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 »

Interweave Knits Holiday Gifts 2012

August 22, 2012 in Debbie Bliss, Mitts

As much as we all love summer you have to admit the fall is pretty awesome because it makes you want to get out your hooks or needles and yarn again.

Soon you’ll be able to wear lots of warm and cuddly hand made stuff again!

Another reason it’s awesome is because the new issues of all our favorite magazines hit the shelves providing eye candy and inspiration.

Nathan Rega of Harper Point Photography

When we received the photos of these adorable baby mittens that are in the Holiday Gifts 2012 issue of Interweave Knits magazine first we swooned, then we agreed we wanted to cast on right then even though it was 90 degrees, humid, and there weren’t any babies in the area.

The pattern is the Imagine Mittens by Cambria Washington. All version use Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Baby yarn.

This 55% Merino Wool, 33% Microfiber Acrylic, 12% Cashmere blend yarn has 14 new colors for the fall, so your Imagine Mittens options are really only limited by your imagination. haha.

Nathan Rega of Harper Point Photography

Of course the versions in the magazine are so adorable you will probably be happily busy with them for a while before you need to branch out on your own.

Look at all the fun details! Your local yarn store probably has a good button collection to dress up your version.

Nathan Rega of Harper Point Photography

Yarn requirements for the various versions:

Picnic Blanket Mittens: #340032 sky and #340100 white, 1 ball each; #340300 black, 1 yd. Alternate version: #340700 ruby , #340100 white, and #340300 black.

Ladybug Mittens: #340006 candy pink and #340002 apple, 1 ball each; #340700 ruby and #340062 gold, 2 yd each. Alternate version: #340204 aquamarine and #340002 apple.

Traffic Mittens: #340040 leaf, #340009 slate, #340300 black, and #340204 aquamarine, 1 ball each; #340062 gold, 1 yd. Alternate version: #340040 leaf, #340300 black, and #340204 aquamarine, 1 ball each; #340009 slate and #340100 white, 1 yd each.

The issue is supposed to hit stores on September 4. Plenty of time to dream up other color combinations before it’s time to cast on.

Tags: children, magazines
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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
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Mirasol School Update

May 8, 2012 in Mirasol, miscellaneous

A new school year began at the Mirasol School on March 5.

As I’ve mentioned before, a portion of every purchase of the Mirasol Collection line of yarns and patterns funds this school in the remote area of Munani in the region of Puno to educate the children of the shepherds.

This school year there are 38 students enrolled in grades 1 through 6 and no kindergarten class.

There are three new teachers, two women and a man, who are each teaching two grades. “The three of them speak Quechua and the male teacher is an expert in various knitting practices, apart from playing guitar, flute, zamponia, etc.,” writes Lourdes, the program director. “Edgar has already organized a group singers and flute players.”

The students are enjoying the new music program.

The school is working with CARE International on the training and evaluation of the new teachers. Training is also being received from the Ministry of Education.

“We have just received from CARE International, an important donation of books specially made for bilingual Andean students according to the curricula established by the Ministry of Education,” writes Lourdes.

The students have made great strides in being organized and responsible and are showing great self-confidence.

The students with their teachers.

“As regards achievements in their studies, our children were evaluated by CARE International at the end of the year 2011 and the average was well approved,” Lourdes relates. “The best students are the ones who were in Mirasol since first grade (now in fourth grade), so we expect a very good progress with them when they get to 6^th grade.”

An exciting new after school program has been introduced for the students to teach them business skills.

The looms the studetns will use.

The new teacher, Edgar, has arranged for the school to join the “Wawakuna Awanku” program of Asociación Civil Vision Andina. Under this program the students will learn loom knitting and will produce bags and other small items that Vision Andina will purchase from the students.

The students are very excited about the new program. The are currently being trained and expect to begin making items in May.

The goals of the program are to promote responsibility and formal business skills. Each student will create a company name, issue purchase orders to obtain supplies, create invoices to sell their items, and packing lists to sell their products to Arequipa or Lima.

Looms for making hats and scarves.

Traditional weaving skills will be promoted. It seems a natural progression to provide both fiber and finished items from the flocks their parents tend.

“The bags will be sold with a tag made by Vision Andina with the picture of the student who made the bag, stating his or her name, name of school and grade,” Lourdes explains.

