Crystal let us help her pair colors to make sure the blanket was going to turn out just the way she imagined. We loving assisting customers like this via email, so if you need help planning your next project, drop us a line at info@skeinshop.com
Thank you, Crystal, for allowing us to be a part of your beautiful project, and a big thank you for sharing the photo!
Deb Breland hails from Louisville, Kentucky, where she creates a striking line of knit accessory patterns as "Goldberry Knits". From fingerless mitts to socks and scarves, Deb's Ravelry store is a delight for knitters of all levels. She recently designed the gorgeous Annabel Lee Shawl for us as part of the Independent Designers Program using Louisa Harding Pittura. I knew we would get along fine when in our first email exchange we discovered a mutual love of Poe's poetry and puns. I hope you enjoy getting to know Deb better through this interview!
For knitters, Limonade (check project pages for variegated examples) looks great worn as a shawl or scarf. The strong lines and bold lace are eye-catching in all the right ways.
For crocheters, a wonderful, narrow triangle that is a delightful divergence from the typical right triangles we're all so used to seeing. The Simple Lace Isosceles Shawl features eyelet rows and a dainty edging for just enough lace without going overboard.
Don't forget that the next prize drawing is on Tuesday...get your entries in!!!
]]>I have some cute patterns for you today. The knitting pattern is Self-Striping Socks, so you know it's going to look great in ONline yarn! I love the way the colors move in blocks. Something about it reminds me of puzzle pieces. There is also a great idea in this pattern about how to keep the stripes moving smoothly across the top of your foot.
On the crochet front, we have Lacy Bunny Socks. The easy V-stitch lace would be fun to work. Like last week's sock, this one also features a solid sole of the foot for comfort. Since the sock looks great in variegated yarn, the patterning would only show up more distinctly in a striping yarn!
]]>For crocheters, the Summer Festival shawl is a fun, simple texture on the popular boomerang shape. Although most of the examples on Ravelry are striped, there are a couple made with variegated yarn, and they are beautiful! This is the kind of pattern you could work on in bits and pieces since it's so simple. I'm always surprised how much I get done while waiting in line or riding as a passenger in a car.
Where have you taken your shawl this summer? We would love to se your photos on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Ravelry :)
]]>Knitting this week I recommend Down the Rabbit-Hole. Its traveling stitches give a subtle effect, but I think it's quite fun. I especially appreciate that the pattern gives instructions for mirroring the spirals.
For crocheters, this week we're featuring the Susie Socks. They fun, lacy, and look great stripy. What I like best is that the lace is only on the top of the foot. Sometimes it can be tricky to match the row gauge between solid and lace sections, so it's nice that the designer put in the time to do that on these socks.
]]>Diving right in to the knit pattern, this week we picked the Mésange Noire Pi Shawl. Pi shawls are absolutely the best for travel knitting. There are no tedious wrong side rows, and the circular shape quickly forms a handy bag to toss your ball of yarn into. Paired with a simple, textural lace, this shawl would be stunning in a variegated colorway.
For crochet, we like the Wiston shawl, made from a multitude of hexagonal motifs. Motif work is perfect for taking along since it stays small, and after a few you more or less know what you're doing, even without the pattern in hand. The strong shape of the motif would not be muddied too much by a busy yarn. Do be aware that this pattern is written using UK crochet terminology.
]]>For knitting, I'm recommending Stripe Tease, a sock with very unusual construction. The narrow strips make each section of yarn form a longer patch, and the effect in self-patterning yarn is a fun patchwork. Look at the project pages for inspiration (though if you're in love with the gradient you see on the main pattern page, we do also carry Zauberball).
For crochet, this is not a traditional pattern, but rather a recipe for custom-fit socks! Short-Faux Heel Socks mimic the look of a knit short-row heel, but the direction of work forms attractive, vertical stripes. This is a great opportunity for one to explore what makes a well-fitting sock.
]]>
Let's do crochet first again :)
The Trellis Wrap is a simple mesh that would be so relaxing to work. If you add buttons, there are so many different ways to wear this versatile piece. We love it!
