Happy Fall, y’all! Yesterday marked the first official day of the season, and we couldn’t be more excited. After all, this means we can start to wear all of our favorite handmade garments and accessories. Last week I gushed about my love of hats, but this week I’m going to turn my attention to another cozy accessory: socks! Specifically thick and cozy socks. As someone with serious Second Sock Syndrome, and who primarily wears handknit socks around the house, I’m just plain partial to heavier socks. I’m going to talk about some of my favorite yarns for heavier socks and share some pattern inspiration, too. Let’s start by looking at some of the worsted weight yarns we offer that would be great for socks.
It is commonly assumed that nylon is a fiber critical to knitting socks because it adds durability and can help add elasticity to a sock. While that is true to an extent, it absolutely is not critical for a sock yarn. After all, wool has been used for socks for more than a thousand years. Wool is such an amazing fiber – it is durable, naturally moisture-wicking, and is inherently elastic. It is a fiber with memory and will hold its shape over time. With that in mind, our 100% wool Deluxe Worsted and Deluxe Worsted Superwash are perfect for knitting worsted-weight socks. The two yarns work up to the same gauge and are interchangeable.
Deluxe Worsted
Deluxe Worsted is a non-superwash wool yarn. That means you won’t be able to toss it in the washer and dryer, but the benefit of non-superwash wool is that it retains a bit more memory than its superwash counterpart, so it is less likely to grow. It’s also a great option if you’re a very eco-conscious maker. Plus, the palette of colors is so expansive. Whether you’re a minimalist in search of the perfect neutral or someone who lusts for brilliant brights, you’re sure to find a color you’ll love.
Deluxe Worsted Superwash
If easy-care is your thing, look no further than machine-washable Deluxe Worsted Superwash. Like Deluxe Worsted, this yarn comes in an array of beautiful colors. I love using this yarn for gift socks because I can feel confident that there won’t be any felting disasters. Regardless of whether you choose Deluxe Worsted or Deluxe Worsted Superwash, you’ll love these versatile yarns. The smooth texture gives it superb stitch definition that makes them great for everything from simple textures and cables to colorwork.
Deluxe Worsted Tweed
If you love Deluxe Worsted Superwash, but are looking for a little more texture, you’ll love Deluxe Worsted Tweed. This yarn is a blend of 90% superwash wool, 7% anti-pilling acrylic, and 3% viscose. As I mentioned earlier, nylon is frequently added to wool sock yarns. The acrylic in this yarn serves as an alternative to nylon, mimicking its qualities. The viscose creates the lovely tweedy nubs that give this yarn extra interest.
Now that we’ve chatted about some of our great worsted-weight options for knitting socks, let’s get the inspiration flowing with pattern ideas. All three yarn options above will work great for these patterns.
Tillery Socks in Deluxe Worsted #13112 Red Apple
Texture, twisted stitches, and cables are the star of the cozy Tillery Socks by Amy Gunderson, knit in Deluxe Worsted. I would love to wear these socks while sipping a cup of hot cocoa and reading a good book in front of the fireplace. Worked from the cuff-down and featuring a heel flap and gusset, this is a great pattern for those already comfortable with knitting cables and socks.
Rye Socks, photo by Tin Can Knits
Recently, a store-owner mentioned that she prefers to use worsted and DK weight yarns whenever she is teaching a customer to knit their first pair of socks. I heartily agree – for a sock newbie, working with fingering-weight yarn can seem a little intimidating because not all beginners are comfortable working at such a fine gauge. Heavier yarn options create satisfying projects that are great for quickly learning the common techniques used for knitting socks.
So if you’re a sock newbie, the Rye socks by Tin Can Knits would be an excellent choice for your first pair. Well over seven thousand people have knit these socks – that’s A LOT of socks! It’s no surprise, either. Tin Can Knits are known for their accessible, easy to understand patterns. A simple panel of garter stitch decorates the front of these socks. I love this detail as it’s a super beginner-friendly stitch pattern that adds more interest than a pair of vanilla socks (aka stockinette stitch socks). Rye is graded for babies, toddlers, children, and adults, so you can make a pair for everyone in your family. I’d love to knit a pair for my niece using Deluxe Worsted Superwash in #746 Violet Rustic.
