A quick round up of FOs and WIPs on my needles 15-10-2020. I had the chance to meet up with my knitting bestie yesterday, Jacqui, for a socially distanced coffee in town. We took our own drinks and sat on a bench people watching, knitting and nattering for a couple of hours.
Thankfully it was warm in the sun, but when the sun went it, the temperature dropped and I was glad to get in the car and warm up. It’s the first time we’ve got together since the start of lockdown in March and we had lots to catch up on.
I brought along a bag of FOs and WIPs to show Jacqui and thought I’d share some of them with you today.
FOs and WIPs on my needles 15-10-2020, Evergreen Cowl
First up is version 2 of my Evergreen Cowl pattern, I just worked one repeat of the pattern for a shorter cowl, using just 34g of DK yarn from James C Brett called Aria. I’ll be launching the pattern tomorrow and newsletter subscribers will get an exclusive 25% discount, the launch discount for everyone else will be 15% for the first 48 hours only.
Evergreen Cowl in James Brett Aria DK in Lavender
FOs and WIPs on my needles 15-10-2020, Cathedral Cowl
I’ve already used this cable pattern in my Cathedral Cable Hat design and love how it resembles Gothic arches, churches and the architectural lines of the cabling. It’s a fun knit with a resting row between each set of cable crosses, worked in the round, bottom up and a nice stash buster. It’d make a great gift too. As with all our patterns, these will be added to our Ravelry and Payhip Stores so you can purchase them there. The pattern will launch next week and newsletter subscribers get a code for 25% off. Don’t miss out.
Cathedral Cowl knitted with Debble Bliss Blue Faced Leicester Aran in Stone.
FOs and WIPs on my needles 15-10-2020, Stillwater Cardigan by Marie Green
I had originally started knitting the Stillwater cardigan for myself, not sure when, a while ago when the designer was running a Knit your cardigan in four days challenge. I did more or less finish mine in five days, which is awesome other than the front bands. It was packed into a plastic crate and put away for a while. I found it a couple of weeks ago and decided to knit the band and try it on. The upper body and sleeves are perfect but for someone with rounded hips, there is no coverage for them or my belly in the lower body. It’s now wrapped and ready to go to my Mum, who it will fit much better and will love the cable details and simplicity of the design. The tweedy yarn does all the work on this one. I used Sublime Luxurious Tweed DK in the Stone colourway and close up it has tiny, tweedy flecks of yellow and blue it. It washes and wears beautifully but has quite a bit of vegetable matter in it that had to be picked out as I knitted.
FOs and WIPs on my needles 15-10-2020, Ranunculus Sweater
I thoroughly enjoyed knitting the Ranunculus Sweater, it’s using Aran weight yarn (Sirdar Romance in Khaki with gold threads) and I went up to a larger needle to get tension/gauge, 8mm needles (I just checked). It’s comfy, pretty and the yoke is a fun but relaxing knit. I will definitely knit more of this sweater. Have you made Ranunculus?
Ranunculus Sweater FO September 2020
FOs and WIPs on my needles 15-10-2020, Evergreen Loop
This might become a loop cowl, but is serving two purposes, as I want to design a sweater with the Evergreen cable and this will be a great swatch for that. I’m using some Brown Sheep Lamb’s Pride Worsted in a pale turquoise or aqua colour, it’s fabulous and was a gift from the lovely Joan Dyer. Joan sent me 22 skeins in various colours just before she died and I treasure this yarn. Every pattern I’ve designed with it has been a joy to knit and I can’t thank her enough for that.
FOs and WIPs on my needles 15-10-2020, Garnered Test Knit
This is a cardigan pattern test for Alicia Plummer, very pretty lace, short sleeves, cropped body and destined for my Mum as a gift. It’s wide and boxy so I folded the back in half vertically to get a photo, it has short row shoulder shaping in garter stitch and features an all over lace pattern. Knitted in Aran yarn with 6mm needles, it’ll be a fast project for gifting.
Cathedral Cowl in Hollyock Stylecraft Special Aran with Wool
This is just to test the pattern and because I already knitted myself the Cracked Pepper Cardigan by Alicia Plummer in this yarn and it will make a really lovely set to wear together this Winter.
Unnamed cardigan, suggestions welcome!
I cast on with the stone coloured Sublime Luxurious Tweed DK and am knitting a raglan cardigan, top down. I may add colourwork and you’ll see the other colours I have available in the gallery below. Do I go for stranded colourwork or mosaic knitting?
I probably have lots more on my needles but that’s enough for now, have I inspired you to knit something or pick up a project and show it some love?
Find My Way Cowl, Adjustable cowl, change length and width
For the chunky version of the Find My Way Cowl, I used Stylecraft Bellissima Chunky in Precious Posy, for the two colour version shown below I used Rowan Cashsoft Aran in Foxglove and Japonica, for the four colour DK version I used Stylecraft Special DK in Mocha, Mushroom, Pale Rose and Grap. You can knit the cowl to any length and there are stitch counts suggested to adapt the width to suit what you want. You can buy the pattern here
Aran prototype test knit for my new design Behind The Green Door Cowl, out this month, another adjustable pattern to make to any length or width and in any weight of yarn.