Another beautiful crochet shawl is the Aleatha Shawl. The solid top section would not be less lovely in a variegated tone, and the dramatic difference between positive and negative space in the lacy border means it remains visible even with busy yarn. Check the projects to see multi-colored examples.
For knitting, the Linnea Shawl has an amazing Faroese shape that makes it naturally inclined to stay on your shoulders. I especially love the subtle lace detailing along the center back - so elegant!
And finally, I recommend the Tree and Sky Lace Stole. The pattern repeat would be easy to memorize, making it perfect travel knitting, and the final product is just gorgeous.
]]>So, a double bonus pattern recommendation day is in order!
Let's mix it up and do crochet first:
Both designs are by the same talented designer. She does a lot of crochet socks, and it seems like she's interested in exploring different constructions, which is always super fun for self-patterning yarns.
The first is called Domino Sock, which is a nod to its modular construction. Working multiple squares in sequence, attaching them as you go without seaming, is sometimes called domino crochet (or knitting, if you're knitting). Of course this has the effect of causing colors to pool in interesting ways!
The second features my all-time favorite crochet motif - pineapples - in the Pineapple Tube Sock! The pineapples aren't as crystal clear in self-patterning yarn, but the lacy effect is still quite lovely.
And for knitting, this week we'll explore slipped stitches. These elongated stitches carry ticks of color from one block to the next, adding interest.
The first one, Twizzler Socks, is possibly the most basic slipped stitch possible with simple columns of slips. Still, it's a great look, and it would be a quick, fun knit.
The second, Löwenzahn (means Dandelion in German), uses slipped stitches in an unusual configuration to make flowers. While most projects use a contrast yarn for the flower rows, if you look through the projects on Ravelry there are some that use striping and variegated yarns that look quite nice.
We'll catch up on shawl patterns tomorrow. Thanks for being patient!
]]>Maria has been making cute clutches from Cairns. Since Cairns is a fun-colored tape yarn, it makes a sturdy bag with a lot of visual pop.
We love all the different buttons she's found to complement the yarns.
Wouldn't these bags make great teacher gifts? What about tucking one in your luggage to keep all those charging cords corralled?
]]>This is the fourth in a series of posts recommending patterns for variegated lace yarn. We are saying goodbye to Findley Dappled in Have Shawl Will Travel. Join us!
For knitting, there is perhaps no lace pattern as iconic as the Feather and Fan, also called Old Shale. Because of the way it zigs and zags, this pattern is called the Missoni Inspired Scarf. The gentle ripple design looks lovely no matter what yarn it is worked in, and this adjustable scarf pattern could just as easily be turned into a large, rectangular stole.
For crocheters, I just love the juxtaposition of solid and mesh stripes on the Allium Shawl. The other great thing about this shawl is that it is worked from the top down, giving you the change to customize the size. Isn't it great that making things ourselves means we get to make them just right for our bodies and our lives?
]]>This is the third in a series of posts recommending patterns for self-striping sock yarns. We are saying goodbye to ONline sock yarns in the Online ONline Summer Sock-Stravaganza. Join us!
You have to be careful when choosing textural designs for self-striping sock yarns. Some will highlight the color changes while others will be overwhelmed. Here are two I think work nicely.
For knitting, the high-relief structure of the Circle Socks provides the perfect backdrop for fun color changes.
For crochet, we have the Vee Socks for Me Socks, which have a nice, all-over texture.
Here are some pictures of other projects on Ravelry where you can see how they look with striping yarn.
]]>This is the first in a series of posts recommending patterns for variegated lace yarn. We are saying goodbye to Findley Dappled in Have Shawl Will Travel. Join us!
Today we're going to explore lacier designs that are bold enough to still be visible through variegated yarn. When searching for a lace pattern that will cooperate, look for all over designs without a lot of variation so there isn't a lot of detail to be lost. Crochet can be a little more forgiving because it's possible to get larger holes, creating more negative space, which in turn helps the eye differentiate between positive and negative regardless of what's going on with the color.
For knitters, today's pattern is one I hope you'll like very much. The Venation shawl is one of those brilliant designs with lots of choices, so yours won't look just like your friends'. There are two shapes to choose from - triangle and squared-off crescent - and two stitches to choose from - all-over lace or solid body with lacy border. The designer also included suggestions for working this shawl at any gauge, which makes the possibilities virtually limitless!
