Hey, You Wonderful Knitter….

January 15, 2013 in Ella Rae, Inspiration, Sirdar, Viking of Norway

The yarny internet is a-flutter today over an interview with the actor Ryan Gosling where he says knitting would be part of his perfect day.

Hey, knitter

Ella Rae Lace Merino Chunky

According to the interview, he even once learned to knit!

We all have known for a long time that knitting and crocheting can contribute to a perfect day. We know how relaxing and carefree it can be to just spend the time working on a project, pausing just to refill our beverage, have a snack, and let the dog out.

Ahh, bliss.

In the interview, Gosling also mentions another aspect of what makes knitting so awesome.

“And you get something out of it at the end. You get a nice present. For someone who wants an oddly shaped, off-putting scarf.”–Access Hollywood

He must be a beginner since he doesn’t know that an oddly shaped scarf can be seamed and called a cowl. And that, when the recipient really loves you, they’ll still say the scarf is beautiful.

The internet craft world has had a fascination with Gosling for a few years now. There was a famous website named “Handmade Ryan Gosling” where people put encouraging statements over images from his movies.

They stopped accepting new submissions, but the site is still available if you need a good giggle.

Of course, we don’t need an actor to validate our craft. The look and feel of the beautiful yarn sliding through our fingers, and the useful items that result, are validation enough.

Still, it’s fun to wrap the handsome men in our lives in fibers. Or to wrap yourself, if you are a handsome man!

Currently, knitting and crocheting are hobbies dominated by women, but there was a time when they were the exclusive domain of men. Knitting guilds, full of males, trained people for the craft and vetted their skills.

There are plenty of modern male knitters and crocheters who practice the crafts either as a hobby or profession. Unfortunately, the media (and many people) don’t seem to realize these crafts are gender neutral activities that can be beneficial to everyone.

Hopefully having the media focus on male celebrities who knit or crochet will help break down that narrow mindset!

In the mean time, let’s focus on some attractive patterns for the men out there.

Ella Rae vest

Ella Rae Lace Merino Chunky Vest

The Ella Rae Lace Merino Chunky book has the hat and scarf set at the top of the post as well at this nice vest.

Vests are a great way to add warmth and polish to an outfit. And you finish them faster since there are no sleeves!

Lace Merino Chunky is a 100% Superswash Wool available in 10 hand dyed, variegated colors.

Viking of Norway Odin Superwash

Viking of Norway Odin Superwash

This set is in the Viking Of Norway Odin Superwash Book #1112.

The hat and gloves are knit using Odin Superwash, a 100% Superwash Wool yarn available in 20 self-striping colors. The colors range from neutrals, like the black and grey shown here, to vibrant reds and purples.

Sirdar Montana Pullover

Sirdar Montana Pullover

This attractive raglan is in the Sirdar Montana book #430. The short shawl collar is both attractive and warm. If your man runs to hot to wear a pullover, there is also a boy’s version in the book.

Montana yarn is an easy care 70% Acrylic, 30% Wool blend available in 11 self-striping colors.

season's caridgan

Ella Rae Season Cardigan, free pattern

If cardigans are more his style, check out this FREE Ella Rae Season’s pattern.

Season is a 76% Acrylic, 14% Wool, 10% Nylon blend yarn with a suggested gauge of 3.5 sts per inch on a US 8 needle. You might not finish in time for Valentine’s Day, but you’ll be pretty close!

Ten new colors were introduced this season, giving you 19 from which to select. Although this yarn is also self-striping, there are many neutral colorways if you are feeling tame.

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?

Color affection 3 sections

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.

Color affection close

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.

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

Lace merino Multi shrugThis 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.

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

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

Lace Merino Worsted Long CardiThis 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.

Lace Merino Chunky Mens vest croppedThis 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.

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.

Lace merino Chunky wovenWestport 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?

Lace Merino chunky wovenHer 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?

Noro Treasure Hunt Winners!

August 6, 2012 in Noro, Sweaters

Oh, boy! We had such a good response to the treasure hunt to find the male model who appears in multiple Noro books. Everyone who played seemed to have fun so we’ll try to hatch up another one soon.

But what you really want to know is whether you were one of the lucky winners. I was able to email almost all of you, so check for a message from Ann (twitter at knittingfever) to claim your prize.

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.

(Psst, Ryan! I sent you a message on Ravelry.)

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.

Now You See Him…

The challenge was to find the same male model who appears in Volumes #21 through #31.

Most of you did a great job finding him, but some of you might still be wondering (or missed the chance to enter).

The answers are:

Of course, everyone is a winner when they knit with Noro yarns! (groan. Give me a break, it’s Monday and I need another cup of tea!)

But don’t take my word for it, review some of the sweaters and decide for yourself.

Y-846

Design Y-846 from Volume #26

This great entrelac sweater is in Volume #26. It is knit using the ever popular Silk Garden yarn. There are 16 new colorways for the fall. Wow! That’s a lot of colors from which to choose.

Entrelac is a fun and challenging technique. Actually, once you get the hang of it you’ll find it zips along. It’s very much one of those mysterious knitting techniques that is easy when you know what you’re doing but creates visually impressive results.

You should check with your local yarn store to see about a private lesson or group class to learn entrelac. You’ll be glad you did.

