Noro Magazine Spring/Summer 2013

May 13, 2013 in Noro

The new issue of Noro Magazine is starting to arrive in yarn stores across the USA!

Photo by Paul Amato
Semi-Circle Shawl by Tabetha Hedrick

If a store stocks Noro yarns and patterns, they will probably have the magazine, too. You can use the “find a store” feature to locate local yarn stores near you that stock Noro.

(If you aren’t in the USA, check for international distributors on this page, then check for stockists on that website.)

As with the premier issue, independently owned yarn stores are first in line to stock the magazine so it might be hard to find in book stores.

I thought I’d get all that business out of the way up front, since once you preview the magazine you’ll totally want a copy!

Technically, the release date is June 4, but I’ve been seeing stores posting on Facebook about having it in stock.

Full of Pretty

This issue has 34 patterns. There are garments and accessories for women, and garments and stuffed animals for babies.

Six of the patterns are crocheted.

Photo by Paul Amato
Capelet by Yoko Hatta

Most of the patterns are sized from small to XL, with a few reaching to 2X.

There are patterns by Mari Lynn Patrick, Lori Steinberg, Galina Carroll, Tabetha Hedrick, Angela Tong, Kathy North, Debbie O’Neill, Wilma Peers, Irina Poludnenko, Theresa Schabes, Mari Tobita, Carol Sulcoski, Andrea Babb, Cheryl Murray, Holli Yeoh, Grace Akhrem, Shannon Mullett-Bowlsby, Annabelle Speer, Yoko Hatta, Lauren Waterfield, and Christina Behnke.

phew!

You’ll recognize many of those names from the premier issue, as well as Vogue Knitting, Knit Simple, Crochet Today….well, the list just goes on and includes books and self-published patterns!

You are in good hands with these designers.

In addition to the beautiful and creative projects, there is an interesting article about “The Cult of Noro” and an interview with designer Jane Ellison.

But enough of this chatter, let’s take a look at some patterns!

Project Highlights

As I said, there are 34 patterns, so I won’t include them all here. I will highlight some of my favorites and you can preview the others on the Noro Magazine website.

Photo by Rose Callahan
Banded Dress by Mari Lynn Patrick

The patterns start with a number of charming dresses. The hemlines range from mid-calf to knee length.

I like the Banded Dress by Mai Lynn Patrick. There are a lot of interesting textures in this dress from the different pattern stitches used. It looks like it would be fun to knit.

This dress features Noro Ayatori and Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran yarns.

Ayatori is a 60% Wool, 40% Silk blend with 146 yards per ball. There are eight new colors this season for a total of 16.

Cashmerino Aran is a 55% Merino Wool, 33% Microfiber Acrylic, 12% Cashmere blend with 99 yards per ball. The magazine makes use of the solid colors of this soft yarn to accent the vibrant colors of the Noro. With 46 colors available, you’ll have options for creating your own masterpiece!

The next section features four pretty shawl patterns.

Photo by Paul Amato
Semi-Circle Shawl by Tabetha Hedrick

This pretty Semi-Circle Shawl by Tabetha Hedrick graces the cover of the magazine. It has been popular with people on Facebook.

I like the lace stitch used in this shawl, as well as the detail of the picot bind-off (which you can’t see in the itty-bitty picture!).

This shawl is knit using Taiyo Sock yarn, a fingering weight 50% Cotton, 17% Wool, 17% Nylon, 16% Silk blend that has 462 yards per ball. There are eight new colors this season for a total of 26 colors.

All the pictures in the shawl section remind me of the artist Frida Kahlo. Don’t you agree?

The next section is “String Theory”. It features eight adorable tops. I think I love them all!

Photo by Rose Callahan
Short Row Colorblock by Wilma Peers

This Short Row Colorblock top by Wilma Peers is so cool! I love the zigzag design. It also has a neat asymmetrical hemline. The description in the magazine says:

The triangular stripe sequence slims the figure, while a hemmed fold-over collar draws the eye upward.

