It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, the Storytime Blankies in Bella Chenille Big (pattern link here).
Even though this is one pattern, we’re going with Blankie(s), plural, because we couldn’t resist making this up in two color choices.
Whether you choose the cream and pink, the blue and white, or your own choice (indigo and daffodil?), the texture on this blanket in Bella Chenille Big will still be divine.
Couldn’t you just sink into it like a big fluffy cloud?
The twisted stockinette body and the garter column stripe are each a two-row repeat. Easy to memorize, and quick to work up on US size 15 (10mm) needles. If you want instant gratification, or need a quick baby gift, this is your pattern.
Please do squeeze the blanket.
Plus, who doesn’t like tassels? 🙂
We hope you have a fantastic weekend, full of softness and warmth.
Happy crafting!
It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, Caitrin knit in Deluxe Worsted Tweed Superwash (pattern link here).
Caitrin was formerly available as a pay-only pattern and part of e-book Color Fusion, a collection of cool-weather knits in Deluxe Worsted Tweed Superwash.
The Fair Isle pattern is easy to ‘read’ in your stitches, and the tweedy character of the yarn softens the bold graphic lines of the chevron. A well thought-out pattern from Tori Gurbisz.
Caitrin takes just one ball of each color, making it easy and inexpensive to customize for yourself. We’re delighted to offer this versatile pattern for free!
Stay warm, and have a great weekend.
Happy crafting!
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, I thought I’d make a confession. I have a new love in my life, and it’s Fibra Natura Ravello. One of our new spring yarns, this is quickly becoming a favorite (I know, I shouldn’t pick favorites!). It’s a blend of cotton, extra-fine merino wool, and recycled cashmere, making it a fabulous yarn for multi-season garments and accessories. Ravello is soft, drapey, and has a subtle halo. These qualities are pretty irresistible!
Ravello in 104 Soft Clay
I’ve been having so much fun designing with this yarn. So, just in time for Valentine’s Day, we’re introducing the Ciri shawl. This is a large, asymmetrical shawl knit in two coordinating colors that nod towards Valentine’s Day without being obvious.
The main color is 108 Tuscan Pepper, a rich burgundy that shows off the lace beautifully. It is paired with 104 Soft Clay as the contrast color. After years of resisting pink, I’ve recently become more and more drawn to warm, less saturated shades of pink. Swaths of lace in the main color are interrupted by garter stitch stripes that are worked with the contrast color. It is finished with a crochet picot bind-off that adds a touch of romance. Ciri is knit on the bias, creating an asymmetrical shape. It begins at the tip and slowly increases to the widest edge. The shape and loose gauge make a drapey fabric you’ll love to wear. Each end of the shawl gently spirals downward when you place it over your shoulders.
This shawl is quite large. You can wrap it around your neck multiple times for maximum coziness.
Just look at that picot trim and gorgeous drape – we’re smitten!
Whether you’re knitting this for your Galentine, Valentine, or yourself, the Ciri shawl is the perfect cast-on this week.
Gardenia is knit is 101 Ocean Fog.
Oh, and just in case you’re looking for a little more Ravello inspiration, don’t forget about Gardenia. Lace and delicate cables would make this sweet little hat another lovely Valentine’s Day project, especially knit up in 106 Malbec or 107 Balet Slipper.
Top: 106 Malbec Bottom, left to right: 107 Balet Slipper and 104 Soft Clay
We hope you have a wonderful holiday – filled with chocolate, yarn, and your favorite people!
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!
It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, Jora knit in Adore (pattern link here).
Even though this was available before as a pay pattern, I am super-excited to see it available for free now. This one’s been in my queue for a while now, and with holiday crafting done (the Sequoia in Deluxe Bulky Superwash I started for my daughter last year turned out great), I might finally have time to make something for myself!
Jora was originally part of the Attire to Adore collection (Ravelry link), an e-book of knit sweaters in machine-washable Adore designed to be beautiful and comfortable wardrobe staples. Jora didn’t get as much attention as some of its fancier sisters (the Willow Cardigan is also in my queue!) but to me, this design is the perfect “classic with a twist.”
