I like to have a challenging project–either cables or lace–for when I want to exercise my brain and give my knitting my full attention. It is so magical to watch the pattern develop as the rows stack up.

My third project is usually something portable, like a sock, that I can bring along on car trips or when I know I’ll be waiting somewhere for an extended amount of time. Usually I don’t even count my sock in progress in my list of WIPs. Sometimes, however, my third project is something large and long term like a blanket.

Another advantage to having multiple WIPs is that each usually requires a different size needle and a different type of yarn. Some times you don’t feel like holding little US1 needles to make socks, in which case nice big US15 needles for a scarf are the way to go. Some days call for soft alpaca, while others demand silk.

There is just too much variety in the knitting and crocheting world to limit ourselves to one project!

How many WIPs do you prefer to have on the go at one time?

Mega Scarf

My first project is a braided scarf using three colors of Ella Rae Mega, which is the picture at the top of this post. I had fun making the two cowls with this soft, fluffy yarn. Then I thought the chunky weight and large (137 yard!) hanks would lend themselves nicely to a fun scarf.

Worked on US15 needles in a simple K1, P1 rib, this is my mindless project.

I’m about half way through each ball and the unbraided strips are just over 5 feet long. Braided the scarf is about 4 feet long and 5 inches wide. It will be fun and cozy to wear this winter!

Just the right front and sleeves to go.

Once I have it done, and can share finished dimensions with you, I’ll post the pattern.

Findley Lace Top

My second project is the Lace V-Neck Top pattern from the Holiday 2009 issue of Vogue Knitting.

Worked on US4 needles, in an all over lace pattern, this is my challenging project.

I’m using Findley yarn from the new Juniper Moon Farm line. This wonderful yarn is a 50% Merino, 50% Silk lace weight that comes in 800 yard balls and 12 colors.

I was given a few sample balls of Findley to play with before the official pattern book was finished. After making a few swatches and casting around for ideas, I settled on the pretty Vogue sweater.

The body is worked in the round to the armholes, then divided for the front and back. I just have to knit the right front and the sleeves to finish.

I’m holding the yarn doubled to get the correct gauge. If the idea of working with lace weight yarn intimidates you holding it doubled is a good option; you just have to stay alert and make sure you always catch both strands as you’re knitting.

Of course the patterns in the book all expect the yarn to be held singly. Happily, as is common when working with lace weight yarn, reasonable needle sizes (US4 and up!) are used. Some of the smaller sizes of the patterns, like the Three Lace Cardigan, require just one ball of yarn.

Three Lace Cardigan from Findley book.

Babe Color Block Blanket

My last WIP is both long term and a little challenging.

I’m working on a crib blanket using Euro Baby Babe yarn. This very affordable yarn is a 55% Nylon, 45% Acrylic blend, which means it is machine washable. Easy care is a great feature for garments for babies, children, and even adults. This is a very soft yarn with a nice amount of squish. It comes in 180 yard balls and 36 colors (8 of them variegated).

There are so many fun new colors that I couldn’t resist mixing and matching for a little sampler blanket.

Every blanket starts small.

I’m pulling stitch patterns from the “365 Knitting Stitches a Year Perpetual Calendar” from Martingale & Company. This is a fun, compact stitch dictionary that you can use as a desk calendar or just keep on the shelf for reference. It should be easy to find at your local yarn store.

I’ve sent in a permission request to reprint the stitches I’m using. If that isn’t possible, then I’ll tell you the dates so you can knit along with me from your own copy.

My first tier is Watermelon, Purple, and Salmon. (The Salmon block is just plain stockinette stitch.)

Stitch sampler blankets are a great way to experiment with new stitch patterns. You can test them out for a larger garment, learn a little bit about what type of fabrics you prefer, and enjoy a lot of variety as you knit.

We’re coming into the weekend, which always means extra knitting time. I wonder how much progress I’ll make on my projects? And will I resist adding a new one to the pile?

Do you focus on finishing projects over the weekend or find yourself casting on new ones?

Tags: blanket, scarf, sweater, WIPs
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Spotlight: Louisa Harding Nerissa

October 4, 2011 in Free, Louisa Harding, Scarves

Did you enjoy Louisa’s discussion of her new fall yarns and pattern books?

It is so fun to get a peak inside the designers’ creative process and see what inspires them.

The three new yarns–Grace Hand Beaded, Simonetta, and Nerissa–are all lovely, but I had to stick my needles in Nerissa first. It’s been a while since I worked with chenille and I wanted to see what Louisa had come up with.

Since the free pattern for the Cosimo scarf works with all three new yarns, I thought I’d give it a whirl.

The Cosimo scarf can be knit with all 3 new yarns.

If you used chenille yarn back in the 90s the idea of returning to it probably makes you cringe. Believe me, I remember those days and how tough those old, fuzzy chenille yarns were to work with.

I can honestly assure you Nerissa is not like that.

The short, tight plush slides over itself easily as you knit without any sticking or grabbing.

The yarn is also durable, as I found out when I had to frog my picot cast on at least twice. There are some cast ons that require too much counting to be compatible with a good TV show!

After one repeat you can already see the pattern.

I was feeling rebellious and didn’t bother to do a gauge swatch. This made my scarf swatch a bit wider than the dimensions in the pattern, but it would just give you more scarf to enjoy. It was also wonderfully soft with good drape. Those qualities will translate nicely into the garments in the Nerissa Book, especially something as dramatic as the Ophelia cape.

The Ophelia cape takes advantage of Nerissa's drape.

Having satisfied my knit curiosity I decided to check out Nerissa’s crochet potential.

It seemed even easier to crochet with than to knit. Or maybe it was because there weren’t any picots involved?

My Water Wheel motif.

I worked the Water Wheel motif from “How to Crochet” by Pauline Turner, which zipped along quickly.

I see potential for washcloths paired with a nice soap as gifts for friends.

Or, considering Nerissa comes in 12 colors, a fun scarf or shawl made up of motifs of different colors.

The possibilities, as they say, are endless.

Tags: crochet, lace
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Yarnologue

Monthly Archives: October 2011

Spotlight Mirasol Tuhu

Mirasol Project Update

Hats with Flaps

Juniper Moon Farm

Mirasol

Sirdar

Mega Braided Scarf

Mega Braided Scarf

Variations

Mega Book #112

We Love Scarves

Starting with the Front Row on the left

Second row starting from the left

Spotlight: Euro Yarns Blitzen

Magazine Round Up Fall/Winter 2011

Debbie Bliss Magazine

Vogue Knitting Fall 2011

Knit Simple Holiday 2011

Interweave Knits

Gift Knitting Ideas

Elsebeth Lavold

Mini Knits

On The Needles

Mega Scarf

Findley Lace Top

Babe Color Block Blanket

Spotlight: Louisa Harding Nerissa

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