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! 

F.O. Clarke #2 by Jane Richmond

Pattern:  Clarke Pullover

Designer:  Jane Richmond

Yarn: Julie Asselin Hektos (75% merino, 15% cashmere, 10% silk)
Colourway:   Brume:  7skeins (two colours in one skein)
Romance:  1 skein (for ribbing on cuffs, hem and neckline)

Julie Asselin Hektos

Colourway:  Brume

Colourway:  Romance

Needles: 4.0mm & 4.5mm

Ravelry: my notes

Clarke Pullover

Added Notes:  
When I visited the Julie Asselin both at Knit City, my eyes were instantly drawn to the Brume colourway.  Somehow I missed the fact that I was purchasing two separate colourways, that were joined together, to look like one skein.  When I got home and opened the skeins, I saw to my surprise, two colourways.  Luckily, I didn't mind at all, as these two colourways were gorgeous.  However, I had to rethink my choice of pattern for this yarn.

Surprise!  Two colourways!

I immediately thought of the Clarke Pullover.  Of the many sweaters I have knit, the Clarke Pullover is one of my most frequently worn.  I knew that it would work well with two colourways, producing a much more subtle stripe than the original one I knit.  Also, the cashmere and silk content would produce a very different fabric.  (You can read about that sweater here). 

Clarke Pullover #1

I cast on Clarke for a second time.  The original pattern calls for ten rows of the main colour and four of the contrasting colour.  Having only bought seven skeins I knew I would not have enough of the main colour.  Instead, I knit ten rows of the main colour, followed by six rows of the contrast colour. That turned out to be a good decision, as I only had a tiny amount left of the main colour when it was finished.  I used a third colour (Romance) for the hem, neckband, and ribbing on the sleeves.  I am very happy with the result, and I can see myself wearing this sweater quite a bit. The yarn was a dream to knit with and creates a luxurious fabric, one that I can't wait to wear.

This is my first F.O. of 2018. Have I convinced you to knit the Clarke Pullover yet?  It is an easy knit and it produces a sweater that you will wear again and again.  It works well with any worsted weight yarn in stripes or a solid colour. What are you waiting for?

Happy Knitting!

Happy Birthday Canada: A Tribute to Creative Canadians

I am a proud Canadian, and in honor of Canada's 150th birthday today, I am sharing with you with a photo collection of some yarn and designs of my favorite Canadian creators.  I encourage you to visit their sites to learn more about them. Links have been provided.  

Tanis Fiber Arts:  yarn dyer and designer

Framed Slouch:  Orange Label Cashmere/Silk Worsted (colourway Mosaic)

Vitsippa:  Tanis Fiber Arts Red Label Cash Silk Single (colourway Papaya)

Snowfling Mittens:  Yellow Label DK (colourway:  black and natural)

Sweet Georgia Yarns

Sweet Georgia Tough Love Sock (colourway Petal)

Sweet Georgia Yarns Merino Silk Fine (colourway Mist)

Sweet Fiber Yarns

Sweet Fiber Yarns Cashmere DK (colourway Spiced Pumpkin)

Sweet Fiber Yarn Cashmerino 20 (colourway:  Verve)

Sweet Fiber Yarns Super Sweet Sock (colourway:  Indigo Dreams)

Julie Asselin

Julie Asselin Leizu Fingering Gradient (colourway Mirabell)

Julie Asselin Fino (colourway Meet Me By the River)

The Blue Brick

The Blue Brick Niagara MCN Sport (colourway Iceberg)

The Blue Brick Killarney Sock (colourway Labradorite)

Scrumptious Purl

Scrumptiouspurl Stripe Me Up (colourway Birds of A Feather)

My First Toe Up Socks by Susan B. Anderson

Flock Fibre Studio

Flock Fibre Studio  Take A Hike Sock Mini Set (colourway Wild Orchid)

Gauge Dye Works

Gauge Dye Works MCN Fingering (Colourway Concrete and Tulips)

Playground Shawl 

Jane Richmond:  designer

Clarke Pullover by Jane Richmond

Grace Cardigan  by Jane Richmond

Jésabelle B




































Jenna Rose Handmade

Small Traveller Pouch:   Green Homestead

Medium Bucket:  Tree Houses

Knitted Bliss:  Julie Crawford:  blogger and designer

Espace Tricot:  Store and Youtube vlog

There is so much Canadian talent as you can see!  Thank you for visiting my blog today and I wish my fellow Canadians a Happy Canada Day! We live in a truly spectacular country.

Squamish, B.C.

Squamish, B.C.

Niagara Falls

CN Tower Toronto