F.O. Miromesnil by Cléonis

Pattern:  Miromesnil

Designer: Cléonis

Yarn:  Shibui Silk Cloud (ivory) 60% silk 40% mohair 3.25 skeins
Colourway:  Ivory

The perfect combination:
 Shibui Silk Cloud & Debbie Bliss Fine Donegal

Yarn:  Debbie Bliss Fine Donegal (bronze) 
95% wool 5% cashmere 3.5 skeins
Colourway:  Bronze

Debbie Bliss Fine Donegal

Needles: 4.5mm & 5mm

Ravelry: see notes

Added Notes:

1.  After seeing Melissa, of Espace Tricot, wear her Miromesnil, I knew without a doubt, that I had to knit one of my own. Although the pattern calls for a worsted weight yarn, I followed Melissa's lead and used a lace and fingering weight yarn together and was able to get gauge with 5mm needles.  I had some Shibui Silk Cloud in Ivory stored safely in my stash already, and was able to pick up Debbie Bliss Fine Donegal, when I recently had the opportunity to visit Espace Tricot in Montreal.  As soon as I got home from Montreal I eagerly cast on.  Have you ever knit something that is a joy from the first stitch to the last?  Miromesnil was one of the most relaxing and enjoyable projects I have knit in a long time.  I felt like the pattern and yarn were a perfect match. I enjoyed each stitch and I was sad to see it come to an end.  Shibui Silk Cloud, a silk and mohair mix, is a dream to knit with and definitely worth the splurge.  When combined with Debbie Bliss Fine Donegal it creates the most beautiful fabric with the perfect halo. 

Check out the halo

The sweater is light weight and incredibly soft, and once you put it on you don't want to take off. 

2.  Miromesnil is a simple top down sweater pattern, that when knit with the perfect yarn, creates a gorgeous statement piece.  This is the first pattern I knit by Cléonis and I was impressed.  There are many options to choose from within the pattern which I appreciate.  For example, you can make the sweater long or short, fitted or oversized, pleated at the front/back with fitted or bishop sleeves, which can either be long or 3/4 in length.  The hem can have a flat or tighter finishing rib.  You  really get your money's worth with so many options.  I chose to knit a mid-length sweater with a subtle pleat in the front with a 3/4 bishop sleeve. I knit a flat 1/1 ribbing for the hem and it lays beautifully.  I knit an 11" sleeve and the body was 12" underarm preblocking.  I love the fit of this sweater and I will definitely knit another version. 

3.  I chose to knit a medium sized sweater with large sleeves.  I can't remember my reasoning for that combination, and if I had to knit the sleeves again I would knit a medium.  I might rip them back a bit as I wanted 3/4 sleeves and after blocking they are slightly too long.  It is my first time knitting bishop sleeves and I really like them.

4.  Hopefully I have convinced you to have a second look at this pattern...I promise you won't be sorry.  If you make one, be sure to tag me on Instagram... you can find me at woolercoaster...I would love to see your version.

A Look Back: 2017

Like so many of you, I have continued my obsession with knitting and yarn.  I think there has to be some kind of Ravelry record set this year for the number of patterns published.  It seemed like everyday new patterns were popping up on the Ravelry Pattern page.  It was hard to keep up.  I have enjoyed checking out all the new patterns and yarn throughout the year and the size of my queue is ridiculous.  There are just so many patterns I want to knit.  I think we can all agree that 2017 will be remembered as the Year of the Fade thanks to Andrea Mowry.

I present to you my annual round up of favourites for 2017.

Best Yarn Shop:  Haus of Yarn, Nashville, Tennessee
The variety of yarn, the size and warmth of the store, and quantity of knitted samples was impressive.  I would highly recommend this store to anyone visiting the Nashville area.  You can read about my visit here. 

Just a sample of what Haus of Yarn carries (Wool & Boon and Old Rusted Chair)

Feyre Shawl by Shannon Cook:  one of the many samples at the store

Best Sweater/Cardigan:  Camira by Carol Feller. 
I love this cardigan's unique construction and how well it fits.  It is a sweater I wear on a weekly basis, and I think it would look great knit in many different yarns.  

Camira by Carol Feller

Best Yarn Brand:  Woolfolk
I have knit a number of accessories in this yarn and love everything about it.  It is incredible to wear, and my dream would be to knit a cardigan in this yarn.  I would never take it off.

On the C Train knit in Woolfolk Fär

Best Yarn Colour:  Maize by Tanis Fiber Arts (Purple Label)
One of my favourite things to do is to photograph yarn.  When you have a colourway that looks like this, it is an absolute joy.  Tanis outdid herself when she created this colourway specifically for Knit City 2017.  

Tanis Fiber Arts Purple Label:  Maize colourway

Best Knitted Accessory:   Deep Woods Toque by Kiyomi Burgin. 
My favourite accessory was a hat I knit for my daughter, using Tanis Fiber Arts' Purple Label Yarn, combined with Sweet Fiber Yarns Super Sweet Sock.  I love everything about this hat.  The colour combination and finished product makes me so happy.

