You probably heard – the groundhog predicted six more weeks of winter.
Bleak, Bill. Bleak. We prefer to think of it as six more weeks of working with beautiful cozy wool, while still looking with hope toward brighter days. Enter, the Bouquet Scarf.
This bright and beautiful scarf has has enough substance to keep you warm – especially in Deluxe Worsted Superwash wool – but also acts as a harbinger of spring. Check out the blossoms in the lace!
They remind me of tulips, which start to bloom in our area in mid-March. That’s just about the time the groundhog says we should be emerging from winter.
Via https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/
The scarf uses 1×3 cable crosses and increase/decrease combinations to create definition around the lace elements. We’re classing this as an intermediate pattern. You’ll probably want to use markers around the repeats, just to help keep track. The final result will be well worth the effort.
We hope you have a fantastic weekend, staying safe and warm, and doing things that you love.
We were about two minutes into 2018’s Hunt for the Wilderpeople when this sweater appeared onscreen and I gasped. Fortunately for cat lovers, the film’s costume designer hired a knitter to recreate the pattern and made it free on Ravelry. You’ve got to have some confidence to wear a sweater like this, but I think we all know someone who could pull it off. In my case, that person is me, and I’m putting this in my queue to make in Adore.
Often, though, it seems like the really spectacular sweaters are on men. I’d like to look at five outstanding pullovers on masculine frames, both the obscure and the famous (I’m looking at you, Chris Evans). Let’s go in chronological order!
Wash’s Sweater from Firefly
This sweater showed up in two separate episodes of sci-fi TV show Firefly, giving it enough exposure for viewers to reverse engineer the cabled design. Never bet against Firefly fans – they’re a devoted and persistent bunch.
Is the show set in England? Expect good knits. This cabled jumper sported by John Watson from the BBC’s Sherlock proves the rule. It didn’t take long for this pullover to be recreated:
And of course, free patterns sprang up. While the original was machine-knit, this pattern on Ravelry has hand-knit versions worked in the round or flat. As for yarn, there are several ways to go: 100% wool with Deluxe Worsted Superwash, or Uptown Worsted anti-pilling acrylic, which is also machine washable (John Watson doesn’t seem like a man who is careful with his laundry).
3) John Watson’s Ugly Christmas Jumper from Sherlock
Can you tell I recently re-watched Sherlock? I’ll confess I lightened up this image so you could really see the power and majesty of this design. It’s meant to be an “ugly Christmas sweater” in the show, but it’s really up to you as to whether you love it or hate it.
The original might have been knit in a bulkier yarn, but this pattern on Ravelry calls for a DK weight, to make it more versatile in other climates. If I were knitting this, I’d use Deluxe DK Superwash in 838 Twilight, 837 Christmas Red, and 828 Pulp.
4) Ransom Drysdale’s sweater in Knives Out
This is the one the knitting internet lost their collective minds over.
Chris Evans’ actual dog wearing a cabled sweater. It’s the ultimate “who wore it better?”
Part of the key here is that it’s not hard to make a sweater look good when you’re Chris Evans, but the other part here is that it was shown from so many angles and in such detail, it was easy to get a good look at it. In terms of screen accuracy, Caryn Shaffer did a bang-up job with her version here on Ravelry.
What yarn to pick for this design? Deluxe Worsted, all day long. To get the perfect color, choose from the Naturals options, 40001 Cream Undyed. It’s got just a bit of buttery warmth to it, which matches the tones of the original. Also, as the name suggests, it’s undyed. The color of the yarn is the color of the sheep, which is exactly the kind of detail that would appeal to the rich young man wearing this in the movie.
I. Love. This. Sweater. I love the color, I love the pattern, and I love that there’s some random Mon Calamari fish-person in a Star Wars show wearing a beautiful cable-knit piece. But here’s what’s killing me. I can’t find a reverse-engineer of this pattern anywhere! Do any of you know of one? Am I going to have to try it myself?
I mean, come on. It’s a fisherman’s sweater on a literal fish-man. What’s not to love?
How about you? What’s a knit or crochet piece that you’ve seen that made you think, “I should make that!” We’d love to know!
Today I’d like to highlight one of our more recent pattern collections, Still Life (link). It’s always fun to put together a pattern collection. This one is especially close to my heart because this is the last collaborative collection between our former creative director, the amazing Amy Gunderson, and myself. That means this collection has also been a long time in the making. Originally, these patterns were developed for another yarn, but sometimes things just don’t work out the way you originally planned. When we had to say goodbye to the intended yarn, we didn’t want to say goodbye to this collection. How could we? The pieces are all so beautiful. That’s why we reimagined them in our Deluxe Worsted Superwash and Deluxe Worsted Tweed. Today I’m going to share each of these projects with you and I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!