This would be so easy to dress up or down. We styled it here with jeans, but imagine this over a skirt, with a coordinating pendant resting against the solid field of the sweater. Pretty!
This design ticks the “simple but not boring” box for a wardrobe staple. It’s not all stockinette – there’s an elegant, flowing cable down each sleeve to create interest and lengthen the line.
We designed the originals in this collection in cool blues and grays, but I’m thinking… maybe autumn tones?
127 Hickory, 128 Gingerbread, 111 Banana, 131 White
Decisions, decisions. Have a fantastic weekend.
This is part 12 in a 12 part series highlighting designs from our 12 Days of Winter, Series 3 Edition.
We can hardly believe it, but it’s the final day of the 12 Days of Winter Kit Collection. For Day 12, we’re wrapping things up with the Twinkle Cover, knit using ever-popular Uptown Worsted.
The Twinkle cover features a lovely all-over lace pattern. This circular blanket is created using pi-shawl construction, made popular by the queen of knitting, Elizabeth Zimmermann. Pi-construction begins at the center, then, at regular distances, you simply double the stitch count. The best part? There are just a couple of increase rounds in this whole blanket. The most concentration is required at the beginning of the pattern. After the central increases are complete, the outer rings both feature easy-to-memorize lace motifs.
We have to admit – blocking this blanket will take some effort, but the pattern guides you through the process with some tips and tricks. Steam-blocking is suggested, which might sound risky considering this is an acrylic blanket, but it ensures that you’ll never need to block again. In this case, “killing” the acrylic is a good thing.
Ultimately, this is a project that’s sure to get compliments when you have visitors. It would make a stunning gift, too. We hope you love it.
Thank you so much for joining us for the third 12 Days of Winter Kit Collection. This year we’ve curated a collection of everything from accessories for your head, hands, and heart to beautiful home decor items. There is a mix of projects from beginner to advanced. We so enjoy bringing this collection to life each year and hope you enjoy the kits just as much. Remember, you can find all of the 12 Days of Winter Kit Collection at your local yarn store. Here’s to a crafty, fun-filled winter spent with your loved ones!
This is part 11 in a 12 part series highlighting designs from our 12 Days of Winter, Series 3 Edition.
It’s Day 11 in the 12 Days of Winter Kit Collection. We can’t believe how quickly time seems to be going. Before we dive into today’s kit and post, I’d like to take a moment to highlight that today is Small Business Saturday. We’re right in the midst of what is arguably the biggest shopping period of the year. As you gear up for the holiday season, don’t forget to support your local small businesses. For those of us who love all things yarny, it’s the perfect day to show some support to your local yarn stores. Without them, we wouldn’t be a business at all! Local yarn stores are front and center of the fiber community – offering a space to learn, socialize, and of course, purchase some yummy yarn.
And now, onto today’s kit (which you can find at your local yarn store).
Today we’re excited to introduce the Trinket Socks, knit up in deliciously soft, yet strong, Bella Cash. This is a great all-around yarn, but here in the office, it has become a favorite for knitting socks. Thanks to the superwash merino, they’re machine-washable and easy to care for. Cashmere adds a touch of luxury, and nylon ensures these socks will be strong enough to last for ages. These socks feature a lace and twisted stitch pattern that is addictive to knit, and quick to work up.
Speaking of twisted stitches – we have a tutorial to share today. If you can recall from Day 7 of Winter (the Mountain Pines Cowl), we shared a tutorial on Right and Left Purl Twists. Today, we’ll be showing you how to knit a regular Right and Left Twist – no purling necessary. Note that for today’s tutorial, we’re using Deluxe Chunky so that it’s easier for you to see.
