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!
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.
Whether you’re knitting this for your Galentine, Valentine, or yourself, the Ciri shawl is the perfect cast-on this week.
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.
We hope you have a wonderful holiday – filled with chocolate, yarn, and your favorite people!
Free Pattern Friday – Verbena
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.
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…
We hope you have a fantastic weekend.
Happy crafting!
Day 3 of Winter – Series 3 Edition
This is part 3 in a 12 part series highlighting designs from our 12 Days of Winter, Series 3 Edition.
It’s already Day 3 of the 12 Days of Winter Kit Collection, and I couldn’t be more excited to share this lovely shawl with you. Say hello to December in the City – a luxe shawl in dreamy Cashmere Lusso, designed by Adrienne Larsen. We love the lace columns and geometry of this shawl, and we wanted to pick Adrienne’s brain. We asked her to share a bit about her inspiration for this design, so she kindly obliged. Here is what she had to say: “This design has been a long time in the making. It all starts in May of 2017 when I went on an EPIC road trip with my sister. We covered 25 states in 14 days! We saw so much, and I visited a lot of states I’d never been on before. I ate so much ice cream in so many places (surprisingly, the best was vegan ice cream in Austin)! It was such a whirlwind that I don’t even remember what state I was in when this chair at a museum struck my fancy. (It’s very Adrienne to remember the ice cream flavors in Austin – Cinnamon Toast Crunch & Horchata – but not this). I loved the combination of the vertical lines and interrupted diagonals. I wrote a lace pattern with it in mind in my hotel room that night. Since that time, that lace pattern has tried to be both a tank top and a pullover, but it didn’t work out. It wasn’t until two years later that I realized that it was a shawl. You never know when inspiration will strike, so never give up on a good idea!” -Adrienne We loved hearing about Adrienne’s inspiration for this shawl and can absolutely see the resemblance. This shawl is a magical addition to the 12 Days of Winter Kit Collection. As a reminder, you can find the 12 Days of Winter Kits at your local yarn shop.
It’s already Day 3 of the 12 Days of Winter Kit Collection, and I couldn’t be more excited to share this lovely shawl with you. Say hello to December in the City – a luxe shawl in dreamy Cashmere Lusso, designed by Adrienne Larsen. We love the lace columns and geometry of this shawl, and we wanted to pick Adrienne’s brain. We asked her to share a bit about her inspiration for this design, so she kindly obliged. Here is what she had to say: “This design has been a long time in the making. It all starts in May of 2017 when I went on an EPIC road trip with my sister. We covered 25 states in 14 days! We saw so much, and I visited a lot of states I’d never been on before. I ate so much ice cream in so many places (surprisingly, the best was vegan ice cream in Austin)! It was such a whirlwind that I don’t even remember what state I was in when this chair at a museum struck my fancy. (It’s very Adrienne to remember the ice cream flavors in Austin – Cinnamon Toast Crunch & Horchata – but not this). I loved the combination of the vertical lines and interrupted diagonals. I wrote a lace pattern with it in mind in my hotel room that night. Since that time, that lace pattern has tried to be both a tank top and a pullover, but it didn’t work out. It wasn’t until two years later that I realized that it was a shawl. You never know when inspiration will strike, so never give up on a good idea!” -Adrienne We loved hearing about Adrienne’s inspiration for this shawl and can absolutely see the resemblance. This shawl is a magical addition to the 12 Days of Winter Kit Collection. As a reminder, you can find the 12 Days of Winter Kits at your local yarn shop.
Free Pattern Friday – Glider Shawl
It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, the Glider Shawl in Finn (pattern link here). Perfect for a breezy day or a night out, this shawl adds warmth without the bulk. Originally part of the Vibrance in Lace collection from last Fall, we’ve decided to set this lovely pattern free.
Finn, a yarn featuring a blend of superwash merino, alpaca, and acrylic, is the perfect match for this pattern. It is soft to touch, with a subtle halo thanks to the alpaca. I don’t know about you, but something about halo-y yarn and lace makes my heart sing.
Knit from the bottom up, beginning with the tip, the shawl’s original shape adds decorative interest to any outfit. The lace panel in the back adds a delicate and feminine touch, while the rest of the shawl is worked in simple, soothing garter stitch. Draped around your shoulders or worn bandana-style, the Glider Shawl is sure to become a multi-season favorite.
We hope you have a relaxing weekend filled yarn-y goodness. Happy Crafting!
Free Pattern Friday – Elation
It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today Elation in Poems Sock (pattern link here).
We’ve had fun highlighting sock yarns the last few weeks, and we wanted to get one more in before turning to bigger projects.
Poems Sock is a superwash wool/nylon single with long color repeats – as you can see!
This whole thing takes just one skein – Color 969 Cabin Fever is shown. The shawl is knit side to side.
The fringe is created by unraveling one garter edge back down to the cast on edge.