Doesn’t that sound fabulous?

This top is knit using the wonderful Silk Garden Lite yarn, a 45% Silk, 45% Mohair, 10% Lambswool blend, which is available in 24 colors.

Did you know that Silk Garden Lite was discontinued a few years ago but was brought back due to popular demand? That is a well loved yarn!

Photo by Rose Callahan
Hourglass Top by Theresa Schabes

This Hourglass Top by Theresa Schabes is very interesting. The design is a result of the front being narrower than the back. You’ll have to be careful with your seaming since it’s a design element!

This top is knit using the popular Silk Garden Sock, a 40% Wool, 25% Silk, 25% Nylon, 10% Mohair blend yarn. There are six new colors this season for a total of 14.

Photo by Rose Callahan
Multidirectional Cap Sleeve Top by Irina Poludnenko

I love the thin stripes on the front of Irina Poludnenko’s Multidirectional Cap Sleep Top. The sides are knit out from the center panel and the sleeves are created through short row shaping.

This top will be a lot of fun to knit!

It is knit using Noro Koromo. This new, worsted weight yarn is a 39% Cotton, 35% Wool, 26% Silk blend with 137 yards per ball and is available in six colorways.

And there are plenty of other cute tops in this section!

In the “Coral” section, this Trellis Lace Duster by Shannon Mullett-Bowlsby is a stand out.

Photo by Rose Callahan
Trellis Lace Duster by Shannon Mullett-Bowlsby

The duster is knit in one piece to the bust using Noro Ayatori yarn in a textured stitch. The bodice is knit in plain stockinette stitch using Debbie Bliss Bella yarn.

Bella is a yummy, 85% Cotton, 10% Silk, 5% Cashmere blend with 105 yards per ball. It is available in 25 colors, so if coral isn’t your thing it should be easy to select a different color to highlight in your Ayatori.

This sweater will make you look forward to walking the dogs on a chilly morning since it will be another chance to wear it.

The crochet section shows variations on themes. Take one pattern and change an element to get another pattern.

The blue capelet at the top of this post morphs into a sweater.

Photo by Paul Amato
Round Yoke Pullover by Yoko Hatta

They are both worked in Silk Garden Lite.

I suppose, if you were feeling wild, you could crochet them both and wear the capelet as a cowl on the sweater.

The shell stitch used gives me the impression these pieces will work up quickly. But speed is one of the appeals of crochet anyway, isn’t it?

Photo by Jack Deutsch
Cardigan and hat by Christina Behnke. Sheep by Susan B Anderson

The baby garments are a pair of cardigans and hats for either a boy or a girl. The girl cardigan (above) is shown with a pair of cute sheep toys, while the boy’s cardigan is shown with a fat teddy bear that looks very huggable.

All the projects are knit using Noro Shiraito yarn.

Shiraito is a melt-in-your mouth blend of 45% Cashmere, 45% Angora, 10% Wool with 198 yards per hank. It is available in 17 colors ranging from vibrant to earthy.

The magazine says you can get two sheep out of one hank! It’s practically a flock. The teddy bear is also a one hank project.

You can start knitting now for fall babies send them home wrapped in love.

Preview the rest of the issue on the Noro Magazine website. Which pattern is your favorite?

Tags: magazines, Noro
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Vogue Knitting Live Fashion Show–Noro & Debbie Bliss

February 10, 2013 in Debbie Bliss, Noro

Vogue Knitting Live in New York City in January included not only great classes with awesome teachers, but a fashion show.

Both an informal one as a result of the attendees wearing garments they had knit or crocheted and a formal one complete with catwalk.

Many beautiful garments were given their moment in the spotlight.

As you can imagine, we were especially excited to see Noro and Debbie Bliss patterns come sashaying down the runway.

Our friends at Vogue Knitting shared some of the official pictures with us. If you attended VK Live in NYC you can reminisce. If you’re planning to attend the Seattle or Chicago session this should whet your appetite. And if attending isn’t on your calendar you can still enjoy gazing at the pretty pictures!