For crochet, here's a shawl that is worked all in motifs, Black Swan, which makes it perfect for carrying around through the hot summer. You'll never have more than a small square hanging from your hands! The thick flowers contrasted with the lacy edges will show clearly even in busy yarn. There are some gorgeous multi-colored examples in the projects on Ravelry.
]]>This is the third in a series of posts recommending patterns for self-striping sock yarns. We are saying goodbye to ONline sock yarns in the Online ONline Summer Sock-Stravaganza. Join us!
Today we're looking at patterns that really allow the self-striping nature of the sock yarn to do the tough work. Both of these patterns are relatively simple, but combined with striping yarn, they are stupendous
For knitters, look at the Tootsie Rolls, which harness simple knits and purls to create irresistible texture. If you're not a flap-and-gusset kind of knitter, the concept is simple enough to apply to whichever sock structure you like best.
For crochet, I just love these Step-by-Step Socks. The way the stitch pattern works to pull ticks of color across stripes is gorgeous. Lacey socks are also perfect for these warm summer months.
What are you making? Use the hashtag #sockstravaganza on social media to connect with other Skein Shop sock makers :)
]]>This is the second in a series of posts recommending patterns for variegated lace yarn. We are saying goodbye to Findley Dappled in Have Shawl Will Travel. Join us!
I know that at first blush "negative space" isn't necessarily what you might think you want in your project, but it's really just a fancy term for the open, lacy bits. Lace is all about the juxtaposition of positive (where the yarn is) and negative (where the yarn isn't). I find that when a lace pattern has a lot of negative space, it's easier to pair it with a variegated yarn, since the busy colors won't be detracting from any shapes that the positive space is forming.
With that in mind, I've chosen for knitting the Easy Lace Stole. It is the epitome of mindless knitting, but the result is quite lovely. You could wear it as a scarf or a shawl as the mood strikes you, and the simple pattern repeat makes it easy to customize the size.
The crochet pattern I chose, Fantasm, has a little more positive space, but it's still very airy. I especially like that it's top-down, so you can choose how large you want it to be. Make a bandanna for a quicker project or a giant shawl for a special occasion! Again, check out the projects for some multi-colored inspiration.
Although there are line-by-line instructions for this shawl, you will likely want to be able to read crochet charts a little to correlate the written with the visual. Chart reading isn't scary at all, and it opens up a world of possibilities! Working from patterns that have both charts and line-by-line instructions available is a great way to warm up to using charts on their own, whether in knitting or crochet.
]]>This is the second in a series of posts recommending patterns for self-striping sock yarns. We are saying goodbye to ONline sock yarns in the Online ONline Summer Sock-Stravaganza. Join us!
Just like last week, we'll be focusing on patterns that take the self-patterning aspect of the yarn and use it in unexpected ways. When you change the direction of your work, you change how the yarn reacts, and that can be really fun!
The knitting pattern for this week is Skew, another hit from many years ago. It first appeared on Knitty, and has since been translated into many languages. If you have trouble with the fit on standard socks, I highly recommend that you take a look at the designer's blog for tips on how to make Skew fit you properly.
These socks are a lot of fun to make, and the swirl on the heel is a real thing of beauty.
For crochet, I was thrilled to find the Ripple Tube Sock that is worked entirely sideways! I love how the zigzags really highlight the color changes in the yarn.
I took another screenshot of some of the projects since there was only one photo on the pattern page.
I hope those inspire you! We'll be back next week with more recommendations :)
]]>Anne D. agreed to let us share her pictures of some of the chemo caps she made for her friend. Because Anne used yarn she bought from us, she will receive a coupon for 10% off. If you would like to see your work featured here (and receive a coupon), read this post for details.
Anne sent us an email asking for recommendations for yarn for chemo caps. It needed to be very soft and machine washable. Among others, we suggested the Juniper Moon Cumulus, which is a delightful brushed cotton.
Anne said she loved crocheting with the Cumulus. We think the hats turned out great, and we hope that they bring joy and comfort to her friend.