The result is a simple, colorful, fun shawl. And when you drop those edge stitches and see the fringe form, you’ll understand why it’s called Elation!
Next week: something satisfying in crochet. We hope you have a fantastic weekend.
Happy crafting!
Free Pattern Friday – Phantom Shawlette
It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, the Phantom Shawlette in Cotton Gold (pattern link here).
What a treat! Kristin Hansen is a wonderful designer who does magical things with lace. This beautifully shaped shawl is no exception.
This design was formerly for sale as part of e-book Sparkle Fine 2, a collection of three exquisite knitted shawls designed by Kristin Hansen. Today, we’re setting it free!
This shawl takes three balls of Rozetti Yarns Cotton Gold, a thin cotton securely strung with sequins. Shown: color 1100, blue yarn with blue sequins.
It adds an otherworldly sparkle to an ethereal design.
The shawl is worked top down, with some decrease magic to give it its swooping shape. The border is knitted on after finishing the body.
This light cotton shawl is the perfect thing for some summertime glamour.
We hope you have a cool, relaxing weekend.
Happy crafting!
Free Pattern Friday – Sparkler Shawl
It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, the Sparkler Shawl in Fibra Natura Unity (pattern link here).
We like going red, white, and blue around the 4th of July. Remember last year’s Independence Tank in Flax? This year, we’re sharing a burst of color in linen blend Unity.
This four-pointed shawl has a shape that’s incredibly easy to wear. It begins at the center, increasing to create three triangles that sit easily on your shoulders.
Summery blend Unity is paired with an open stitch pattern, making this the perfect shawl for warmer days.
One word of caution: the sample shown here weighs exactly 200g, meaning exactly two skeins of Unity. If your gauge is a little off, or you’re not a fan of “yarn chicken,” you may wish to purchase an additional skein to ensure you have enough yarn. Alternatively, you could work fewer garter rows along the border, though it will naturally result in a slightly smaller shawl. We hope you have a wonderful weekend, full of light and joy. Happy crafting!
One word of caution: the sample shown here weighs exactly 200g, meaning exactly two skeins of Unity. If your gauge is a little off, or you’re not a fan of “yarn chicken,” you may wish to purchase an additional skein to ensure you have enough yarn. Alternatively, you could work fewer garter rows along the border, though it will naturally result in a slightly smaller shawl. We hope you have a wonderful weekend, full of light and joy. Happy crafting!
Free Pattern Friday – Halfway There
It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, Halfway There in Flax (pattern link here).
This gorgeous crochet shawl was originally a pay pattern, part of the Contrarian Shawls 2 collection.
Now, we’re setting it free!
This is a triangular shawl, but not in traditionally shaped. If you remember your geometry, it’s a scalene right angle triangle – one 90 degree angle, but sides of differing lengths.
The geometric theme is repeated in the stepped triangles along the border. Crocheted in 100% linen Flax, this is a great design for warm weather!
A delicate, yet modern, design. It’s a delight to share it.
We hope you have a great weekend. Happy crafting!
Free Pattern Friday – Fern Wrap
It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, the Fern Wrap in Garden 10 (pattern link here).
Fern Wrap originally appeared in print, as part of Garden Book 4: Garden Romance (also available as an e-book on Ravelry). Today, we’re setting it free!
This wide stole features tiny flowers in the space-dyed colors of Garden 10 cotton, bordered with a solid shade.
Worked flat, the Fern Wrap is finished with a tidy single crochet edging.
This shawl is written with a right side and wrong side to help you stay on track, but is reversible when worn.
We hope you enjoy this summery, delicate crochet piece. Have a great weekend, and happy crafting!
Free Pattern Friday – Saltwater
It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today’s free pattern is Saltwater in Unity and Unity Beyond (pattern link here).
Earlier this month, we released an e-book of designs in our Fibra Natura family of yarns.
Lakeside Retreat is a generously sized collection of both knit and crochet patterns in natural fibers. With 16 designs included, we realized we had enough to lift out a pattern to release for free. The choice was Saltwater by Rachel Brockman.
This beautiful triangular shawl is knit from the top down in solid Unity and variegated Unity Beyond. These yarns are a unique blend of cotton, wool, bamboo, and linen designed to drape beautifully and lend an earthy texture to finished pieces.
Lightweight and airy, Saltwater combines garter and stockinette with simple striping to create a lovely understated shawl.
To finish it off, a crochet border is added. Rachel was thinking of little sandcastles when she added this charming design touch.
I’m eyeing this for myself, but we just released some brand new colors in Unity and Unity Beyond, and I’m loving the way they pair up. What do you think of solid 113 Alizarin and multi 208 Sunrise? It would certainly be a dramatic take on the design!
Or maybe let the sun shine in with 115 Cob and 207 Springtide. What a decision!
We hope you have a relaxing weekend. Happy crafting!