It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, Onyx Mitts in Cashmere Lusso (pattern link here).
It’s a sign of the times when looking at these pictures makes me think, “ah, yes, good hand-washing technique.”
But, here we all are. Apart, for now, but not alone. Fortunately, we are able to use our hands to create something comforting.
The Onyx Mitts are a one-ball project in luxurious Cashmere Lusso, a fine-weight blend of virgin and recycled cashmere. Work them from the cuff up on US size 3 (3.25mm) needles.
The twisted rib edges are a subtle accent on a timeless unisex design. Classic mitts in a beautiful yarn are a lovely gift for yourself, or for someone whose hand you wish you could hold right now.
We wish you all good health, security, and happy crafting.
Free Pattern Friday – Riviette
It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, Riviette in Ravello (pattern link here).
There is so much to love about this design. It has a little bit of everything.
The center features a split cable that flows upward around the neck, bordered by a rivulet of lace and twisted stitches.
The design is repeated on the identical back. With two matching halves, it’s easy to simply throw this on and start your day.
The lace is repeated at the sides, with a bit of a split at the side hem for a great silhouette.
The great depth of color comes from the fiber blend in Ravello. The cotton keeps it light, while the extrafine merino and recycled cashmere give it extra softness and color saturation.
If you are a “process knitter” and want a design with a multitude of techniques, this is for you. If you are a “product knitter” and want something dynamite when you’re done with your knitting, this is also for you.
We hope you stay safe and healthy, and can take comfort in the work of your hands.
Until next time, happy crafting!
Until next time, happy crafting!
Free Pattern Friday – Nigrum
It’s Free pattern Friday!
Today, Nigrum in Bamboo Bloom (pattern link here).
Originally part of “pay” e-book Bamboo Bloom Book 2, we’ve set this pattern free! The name “Nigrum” refers to a type of medicinal plant, although we chose to make this top in a decidedly un-botanical color.
While we went with a frosty gray Bamboo Bloom shade, if you want a bolder option you could pick a more vivid Bamboo Bloom Handpaints color.
Nothing says “bold” like a Steven Be colorway!
The piece is crocheted sideways and seamed at the sides and shoulders. The pattern is written and charted, and has a schematic for easy assembly.
We hope you enjoy this fun, textured project.
Happy crafting!
Free Pattern Friday – Inverse Hats
It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, the Inverse Hats in Merino Mist (pattern link here).
Today’s offering is simple, but beautiful. 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! 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. 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. But that was before I saw the designs in The Midtown Collection. And before I saw what Cindy O’Malley over at KNITMuch blog had done with it. And how amazing it looked in the Pull Jacinthe on the cover of the Holiday 2019 Vogue Knitting. 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. 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!
Today’s offering is simple, but beautiful. 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! 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. 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. But that was before I saw the designs in The Midtown Collection. And before I saw what Cindy O’Malley over at KNITMuch blog had done with it. And how amazing it looked in the Pull Jacinthe on the cover of the Holiday 2019 Vogue Knitting. 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. 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!
Perfect Pairs – Girl Scout Cookies and Yarn
I’m not gonna lie – this post is basically an excuse to join two of my favorite things together and claim it’s work-related. Because not only do we have access to a warehouse full of gorgeous yarn, we also have a Girl Scout leader on staff!
Everybody say hi to René, seen here finishing a blanket in Bella Chenille Big, and saying, “wait, you’re not taking my picture are you?” (Sorry, René!) René is our local dealer supplier of Girl Scout Cookies and with so many fabulous choices, we got to thinking about what cookie we would pair with what yarn. So let’s get started!