Our Cowlabunga KAL starts mid March with the hashtags #knittingacrossthepennines and #cowlabunga There will be prizes for the best FO’s made during the KAL and spot prizes of pattern codes for FO and WIP photos shared on social media with the two hashtags.
Emma Sadler of Emma Sadler Designs and Loraine Birchall of Woolly Madly Deeply. We design knitwear and some crochet items. Emma is based in Yorkshire, East of the Pennines and Loraine is based in Cumbria, West of the Pennines.
Lionbrand Vanna’s Choice® Vanna White, America’s favorite crocheter and Lion Brand’s spokesperson for over 14 years, introduces Vanna’s Choice®, an easy-care, silky-soft premium basic available in a range of beautiful, expertly-coordinated shades.
I used Stylecraft Special Aran with wool to knit a short loop say 24-26 inches long and about 11 inches wide, super soft, warm and snuggle. I love the rich, cranberry colour of the yarn. You can buy the pattern here
Photo copyright Loraine Birchall
Aran prototype test knit for my new design Behind The Green Door Cowl, out this month, another adjustable pattern to make to any length or width and in any weight of yarn.
Behind The Green Door Cowl – Chunky version
Gallery of Test Knitters samples
As always, I couldn’t do this without the help, support and suggestions of my amazing Test Knitters, there’s a sneak peak of some of their projects below. I hope you love them as much as I do.
Our Cowlabunga KAL starts mid March with the hashtags #knittingacrossthepennines and #cowlabunga There will be prizes for the best FO’s made during the KAL and spot prizes of pattern codes for FO and WIP photos shared on social media with the two hashtags.
Emma Sadler of Emma Sadler Designs and Loraine Birchall of Woolly Madly Deeply. We design knitwear and some crochet items. Emma is based in Yorkshire, East of the Pennines and Loraine is based in Cumbria, West of the Pennines.
Lionbrand Vanna’s Choice® Vanna White, America’s favorite crocheter and Lion Brand’s spokesperson for over 14 years, introduces Vanna’s Choice®, an easy-care, silky-soft premium basic available in a range of beautiful, expertly-coordinated shades.
Introducing Santa Tea Cozy, Elf Tea Cozy or Gnome Tea Cozy, Snowman Tea Cozy and Gingerbread Man Tea Cozy, all made with chunky/bulky weight yarn using 6mm and 6.5mm needles (US 10 and 10.5).
Each cozy only took a few hours to knit and would easily be completed over a couple of evenings with the embellishments.
L to R Santa Tea Cozy, Gingerbread Man Tea Cozy and Snowman Tea Cozy
This cute Snowman Tea cozy has adorable stick arms, a knitted beanie hat and a warm scarf with optional fringe edging. He can carry a tree, gifts or a gift sack and will look lovely on your Christmas table.
Snowman Tea Cozy from Christmas Tea Cozies by Loraine Birchall
Gingie is a adorable, but he didn’t start out looking quite so cute. Let’s say my embroidery skills needed some work and my first four attempts made him look more like a serial killer than a cute addition to Christmas. With a bit of unpicking and then using some pins to mark out where I wanted to sew, he was suddenly adorable!
About the Christmas Tea Cozies ebook
The Christmas Tea Cozies collection will add some festive fun to your table or dresser this Christmas. There are patterns for Santa, Gingerbread Man, Snowman and an Elf.
Each Christmas Tea Cozy pattern has options for three sizes which can be adapted to fit most teapots. Each cozy is worked flat and seamed, however the arms/mittens for the cozies (except the Snowman who has optional ‘stick’ arms) are worked in the round using Judy’s Magic Cast On to start.
Each cozy has a pointy hat with either a pompom or tassel, I opted for the tassel and went big on those, you can make smaller or slimmer tassels if you prefer. It’s really up to you.
I’ve included different embellishments and options for each pattern, so you can make every cozy with extras to suit the recipient.
Sizes of Teapots Used:
Measurement A – horizontally across the front of the pot, from inside the handle to the start of the spout around the belly of the pot only (excludes handle and spout).
Measurement B – Vertically from the centre front base of the pot to the rim at the top of the pot and not including the height of the lid as this will vary from one style to another.
Small 2 cup teapot – A = 5in/22.5cm, B = 3.75in/9.5cm
Standard 4 cup teapot – A = 9in/23cm, B = 5.5in/13.5 cm
Large 2 ½ pint teapot – A = 11.5in/29cm, B = 5.5in/13.5 cm
Note on sizes for the Large Cozy, you could sew the side seams closed and use this on a standard 4 cup pot to lift on and off without spout/handle holes.
I used a Denby Wheatsheaf 2 cup pot for the small, a Brown Betty 4-6 cup pot for the medium and a Portmeirion 2 pint pot for the large.
I used a mix of chunky/bulky yarns. Lion Brand Alpine Wool for the cozies in the Chili colourway, Stylecraft Special Chunky or any chunky yarn would be fine. I used Schoeller Filzi in Cream instead of white, Rav says it’s super bulky – it knits as bulky/chunky weight year on 6mm or 6.5mm needles. Again you could sub for Special Chunky or use two strands of Special DK as long as you get the same tension/gauge.
