F.O. Burr by Véronik Avery

Pattern:  Burr from Brooklyn Tweed Fall 2012
              

Designer:  Véronik Avery

Yarn:  Green Mountain Spinnery Mewesic (100% wool, DK weight)
Colourway:  Purple Haze

Green Mountain Spinnery Mewesic

Purple Haze

Needles:  4.0mm

Ravelry:  my notes

Added Notes:

1.  It feels so good to finish a project that has been a work in progress for some time.  I started Burr in August 2017.  I knit the back and then got distracted by other knitting projects.  Fast forward to February when I decided to join the Ravellenic Games 2018 Knit Along. 

The Ravellenic Games' purpose was to challenge Ravelry members to finish a project during the 2018 Winter Olympics.  I picked the category of WIPs and challenged myself to finish my Burr cardigan by the end of Closing Ceremonies.  It was not easy to reach my goal, but thankfully I finished it on the last day.  I find that setting goals is super motivating for me in all areas of my life, I really should do it more often.

Back

2.  The Burr Cardigan is seamed.  Once all the pieces are knit, the fronts are seamed to the back, and then the ribbing for the collar and the button band is completed.  Although there are many advantages of a seamed cardigan, the hard part is not being able to try it on as you go.  This pattern was written with an intended ease of 4-5 inches which is what I think I achieved.  However, I think I would have preferred less ease if I had to do it all over.  

Preblocking

3.  Veronik Avery's pattern is well written ad easy to follow.  I appreciate how she added a lot of  pretty details.  For example, look at the detail around the collar:

There was only one direction that confused me, and after searching the forums for an answer with no success, I emailed Brooklyn Tweed my question.  I was so impressed when I received a helpful reply so promptly.  In my experience I have found Brooklyn Tweed patterns to be high quality, from the detailed way the pattern is written to the support available through the Brooklyn Tweed website.

4.  Modifications were few.  Many knitters had warned that the sleeves came out rather tight so I spaced my increases closer together (every six rows).  I probably could have done increases eight rows apart and that would have worked too.  I knit the shortest length of sleeves, but after blocking the sleeves were too long on me.  I could have knit them an inch shorter.  What I like about this pattern is how versatile the cardigan is.  You can dress it up or wear it with jeans and it looks great.

5. I really enjoyed knitting with Green Mountain Spinnery Mewesic Yarn, a gorgeous tweedy yarn.  The flecks of colour found in this yarn added an extra depth to the cardigan.  Mewesic is available in many gorgeous colours and I would highly recommend it to you. This pattern originally called for Brooklyn Tweed Loft held double, but I was able to get gauge with the yarn I used and I am pleased with how it knit up.

What does a knitter do once she gets a cardigan off the needles....cast on for two more of course.  More on that later...xo

F.O. Log Cabin Mitts by Karen Templer

When Karen Templer of Fringe Association announced that she, together with Mason-Dixon Knitting, were jointly hosting a knitalong based on the Log Cabin method of knitting, it caught my attention.  She challenged the participants to create anything they wanted using this knitting method.  I have never knit a log cabin construction before, and I was intrigued to see what people would create with such an open-ended challenge. Many gorgeous projects have been created since the Logalong began on January 1st.  My absolute favourite project is here (by The Perwinkle Sheep).

However, I was content to stand by and watch my Instagram feed until Karen Templer finished designing her Log Cabin Mitts and generously shared the pattern for free!   As soon as I saw her mitts, I knew I had to join in the fun, and knit my own pair.

Ta-dah!

Pattern:   Log Cabin Mitts

Designer:  Karen Templer

Left to Right:  Hektos, Shelter, WATERshed

Yarn:  Brooklyn Tweed Shelter 100% Targhee Columbia
Colourway:  Plume

Yarn:  Harrisville Designs WATERshed  (100% wool)
Colourway:  Slate

Yarn:  Julie Asselin Hektos (75% merino, 15% cashmere, 10% silk)
Colourway:  Plume

Needles: 4.0mm

Ravelry:  my notes

Added Notes:  
I can't express to you how much I enjoyed knitting these mitts.  From choosing my yarn, to gaining a clear understanding of how a log cabin construction is knit,  I was thoroughly entertained.  Karen's pattern was very easy to follow, and pictures were provided in case of any confusion.  I was also impressed with the unique way in which Karen turned the square into a well fitting mitt.  Here are a few photos to help illustrate the steps.