Right TwistStart by making a swatch. Swatches are not only crucial for getting the finished item you want but are also great for practicing new stitches. Work in your pattern until you’ve reached the two stitches you need to twist. I’ve highlighted these stitches in purple so it’s easier to see. We want to change the position of these two stitches by moving the left stitch over the top of the right stitch.Begin by knitting two stitches together, but do not drop the stitches from your needle. As you can see, the two stitches remain on the left needle, but there is now a new stitch on the right needle. Next, knit the first stitch on the left needle. Drop both of the stitches from the left needle. You now have completed the Right Twist, and have two new stitches on the right needle. Easy, right?Left TwistWork in your pattern until you’ve reached the two stitches you need to twist. I’ve highlighted these stitches in purple so it’s easier to see. We want to change the position of these two stitches by moving the right stitch over the top of the left stitch.The first step is to knit only the second stitch on the left needle. This stitch is highlighted in purple. As you can see, the first stitch on the left needle remains in place. After knitting the second stitch, do not drop the stitches off the left needle. Next, knit the first stitch on the left needle. Drop both of the stitches from the left needle. You now have completed the Left Twist, and have two new stitches on the right needle.Here is what each set of twisted stitches will look like. Notice that the Left Twist leans to the left, and the Right Twist leans to the right. In the Trinket Socks, Right Twists and Left Twists are alternated to create an undulating panel.
The Right and Left Twists are a great addition to your knitting toolbox. You’ll find that they’re quite fun to work, and they can really make a stitch pattern interesting. I hope you’ve found this tutorial to be useful.
Notice those panels of twisted stitches – pretty!
Remember, you can find the Trinket Socks kit, as well as the rest of the 12 Days of Winter Kits at your local yarn store. Happy knitting!
This is part 9 in a 12 part series highlighting designs from our 12 Days of Winter, Series 3 Edition.
It’s Day 9 of Winter in the 12 Days of Winter Kit Collection. In today’s guest post, we welcome the next addition to the kit collection and enjoy a recipe for homemade marshmallows!
Today, the Snow Day Hat and Mittens, designed by Jennifer Sadler. This cozy accessory set is knit up in warm and woolly Deluxe DK Superwash. This yarn has great stitch definition, making it perfect for the knit-purl snowflake motifs in the hat and mittens. The light, Oatmeal Heather color also helps those stitches to stand out and gives this set a sophisticated feel.
When we asked Jennifer to share her inspiration for the design, she also wanted to include a recipe. Who are we to say no to that offer? Here is what she had to say:
“Snow days are one of my favorite things in the world. Where I live, everything shuts down, and you’re guaranteed a cozy day at home. I designed this hat and mitten set to reflect my love for snow and have a quick project to whip up the moment the snow appears in the forecast. And who wouldn’t love wearing a trio of faux-flakes while playing in real snowflakes?
When I’m ready to warm up inside by the fire, I absolutely love having a hot cup of cocoa with homemade marshmallows on top. As intimidating as they may sound, they are pretty simple to make and are infinite times better than their store-bought counterparts. I’m sharing my favorite recipe with you below, so you can whip up some of your own for your next snow day (or just a regular Tuesday, no judgment here!)
Homemade Marshmallows Ingredients: 2 ½ tablespoons unflavored gelatin 1 cup light corn syrup 1 ½ cups granulated sugar 2 tablespoons vanilla extract (peppermint extract is also a yummy option!) ¼ teaspoon salt Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Directions:
Combine gelatin and ½ cup cold water in the bowl of an electric mixer with whisk attachment. Let stand for 30 minutes.
2. Combine granulated sugar, corn syrup, salt, and ½ cup water in a small heavy saucepan; place over low heat and stir until sugar has dissolved.
3. Clip on a candy thermometer; raise to high heat. Cook syrup without stirring until it reaches 244 degrees F (firm-ball stage). Immediately remove pan from heat. Tip: if you don’t have a candy thermometer, you can test the syrup by placing a few drops in a glass of cool water. Scoop the drops of syrup out of the water and test with your fingers. The drops should be firm, but pliable. This is firm-ball stage.Testing the syrup by placing a few drops in a glass of cool water and scoop them out with a spoon. Firm, but pliable.
4. With mixer on low speed, slowly and carefully pour the syrup into the softened gelatin. Increase speed to high. Beat until mixture is very thick and white and has almost tripled in volume, about 15 minutes. Add vanilla; beat to incorporate.
