I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I love Deluxe Worsted. Today, we’re excited to share that we’ve given this yarn a facelift. We’ve narrowed down the color palette to be more cohesive and, excitingly, we are now able to offer this yarn at a more accessible price point. Deluxe Worsted is a gorgeous, 100% non-superwash wool yarn that is a stash staple. You should see my own stash – there is plenty of it!
I love Deluxe Worsted for its versatility. It looks great in every stitch pattern – from cables to colorwork, you simply can’t go wrong. It is a round, 4-ply yarn that is smooth and soft without compromising durability. That’s why I chose it for my recently published design, Mahakam.
My husband, John, in his Mahakam pullover.
Published in the First Fall 2020 issue of Knitty, I designed this pattern specifically with my husband in mind. It needed to be a great layering piece, but more interesting than a plain stockinette stitch sweater. It also needed to be knit in a color he’d love wearing on a regular basis. After all, if something is going to be handknit, it needs to get a lot of love!
Although John definitely isn’t afraid of a little color, I wasn’t too surprised when his attention went straight to the neutrals. His top choices were #12172 Dark Crystal and #12178 Turkish Coffee. Although the colors are similar in tone and value, Dark Crystal is cooler and more grey while Turkish Coffee is a warmer, black-brown hue. It was hard to choose between the two, but who can resist a color that references the Jim Henson masterpiece, The Dark Crystal? After all, both of us love puppets (and Muppets, obviously), and take at least an annual trip to the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta.
Deluxe Worsted #12172 Dark Crystal
After selecting the color, I knew the fabric needed to be rich in texture, so I turned to slip stitch cables to feature throughout the body and sleeves. I made some little swatches first, just to make sure John was happy with them. Even when using such a dark color, the texture isn’t lost thanks to the wonderful stitch definition of Deluxe Worsted.
The textural slip-stitch cables are also featured on the sleeves and body.
John was adamant about this sweater being relaxed and a bit oversized – pretty much as cozy as possible. However, I also wanted to create a design that could look great worn either way – relaxed and casual or more form-fitting and tailored. So, I also asked my friend, Michael, to model the sweater. I love how the fit is a bit tidier on him. It’s always nice to see how garments look on various body types. Both John and Michael loved the sweater, so I feel like my design was pretty successful.
Michael chose a pop of orange to peek out from beneath this sweater. A stylish and autumnal touch.
Mahakam is knit from the bottom up in pieces and seamed. I love seams because they add structure and longevity to knitwear. It features raglan shaping and a K1, P1 Rib hem, sleeve cuffs, and neckband. The slip-stitch cables decorate the front, back, and sleeves.
Deluxe Worsted shines in textural stitch patterns, like those used in Mahakam.
Naming patterns is one aspect of design that is fun, but also a bit challenging. While sometimes I know what I want to name a sweater during the early stages of designing, other times I don’t know until the sweater is finished. The latter was the case with Mahakam. Given that it’s delightfully woolly, I couldn’t help but think of this pullover as the perfect piece for trips to the mountains this time of year. Mountains led me to think of mining, and mining led me to think of dwarves. In short, this combination paired with my current obsession with all things related to The Witcher, I decided to name the sweater Mahakam after the mountainous region where dwarves live and thrive.
The textural pattern is also featured on the back of Mahakam.
Although the pattern as written could easily be considered unisex, I’ve been thinking about designing a women’s version of this sweater. It might be nice to give the waist subtle A-line shaping and crop it a bit. A split hem would also be a nice touch. If I decide to move in that direction, I think I’ll use #12281 Clay, which is a lovely terra cotta hue.
Deluxe Worsted #12281 Clay
I hope you enjoyed hearing a little more about this design. If you’re interested in knitting Mahakam, you can find the pattern on Ravelry (link) and in Knitty (link). Don’t forget, Deluxe Worsted is now available at a more accessible price point! You can find Deluxe Worsted at your local yarn store, or on our website, where you can see all of the colors. Which color would you choose?
It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, the Paint a Leaf Vest in Fibra Natura Dona (pattern link here).
This is an Amy Gunderson pattern, formerly found in the Dona Loft Collection.
These bold, graphic knits look great in Dona extrafine merino, with its saturated colors. Its high twist also gives it great stitch definition, which works well in projects like this vest.
The traveling lines are created by working cable crosses. Sized Small to 3X, this is a fun, bright piece to layer for spring or fall.
We hope you have a fantastic, joyful weekend.
Happy crafting!
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!
Have we all seen Knives Out? Or at least seen photos of Chris Evans wearing The Sweater?
Mend those holes!!
This pullover became such a rage on the internet that Evans wound up getting one for his dog for Christmas.
Who wore it better?
