Tag: Sweater

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Free Pattern Friday – Raglan Tee

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Ariana Ribbed Pullover_blogToday, the Raglan Tee in Ariana.

As I was writing this post, our sales manager Yonca came in and saw the tee and smiled.  I wanted to share what she said.

“This is the design that made me want to have this yarn.  I saw a tee knit up and fell in love with the look and feel.  It’s just perfect.”

So there you have it: this is the tee that inspired the yarn.  The yarn in question is Ariana (100g/91yds), a smooth, sleek knitted tube that looks quite polished, especially in this ribbed tee.

The Raglan Tee is knit from the bottom upon circular needles.  Separate at the armholes for the raglan shaping, then add the sleeves (knit separately).   K1 p1 ribbing is very stretchy, and on US size 10 1/2 (6.5mm) needles this will go quickly.

It’s a great example of a simple design that doesn’t go out of style.

Happy knitting!

 

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Free Pattern Friday – Stairstep Tunic

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

StairstepTunic_ClassicShadesFrenzy_blog

Oh, look!  Another warm garment for me to steal!  The Stairstep Tunic in Classic Shades Frenzy is a cozy treat for this time of year.

The hem, cuffs, and collar all feature twists resembling tiny faux-cables.  Knit the front, back, and cap sleeves flat, then assemble.  The overlapping collar is knitted separately and attached last.  On US size 10 1/2 (6.5mm) needles, this isn’t a project that will drag on forever.

This is a good match of yarn and project – variegated Classic Shades Frenzy provides visual interest but doesn’t obscure the details.

I love this piece.  Instead of stealing it, I think I’ll make my own.

StairstepTunic_ClassicShadesFrenzy_blog_backHappy knitting!

 

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Warm It Up!

Confession time!  When it’s cold outside, sometimes we break into the trunk show garments.

Trunk Show warmup 1

But come on!  How could we resist?  We are so fortunate to be surrounded by so many beautiful yarns and garments, and as knitters and crocheters we truly appreciate them.  The happy knitter above is me, Heather.  I’m wearing my own hat in Poems (1 ball of color 590 Sakura, US size 8/5mm needles, 84 stitch caston).

The cowl and mittens are part of Sandi Rosner’s Rose Quartz Set in Deluxe Worsted 100% wool.  There’s a hat, too, but mine matches so well I stuck with it.

Sandi’s Rose Quartz set is available as a single pattern or part of the Walk in the Woods e-book, full of gorgeous colorwork and felted designs in Deluxe Worsted and Deluxe Chunky.  It’s perfect for this time of year.

Also in Deluxe, I spotted our Design Lead in this stunning sweater the other day.  Valentina is one of my favorites.  It uses Deluxe Chunky 100% wool.  The pattern is written and charted with design features like lovely saddle shoulders to show off the cables.  It comes in sizes from 34″ to 54″ bust, and – believe it or not – is a free pattern.   Home run!

 

Our Sales Manager can frequently be found in designs by Yumiko Alexander like Braided Fog, recently made available online as a download or as part of Yumiko Warm Earth Book 3.  It also uses Deluxe Worsted.  Are we wearing a lot of Deluxe?  That’s not surprising – it’s great for cold weather.  I suspect, however, that our sales manager wears this not because it’s warm but because it looks fabulous.

The best thing about being surrounded by these designs is that it’s inspirational.  We find that seeing beautiful things awakens a desire to create something beautiful ourselves.  We hope you find inspiration and happiness in your crafts throughout this new year.

Happy knitting!

Trunk Show warmup 2

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Free Pattern Friday – Four Stripes Pullover and Legwarmers

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Four Stripe Pullover with legwarmers_blog

 

So cute for Fall!  The Four Stripes Pullover includes matching legwarmers, perfect for staying warm on a crisp day.

Four Stripe Pullover back_blogThe set is designed for Merino XF (137yds/50g), an extrafine merino that’s machine washable and very soft.  The pullover is worked flat and seamed, with short rows shaping the curved rear hem.  Seed stitch borders the cuffs, hem, and neckline.

I love these cool tones.  This is one design where I wouldn’t change a thing.

Happy knitting!

Four Stripe Pullover front_blog

 

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Throwback Thursday – A Walk in the Woods

It’s Throwback Thursday!

TT Walk in the Woods

Today, a beautiful cool-weather knit, A Walk in the Woods.  Originally knit in Eden Silk, this lightweight cardi would look great in either Uptown DK 100% anti-pilling acrylic or Deluxe DK Superwash wool.

I’ve been knitting a lot with Deluxe DK Superwash lately (I just need to bind off my ribbed Katrina top!) so for this, as a personal choice I think I’d go with the Uptown DK.  I’ve been making a long cowl in Uptown DK Colors, the striped version of the yarn, and have been very impressed with how soft it is (and yes, it really is not pilling).  I like the idea of an entire garment that luxurious.

This cardi is knit flat in the traditional style – back, then fronts, then sleeves.  The textured stitch in the pattern is written and charted and is fairly easy to “read” in your knitting as you go – it’s the same few rows, staggered by a few stitches.

We hope you’re able to bring your projects outdoors and enjoy this beautiful weather.  Happy knitting!

