Category: Throwback Thursday

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Throwback Thursday – A Walk in the Woods

It’s Throwback Thursday!

TT Walk in the Woods

Today, a beautiful cool-weather knit, A Walk in the Woods.  Originally knit in Eden Silk, this lightweight cardi would look great in either Uptown DK 100% anti-pilling acrylic or Deluxe DK Superwash wool.

I’ve been knitting a lot with Deluxe DK Superwash lately (I just need to bind off my ribbed Katrina top!) so for this, as a personal choice I think I’d go with the Uptown DK.  I’ve been making a long cowl in Uptown DK Colors, the striped version of the yarn, and have been very impressed with how soft it is (and yes, it really is not pilling).  I like the idea of an entire garment that luxurious.

This cardi is knit flat in the traditional style – back, then fronts, then sleeves.  The textured stitch in the pattern is written and charted and is fairly easy to “read” in your knitting as you go – it’s the same few rows, staggered by a few stitches.

We hope you’re able to bring your projects outdoors and enjoy this beautiful weather.  Happy knitting!

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Throwback Thursday – Turtle Neck Cape

It’s Throwback Thursday!TT Turtleneck Cape

Today, we feature Thanh Nguyen’s Turtle Neck Cape.  This was originally knit in Contessa, a bulky-weight acrylic/mohair/nylon/polyester (whew!) blend.  We’re simplifying it a little by suggesting Uptown Bulky, our 100% anti-pilling acrylic as a good substitute.  Uptown Bulky has greater yardage than the original yarn, making it a better knit in terms of your budget, too.

Front and back are knit separately, then the collar is made and the whole shebang is stitched together.  From a color standpoint, I like this as a solid, but I can also see it with perhaps a few wide stripes for a dramatic, modern look.  Maybe something with a great deal of contrast?  I say, knit big or go home!

Happy crafting!

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Throwback Thursday – Stuffed Hound

It’s Throwback Thursday!

TT_Stuffed Hound side

Awww!  Such a cute little puppy!  The Stuffed Hound was originally made in Classic Chunky with a print for the belly and feet.  We’re recommending Deluxe Chunky as the new choice.  I love this selection not just because it’s a sturdy but soft wool, but because there are 120+ colors.  You could make your little wiener dog in any color of the rainbow.  Match a real life pooch or create a whimsical little buddy that’s one of a kind!

Stuffed Hound faceThe Stuffed Hound is knitted sideways.  Knit a front and back leg, then proceed around the body to knit the other legs.  Make the underside similarly, then knit the ears, tail, and other bits and pieces.  Knitting those parts separately gives you many opportunities to switch up colors.  How about a patchwork pup?  Or one different ear?

We hope you have a great time knitting a new four-legged friend!

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Throwback Thursday – Ruffles and Ribbons

It’s Throwback Thursday!

TT Ruffles and Ribbons

Awww!  Today’s Ruffles and Ribbons blanket was originally designed for Bella 4-ply, an acrylic/nylon blend.  It’s a good choice since it’s machine washable, but we have a couple of even better yarns that fit the bill now.

We’re recommending either Little Bird (344yds/100g) or Uptown Baby Sport (361yds/100g) instead.  Personally, I think I’d go with Uptown Baby Sport.  Both are soft and would work nicely, but Baby Sport has just a little bit more loft, which I think would fit well for this project.

The yarn is held doubled for the body, which is knitted on 5mm/US8 needles.  Then use just one strand of yarn and a US Size 4 circular needle for the ruffled edging.  It’s a good means of getting different effects from the same yarn.   Pretty adorable!

Happy knitting.  We’ll see you tomorrow for Free Pattern Friday!

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Throwback Thursday – Jenna Cardigan

It’s Throwback Thursday!

TT JennaFall is almost here – or so they tell me.  Those of us here in the South still have a little longer to wait.  Maybe knitting a lovely cool weather design will help hurry things along!

Enter the Jenna Cardigan.  Originally knit in Dolce Merino, this would look great in both Merino XF and Deluxe DK Superwash wool.  The nice thing about the substitution is that while this would have taken 16 balls of Dolce Merino for a size 2X, it uses fewer than eight balls of Deluxe DK Superwash.  I love a beautiful sweater that won’t break the bank!

We wish you breezy fall weather – and happy knitting!

 

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Throwback Thursday – Back to School Vest

It’s Throwback Thursday!

TT Back to School Vest

Today, we feature the Back To School Vest.  This vest was originally designed for Deluxe Worsted Concord Tweed, a member of the Deluxe Family that had flecks of color throughout.  It was exactly the same weight as Deluxe Worsted and Deluxe Worsted Superwash 100% wools, making it a perfect match for those yarns.

If you’re looking for a more tweedy look, I have to mention Llamalini. I mention it because it’s a gorgeous yarn, but also because we just got in four new colors and really, I’ll take any excuse to knit something out of Llamalini’s blend of linen, royal llama, and silk bourette.  So luxurious.

The Back to School Vest is knitted in the round up to the armholes, then back and forth to the shoulders.   This is pictured as a top, but would also work well as a layering piece.  I can see this with a pair of jeans over an untucked shirt for a look that says, “yes, I look this good without even trying.”

Happy knitting!

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Throwback Thursday – Garter Rib Cowl

It’s Throwback Thursday!

TT Garter Rib Cowl

Today, we share the Garter Rib Cowl.  Originally designed for Cashmere Fleur de Lys, this pattern would provide plenty of style in any worsted weight yarn, particularly one with a bit of spring to it.

This would be a great two ball project in Uptown Worsted 100% anti-pilling acrylic, as well as Deluxe Worsted or Deluxe Worsted Superwash 100% wool.  It would be a three ball project with a bit more drape in Llamalini, but with the heathered tones of that linen/llama/silk bourette blend, it would be a great look.

I’ve got some Deluxe Worsted left over from my 30 Day Sweater KAL project, and this looks like the perfect project for it.  A simple two-row repeat on size 9 needles sounds like a great break from back-to-school insanity.  Let’s all knit and relax!

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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!

 

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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!

 

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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!