Colour Block Slipper Sock, photo by Jessica Biscoe
Next, we have the Colour Block Slipper Sock by Jessica Biscoe. I can attest that this is a great beginner-pattern. In fact, this is the pattern I used for my first pair of proper socks. I love the simple rope cable along the front and the contrast toes and cuffs. I knit these as a gift for my husband in cream and navy, but I’d love to make them again using Deluxe Worsted Tweed in colors #919 Merlot and #920 Camel – a combination that is appropriate for the changing leaves.
Laule’a, photo by cabinfourLaule’a by cabinfour is a simple, minimalist pattern that is so aesthetically appealing. Delicate dots of purls decorate these cuff-down socks. I’d love to knit these using Deluxe Worsted Naturals in #40002 Millet.
Classic Crochet Socks, photo by Hooked on Tilly
Of course, socks aren’t just for knitters. There are many crochet sock patterns out there, but I fell in love when I stumbled upon the Classic Crochet Socks designed by Hooked on Tilly. They look irresistibly cozy and I love the mock ribbing effect created by using the Front Post Double Crochet Stitch. Deluxe Worsted Tweed would be perfectly suited to this pattern. I might just need to make a pair in #905 Pine.
Which of these cozy sock patterns strikes your fancy? Do you have a favorite worsted-weight sock pattern? We’d love to know!
Each morning I begin my day by walking my beloved doggos before work, and occasionally I have time to sip a cup of freshly brewed coffee on my patio. It’s a morning routine I cherish and it gives me time to breathe before starting work for the day. This morning, to my delight, the air was crisp and cool. Considering the fact that summery temperatures carry on well into the autumn months in the south, a temperature below 60 °F is always a welcome excuse to pull out one of my favorite hand-knit items: hats!
Hats are one of my favorite things to both knit and design. I absolutely adore them. They are the perfect playground for trying new techniques, are satisfyingly fast, and are great for gifts. What’s not to love about them? To celebrate the season of hats I’m going to round up a few of my favorite hats that are perfect for September.
Looking Glass in Kingston Tweed
First up is Looking Glass. This hat is part of our e-book, Kingston Tweed Volume I. It’s a relaxed hat with a folded brim and a beautiful diamond motif in alternating colors. If you enjoy stranded colorwork, you’ll love this project. The motif will demand a bit of attention, but the results are worth it. I named this hat after Looking Glass Rock, located in Pisgah National Forest, as the colors echo the granite formation peeking out of the lush, green Appalachian Mountains. It’s knit using Kingston Tweed, a rustic blend of 50% wool, 25% alpaca, and 25% viscose. The sticky texture, slight halo, and subtle tweed make it an outstanding yarn for colorwork projects like this one.
Woodlawn Hat in Kingston Tweed
Kingston Tweed is great for more than just colorwork. The Woodlawn Hat is an excellent example of how beautifully it works up into rich textures. Knit-purl and mini-cable columns decorate this hat. This project is perfect for those looking to try cables for the first time. Although I love all types of knitting, I crave knitting cabled, textural projects the most, and in my wardrobe, those are the items I reach for most frequently. The Woodlawn Hat is classic and endlessly wearable. It’s exactly what I reach for when I’m ready for an early morning on the trail.
By the way, we’ve added three new colors to Kingston Tweed: forest green #114 Serpentine, fiery red #115 Garnet, and earthy brown #116 Dravite. They would be fantastic choices for the Woodlawn Hat.
Compass Hat & Cowl in Deluxe Worsted Superwash
As much as I enjoy making hats for myself, I also love making them for others – especially my husband. He is one of the most knit-worthy people I know, and he doesn’t leave the house without a hand-knit hat as soon as the weather begins to cool down. He would probably love to have every hat in this round-up.
One of the hats I’d love to knit for him is the Compass Hat (and bonus cowl!) because of its timelessness. The ribbing and cables are a simple, subtle nod to fisherman’s sweaters. Like the Woodlawn Hat, this accessory is perfect for anyone who wants to learn to knit cables. The Compass Hat is knit using woolly and wonderful workhorse yarn, Deluxe Worsted Superwash, and is completely interchangeable with non-superwash Deluxe Worsted (my favorite!).
Trawler in Bella Cash
Speaking of fishermen – I’d like to highlight another nautically-inspired design: Trawler. Wear this hat with the brim folded and close to your head to mimic the classic fisherman’s cap, or wear it unfolded and slouchy for a relaxed look. Trawler boasts squishy brioche and a handsome marled effect that is achieved by holding two strands of yarn together as one. Knit in Bella Cash, a blend of 60% superwash fine merino, 30% nylon, and 10% cashmere, this hat is a durable little luxury.
