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 Part 1 - Abriachan

Our Summer holiday plan is almost always the same - pack up the car for biking, hiking, camping (and of course knitting!) and go where the wind takes us! 

This year was no different - but it inspired a series of five knitting patterns that I'll hopefully be releasing between now and Christmas. The first is a cowl inspired by the colours of the Scottish hillsides:

This cowl is named for Abriachan - a tiny village up in the hills beside Loch Ness. It's always busy by the side of the loch, as it's such an iconic part of Scotland. But once you're up in the hills by its banks, there's a much more remote feel. Abriachan is also home to some lovely (if challenging!) mountain biking trails. I'm fairly sure they aren't well used, the forest and moor seem to be reclaiming them, which adds to the remote feel. There are lots overgrown patches and fallen trees to manoeuvre over, but the scenery is delightful. The colours of the open country are spectacular, with gorgeous patches of delicate red grass - the pictures really don't do it justice. And then there's the deep greens of the forest, really quite dark in places, with red and white mushrooms almost glowing - as well as soft heathery pinks and purples everywhere you look on the hillside. And the teals in the pattern do remind me a little of the shade of my beloved mountain bike...

The cowl pattern uses an absolutely gorgeous yarn – Malabrigo Rastita. The delicate “watercolour” variegated colourway totally reflects the natural beauty of the north of Scotland with jewel tone greens, subtle greys and heathery purples and pinks.

When designing this, I was aware that variegated yarns look lovely in the skein, but don't always look great knitted up. This cowl has slipped stitches, and gathered strands of yarn running across it to really showcase the different colours. A perfect knitting pattern for colourful, variegated yarns!

Available now on 

Ravelry 

Etsy 

Craftsy

20% discount on Ravelry with coupon code SUMMERTRAVELS1 until end of December 2017

Here's the details:

Yarn: Malabrigo Rastita
Colourway “Lotus” (100% Merino Wool, 283m (309yds) per 100g)
One 100g skein = 283m/309yds


Dimensions: 20cm/8” deep, 92cm/36” around.


Needles: 4.5mm/US 7 circular needle either 40”/100cm for magic loop or 30”/80cm or shorter circular needle if you do not wish to use magic loop.

Gauge: 20 sts x 32 rows = 4" in 2x1 twisted slip stitch rib (repeat rounds 1 & 2 of pattern) after blocking.


Extras: Tapestry needle for weaving in loose ends, stitch marker for end of round.

Mountain Everlasting Sweater

Introducing my latest pattern, Mountain Everlasting Sweater:

A classic fitted sweater with sheer and solid stripes. We alternate between airy, lightweight mohair silk lace yarn used by itself and held together with a buttery soft 4ply blend of merino and silk. This sweater is light as a feather, like wearing a fluffy cloud, but it certainly excels at keeping the chill at bay! You can replace the 4ply yarn with any yarn of this weight, but we really would recommend using a mohair silk blend for the laceweight yarn. This sweater is seamless and knitted from the top down, and the sleeves are worked from picked up stitches around the armhole and shaped with short rows. Instructions for 10 sizes are given: to fit bust 32 (34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 48, 52, 56)”.

And it's available at a 50% discount on Ravelry for the next week (until April 12th) with the coupon code "Mountain50"! As well as this, the pattern will be running as a KAL in my group, with a free pattern for everyone who finishes and posts pictures, and a prize draw for a skein of handspun yarn if you finish before the end of June. Discount code “MountainKAL” for 25% off valid until end of June.

And here's the knitty gritty:

Measurements 
To fit bust: 32 (34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 48, 52, 56)”. 
0.75-1.75 inches of ease around bust dependent on size. 
Armpit to hem: 18 (18, 18, 22, 22, 22, 22, 26, 26, 26)”. 
Around top of sleeve: 13 (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23)”. 
Sleeve length from armpit: 14.5 (14.5, 15, 15, 15.5, 15.5, 17, 17, 17.5, 17.5)”.