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Throwback Thursday – Jenna Cardigan

It’s Throwback Thursday!

TT JennaFall is almost here – or so they tell me.  Those of us here in the South still have a little longer to wait.  Maybe knitting a lovely cool weather design will help hurry things along!

Enter the Jenna Cardigan.  Originally knit in Dolce Merino, this would look great in both Merino XF and Deluxe DK Superwash wool.  The nice thing about the substitution is that while this would have taken 16 balls of Dolce Merino for a size 2X, it uses fewer than eight balls of Deluxe DK Superwash.  I love a beautiful sweater that won’t break the bank!

We wish you breezy fall weather – and happy knitting!

 

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Throwback Thursday – Antonia

It’s Throwback Thursday!

TT Antonia

Today, Antonia!

Antonia was originally designed for Dolce Merino, a great 50/50 merino/microfiber blend.  Fortunately, we have two excellent substitutes!

Merino XF Superwash is 100% extra fine merino.  Very soft, very springy, and just the right weight to make this cool-weather cardi.  Alternately, we’d recommend knitter-favorite Deluxe DK Superwash 100% superwash wool.  If you want to perfectly duplicate the look of the original, several of the greens are a very good match.

The braid portion of the pattern consists of right twists of the type we’ve been working on in our Afghan Knitalong.  The bobbles are made by knitting multiple times into the same stitch, then immediately decreasing to make a raised bump in the fabric.  They really pop against the reverse stockinette column background.

We hope you enjoy this free stylish cardi-style jacket.  Happy knitting!

 

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Free Pattern Friday – Bamboo Pop Dolls

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

blog BambooPopDolls cover

Did we say “free pattern?”  Try five free patterns, part of Bamboo Pop Dolls!

Bamboo Pop Kids is such a popular E-Book for us, and no wonder – Bamboo Pop is a versatile yarn for kids and adults.  One of the things we heard from stores was, “wouldn’t it be great if there were matching outfits for the kids’ dolls?”  Once we were done squealing over the adorableness of that idea, we got to work!

 

Blog TBall Tee composite

The T-Ball Tee keeps the sweet little ties at the arms and shortens the body, making this a very quick lace knit.  I can absolutely see the two little ladies above palling around town together!  Matches the T-Ball Tee from Bamboo Pop Kids (Ravelry link).

Blog Pixie Skirt composite

The Pixie Skirt removes one tie from the shortened waist of the 18″ doll at left.  It’s a shortened length of i-cord that can be made with either a crank machine or by hand.  This is a great skirt to spin in.  Matches the Pixie Skirt from Bamboo Pop Kids (Ravelry link).

Blog Little Patriot composite

The Little Patriot is all decked out and ready to go!  For me, what really makes this top pop is the red edging around the star and the edges.  Being a Southerner, I think this is a great top for a summer day of watermelon and fresh-churned ice cream.  Matches the Little Patriot from Bamboo Pop Kids (Ravelry link).

Blog Hoodie composite

The Fading Stripe Hoodie uses a slipped “pebble stitch” to give texture.  Something just a touch warmer for the girl on the left as she wait for her friend to come home from school.  Matches the Fading Stripe Hoodie from Bamboo Pop Kids (Ravelry link).

Blog Berry Blossom compositeThe Berry Blossom Pullover lends itself well to “dollification!”  This is one of our most popular designs for girls, and it looks great on an 18″ doll, too.  Matches the Berry Blossom Pullover from Bamboo Pop Kids (Ravelry link).

Many thanks to our store owners who brought us this great idea.  We always love to hear what you have to say.

Happy knitting!

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Throwback Thursday – Bethany

It’s Throwback Thursday!

TT Bethany

Today, we have Bethany!  Originally this was a “pay” pattern, but we’ve released it into the wild as a free pattern and bring it to you today to enjoy.

First stitched in Fibra Natura Cottonwood, this would make a great cover-up in either Bamboo Pop or Little Bird, which would provide great drape for this piece.  You might also try Uptown Baby Sport anti-pilling acrylic.  Uptown Baby Sport’s palette features some very sweet pastels, and at 361 yards per ball you’d only need three balls to make the smallest size.

In this traditional knit-flat cardi, the easy lace pattern is featured on both front and back.  A great lacy sweater to start now and have ready when the first chill creeps back into the air.

Happy knitting!

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Throwback Thursday – Spring Snowflake Cardi

It’s Throwback Thursday!

TT Snowflake Cardi

This little cutie is wearing the Spring Snowflake Cardi.

Originally, this took about 300 yards of Morning Glory Cotton (a cotton/acrylic blend) on a size 6 needle.  We’re recommending several other machine washable options for this charming baby and toddler cardi.

DM_Morning_Glory Sparkling Snowflake Sweater_cu300Lightweight Little Bird, Bamboo Pop, and Uptown Baby Sport would all be good matches.  These yarns also have greater yardage per ball than the original yarn, making this sweater potentially a great one ball project!

Uptown Baby Sport has some really great pastels and kid-friendly color options.  You might even try doubling up Little Bird or Bamboo Pop solid and multi for an interesting color color combo.  Hmm… I feel a Sunday Swatch idea coming on.

Happy knitting!