Crochet Noro

This is the “Shades of Blue Shawl” from the Crochet Noro book. It is crocheted using Noro Taiyo Sock yarn, a 50% Cotton, 17% Wool, 17% Nylon, 16% Silk blend. Of course, it’s available in more colors than blue so you can make a shawl that fits your wardrobe.

This is the “Beaded Lace Shawl” also from the Crochet Noro book. It is crocheted using Noro Silk Garden Sock yarn, a 40% Wool, 25% Silk, 25% Nylon, 10% Mohair blend.

You can preview more patterns from the Crochet Noro book here and here.

Noro Magazine

This Pompom cape is knit using Noro Karuta yarn. This 40% Silk, 30% Cotton, 30% Wool blend is available in 8 colors, including a lovely green that would be suitable for the Pantone Color of the Year Emerald.

This cozy Collared Coat is knit using Noro Nadeshiko yarn. This chunky yarn is a 40% Angora, 39% Wool, 21% Silk blend available in 13 colors. A warm coat like this will be useful in the recent cold weather!

This Cropped Jacket was one of the most popular patterns in the premier issue of Noro Magazine. Shortrows are used to accomplish the shaping, making this cardigan as fun to knit as it will be to wear. Two shades of Noro Silk Garden Sock are used to create the stripes.

This Striped Shrug was another popular pattern. This easy pattern is a big oval with armholes, but shaping allows it to fall into place when worn. Two colors of Noro Silk Garden Lite are used for the stripes.

You can preview the rest of the magazine here and read about my top picks from it here.

Knit Noro

Although the “Knit Noro” book has been available for a few years now people still return to it for project ideas. This beautiful Fair Isle Cardigan is a perfect example of why. Knit using Noro Silk Garden Sock, you can get a different look depending on the colorways you select.

The Knit Noro book is full of garments and accessories that range from easy to challenging. You can preview the rest of them here.

Debbie Bliss

While Debbie Bliss the designer taught a few classes at Vogue Knitting Live, Debbie Bliss the patterns got a chance to shine as well.

This cozy, cabled turtle neck sweater is from the Fall/Winter 2012 issue of Debbie Bliss Magazine. It is knit using Debbie Bliss Paloma yarn, This chunky 60% Baby Alpaca, 40% Merino Wool blend is available in 24 colors, 8 of which are new this season. This soft yarn works up into garments that are great for cuddling by the fire.

Look at the swing on that shawl! The Snowflake shawl is knit using two balls of the yummy new Debbie Bliss Rialto Lace yarn. This 100% ExtraFine Merino Wool is available in 20 colors so don’t feel confined to a white shawl. And don’t forget the color #8-Red is an official Stitch Red product. You can read more about our participation in this heart health project in this blog post.

This Ribbed Sleeved Dress is in the new Debbie Bliss Winter Garden book. I bet it would look just as nice over jeans or slacks as it does with this skirt.

Winter Garden yarn is a bulky 30% Merino wool, 30% Baby Liama, 20% Linen, 20% Silk blend available in eight colors. This soft, warm yarn is great for garments and accessories. You can see more project ideas here.

There were many more garments on display during the fashion show, but this post is getting pretty long as it is!

I’ll leave you with a video clip of the Noro section of the show. It’s fun to see the garments in action.

Tags: Debbie Bliss, magazines, Noro, Vogue Knitting Live
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Jenny King’s “Fashions to Flaunt Crocheted with Noro Yarns”

November 30, 2012 in crochet, Noro

As though the new hardcover Crochet Noro book wasn’t exciting enough, Australian designer Jenny King has just released (December 1) “Fashions to Flaunt Crocheted with Noro Yarns.”

Your collection of crochet hooks must be standing up and dancing by now, because I know mine are.

The fabulous colors of Noro in the crochet stitches we love…sigh, life is good. (Remember, I grew up crocheting so I can legitimately say things like that.)

