Noro Game and Giveaway (July 31 to Aug. 3)–Closed

July 31, 2012 in Noro

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

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

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

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

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

Taiyo Sock #17 - Royal, Turq, Pink

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

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

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

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

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

Where’s “Waldo”?

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

Here’s the game:

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

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

There are two prize levels:

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

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

Got that? 11 prizes total.

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

Tags: mens, Noro
145 Comments »

Off The Needles: Simple Tank

July 30, 2012 in Debbie Bliss, Sweaters

I finished my Simple Tank Top from the Spring/Summer 2012 issue of Debbie Bliss Magazine.

Mine was made using Debbie Bliss Rialto 4 Ply yarn, a soft 100% ExtraFine Merino with approximately 198 yards per 50g, in #27-Silver, #22 – Fuschia, and #28 – Tangerine. Those are the colors from the magazine, but I thought they were charming and have been receiving lots of compliments. I think it would also look good with blue and green stripes.

There are enough colors of Rialto 4 ply to make a different top for every day of the week!

Here is a picture of the front:

And here is a picture of the back:

Don’t you love it when your finished sweater actually fits properly?

I made the smallest size, which gives me about 2″ inches of ease.

It’s a good idea to take your measurements regularly so you know for sure which size to make. With all the images we are bombarded with in the media our perception of our bodies might not be in line with reality. By ensuring you’re making the right size to start with you’ll avoid disappointment down the line.

The Craft Yarn Council has a handy guide online that shows you how and where to measure yourself.

Another good idea is to really pay attention to the fit of the clothes you enjoy wearing and try to replicate it in the garments you knit or crochet for yourself. If you like close fitting store bought clothes, then don’t make a big over sized sweater. The opposite is also true. If you like some breathing room, don’t make that sweater that is supposed to be worn with negative ease.

Of course, these principles also apply to the garments you make for other people. If you want the things you make to be worn and used make things you like!

Oh, dear! I’ll get off my soapbox now and get back to my pretty new top. LOL!

What am I going to do with all these ends?

I started the Simple Tank in April and didn’t finish it until mid-July, but the hands-on knitting time wasn’t really that long. I moved house at the beginning of June and the need to pack, move, and unpack threw my knitting off schedule.

And I always drop the ball on the finishing. In fact, I must have dragged my feet for a week when the tank was all knit and it was time to pick up around the arm holes to knit the trim.

I always want quiet and a good hour to work when faced with the prospect of picking up stitches evenly across a section of sweater. I used the trick of dividing the armhole into smaller sections placing stitch markers at the half way point, then dividing the half in half, etc. It is easier to pick up a small number of stitches over a small section than it is to pick up a large number of stitches across a great expanse.

Ta-da! All woven in.

When I realized I would never have a finished project if I kept avoiding it I went to my local yarn store to get in the right mind-set. It was so nice to hang out at the table, picking up stitches, and chatting with the other knitters passing through. (I might have bought a couple new magazines as well!)

Have you noticed that magical effect yarn stores have on your knitting or crocheting? And if you do get stuck there are people around to ask for advice!

You can't even tell from the outside.

The trim around the neck and arms is very simple, but many people have commented on how nice it is.

Once the trim was knit, it was a simple matter of seaming the sides and weaving in the ends. I’m glad I carried the colors up the sides without cutting them. That greatly reduced the number of ends I had to weave in.

I always feel such a sense of accomplishment when I finish a project. And it’s an even better feeling when I wear a new top for the first time and can tell people who compliment it, “Thanks! I made it!”

Tags: magazines, summer, sweater, womens
2 Comments »

Tatu Cowl

July 27, 2012 in Cowls, Mirasol

On Monday I asked you to help me decide between two projects to make as a thank you gift for my friend.

While many people liked the Tiri Scarf, the Tatu Cowl was clearly in the lead.

(But let’s be honest, I’ll probably end up making that cute lace scarf as well!)

And we're off!