Basketweave Hat in Be Wool Mutis
If you’re looking to knit something in a flash, look no further than the Basketweave Hat. When I say this is a fast project, I really mean it. I knit it in under two hours! This beginner-friendly hat pairs little blocks of garter and stockinette stitch to create a basketweave motif (hence the name). It’s great as a palette cleansing project or a last-minute gift. Knit in Be Wool Multis, a super bulky blend of 60% acrylic and 40% wool, it’s an easy-care accessory covered in fun multicolor speckles. This hat is sure to spark some joy!
Cichlid Hats in Bamboo Bloom Handpaints and Deluxe Worsted Superwash
Who doesn’t love a hat topped with a pom pom? I especially love adding a pop of color with pom-poms, as demonstrated in the Cichlid Hat. For this design, I really wanted to allow the colorful, thick/thin texture of Bamboo Bloom Handpaints to shine. Bamboo Bloom Handpaints is a loosely plied blend of 48% bamboo, 44% wool, and 8% acrylic. It’s such a unique yarn and simplicity is key when working with it. Because this yarn wouldn’t be well-suited to ribbing for the brim of a hat or to creating a nice, plump pom-pom, I chose coordinating colors of Deluxe Worsted Superwash to create a brim that ensures a good fit. The color options are endless with this fun pattern!
Vinia Hat in Donnina
Worked in super-soft, lightweight Donnina, the Vinia Hat is another cute hat topped with a colorful pom-pom. You might have noticed by now that I love hats that feature a folded brim. In fact, I almost consider them vital when knitting hats for myself! Like many of the other hats in this list, Vinia features a deep, folded brim. Colorwork resembling vines decorates the body of the hat. I’ve been dreaming of knitting this hat in autumnal colors – #201 Vanilla and #203 Amber would make lovely choices, but the possibilities are endless!
Frosted Crocus Hat from Interweave Knits, Gifts 2021 in Donnina
Rounding out my list of great hats for the season is actually a design recently published in the Gifts 2020 issue of Interweave Knits. Knit in Donnina, the Frosted Crocus Hat is was such a delight to knit and design. The playful and bold colorwork motif is coupled with details like a speckled pom-pom (tutorial link) and tubular cast-on (tutorial link) for a hat that is irresistibly fun. I designed this with holiday gift-knitting in mind, but it’s perfect for autumn, too!
There are so many delightful hat patterns to choose from, so be sure to explore the patterns on our website for more. Plus, we have even more hat designs coming your way in the coming months. What hat patterns are you planning to knit or crochet this fall? We’d love to know!
This week we’re celebrating the launch of our latest ebook, Autumn Wonder. This collection is comprised of five charming patterns to knit using Wool Pop. It’s a plump, springy blend of 50% bamboo, 35% superwash wool, and 15% polyamide. Wool Pop is one of our newest yarns, and so far it seems you love it as much as we do! Let’s take a look at the patterns!
Developing pattern collections takes a long time. It starts with a mood board, followed by brainstorming, sketching, and swatching. Then there is the pattern writing, sample knitting, and tech editing. It doesn’t stop there. Outside of the actual pattern work, there is planning and conducting a photoshoot and, of course, putting the whole ebook together! It takes months, and it’s so exciting when we can finally reveal the finished product.
When I started developing the Autumn Wonder collection, I wanted it to include garments and accessories well-suited for the season. You’ll find gorgeous designs suitable for layering as well as rich, textural pullovers with relaxed silhouettes.
Brezza in Wool Pop #602 Cream
One of my contributions is Brezza. Brezza is a boxy, drop sleeve pullover featuring simple lace and twisted stitches on a background of reverse stockinette stitch. This garment is such a soothing knit. You’ll quickly memorize the stitch pattern, which sweeps from the front along the sides and into the back. The stitchwork in this piece is a testament to the wonderful stitch definition of Wool Pop – I mean, those twisted stitches really pop!
The body of Brezza is knit seamlessly in the round from the bottom up. The front and back are divided at the underarms and worked flat, then are rejoined at the shoulder seam using the three-needle bind-off. The sleeves are knit flat separately and seamed.