Yarn 
Laceweight: Shibui Silk Cloud, Colourway Graphite (60% kid mohair, 40% silk; 660 yds per 50g): 
850 (930, 970, 1250, 1310, 1375, 1450, 1850, 2000, 2175)m 
930 (1020, 1060, 1370, 1435, 1505, 1590, 2030, 2190, 2380)yds. 
And 4ply: Shibui Staccato, Colourway Graphite (65% superwash merino, 35% silk; 191yds per 50g): 
360 (390, 415, 540, 560, 580, 620, 800, 850, 920)m 
400 (430, 460, 595, 620, 640, 685, 880, 935, 1010)yds.

Needles 
One 5mm / US 8 40”/100cm circular needle.

Gauge 
16 sts and 24 rows = 4” in stocking st with both yarns held together using 5mm/ US 8 needles.

Extras 
Waste yarn, 6 detachable stitch markers, spare 40” circular needle (size 5mm / US 8 or smaller).

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!

Pirouette 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.

I'm making this as a Christmas present for a french teacher friend using a bit of leftover malabrigo. It's such a nice yarn and very cosy! I've used a lace pattern that has five stitch repeats, but one extra stitch in the round which gives the twirl effect. 

Yarn Less than one ball Malabrigo Worsted ( = less than 192 m).

Needles 4.5mm/ US 7 dpns

Gauge 18st = 10cm in stocking stitch with 5mm/US 8 needles

Dimensions 19'' circumference, 9'' high. 

Notation 

k = knit
p = purl

CO = cast on

k2tog = knit two stitches together

yo = bring the yarn to the front of your knitting

k1fb = knit into the front, then the back, of the next stitch
dpn = double pointed needle

Directions

CO 80 stitches, 30 on first needle, 25 on second, 25 on third. Work in k2 p2 rib for 8 rounds. Now k1fb, k2, k2tog, yo *k3, k2tog, yo* until your hat measures 7''. You should end up working a k2tog at the end of each dpn (and working the next yo at the start of the following dpn), if this isn't the case shift the stitches around so it is! For the last five stitches on the last dpn before you start decreasing, only work k3 k2tog, don't do a yo on the next needle. Now work decreases as follows:

Row 1: *k3 k2tog yo k3 k2tog* to end of row (i.e. repeat the part in **'s 8 times)

Row 2: *yo k2 k2tog yo k3 k2tog* to end of row

Row 3: *k2 k2tog yo k3 k2tog* to end of row

Row 4: *yo k1 k2 tog yo k3 k2 tog* to end of row

Row 5: *k1 k2tog yo k3 k2tog* to end of row

Row 6: *yo k2tog yo k3 k2tog* to end of row

Row 7: *k2tog yo k3 k2tog* to end of row

Row 8: *k4 k2tog yo* to end of row

Row 9: k3 k2 tog *k4 k2tog* to end of row

Row 10: *k3 k2tog yo* to end of row

Row 11: k2 k2tog *k3 k2tog* to end of row

Row 12: *k2 k2tog yo* to end of row

Row 13: k1 k2tog *k2 k2tog* to end of row

Row 14: *k1 k2tog yo* to end of row

Row 15: k2tog *k1 k2tog* fto end of row

Row 16:*k2tog* to end of row

Note that "to end of row" means work three dpns, rather than 81 stitches, this ensures the pattern "twists" nicely!

8 stitches remain, cut yarn leaving a 6'' tail, thread through remaining stitches, pull tight and secure inside the hat. Weave in loose ends.

Figure 8 Wristwarmers

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.

Supercute ladies mitts in an amazingly lovely yarn!

 

Yarn : K1 Yarns Selkie, 30% Cashmere, 70% Superwash Merino. Less than one 50g ball (= 217m). 

Needles : One pair 3 3/4 mm (US 5) and two cable needles.