The first pattern in the collection is a contribution by Amy Gunderson. The show-stopping Chiaroscuro (pattern link). This seamless, top-down pattern features a bold slip-stitch colorwork motif across the circular yoke. I’ve always been a fan of mock-neck and turtle neck sweaters. As someone who is perpetually chilly, they maximize my comfort during the winter months. So, the high, ribbed neckband of Chiaroscuro is perfect for me. I also love the contrast color rolled stockinette trim that decorates the hem and sleeve cuffs. This is a casual piece that is begging to be knit. Our sample uses Deluxe Worsted Tweed which gives it a rustic appeal. However, if tweedy nubs aren’t your thing, simply use Deluxe Worsted Superwash instead – the yarns are totally interchangeable!
Chiaroscuro by Amy Gunderson in Deluxe Worsted Tweed
Next, we have Delft (pattern link), knit in Deluxe Worsted Superwash. This is my design, and while I don’t mean to boast, I have to say I just love it! I’ve worn the original sample of this design so much! It’s the perfect layering piece. The raglan shaping ensures a great fit. Twisted ribbing pops along with the hem and button bands, but what I love most are the horizontal bars created by using slipped stitches. Delft is another seamless pattern and is knit from the bottom up. You work the body and sleeves separately and join them at the underarms and complete the sweater in one piece.
Delft by Rachel Brockman in Deluxe Worsted Superwash
Those who love a good sampler project will enjoy Leyster (pattern link), designed by Amy Gunderson. This lengthy scarf is perfect for wrapping around your shoulders during the cool months of autumn and winter. The design is loaded with textural motifs that are a blast to knit, and you won’t get bored because the motifs alternate frequently. Leyster is an excellent project for a beginner knitter ready to tackle something more interesting than garter stitch.
Leyster by Amy Gunderson in Deluxe Worsted Superwash
Although I always say I favor knitting sweaters and hats, shawls are also high on the list of my favorite things to knit. They come in all shapes and sizes with varied construction methods. I’ve never really been bored with a shawl. Angular, asymmetrical triangles are a popular shawl shape, likely because of their modern design appeal. Verdigris (pattern link) falls into the asymmetrical triangle category, but with a twist. Stitches are actually increased on two sides of a cable panel, breaking this pattern up into beautiful and interesting sections.
Verdigris by Amy Gunderson in Deluxe Worsted Tweed
The final piece in the collection is another pullover: Vermillion (pattern link) in Deluxe Worsted Tweed. This pullover features bracelet length sleeves, slip stitches, cables, and a sweet split hem on the front. I designed the hem so that the ribbing shifts neatly into the center panels. I’m pretty sure this piece is going to be a favorite of mine to wear during the transitional seasons!
Vermillion by Rachel Brockman in Deluxe Worsted Tweed
I hope you’ve enjoyed taking a look at the patterns in the Still Life collection! We’re so happy with how this collection turned out. Which projects do you plan to put on your knitting needles? Do you have a favorite piece in the collection? We’d love to know in the comments!
This is part 7 in a 12 part series highlighting designs from our 12 Days of Winter, Series 4 Edition.
It’s Day 7 of our 12 Days of Winter Kit Collection, and we’re over halfway there! Cables are a knitwear design staple for garments and accessories alike. I grew up in ballet lessons, so legwarmers were an essential item throughout my young years. In fact, they were the very first thing I knit! I’ve long left the pointe shoes life behind, but I was sparked with the idea to make some ultra-cute lounge legwarmers for this year’s kit collection.
The Forest Fir Legwarmers in Deluxe Worsted Superwash
The Forest Fir legwarmers are knit using Deluxe Worsted Superwash. The machine washable version of our Deluxe Worsted yarn is made of 100% superwash wool. It is available in a broad color palette, and will always keep you warm! The Forest Fir legwarmers are knit in the round, worked from the bottom up. An interlocking cable pattern decorates the front, while the back is reverse stockinette stitch. I imagine I’d wear these legwarmers while watching movies with my family during the holidays.
Once you reach the top, you work a row of eyelets, and then the final ribbing. Deluxe Worsted Superwash has excellent stitch definition, so all of your hard work is sure to shine! After your legwarmers are done, you will proceed to making the I-Cord tie. I wanted to design this feature not only to look very cute, but also for function! The tie helps them stay up on your leg, just like very old school socks had.
If you’ve never worked an I-Cord before, don’t fret! It has a bit of ‘magic’ to it, but it is a really simple process. Just watch the video below, and I’ll guide you through the process step by step.