Jenny has been designing crochet patterns for 15 years. She also travels around teaching classes and owns a local yarn store in Australia. In addition to books, her pattern have appeared in Vogue Knitting Crochet and Interweave Crochet. You’ve probably seen some!

The patterns in Fashions to Flaunt use yarn from across the Noro line, from the sock yarns to the bulky yarns so you’ll be able to select a project based on how quickly you want to finish. If you’re like me, you crochet faster than you knit anyway, so a lovely new project can be completed quickly.

With 17 garments ranging from accessories to sweaters I could go on and on all day, so I’ll just highlight a few that caught my eye.

These are adorable!

Maybe I’ve been a little slipper obsessed lately, but these are adorable! And they look pretty simple as well. If you are in gift crocheting mode I bet these would be good candidates, they look like they would take next to no time to make.

Bobble Scarf=One ball of Silk Garden Sock

The Bobble Scarf takes just one ball of Silk Garden Sock yarn. I bet you could use Taiyo Sock yarn as well. Jenny tells us this pattern is very popular in Australia because it’s quick and easy to make. I think it’s because the finished scarf is so unique. Aren’t the trailing bobbles fun?

There is a lot of visual interest in this scarf between the textures of the fabric and the great Noro colors.

The Crosscross vest is one of the garments in the book.

I like this one because of the unique construction.

It's mild mannered in front.

The fronts have great flow and drape.

Isn't that cool?

Then the back is like “Ta-da! Didn’t expect that, did you?”

I think this vest would be great for adding extra warmth without making you too hot.

Another neat garment is the Aztec Shawl. Jenny sent us extra pictures that aren’t in the book.

This first one is from the book. “Oh, look at the pretty shawl with the interesting edging.”

There are many ways to wear the Aztec Shawl

But what you should realize is that there are multiple ways to wear it. This is a very flexible garment!

I like how this way forms a collar

Worn this way it looks like a totally different shawl. I like how the edge folds over to form a collar for this option.

This is the way Jenny wears the Aztec Shawl

Jenny says this is the way she wears the shawl. It really shows off the interesting edging. It’s also an excuse to wear some of those pretty shawl fasteners you’ve collected.

Two other shawls and a scarf have multiple wearing options as well.

There are a variety of attractive patterns in this book that range from easy to intermediate skill levels. I think you’ll find plenty of projects to keep your hooks busy.

Keep a sharp eye on your crochet social media next week. There will be a blog tour for the book and I hear some of those reviewers will be giving away a copy of the book and a ball of Silk Garden Sock yarn. cool!

First stop will be The Crochet Dude on Dec. 5. Then Crochetville on Dec 7.

Or, don’t bother waiting, and just buy yourself a copy (print or digital!), then swing by your local yarn store for supplies.

Tags: crochet, Noro, womens
3 Comments »

Crochet Noro Book

October 31, 2012 in bag, crochet, Hats, Mitts, Noro, Scarves, Sweaters

Noro has always been good about including a mix of both knitting and crochet in their pattern books.

You can see examples in the new Noro Passion book by Jane Ellison, in the Volume #31 book, and in the premier issue of Noro Magazine.

Now, after a few hard cover books dedicated to knitting patterns, there is an entire book of crochet patterns!

The Shades of Blue Shawl graces the cover

Crochet Noro brings together many of today’s favorite crochet designers and one of the world’s best-loved yarns to create to create a collection of incomparable beauty and originality. From exquisite shawls to stylish cardigans to quick-to-crochet accessories to fabulous bags and totes, this stylish book contains 30 gorgeous projects to entice every crocheter.

Eisaku Noro has been creating his world-renowned yarns in Japan’s Aichi province for more than forty years. Spun from the finest natural materials with great respect for enviromental concerns, these spectacular yarns are dyed exclusively by hand in a dazzling array of colors. The patterns in this artful collection employ several popular Noro yarns, including Silk Garden, Silk Garden Lite, Silk Garden Sock, Taiyo, Taiyo Sock, Kureyon and Shiraito.

These exciting projects are as much fun to stitch as they are to wear. If you aren’t yet hooked on Noro, you will be.