Fortunately, as crafters, we can create this look on our own, no costume department needed. If you or someone you know has sweater envy, we’ve got five sweaters (and one vest) for the knitter who wants to cast on some fashionable cables!
Experience the allure of yesteryears with Nostalgia Casino, where a minimal deposit of just $1 gives you an impressive $20 to play with. This casino brings the charm of classic gaming right to your fingertips, allowing you to explore a wide array of games from slots to poker. With nostalgia casino deposit $1 get $20 offer, you get the opportunity to relish the thrill of online gambling while minimizing your financial commitment. So why wait? Step into the world of Nostalgia Casino, deposit $1 and unlock $20 worth of gaming fun.
1. Infinite Diamonds
We’re starting with the one that requires the least cabling, to ease into things. Infinite Diamonds (pattern link here) is knit in Fibra Natura Dona, a 100% superwash extrafine merino with a tight twist that really makes stitches pop.
No cables on the back, just plain stockinette. Infinite Diamonds is knit flat in pieces and seamed.
We love the windowpane effect given by the cables inside cables on the front panel. This is part of e-book The Dona Collection, featuring bold use of color blocking to create dramatic modern pieces. For a standalone design, though, let’s move to the world of magazines.
Carrying the pattern onto the pockets is a thoughtful design detail. If you’re confident working twisted stitches without a cable needle, you need never have to use one at all. Let’s move on to another cabled cardi, from an entire collection full of cabled designs.
For my money, this pullover is the most “Knives Out” one we’ve seen so far. Wesley Heights (pattern link here) is part of the same Deluxe Cable Collection that the Greensboro Cardigan above is in. (And friends, there are 17 designs in that e-book for $20, so if you love cables… I’m just saying.)
Like the Greensboro Cardi, this is a very stretchy stitch pattern knit in Deluxe Worsted wool. This one has a greater variety of stitch patterns, though, to satisfy your knitting itch.
Columns of classic cables are split by welting for a well-defined look.
LOVE the detailing where the shoulders meet the collar.
This was one of our most popular sweaters of the year, and it’s not hard to see why. Kerf is available on its own or as part of the Deluxe Men’s Collection.
This is part 10 in a 12 part series highlighting designs from our 12 Days of Winter, Series 3 Edition.
It’s Day 10 of the 12 Days of Winter Kit Collection. Today, the Snowdrift cowl designed by Adrienne Larsen. This design combines cables, twisted stitches, and eyelets to create a show-stopping winter accessory. It’s knit up in Fibra Natura Dona – one of our favorite yarns for knitting cables because of its superior stitch definition. Did we mention that it’s incredibly soft, too? For today’s post, we’ve asked Adrienne to share her passion for cable design with us. Here is what she had to say:
“I love cables. I love how they look and I love thinking about how they work. When creating a new cable pattern, I always break into two main elements: the ground and the squiggle.
The ground is pretty self-explanatory. The ground is what the cable is sitting on: the background. It is usually reverse stockinette stitch because it’s simple and doesn’t pull focus from the main event: the squiggle. If you want to add a little zing, the ground could be seed stitch or garter stitch. If you prefer a really smooth look, it can even be stockinette.
The squiggle is where you can really get creative. You can do a simple cable, which sits in place, and just crosses over itself, like in a 2×2 Right Cross. The squiggle can also move back and forth over the ground as a traveling cable. The stitches in the squiggle usually stay together and move on top of the ground. It can also move under or over other squiggles.
The stitches in a squiggle are classically groups of knit stitches. In this pattern, I decided to change things up by adding some twisted stitches and purls to some of the squiggles. If you look, the twisted stitch squiggles and the plain squiggles always stay that way, even when they move under or over each other.
I also added yarn-overs to some of the stationary squiggles. I didn’t like that you could see the underlapping stitches in the cables in the yarn-over squiggles, so I only placed them when they were stationary. I also only changed from twisted/purl combination squiggles to yarn-over squiggles after during an underlap, when possible where it could be hidden.
That’s just a few things that are considered when cable patterns are designed!”
-Adrienne
We hope you’ve enjoyed learning a bit more about Adrienne’s approach to cable design. We think it’s fascinating and feel so lucky to have her designs in this kit collection. Remember, you can find the Snowdrift kit and the rest of the 12 Days of Winter kits at your local yarn store.
This is part 2 in a 12 part series highlighting designs from our 12 Days of Winter, Series 3 Edition.
Happy Day 2 of the 12 Days of Winter Kit Collection! We know you are all eager to see what we’ve whipped up for the second day of the series, and we are thrilled to share with you – the Birch Gloves. Everyone needs a pair of elegant long gloves in their wardrobe, and hand-knitting them means these are perfect for yourself or made up as a gift for a loved one. Designed by Adrienne Larsen, the Birch Gloves are guaranteed to be cherished for seasons to come!
