Summmer Travels Inspiration Part Five - Lady's Tresses Shawl

So this is the final pattern in our series inspired by my travels in Summer 2016 (yes, I am that far behind on my pattern writing!) This pattern was inspired by a biking trip near Aviemore in the Scottish Highland where we came across a patch of beautiful Lady's Tresses orchids (yes, we do have orchids in Scotland!)

I absolutely love looking for unusual wildflowers, and finding wild orchids is always very special. Lady's Tresses shawl has a pretty floral motif and pointed edging, inspired by their delicate flowerheads. And the rest of the bike ride was very scenic too, through Scot's pine forest.

The shawl itself is very quick to knit, using less than 380yds / 350m of laceweight yarn. It starts with a garter stitch band shaped with short rows, then a band of floral lace which blends into a delicate lacy edging. Here's the pattern information:

Yarn:  Gemini Knits 2 ply Laceweight Baby Suri Alpaca/Merino (50% Baby Suri Alpaca, 50% Merino, 1097 yards / 1200m per 100g)

Colourway Stormclouds

380yds / 350m required

Dimensions: 9" / 22.5cm wide at the ends, 11" wide at the centre and 70" long.

Needles: US 6 / 4mm circular needle.  

Gauge: 16 sts = 4" / 10cm in stocking stitch after blocking.

Extras: Tapestry needle for weaving in loose ends, mat and t-pins for blocking.

 

Purchase the pattern on

Ravelry

Etsy

Craftsy

 

 

Summer Travels Inspiration Part Four - Thieves' Road Shawl

So as ever, it's been a long time since the last release in this series. I definitely have major issues with saying "no" when people offer me extra work to do which keeps my schedule full to bursting, my resolution for 2018 will definitely be to do less work and spend more time knitting!


Better late than never though, here's the story behind my latest pattern.


The Thieves' Road is a path near Aviemore, which was used in the dim and distant past by raiders who would loot and pillage in the villages nearby. We biked up the trail to Inshriach Bothy where we stayed the night, you can see route details on the Heritage Paths website. It's a strangely beautiful place - the Scot's pine and juniper bushes are twisted into pretty weird shapes around a clearing.

 I must admit I find bothies a bit creepy too - I would much rather sleep in my tent. In a very modern spooky moment at about midnight my phone went crazy - after about three days with no phone signal or internet it came to life with all my notifications, all of a sudden and in the absolute middle of nowhere. Should have brought the tent!

Trees growing very strangely here!

So the shawl was inspired a bit by the history of the place - I think the slightly faded looking red and blue paired up with the heirloom lace gives a bit of a pirate/smuggler kind of feel to them in keeping with the history of the trail, and the handdyed Malabrigo yarn works beautifully with zigzag stripes. The wider, shallower triangle makes it perfect for wrapping up in - ideal for sitting around a campfire - since it's cold enough to need a thick shawl when you're camping in Scotland, even when the fire's going and even in July! It's dk weight too, which makes it a cosier shawl, and a quicker knit, than most shawls in a lighter yarn. 

Bothy entertainment - cards and single malt

Here's the details:

The pattern for Thieves' Road Shawl is available to purchase on:

Ravelry

Craftsy

Loveknitting

Etsy

Pattern Specifications:

Yarn: Malabrigo Yarn Rastita DK
MC No me Olvides, CC - Jupiter (100% Merino Wool, 283 m/310 yds per 100 g)
One 100 g skein in each colourway = 566 m/620 yds.

Dimensions: Makes a triangle 162 cm/64” across and 50 cm/20” high after blocking.

Needles: 4.5 mm/US 7 40”/100 cm circular needle (for working flat) 6.5 mm/US 10.5 needles for bind off only.

Gauge: 19 sts and 28 rows = 10 cm/4” after blocking

Extras: Tapestry needle for weaving in loose ends, mat and t-pins for blocking.

Summer Travels Inspiration Part Three - Russula Shawl

 So it's been a long time since Part Two of this series was released, and certainly a long time since last summer! I had planned on releasing one new pattern a month between the summer and Christmas but life got in the way a bit.