Don’t forget that the 12 Days of Winter Kits including the Forest Fir legwarmers are available at your LYS. Click here to find an LYS near you. Happy Knitting!
It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, Taradiddle in Deluxe Worsted Superwash (pattern here).
This great autumn project doesn’t take a lot of yarn. We’re calling for Deluxe Worsted Superwash, a soft, machine-washable, all purpose wool.
The Fair Isle colorwork is a simple 10-stitch repeat knit on US 7 (4.5mm) needles, or whatever needle size gets gauge.
It’s the perfect thing to keep handy in case your ears get cold. And best, if you reverse the colors, you can easily make more than one from one skein of each color!
Different colors for your different moods – or easy gifts for friends!
We hope you have a safe and fun weekend. Happy crafting!
Happy Fall, y’all! Yesterday marked the first official day of the season, and we couldn’t be more excited. After all, this means we can start to wear all of our favorite handmade garments and accessories. Last week I gushed about my love of hats, but this week I’m going to turn my attention to another cozy accessory: socks! Specifically thick and cozy socks. As someone with serious Second Sock Syndrome, and who primarily wears handknit socks around the house, I’m just plain partial to heavier socks. I’m going to talk about some of my favorite yarns for heavier socks and share some pattern inspiration, too. Let’s start by looking at some of the worsted weight yarns we offer that would be great for socks.
It is commonly assumed that nylon is a fiber critical to knitting socks because it adds durability and can help add elasticity to a sock. While that is true to an extent, it absolutely is not critical for a sock yarn. After all, wool has been used for socks for more than a thousand years. Wool is such an amazing fiber – it is durable, naturally moisture-wicking, and is inherently elastic. It is a fiber with memory and will hold its shape over time. With that in mind, our 100% wool Deluxe Worsted and Deluxe Worsted Superwash are perfect for knitting worsted-weight socks. The two yarns work up to the same gauge and are interchangeable.
Deluxe Worsted
Deluxe Worsted is a non-superwash wool yarn. That means you won’t be able to toss it in the washer and dryer, but the benefit of non-superwash wool is that it retains a bit more memory than its superwash counterpart, so it is less likely to grow. It’s also a great option if you’re a very eco-conscious maker. Plus, the palette of colors is so expansive. Whether you’re a minimalist in search of the perfect neutral or someone who lusts for brilliant brights, you’re sure to find a color you’ll love.
Deluxe Worsted Superwash
If easy-care is your thing, look no further than machine-washable Deluxe Worsted Superwash. Like Deluxe Worsted, this yarn comes in an array of beautiful colors. I love using this yarn for gift socks because I can feel confident that there won’t be any felting disasters. Regardless of whether you choose Deluxe Worsted or Deluxe Worsted Superwash, you’ll love these versatile yarns. The smooth texture gives it superb stitch definition that makes them great for everything from simple textures and cables to colorwork.
Deluxe Worsted Tweed
If you love Deluxe Worsted Superwash, but are looking for a little more texture, you’ll love Deluxe Worsted Tweed. This yarn is a blend of 90% superwash wool, 7% anti-pilling acrylic, and 3% viscose. As I mentioned earlier, nylon is frequently added to wool sock yarns. The acrylic in this yarn serves as an alternative to nylon, mimicking its qualities. The viscose creates the lovely tweedy nubs that give this yarn extra interest.
Now that we’ve chatted about some of our great worsted-weight options for knitting socks, let’s get the inspiration flowing with pattern ideas. All three yarn options above will work great for these patterns.
Tillery Socks in Deluxe Worsted #13112 Red Apple
Texture, twisted stitches, and cables are the star of the cozy Tillery Socks by Amy Gunderson, knit in Deluxe Worsted. I would love to wear these socks while sipping a cup of hot cocoa and reading a good book in front of the fireplace. Worked from the cuff-down and featuring a heel flap and gusset, this is a great pattern for those already comfortable with knitting cables and socks.
Rye Socks, photo by Tin Can Knits
Recently, a store-owner mentioned that she prefers to use worsted and DK weight yarns whenever she is teaching a customer to knit their first pair of socks. I heartily agree – for a sock newbie, working with fingering-weight yarn can seem a little intimidating because not all beginners are comfortable working at such a fine gauge. Heavier yarn options create satisfying projects that are great for quickly learning the common techniques used for knitting socks.