Why? Stripes for DAYS. Uptown DK Colors has the same anti-pilling acrylic that Uptown Worsted does, but in a lighter weight with crisp stripes. Just like the vanilla/chocolate filling sandwiched between two wafers in the S’Mores, these layers are smooth. What to make? That’s a toughie. The free Magical Mystery Throw is stunning, but we just featured a throw. So how about the simple Paprika Seed Cowl? It’s a one-skein pattern that could not be easier – Cast on, then seed stitch all the way around until you’re out of yarn. Boom. You’ve got a cowl. It’s the beauty of self-striping yarn – you can work a very simple pattern and let the yarn do the work. 3. Trefoils and Deluxe Chunky
Why? Deluxe Chunky is the ultimate high-quality workhorse, and it’s been with us since the beginning. Just as trefoils are a classic shortbread that you keep reaching for, Deluxe is the beautiful wool you’ll go for again and again. What to make? There are so many options here. Knitters should cast an eye toward a pullover that I still can’t believe is free, Valentina. However, for those who crochet and love home decor, the Hearth Rug is an underappreciated gem. Each motif in this felted rug is crocheted separately, making it a great on-the-go project. Any Senior Girl Scout going for her Textile Artist badge will get to use several techniques in this project. A fun project for a group or an individual! 4. Samoas and Revolutions
Why? Samoas have cookies, caramel, coconut, chocolate… a little bit of everything. It makes for a delicious combination. Revolutions has wool, mohair, alpaca, acrylic, and nylon, all of which blend to make a lofty and beautiful yarn. Good things, coming together to make something better than their parts! What to make? Revolutions is a big yarn with a lot of yardage, so there are plenty of options. Crocheters might like the free Allium Shawl, a big and beautiful piece that shows off the self-shading yarn beautifully. Knitters might prefer the free Warmth Stole, a large and luscious wrap that takes just one wheel of Revolutions. Doesn’t this color remind you of a campfire? 5. Tagalongs and Ricorumi
Why? When I hear the word “tagalong” I think of a little friend coming along on an adventure. And that’s the perfect description for the mini-skeins of Ricorumi DK cotton. These tiny skeins are designed for amigurumi crochet, although they’re also perfect for colorwork and small projects. We’ve seen some very cute and inventive things made in Ricorumi! What to make? Well, wouldn’t one of these little friends look awfully cute – especially with a tiny Girl Scout uniform? They can be found in the book Crazy Cute Family, or you can get them as kits (hook included!) There were more cookie/yarn pairings we could do, but I probably shouldn’t eat that many more cookies. At least, not right now.
Hungry? Patronize your local Girl Scout cookie booth! If you can’t find one, there’s an app for that. And if you think of other pairings you’d like to see, let us know!
- Thin Mints and Uptown Worsted
Why? Stripes for DAYS. Uptown DK Colors has the same anti-pilling acrylic that Uptown Worsted does, but in a lighter weight with crisp stripes. Just like the vanilla/chocolate filling sandwiched between two wafers in the S’Mores, these layers are smooth. What to make? That’s a toughie. The free Magical Mystery Throw is stunning, but we just featured a throw. So how about the simple Paprika Seed Cowl? It’s a one-skein pattern that could not be easier – Cast on, then seed stitch all the way around until you’re out of yarn. Boom. You’ve got a cowl. It’s the beauty of self-striping yarn – you can work a very simple pattern and let the yarn do the work. 3. Trefoils and Deluxe Chunky
Why? Deluxe Chunky is the ultimate high-quality workhorse, and it’s been with us since the beginning. Just as trefoils are a classic shortbread that you keep reaching for, Deluxe is the beautiful wool you’ll go for again and again. What to make? There are so many options here. Knitters should cast an eye toward a pullover that I still can’t believe is free, Valentina. However, for those who crochet and love home decor, the Hearth Rug is an underappreciated gem. Each motif in this felted rug is crocheted separately, making it a great on-the-go project. Any Senior Girl Scout going for her Textile Artist badge will get to use several techniques in this project. A fun project for a group or an individual! 4. Samoas and Revolutions
Why? Samoas have cookies, caramel, coconut, chocolate… a little bit of everything. It makes for a delicious combination. Revolutions has wool, mohair, alpaca, acrylic, and nylon, all of which blend to make a lofty and beautiful yarn. Good things, coming together to make something better than their parts! What to make? Revolutions is a big yarn with a lot of yardage, so there are plenty of options. Crocheters might like the free Allium Shawl, a big and beautiful piece that shows off the self-shading yarn beautifully. Knitters might prefer the free Warmth Stole, a large and luscious wrap that takes just one wheel of Revolutions. Doesn’t this color remind you of a campfire? 5. Tagalongs and Ricorumi
Why? When I hear the word “tagalong” I think of a little friend coming along on an adventure. And that’s the perfect description for the mini-skeins of Ricorumi DK cotton. These tiny skeins are designed for amigurumi crochet, although they’re also perfect for colorwork and small projects. We’ve seen some very cute and inventive things made in Ricorumi! What to make? Well, wouldn’t one of these little friends look awfully cute – especially with a tiny Girl Scout uniform? They can be found in the book Crazy Cute Family, or you can get them as kits (hook included!) There were more cookie/yarn pairings we could do, but I probably shouldn’t eat that many more cookies. At least, not right now.
Hungry? Patronize your local Girl Scout cookie booth! If you can’t find one, there’s an app for that. And if you think of other pairings you’d like to see, let us know!