With so many awesome patterns from which to choose, it’s hard to select favorites.

Fortunately, I find that I crochet faster than I knit, which means I could work through the book at a good pace.

Since many of the projects are accessories that require just one or two balls of yarn there is a lot of crochet gift potential in this book as well.

Here are a few patterns that caught my eye.

Hats

Swirly Tam in Silk Garden Sock

This Swirly Tam is very attractive. I like how the ridges add visual interest.

It takes just one ball of Silk Garden Sock. So if you love that yarn, but don’t like making socks, this could be the pattern you’ve been waiting for.

Engineer Cap in Kureyon

Add a little bit of rebel to your wardrobe with the Engineer Cap. It also gives you a chance to use some of the great buttons you’ve been collecting.

This hat takes two balls of Kureyon. With 8 new colorways for the fall no two hats will be the same.

There are two other hats in the book, as well.

Scarves

Strawberry Lace Scarf in Shiraito

There are several scarf, cowl, and shawl patterns in the book. (See, good gift ideas abound!)

I think my favorite is the Strawberry Lace Scarf. I like the large size of the motifs, which has always been one of my favorite crochet designs.

There is no doubt this scarf is unique!

Crocheted using two hanks of Shiraito, a 45% Cashmere, 45% Angora, 10% Wool blend, this scarf is destined to become a favorite because the yarn is so soft and luxurious.

Mitts

There are two pairs of mitts in the book. The elegant and textured Shell Stitch Wristers and the fun Bobbled Mitts below.

Bobbled Mitts in Silk Garden Lite

The Bobbled Mitts are crocheted using two hanks of Silk Garden Lite.

Maybe it’s because we’re still getting rain and clouds from Hurricane Sandy, but the bright, happy colors used in the sample pair make me smile.

Sweaters

Cap Sleeve Cardigan in Taiyo Sock Yarn

Just because I’ve highlighted small projects don’t think this book is all accessories. There are several sweaters as well and even a skirt.

I like the circular design of the Cap Sleeve Cardigan. It’s very visually appealing.

Crocheted using 3 to 4 balls of Taiyo Sock Yarn, a 50% Cotton, 17% Wool, 17% Nylon, 16% Silk blend, this cardigan will be a year round staple in your wardrobe.

It’s just the right size for chasing a chill in doors or wearing over a sun dress outside.

Purses and more!

Flower Blossom Purse in Kureyon

In addition to the projects you can wear, there are 3 purses, a set of bowls, and a throw blanket.

Of the purses, the Flower Blossom Purse makes me smile. Wouldn’t it be a great way to add a bit of color to a gloomy winter day? Or to use in the spring to encourage the flowers to bloom?

The pattern calls for four balls of Kureyon. While the sample in the book uses a bright happy color, you can always select one of the dark or neutral colorways depending on the season and your wardrobe.

This is just a sampling of the projects in this book. You can preview the rest on our website.

The book has started arriving at local yarn stores across the country. Head down to yours to get your copy and supplies!

Tags: bag, crochet, hats, mitts, Noro, scarves, sweater
3 Comments »

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.

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

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) 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

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

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 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.

Tags: mens, Noro
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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.

—–

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 »

Vogue Knitting + Noro yarn = Awesome!

February 16, 2012 in Free, Noro

If you are on Facebook and you love Noro yarns then I hope you’ve been keeping a sharp eye on the Vogue Knitting magazine wall.

They declared this “Noro Week” and have been giving away bags of yarn!

Yeah, you read that right! Yesterday they gave away a bag of Kureyon and today (Thursday) they are giving away a bag of Silk Garden.

I will give you a moment to pick yourself up from the floor since I know you just swooned.

I wonder which yarn it will be tomorrow?

Now to enter the giveaway you have to go to the Vogue Knitting Facebook page, find their post about the giveaway, and share it with your friends. It’s very simple. When you are looking at the VK status update you’ll see little blue words that say “like, comment, share.” A quick click and you’re in the running.

