Archives for August 2012

As the kids head back to school (we move Sofie into her dorm tomorrow
and IJK on Monday), my thoughts turn to holiday knitting. I need an
early start to allow time to get to all of the projects on my list. This
richly cabled hat and mitts set is just the sort of thing I like to
give. Both pieces are relatively quick knits, they have lovely twisting
cables, and are very useful for those cold winter months.

If you've only ever worked the simplest of cable patterns, don't be afraid of the Twizz set. Each cable on each of the charts has been color coded to make chart reading easier. I have also included written instructions for each cable pattern. These patterns are a great way for advanced beginners to venture into more complicated cables, while still having enough interest for more seasoned knitters.

I created this set using Sweet Fiber Yarns Cashmerino Sport. Melissa's yarns and colors are always a dream to work with. I love the icy blue-gray she created for this design. The name Melissa gave the color, Frozen Lake, describes it perfectly.

Twizz Hat & Twizz Mitts

Sizes: Adult S[Adult L] Shown in size S

Finished Measurements:

Hat – 18.5[19.5]” At brim relaxed (will stretch to fit 22[23]”), 9[9.25]” from cast on edge to top

Mitts – 7[8]” At palm relaxed will stretch to fit 8.5[9.5]”, 8[9]” from cast on edge to top

Yarn: Sweet Fiber Cashmerino Sport, 80% Superwash Merino/10% Cashmere/10% Nylon, 250 yards/229 meters per 115 gram skein, color: Frozen Lake, 1[1] skein for Hat and 1[1] skein for the mitts. (The hat and mitts will each take about 3/4 of the skein.)

Needles: One set of 5 US 5/3.75mm DPN’s or size to obtain gauge

Gauge: 32 sts and 36 rows = 4”/10 cm in cable pattern, 22 sts and 36 rows = 4”/10 cm in stockinette , blocked

Other Materials: Tapestry Needle, Cable Needle, Place Markers

The hat and mitts are each available separately or together as a set.

Hat $5.50

Mitts $5.50

Set $9.00

A very special thank you to my ever patient test knitters; Jen, Monika, Amy, Michelle, & Michelle.

My good friend Laura Nelkin has created a wonderful pattern collection featuring knitted, beaded jewelry. When you subscribe to the Adorn Anew collection you will receive one new pattern at the beginning of each month from May thru December 2012. Since it's already August, you will get the first four beautiful patterns when you purchase the collection. I made one of them, the Mudra Cuff. Laura was kind enough to give me a kit complete with yarn, beads, and clasp when I saw her at TNNA in June. (My not-so-great photo is below, followed my Laura's much better photo, showing three cuffs worn together.)

Sofie will probably take this one to college with her when she leaves this coming weekend.

The sweet Mudra Cuff took almost no time at all to knit. Laura's instructions are clear and easy to follow.  Being the sort of knitter who's always storing wee bits of leftover yarn, one of my favorite things about these patterns is that they are a great way to use up those bits. Another great thing about Adorn Anew – imagine the fun you'll have combining yarn and beads. Now I'm eyeing the gorgeous August selection, Trio. Hmm, wonder what pretty little ball of yarn I'll use for this one. . .

Laura has kindly offered to send one lucky winner a kit for the Mudra Cuff in the color of their choice. To enter to win the cuff comment on this post by midnight (NYC time) on Monday, August 27th. (Eep! My girls will be off to college by then.) I'll use a random number generator to select the winner.

Remember that snippet of a design in progress that I showed you a few weeks ago? I finished the knitting last week while I was visiting my mom in North Carolina. This morning I managed to get Sofie to model for a few shots.

The Perry Street Rugby is knit with Cascade Eco Cloud, a delectably squishy yarn that comes in a range of lovely neutrals. Sofie claims that she will wear this sweater daily in college this fall. The pattern is in the works. I expect to release it in September.

Thank you to all who entered to win the Stella Collection. I used a random number generator to select the winner. Commenter #12, Barbara is the lucky winner.

Now that we are a month out from the end of the Mystery Shawl I think it's safe to show you finished photos of my shawl. Last month we had a contest and the pattern has a new name Portico.

I used Jade Sapphire Silk/Cashmere 2 Ply and made the small size. I think my colorway might be exclusive to Purl Soho, because I don't see it on the Jade Sapphire site. The pattern also gives instructions for a larger version, but be forewarned it uses a lot of yarn. You'll need almost double the amount of yarn for those last 40 rows.

The complete Portico pattern is available on Ravelry and I've put it on sale for $4.00 until the end of August. Just enter the coupon code: PORTSALE at check out to take advantage of the lower price.