Gauge: 26 stitches = 10cm in stocking stitch.

Size: One size fits all ladies!

Notation: 

k = knit
p = purl

CO = cast on

k2tog = knit two stitches together

k2tog tbl knit two stitches together through the back of the loops

k1fb = knit into the front of the next stitch without slipping it off the left needle, then knit into the back

sl = slip

wyif = with yarn in front

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

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

CN = cable needle

X5 = slip first stitch onto CN and hold at the front of your knitting, the slip the next three stitches onto a second CN and hold at the back. Knit the next stitch, then the three from the second CN, then knit the stitch from the first CN.

Directions

Fisherman's Rib

Row 1: p1 *k1 p1* to end

Row 2: k1 * sl 1 wyif k1* to end

Cable Pattern:

Row 1: p2 k2 sl1 k2 p1 k1 p1 k1 p1 k2 sl1 k2 p2

Row 2: RT p2 k1 p2 k2 p1 k2 p2 k1 p2 RT

Row 3: as row 1

Row 4:  k2 p2 k1 p2 k2 p1 k2 p2 k1 p2 k2

Row 5: as row 1

Row 6: : RT p2 k1 p2 X5 p2 k1 p2 RT

Row 7: as row 1

Row 8: as row 4

Left Mitt

CO 37. Work Fisherman's Rib pattern for 11 rows.

Next row ( = wrong side) : k2 sl1 wyif k1fb *sl 1 wyif k2* four times, work 1st row of cable pattern, k2

Now work as follows:
Right side rows:  p2, work next row of cable pattern *p2 k1* five times, p2
Wrong side rows:  k2 *sl1 wyif k2* five times, work next row of cable pattern, k2

On row 5 of the second repetition of the cable pattern and row 4 of the third repetition of the cable pattern k1fb instead of k1 on the first and last stitches of the row. After this there should be 42 stitches. Work the extra stitches in reverse stocking stitch (i.e. knit on wrong side, purl on right side).


Repeat the cable pattern five times, then work rows 1 to 7 once more.


Now work in Fisherman's Rib for 9 rows, ending on a right side row. Bind off on wrong side.

Right Mitt

CO 37. Work Fisherman's Rib pattern for 11 rows.

Next row ( = wrong side) :   k2, work 1st row of cable pattern, *k2 sl1 wyif * four times, k1fb sl 1 wyif k2

Now work as follows:
Right side rows:  p2, *k1 p2* five times, work next row of cable pattern,  p2
Wrong side rows: k2 , work next row of cable pattern, *k2 sl1 wyif * five times, k2

On row 5 of the second repetition of the cable pattern and row 4 of the third repetition of the cable pattern k1fb instead of k1 on the first and last stitches of the row. After this there should be 42 stitches. Work the extra stitches in reverse stocking stitch (i.e. knit on wrong side, purl on right side.)


Repeat the cable pattern five times, then work rows 1 to 6 once more. Then work row 7, but with a k1fb instead of the first knit stitch.


Now work in Fisherman's Rib for 9 rows, ending on a right side row. Bind off on wrong side.

Thumbs (Make Two!)

CO 14 .
Row 1: p2 *k1 p2* to end
Row 2: k2 *sl1 wyif k2* to end
repeat these two rows until thumb measures 4cm (or longer if you have long thumbs, mine are a little stubby...)

Continue working in this pattern, but decrease two stitches on every wrong side row by working k2tog tbl at the start, and k2tog at the end of each wrong side row. Also ensure the edge stitch is always worked in reverse stocking stitch (i.e. purl the first and last stitches of the row even if the pattern says knit). Keep going until you have two stitches left, then bind off and weave in loose ends.

Sew up along the straight 4cm of the thumbs, then sew the slanted decrease edge of the thumb onto the mitts as you sew the mitts' side seams. See diagram:

 

 Weave in loose ends and you're finished!