Monday, December 21, 2015

Fair Isle Pattern Recommendations

Browsing Ravelry recently, I came across some fair isle patterns that needed to be mentioned. 

Fractured Fairy Tale Hat
I love the purple and grey version, but this one shows the pattern best. Aren't the flowers fun? Great to brighten up your winter!
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Snowflakes have never been so warm. Love all the snowflake patterns, and the cozy halo in this yarn. 

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Love the rose motif. Use this motif in your own project, it will look great in any color.
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Have you knit any fair isle lately? Read about my fair isle project the Veliki Hat and Mittens for Juniper Moon Farm.  Share with me your projects and wishlist. 




Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Juniper Moon Farms, Veliki Hat and Mittens

Juniper Moon Farm released Veliki Hat and Mittens patterns, one my model knits. This yarn is wonderful! The set is cozy warm and soft, you need to make a set for this winter. Don't let the fairisle scare you, if I can knit it, I know you can.


Come back Monday for some more fair isle pattern recommendations!



Monday, December 14, 2015

Review: Hanna Maciejewska, Hats On!

One of my favorite independent designers, Hanna Maciejewska, has just released a new ebook, Hats On!.  Like most of her pattern, the focus is on textures that are fun to knit, and will be great to wear. My favorite hat is Long Walks, I can see this being one I wear all the time. I would probably modify it to a beanie fit for me, but love this one too.
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What new pattern has caught your eye?

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Cashmere Passion & Angora Hood, yarn review

I was excited when I was asked to knit a hood in Plymouth Yarn's Cashmere Passion and Angora yarns. These yarn made for some enjoyable knitting time. First you cast on with the Angora, then switch to the Cashmere Passion. Expect the Angora to shed! But the contrast of yarns will make this hood fun to wear.

Cashmere Passion is one yarn I can't wait to knit with again. 80% Merino, 20% Cashmere and completely soft. This yarn glides through your fingers, and feels great even against your most sensitive skin. Most of the projects on Ravelry are for shawls, cowls, and hats. You will agree that this yarn needs to be kept close! Tntc commented that the yarn went limp after blocking, keep this in mind when planning your project.

A simple knit that will keep you warm and cozy!

Visit 100Creations's profile on Pinterest.

Monday, December 7, 2015

Review: Cold Weather Crochet by Marly Bird

If you listen to Marly Bird's Yarn Thing Podcast, you have already heard her talk about her new book, Cold Weather CrochetListen the podcast in which Tammy interviews Marly about this book, after you read about my favorites. Be sure to read the show notes on the blog, and say hi to Marly in the comments there. This is a book that you need to see in person. Photography just looks best in print.

First, the Green Mountain Spinnery Hood on the cover is a great winter accessory. Hoods keep your head warm, with out giving you the dreaded hat hair. And they look great. And are just fun. So make this one!








The Pretty in Pink Infinity Cowl would look great in your favorite colors, though I'm loving the pink and grey combination.

Last of my particular favorites, the African Flower Afghan uses a favorite stitch pattern, and great colors. Guaranteed to brighten up your winter!


Get your copy from Amazon. Which pattern is your favorite?

This post contains affiliate links. 




Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Project Finish

From the time a project is cast-on thought must be given to the finishing. For example, if you start the cast on with too short a yarn tail, weaving in invisibly will be difficult. Or that too tight cast on prevents the project from being blocked enough to show the lace stitches. A loose and sloppy cast on can detract from the beauty of your item. But we were supposed to be taking about the finishing.




Just like swatching, some people don't like finishing their projects. It can be hard when you finally get into the rhythm of the stitches to stop, bind off, and be faced with pieces rather than a finished object. But picking up the sewing needle and joining each piece with care can bring its own satisfaction. The satisfaction of a job well done.

Be sure to block your pieces before sewing, it is much easier! Some think blocking sounds scary, but sheep get wet, it won't hurt the yarn. Then just lay it flat on a clean surface, a towel on the floor, spare bed (unless you expect it to dry really quick!), or counter or table top for smaller pieces. After laying them out, I like to pat the piece out to the schematic. Pins are usually only necessary to help prevent rolling edges. 



While the project is drying is the perfect time to start the beginning of a new project. Unless you are already to the middle on project two, then you can  just knit. 

When dry, careful seaming can take an item from homemade to handmade. A subtle distinction, but one that helps separate the "you made that, didn't you," comments from the "where did you get that." comments. Plus, you spent how many hours knitting, now is not the time to skimp on attention.

Now the really fun part, put it on! Don't forget to take pictures and share them, we want to see too.