While it appears the giveaways are open to all their Facebook fans, people who live in Connecticut have an extra change to celebrate.

Vogue Knitting Editor Trisha Malcolm will be at a local yarn store called “A Stitch In Time” in Bethel, CT, for a trunk show this Saturday, Feb. 18, starting at noon.

She’ll be giving a preview of the spring issue of Vogue Knitting magazine and doing a book signing for the Knit Noro Accessories book.

You should call the store at (203) 748-1002 to let them know you’ll be attending so they can make sure they have enough books.

Free Noro Patterns

Now there are a slew of lovely Noro pattern books available for purchase at your local yarn store.

You can preview the books on our website so you can have a strategy before you go shopping.

But if you can’t head out to the store right now, there are a scattering of free patterns out there you can download.

I made the Kuyeron cap last year.

First up is the Ribbed Cap available on the Vogue Knitting website. You have to set up a free ID to access it.

The pattern takes one skein of Noro Kuyeron. It is knit flat and seamed, which makes it good for beginners who aren’t ready to tackle knitting in the round. I make one last year and it was a quick and easy pattern.

Next up is a pair of Kuyeron Basic Socks on the Yarnmarket.com website. This pattern is sized for Women’s Small (Medium, Large).

Over the years many patterns on Knitty.com have featured Noro yarns. There is a wide range of garments including socks, mitts, scarves, blankets, and even a skirt!

And, of course, we have many free patterns on our own website that use Noro yarns. Including this adorable bear and bunny pair designed by Debbie Bliss.

As you can see, it’s very easy to fulfill your need for Noro!

Tags: Noro
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Be a City Girl

September 5, 2011 in Noro, Patterns

Noro's colors are alwyas in fashion.

Two of the fashion trends for this Fall and Winter are bold colors and graphic designs.

I don’t know about you, but that makes me think of Noro yarns. Sure, you can accomplish interesting color patterns though intarsia or sewing together squares that you knit or crochet…or you can just let the yarn do the work for you.

The patterns in the new City Girl book by Jenny Watson fit the bill for the current trends, but will still be wearable in the future.

This sweater coat is knee-length and features a cozy shawl collar. With the many color of Silk Garden available you can choose the perfect color to make it your own.

Transition Pieces

Worn alone or over a light coat a cape is a stylish garment.

This hooded cape is as adorable as it is functional.

The front, which you can see on our website, ties shut and has slits you can put your arms through to help keep it secure on your shoulders or to fight a draft on a windy day.

You will be surprised just what a useful addition to your wardrobe a cape style shawl can be. During the autumn months, when this is just a little nip in the air, a cape can provide the warmth you need until you are ready to drag out your heavy coats. Paired with a warm sweater a cape can help you delay coat season for that much longer.

With eight new colors of Kureyon this season you can make a cape for every mood!

Who needs a hat?

This hooded scarf (with pockets!) is another garment that will carry you through to winter and beyond. You can bundle up in the wide scarf when there is just a nip in the fall air. Then in the winter it will pair nicely with your winter coat and eliminate the worry of keeping track of a hat.

Noro Kochoran is a 50% Wool, 20% Silk, 30% Angora blend that is warm, soft, and cuddly. The angora gives it just a little bit of a halo which softens and blends the appearance of the garment. At 3.5 sts per inch, you’ll be wearing this scarf in no time!

In the Details

Strong lines and graphic colors make this one a winner.

The last pattern I’m going to highlight is this great coat.

I just love the interesting styling, which reminds me of a classic pea coat.

The contrast between the stockinette stitch body and the textured trim adds interest while you’re knitting it as well as visual interest while you’re wearing it.

Since the different textures bring up the colors in the yarn at different rates the coat has the graphic patterns that are fashionable right now with very little effort on your part.

Finish it off with some unique buttons and you’ll be turning heads wherever you go.

These are just a few of the 12 designs in the City Girl book. You can see the rest on our website, or check it out the next time you’re at your local yarn store.

Tags: Jenny Watson, Noro, patterns
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