So if you’re a sock newbie, the Rye socks by Tin Can Knits would be an excellent choice for your first pair. Well over seven thousand people have knit these socks – that’s A LOT of socks! It’s no surprise, either. Tin Can Knits are known for their accessible, easy to understand patterns. A simple panel of garter stitch decorates the front of these socks. I love this detail as it’s a super beginner-friendly stitch pattern that adds more interest than a pair of vanilla socks (aka stockinette stitch socks). Rye is graded for babies, toddlers, children, and adults, so you can make a pair for everyone in your family. I’d love to knit a pair for my niece using Deluxe Worsted Superwash in #746 Violet Rustic.
Colour Block Slipper Sock, photo by Jessica Biscoe
Next, we have the Colour Block Slipper Sock by Jessica Biscoe. I can attest that this is a great beginner-pattern. In fact, this is the pattern I used for my first pair of proper socks. I love the simple rope cable along the front and the contrast toes and cuffs. I knit these as a gift for my husband in cream and navy, but I’d love to make them again using Deluxe Worsted Tweed in colors #919 Merlot and #920 Camel – a combination that is appropriate for the changing leaves.
Laule’a, photo by cabinfourLaule’a by cabinfour is a simple, minimalist pattern that is so aesthetically appealing. Delicate dots of purls decorate these cuff-down socks. I’d love to knit these using Deluxe Worsted Naturals in #40002 Millet.
Classic Crochet Socks, photo by Hooked on Tilly
Of course, socks aren’t just for knitters. There are many crochet sock patterns out there, but I fell in love when I stumbled upon the Classic Crochet Socks designed by Hooked on Tilly. They look irresistibly cozy and I love the mock ribbing effect created by using the Front Post Double Crochet Stitch. Deluxe Worsted Tweed would be perfectly suited to this pattern. I might just need to make a pair in #905 Pine.
Which of these cozy sock patterns strikes your fancy? Do you have a favorite worsted-weight sock pattern? We’d love to know!
Each morning I begin my day by walking my beloved doggos before work, and occasionally I have time to sip a cup of freshly brewed coffee on my patio. It’s a morning routine I cherish and it gives me time to breathe before starting work for the day. This morning, to my delight, the air was crisp and cool. Considering the fact that summery temperatures carry on well into the autumn months in the south, a temperature below 60 °F is always a welcome excuse to pull out one of my favorite hand-knit items: hats!
Hats are one of my favorite things to both knit and design. I absolutely adore them. They are the perfect playground for trying new techniques, are satisfyingly fast, and are great for gifts. What’s not to love about them? To celebrate the season of hats I’m going to round up a few of my favorite hats that are perfect for September.
Looking Glass in Kingston Tweed
First up is Looking Glass. This hat is part of our e-book, Kingston Tweed Volume I. It’s a relaxed hat with a folded brim and a beautiful diamond motif in alternating colors. If you enjoy stranded colorwork, you’ll love this project. The motif will demand a bit of attention, but the results are worth it. I named this hat after Looking Glass Rock, located in Pisgah National Forest, as the colors echo the granite formation peeking out of the lush, green Appalachian Mountains. It’s knit using Kingston Tweed, a rustic blend of 50% wool, 25% alpaca, and 25% viscose. The sticky texture, slight halo, and subtle tweed make it an outstanding yarn for colorwork projects like this one.
Woodlawn Hat in Kingston Tweed
Kingston Tweed is great for more than just colorwork. The Woodlawn Hat is an excellent example of how beautifully it works up into rich textures. Knit-purl and mini-cable columns decorate this hat. This project is perfect for those looking to try cables for the first time. Although I love all types of knitting, I crave knitting cabled, textural projects the most, and in my wardrobe, those are the items I reach for most frequently. The Woodlawn Hat is classic and endlessly wearable. It’s exactly what I reach for when I’m ready for an early morning on the trail.
By the way, we’ve added three new colors to Kingston Tweed: forest green #114 Serpentine, fiery red #115 Garnet, and earthy brown #116 Dravite. They would be fantastic choices for the Woodlawn Hat.
Compass Hat & Cowl in Deluxe Worsted Superwash
As much as I enjoy making hats for myself, I also love making them for others – especially my husband. He is one of the most knit-worthy people I know, and he doesn’t leave the house without a hand-knit hat as soon as the weather begins to cool down. He would probably love to have every hat in this round-up.
One of the hats I’d love to knit for him is the Compass Hat (and bonus cowl!) because of its timelessness. The ribbing and cables are a simple, subtle nod to fisherman’s sweaters. Like the Woodlawn Hat, this accessory is perfect for anyone who wants to learn to knit cables. The Compass Hat is knit using woolly and wonderful workhorse yarn, Deluxe Worsted Superwash, and is completely interchangeable with non-superwash Deluxe Worsted (my favorite!).