Thanks, Anne, for letting us share your beautiful work!
]]>This is the first in a series of posts recommending patterns for variegated lace yarn. We are saying goodbye to Findley Dappled in Have Shawl Will Travel. Join us!
One thing that variegated lace yarn is pretty good at is obscuring lace. Your eye is drawn to all the fun colors, and pretty soon you can't process the interesting shapes. A great way to combat that effect is to simply make a shawl with an interesting texture. The color has a much more difficult time overwhelming a strong texture.
On the knitting side, how about an oldie but a goodie - Citron? The stitches couldn't be simpler since most of the shawl is stockinette with a few increase and decrease rows thrown in to form the ruching.
For crochet I've selected the Small Fans Shawl. I like that you can simply work extra repeats to make the shawl as large or as small as you like. Also, the swooping lines make a very pretty edging - no extra border necessary! Do be aware that this pattern is just a chart, so you'll need to be able to read crochet symbols.
For both recommendations, I know that the photography on the main pattern page doesn't show variegated yarn. However, I encourage you to click through and look at other people's projects for inspiration as to how different types of variegation work out with these patterns. Isn't Ravelry an amazing resource?!
]]>This is the first in a series of posts recommending patterns for self-striping sock yarns. We are saying goodbye to ONline sock yarns in the Online ONline Summer Sock-Stravaganza. Join us!
Although many people like self-patterning sock yarn because it does all the work for you, some people require a jazzier pattern to keep themselves interested. When I sat down to think about what pattern I would want to use with self-striping sock yarn, the first one that came to mind was Jaywalker socks.
Jaywalkers were one of the first big, viral sock patterns years ago when sock knitting was THE thing. I made a pair, which unfortunately I did not photograph before giving away.
It's a fun knit that keeps things simple enough that you definitely won't need a pattern after the first few rounds. The dramatic zig zag effect really highlights everything that's wonderful about those self-patterning yarns.
For crochet socks, unfortunately the selection of free patterns is a little more limited. Don't worry, though...I still found some good ones! This week's recommendation is Survival Socks.
I love how the stripes are vertical on the cuff and horizontal on the foot. That's something that would be pretty fussy to do with knitting, but it's pretty simple with crochet :) Be aware that this pattern is written using UK crochet terms, which means when they say double crochet, they mean what US crocheters call single crochet. Here's a great post from Craftsy that outlines the differences to look out for.
]]>David and I had a lot of fun brainstorming about how to decorate the S17 for the Skein Shop showroom. In fact, we had so much fun that we found ourselves with too many ideas, which is an excellent problem to have. In the end, we opted for a "mullet" themed wheel - business in the front, party in the back!
For the front, we decided to try wood burning to keep the color palette simple and classy. We put the names of the parts on the main wheel itself and our logo on the treadle. My favorite touch, however, is the front upright. There we put markings that will function as a ruler and protractor for all of that mid-spinning measuring that goes on when you want to get really consistent yarn. It's beautiful and functional!
The wood burning wasn't too hard. We tried our best to foolproof it by printing our designs on the computer and using graphite paper to transfer markings onto the wheel. The one tip I have for you from this step is to work inside. We started outside, and the breeze was enough to cool the wood burning tool's tip and make it way less effective!
On the back, we went absolutely wild. We started by chucking the wheel into David's drill and making "Spin Art" all over the back. We used watered down acrylic paints for this, and we held the wheel/drill assembly in a box so the splatters wouldn't get all over the deck. This was a lot of fun, though it was hard for me to let go of my perfectionist tendencies and just let the paint do what it wanted. For the back upright, we considered a lot of different options, but in the end our favorite was good, old-fashioned finger painting. It was fun to get messy, and I think the result is lovely. We used the same colors as we did for the spin art so there would be some consistency.
After the painting was done, we got some stain at Home Depot and rubbed down all the parts and pieces of the wheel. Then we assembled it, and finally we sprayed a protective clear coat over all the exposed wood.
Although the planning took a long time, the actual decorating and assembly only took a weekend! And honestly, who can resist a gorgeous, custom spinning wheel?
