This is part 3 in a 12 part series highlighting designs from our 12 Days of Winter, Series 4 Edition.
Warm, neutral colors are essentials in my wardrobe, especially for Winter. I find those warm tones make the typically gray weather feel brighter, and they also tend to be flattering on all. I wanted to design a matching hat and scarf set for the 12 Days of Winter kits this year that felt elegant and still fun. Looking at colors of our Adore yarn, I was immediately struck by the combination of Sand (129) and Powder (104), and how it reminded me of my favorite winter beverage. So I designed the Chai Latte Set!
I’m a spicy food girl. The hotter the better, and one cuisine I adore is Indian. The depth of flavor, richness of the food, and variety always appeal to me. This decadence in spice doesn’t just apply to food in India, it also applies to beverages. A warm chai latte, to me, is like the essence of winter time. Delicious spices meld with tea and milk to make a cozy drink I cannot live without. Below, you’ll find a recipe for a homemade chai latte that is sure to warm you up during the cold months!
Image from BBC
Makes about 4 mugs of Chai
What you need:
cinnamon sticks – 2-3
cardamom pods (whole)- about 8
4 whole cloves
1 star anise
sliced ginger – 1 piece
3 black tea bags – Assam or English Breakfast tea works well
Your milk of choice
1 tablespoon of brown sugar
Using a dry skillet, toast the spices until they are fragrant, watching them carefully so they do not burn.
Add the spices, ginger, and tea bags to a small pot with 4 cups of filtered boiled water, and leave to infuse for approx. 10 mins (or longer if you want it strong).
Heat milk with brown sugar and stir. Once the sugar is dissolved, use a milk frother or whisk to lightly foam the milk.
To serve, use a strainer to strain the spices, ginger, and tea bags from the tea. Add the sugared milk, leaving the froth. Stir to combine. Finally, spoon the froth on top and you are ready to enjoy!
Once you’ve made yourself a nice mug of Chai, sit down with the Chai Latte Set kit and get to knitting! This set features a stranded colorwork snowflake on the front and back of the hat, each end of the scarf, and a lovely snow flurry-esque motif on the scarf body. The scarf is knit as a tube, so you never have to worry about seeing your floats when you wear it. A lovely pom pom adorns the top of the hat, and fringe is added to the scarf.
Adore is a blend of superwash fine merino and acrylic. It is a super-soft yarn, with a saturated and varied color palette. I ‘adore’ Adore, because it really is a luxurious yarn in a very affordable skein. Plus, it is easy to care for, so it makes an excellent choice for garments and accessories that will be worn often.
I hope you all enjoy your Chai Lattes, and knitting the Chai Latte Set! Remember, you can find the kit, along with the other 12 Days of Winter kits at your local yarn store. Click here to find the one closest to you.
Few projects are more satisfying than baby projects. I always relish the opportunity to knit baby projects for several reasons. First, they are satisfyingly fast. Want to make a sweater in less than a week? Just throw a baby project on your needles or hook! How about in a few hours – try an accessory! Second, they’re small, therefore they’re cute. Does that need any further explanation? I didn’t think so. Finally, baby projects are great for perfect, lovingly handmade gifts. I’ve created numerous projects for my niece and daughter of one of my dearest friends, and I love knowing they’re staying cozy in knitwear!
Today, I want to share some great projects for all the little ones in your life. From cute sweaters to cuddly toys, you’re sure to find a perfect project.
Cotton is a popular choice for baby projects because it’s soft and easy to care for. Plus, it’s gentle and great for sensitive baby skin. Last year we introduced Cotton Supreme Sapling, a 100% cotton bulky-weight yarn that is – put simply – baby soft. Since then we’ve introduced two excellent projects for babies using Sapling: the Sunshine Throw and Daisy Cardi.
Sunshine Throw in Cotton Supreme Sapling
A striking lace pattern framed by garter stitch decorates the Sunshine Throw (pattern link). The lace motif is deceptively simple. It is an 8-row repeat that you’ll memorize in no time. This blanket would be an impressive gift at a baby shower, and an heirloom piece to last for years to come.
Daisy Cardi in Cotton Supreme Sapling
Whether it’s the baby’s first cardigan or your first time knitting a sweater, the adorable Daisy Cardi (pattern link) is a perfect choice. It features little more than beginner-friendly garter stitch and K1, P1 Rib but has lots of impact, especially when you add some cute buttons! Knit in Cotton Supreme Sapling, this cardigan is optimal for the chilly weather of autumn, winter, and early spring.