I didn’t waste any time casting on Tuesday morning.

The yarn label says Ushya is a Quechua word meaning “soft” and I can believe it!

The yarn is lovely and squishy and for a moment I considered keeping the cowl for myself and just sending my friend a nice card. haha. In addition to being really soft, Ushya has a chainette construction so it is bulky without being heavy.

This is an easy pattern that I think would be good for an advanced beginner looking to move on from garter stitch. If you’ve learned the purl stitch this project will be good practice switching between knit and purl since it is made in moss stitch.

I didn't bother with blocking.

Actually, that was an interesting discussion on Facebook. Someone asked what stitch it was and another fan replied with Seed Stitch.

In the book the stitch is referred to as Moss Stitch.

I checked my “A Treasury of Knitting Patterns,” by Barbara Walker and she says the two are often confused. Walker says Seed Stitch has a two row repeat while Moss Stitch has a four row repeat.

In the case of the Tatu Cowl I think it’s a difference between American knitters calling it one thing and British/European knitters calling it another.

In either case, it’s a lovely stitch and if you follow the directions in the book you’ll end up with a finished project that looks like the pictures.

Twist before seaming to create the mobius.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the book has directions for a garter stitch version as well. In that case you don’t have to worry about what the stitch is called or how to purl!

I was going to do the garter stitch version, but thought the moss stitch version would have a little more pizzazz for something that would end up being a gift.

This is a mobius cowl, so after you finish knitting it you have to give it a twist before sewing the cast off edge to the cast on edge.

I suppose there is no reason you can’t sew them together without the twist. Since my friend knits it won’t be a problem for her to pick out the seam and redo it if she doesn’t like the mobius style.

It's a good size for wearing with a coat.

The cowl took one hank of Ushya yarn and size US 15 needles.

Ushya is a 98% Merino Wool, 2% Nylon blend with approximately 114 yards per 100g. I used color #1712-Pure White, but there are 24 colors from which you can select.

The pattern is in Mirasol Book #27-Ushya and Sulka.

It took me only two days to knit the cowl. But it took me three days to corner my husband to take pictures for me!

One skein makes a generous size.

The cowl is a good size for wearing alone, but not so big you can’t tuck it into a coat. Since my friend lives in New Hampshire I think she’ll be able to get a lot of use out of it when winter arrives.

You can find local yarn stores that carry the Mirasol line by using the “find a store” feature on our website. Filter based on your zip code and “Mirasol.” Keep in mind that a portion of every purchase from the Mirasol line is dedicated directly to the funding of a school in the remote area of Munani in the region of Puno for the children of shepherds in the Peruvian Highlands.

The Ravellenic Games have started. I have to go cast on my project!

Tags: one skein
10 Comments »

Help Me Decide

July 23, 2012 in Cowls, Mirasol, Scarves

I need to send a thank you gift to a friend.

As a fellow knitter & crocheter I know she would appreciate something hand-made. In fact, my “thank you” is because she sewed a wonderful fleece lining into a ski hat I knit for my husband last year. I can barely sew on a button. If left to my own devices that hat would have never gotten lined! Presenting her with something hand-made in turn seems appropriate.

The problem is I’m torn between two lovely projects with two lovely yarns and can’t decide which to make.

Can you help me decide?

Pink is Sulka. White is Ushya

Both projects are from Mirasol Book #27–Ushya & Sulka, but you’ll see they are rather different.

My first choice is the Tatu Cowl.

A squishy, garter stitch cowl.

This cozy cowl takes just one hank of Ushya, a 98% Merino Wool, 2% Nylon blend with approximately 114 yards per 100g. I have a hank of Ushya is Color #1712-Pure White.

As a bulky yarn the suggested gauge is 2.5 sts/inch on a US 15 needle. I’d finish this cowl in no time!

The book has directions for either a moss stitch cowl or a garter stitch cowl. I think I’d make the garter stitch version.

My second choice is the Tiri Scarf.