]]>Jane chose Juniper Moon Cumulus for her project because she wanted something very soft and machine washable. The brushed cotton of Cumulus is definitely cuddly enough for the perfect blankie!
We love the sophisticated palette she chose. This is a beautiful piece of knitting that will last long past the baby years. Thanks very much for letting us share your work, Jane! We look forward to seeing what you make next :)
]]>Mary Rose is a knit designer from Central Ohio who is unbelievably speedy with the needles! Though she might finish her samples in record time, she meticulously checks and double checks her patterns to ensure that they are easy to work from and accurate. Her classic style, which favors lace and texture, means her designs never go out of fashion. Mary recently participated in our Independent Designers Program, creating the lovely Second Saturday Shawl for us out of Katia Lino. She also authored a blog post on successfully working with linen yarn, complete with a free pattern for a spa cloth (which handily enough is a perfect swatch for the shawl!).
Sasha for Skein Shop (SS): Hi Mary! Could you please introduce yourself to the Skein Shop community?
Mary Rose (MR): Hi Sasha. My name is Mary Rose, and I design under my own name: Mary E. Rose Designs. I live in Central Ohio with my three children, who are really all young adults now, and a socially unacceptable number of cats. In the mundane world I have been in management for what feels like forever, but I've recently branched into one-on-one coaching because helping people realize their dreams is my passion (as well as knitting!).
SS: So what kind of advice would you have for someone who dreams of writing patterns but isn't sure where to start?
MR: First, start by designing what you love to make! Second, read and work critically from other people's patterns. Look at the how and the why of the way they laid out everything from where the pictures are to which techniques and stitch patterns they used. Then ask yourself if you would have done anything differently.
Also, you have to know that your first attempts at designing, especially the actual writing out of a pattern will not be perfect, and that is ok! The only way to get better at it is to keep doing it and asking for help from either a mentor or a tech editor. If you don't have a mentor, there is a group on Ravelry, Budding Designers, that is full of very helpful people and resources for folks just starting out.
My words of "wisdom" come with a warning though - designing is addictive! It seems that once you turn that part of your brain on, you can't turn it off again, and before you it you have six or seven design ideas running around in your head just waiting to get out and be turned into patterns.
SS: With all those design ideas do you find yourself casting on lots of projects at once? I know I do!
MR: I am not a monogamous knitter! I usually have several WIPs going at a time. Typically that includes some socks, something complicated that I need to focus on, and some more mindless, movie-watching knitting. At least one project has to be small enough to carry around with me - I refer to that as my "pocket knitting".
SS: Sounds like you keep your hands very busy! How did you learn to knit?
MR: I was about six when I learned how to knit, so I've been knitting a very long time! I will admit to over 30 years of knitting now. I spent my early childhood in England, and knitting was taught in school there. At the time my mom knit, so it was easy to continue those lessons at home. When I was a teenager in the Seattle, Washington area and my friends were getting jobs at fast food places, I got one at the local yarn store. My working environment was much better than theirs!
SS: I've met a lot of Germans who comment that knitting was taught in their elementary school. That's usually followed up by the admission that they had their Oma knit their homework for them! Do you do any other fiber arts besides knitting?
MR: I spin, and I used to do a lot of counted cross-stitch. Spinning has given me a lot more insight into how the amount of twist and plying techniques used to make yarn from fiber really affect how it behaves and how to create designs that play to the strengths of that yarn.
SS: Your knowledge and love of yarn really shows in your designs. What made you want to start designing?
MR: I think that a lot of knitters do a little designing without realizing it - adjusting patterns to make them fit or taking parts of one pattern and adding them to another. It really started for me though with friends who wanted to knit things that they couldn't find patterns for. I would write out instructions for them, sometimes on napkins at coffee shops! For years I said I wasn't going to be a "designer", but after some pressure from my friends, I put my first patterns up on Ravelry in 2015. I also submitted some designs to Knotions and other third party publishers who liked my work enough to publish it. I have been in Knotions with several patterns now, and there are some more publications coming out this year. I am very excited about that!
SS: That's hugely exciting! I know with so many ideas, sometimes finding more inspiration is the last thing you need, but whose work do you admire? To whom do you look as a role model and source of inspiration in designing?
