Afghan Knitalong – Block Twelve

Block Twelve is live!

12 Raising Cane with title_blogLove it!  Raising Cane (ha!) builds on the single twists of Block Eleven, bringing in a crossover twisted main stem.  But this block adds a couple of new techniques.

First, there’s twisting stitches by working through the back loop.  Amy Gunderson demonstrates with this video, showing how to work both knits and purls through the back loop to create a twisted stitch that really stands out from its background.  This is a very effective technique when used with a smooth yarn like Uptown Worsted.

Next, there’s the matter of crossing over!  You may recall that last time we shared a video on adding right and left traveling twists to your knits.  This time, we build on that by adding right and left traveling purls.  This lets those twisted stitches that pop so well move to outline the leaves.

I don’t know about you, but I learned something!  And I’ll definitely keep twisted stitches and right and left twists in my knitting toolbox as a method for outlining other designs or adding more texture to my projects.  Very exciting!

We’d love to see your blocks!  You can share with us on Facebook, or in our Ravelry group.

Check back in two weeks for the next block in the series, and a new technique!

Free Pattern Friday – Back to School Backpack

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Back to School Backpack 1 blog

Are you ready for school?  Me neither!  But the Back To School Backpack is a reminder that it’s time to gear up for Fall.

Back to School Backpack 2 blogI love the combination of  self-shading yarn with a solid Deluxe Worsted Superwash accent and tie.  The entire backpack is worked in one piece.  Begin by knitting the back piece from the center out.  Next, work the side and bottom sideways and attach to the back piece as you go.  Stitches for the front piece are worked from the outside in.  Voila!  A minimum of seaming!

This design is made in our brand new Classic Shades Metallic (175yds/100g).  When I say “brand new,” I mean that we literally just got our first shipment from the mill a few minutes ago.  Classic Shades Metallic has the gorgeous self-shading tones and sheen of Classic Shades, plus metallic thread for extra bling.

Now that it’s arrived, there goes my productivity for the day.

Business Cat ball of yarn

Happy knitting!

 

Throwback Thursday – Antonia

It’s Throwback Thursday!

TT Antonia

Today, Antonia!

Antonia was originally designed for Dolce Merino, a great 50/50 merino/microfiber blend.  Fortunately, we have two excellent substitutes!

Merino XF Superwash is 100% extra fine merino.  Very soft, very springy, and just the right weight to make this cool-weather cardi.  Alternately, we’d recommend knitter-favorite Deluxe DK Superwash 100% superwash wool.  If you want to perfectly duplicate the look of the original, several of the greens are a very good match.

The braid portion of the pattern consists of right twists of the type we’ve been working on in our Afghan Knitalong.  The bobbles are made by knitting multiple times into the same stitch, then immediately decreasing to make a raised bump in the fabric.  They really pop against the reverse stockinette column background.

We hope you enjoy this free stylish cardi-style jacket.  Happy knitting!

 

Sunday Swatch – Saki Bamboo

Today’s Sunday Swatch is in Saki Bamboo color 101 Crayon Box.

Saki-Bamboo-Multi-Sunday-Swatch-blog-1024x678B

Saki Bamboo is a soft machine washable blend of superwash merino, rayon from bamboo, and a little nylon for extra durability.  I love how crisply this yarn stripes up.

I picked this yarn because there’s a project I’ve been wanting to start, and Saki Bamboo seemed like the perfect fit.  The Mystik Spiral socks use short rows to create a diagonal band across the foot and leg of a sock, ideal for a strong self-striping yarn.  Sure enough, it’s looking pretty great.

Saki Bamboo 1_blog

I’m delighted with how well the stripes are turning out, and how soft the bamboo content makes these socks.  This is definitely going to be  the project I keep in my purse on vacation this year.

Happy knitting!

Free Pattern Friday – Little Boy’s Bomber Cap

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

166 Classic Shades Little Boy's Bomber Cap_blog

Today, the Little Boy’s Bomber Cap in Classic Shades.

Yesterday’s self-shading scarf and hat in Poems got us thinking of other self-shading projects!  This adorable kid’s hat is worked flat on straight needles using Classic Shades, a self-shading wool/acrylic blend.  With 197 yards to a skein of Classic Shades, this is easily a one-ball project with plenty left over.

The bomber cap is also part of Classic Shades Kids, a book of toddler and kid projects featuring Classic Shades.  We just had to set this project free for everybody to try.  Isn’t it fascinating how a colorful yarn selection can change the entire look of a project?

Classic Shades 4 balls sm

I’m already thinking about how this hat would look in different colors.  Jeweltones?  Neons?  Hmmm…

Throwback Thursday – Bohemian Hat and Scarf

It’s Throwback Thursday!

TT Beohemian Hat and Scarf

Today, the Bohemian Hat and Scarf set in Poems!

This is a pattern near and dear to my heart.  When a friend overseas (hi, Cheryl!) wanted to learn to knit, I made her a care package of this pattern, US size 8 (5mm) circular needles, and enough Poems 100% wool to make the set.  I wanted her to learn on a good quality yarn, and in my experience, self-shading yarn is a special treat for a beginning knitter.  It’s something about the anticipation of seeing what color is going to come next that motivates a newer knitter to keep going, even through any frustration or mistakes.

