It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, Ariosa in Penna and Bella Cash (pattern link here).
Sometimes, when you combine two beautiful things, you get something even more special.
In this pattern, fingering-weight Bella Cash is held together with new Penna to give a soft alpaca halo to this lacy pullover. Take a look at Penna on its own:
Held together with a vibrant yarn like Bella Cash…
…you get a fabric that’s soft and light, substantial yet perfect for lace.
Shown here in size Small with 5″ of positive ease, Ariosa is sized through 6X.
This sweater is worked flat and seamed, with some short row shaping on the shoulders.
The beauty of holding two thin yarns together is not just that you can mix their textures, but that you can use a larger needle than either calls for alone. In this case, a US6 (4mm) or the size that gets you gauge.
We hope you have a fantastic weekend, filled with light and loveliness.
Happy crafting!
It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, Marley in Alaska and Whisper Lace (pattern link here).
Isn’t this just beautiful?
Marley manages to be cozy, while still being delicate.
The hem is worked in Fibra Natura Whisper Lace, a blend of silk and superwash wool with a luminous sheen. To keep the body and hem in color harmony, the Whisper Lace is held with a strand of Rozetti Alaska, a lofty yarn with a lovely alpaca halo.
So soft. Soooo soft.
It’s just the thing if you’re looking for warmth without weight, all with immaculate style.
We hope you have a fantastic weekend. Happy crafting!
When I was 17, I was lucky enough to go to Majorca (or Mallorca), the Spanish island this top takes its name from.
Yes, it’s that pretty. Couldn’t you just dive right in? No wonder the designer chose this as the inspiration for the gorgeous warm-weather lace top in cotton/linen Lina.
Mmm… Lina. I feel relaxed just looking at it.
Majorca’s lace sails traverse both front and back, as well as each sleeve. A loose V-neck keeps this light and comfortable.
And those bell-shaped sleeves! So many beautiful touches on this piece.
I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to dive in.
Have a relaxed, safe, wonderful 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!
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, Verbena in Angora Lace (free pattern link).
This pattern puts the Lace in Angora Lace.
This asymmetrical shawl is worked flat from the bottom up, beginning at the widest edge.
First, the lace section is worked even, then stitches are gradually decreased to the point.
The angora in Angora Lace gives this a delightful soft halo, supported by a bit of nylon for extra strength. When you make something this beautiful, you want it to last.
All together, it creates a lovely lightweight, versatile shawl.
Angora Lace 203 MerlotAngora Lace 206 Rose
As written, the pattern calls for 2 balls of 207 Ballerina, a lovely light pink. I’m wondering, though, how it would look with a dark color for the lace and a lighter one for the body. Maybe something Valentine-y like red and a darker pink? Hmm…
Mmm… dreamy.
We hope you have a fantastic weekend.
Happy crafting!
It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, the Flourish Scarf in Uptown Super Bulky (pattern link here).
This pattern is proof that you can have both lace and instant gratification.
Knit on US size 13 (9mm) needles, this beautiful scarf is only 21 stitches across.
Make it as long or as short as you like – it’ll go quick in Uptown Super Bulky.
There are plenty of color options – you can stick with the 423 Mint Green in the model or branch out!
We hope you have a great new year, and continue to flourish and grow.
Happy crafting!
It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, the Garden Gold Wrap in Garden 10 Metallic (pattern link here).
It may be a little late to get started on your holiday wardrobe for this year, but you can still get a jump start on your next big occasion.
Kristin Hansen’s shimmering Garden Gold Wrap uses Nazli Gelin Garden 10 Metallic for a beautiful shine.
Ooh… aah…
“Nazli Gelin” means “shy bride” in Turkish, and it’s easy to imagine this shawl in white for a wedding, or in a coordinating color for an honored guest.
For extra effect, Kristin Hansen has added beads to the lace motifs. This is a challenging and rewarding knit that will turn heads.
We hope you have a great weekend, filled with comfort and joy. Happy crafting!
It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, the Dragonfly Pullover in Angora Lace (pattern link here).
I was delighted when Pantone made Basic Blue their color of the year for 2020. I’m all about blue in all its shades. So this lace-hemmed pullover in Angora Lace color 212 Denim is a dream come true.
Lovely details like drop shoulders and 3/4 length sleeves give this a simple and calm, but engaging, feel.
And that body! A surprising and fun hemline, leading to islands of interlocking lace, rising to a sea of fine stockinette. It’s a great way to show off your knitting while still letting the piece do what every sweater should do – show YOU off to your best advantage.
Angora Lace 211 PeacoatAngora Lace 210 Cerulean
If you really want to lean into the blue, Angora Lace has several tones, including these two solids which echo 2020’s Basic Blue beautifully.
Angora Lace 111 Calm
Or go with a multi for all or part of it. There are so many options.
We hope you have a fantastic, stress-free weekend, and find time to embrace some peace and joy for yourself. Happy crafting!
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!