5. Generously dust an 8×12 baking pan with confectioners’ sugar. Pour marshmallow mixture into the pan. Dust top with confectioners’ sugar; wet your hands and pat it to smooth. Dust with more confectioners’ sugar and let stand overnight, uncovered, to dry out.
6. Turn out onto a cutting board. Cut marshmallows with a dry hot knife into 1 ½ inch squares, and dust with more confectioners’ sugar. Alternatively, dust small cookie cutters with confectioners’ sugar, and cut marshmallows with the cutters.
7. Enjoy!”
-Jennifer
We simply cannot wait to try out this delicious recipe. It’s the perfect complement to last year’s recipe for spiced hot cocoa. Remember, you can find the 12 Days of Winter Kits at your local yarn shop.
This is part 7 in a 12 part series highlighting designs from our 12 Days of Winter, Series 3 Edition.
We’re a week into the 12 Days of Winter Kit Collection for 2019, and we hope you’re enjoying everything we’ve shared so far. Today we’re introducing an earthy green cowl that’s sure to hold your interest. Say Hello to the Mountain Pines Cowl, designed by Jennifer Sadler. This deliciously squishy cowl features twisted stitches that form the shapes of evergreen trees. Knit in soft, plump Deluxe Chunky, this is a fairly quick project that will keep you warm all winter long.
Jennifer, who is based in Asheville , North Carolina, got her inspiration from pine trees. Here is what she had to say:
“Here in the North Carolina mountains, pine trees are easily found – there are actually six different kinds of pine trees native to the state. I love how in the winter they stay green, adding a touch of color to an otherwise brown landscape, and when it snows, the branches let the snow pile up, creating a pillow of white on top of the green needles. The Mountain Pines Cowl pays homage to those green monster trees.
The pine tree motif is much simpler than it looks to knit. It uses twisted stitches, and no cable needle! Once you’ve experienced the ease of twisted stitches, you’ll want to incorporate them into your knitting as much as possible – they create a wonderful visual texture, with hardly any extra work.”
-Jennifer
I couldn’t agree more with Jennifer – twisted stitches are a joy to work, especially when you get the hang of them. It eventually feels intuitive and you’ll be glad to have this skill in your toolbox. The Mountain Pines Cowl uses purl twists, so that’s what we’ll focus on in this tutorial. You’ll learn the Left Purl Twist (LPT) and the Right Purl Twist (RPT). The Left Purl Twist (LPT) leans to the left, and the Right Purl Twist (RPT) leans to the right. We’ll cover the LPT first, followed by the RPT.
Left Purl Twist Start by making a swatch. Swatches are not only crucial for getting the finished item you want but are also great for practicing new stitches. Work in your pattern until you’ve reached the two stitches you need to twist. I’ve highlighted these stitches in purple so it’s easier to see. As you can see we have a knit stitch and a purl stitch on the left-hand needle. We want to change their positioning by moving the knit stitch over the top of the purl stitch.Admittedly, the LPT is just a bit more complex than the RPT. It might feel a little fiddly until you get the hang of it. Remember the order of the stitches from the previous photo? The order of the stitches from right to left was Knit, Purl. For the LPT, the first step is to purl the second stitch on the left needle through the back loop. This stitch is highlighted in blue. As you can see, the first (knit) stitch on the left needle remains in place. After you purl the second stitch through the back loop, do not drop the first and second stitches off the left needle. Next, move your yarn to the back of the work and knit the first stitch on the left needle. Now you can drop both the first and second stitches on the left needle. These stitches are highlighted in purple. After you drop them, you’ve completed the LPT. Notice how the stitches have changed position, and the knit stitch now leans to the left, over top of the purl stitch. Well done, now on to the RPT!Right Purl TwistWork in your pattern until you’ve reached the two stitches you need to twist. I’ve highlighted these stitches in purple so it’s easier to see. Here we have a purl stitch that precedes a knit stitch. We want to change the position of these stitches, so that the knit stitch leans to the left, over the purl stitch. Begin by knitting two stitches together, but do not drop the stitches from your needle. As you can see, the two stitches remain on the left needle, but there is now a new stitch on the right needle. Bring your yarn to the front, then purl the first stitch on the left needle. Now you can drop the two stitches on the left needle – I’ve highlighted them in purple so it’s easier for you to see. And that’s it – you’ve completed your RPT. Notice how the knit stitch now precedes the purl stitch.