Things have been pretty much non-stop hectic here - I've started tutoring a Maths course with the Open University, which has eaten up pretty much all of my spare time and I was doing a lot of evening work as part of my day job. However, the OU course is nearly finished now and I've just started a new job which is much closer to home and should hopefully leave me with much more free time for designing. Moving one step closer to the dream of going part time in my "real" job and having more time to knit and write patterns.

Anyway, better late than never, this is the third in a series of patterns inspired by my travels last Summer. The first was Abriachan Cowl, inspired by the beautiful colours in the forest at Abriachan. The second was Fiacaill Cardigan, inspired by the Fiacaill Ridge in the Cairngorms. The third pattern is inspired by bright red Russula mushrooms, which were just starting to appear in the forests in late Summer:

You often find them in shady pine woods. At this time of year they look like something from a fairy tale, an eyecatching flash of colour in dark, gloomy surroundings. There's something a bit magical about mushrooms, especially unusual ones, and the Scottish climate seems to really suit them. Here's a few we've spotted through the years:

This shawl was designed to have the same effect as the bright red russulas, a flash of cheery colour that will stand out against Scotland's often dull and dreary weather. Russula is a pretty, crescent shawl with a stunning diamond pattern and pointed edging. It begins with a wide crescent in garter stitch, then work a zig-zag edging of diamond lace. The lace pattern is very simple, and looks much more complex than it really is.  

Available to purchase on:

Ravelry

Craftsy

Etsy

Loveknitting

20% discount on Ravelry with coupon code SUMMERTRAVELS3 until end of December 2017

Details are as follows:

Yarn: Cloudborn Wool Fingering Twist
Colourway Scarlet Heather (100% Fine Highland Wool, 368m/402yds per 100g)
Two 100g skeins (you won’t need much of the second skein) = 384m/ 420yds

Dimensions: 150cm (60”) wide and 40cm (16”) deep at widest point.

Needles: 4.5mm/US 7 40”/100cm circular needle (for working flat) 6.5mm / US 10.5 needles for bind off only.

Gauge: 17sts and 32 rows in garter stitch after blocking.

Extras: Tapestry needle for weaving in loose ends, mat and t-pins for blocking.

 

 

Summer Knitting Inspiration

Two new pattern releases to celebrate!

Loch Katrine Shawl is a pretty little shawl with stunning zigzag edging. Short row shaping gives this shawl a delicate curve and “mini-nupps” add interest to the lace section. This shawl is quick to knit and only uses 50g of laceweight yarn – perfect gifting material!

Castle Sands Scarf is a stunning wide scarf in a pretty Estonian lace stitch pattern with a gorgeous edging, blocked into delicate points. It's worked from the centre out so that both sides are perfectly symmetrical. The yarn is an unbelievably soft and buttery heavy lace weight yarn, almost a 4ply. Its luxurious softness and fabulous handdyed colourways work so well with delicate lace.

And if you need more Summer knitting inspiration, please check out our post about our all time Top Ten Summer Knitting Patterns. There's something for everyone - simple linen tees, pretty wraps and intricate lace. 

Wishing all our readers a happy, knitting filled Summer!

Top Ten Summer Knitting Patterns

Thought I'd write a wee top ten post this week. My "real" job is being a Maths teacher, and with one week to go until my 7 week summer holidays, I'm on the search for fun, lightweight knitting projects to keep me busy. Thought I'd collect a few gems for anyone in a similar situation!

Maybe Baby by Webster Street Knittery

Summer in Scotland is a slightly chilly affair, so I love shawls and wraps to throw over my shoulders when I'm sitting outside in the evenings and this one looks just perfect. Such a pretty textured stitch pattern and lots of interest in the edging - sublime!

Wool Knot Tee by Ela Torrente

I always say I love a classic pattern with a twist, which this pattern takes very literally! Such a cool top - I love the different coloured striping, its flattering drape, and of course the knot detail. 

Davis by Pam Allen

A classic Summer sweater - light and loose! The yarn is 100% organic linen spun in a ribbon structure. It's got a bit of texture to it so it looks great in a simple stockinette pattern like this. And the colours are such lovely muted shades,

Spring Lace Infinity Scarf by Linda from Purl Avenue

Such a pretty knit with a delicate lace pattern, this really is a showstopper! And it's a really wearable piece for people who love lace knitting but wouldn't wear a shetland triangle! And it's a freebie, who can resist?!