A fun, skinny scarf

This scarf is a simple lace pattern worked on US10 needles. The book has a single skein short version or a longer two skein version. I’d be working the shorter version. Again, this would be a quick pattern.

Tiri is knit using Sulka, a 60% Merino Wool, 20% Alpaca, 20% Silk blend with approximately 55 yards per 50g. I have color #224-Bonbon Pink.

Uh-oh! Life just got more complicated.

I just discovered this cute hat has been added to the free pattern section of our main website.

This hat is a free pattern on our website.

This hat is knit in the round and takes just one hank of Ushya. You can download the pattern here.

So, what do you think? Which would make the best thank you gift? Share your thoughts in a comment or vote in the poll up there on the right.

Tags: gifts
19 Comments »

Being Social & Giveaway Winners

July 21, 2012 in miscellaneous

First up the winners of our Louisa Harding Simonetta yarn giveaway from earlier in the week are:

Kimberly T. S.; Paula B. A.; Diane S.; Kat; Deborah S.; Judy S.; Dolores K.; Whtsthpnt; Susan; and Sabrina D.

Not sure if that’s your name in the list? I also replied to your comment on the blog post announcing the giveaway. Most of you I was able to email directly.

Dolores K–your email address bounced back so please get in touch with me either by leaving another comment or via Facebook if you have an account.

Kimberly, Paula, Diane, and Deborah signed in with their Facebook accounts so I can’t email you. Please use the “message” button on our Facebook wall to send me your mailing address and claim your prize.

Since most of us can’t stop at our local yarn store every day, social media is a great way to keep informed about new yarns and patterns coming out. It’s also a great way to find inspiration for our next project from seeing and hearing about what other people are busy stitching.

We love seeing what you’re making with our yarns, so feel free to share pictures with us on our Facebook wall.

Speaking of Facebook, email, and blogs, we want to be sure we’re meeting you on the platforms you use.

We have a little poll up there in the top right corner for you to vote on your favorite place to meet us.

If you’re looking for us online you’ll be happy to know that in addition to Facebook we’re also on Twitter, Pinterest, Ravelry, and even Google+.

But Ann is still trying to figure out Google+ so there isn’t much action there yet. Feel free to share tips!

How do you use social media and the internet to enhance your knitting and crocheting?

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Simonetta Giveaway (July 17-19)

July 17, 2012 in Louisa Harding

Update: July 21–Winners have been notified by email! Kimberly T. S.; Paula B. A.; Diane S.; Kat; Deborah S.; Judy S.; Dolores K.; Whtsthpnt; Susan; and Sabrina D. Not sure if that’s your name? I also replied to your comment.

Looking to add a little sparkle to your life?

Check out Simonetta yarn from Louisa Harding.

Oooh, shiny.

Simonetta is a 60% Nylon, 26% Kid Mohair, 14% Metallic Polyester blend with approximately 264 yards per 50g ball. It is available in 12 colors. The metallic polyester is either gold or silver, depending on which coordinates better with the base color.

Leonarda (hat) & Madalena (scarf)

There is a coordinating book with eight patterns for garments and accessories. Actually, it has 14 patterns if you consider that some of them have variations.

Leonarda

For instance there are two versions of Leonarda hat. Either the bi-colored beret at the top of the post or the single color pom pom cap above.

Madelena

The lovely Madelena scarf also has a single or bi-colored version. This scarf is a fun knit with the lace body and a the ruffled edged, which is worked at the same time as the body of the scarf using short rows.

The metallic fibers are soft and flexible so they don’t pose any problems with wearing this yarn against your skin.

Francesca

Meanwhile, the kid mohair creates a light, lofty fabric that keeps you warm without weighing you down.

Doesn’t Francesca look like a great cardigan to wrap up in when you’re out leaf-peeping this fall? Start now and you’ll probably be done in time to see the leaves start turning.

Agnella

Louisa’s signature style comes through in feminine patterns like Agnella. This cropped cardigan will make a good cover up for the office.