First Seven Patches

Nine Patches (before blocking)

After blocking all the ends are sewn in

With right sides facing the wrist stitches are joined

The thumb gusset is knit

This is the perfect pattern to use up worsted weight scraps and the colour combinations are endless.  Since this was my first time knitting a Log Cabin pattern I followed the colour order suggested by Karen.  The only difference with my mitts was that my square blocked out to 7.5 inches, instead of the suggested 7 inches.  However, I am very happy with the fit. 

Front view

Rear View 

After completing my mitts I fully confess that I am hooked on knitting log cabins.  The number of possibilities are endless, and these mitts are a good way of showcasing that. 

If you would like to check out what people are creating you can follow along on Instagram with the hashtag #fringeandfriendslogalong  

You still have time to join in, as the Logalong doesn't end until the end of February.  I think I am going to challenge myself to create my own pattern using the log cabin...I will report back soon! 

Woolercoaster's Wonderful World of Wool: November 18-November 24

This is such a busy time of year for many people, but it is important to take time for yourself to rejuvenate.  When you have a minute here are some knitting related news items that might interest you:

Contest
Yarn Canada is holding a contest to gift yarn to individuals and groups who knit or crochet for good causes.  They’re giving away $2000 worth of yarn and are hoping to get as many applicants as possible, to ensure the prize will have the maximum impact.  Here's the prizes they will be giving away:

1 x $500 of yarn to a Canadian group who knits or crochets for a good cause

1 x $500 of yarn to an American group who knits or crochets for a good cause

10 x $100 of yarn to Canadian or American individuals or groups who knit or crochet for a good cause

 All the information can be located here.

Free Pattern
This is a great time of year to check the Ravelry pattern page daily as many designers will offer free patterns for a short time.  Here are a few that look like fun:

Getting Warmer is a cowl knit from the bottom up in bulky weight Woolfolk Luft yarn.  The pattern is by Espace Tricot and would make a great holiday gift.

Sheepish Little Hat Light  a sweet fingering weight hat by Melissa Kemmerer available in sizes baby to adult.

Diagonal Striped Garter Stitch Loop knit in a chunky weight yarn by Churchmouse Yarns & Teas.

New Publications/Patterns

A Brooklyn Tweed Holiday Lookbook has been published just in time for the holiday season.

The amazing designer Kate Davies has provided a sign up for the West Highland Way Club which is a club and design collection.  The fun starts in January when club members will receive three months of weekly patterns.  At the conclusion the newly published 120 page book is mailed with all the patterns included.

Deep Woods Toque is a rereleased pattern by Kiyomi Burgin using Madelinetosh Light. I have wanted to make this hat since it was first published in Knitscene 2015 and I am finally knitting my own version.  I have combined the beautiful Tanis Fiber Arts Purple Label in the colourway Maize with Sweet Fiber Yarns Super Sweet Sock in Merino in Vintage Lace.  I am loving these two colourways together, but there are so many other possibilities.  Read more about my version here.

Deep Woods Toque by Kiyomi Burgin

The annual Indie Designer Gift-a-long began on November 21st and runs until December 3.  To help knitters out 311 indie designers are offering their patterns at a discount until November 28th.  Very Shannon and Jane Richmond are two of the designers involved, but this is also a great time to check out newer designers, and to knit with a group of people focused on holiday knitting.  See Very Shannon's 25% off discount code.  Offer is only good to November 28th.  Don't delay.

Podcast
I am always on the lookout for new YouTubers or podcasters who are entertaining to listen to while I knit. Knit Collage is a new to me podcast.  Check out the latest episode here.

I hope you found this round up helpful and that you make time for some peaceful and relaxing crafty time over the next few weeks.  Happy knitting!

Fall Favourites on Ravelry

As a knitter I love this time of year.  As the air gets cooler, I reacquaint myself with my handknit shawls and sweaters that I haven't been able to wear for some time. Knitting turns to cooler weather projects such as my Clarke Pullover by Jane Richmond, which I am getting closer to finishing.  But as I remain on sleeve island for the next while, I wanted to take this opportunity to focus on a few new things in the knitting world.

Clarke Pullover by Jane Richmond

Have you noticed how many new patterns have been appearing on Ravelry this month? Everytime I look at Ravelry there are new patterns to check out.  Here are just a few that have caught my attention:

Baby Pattern

Mabel:  a free pattern by Fiona Alice for Loop Knit Lounge.  This is a sweet aran weight cardigan sized for children up to four years old.  I love all the details in this cardigan, especially around the neckline.