Lilac Love Lace Shawl by Derya from Laylock

In Summer, I never really knit anything heavier than dk yarn - it's the time of year where lace knitting and fine yarns really get their chance to shine. And this is a true classic lace knitting pattern. Perfect for Summer weddings and garden parties, this is an intricate, timeless wrap. 

Linum Tee by Bristol Ivy

Another lovely linen creation! This top in 4ply linen yarn will certainly be cool in warmer climates. I going through a real phase for textured knits at the moment, and absolutely adore the asymmetric, textured detailing round the neckline. Such a simple but striking top - love it!

Embruns by Emilie Luis

A real Summer wardrobe staple - it ticks so many boxes for me. A clean silhouette; simple, flattering design; clever detailing at the front. This is one that you knit once and wear forever!

Danzig by Justyna Lorkowska

I had to include this one! Such a fun knit - the rainbow stripes are such a joyful addition to a knitting pattern. While variegated yarns by themselves can be a bit much for me, when "diluted" like this with the grey solid colour, they add a splash of brightness that makes this a perfect summer knit.

A Crush on Lace by Lisa Richardson

Lace isn't just for shawls! This top with lace panels is an absolutely gorgeous way to show off your lace knitting skills. This really is something special, and shows that knitting isn't just about thick woolly jumpers!

Epsilon Cropped Cardigan by Littletheorem Knits

Ok, so this one's by me (a shameless plug!) but I'll explain why it's on the list: firstly, we don't have a really cropped cardigan yet and I think they're both cute and useful for when it's hot-but-not-that-hot. And secondly, I only had one skein of this beautiful blue sock yarn at the time, so I knitted the sample for this pattern in a size 28-30. This is just a tad too small for me, so it's definitely on the list to reknit in a larger size!

I really hope you enjoyed this list and that if you're a "cold-weather" knitter then it inspires you to start knitting in the warmer months too. Please let me know what you think in the comments, and let me know if you have any summer favourites that you would have added!

St Andrews Visit

Just spent a lovely weekend in St Andrews for my Mum's 60th (Happy Birthday, Mum!)

Lots of scenic forest walks, good food and of course a bit of knitting!

Here's a few pictures from Kemback wood and Dunino Den. Both absolutely carpeted with bluebells and anemones, something a bit magical about the woods in Scotland at this time of year. Lots of wild garlic about too, had a delicious late dinner of wild garlic hummus and homemade pitta bread after the drive back to Glasgow last night.

And we stumbled on Scotland's best kept secret...

Clearly the Sheep Olympics training grounds!

The secret's out!

And of course, my Mum's birthday present was handknitted. Here's a few pictures of what will be the Castle Sands Shawl (hope to have the pattern released in the next month or so)

And if you can't wait that long, I should hopefully be releasing the pattern for Loch Katrine Shawl on Wednesday!

Christmas Sale Part 1 - Lace

Time to start knitting for Christmas!

I'm not sure how everyone else is feeling, but I'm starting to panic about my Christmas knitting. I'm aiming to knit eleven gifts by Christmas and haven't started one! So as an act of solidarity with the knitting community, I'm offering a 30% discount on lace patterns for the next two weeks to make things a little bit easier!

Coupon code is "XmasLace" and all my lace patterns can be found in a Ravelry Bundle.

Hate knitting lace? We'll be running sales on cabled, basic and quick-to-knit patterns too. (Thought having quick-to-knit patterns last and fancy lacy ones first was the most sensible order!)

Year of Lace Knitting

Three of my oldest and dearest friends turn thirty this year. I've set myself a challenge to knit each of them a truly timeless heirloom piece to mark the occasion. 

For my friend Gill, I knitted Sineabhar, a stunning shawl that looks amazing but is actually quite straightforward to knit. The pattern gives two sizes, for a 50" and 80" shawl. Using only 65 and 35g of yarn for each size, it's the perfect pattern for using up leftover laceweight yarn.

Sineabhar is available to purchase from Ravelry, Etsy, Craftsy and Loveknitting.

For my friend Jo, I have knitted up Northumbria. A gorgeous rectangular shawl with zigzag stripes of delicate lace. This would work just as well as a truly beautiful everyday scarf as it would as a wrap over an evening dress.