Storytime Blankies in Bella Chenille Big
Few yarns are softer than our chenille yarn family, consisting of Bella Chenille and Bella Chenille Big. These 100% polyester yarns create a velvety, plush fabric perfect for snuggling. The Storytime Blankies (pattern link), knit in Bella Chenille Big, are completely worthy of cuddles. These simple blankets feature a bit of twisted stockinette for a nice texture and a bold stripe in the center. It’s finished off with fun tassels little ones would love to play with. Which Way is Up? in Bella Cash
So far I’ve shared projects in bulky yarns, but finer yarns are also perfect for baby projects! Although we created Bella Cash, a blend of superwash merino, cashmere, and nylon, with all sorts of projects in mind, we specifically intended for it to be a yarn perfect for babies and children. We have the patterns to prove it, too!
Sized newborn to four years, Which Way is Up? (pattern link) is an excellent example of a baby project using machine-washable Bella Cash. Little arrows decorate this seamless raglan cardigan. If you prefer to knit accessories, try the sweet Heartsbloom Hat & Mitten Set (pattern link) instead. The superb stitch definition of Bella Cash shines in the textured accessory set, which is great for the chilly days ahead!
Heartsbloom Set in Bella Cash
Toys also make great gifts for babies. Unlike baby accessories and clothing, little ones are sure to hang onto stuffed toys well into childhood (and perhaps beyond!).
Pipsqueak in Bella CashPipsqueak (pattern link), a cute mouse crocheted in Bella Cash, is the perfect size for babies. Not too big, not too small. Spike stitches and pastel stripes add texture and visual interest to the project. All of Pipsqueak’s facial features are embroidered, too, meaning you don’t have to worry about making sure you have safety buttons for the eyes. (Side note: this pattern has a complementing jacket included – sized from 2 years to 12 years. Don’t miss it!)Itty Bitty Set in Bamboo Pop Sock
Earlier I touched on accessories for exceptionally quick baby patterns. Tis’ the season for keeping the head, hands, and toes cozy! The Itty Bitty Set (pattern link) is soft and stretchy thanks to the lightweight and breathable Bamboo Pop Sock. The combination of simple ribbing and elasticity of the yarn helps to ensure the little one can wear this project for more than a month. After all, they do grow up so fast!
Left: Mini Mittens Right: Toasty Toes – both knit in Adore
We also absolutely adore Adore for baby projects. In fact, I wrote a whole blog post dedicated to baby projects using Adore earlier this year. You can find it here (link). Like the other yarns I’ve mentioned, Adore is touchable and soft, yet durable and easy to care for. We’ve knit everything from baby blankets to accessories in this yarn. The Mini Mittens (pattern link) and Toasty Toes (both pictured above) are both projects that are great last-minute gifts. They also require so little yarn that you could easily make many pairs from just one ball. So if you have multiple babies in your life, you’re all set!
This list is by no means comprehensive. We have a plethora of wonderful patterns for children and babies. If nothing here strikes your fancy, don’t forget to browse or selection of patterns for children! You can find all of our children’s patterns here (link).
It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, Olive in Kingston Tweed and Penna (pattern link here).
First things first: the model for this hat is also the designer, Rachel Brockman. Rachel is a big fan of the outdoors, and takes a lot of inspiration from her time in nature.
We have it on good authority that one of her favorite yarns is Kingston Tweed – you’ve probably seen her fantastic Jay Sweater. For this hat, she took that rustic yarn and gave it extra flair by combining it with laceweight Penna.
We’re sharing the picture of the yarn to show exactly what Penna brings to the design – a slight blur to the edges from its soft alpaca halo.
You can see the gentle feel it imparts to this cable and rib delight.
Start with the cable panel, worked flat. Seam the ends together, and it becomes the brim of this hat.
Pick up stitches from the edge, and work broken rib in the round upwards to the crown. Love those decrease swirls!
It’s a gentle beauty of a design. We hope you enjoy it.
It’s Free Pattern Friday!Thanks for modeling, Olivia!
Today, the Inverse Hats in Merino Mist (pattern link here).
Today’s offering is simple, but beautiful.
Love those decreases!
The Inverse hats are so named because with the called-for yarn, Merino Mist, you can get TWO lovely striped hats out of a ball of each color. Just swap the main color and the contrast!
Tah-dah!
A tall band of 2×2 ribbing to fold up, then two-row knitted stripes in the round. Don’t bother cutting the yarn, just carry it along.
Pretty!
Now, I’m a “simple is better” kind of gal, as a rule. Normally, I’m skeptical of yarns with a halo like Merino Mist. And I wasn’t sure about its chained construction, either. And I’m usually not a “shiny yarn” person.
Color 102 Chamomile
But that was before I saw the designs in The Midtown Collection.
Looking good, feeling good.
And before I saw what Cindy O’Malley over at KNITMuch blog had done with it.