Deep Woods Toque

Yarn That Impressed Me:   Gauge Dyeworks Merino Twist Classic (colourway All Together Now) 
I knit Martina Behm's very popular Hitchhiker using this beautiful colourway.  I love how the yarn colour switches back and forth.  I think the dyer behind this yarn is super talented.  Just have a look at the shawl below to see what I mean.

Gauge Dyework Merino Twist Classic

Hitchhiker Shawl

Best Knitting Instagram Feed:  1. Clara Parkes (Instagram stories)
If you haven't checked out Clara Parkes Instagram stories you definitely should.  She is so witty and her stories always make me laugh.
2. Instagram Photos:   As for Instagram pictures this is an impossible choice.  The amount of talent on Instagram is incredible and inspiring (and a bit overwhelming trying to keep up to be completely honest).  Some of my favourites are:  espacetricot, quinceandco, boylandknitworks, happycactusdesigns, soveryshannon and mysocalledhandmadelife.

Best Knitting Magazine:  Laine Magazine
This Nordic knitwear magazine showcases impressive patterns by talented designers, as well as interesting articles.  It is an enjoyable read and totally worth every cent.  If you haven't had a chance to look at a copy yet, you can check out the patterns from the magazine on Ravelry.  

A few of my favourite publications

Best Knitting Vlog/Podcast:  Melissa and Lisa of Espace Tricot wins hands down for me this year. 
This definitely was the year of the podcast. There are so many talented vloggers out there, but the owners of Espace Tricot (a Montreal yarn store) are consistently enjoyable to watch.  Each time I watch their podcast I always learn something new, and end up adding patterns to my queue.  I find them so entertaining and talented.  

Favourite Designer:  Andrea Mowry  
I have yet to fade anything, but I admire Andrea's talent and prolific designing.  I have many of her patterns in my queue and will definitely knit a few of her designs in 2018.  Here is one of Andrea's patterns called Goldfinch that I knit this year.

Goldfinch by Andrea Mowry
knit in O-Wash O-Wool Sport

I am also super impressed with Caitlin Hunter and her unique designs.  I am excited to see her new designs in 2018.

Best Yarn Show:  Knit City in Vancouver
I have to be honest and admit that I only went to one show this year, but wow, it was a great one!  Everyone involved in Knit City was super friendly.  There was so many talented designers and dyers, as well as amazing classes by talented teachers. Vancouver is my favourite Canadian city to visit too. If you can only go to one show next year this is the show you need to get to.

Designs by Sylvia McFadden

I think it was a great year in the knitting world.  I am excited to see what new designers emerge in 2018 and what's hot.  What were some of your favourites?

Christmas Wrap Up

How did you do with your Christmas/gift knitting?  I ended up knitting right up to the last minute.  I wish I had time to knit a few more gifts, but I was
very happy with how the items I completed turned out.  Have a look:

Jolly Wee Elf

Pattern: Jolly Wee Elf
Designer:  Churchmouse Yarns and Tees
Yarn: Scraps of fingering weight yarn

Needles:   2.5mm

Ravelry:  my notes are here

Added Notes:  I actually knit these elves on Boxing Day for myself and I think it will be my new holiday tradition.  I absolutely loved making these elves, and I will definitely make a lot more in various sizes next year.  As expected the Churchmouse pattern is very well written.  These couldn't be easier to knit, and by investing a small amount of time, it is well worth the effort I think.

My Boyfriend Set

Pattern:  My Boyfriend Set  (free hat and scarf pattern)
Designer: Stephanie Boomsma

Yarn: Tanis Fiber Arts Orange Label Cashmere/Silk Worsted (75%merino 15% cashmere 10% silk)
Colourway:  Aurora

Needles:   4.0mm

Ravelry:  my notes are here

Added Notes:  I had to make my husband something for Christmas, as he is so supportive of my yarn obsession.  This is an easy, quick pattern that is foolproof to knit. Tanis Fiber Arts Orange Label yarn is a lovely combination of fibers, perfect for a hat.  And how about this colourway?  Gorgeous!  I would have loved to make the scarf as well, but I ran out of time. 

On the C Train

My two sisters modelling their new hat

Pattern:  On the C Train
Designer: Espace Tricot
Yarn: Woolfolk Fär (100% merino)

Colourway: 00
Yarn:  Shibui Knits Silk Cloud
Colourway:  Ivory

My daughter modelling the back view

Needles:  5.0mm 

Ravelry: my notes are here

Added Notes:  I have now knit this pattern three times and I am sure I will knit another in the future.  It is simple to follow and creates a hat that looks great on everyone.  The combination of Woolfolk Fär and Shibui Silk Cloud is so luxurious. Woolfolk Fär is incredibly soft just like cashmere, and Shibui Silk Cloud creates a beautiful halo.  One of my sisters is very sensitive to wool and this yarn combination does not bother her in the slightest.

