F.O. Waterbirch by Sylvia McFadden

Are you looking for a lovely pattern to quickly knit for someone special this holiday season?  I have a suggestion for you...Waterbirch by Canadian designer Sylvia McFadden.  The pattern was published earlier this year in a book entitled A Stillness of Trees, and includes three gorgeous, bulky weight shawls.  It is available in paperback and as a download.  

The first pattern I chose to knit from this book was Waterbirch and I have to say that I am extremely pleased with how it turned out.

Waterbirch

Pattern:  Waterbirch
Designer: Sylvia McFadden

Yarn: Fyberspates Scrumptious Chunky Solid (55% Merino 45% Silk) Chunky weight 4 skeins

Fyberspates Scrumptious Chunky

Colourway:  Lavender (a lovely combination of lilac and blue)

Needles:   8.0 mm

Ravelry: notes from my project page

Added Notes:
1.  This is the kind of pattern that would work well with any bulky/chunky weight yarn.  The pattern only calls for 265-274m (290-300 yards) of yarn.
2.  The gauge on Fyberspates Scrumptious Chunky Solid was smaller than the yarn used in the pattern.  As a result I ended up using 8mm needles instead of the suggested 10mm.  The great thing about Waterbirch is you can keep repeating the pattern to make the shawl as big or as small as you like, therefore, utilizing every bit of yarn you have.  I ended up knitting four repeats of the pattern using up all of my four skeins (total of 488m).  With blocking my shawl grew quite a bit making it a great size to wrap around your shoulders.  I loved the combination of silk and merino as the silk in the yarn gives the shawl a bit of a sheen which is hard to capture in a photo.

2.  Blocking:  I love how a good soak opens up a lace pattern.  You can see below the difference between the two photos.

Preblocking Size:  76 x 30"

Post blocking 78" x 38"

I enjoyed every minute of knitting this shawl.  It was done before I knew it.  I am a huge fan of Sylvia McFadden and have knit two of her patterns which I absolutely love (Lanterns and The Elder Tree Shawl).  I will be definitely knitting more in the future.

Have a great week everyone!  Happy knitting!

Woolercoaster's Wonderful World of Knitting: Augst 19-25

Thanks for joining me this week.  I really enjoy researching what's new in the knitting world and I hope you find it interesting too.  Let's get to it:

Pattern Deals:
Is there a baby knit in your future?  Look no further than Little French Knits.   Florence Merlin is the designer behind these sweet patterns.  Check them out here.  If you visit the Knitionary blog, a discount code is provided for 50% off these designs, until the end of August.

On the Yarn Radar:
I am in love with this new Gauge Dyeworks colourway.  Isn't it gorgeous?  You can see it knit up in different patterns here.  I especially like this shawl.  If you like it as much as me, head on over to sign up for the Gauge Dyeworks newsletter so that you will be alerted as to when it is available for purchase.

Hot Patterns:
1.  I have a soft spot for Canadian designers and Sylvia McFadden of Softsweater knits is one of my favourites.  I have knit two of her patterns (Lanterns and The Elder Tree Shawl) and, of course, there is the very popular Waiting For Rain shawl that is in my queue.  Her newest collection, published this week, is called Eclipse consisting of three gorgeous pi shawls.

The Sun
©Sylvia McFadden

The Moon
©Sylvia McFadden

Late August
©Sylvia McFadden

2. Have you seen a very popular pattern called Sunset Highway by Caitlin Hunter?  This fingering weight colourwork sweater is unique because the sample is knit with indie dyed speckled yarn.  Check out some of the completed projects to see the many gorgeous colour combinations that have been completed.

3.  Spice, a  new collection by Quince and Co. has been published this week as well.  I am a big fan of  Quince and Co. yarn and I admire their commitment to publishing new designs.  This newest collection contains two sweaters, two shawls and a cardigan, by such designers as Michele Wang, Leah B. Thibault and Elizabeth Smith.

Dal by Leah B. Thibault
©Quince & Co.

Masala Shawl by Michele Wang
©Quince & Co.

Massaman by Elizabeth Smith
©Quince & Co.

4.  And finally, as soon as I get my current socks off the needles, I am casting on the NoShow Socks stashbusting pattern by La Maison Rililie blogged about here.  These socks are designed to be lower cut, and therefore, perfect for hiding under a pair of shoes. I am really looking forward to knitting this unique design.

Tip of the Week:
If you have the time, a great habit is to check Ravelry daily as often designers offer a new pattern either at a discount, or for free for a window of time.  I have been able to pick up many patterns this way.  There are plenty of patterns that are also offered free for an unlimited time.  For example, check out Island Wildflower, a beautiful crochet blanket.  It would be a great stashbuster.  I also loved Ninni  (a fingering weight lace cardigan) and Tiliana a huge fingering weight shawl by Hannah Maciejewska designer of the popular Moyen Age. 

That ends my round up for this week.  Did I miss anything that caught your attention?  I encourage you to add your favourites from the week to the comment section below.  Have a great week.

F.O. Lanterns by Sylvia McFadden

It was just last summer that I had the opportunity to visit 88 Stitches, the sweetest yarn shop in Langley, B.C.  Much to my utter delight the pieces designed by Sylvia McFadden of Softsweater Knits were on display.  Previous to visiting 88 Stitches I was a big fan of Sylvia McFadden's patterns on Ravelry. But when I saw her creations in person I was in love. I knew I had to knit one.  (You can see the photos I took that day here if you are interested.)  

Pattern:  Lanterns

Designer:  Sylvia McFadden (Softsweater Knits)

Yarn:   Sweet Fiber Yarns Cashmere DK (100% cashmere) 4 skeins

Colourway: Spiced Pumpkin

Needles:   4.0mm
Ravelry:  Link

Pre-blocking

Added Notes:
1.  This is the first time I have knit with 100% cashmere. It is incredibly soft, but what struck me is that there was not much give to the yarn.  The pattern called for fingering weight yarn but I wanted a heavier shawl and chose a DK weight.  I used almost all of the four skeins I had.  When I cast off I was disappointed with how small the shawl was (52 x 17") and never having blocked cashmere before I wasn't sure what to expect.  What happened was magical. The lace just opened up and the shawl grew to the perfect size (68 x 32").

2.  The designer gives you the choice to do either a twisted version or a regularly knit version.  I chose the twisted version and I am glad I did.

2.  This is not the first pattern I have knit by this designer.  Check out The Elder Tree Shawl as well. (Blogged here).  I highly recommend her patterns.  They are easy to follow and the results are beautiful.