Afghan Knitalong – Block Eighteen

Block Eighteen is live!

18 Nupp Beginnings with title blue blog

 

Last time, bobbles, this time, nupps!  Block Eighteen, Nupp Beginnings uses another kind of round raised stitch to create a similar festive effect.

By the way, did everybody but me know it was pronounced “noop?”  I’ve been saying “nuhp” all these years.   However, in this video, Amy pronounces it correctly as she shows us how to work one of these little popped-up stitches.

I love knowing several ways to do similar things, like this and bobbles.  As a crafter, it’s always good to have options!

We hope you enjoy learning this nupp technique.  Feel free to share your thoughts and work with us here, on Facebook, or in our Ravelry group.    We’ll be back in a couple of weeks with a new block and a new technique!

Free Pattern Friday – Crinkle Cowl

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Cotton Gold Crinkle Cowl blog

Today, the Crinkle Cowl in Whisper Lace and Cotton Gold.

This is a great example of how bringing two different things together can result in something spectacular.  Light and airy Whisper Lace is a laceweight wool/silk blend from our Fibra Natura line of natural luxury fibers.  It’s a great choice for delicate, light projects.

Pair that with sequined Cotton Gold from our Rozetti line and you’ve got the perfect amount of bling to turn a light confection into a glamorous accessory perfect for party season.

Knit it flat on size 5 needles, work the light shaping to help it sit gracefully on your shoulders, then seam it up.   Next step: be prepared to answer the sea of “where did you get that?” admiration with “What, this?  I made it myself.”

As much as I love this in black, I’m wondering how it would look in Whisper Lace 113 Tango and Cotton Gold 1092.  More to the point, I’m wondering how I would look rolling up to the office holiday party in a black jacket with this draped artfully around my neck.

Black’s a classic, but don’t limit yourself.  You do you!

Happy knitting!

Throwback Thursday – Winter Afternoon Sweater Jacket

It’s Throwback Thursday!

TT Winter Afternoon Sweater Jacket_blog

Luxury!  The Winter Afternoon Sweater Jacket was originally made in our Dolce Merino 50% fine merino/50% microfiber blend.  Sadly, Dolce Merino is discontinued, but we have several DK weight yarns that this garment would look great in.

First, Uptown DK 100% anti-pilling acrylic.  As you can see in the (free) Green Lace Scarf pattern at right, it holds cables well, making it a good choice.  We frequently recommend this for baby knits since it’s machine washable and durable, but it’s also a smart pick for adult garments that you want to last a long time.  Personally, if I’m going to invest time into knitting a jacket, I want to be able to show it off well into the future.

Next, Merino XF Superwash.  This is another one that is machine washable and sturdy.  As the XF in the name implies, it’s extrafine merino, so softness is not a problem.

Finally, Deluxe DK Superwash.  As seen in the popular free Wishing Cowl pattern at right, it’s another great choice for cables.  And again, it’s long-lasting and machine washable.

The Winter Afternoon Sweater Jacket is knit flat in the traditional style.  This would be a cozy project to spread out and knit on your lap on a cool night.  Lovely to make and to wear during brisk weather.

Happy knitting!

Holiday Helper – Light and Breezy

Halloween’s behind us, which means it’s time to kick our holiday knitting into high gear.  Or, if you’re me, it’s time to actually *start* your holiday knitting.  I’m sure all of you are busy weaving in ends on that heirloom blanket that you started back in January, but maybe – just maybe – you are in the same boat as I am and are suddenly remembering that one person you wanted to make something special for who slipped your mind.

Worry no more!  From now through the end of the year we’ll be highlighting some relatively quick designs that will still satisfy your recipient without driving you crazy.  This week, let’s look at a couple of light and easy projects in warm-weather yarns.

Blue Seaspray Shawlette final back_blog

The free High Tide Shawlette is made in Cotton Supreme DK Seaspray.  This took just one hank, albeit with only a few yards left over.  There’s still enough time to make this lovely triangular shawl on US Size 8 (5mm) needles before the holidays roll around.  Denim print is going to be big next season, so it’ll be very on trend for your giftee.

Good Earth Adorn Scarf 1_blog

The free Botanical Scarf takes just one skein of Good Earth Adorn cotton/linen blend.  This is a luxury yarn that feels great but won’t break the bank.  This is another one on US Size 8 (5mm) needles.  With an easy-to-memorize pattern, this would be great to take along in the plane or car home for the holidays.  And again, Good Earth Adorn has that subtle earthy look that’s going to stay in fashion for a long time to come.

My main problem with starting holiday gifts early is that they stay around my house and I think, “You know, this would look great on me.”  And then I wind up having to knit another gift.

We wish you great willpower and happy knitting!