Giveaway

Would you like a chance to try some Simonetta?

Leave a comment on this blog post telling me your favorite Simonetta Pattern or Simonetta Yarn color.

I will randomly select 10 people who left a comment to each receive a ball of Simonetta yarn! (Void where prohibited. Open to US residents [since we're the US distributor].)

When you leave the comment and the system asks for your information be sure to include your email address so I can contact you if you win.

In case you’re wondering, one ball is enough to make Leonarda or Madelena from the book. Or the Cosimo Scarf (below), which is a free pattern on our website.

Cosimo Scarf

Winners will be selected and announced on Friday July 20.

While you’re busy clicking buttons, please take a moment to vote in our poll up there in the right side bar. We want to be sure we’re meeting you on the social media platforms you prefer. Thanks!

73 Comments »

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
5 Comments »

Thoughts on Swatching

July 10, 2012 in miscellaneous, Tips

This morning WEBS shared a tip on their blog about photocopying your swatch on graph paper so you don’t have to carry the physical swatch around.

The post has a picture showing the end result. It’s a pretty neat graphic that you can see on their website.

I thought it was a clever idea and immediately shared it on our own Facebook wall.

I don’t see the point in this and EVERY knitting related page I am a fan of is re-posting it!–Jennifer

It was interesting to see the responses from our fans who said they don’t get it.

Other people expressed the opinion that it seems unnecessary because they just write the information from their swatch down.

Maybe it’s an inside joke.–Leslie

The WEBS post gave only the briefest explanation about why their knitter photocopied her swatches, which might be contributing to the confusion.

Let me share some of my thoughts about the tip. Maybe you won’t agree, but it might also provide information you’ll find useful later on.

Swatching is the bane of many stitchers’ lives, but it is often a necessary first step if you want your project to come out correctly. Granted, if you are knitting or crocheting something that doesn’t need to fit, such as a scarf or a dishcloth, then you probably don’t need to swatch. But you’ve heard about, or even experienced, the sweater that took a month or more to make only to end up too big or too small for the intended recipient.

I had to go down a needle size to get the correct gauge for my Debbie Bliss Simple Tank.

For instance, by swatching I learned that I had to go down a needle size from the one recommended in the Simple Tank pattern from the Spring/Summer 2012 issue of Debbie Bliss magazine. If I hadn’t checked, my top would have ended up much too big.

Swatching could have helped avoid that. If your gauge matches the gauge in the pattern you have a much better chance of the finished project working out properly.

Swatches Are Your Stitching History

Now many stitchers (me included, if the truth is told) knit or crochet enough of a swatch with enough different sizes of hook or needles until they get the pattern gauge, then rip out that swatch and use it in the project. The organized ones might write down the information so the next time they use that yarn they won’t have to do as much swatching. The disorganized ones either try to remember or start from scratch.

Some people are fine with written notes, others need that extra memory jog of the actual swatch.

Those stitchers buy an extra ball of yarn for the express purpose of preserving their swatch in a journal. They’ll write notes on the journal page, or pin notes to the swatch, so the next time they use that yarn they have a record. They might keep a long, scarf like swatch of all the different size needles they used. Or they might wash and block the swatch, which gives a more accurate gauge but makes it hard to reuse the yarn.

Swatching the Cosimo Scarf helped me learn the pattern

Of course, in this modern era, you can also make notes about the swatch on your Ravelry project page, but stitches are tactile people and having a physical record in nice.

In either case, keeping a record of your experience with a certian yarn will allow you to start your project faster the next time you use it.

Project TBD

Now, that is all assuming you bought a pattern and the yarn it calls for. In that case you are attempting to get the gauge in the pattern so you can get on to making your project.

But what about the independent yarn in your stash? You know, that pretty, pretty yarn that you just had to buy even though you didn’t know what you were going to make with it.

When it comes time to use it you have some decisions to make.