Bohemian hat and scarf partialThe scarf is an incredibly easy starting point into the world of knitting.  Cast on 220 stitches, knit every row, then cast off.  Boom, you’ve made a beautiful striped scarf.  From there, it’s not a great leap in skills to be able to make the hat and you’re ready to step out in style.

This would be a great set for Classic Shades wool/acrylic blend, as well.  The yardage on Classic Shades is excellent, making it another great choice for the beginning knitter who wants to dive in to a colorful project.

Cheryl’s still knitting, having moved on to shawls and other more advanced projects.  Next I need to send this pattern and some Poems to another friend in New England.  I’m converting all my friends into knitters, one ball of yarn at a time!

 

Afghan Knitalong – Block Eleven

Block Eleven is live!

11 Every Which Way with title_blog

Nifty!  This month we’re exploring relief stitches, using twists that travel across the fabric, starting with Block Eleven, “Every Which Way.”

I’m particularly glad to see this technique come up – I still recall doing a hat pattern with all over right twists and left twists.  The right twists, I could figure out, but I never got the hang of left twists and had to use a cable needle every time my stitches travelled in that direction.  So tedious!

Amy shows us how to work these twists, which I think of as tiny one-stitch cables.

After doing this block, I may take another crack at that hat pattern.  Let’s hear it for learning new things!

As always we love seeing your blocks. You can share with us on Facebook, or in our Ravelry group.  We’ll see you in two weeks with a new block and a new take on this design element!

Happy knitting!

Free Pattern Friday – Bamboo Pop Dolls

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

blog BambooPopDolls cover

Did we say “free pattern?”  Try five free patterns, part of Bamboo Pop Dolls!

Bamboo Pop Kids is such a popular E-Book for us, and no wonder – Bamboo Pop is a versatile yarn for kids and adults.  One of the things we heard from stores was, “wouldn’t it be great if there were matching outfits for the kids’ dolls?”  Once we were done squealing over the adorableness of that idea, we got to work!

 

Blog TBall Tee composite

The T-Ball Tee keeps the sweet little ties at the arms and shortens the body, making this a very quick lace knit.  I can absolutely see the two little ladies above palling around town together!  Matches the T-Ball Tee from Bamboo Pop Kids (Ravelry link).

Blog Pixie Skirt composite

The Pixie Skirt removes one tie from the shortened waist of the 18″ doll at left.  It’s a shortened length of i-cord that can be made with either a crank machine or by hand.  This is a great skirt to spin in.  Matches the Pixie Skirt from Bamboo Pop Kids (Ravelry link).

Blog Little Patriot composite

The Little Patriot is all decked out and ready to go!  For me, what really makes this top pop is the red edging around the star and the edges.  Being a Southerner, I think this is a great top for a summer day of watermelon and fresh-churned ice cream.  Matches the Little Patriot from Bamboo Pop Kids (Ravelry link).

Blog Hoodie composite

The Fading Stripe Hoodie uses a slipped “pebble stitch” to give texture.  Something just a touch warmer for the girl on the left as she wait for her friend to come home from school.  Matches the Fading Stripe Hoodie from Bamboo Pop Kids (Ravelry link).

Blog Berry Blossom compositeThe Berry Blossom Pullover lends itself well to “dollification!”  This is one of our most popular designs for girls, and it looks great on an 18″ doll, too.  Matches the Berry Blossom Pullover from Bamboo Pop Kids (Ravelry link).

Many thanks to our store owners who brought us this great idea.  We always love to hear what you have to say.

Happy knitting!

Throwback Thursday – Bethany

It’s Throwback Thursday!

TT Bethany

Today, we have Bethany!  Originally this was a “pay” pattern, but we’ve released it into the wild as a free pattern and bring it to you today to enjoy.

First stitched in Fibra Natura Cottonwood, this would make a great cover-up in either Bamboo Pop or Little Bird, which would provide great drape for this piece.  You might also try Uptown Baby Sport anti-pilling acrylic.  Uptown Baby Sport’s palette features some very sweet pastels, and at 361 yards per ball you’d only need three balls to make the smallest size.

In this traditional knit-flat cardi, the easy lace pattern is featured on both front and back.  A great lacy sweater to start now and have ready when the first chill creeps back into the air.

Happy knitting!

Free Pattern Friday – Swoop Tee

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Bamboo Glam Swoop Tee final_blog

Today, we feature the Swoop Tee in Bamboo Glam.

Bamboo Glam 3-shot hi-res_cutout_RavBamboo Glam is brand new for us, although as you can tell from the model we’ve already gotten some advance samples and have had a blast working with it.  It’s 96% bamboo with 4% glitter for just the right amount of glam.  Our full stock is due to arrive any time now and we can’t wait!

Bamboo Glam Swoop Tee detailThis top is constructed in a bit of an unusual way.  First the mesh sleeve saddles are knit sideways.  Then stitches are picked up off the sides of the saddles and the back and front are worked down. They’re joined after a couple of inches and the body is worked in the round down to the hem.

The “Swoop” lace is on both the front and the back of the tee.

What a great warm-weather project!

Happy knitting!