Northumbria is also available on Ravelry, Etsy, Craftsy and Loveknitting.

And my third friend? Her birthday isn't for a few more months, so it's still a bit of a work in progress! 

Sweet and Simple Cushion

A cute cushion cover that knits up quickly using chunky pencil roving. This is a simple knit which uses a couple of clever techniques to give a neat finish. You cast on using a figure-8 cast on so there is no seam at the bottom. Then you use a three-needle bind off at the top with the cushion pad inside so there is no seaming at all. This is a quick knit that would make a great housewarming gift, maybe knit up two or three in complementary colours.

Yarn: Corriedale Pencil Roving

2 x 200g skeins at 130m/143yds per skein

Gauge: 8.5sts and 11 rows = 10cm in stocking stitch with 10mm/US 15 needles

Needles: One 10mm/US 15 100cm/40”

circular needle for working magic loop, one spare straight needle.

Extras: Two stitch markers, crochet hook for weaving in ends, one 40cm x 40cm cushion pad

Dimensions:

To fit a 40cm x 40cm cushion pad.

Notation:

k = knit

p = purl

pm = place marker

slm = slip marker

ssk = slip two stitches knitwise onto right hand needle, then knit them together with left hand needle.

k2tog = knit the next two stitches together.

s = slip purlwise

Instructions

Cast on 72 stitches using a figure 8 cast-on, with 36 stitches on each side of the needle. Place marker for beginning of round, and one 36 stitches from the beginning of the round to mark the halfway point.

Work stockinette stitch in the round ( i.e. knit every round) using magic loop method, until the cushion measures 42cm from cast on. Your cushion pad should fit comfortably inside the cover, without the need to stretch it. Put the cushion inside the cover now, and we will bind off with it inside.

Starting from the beginning of the round, we'll cast off stitches using a three-needle bind off. A youtube video showing how to work the three-needle bind off can be found here. However, instead of having stitches on two dpns, we will be knitting together stitches from the two points of you circular needle, and rather than turning the work so that the right sides are facing, we will continue with the two wrong sides facing in. This will leave a ridge at the top which makes a cute feature.

Written instructions for the three-needle bind off are as follows:

Remove stitch marker for beginning of round. Push the first and last stitches in the round to the tips of the needle points, then knit these two stitches together with your spare straight needle.

Push the second and second from last stitches in the round to the ends of the needles, and knit these two stitches together using your spare straight needle.

Slip the original stitch on your straight needle over the stitch you've just worked, as in a normal bind off.

Continue this process: knit the next two stitches at the tips of your circular needle together, then pass the previous stitch on your straight needle over this one.

When you reach the last stitch on your straight needle, cut the yarn leaving a 20cm tail, pass this through the loop on your straight needle and pull it tight.

Thread the loose ends into the cushion cover using your crochet hook and you're done!

And a quick plug: Queen's Park Cardigan is now available to purchase on Ravelry, Craftsy and in my Etsy shop.

  It's a fitted cardigan with a flattering drape front in a pretty lace pattern. This is a simple but stunning knit that could be dressed up or down. Queen's Park Cardigan is knitted from the top down with set in sleeves, neat twisted rib edgings and an oversized blanket front. Using sportweight yarn on larger than normal needles and blocking creates an airy fabric with beautiful drape. The lace pattern is simple and suitable for a first lace project, with only a four row repeat. Instructions for 8 sizes are given: to fit bust 28-30 (32-34, 36-38, 40-42, 44-46, 48-50, 52-54, 56-58)”.

Felted Lace Wrap Pattern

Just released this week, Felted Lace Wrap:

An easy lace pattern in worsted weight wool (so it's quick to knit)! The wrap is lightly felted once it's done which gives it a fuzzy, worn-in look, and softens it up. Available to download from Ravelry, Etsy and Craftsy.

Yarn: Croft Wools Aran weight Gotland yarn, one 250g skein. Available by mail order from http://www.croftwools.co.uk/wool.html

Gauge: 14 sts = 4” with 6.5mm / US 10.5 needles before blocking.

Needles: One 40” 6.5mm / US 10.5 circular needle.

Extras: Two stitch markers

Dimensions: 16” x 60”