Cowl

Copenhagen Callling:  a cowl knit in DK weight using two colours in three different patterns.  This knit is designed by one of my favourite designers, Isabell Kraemer, who is known for her beautiful and wearable patterns.  I like the fact that the cowl uses DK weight, which would knit up quickly and be warm for the cold days ahead.

Cardigan

Brooklyn Tweed has recently published their Fall 2016 pattern book.  The concept for this pattern collection is that each design comes in a male version and a female version.  The stand out for me is Mohr by Norah Gaughan.  This worsted weight cardigan, knit in Brooklyn Tweed Shelter, is knit bottom up, combining lattice cables and ribs. The shorter length of this cardigan really appeals to me too.

Sweater

If you are looking for a beautiful cabled sweater to knit this fall, look no further than Alina Schneider's (Gift of Knitting) newest pattern released this month, called Journey.  I like everything about this sweater.  The cables Alina chose for her design complement each other well and her attention to detail is wonderful. I think this is one of those sweaters that would look great to wear no matter what the occasion.

photo by Gift of Knitting

photo by Gift of Knitting

Shawl

Plucky Knitter came out with Field Trip- A 2016 Plucky Knitter Collection containing a variety of patterns.  One that caught my eye is Alpenglow, a lace and cabled bulky shawl.  That would be a fun knit and I think I have the perfect yarn for it, some Super Soft Merino by Purl Soho.

Publication

Andrea Hungerford, of Blueberry Hill Crafting, is publishing a new Serial called By Hand. I have been a fan of Blueberry Hill Crafting for a long time. Every picture that Andrea publishes on her Instagram or Blog is of the highest quality and I am sure By Hand will be no different. There are three issues planned for the first year. Her goal is to create a virtual travel guide for fiber and fabric enthusiasts describing makers around the country.  The first issue focuses on makers in Portland, Oregon and contains interviews with Jared Flood of Brooklyn Tweed, Woolfolk's Kristin Ford as well as independent yarn dyers such as Bumblebirch and Canon Hand Dyes.  I am very excited to check it out. Order information is here. 

It really is an incredible time to be a knitter. We have so many options with different yarns and patterns to choose from.  What are some of your favourites this fall?

Tolt Yarn and Wool: Part Two

Visiting Tolt Yarn and Wool Shop was such a joyful experience for me. Yesterday I took you on a general tour of the store.  Today, I thought you might be interested in seeing some of the yarn available at Tolt.  Whoever is responsible for designing this space and displaying the yarn should be congratulated. Every item in the store is thoughtfully presented, and the store is spacious making it the perfect size to showcase the wonderful variety of yarns available.  It was so thrilling for me to actually see and touch yarn that I have only ever read about. 

Although Tolt Yarn and Wool carries brands like Madelinetosh and Malabrigo a lot of the yarn sold here is very sheepy, minimally processed and much of it is American sourced.  Below is just a small fraction of what is available.  I provided links to Ravelry for each of  the yarns pictured below although I highly recommend you visit their gorgeous online store to get further information.

Brooklyn Tweed:  Loft, Shelter, Plains & Quarry

Brooklyn Tweed (left) and Imperial Yarn:  Columbia (right)

Imperial Yarn:  Erin 

Woolfolk:  Tynd & Sno

Isager:  Silk Mohair, Alpaca 1 & Spinni

Fancy Tiger:  Heirloom Romney

The Fibre Company:  Road to China, Cumbria & Acadia

Quince & Co.  Chickadee, Owl & Lark

Quince & Co. Chickadee and Owl

Yoth Yarn: Big Sister

Cestari Traditional 2 Ply, Swans Island, & Green Mountain Spinnery Mewesic

Elemental Affects Shetland Fingering

Spincycle Dyed in the Wool

When it came to picking out skeins I wanted to buy I have to be honest and say that it was overwhelming.  There were so many choices.

Of course, I finally made up my mind and here a few of the beauties I bought:

Even the packaging is pretty

Baa Ram Ewe:  Dovestone DK:  Yorkstone

Peace Fleece:  Marigold

Green Mountain Spinnery:  Mewesic

Cestari Traditional Collection

Imperial Yarn:  Columbia

I wish that all of you yarn lovers get the opportunity to visit Tolt Yarn and Wool.  You will love it.