Filigree in Wool Pop #609 Darling Pink
I was given the opportunity to reach out so some designers I admire for this collection. I’ve long admired Lana Jois‘ work, so I was thrilled when she took me up on my invitation to contribute a pattern. Filigree is the result of this collaboration – and it might just be the perfect tee. It’s great for layering (as pictured above), or worn on its own.
I love the split lace hem that decorates this otherwise simple tee. Although I love knitting lace, I don’t always feel like “me” when wearing it. With that said, I fell in love with this top right away – it features just the right amount of lace for me. You can actually see me wearing it in this video. I have my heart set on knitting a version of this top in #616 Denim.
Perennial in Wool Pop #611 Brambles
If garments aren’t your favorite thing to make, look no further than Perennial. Most triangular shawls are knit either from the top down or the bottom up, but designer Adrienne Larsen isn’t one to stick to the status quo. Instead, she chose to use a clever, modular construction.
A beautiful lace panel is framed by simple ribbing and stockinette stitch. The panel is worked first, then stitches are picked up along the bottom edge of the panel to create a ribbed edge that is worked from the top down. Finally, stitches are picked up along the top of the panel for the body, which is worked from the bottom up and a tidy, single crochet border is applied across the top edge. I’m so inspired by this one!
Serra in Wool Pop #617 Raisin
My second contribution to the collection is Serra. This pullover has a relaxed, cozy fit and is covered with cables. Although this is a straightforward design with minimal shaping in this, the cables demand a bit of attention. The results are well worth the effort because you’ll want to live in this piece!
The body of Serra is knit seamlessly in the round from the bottom up. The front and back are divided at the underarms and worked flat, then are rejoined at the shoulder seam using the three-needle bind-off. The sleeves are knit flat separately and seamed.
Stagione in Wool Pop #615 Sage
Last, but certainly not least, we have Stagione, designed by Courtney Spainhower. When I invited Courtney to contribute to the collection, she told me that she has made a mission out of “showing shoulders more beautifully than ever before”. I’d call that mission a success! The details in this garment are so thoughtful, from the “rib” along the hem created with garter stitch to the twisted stitches, visible seams, and of course – that drool-worthy shoulder shaping!
This sweater is worked in two mirrored pieces from the center to the cuff. It begins with a provisional cast-on, which is then joined using a stretchy three-needle bind-off to create the visible seams down the center of the front and back. This is another sweater from the collection that I’m dying to knit.
Now that you’ve had a closer look at the designs, I have even more exciting news. To celebrate the launch of this collection we’re hosting a giveaway! Two lucky winners will receive a pattern’s worth of Wool Pop for the project of their choice from the collection, in the color and size of their choice. Does it get any better than that?
To enter, head to our Facebook page (link) and to our Instagram (link). All you need to do is like us, follow us, and comment on our post. We’ll choose a winner next Tuesday, 8/25/20. You can enter on both platforms, but you can only win once.
Today, I wanted to give you a sneak peek at an upcoming design and gush about one of our lovely new yarns: Penna.
Penna in 110 Dovetail.
You might have noticed Penna pop up in your local yarn store recently. This lace-weight yarn is light as a feather, ridiculously soft, and has a beautiful halo. It is a blend of 50% baby Suri alpaca for a hazy effect, 28% extra fine merino for softness, and 22% nylon for strength. This yarn is a great alternative to laceweight mohair yarns, to which some people are more sensitive. The palette contains sixteen gorgeous colors.
Plume Cowl, shown in 111 Whisper, 112 Rose Kiss, & 113 Raspberry Tart.
One reason we brought this yarn in is because of its versatility. You can hold it as a single strand or as a carry-along with another yarn. If you’re holding it single, we recommend using a large needle for a loose, airy gauge. That’s what really makes this yarn shine. Take the Plume Cowl, for example. Knit at a gauge of 16 stitches over four inches with a suggested needle size of US 8 (5 mm), this accessory is like a cloud for your neck and shoulders. It’s as simple as can be – just seed stitch in the round, with a few color changes to create a nice gradient.
Penna in 113 Raspberry Tart placed on top of the Plume Cowl.