The school is planning improvements to the physical plant by expanding housing for the teachers. Currently there are two shared rooms and they plan to add two more rooms so everyone can have a private bedroom and bathroom with shared living room and kitchen.

They are also raising funds for a new sports complex for the children.

It is exciting to see the Mirasol School expanding and growing. Hearing about the positive influence it is having on the students, and the opportunities they can access through it, is uplifting.

Knitting Fever donates yarn to many community-based organizations here in America, but the opportunity to be involved in an effort such as the Mirasol School allows us all to connect with a broader yarn family.

You can locate yarn stores near you and online that carry yarns and books from the Mirasol collection by using the “Find a Store” feature on our website.

Have you made a project using Mirasol yarn? Share a picture with us on our Facebook page. We love seeing your projects!

Tags: children, Mirasol
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Elsebeth Lavold Spring and Summer 2012

January 27, 2012 in Elsebeth Lavold, Elsebeth Lavold, Inspiration

Dear knitters,

The other day, I noticed that a lot of trees are no longer in their grey winter stage; birches whose branches had turned purple and willow crowns with a yellow sheen. Are they announcing the approach of spring?

Otherwise, my new book The Sugar & Spice Collection could possibly do just that. It is brimming with projects for the upcoming warm season, projects for women, children and the home.

I have used one of my all-time favorites, Hempathy, for the majority of projects; some really sweet, like Saffron, a girl’s dress and Christening Gown (with matching cap and socks) and Oregano, a shawl that can double as a table runner.

Saffron can be a Christening gown

Others are more on the spicy side, like Cardamom, a knitted hat, and Allspice, tote bag, bottle carrier and placemats in easy striping and with very spicy colors, both using the yarn held double.

The Allspice tote would make a great project bag.

But most of the projects could fit in both categories, such as Chili, a girl’s vest with a cute heart fringe, and depending on version and how it’s worn, a dress named Paprika, and a lace top, Mint, that can be transformed into a shopping net with a pull of a string.

Mint can be a top or a net bag.

There are also designs in Visilk, my cool, elegant viscose and silk blend; where Anise would be more on the sweet side with its feminine collar and Olive more towards the spicy end of the spectrum.

Tank version of Anise

Finally, two designs in Cool Wool, my wool and cotton blend which feels like cotton but knits like wool. Nigella, a vest which is both sweet and spicy, and Ginger, a cardigan with a classical shape, which is less spicy and just barely sweet.

As usual, the skill requirements range from easy to advanced, with most of the designs in the intermediate range.

The book offers inspiration to sweeten the wait and a slew of designs to spice up the warm season – all in all, plenty of projects to keep your needles warm.

Happy Knitting!

Elsebeth Lavold

Tags: bag, children, socks, sweater, womens
2 Comments »

From Silly to Sublime

January 23, 2012 in Cowls, Sublime, Sweaters

Although Knitting Fever Inc.’s headquarters are on Long Island I work remotely from New Hampshire. Hooray for technology!

The field where I let my dogs run.

The mild winter has allowed my friend and I to continue to walk outside in the mornings rather than being trapped inside on treadmills.

Last week the winter weather returned with a vengeance. We should have checked the conditions more carefully before heading out on Thursday as it was around 3 degrees Fahrenheit! Despite our scarves, we were sure our faces were going to freeze off. We didn’t turn back, but we did cut our walk short.

Which is how I found myself looking for a yarn to knit the Nosewarmer, 2nd Generation pattern from Knitty.

Color #284--Jolie

I settled on Sublime Extra Fine Merino Wool DK. This 100% Extra Fine Merino Wool yarn comes in 127 yard (50g) balls. The suggested gauge is 5.5 sts per inch on a US 6 needle.

Wonderfully soft merino wool seemed like a good choice for a project that would be pressed to my face! I didn’t want a fuzzy yarn and I also didn’t want a fragrant yarn. The Sublime fit the bill on all counts.

There are 32 colors available, but I decided to go with the bright orange color #284-Jolie because it’s such a happy color. Really, if you’re going to make a hat for your nose, you might as well go for it and make it in a bright color. I also like to tell myself that since Tangerine Tango is the color of the year my nosewarmer is actually very stylish. haha! Of course, the hazard of making it in orange is that you’ll end up looking like a duck.

I like my nose, but have no respect for my dignity.

