Summer Travels Part 2 - Fiacaill Ridge

On to part two! 

This is a series of five knitting patterns inspired by my travels in the Scottish Highlands this Summer. The first pattern was a cowl inspired by the colours of the hills at Abriachan - you can read more about it here!

Our second pattern is inspired by a traverse of the Fiacaill Ridge, an imposing rocky traverse in the Cairngorms:

It looks more scary as you climb higher as well! 

Having said that, once you're at the top of the ridge, it's very flat indeed on the Cairngorm Plateau.

Something I'm not used to at all after climbing so many West Coast munros - bit more of a jagged landscape. And we managed to spot the Cairngorm reindeer which was a real treat:

But back to the knitting: the pattern this inspired would have to be cosy - it's chilly up there! So I designed a cardigan with a warm shawl collar to wrap up in, in super-insulating alpaca and silk yarn. 

Alpaca fibres are hollow, to trap extra heat (they spend a lot of time up chilly mountains too...) so it's the perfect choice for cold weather garments. The design is inspired by the rocky terrain too - with a block pattern at the back made with smocking stitches. 

  Available to purchase on 

Ravelry 

Etsy 

Craftsy

20% discount on Ravelry with coupon code SUMMERTRAVELS2 until end of December 2017

The details for the pattern are as follows:

Yarn: Cloudborn Fibers Alpaca, Wool and Silk DK (45% Alpaca, 25% Merino, 30% Silk; 274yds/250m per 100g)

820 (950, 1095, 1250, 1420, 1580, 1750, 1930) yards.

750 (870, 1000, 1145, 1300, 1445, 1600, 1765) m 

Measurements:

To fit bust: 30-32 (34-36, 38-40, 42-44, 46-48, 50-52, 54-56, 58-60)”

Across back armpit to armpit: 15 (17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29)”

Armpit to hem: 16 (16.5, 17, 17.5, 18, 18.5, 19, 19.5)”

Around top of sleeve: 12 (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)”

Sleeve length: 17 (17, 17.5, 17.5, 18, 18.5, 19, 19)”

Gauge: 17sts and 26 rows = 4”/10cm in stocking st with US 7/4.5mm needle after blocking.

Needles: One US 7/4.5mm 40”/100cm circular needle.

Extras: Two detachable stitch markers; cable needle; spare 40” circular needles (size US 7/4.5mm or smaller) for holding stitches or waste yarn in a contrast colour; tapestry needle for weaving in loose ends.

 

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!

Quick Knits Sale and a Chunky Cowl Pattern

Christmas Gift Sale Part Three

Our last sale of 2015 is for Quick-to-Knit patterns - a December essential! This week I've been knitting lots of little gifts: worsted weight socks, bulky slippers and hats, and a superchunky cowl (more on that below!) And I know I'm not alone, lots of knitters across the globe are putting the finishing touches on handmade presents. But for those of us who have left things to the last minute, not to worry! Our last sale is for super quick knits, either small projects like hats or mittens, or larger items in chunkier yarns. Get 30% off in our Ravelry Store with coupon code "QuickKnit" until Saturday 19th December. 

King's Park Cowl 

Our latest pattern is a superchunky winter warmer. Made up of a pretty collection of textured stitch patterns, it looks much more complicated than it really is! And as it certainly falls into the category of quick knits, it's also available at a 30% discount until Saturday with the coupon code "QuickKnit". Available to purchase from Ravelry.

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!