Personally, one thing I love about this yarn is that it pairs well with other yarns. I think it would look beautiful to add a halo to stash staples like Deluxe Worsted, but I wanted to see what Penna was like when held together with a self-shading or self-patterning yarn. We have quite a few of those, but the one that struck me as the most suitable match for Penna is Whisper Lace. Both yarns are so fine, the fabric they create together will still be lightweight. A blend of wool and silk, Whisper Lace is great for warmer weather and the transitional seasons – add the warmth and haze of baby Suri alpaca to that, and you can create perfect projects for autumn and winter.
That brings me to the original point of this post. I’m working on a design that pairs Whisper Lace and Penna. I’ve chosen Whisper Lace in 213 Cool Ripples – a blue and grey multi, with Penna in 110 Dovetail – a soft, warm grey. I love the way Penna and Whisper Lace are playing together. Solid-colored Penna softens the transitions from one color to the next in the Whisper Lace.
The beginnings of a crescent-shaped shawl knit in Whisper Lace and Penna.
You can see the humble beginning in the photo above. I decided a shawl would be the perfect project. Lately, I’ve been really into crescent-shaped shawls, so that is the shape I’ve chosen for this design. Four stitches are increased on each edge every right-side row, and two stitches are increased on each edge every wrong-side row. This is what creates the dramatic curve. I’m letting the yarn speak for itself here: nothing more than simple Stockinette stitch for most of the shawl. I plan to finish this project with an applied lace border. I’m undecided on whether I should use a solid, contrasting color for the border, or if I should stitch to stick to the pairing used throughout the rest of the shawl. Only time will tell, but I’d love to hear your thoughts! Let me know in the comments below.
I’m not gonna lie – this post is basically an excuse to join two of my favorite things together and claim it’s work-related. Because not only do we have access to a warehouse full of gorgeous yarn, we also have a Girl Scout leader on staff!
Everybody say hi to René, seen here finishing a blanket in Bella Chenille Big, and saying, “wait, you’re not taking my picture are you?” (Sorry, René!) René is our local dealer supplier of Girl Scout Cookies and with so many fabulous choices, we got to thinking about what cookie we would pair with what yarn. So let’s get started!
Why? Uptown Worsted has consistently been near the top of our bestsellers since its introduction – just like Thin Mints remain at the top for Girl Scout cookies. It’s machine washable (the yarn, not the cookie), resists pilling, and has a broad range of options to appeal to everyone.
The most delicious photo I’ve ever taken.What to make? This is a tough one. There are adorable kid-friendly projects like these crocheted monster hats, fashion forward projects like this free Chevron Wrap, and gorgeous kits like the Colorbloom Afghan.
However, the nod goes to Amy Gunderson’s Illusion Throw, an offering from Series 2 of the 12 Days of Winter patterns. It’s simple, versatile, and easy to customize to your own tastes. Something for everyone, just like Uptown Worsted and Thin Mints.
Yes, that is my Girl Scout sash from the 1980s.
2. S’Mores and Uptown DK Colors
Why? Stripes for DAYS.
Uptown DK Colors 70321, aptly named Rainbowz
Uptown DK Colors has the same anti-pilling acrylic that Uptown Worsted does, but in a lighter weight with crisp stripes. Just like the vanilla/chocolate filling sandwiched between two wafers in the S’Mores, these layers are smooth.
Color 70308 Campsite seemed appropriate.What to make? That’s a toughie. The free Magical Mystery Throw is stunning, but we just featured a throw. So how about the simple Paprika Seed Cowl?
It’s a one-skein pattern that could not be easier – Cast on, then seed stitch all the way around until you’re out of yarn. Boom. You’ve got a cowl. It’s the beauty of self-striping yarn – you can work a very simple pattern and let the yarn do the work.
Daisy, daisy…
3. Trefoils and Deluxe Chunky
Why? Deluxe Chunky is the ultimate high-quality workhorse, and it’s been with us since the beginning. Just as trefoils are a classic shortbread that you keep reaching for, Deluxe is the beautiful wool you’ll go for again and again.
Color 91876 True NavyWhat to make? There are so many options here. Knitters should cast an eye toward a pullover that I still can’t believe is free, Valentina. However, for those who crochet and love home decor, the Hearth Rug is an underappreciated gem.
Each motif in this felted rug is crocheted separately, making it a great on-the-go project. Any Senior Girl Scout going for her Textile Artist badge will get to use several techniques in this project. A fun project for a group or an individual!
Yes, that is my daughter’s junior sash!