Entwine Scarf

Pattern:  Entwine Scarf
Designer: Jane Richmond

Yarn:  Cascade Yarns Magnum (100% wool) Super Bulky weight:  2 skeins
Colourway:  8505 (white)

Needles:   12.75mm

Ravelry:  my notes are here 

Added Notes:   This is the kind of scarf that I want to bundle into on those very cold winter days.  Jane Richmond paired the perfect yarn with her pattern.  Knitting with such big needles in a super chunky yarn resulted in a quickly knitted scarf, perfect for holiday knitting.  I loved this pattern so much this is the second time I knit it.  I made this scarf last year withPurl Soho Super Soft Merino which created a completely different feeling scarf. 

Saku

Pattern:  Saku
Designer: Olga Buraya-Kefelian
Yarn: Woolfolk Fär

Colourway:  5

Needles:   4.5mm

Ravelry:  my notes are here
Added Notes:  This is my third time knitting this hat too.  Be warned that it does take more than one skein if you want the brim to fold up.  But you know that when you knit with Woolfolk, your recipient will wear it all the time, so it's well worth the investment.

So that's it for my holiday knitting.  I don't often knit the same pattern more than once but I really wanted to knit items that would be well received and worn frequently. I know that these items will be worn time and time again.

Don't forget to check out my blog in a few days as I will do my annual favourites of the year.  Happy knitting everyone!

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!

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

I love this time of year. Although it is still hot where I live, I know sweater weather is around the corner.  There are so many beautiful new patterns and yarns cropping up on Ravelry each day.  Here's my picks for the highlights of the week:

Hot Patterns:
1.  If you are looking for a shawl that uses up some smaller quantities of yarn check out Melanie Berg's new pattern called True Colors.

2.  Thea Colman has come out with a new cabled cardigan pattern called Nor'easter.

3.  Josie Paquin and Heidi Kirrmaier have teamed up to create the Strong and Free collection which consists of 3 cardigans, 3 pullovers and 4 accessories all knit (or dyed) in Canadian yarn. I really like the Mount Pearl hat pattern.

4.  And if you are in the market for a baby cardigan pattern here's a cute one:  Aimee's Rainbow unisex cardigan by Nadia Crétin-Léchenne


Free Patterns:  
1.  Knitty Deep Fall 2017, 12 free patterns from designers such as Laura Nelkin, Julie Crawford, Carol Feller, and Amy Christoffers.  Check out Julie Crawford's cowl pattern below.

Alicorn by Julie Crawford
©Knitty Deep Fall 2017 

2.  The East Coaster Cozy is a free pattern until the end of September.  This cup cozy looks like a perfect gift.

3.  The Espace Tricot ladies have done it again.  Using the leaf pattern from the sweet cardigan Norwegian Fir they have created a baby blanket called Petits Pins.  It is so pretty, isn't it?

Clubs:If you are a fan of Julie Hoover's designs then you may be interested in her Sweater Club 2017 which was introduced this week.  By joining this club you will get two exclusive sweater patterns (one cardigan and one pullover) featuring a Woolfolk yarn in the quantity you need.

Yarn Festivals:

Gauge Dyeworks (available at Knit City)

One of my favourite things to do is to go to a yarn festival.  There is nothing like being around other knitters who are as passionate as I am about all things knitting.  I love having the opportunity to touch and feel yarn that I have only seen on the internet. For example, new colourways by Gauge DyeWorks will be available for purchase, such as the gorgeous colourway above. I am excited to be going to Knit City for the first time this year and I will be sure to write a blog on the event.  The Canadian west coast yarn festival, an annual event held in Vancouver September 30-October 1st.  Besides the amazing yarn market there are so many designers, classes, speakers and vendors. I can hardly wait. 

YouTube Videos:
If you are looking for some company while knitting check out Andrea Mowry at the Yarn Pimp's store.  Interview here.

That's just a tiny drop in the bucket of what is new in the knitting world.  Please feel free to add your own favourites in the comment section below.  Happy knitting!

F.O. Chevron Baby Blanket by Espace Tricot

Pattern:  Chevron Baby Blanket

Designer: Espace Tricot

Yarn: Blue Sky Fibers Worsted Cotton
Colourway: White, True Red, Graphite (1.5 skeins), Pink Parfait

Needles:   5.5mm

Ravelry: my notes

Added Notes:

1.  I decided to use up some stash yarn to knit this baby blanket while I was on a recent road trip.  It was an easy, enjoyable pattern to follow and it grew quickly, due to the worsted weight yarn.  I am not a fan of knitting with cotton, but I have to admit that the finished project is perfect for a baby blanket.  I was impressed with the quality of the Blue Sky Fibers Worsted Cotton.

2.   I decided to use the Random Stripe Generator to pick a unique combination of stripes. Following the suggested combination added more fun to the project.

3.  I got four chevron sections from each skein.  I had to go into a second skein of the gray as I added a fifth chevron section for that colour.  

4.  This pattern is found the Espace Tricot Website as a free pattern.  They have quite a collection of free patterns.  I had forgotten how many free patterns they offer.  Definitely worth a check.

There are so many pretty baby blankets published on Ravelry.  The next time I need to make a baby gift I would like to knit Fly Away by Tin Can Knits.  There are so many beautiful versions.  Do you have a favourite baby blanket you would recommend?

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.