Yes, that is the normally tweedy Jay Sweater, all dolled up.
And how amazing it looked in the Pull Jacinthe on the cover of the Holiday 2019 Vogue Knitting.Photo credit: Jack Deutsch
I mean, it’s hard to argue with fabulous results. And I did love this hat, so I thought, okay, I’ll give it a shot. I’m SO glad I did, because this yarn is everything.
110 Night paired with 101 Frost
It’s got great stitch definition, the halo lightly blurs but doesn’t obscure the stitches, and that sheen gives it a level of pizzazz that I love. So I get the pleasure of knitting a simple hat that looks great dressed up or down. You can’t beat that.
Next up – maybe a Swivel Cowl?
We’ll just have to see.
Happy crafting!
It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, Caitrin knit in Deluxe Worsted Tweed Superwash (pattern link here).
Caitrin was formerly available as a pay-only pattern and part of e-book Color Fusion, a collection of cool-weather knits in Deluxe Worsted Tweed Superwash.
The Fair Isle pattern is easy to ‘read’ in your stitches, and the tweedy character of the yarn softens the bold graphic lines of the chevron. A well thought-out pattern from Tori Gurbisz.
Caitrin takes just one ball of each color, making it easy and inexpensive to customize for yourself. We’re delighted to offer this versatile pattern for free!
Stay warm, and have a great weekend.
Happy crafting!
This is part 9 in a 12 part series highlighting designs from our 12 Days of Winter, Series 3 Edition.
It’s Day 9 of Winter in the 12 Days of Winter Kit Collection. In today’s guest post, we welcome the next addition to the kit collection and enjoy a recipe for homemade marshmallows!
Today, the Snow Day Hat and Mittens, designed by Jennifer Sadler. This cozy accessory set is knit up in warm and woolly Deluxe DK Superwash. This yarn has great stitch definition, making it perfect for the knit-purl snowflake motifs in the hat and mittens. The light, Oatmeal Heather color also helps those stitches to stand out and gives this set a sophisticated feel.
When we asked Jennifer to share her inspiration for the design, she also wanted to include a recipe. Who are we to say no to that offer? Here is what she had to say:
“Snow days are one of my favorite things in the world. Where I live, everything shuts down, and you’re guaranteed a cozy day at home. I designed this hat and mitten set to reflect my love for snow and have a quick project to whip up the moment the snow appears in the forecast. And who wouldn’t love wearing a trio of faux-flakes while playing in real snowflakes?
When I’m ready to warm up inside by the fire, I absolutely love having a hot cup of cocoa with homemade marshmallows on top. As intimidating as they may sound, they are pretty simple to make and are infinite times better than their store-bought counterparts. I’m sharing my favorite recipe with you below, so you can whip up some of your own for your next snow day (or just a regular Tuesday, no judgment here!)
Homemade Marshmallows Ingredients: 2 ½ tablespoons unflavored gelatin 1 cup light corn syrup 1 ½ cups granulated sugar 2 tablespoons vanilla extract (peppermint extract is also a yummy option!) ¼ teaspoon salt Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Directions:
Combine gelatin and ½ cup cold water in the bowl of an electric mixer with whisk attachment. Let stand for 30 minutes.
2. Combine granulated sugar, corn syrup, salt, and ½ cup water in a small heavy saucepan; place over low heat and stir until sugar has dissolved.
3. Clip on a candy thermometer; raise to high heat. Cook syrup without stirring until it reaches 244 degrees F (firm-ball stage). Immediately remove pan from heat. Tip: if you don’t have a candy thermometer, you can test the syrup by placing a few drops in a glass of cool water. Scoop the drops of syrup out of the water and test with your fingers. The drops should be firm, but pliable. This is firm-ball stage.Testing the syrup by placing a few drops in a glass of cool water and scoop them out with a spoon. Firm, but pliable.
4. With mixer on low speed, slowly and carefully pour the syrup into the softened gelatin. Increase speed to high. Beat until mixture is very thick and white and has almost tripled in volume, about 15 minutes. Add vanilla; beat to incorporate.
5. Generously dust an 8×12 baking pan with confectioners’ sugar. Pour marshmallow mixture into the pan. Dust top with confectioners’ sugar; wet your hands and pat it to smooth. Dust with more confectioners’ sugar and let stand overnight, uncovered, to dry out.
6. Turn out onto a cutting board. Cut marshmallows with a dry hot knife into 1 ½ inch squares, and dust with more confectioners’ sugar. Alternatively, dust small cookie cutters with confectioners’ sugar, and cut marshmallows with the cutters.
