Tag: Alana

Posted on

Free Pattern Friday – Spring Rain

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Alana Spring Rain blogToday, the Spring Rain Tank in Alana.

This summery tank is knit in one piece from the bottom up. Work the lower body in the round, then separate at the armholes to work front and back.

See that V-neck?  Believe it or not, there is no neck shaping involved. The stretchy lace stitch pattern combined with the drape of viscose blend Alana (158yds/100g) causes the shoulders to naturally fall into place.

Amy Gunderson calls for a Twisted German Cast-On in this pattern, due to its greater flexibility.  She says, “The lace pattern is fairly open and stretchy, and I didn’t want it to be constrained by a too-tight cast-on.”

It’s not a hard technique.  If you can do a long-tail cast-on, you can do this.  I used this recently for a pair of top-down socks and loved it.  It’s a Goldilocks cast-on.  Not too tight, not too loose, just right.  The Knit Witch has a good how-to video on this technique.

We hope you enjoy this free pattern.  Happy knitting!

 

Posted on

Free Pattern Friday – Swim Cover

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Alana Coverup main_blog

Today, the Swim Cover in Alana.

This is a timely design.  Why?  Take a look.

Weather Map Heat WaveYep, that’s next week.  Hot.  Hot hot hot.  Hard to believe it’s only May.  So maybe this is a good moment to cast on for something to help you stay cool.

Alana Coverup alt 2_blogStart off this long weekend by casting on for the knitted Swim Cover in Alana (158yds/100g).  Be ready to chill by the pool or on the beach with a sun hat to keep you in the shade and some flip-flops to keep your feet off the scorching ground.

Pictured is the small size of this cover-up, which took exactly five hanks.  In the pattern we call for six, just in case you want to grab an extra hank for safety.  We do factor in a little extra yarn for swatching purposes, but surely you wouldn’t skip your swatch, would you?

This simple Alana Coverup alt 3_bloggarment is knitted flat, with some nice reversible stripe stitch detailing at the hem, pictured right.  The whole cover-up is just two rectangles seamed together at the sides.  This lets you make the armholes as long or as narrow as you wish.  We call for 9-11″ for the armholes, so you’ve got plenty of room to lift your arm dramatically to your brow while calling for a mint julep from your lounge chair.

Next week, stay cool, make sure your pets (and you!) have plenty of water, and keep crafting.

Happy knitting!

Alana Coverup alt 1_blog

 

 

Posted on

Free Pattern Friday – Kauai Cardigan

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Kauai cardi_blogToday, the Kauai Cardigan in Alana.

Summertime… and the livin’ is easy.  This cardi makes me feel like I should be strolling on the boardwalk in my sandals with a frosty beverage in my hands.  Maybe  I could wear a giant Yashi Sunblock hat with it.

It’s made in Alana (164yds/100g) , a tropically colorful viscose blend.  It’s a great choice for bright color with a sheen.  Speaking from personal experience, I haven’t noticed pooling or flashing – just bright colors and happy hues.

And since we’re talking about free patterns, here’s one that flew under the radar!

The Butterfly Scarf is also in Alana.  We released this fun broomstick lace design a couple of weeks ago, but never actually made it part of a Free Pattern Friday.  Consider it a bonus wish for warm, leisurely days.

Happy crafting!