Trawler in Bella Cash
Speaking of fishermen – I’d like to highlight another nautically-inspired design: Trawler. Wear this hat with the brim folded and close to your head to mimic the classic fisherman’s cap, or wear it unfolded and slouchy for a relaxed look. Trawler boasts squishy brioche and a handsome marled effect that is achieved by holding two strands of yarn together as one. Knit in Bella Cash, a blend of 60% superwash fine merino, 30% nylon, and 10% cashmere, this hat is a durable little luxury.
Basketweave Hat in Be Wool Mutis
If you’re looking to knit something in a flash, look no further than the Basketweave Hat. When I say this is a fast project, I really mean it. I knit it in under two hours! This beginner-friendly hat pairs little blocks of garter and stockinette stitch to create a basketweave motif (hence the name). It’s great as a palette cleansing project or a last-minute gift. Knit in Be Wool Multis, a super bulky blend of 60% acrylic and 40% wool, it’s an easy-care accessory covered in fun multicolor speckles. This hat is sure to spark some joy!
Cichlid Hats in Bamboo Bloom Handpaints and Deluxe Worsted Superwash
Who doesn’t love a hat topped with a pom pom? I especially love adding a pop of color with pom-poms, as demonstrated in the Cichlid Hat. For this design, I really wanted to allow the colorful, thick/thin texture of Bamboo Bloom Handpaints to shine. Bamboo Bloom Handpaints is a loosely plied blend of 48% bamboo, 44% wool, and 8% acrylic. It’s such a unique yarn and simplicity is key when working with it. Because this yarn wouldn’t be well-suited to ribbing for the brim of a hat or to creating a nice, plump pom-pom, I chose coordinating colors of Deluxe Worsted Superwash to create a brim that ensures a good fit. The color options are endless with this fun pattern!
Vinia Hat in Donnina
Worked in super-soft, lightweight Donnina, the Vinia Hat is another cute hat topped with a colorful pom-pom. You might have noticed by now that I love hats that feature a folded brim. In fact, I almost consider them vital when knitting hats for myself! Like many of the other hats in this list, Vinia features a deep, folded brim. Colorwork resembling vines decorates the body of the hat. I’ve been dreaming of knitting this hat in autumnal colors – #201 Vanilla and #203 Amber would make lovely choices, but the possibilities are endless!
Frosted Crocus Hat from Interweave Knits, Gifts 2021 in Donnina
Rounding out my list of great hats for the season is actually a design recently published in the Gifts 2020 issue of Interweave Knits. Knit in Donnina, the Frosted Crocus Hat is was such a delight to knit and design. The playful and bold colorwork motif is coupled with details like a speckled pom-pom (tutorial link) and tubular cast-on (tutorial link) for a hat that is irresistibly fun. I designed this with holiday gift-knitting in mind, but it’s perfect for autumn, too!
There are so many delightful hat patterns to choose from, so be sure to explore the patterns on our website for more. Plus, we have even more hat designs coming your way in the coming months. What hat patterns are you planning to knit or crochet this fall? We’d love to know!
It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, the Aeolis Throw in Deluxe Worsted Superwash and Classic Shades (pattern link here).
What a crocheted beauty!
This beautiful throw was originally part of e-book Classic Shades Book 5: The Plaza Collection. Today, we’re setting it free!
This is the only crochet design from that collection, and it takes full advantage of Classic Shades‘ self-shading quality.
Amy Gunderson used solid Deluxe Worsted Superwash for the main body and the ebony border, then chose Classic Shades color 734 Cool Blazes which had just enough of those tones to tie it together, but still be bold.
The result is a centerpiece of home decor, something to wrap around when you want to keep off the chill but still feel the vibrance of Spring.
We hope you have a warm and wonderful weekend.
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!
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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.
It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, the Rainbow Brick Shawl in Deluxe Worsted Superwash and Classic Shades Frenzy (pattern link here).
Our design team named this pattern after the famous Italian sweets. When I heard this, I asked, “The what? What’s Rainbow Brick dessert?” Gasps of horror floated out of the design studio.
Credit: Ari Laing at wellseasonedstudio.com
Oh! Yes! I know those! I love those! No wonder this sweet design is named after such a tasty treat.
This slip-stitch shawl starts at the point, increasing as you go. Change colors every two rows, and twist them together at the end so you don’t have to cut the yarn and weave in a million ends.
Self-shading Classic Shades Frenzy is bordered by solid Deluxe Worsted Superwash to create little capsules of color in this fun accessory.
Do you think I can convince the design team to make me some Rainbow Brick cookies? I predict they’ll do what crafters often do when someone asks them to knit something: “here are the instructions, try it yourself!”
Happy crafting!