Design Y-595 from Volume #26

Design Y-595 from Volume #26

These uni-sex cabled sweaters are also in Volume #26. They are knit using Kureyon, a durable 100% Wool yarn great for garments and accessories. There are 8 new colorways for the fall.

Y-894 Hooded Jacket (Rear)

Y-894 Hooded Jacket (Rear) from Volume #30

This hooded jacket is another uni-sex garment. This pattern is in Volume #30. It is knit using Kogarashi, a yummy 51% Silk, 49% Wool, available in 14 colorways.

Design Y-892b from Volume #30

Design Y-892b from Volume #30

This cabled sweater is also in Volume #30. It is knit using Nadeshiko, a 40% Angora, 39% Wool, 21% Silk blend available in 7 colorways. The high angora content makes this yarn soft and warm, and gives it that lovely halo.

…Now You Don’t

But those 10 booklets aren’t the only place to find great men’s patterns using Noro yarns. There are patterns scattered through the other Noro publications as well.

Man's Ribbed Sweater from Noro Magazine

Man's Ribbed Sweater from Noro Magazine

This great sweater is in the premier issue of Noro Magazine. It is knit using Kureyon yarn. The magazine also includes two hats intended for men.

Noro Men book

Noro Men book by Jane Ellison

The “Noro Men” book by Jane Ellison is full of sweaters and accessories to cover a guy for head to toe.

Great patterns for men are out there, you just have to know where to look.

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.

—–

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

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

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)

 

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.

Sluggy BonnetThe 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.

Beaded HatThe 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.

Isla HatThe 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.

Hattie HatIf 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.

Kinglet hatThe 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.

Pom-pom hatThis 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.

Gift Knitting Ideas

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

Malin smoke ring

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.

Itata Teddy Bear

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.

Noro Fingerless Mitts

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.

Men's scarf and gloves

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.

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.

Bolene sweater

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 Sweater

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 sweater

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.

Neve woman hat

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

Elsebeth Lavold Fall/Winter 2010

November 16, 2010 in Elsebeth Lavold, Elsebeth Lavold

Fall is the time for drawing back, slowing down and preparing for winter hibernation, especially for me living so far north (actually at the same latitude as Skagway, Alaska). It’s getting dark earlier and the nights are longer. What can be nicer than settling down in the couch with a cup of hot tea and good knitting.

This season’s book, The City(e)scapes Collection, is larger than usual. Here are 16 extra pages of urban dressing with the comfort of country clothes.

Melbourne cardigan

Melbourne is knit in Silky Wool XL

In this book I’m happy to introduce a new member of my yarn family; Silky Wool XL. This is an aran weight wool/silk blend with the same kind of look as Silky Wool and with beautiful knitting properties. A yarn with enough character for both women’s and men’s garments. There are also designs in my tried and true Silky Wool, my Favorite Wool, and my gorgeous Silky Flammé.

Pretoria sweater

Pretoria, the cover sweater, is also in Silky Wool XL

As the title suggests, the collection includes sporty garments, suitable for a walk in the woods, as well as dressier garments, like the cover sweater, that would work well for the office or a dinner on the town. You will also find a couple of designs for men as well as a children’s sweater and a cute one for the pooch. There are also a number of caps, scarves, shawls and wristwarmers, and even a few bags.

Amsterdam dog sweater

Amsterdam will keep your 4-legged friend warm.

As always, most of my designs are at the intermediate skill level, but, as always, I’ve tried to make knitting the garment as easy as possible at that level. There are also a few easy pieces, as well as a couple of more challenging designs.

So I hope that you will find something that takes your fancy so that you too can look forward to a fall full of wonderful knitting.

Happy Knitting!

Elsebeth Lavold

Ella Rae Fall/Winter Update 2009/10

November 6, 2009 in Ella Rae, Leanne Prouse

Beanie & Cabled Scarf

Beanie & Cabled Scarf from Luxury Knits

Book 17: Luxury Knits

A collection for Men and Women using the ‘luxury’ range of yarns from the Ella Rae Yarn Collection. Gorgeous yarns are always easy to work with and just to feel a ball of yarn that has an amazing mix of fibres is enough to make any knitter go into raptures!

Here we add a yarn called ‘Latte‘, a mix of milk fibre, baby alpaca, and microfibre and ‘Mocha‘ a blend of camel, extrafine merino, and kid mohair.

Whenever I put a collection together I always keep in mind that when I buy a knitting book I like to think I can knit at least half a dozen (or more) of the projects.

There are pillows, socks, scarves, sweaters and cardigans for men and women, a beret and beanie, over 25 projects for knitters of all skill levels.

Book 18: Island Holiday

Joe Hat & Joseph Sweater

Joe hat & Joseph sweater from Book 18.

Knits for teens–this collection fills the gap between young children and adults, both of which are well catered for in pattern books.

I have always felt that ‘teens’ are often overlooked and wanted to design a collection that covered that gap.

This book really showcases the very casual lifestyle and culture of typical Australian teenagers…set on a small “holiday island” off the coast, it’s full of great projects for both girls and boys, warm snuggly sweaters and jackets for the cooler months ahead.

Once again we used the versatile, inexpensive yarns like Ella Rae Classic and Amity, perfect for garments that get a lot of use and abuse from teenagers!