Holiday Helper – Light and Breezy

Halloween’s behind us, which means it’s time to kick our holiday knitting into high gear.  Or, if you’re me, it’s time to actually *start* your holiday knitting.  I’m sure all of you are busy weaving in ends on that heirloom blanket that you started back in January, but maybe – just maybe – you are in the same boat as I am and are suddenly remembering that one person you wanted to make something special for who slipped your mind.

Worry no more!  From now through the end of the year we’ll be highlighting some relatively quick designs that will still satisfy your recipient without driving you crazy.  This week, let’s look at a couple of light and easy projects in warm-weather yarns.

Blue Seaspray Shawlette final back_blog

The free High Tide Shawlette is made in Cotton Supreme DK Seaspray.  This took just one hank, albeit with only a few yards left over.  There’s still enough time to make this lovely triangular shawl on US Size 8 (5mm) needles before the holidays roll around.  Denim print is going to be big next season, so it’ll be very on trend for your giftee.

Good Earth Adorn Scarf 1_blog

The free Botanical Scarf takes just one skein of Good Earth Adorn cotton/linen blend.  This is a luxury yarn that feels great but won’t break the bank.  This is another one on US Size 8 (5mm) needles.  With an easy-to-memorize pattern, this would be great to take along in the plane or car home for the holidays.  And again, Good Earth Adorn has that subtle earthy look that’s going to stay in fashion for a long time to come.

My main problem with starting holiday gifts early is that they stay around my house and I think, “You know, this would look great on me.”  And then I wind up having to knit another gift.

We wish you great willpower and happy knitting!

Sunday Swatch – Llamalini

Today’s Sunday Swatch is in Llamalini color 106 Lotus.

SS Llamalini blogYes, it looked like a smiley face, so I had to take a picture of it like that because I am a big old dork.  But I can’t help it, I’m smiling too.  I got to knit with Llamalini!   This particular swatch is the stitch pattern from this week’s Throwback Thursday, the Zig Zag Lace Scarf.  It worked up nicely on US Size 7 (4.5mm) needles and was quite an easy pattern to keep track of.

Llamalini (50g/109yds) is a blend of linen, royal llama, and silk bourette that’s just as decadent as it sounds.  The linen gives it a little drape, and the silk bourette provides a tweedy texture for added visual interest.  The royal llama is there for extra fabulousness.

Crooked Dolphin Tee by NytateLlamalini is featured prominently in our Contrarian Shawls e-book, but I also want to show off a free pattern designed for it.  The Diagonals Tee is a popular design with an interesting yoke.  The only sewing is stitching up the underarms, which you can see are quite short.  Raveler Nytate (real name, Latisha) did a great version of this top (pictured right), and in fact is doing a KAL/class on it at her local shop, Sheep’s Clothing in Kennewick, WA.  Nice work!

Have a great weekend, and happy knitting!

 

Throwback Thursday – Zig Zag Lace Scarf

It’s Throwback Thursday!

Throwback Thursday Zig Zag Lace Scarf

Today, we feature the Zig Zag Lace Scarf.  Originally in Fibra Natura Seasong, we’re recommending a couple of medium weight alternatives here.

First, Llamalini (50g/109yds), another member of the Fibra Natura family.  It’s a decadent blend of royal llama, silk bourette, and linen.  In fact I’ve picked Llamalini for an upcoming Sunday Swatch, mainly so I have another excuse to knit with it!

Next, Deluxe Worsted Superwash (100g/220yds), our very popular superwash version of Deluxe Worsted.  There’s no plant content here, so the scarf will have a little more “spring” with this choice.  There’s a great range of colors here, so there are many opportunities to customize your scarf.

0118-Universal Yarn catchupThe pattern itself is very simple – just a series of yarn overs and decreases staggered to make a zig zag design.  This is an easy pattern to read in your stitches, meaning once you’ve done a repeat you can see how to continue without too much referring back to the pattern page.  This is a classic pattern that we’re glad to share again!

Happy knitting!

Sunday Swatch – Whisper Lace

Today’s Sunday Swatch is in Whisper Lace colors 110 Lemongrass (solid) and 206 Amber Trinket (variegated).

SS Whisper Lace_blog

This is one of my favorite yarns in the Fibra Natura family.  Whisper Lace is 70% wool/30% silk and soft as a cloud.  And at 440 yards per 50 gram ball, it goes a long way.

One thing that I like about Whisper Lace is how well the solid and the variegated tones match.  They look great paired as in the lace sample above, or in Adrienne Ku’s Pescadito shawl shown at right.  Colors 104 Fog and 208 Orchid Dream make a great barely-there contrast that doesn’t obscure the lace pattern – light and breezy and gorgeous.

What’s to become of today’s Sunday Swatch?  It’s already been claimed by a young person in my house – apparently it will look just fabulous on some lucky doll.

Happy knitting!

SS Whisper Lace Zoe

 

Free Pattern Friday – Dockside Pullover in Flax

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Dockside Striped Pullover in Flax

Today, it’s the Dockside Striped Pullover in Flax.

Ah, summer.  It hits us here in the South a little sooner than the rest of y’all.  But make no mistake, it’s on its way.  With that in mind, we bring you something light and airy for the move to warmer weather.

Dockside Striped Pullover in Flax - detailThe Dockside Striped Pullover uses a basic four row stitch pattern to create a breezy fabric.  It’s an easy-to-memorize fabric stitch, great for porch knitting.  Our Flax 100% linen is the perfect fiber for this, becoming more relaxed and comfortable with each washing – or accidental splash by the lake.

Stay cool – and keep on knitting!

Free Pattern Friday – Day Trip Tote

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Day Trip Tote in Good Earth

Today’s Free Pattern Friday is the crocheted Day Trip Tote in Good Earth.  Can’t you feel yourself relaxing just looking at it?  I can’t decide – should I take it down to the beach, or sling it over a shoulder and bring it to the farmer’s market?

Southwest SunsGood Earth is a cotton/linen blend that’s perfect for cool and breezy projects.  Available in solids and multis, it’s a popular choice for crochet, as in the Southwest Suns shawl  at right from our Contrarian Shawls e-book.  Works great in knits too – the free pattern Lakeside Tee is in my queue.

We love this yarn.  In fact, we’re adding a new member to the Good Earth Family – Good Earth Adorn uses a spray-dyeing technique to give it interesting color without pooling.

We hope your weekend is filled with relaxation, and plenty of time to enjoy whatever craft you choose.

Good Earth group_blog