7. Enjoy!”
-Jennifer
We simply cannot wait to try out this delicious recipe. It’s the perfect complement to last year’s recipe for spiced hot cocoa. Remember, you can find the 12 Days of Winter Kits at your local yarn shop.
This is part 8 in a 12 part series highlighting designs from our 12 Days of Winter, Series 3 Edition.
Although Day 8 of Winter’s pattern is a Rachel Brockman design, I asked her if I could write the blog post for this kit. I just love it!
The tubular cast-on for the edge is a nice touch. Rachel demonstrates it in this blog post.
The Peppermint Bark Hat is the perfect (snow)storm of my favorite things: Fair Isle, knitting in the round, and snow.
The kit comes with yarn and color copy of the pattern. You provide needles and notions.
Actually, there’s one more of my favorite things in this kit: Angora Lace. It’s made of superwash fine merino, with nylon for durability and angora for extra softness. This kit features three balls in colors that match the classic holiday treat, peppermint bark!
Perfect pom-pom.
The colors were well-chosen – look at the rich depth in that Merlot! (For tips on achieving the perfect pom-pom, Amy Gunderson has you covered in this blog post from last year’s 12 Days of Christmas).
I mentioned Fair Isle colorwork. Checking the pattern and the inside of the hat, I see that Rachel has designed this so that no more than two colors are used in a row. And flashing back to last year, Rachel has some incredibly useful tips on Fair Isle in the round in this blog post from Series 2 of the 12 Days kits.
She also shares tips on managing your floats in this blog post – very handy at the very tips of those snowflakes. (See why I wanted to write this? I get to gush about the kit, and Rachel’s done all the hard work for me!)
US Size 1 (2.25 mm) needles are used for the ribbing, with US Size 3 (3.25 mm) for the body.
We generally sell out of all the kits every year. Of course, if we happen to wind up with a Peppermint Bark Hat kit when the season is over, and it mysteriously disappears… well, who could blame me?
Remember, you can find the 12 Days of Winter Kits at your local yarn shop. Happy crafting!
It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, the Autumn Air Toboggan in Classic Shades (pattern link here).
Some may think of Fall as sweater weather, but for me, it’s finally hat time!
Goofing around in my Cold Mountain Hat.
So when we get a new hat pattern, and it’s this colorful, I am on board!
The Autumn Air Toboggan takes just one ball of self-striping Classic Shades. The easy basketweave pattern adds texture without getting lost in the vibrant colors.
And that pom-pom! I’m a sucker for a good pom-pom. It’s part of why I asked to write the blog post for Day 8 of Winter’s upcoming kit (oops, spoiler!).
Long story short: it’s a new free, one skein, colorful, easy hat pattern that I will totally be casting on for ASAP. Good thing you can never have too many hats. (It’s true, don’t look at me like that).
It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, the Rutherford Beret in Deluxe Chunky (pattern link here).
This month we’re taking a look back at some favorite patterns in our Deluxe yarns. This one’s a favorite of mine, based on personal experience. Will you permit me a selfie?
Amy Gunderson’s Rutherford Beret was originally released as part of the amazing Deluxe Cable Collection. It’s a mammoth e-book of cabled knit patterns, including this little one-skein beauty in Deluxe Chunky 100% wool. We even did an office knitalong with it – super fun!
I say “one skein” but mine only took 3/4 of a skein, max. On US size 10 (6mm) needles, with only single-crosses for the cables, this is the definition of “instant gratification knit.” Deluxe Chunky has over 120 colors, so I’m thinking about making another one, maybe in a heathered color this time.
Deluxe Chunky 91905 Rust HeatherDeluxe Chunky 91908 Woodsy HeatherDeluxe Chunky 91909 Mulberry Heather
“Too many pretty colors” is a good problem to have!
We hope you have a fantastic weekend. Happy crafting!
It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, the Trawler cap in Bella Cash (pattern link here).
I’m a big fan of brioche. Stretchy and sculptural, it looks beautiful, and it’s not as hard as you might think. After my first brioche hat, I felt so proud of myself – I wore it everywhere. But the truth is, once you’re into the rhythm of it, it’s just as easy to “read” in your knitting as standard ribbing.
In this seafarer-inspired cap, Rachel Brockman uses two colors of fine Bella Cash held together on a US4(3.5mm) needle for a marled, denimy effect.
So, here’s my confession: up until now, when I’ve done brioche in the round, I’ve winged the decreases and just kind of… hoped they came together okay. Rachel, however, has beautiful decreases marching neatly toward the crown. This is going to be a great technique to learn.
Bella Cash 122 Amethyst and 118 Orchid
I’m considering using different colors, though – maybe something violet? Amethyst and Orchid look awfully nice together.
We hope you have a great weekend. Happy crafting!