4. Samoas and Revolutions
Why? Samoas have cookies, caramel, coconut, chocolate… a little bit of everything. It makes for a delicious combination. Revolutions has wool, mohair, alpaca, acrylic, and nylon, all of which blend to make a lofty and beautiful yarn. Good things, coming together to make something better than their parts!
Big wheels keep on turning…What to make? Revolutions is a big yarn with a lot of yardage, so there are plenty of options. Crocheters might like the free Allium Shawl, a big and beautiful piece that shows off the self-shading yarn beautifully.
Knitters might prefer the free Warmth Stole, a large and luscious wrap that takes just one wheel of Revolutions. Doesn’t this color remind you of a campfire?
5. Tagalongs and Ricorumi
Why? When I hear the word “tagalong” I think of a little friend coming along on an adventure. And that’s the perfect description for the mini-skeins of Ricorumi DK cotton.
Start with a magic ring…
These tiny skeins are designed for amigurumi crochet, although they’re also perfect for colorwork and small projects. We’ve seen some very cute and inventive things made in Ricorumi!
What to make? Well, wouldn’t one of these little friends look awfully cute – especially with a tiny Girl Scout uniform? They can be found in the book Crazy Cute Family, or you can get them as kits (hook included!)
There were more cookie/yarn pairings we could do, but I probably shouldn’t eat that many more cookies. At least, not right now.
Hungry? Patronize your local Girl Scout cookie booth! If you can’t find one, there’s an app for that. And if you think of other pairings you’d like to see, let us know!
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!
I don’t know about you, but I often pair my crafting time with binge-watching my favorite shows and movies. Lately, like pretty much everyone else I know, I’ve been watching the Mandalorian. Everyone who has been watching this show is pretty much obsessed with the child – and how can you not be? He’s sooo cute! Knitters and crocheters alike have clearly been inspired, and there are already loads of patterns on making a baby alien of your own. When I laid eyes on the Baby Keychain Ornament, designed by Vivianne Russo, I couldn’t resist joining the fun and making one. Luckily we’ve started carrying the perfect yarn for it!
Ricorrumi DK yarn skeins from left to right: 058 Silver Grey, 054 Ecru, & 047 Pistachio. Also pictured: button eyes and 3.00 mm crochet hook, along with the Baby Keychain Ornament.
We recently became a distributor of Rico Design’s adorable Ricorumi line. We’ve all been completely smitten with the adorable kits and mini-skeins. They’re simply irresistible. Plus, notions such as the button eyes and crochet hooks are available, so you can easily grab everything you need.
Are you just melting from the cuteness? I know we are!
When it came to my attention that the little skeins of yarn would be great for making all the green baby patterns around, I immediately grabbed some yarn and notions to get started. I’ve picked out several colors that would be perfect for creating one of your own – and want to share some of the other great patterns to choose from.
For the project I crocheted, I used 058 Silver Grey for the carriage, 047 Pistachio for the body, and 054 Ecru for the collar. Below are some of the other color options that would work equally well. Ricorumi DK yarn skeins from left to right: 051 Mastic, 054 Ecru, 057 Chocolate, 058 Silver Grey, 047 Pistachio.
If you prefer a stand-up figure, Vivianne Russo also designed The Child – Green Baby. We’re also loving Yazmina Nieblas‘ version, which includes the little bowl of bone broth. She created two versions so you can play around a bit more with the colors shown above.
For this version we suggest 051 Mastic for the collar, 054 Ecru for the main garment, 057 Chocolate for the bowl, and 047 Pistachio for the body.
Even if you’re new to crochet (like me), these patterns are really simple. They’re mostly comprised of single crochet and simple increases. Plus, being so small, you can create them in no time at all. If you’re still reluctant to crochet, there are knit versions, too. Plus, Ricorumi DK works equally well with knit projects.
Lucky for us, KnitHacker has already created a comprehensive list of both knit and crochet patterns that are perfect for making a child of your own. Find the crochet list here (link) and the knit list here (link).
Head to your local yarn store to grab your skeins of Ricorumi DK!
New years bring a lot of good things with them. Things like resolutions, new knitting projects, and of course: Pantone’s Color of the Year.
Pantone researches trends in media, fashion, culture, entertainment, art, and more to forecast what color will be best for the coming year. This color decision will then trickle into products created in many industries like fashion, interiors, and yes, yarn! What is the color of the year, you ask? Well, it is 19-4052 – Classic Blue!
