F.O. Shore Cardigan by Carrie Bostick Hoge

After completing Louise by designer Carrie Bostick Hoge I knew I would enjoy knitting her Shore Cardigan pattern just as much.

Pattern:  Shore Cardigan from the book Swoon Maine 
Designer:  Carrie Bostick Hoge

Yarn:  Quince & Co. Owl Worsted Weight 50% Alpaca 50% Wool

Colourway: Bubo  10 skeins

Needles:  4.5mm and 4.0mm

Added Notes:

1. This pattern was easy to follow. The back dips down lower than the front which is a nice added feature of the cardigan.  It would be a great beginner pattern as there is no seaming and it was knit top down so you can totally try it on as you go. 

2.  This is my first time knitting with Quince & Co. Owl yarn and I have to admit that I am impressed. It is one of those rustic yarns that will wear well with little pilling.  It is lightweight yet warm, and somewhat itchy given the alpaca content.  It doesn't bother me, but if you are at all sensitive to scratchy yarns, this is probably not the yarn for you. I bought this yarn on a trip last year to Washington D.C., when I visited Looped Yarn Works, where they had an amazing selection of Quince Yarn.  I love the tonal look of the Bubo colourway, and the price point of this yarn is very reasonable compared to other yarns.

Quince & Co. Owl Yarn:  50% Alpaca 50% Wool

Quince & Co. Owl Yarn:  50% Alpaca 50% Wool

3.  I am quickly becoming a fan of Carrie Bostick Hoge.  Carrie is one of those designers who creates classic patterns that become wardrobe staples.

That was the last winter sweater that I had on the needles.  I am now trying hard to clean up my other works in progress to make way for some new spring projects.  Stay tuned as I have lots of knitting plans and different coloured yarns that I want to share with you.

What pattern are you looking forward to knitting this spring?

Simple Woolfolk Hats

Sometime simple is better.  If you take a basic pattern and combine it with some luxurious yarn, such as Woolfolk, you can create something very special. Take for example the last two hats I knit.  I am so happy with how they turned out. They were an easy knit and  are wonderfully soft, warm and I can guarantee you, will get a tremendous amount of wear. 

For extra notes on these hats check out my Ravelry page.

Pattern:   On the C Train:  my Ravelry page
Designer:  Espace Tricot

Yarn:  Woolfolk Får 
100% ovis 21 Ultimate Merino

Colourway:  02
paired with 
Yarn:  Shibui Knits Silk Cloud
60% Mohair 40% Silk
Colourway:  Ash

Needles: 4.5 mm and 5 mm

Notes:  This is a free pattern by Espace Tricot, a yarn store I have on my bucket list to visit.  Thanks to Espace Tricot I am now hooked on knitting patterns combining mohair and merino yarn.  I tried this technique with a pair of mittens designed by Tin Can Knits and I was thrilled with the result.

Next I knit a hat for my husband:

Pattern:  Saku Hat:  my Ravelry project page

Designer:  Olga Buraya-Kefelian

Yarn:  Woolfolk Får 
100% ovis 21 Ultimate Merino

Colourway: 11

Needles: 4.5 mm 

Notes:  I knit this hat longer than written in the pattern so that my husband could fold the brim.  

And, then, since my husband loves his Saku Hat so much I started one more as a gift for my brother-in-law:

Woolkfolk Får:  Colourway 4

Pattern:  Saku Hat:  my Ravelry project page

Designer:  Olga Buraya-Kefelian

Yarn:  Woolfolk Får 
100% ovis 21 Ultimate Merino

Colourway: 04

Needles: 4.5 mm

I am such a big fan of Woolfolk Yarn.  If you haven't had the chance to try it I highly recommend it.  Trust me when I say you will love every minute of knitting with it, and your finished project will be so incredible you won't want to take it off. If only I could invest in a sweater's quantity.  I need to start buying lottery tickets! But for now these small projects bring me a lot of joy.

Knitting Bags

When I first started knitting all I needed was a skein of yarn and a set of knitting needles.  It was simple.  However, as my knitting expertise grew, so did my desire for other products.  From knitting needles to notions, to yarn, the options available for knitters are endless.

One accessory I don't mind investing in is a good knitting bag, and there are so many gorgeous ones to choose from.  I love the bags I have collected over the years, and I enjoy using each one.  Here are a few of my favourites:

1.  This Della Q bag is great for carrying socks or other small projects in.  The handles are the perfect size to put over your arm and knit as you go.  

Currently it's holding my Saku Hat by Olga Buraya-Kefelian that I am knitting in Woolfolk Far.

Saku Hat in Woolfolk Far

2.  Every knitter needs a waterproof bag (don't they?) and I bought this one (made by Decodelire) because I loved the size and the fun print. This came from the Needle Emporium and can hold a sweater quantity of yarn.  

3.  Then there is my collection of linen bags by a Canadian printmaker named Jenna Rose. They are well made, can be used for many purposes, and come in a variety of sizes.

Fits one skein of yarn

Fits 2-3 skeins of yarn

Fits 2-3 skeins

Fits 2-3 skeins

This is a big bag that can hold  around 15 skeins of yarn.  I store all my yarn for projects in my queue.

4.  Who doesn't love a Fringe Supply Bag?  My husband was sweet enough to give me one for Christmas from Purl Soho.  I just love how vibrant the colour is. It is so well made and contains lots of interior pockets that are so useful.

5.  Finally my latest purchase...a Hedgehog Fibres Invisible Project Bag available from Espace Tricot.  It's amazing how many skeins of yarn it can hold, and I will never forget what I put in it.  

This bag fits at least 7 skeins!

I am constantly impressed with the variety and quality of bags available.  Do you have any favourite sources or brands?