So many patterns!

Lots of news on the pattern front!

Just released yesterday is Kelvingrove Sweater: a cute, nautical Summer knit in a cotton/linen blend. Kelvingrove is knit from the top down, in the round with set-in sleeves. It comes in 10 sizes to fit bust 32" - 56" and has guidance on how to customize the pattern for a perfect fit. And the best part? It's free on Ravelry for the next week (after that it will be the princely sum of $7).

Available on Ravelry, Etsy and Craftsy.


 Bellahouston is a gorgeous fairisle sweater dress to keep you cosy this winter. It's just up for testing at the moment, so if you want to volunteer as a test knitter head over to the Ravelry Free Pattern Testers group.

It's also available in 10 sizes, to fit bust 32 - 56, with extensive guidance on customization.

And finally, a wee teaser. Testing of Queen's Park Cardigan is well underway and I hope to release the pattern in the next month or two. Here's some pictures!

What else is in the pipeline? A cute fingering weight, slightly lacy shrug and a worsted weight mens cabled pullover, both of which will hopefully be available in time for Christmas!

Buchanan Street Sweater

Released a new pattern today! Buchanan Street Sweater is a classic wardrobe staple. It's a flattering longer length with some little tricks for a perfect fit. For example, there are more stitches at the front than the back (I don't know why more patterns don't do this!) and there is extensive guidance on how to change the fit of the shoulders, sleeves and where the waist sits. I really love an "almost plain" sweater, and this one totally fits the bill for me. The pretty stitch detail at the shoulders adds just enough interest without it being overly fussy. 

Here's some pictures!

It's available to download on Ravelry, Etsy and Craftsy.

Beaded Rib Headband

Please note: this pattern is now available to download as a pdf from Craftsy for $2. It will still be freely available on this blog, but I thought people might want the opportunity to download a pdf version.

Unisex headband in an interesting textured rib pattern. The pictured headband was knitted with my handspun yarn, but I suggest a commercially available alternative. Instructions are given for two sizes: ladies' and men's. Instructions for smaller size are given first, followed by instructions for larger size in brackets. 

Yarn: Handspun Icelandic yarn OR Solitude Yarns Icelandic, 1 skein. Approx 75 (90) metres of yarn required.

Needles: 4 mm/US 6 dpns

Gauge: 22 stitches = 4” in stocking stitch.

Dimensions: Small: stretches to fit 22” head. Large: stretches to fit 24” head

Notation:

CO = cast on

k = knit

p = purl

dpn = double pointed needle.

 

Directions

Beaded Rib Pattern:

Round 1: *k3, p2* to end of round.

Round 2: *k1, p1, k1, p2* to end of round.

CO 100 (120) stitches over 3 dpns and join in the round.

Work in beaded rib pattern until headband measures 3.5 (4)”

Bind off all stitches and weave in any loose ends and you’re done!

 

Superchunky Glam Headband

Please note: this pattern is now available to download as a pdf from Craftsy for $2. It will still be freely available on this blog, but I thought people might want the opportunity to download a pdf version.

A cute bow headband in a superbulky luxury yarn. This headband knits up incredibly speedily, perfect for a last minute gift. 

Yarn : Debbie Bliss Como, one 50g ball ( = 42 metres) . 

Needles : 10mm / US 15 needles.

Gauge:  10 sts = 4'' in stocking stitch.

Size: To fit an average adult head. It's 18'' around but stretches to be approx 22'' around.

Notation: 

k = knit

p = purl

CO = cast on

Directions

First make the headband:

Cast on 11 stitches. Work every row the same:

*k1 p1* to last stitch, k1.

Keep going until your headband is around 18'' long. Bind off and sew the short sides together to make a loop. 

Now make the "knot" part for the front:

Cast on 7 stitches. Again, work every row the same:

*k1 p1 * to last stitch, k1.

Keep going until the "knot" is 5'' long.

Now comes the (slightly) trick bit. Wrap the 5'' "knot" around the headband (preferably covering the headband seam) and sew its shorter ends together. 

Weave in any loose ends and you're done!

Supercosy Baby Hat

 Please note: this pattern is now available to download as a pdf from Craftsy for $2. It will still be freely available on this blog, but I thought people might want the opportunity to download a pdf version.

Cute cabled baby beanie to keep tiny heads warm this winter!

Yarn : Garnstudio DROPS Nepal. Less than one 50g ball (= 75m). 

Needles : Four 5mm/US 8 dpns

Gauge: 17 stitches = 4'' in stocking stitch.

Size: Newborn - 1 year (it's very stretchy!). 10'' circumference, 5'' high.

Notation: 

k = knit
p = purl

CO = cast on

k2tog = knit two stitches together
p2tog = purl two stitches together

sl = slip

wyib = with yarn held to back of work

RT = right twist = k2tog without slipping stitches off the left

needle, knit into first stitch again, then slip both stitches off left hand needle

Directions

Cable Pattern:

Row 1: *p2, k2, p2, k1* to end

Row 2: *p2, k2, p2, sl1 wyib* to end

Row 3: *p2, RT, p2, k1* to end

Row 4: *p2, k2, p2, sl1 wyib* to end

CO 49 stitches over three dpns. Join in the round and work in Cable Pattern until hat measures 4.5'' ending with row 4 of pattern.  Now decrease as follows:

Row 1:*p2tog, k2, p2, k1* to end

Row 2: *p1, k2, p2, sl1 wyib* to end

Row 3: * p1, RT, p2tog, k1* to end

Row 4: *p1, k2, p1, sl1 wyib* to end

Row 5: *k2tog, k1, p1, k1* to end

Row 6: *k2, p1, sl1 wyib* to end

Row 7: *RT, k2tog* to end

Row 8: *k2, sl1 wyib* to end

Row 9: knit

Row 10: *k2tog* to end

Cut the yarn leaving a 6'' tail. thread remaining stitches onto the tail, pull tight and secure inside the hat. Weave in ends and top with a pompom if desired!

Klein Scarf

Please note: this pattern is now available to download as a pdf from Craftsy for $2. It will still be freely available on this blog, but I thought people might want the opportunity to download a pdf version.

Here's another geeky one.This pattern is made up algorithmically, it's a repeating pattern of 4 stitches x 4 stitches with knits and purls randomly assigned. I really like the way the pattern turned out, makes a good manly scarf. If you like it please check out my random tea cosy design too!

Yarn 3 balls (=372 m = 150 g) Rowan Pure Wool dk.

Needles One pair 4.5 mm/ US 7 needles.

Gauge 22st = 10cm in stocking stitch with 4mm/US 6 needles

Dimensions 5'' x 80''

Notation 

k = knit
p = purl

CO = cast on

Directions

Random Pattern
Row 1: *p2, k2* to end of row
Row 2: p1, * k1, p3* until last 3 stitches, k1 p2
Row 3: k1, *p2, k2* to last 3 stitches, p2 k1
Row 4:*k1, p1* to end of row

CO 32 stitches. Work in pattern until scarf measures 80'' or desired length, bind off.