MR: I think that everyone admires the big names like Cat Bordhi for her unique perspective on knitting in general. Ysolda Teague and Jared Flood both do an excellent job of picking just the right stitch patterns be they lace or cables to truly complement the yarns they use.
I also admire some lesser-known designers. Andrea Jurgrau is one whom I admire for her amazing lace patterns. That said, there is a whole group of people that I admire who get forgotten about - the tech editors and editors of online and print magazines that do a lot of "hand holding" during the process of getting a pattern ready for the crafter to buy. I also admire the team at Ravelry for giving us a place to connect, publish, and sell.
SS: Speaking of staying connected, how can our readers follow your future work?
MR: I have a blog, an Instagram, and my patterns can be purchased from my pattern store on Ravelry.
]]>
Swatching With Linen
by Mary E. Rose
It's nearly summer here in central Ohio, and that can only mean one thing: daytime and evening temperatures high enough that all those wonderfully wooly knits I have made through the years get cleaned, neatly folded, and put away for another season. It is always a bittersweet time because, not only do I love the process of creating knitted clothing and accessories, I love wearing them. Putting them all away is like saying goodbye to good friends that gave me hours of enjoyment in the making and more hours of enjoyment in the wearing!
When Sasha, the owner of Skein Shop, asked me if I would like to take on the challenge of creating a summer shawl using a linen yarn, I jumped at the chance to cure that problem. Hand knits that I could wear all summer sounded wonderful, but I had never worked with linen before, so I promptly searched the internet for more information about the fiber itself while waiting patiently for the yarn to arrive so I could swatch.
Making a Case for Knitting with Linen:
Linen is a natural material made from the flax (linseed) plant. It is much stronger than cotton, yet it can be very soft. Linen allows more airflow through its structure, giving your body the chance to "breathe". It's highly absorbent, yet it dries quickly. It is almost lint-free, non-allergenic, non-static, and it provides some UV protection. All of these points seemed to really make a case for knitting with linen...
And then the yarn arrived.
Katia Lino 100% in the ball is crisp and shiny. Where was that "very soft" that I had seen mentioned while doing my research? It's in the handling! Now you could, if you were more patient than I, skein the yarn, wash and dry it a few times, and have that linen yarn that is soft and nice to knit with. However, simply handling the yarn can also make it softer and easier to work with, so instead I got out my trusty ball winder and wound that ball into a cake. Then I wound that cake into another cake, and finally I did the same thing a third time. Much softer! Now it was time to actually get down to the business of seeing what this yarn would - and wouldn't - do.
Want to swatch along with me?
Ok, Let's Swatch!
Materials:
Gauge: 27 sts x 25.5 rows = 4" x 4" (~10cm square)
Instructions:
Using your favorite provisional cast on, cast on 20 stitches.
Rows 1-40: Knit all stitches through the back loops.
Row 41: Turn work 90 degrees, place unique stitch marker to designate beginning of round, yarn over, pick up and knit 20 stitches down one edge, place stitch marker, yarn over, pick up 20 stitches from provisional cast on, knit these stitches, place stitch marker, yarn over, pick up and knit 20 stitches along the third edge, place stitch marker, yarn over, knit 20 stitches to beginning of round marker (84 stitches)
Next and all even-numbered rounds: Knit all stitches, slipping markers as you come to them.
Beginning with Round 1 of the chart, work rounds 1-15, repeating the chart one time on each edge of your swatch. (Right click on the chart and select "open image in new tab" to view a larger version.)
Round 16: Purl all stitches, slipping markers as you come to them.
Finishing:
Bind off as follows: Knit 2, return both stitches to the left-hand needle and knit 2 together through the back loops, *knit 1, return two stitches from right-hand needle to left-hand needle and knit two together through back loops; repeat from * until all stitches have been worked. Pull end through final stitch and cut yarn, leaving a 9" tail for weaving in. Weave in your ends, but do not clip yet! Machine wash and dry several times. On final drying, remove from dryer while still damp, pin out square, and dry completely. After cloth is completely dry, you may trim your ends.
