One of my favorite techniques for adding textural pleates or ruffles in knitting is ruching. Kay knitted Citron, by Hilary Smith Callis in Scrumptious Lace by Fyberspates. This beautiful silk and merino blend that shimmers in the sunlight especially with the addition of beads. The pattern is fun knit, and knowing that she was going to put beads on at the end to add to the glimmer helped her get to her final destination.
All you have to do to make this pattern is increase and decrease with a series of stockinette rows in between, a quick and simple knit! The best part is for those of us who aren’t familiar with the technique, it appears to be quite complicated but is a great pattern even for a intermediate beginner.
You only need one hank of this lace weight yarn to knit this semi-circular shawl. You can also add or remove the repeats to make the project smaller or larger. Kay’s Citron has 2 extra repeats and possibly had enough to make another shawl with her leftovers. Don’t be afraid to dress up your version with beads. If you aren’t familiar with this very popular Ravelry pattern you can check it out by clicking here. -B
Published in the Mason-Dixon Knitting Blog the Mitered Crosses Blanket by Kay Gardiner was designed for all proceeds to go to Mercy Corps. In 2011 these donations will be designated for the Japan earthquake/tsunami relief, and thereafter to support Mercy Corps’ relief work. Not only will you be supporting a wonderful cause by purchasing this pattern but you end up with an absolutely breathtaking finished product.
Inspired by the Modern Crosses quilt featured in Modern Log Cabin Quilting: 25 Simple Quilts and Patchwork Projects, by Susan Beal, This blanket combines two techniques-mitering and log cabin- to make a knitted interpretation of a log cabin quilt variation. Knitted out of Noro Silk Garden each mitered cross is individual to the blanket which makes the project addictive because you can’t wait to see how the next square is going to look. If you have a large silk garden stash this is a great way to put it to good use.
The main color (cream) is a discontinued silk garden colorway, but some other suggestions might be using Plymouth Yarn’s Mushishi, Cascade 220 or 220 Superwash, holding 2 together of Imperial Yarn Tracie, really the options are endless. Each seamless block starts with 4 miters that are knitted onto each other to form a cross shape. Ms. Marjie’s blanket that we have pictured is a little different from the original. The original has 10 squares and is framed with 4 log cabin strips and Marjie’s has 20 squares without any log cabin strips.
I absolutely love the finishing on this particular project. The blocks are joined together without sewing, using the 3-needle bind off method, and the blanket is finished with an applied i-cord edging that resembles the binding of a quilt. Thanks Marjie for bringing in your work for us to photograph, the project is simply awesome! -B
This new yarn for fall is a super funky super quick crochet. Expresso is 100% microfibre polyester that looks like a gigantic chenille tube. It is soft and light weight and when I say it is quick, I mean you can make this up in less that 5 minutes, the perfect project for the “product” crocheter or knitter. There is no hook involved all you need is the yarn and your hands, you simply crochet a large chain and thats it!
We have the yarn available now in 5 colors and it only takes 1 hank, unless you want it longer and you could use two by attaching them together with a similar color thread. Check out the instructional video by clicking here. Thanks to Christy and Cory for putting together the video for us to share. -B
Alice from Berroco fall booklet #312 is a feminine mock turtleneck pullover with puffed short sleeves and flirty ruching at the sleeve opening knitted out of the new yarn Boboli. This booklet is full of beautiful knits including cardigans, gloves, raglan sleeve sweaters, vests, a one of a kind scarf, and even a stuffed bunny.
Each shade of Boboli is composed of an enchanting mix of shifting colors. A glimmering wool blend boasting a subtle shine and soft hand, this yarn lends cool-weather projects an air of sophisticated originality. We are very excited about this stunning new yarn along with the rest of our fall shipment from Berroco.
Come by to check out new colors of Peruvia Quick, Ultra Alpaca, and Borealis. We have also just unpacked some of the other wonderful new yarns from Berroco: Link, Flicker, and Souffle. -B
Made in Oregon at The Imperial Stock Ranch, this soft and sumptuous pencil roving is worked in this simple rib pattern creating a simple to knit cowl that can be worn around the neck or pulled snug over your shoulders. The pattern calls for you to hold two strands together using two balls of yarn. We opted for a lighter weight version, only knitting one strand and one ball of yarn. Either way you decide to knit this project it is beautiful and affordable. The bulky 2 strand pencil roving is approximately 200 yards of 100% lofty wool for $13.00 and available in subdued colors as well as bright and bold colors.
To finish off your beautiful creation check out the Annie Adams line of shawl pins that are sure to appeal to all needle loving designers in need of that extra something special. No matter your craft the lead-free pewter pins will accent your personal style. -B