Knit in our Kingston Tweed yarn, this project features two different colors; 102 Calcite and 112 Basalt. These gloves are a gauntlet style with a flared cuff that gives a refined appearance to any outfit. Wool and alpaca fibers are blended into the yarn, meaning the Birch Gloves will also keep your fingers warm and toasty – maybe while out at a holiday market or off to see the Nutcracker ballet! The neutral colors of the yarn for this project are also certain to pair well with any sweater you choose.
The Birch Gloves feature cables and a slip stitch colorwork pattern for the cuffs, and the beautiful Kingston Tweed yarn is on serious display for the hands and fingers in stockinette stitch. Knitting the cuff and glove separately, you seam them together with an I-cord edge that adds a tidy finish. Both the cuffs and glove are knit in the round, working from the bottom up. Construction-wise, this is sure to be a fun project to take on and maybe a new method of knitting gloves to learn!
Whether you choose to knit the Birch Gloves for yourself or as a gift for someone special, these are guaranteed to be loved by everyone around. We hope you are inspired to kick back with a mug of warm Cider or Gløgg , turn on your favorite holiday film, and get to knitting these stunning gloves! You can pick up your 12 Days of Winter Kits including the Birch Gloves Kit at your local yarn shop.
It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, the Chapel Hill Vest in Deluxe Worsted (pattern link here).
This is the second week in a row we’ve released a favorite Deluxe Cable Collection pattern for free. This one’s a favorite for several reasons. First, the name.
The Old Well at UNC-CH
Chapel Hill is home to the oldest public university in the United States. It’s also my alma mater. (Go Heels!)
The Quad, facing Wilson Library
In the best kind of coincidence, it’s also the alma mater of the model of the Chapel Hill sweater!
Rah rah, Carolina-lina!
The second thing to love here is the versatility of this piece. This is the perfect “dressy casual” piece for Fall. Sized Small to 3X, designer Amy Gunderson notes that the stitch pattern is very stretchy, making this suitable for a wide range of frames.
For me, the lattice along the sides calls to mind the brickwork paths that crisscross campus. The Chapel Cable in the front is both written and charted, and is reminiscent of old oak branches. It’s an absolutely stunning cabled knit, and I’m delighted that it’s now free.
We hope you have a relaxing weekend, full of good memories and wonderful new starts.
Happy crafting!
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 Slate Shawl in Cashmere Lusso (pattern link here).
First things first: we have a new yarn.
This is FibraNatura Cashmere Lusso.
What’s in Cashmere Lusso? Cashmere – and more cashmere! It’s a special blend of 50% virgin cashmere and 50% recycled cashmere, culled from cashmere sweaters. We worked with a mill in Italy to bring this environmentally responsible cashmere to the U.S.
What’s it good for? Wrapping yourself in luxury. Above, it’s pictured with the OTHER free pattern Cashmere Lusso pattern this week, the Twisted Dee Cowl (pattern link here). Yes, this week we are very lucky to have not one but TWO beautiful designs from The Yarnslayer herself, Adrienne Larsen.
Adrienne used twisted stitches combined with cables in this gorgeous accessory. Wear it wrapped, as shown, or long and flowing…
…or pinned, as you wish.
Shown with the Regulus Celtic Lion Shawl Stick from JUL Designs (link)
An intricate, but rewarding design with a modern “twist” (no pun intended).
The Slate Shawl, on the other hand, is a classic triangular lace piece.
The blending of cashmere sources in Cashmere Lusso gives a rich, textured effect to plain stockinette…
…while not obscuring the beautiful (and beautifully blocked!) lace. The lace is both written and charted – take your pick.
Magnifica.
We hope you have a wonderful weekend, and that you treat yourself to the finer things in life – both material and otherwise. Happy crafting!
It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, the Paper Doll Sweater in Dona (pattern link here).
When our Sales Director Yonca was with family for Thanksgiving, her niece asked for a custom made sweater.
(She didn’t actually write a note – it was more of a “puppy dog eyes” situation.)
She wanted a top kind of like what Yonca was wearing, but different in this way and that way, and a pullover, not a cardi… before long, it was an entirely new sweater. Fortunately, Yonca’s niece is very knitworthy.
Yonca designed the sweater in Fibra Natura Dona, a machine-washable 100% extra fine merino. It’s an excellent choice for luxurious projects that you won’t have to baby when they get a little dirty.
This sweater features a cabled yoke that goes all the way around.
And here it is, modeled by the giftee!
She was so excited to receive it! The only feeling better than getting a treasured handmade gift is giving one. We foresee other projects in this charming young lady’s future!
If you’d like to print a sweater to match the real thing, here’s a paper doll sheet, with some accessories for good measure. We hope you make time for play as well as work this weekend.
Happy crafting!