The spa cloth before blocking. | The spa cloth after blocking. |
Measure your swatch cloth! Without stretching you should have a cloth that is 8 inches (~20 cm) square, which coincidentally is spot on gauge for a shawl designed for using Katia Lino!
What Did I Learn From My Swatch?
First, winding and re-winding the yarn really did make it softer to work with. Straight off the needles stockinette stitch looked uneven, which is why I opted to use twisted garter stitch for the body of my swatch. Also, linen loves texture! Both the twister garter and the 2/2 stitches drape beautifully with this linen yarn. Finally, avoid your super sharp, slick needles. Blunter points and wood or slightly textured needles worked best for me.
Tips for Working with Linen:
Jillena R. was kind enough to share her project photos with us. Since she got the yarn from us, she'll be receiving a coupon for 10% off. If you'd like to see your work featured here and get a coupon, read this post for details.
I test knit the the Anonymous Shawl for The Wool Club. I love Verena’s designs for their texture and simplicity. My favorite thing about this shawl is the juxtaposition of the garter stitch with the crosshatch stitch sections - they really complement each other and create such a nicely draping fabric. Juniper Moon Farm Findley DK is truly the perfect yarn for this pattern. I wear my Anonymous Shawl both as a scarf and as a shawl. I always get complements. I think people are drawn to the rich color and the beautiful picot bind off.
Speaking of which, this was my first time ever knitting a picot bind off. It takes longer to do than some other bind offs, but the end result is worth it.
Jillena is an avid knitter and yarn enthusiast who lives in Columbus, Ohio with her boyfriend and two dogs. She loves running, antique shopping, and blogging about home improvement projects. You’ll find her on Ravelry, Instagram, Etsy as @jillenasue and her website www.jillenasue.com
Thank you for allowing us to post your pictures, Jillena. Your shawl is beautiful, and your dog is so cute!
]]>Thank you to Julie V. for allowing us to share her photo! She'll be receiving a coupon for 10% off because she got the yarn from us. If you would like to have your project featured (and get a coupon in gratitude), please read this post for all the juicy details.
Julie used the one of Queensland Collection's new spring yarns - Tide. She made a valance for her bathroom window by modifying this curtain pattern.
Julie says that she was planning on knitting a whole panel, but the way the yarn was hanging, she thought a valance would work better. She thinks she'll use her leftovers to make a scarf.
Great job, Julie! Your valance is absolutely lovely :)
]]>Jane knit this adorable Volkswagen Vest for her grandson. She used Peter Pan DK because it is soft, it's machine washable, and it comes in plenty of fun colors.
Aren't those cars just too cute?
Thanks for letting us share your work, Jane! It turned out great :)
]]>addi Click Lace tips are part of the fabulous addi Click interchangeable system. While you might expect the lace tips to be analogous to the Lace needles with the sharp tips and the brass coating, they are actually modeled after the Rocket line, meaning that they have the sharp tips and the nickel plating. The Click Lace tips are also the only tips in the Click system to be available in long and short lengths. The short tips are necessary for creating short circulars of 16" and 20" lengths.
Both the short and long set come with eight sizes of needle tips, US 4 (3.5mm), US 5 (3.75mm), US 6 (4mm), US 7 (4.5mm), US 8 (5mm), US 9 (5.5mm), US 10 (6mm), and US 11 (8mm).
They come in the same style case as the other addi sets - a sleek, snap-closed envelope with elastic bands for the tips.
The short set comes with 5 cords - one in each size to make a 16", 20", 24", 32", and 40" needle. The long set comes with three cords - one in each size to make a 24", 32", and 40" needle, but these are the addi SOS cables with the lifeline holes.
As far as cost-savings goes, the tips alone would cost you $147 and the cords another $30-$50. This already hits the $180 price tag of the set, and we haven't added in the cost of the cord connector and case.
Again, please read the Click Bamboo review for an extensive exploration of all the accessory options for addi interchangeables. There are so many ways to build your perfect collection!
]]>addi made their name on the excellent Turbo line of knitting needles. The slick, nickel-plated finish combined with the classic tip and pliant blue cord made addi one of the first high-end knitting needles on the market, and it remains a prestigious brand to this day. The Click Basic line is the interchangeable version of the fabulous Turbo needle.