I hope you find this tutorial helpful, and I hope that it drums up excitement for you to start knitting this lovely cowl. Like Jennifer, I’m a big fan of coniferous trees, so this design sings to me!
Remember, you can find the 12 Days of Winter Kits at your local yarn shop. Happy crafting!
This is part 5 in a 12 part series highlighting designs from our 12 Days of Winter, Series 3 Edition.
It’s Day 5 in the 12 Days of Winter Kit Collection, and it’s a personal favorite. Say hello to the Gingerbread Stocking! I have to start this off with a bit of a sad story, but I’ll end it with something sweet, I promise.
When I was about three years old, I was given a very large green stocking with my name embroidered in red on the cuff. My favorite thing about it was that it had a big ol’ Santa Claus face attached to it and he had a huge beard. It was kitschy, and I loved it for more than 20 years. So here is the sad part…before I moved out of my home state I got rid of nearly everything I owned because I knew I’d be traveling for a while. I put together a box with my holiday decor to store at my in-laws’ house. Then, heartbreakingly, I accidentally dropped that box off at Goodwill. The next winter, when I realized all of the decorations were missing – including my stocking – my heart sank. I lost this silly stocking that meant so much to me!
Twisted stitches create the cables along the cuff. An I-cord edging creates the hanger.
As sad as I was about that stocking, life is short, it was a material item, and you have to move on (even though it still stings!). So, for the 12 Days of Winter Kit Collection this year, I decided it was time to design a stocking. After all, handknits are so special. That’s how the Gingerbread Stocking was born. I chose Deluxe Bulky Superwash because it’s easy to care for, thick enough to create a sturdy stocking, and it makes for quick knitting. Not to mention the fact that I love the expansive palette. I chose classic, deep colors for this design, and that got me thinking about one of my favorite winter treats: gingerbread.
The Fair Isle motif used throughout these socks reminds me of the decorations that adorn gingerbread houses. It’s a super-fun knit, and I worked this thing up in a matter of days. Worked in the round from the cuff down, this stocking features an after-thought heel. (Side note, we have a great tutorial on after-thought heels from the first 12 Days of Winter series that you can find here.)
In honor of these stockings and my love for gingerbread (or anything that contains molasses or ginger), I thought I’d share a recipe for gingerbread loaf – I told you I’d end this post with something sweet!
Ingredients
4 Tbs. unsalted butter
1⁄2 cup sugar
1⁄2 cup molasses (yummy!)
1⁄2 cup finely chopped crystallized ginger (also yummy!)
2 eggs
1 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. ground ginger
1⁄2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1⁄2 tsp. ground allspice
1⁄4 tsp. ground plain
1⁄2 cup almond milk (or milk of your choice)
Directions Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees and greasing a 9×4 loaf pan.
In a bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until fluffy. Then, add the molasses and crystallized ginger. I highly recommend separating the ginger a bit so it doesn’t just clump together. Beat in the eggs, one at a time.
In a separate bowl, sift the flour, spices, and baking soda together. In several batches, alternate stirring the flour mixture and the milk into the butter mixture. Take care not to overmix.
Pour the batter into the loaf pan, place in the oven, and bake for about 45 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool or serve warm (my personal preference), and try not to eat it all at once!
Yummy!
I hope you’ll enjoy knitting the Gingerbread Stocking as much as you’ll enjoy indulging in this gingerbread loaf. What’s better than pairing knitting with baked goods? Remember, you can find the Gingerbread Stocking kit and the rest of the 12 Days of Winter kits at your local yarn store. Happy crafting!