As an experienced knitter I found the pattern quick and easy to work. I’d say it is an intermediate level pattern. It would be a good pattern for learning the short row technique because it is a small project and basically all short rows. The Knitty pattern has an explanation of how to work the short rows and also has a link to a photo tutorial.

My friend laughed heartily and called it a “snoot boot” when I presented it to her. I cannot claim that we actually wore them during our walk Friday morning, but I will mention that it makes my glasses fog up. But then, so does my scarf when I pull it up.

Garments you might wear

While I’m running around in the frozen tundra looking like a duck, you might be more interested in making a project you won’t be embarrassed to wear out in public.

A more reasonable way to keep warm.

The Snood pattern from #654 – The fourth fabulous extra fine merino wool dk book by Sublime features a pretty lace pattern and is a much more reasonable way to keep your face and nose warm when Jack Frost starts pinching you.

Something for after your walk?

The Pompom slippers is one of three slipper patterns in the same book as the Snood. This would be a quick pattern and a good way to warm up your toes after tromping through the snow on your morning constitutional.

Lovely details highlight this sweater.

For a more challenging project, take a look at “Skater Girl in Gorgeous Green.” Full of texture and details (look at that cute collar!) this sweater will keep your attention during those winter evenings. Another version of the pattern has more of a v-neck and no shawl collar.

Look for this book at your local yarn store to see the other attractive sweaters and accessories that round out the pages.

For the little man in your life.

If you’re looking for projects for the young people in your life check out “#643-The second children’s double knitting book” also by Sublime.

This book features 10 patterns for boys and girls using Extra Fine Merino Wool DK.

Shown here are the Fred Hat and Dizzy the Rascal 2. (Version 1 of the sweater is worked in one color.) Let him help select the colors to ensure it will be worn.

If your little man is daring, there are also lovely cabled sweaters in this book.

Although all weather is knitting weather, I’m sure you’ll agree that there is something about a crisp layer of snow on the ground that makes curling up with your yarn and needles more enjoyable. Why not do it with a yarn as “Sublime” (tee hee) as Extra Fine Merino DK?

Tags: children, womens
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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
2 Comments »

End of Summer and the Beginning of a New Season

September 29, 2011 in Elsebeth Lavold, Elsebeth Lavold

I’m proud to present a new book of designs and a lovely new yarn for this season.

The Bolene sweater is in SensuAL color #4

The yarn was an instant love affair. I named it SensuAl because it certainly is that – sensual. It is made of soft-as-a-cloud Baby Alpaca with just a teeny bit of Polyamide to create the hint of a bouclé effect which keeps it from behaving like your usual alpaca yarn; it is not drapey and heavy, it is light and soft as a cloud.

Ed is the sweater. The hat is Neve.

Even with the bouclé effect, many surface patterns have quite good definition, as evidenced by Bolene and the Ed/Edina designs. The softness of the yarn made it natural to include designs for men (they’re so sensitive) and for babies (they deserve the best).

I named the new collection Come Closer, because the SensuAl yarn is, in itself, an invitation to come closer. We also chose to photograph the designs from and even closer distance than we usually do. And I’m more than happy with the way the photographs turned out; Anders is such a brilliant photographer.

Karita is knit in Favorite Wool.

Altogether, the collection contains some 20 designs (depending on how you count), half of them in Sensual, the rest in Favorite Wool, Silky Wool, Silky Wool XL and Silky Flammé, ranging from easy to experienced in terms of knitting skills required. There are designs for small projects, suitable to take along or to knit for gifts, there are lovely sweaters to knit in front of the TV or while chatting with friends, and there are designs that present quite a challenge.

The Neve woman hat uses 2 balls of SensuAL

Come closer – I’m sure you will find something to knit among my offerings.

Happy Knitting!
Elsebeth Lavold

Tags: children, mens, womens
No Comments »

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Spotlight: Ella Rae Lace Merino

Fingering Weight

Worsted Weight

Chunky Weight

Interweave Knits Holiday Gifts 2012

Spotlight: Katia Azahar

Mirasol School Update

Elsebeth Lavold Spring and Summer 2012

From Silly to Sublime

Garments you might wear

Hats with Flaps

Juniper Moon Farm

Mirasol

Sirdar

End of Summer and the Beginning of a New Season

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