“Instilling calm, confidence, and connection, this enduring blue hue highlights our desire for a dependable and stable foundation on which to build as we cross the threshold into a new era. ” – Pantone.com
With a lot of things in nature being blue, and it’s inherent quality as a calming color, blue appeals to everyone. The shade chosen, Classic Blue, is a strong foundation color that is suggestive of the sky at dusk. As you can see with the yarns above, we have an abundance of blue to choose from in our yarn offerings, and plenty that mix blue with other stunning shades.
Some of our yarns that offer this rich blue shade are Bella Chenille in Indigo, and Fibra Natura Flax in Fierce Blue. Blue yarn for all seasons!Dona and Donnina, which are both 100% extrafine superwash merino wool yarn, offer great stitch definition have some fabulous blue shades. Below we’ve featured a couple of the patterns available in our Dona Color Kit – Blues.
The Color Shift Hat and Mittens from our Dona Kit in Blues The Staccato Shawl from our Dona Color Kit in Blues Deluxe Worsted and Deluxe Chunky are great staple yarns to stock up on for future projects throughout the year. Colbalt is the blue shade available that best matches the Pantone Classic Blue. The Switcback Cardigan (below) from our Deluxe Men Collection features gorgeous blue colorwork!
The Switchback Cardigan from our Deluxe Men Collection using Deluxe Worsted Major , Bamboo Bloom, and Uptown DK Colors are all yarns that have beautiful multi-colored blue shades. Any pattern you knit or crochet with these yarns is sure to be rich with color and texture.
Flying V crochet blanket using Uptown Worsted Luxor, our new mercerized Egyptian cotton yarn, is perfect for lightweight knit and crochet projects and comes in a wide array of colors including Royal Blue. Knit the Navona Wrap shown below and add a Color of the Year accessory to your closet!
The Navona Wrap in Luxor 105-02 Royal Blue
These are just some of the patterns we’ve designed that feature the Classic Blue shade. Remember, you can knit any pattern in any color you want! We hope you are just as excited as we are about the color of the year for 2020 and are ready to fill your stash with blue yarn. Happy knitting!
Blue yarn for everyone!
This is part 10 in a 12 part series highlighting designs from our 12 Days of Winter, Series 3 Edition.
It’s Day 10 of the 12 Days of Winter Kit Collection. Today, the Snowdrift cowl designed by Adrienne Larsen. This design combines cables, twisted stitches, and eyelets to create a show-stopping winter accessory. It’s knit up in Fibra Natura Dona – one of our favorite yarns for knitting cables because of its superior stitch definition. Did we mention that it’s incredibly soft, too? For today’s post, we’ve asked Adrienne to share her passion for cable design with us. Here is what she had to say:
“I love cables. I love how they look and I love thinking about how they work. When creating a new cable pattern, I always break into two main elements: the ground and the squiggle.
The ground is pretty self-explanatory. The ground is what the cable is sitting on: the background. It is usually reverse stockinette stitch because it’s simple and doesn’t pull focus from the main event: the squiggle. If you want to add a little zing, the ground could be seed stitch or garter stitch. If you prefer a really smooth look, it can even be stockinette.
The squiggle is where you can really get creative. You can do a simple cable, which sits in place, and just crosses over itself, like in a 2×2 Right Cross. The squiggle can also move back and forth over the ground as a traveling cable. The stitches in the squiggle usually stay together and move on top of the ground. It can also move under or over other squiggles.
The stitches in a squiggle are classically groups of knit stitches. In this pattern, I decided to change things up by adding some twisted stitches and purls to some of the squiggles. If you look, the twisted stitch squiggles and the plain squiggles always stay that way, even when they move under or over each other.
I also added yarn-overs to some of the stationary squiggles. I didn’t like that you could see the underlapping stitches in the cables in the yarn-over squiggles, so I only placed them when they were stationary. I also only changed from twisted/purl combination squiggles to yarn-over squiggles after during an underlap, when possible where it could be hidden.
That’s just a few things that are considered when cable patterns are designed!”
-Adrienne
We hope you’ve enjoyed learning a bit more about Adrienne’s approach to cable design. We think it’s fascinating and feel so lucky to have her designs in this kit collection. Remember, you can find the Snowdrift kit and the rest of the 12 Days of Winter kits at your local yarn store.
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!