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

Some people transport the yarn back to their local yarn store to begin the pattern hunt. That can be a lot of bulky stuff to carry around, especially if you are searching for multiple projects. Or what about those times you’re at your LYS, find a beautiful pattern, but can’t remember if you have yarn at home that will work?

This is the situation where the WEBS tip really comes into play.

When you first buy that pretty, must-own yarn go home and swatch with it. Use a few different size hooks or needles until you hit on a fabric that you find pleasant. Then write down what you did.

Now at this point you can either pop the swatch into your journal, write notes on a 3×5 index card, or use the WEBS tip and make a photocopy of the swatch then write the notes in the margin.

In the first method of the journal you’ll have a bulky item to bring to the LYS. In the other two methods you have a might lighter record to transport. You can even leave them in the car so that if you make an unplanned stop at the yarn store you have the information you need on hand.

A few sheets of paper are also easier to pack when you go on a trip. You never know when you’ll encounter a new yarn store and if you have some notes on hand it will make shopping easier.

How do you manage your swatches? Do you save them or reuse them?

The multi-colored red yarn in my crochet swatch is Araucania Rinihue, a 80%Wool, 20% Silk blend with approximately 208 yards per 100g.
The grey lace swatch is Louisa Harding Nerissa, a 100% Cotton yarn with approximately 98 yards per 50g. You can download the free Cosimo scarf pattern from our website.

Tags: swatches, tips
5 Comments »

Spotlight: Katia Azahar

July 7, 2012 in Katia

This cute caplet and dress are in the Fall 2012 issue of Knit Simple magazine, which hits store shelves on July 24.
Both pieces were designed by Sandi Prosser using a combination of Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran and Katia Azahar yarn.

Knit Simple Fall 2012, photo by Paul Amato for LVARepresents.com

Ruffled Capelet
Designer: Sandi Prosser
For sizes: Child’s 2, 4, and 6
Yarn Information: Debbie Bliss/KFI Cashmerino Aran & Fil Katia/KFI Azahar
Amounts: 2 (3, 3) balls in #603 baby pink & 2 hanks in #52 ecru

Ruffle-Trim Dress
Designer: Sandi Prosser
For sizes: Child’s 2, 4, and 6
Yarn Information: Debbie Bliss/KFI Cashmerino Aran & Fil Katia/KFI Azahar
Amounts: 4 (4, 5) balls in #603 baby pink & 2 hanks in #52 ecru

Cashmerino Aran you are familiar with, but Azahar is new this season so it might not be ringing any bells yet.

This yarn is a 66% Cotton 26% Acrylic, 8% Nylon blend with approx 23 yards per 100g. Instead of a standard yarn construction, Azahar is a novelty yarn that reminds me of a rick-rack ribbon combined with regular yarn to give it more body.

You can get a better idea of what I’m taking about in this picture.

Not your average yarn!

Katia created a video demonstrating some of the way to knit and crochet with Azarha, which you can see on their website.

The unique structure of Azahar provides you a variety of options for use ranging from scarves and garments to trim.

In addition to the cute outfit in Knit Simple, the Katia book Child #61 features two garments for a young girl.

The first is this cute little skirt that uses a cotton yarn as the base and Azahar to create all-over ruffles.

Child #61 (S/S 2012) by Fil Katia

The other is this pretty pullover that is slightly more conservative with Azahar used tiers of ruffles around the bottom.

Child #61 (S/S 2012) by Fil Katia

You can also use it alone to make a scarf, as seen in the Katia book Elegance #70.

Elegance #70 (S/S 2012) by Fil Katia

Usually to create ruffles it’s a matter of needing to knit several rows of sever increases. Fun yarns like Azahar take the labor out of the process and allow you to quickly and easily add flair to a project.

Have you made a project using Azahar? Share a picture on our Facebook wall. We love to see your projects.

You can preview the rest of the Fall 2012 issue of Knit Simple magazine on their website.

Tags: children, ruffles
1 Comment »

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Monthly Archives: July 2012