All Click parts and accessories are fully interchangeable with all other Click products. That means that if you get the Basic set, you can add on tips in other finishes and various accessories later. The Click Basic kit comes in a sleek black case that snaps neatly shut.
Inside are elastic bands to hold the ten included pairs of needle tips in sizes US 4 (3.5mm), US 5 (3.75mm), US 6 (4mm), US 7 (4.5mm), US 8 (5mm), US 9 (5.5mm), US 10 (6mm), US 11 (8mm), US 13 (9mm), and US 15 (10mm). There are also three cords, one each in the length to make a 24", 32", and 40" needle.
The cord connector can be used to connect two cords together to form a longer one, or you can use it to hook two ends of the same cord together to "park" your stitches on the cable.
The needle tips alone would be $200, and the cords another $30, so at $180, the kit represents quite a savings before even considering the cable connector or the exclusive case.
If the sizes included in the set are not enough, there are also tips available in sizes US 10.5 (6.5mm), US 10.75 (7mm), US 17 (12mm), and US 19 (15mm). These large sizes are one of the benefits of the Click system.
Rather than rehashing all the various accessory options, please see our post on the Bamboo Click needles. Since all the parts are fully compatible, all of that information applies to this set as well.
As we pointed out in the Bamboo review, the Click connection is one of the major benefits of this system. It requires no tools to tighten or loosen, and the needles stay securely connected until they are deliberately separated from the needle tips. A simple push and twist motion is all that's required to connect or disconnect tips from cables.
]]>The addi Click system has a lot of different options. Today we'll be focusing on the bamboo collection. The Click Bamboo brings the same great quality of the addi Natura line to interchangeables. Like all bamboo needles, these are lightweight and warm while providing a slight grip on the yarn. addi needles are always characterized by their exceeding high quality, and these are no exception.
All Click parts and accessories are fully interchangeable with all other Click products. That means that if you invest in a bamboo kit, you can use the cords and tips from any of addi's other lines. The Click Bamboo set comes in a convenient green case that snaps securely shut.
Inside are elastic bands to hold the eight included pairs of needle tips in sizes US 4 (3.5mm), US 5 (3.75mm), US 6 (4mm), US 7 (4.5mm), US 8 (5mm), US 9 (5.5mm), US 10 (6mm), and US 11 (8mm). There are also three cords, one each in the length to make a 24", 32", and 40" needle.
The last component of the kit is a cord connector, which can be used to connect two cords together to form a longer one, or you can use it to hook two ends of the same cord together to "park" your stitches on the cable.
So comparing the price of everything individually versus in the kit, the kit of course offers savings. The needle tips would be $147, the cords about $30, so the parts have reached the $180 price tag before considering the cable connector or the elegant case.
If the sizes included in the set are not enough, there are also tips available in sizes US 10.75 (7mm), US 13 (9mm), US 15 (10mm), and US 17 (12mm).
Because additional options add value to your kit, let's talk about the other parts and pieces for the addi Click system. There are cords to form 20", 47", and 60" needles. There are also cords for 16" needles, though these are only compatible with other needle tips. Some cord packs come with another connector, but connectors are also available separately. addi also makes what they call "SOS" cords, which have a place for a lifeline.
There are also plenty of other needle tip options. addi's famous Turbo tips are represented by the Click Basic line, while the popular, sharper Rockets are Click Lace long in the standard length and Click Lace in the shorter length, with which one can form 16" circulars. There are also crochet hooks that attach to the cords so that they can be used for wide pieces of Tunisian crochet. Newer to the lineup are the Olive Wood knitting needle tips, the interchangeable version of addi's unique, Olive Wood circular needles.
Really what makes addi needles stand apart, besides the quality, is the connection system. The proprietary Click connection requires no tools to tighten or loosen, and the needles stay securely connected until they are deliberately separated from the needle tips. A simple push and twist motion is all that's required to connect or disconnect this system.
Clicks also offer a slightly larger size range than other needle systems. Most interchangeables stop at US 15 (10mm), but these go to US 17 (12mm), and in some finishes US 19 (15mm). That and the availability of the crochet hook ends make this a very versatile system to buy into.
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