I easily made each of the Christmas Tea Cozy over a couple of evenings so they are a quick knit for Christmas gifting. The small cozies took me around 4-6 hours to knit, so they’re a quick gift knit.
I wanted to show you our Wheatsheaf Cowl Pattern, for sale on Ravelry. I used some wonderful Rowan Yarn Company Cashsoft Aran which is softer than butter and so warm. I made samples of the Wheatsheaf Cowl pattern using both Aran and DK weight yarns. The difference in circumference was 26inch for the Aran and 22 inch for the DK version. One of our pattern testers for the Wheatsheaf Cowl knitted the cable pattern repeat twice to make a taller cowl, you’d use more yarn, but it would be fabulously warm if you live in colder climate.
Knitted in aran weight yarn, the Wheatsheaf Cowl is a speedy knit, easily made over a few evenings of knitting. Ideal for Christmas knitting or gift knits.
A great stash buster, the Wheatsheaf Cowl is a quick knit. Easily finished in a few evenings by the fire and is toasty warm. Great for gifting and a chance to use up a bit of stash, you’ll need between 200-225 yards (depending on size) but you’ll need more if you knit a deeper cowl.
Wheatsheaf Cowl knitting pattern, image shows matching Wheatsheaf Hat
You could cast on three times as many stitches for a looped style cowl if you wanted the extra warmth, but this will use at least three times the yardage and you might need a little extra if you add depth/height to the ribbed sections. This would loop easily twice around your neck and look fabulous.
The cable pattern used in the Wheatsheaf Cowl pattern reminds me of a Wheatsheaf, hence the name, but bluesocks thought they looked like X’s for kisses. Either way, I love it. It’s a quick knit, great way to use up small amounts of yarn and you can make a matching set as a gift.
The cable pattern has both charted and written instructions to suit your preference.
Wheatsheaf Cowl on cushion
Wheatsheaf Cowl Tension/Gauge
Gauge/Tension for body of cowl in cable pattern – unstretched: 16sts x 32 rows = 3in x 4in/7.5cm x 10cm with 5mm/US8 16sts x 32rows = 3 5/8th in 9.25cm x 4in/7.5cm x 10cm with 5.5mm/US9
Wheatsheaf Cowl Recommended Yarns
I made samples using the following yarns:
Rowan Yarn Company Cashsoft Aran
Rowan Cashsoft DK
Stylecraft Special DK
My Test Knitters used
Zeeman Royal
Rowan Baby Merino Silk DK
I found the Aran weight yarn washed really well and still looks as good as the day it was knitted. The matching hat has worn equally well and is machine washable on a delicate setting.
I think you would need to use a cable needle for any of the Wheatsheaf patterns, the earlier cables in the pattern can be done without, but the central crossover cable does need a cable needle, or spare dpn.
I’ve been asked by a couple of knitters if the cowl could be worked in chunky or bulky weight yarn. The simple answer is yes. However, you’d need to go up a needle size to perhaps a 6mm needle to get enough drape to the piece and obviously both the height and circumference of the cowl would change.
I haven’t tried this myself so I can’t help you on yardage/meters required to complete the cowl.
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We recently released our Wheatsheaf Aran Socks Pattern, for sale on Ravelry. I used some wonderful Brown Sheep Lamb’s Pride Worsted which was a gift from the lovely Joan Dyer. The socks use different needle sizes to achieve three sizes from Ladies Small/Child up to a Mens size with options for slim, regular and slouchy fit.
Knitted in aran weight yarn, the Wheatsheaf Aran Socks are a quick knit, easily made over a few evenings of knitting. Ideal for Christmas knitting or gift knits.
A great stash buster, the Wheatsheaf Aran Socks are a quick knit. Easily finished in a few evenings by the fire and are toasty warm. Great for gifting and a chance to use up a bit of stash, you’ll need between 200-260 yards (depending on size and if you make the longer, folded cuff.
The socks can be knitted at a tighter or looser gauge/tension and feature ribbing on the cuff, back of the leg, heel flap and sole to ensure a nice fit for many foot sizes. The socks are made for lounging, wearing around the house instead of slippers and relaxing. They’re an attractive sock for lazy days and nights by the fire.
Sizes:
Small US 4-6.5/UK 3-5.5
Medium US 7-9/UK 6-8
Large US 9.5-11/UK 8.5-11
Options for
slim fit: 4mm/US6 for all sock
regular: 4mm cuff, 4.5mm for sock
slouchy 4.5mm cuff, 5mm for sock.
I made samples of the small size using 5mm needles for the body of the sock in Brown Sheep Lamb’s Pride Worsted, they would easily fit a slimmer foot or a wider foot due to the nature of the yarn and how springy it is.
I made the large size using Stylecraft Heritage Aran (Acylic/wool blend) and 5mm needles. They fit a wider food very well and spring back to shape after a wash.
I made the small size using 4mm needles for the whole sock, this had good hard wearing fabric and was a lovely neat fit.
Sizing and Fit of the Wheatsheaf Aran Socks
If you want a slouchy sock, use larger needles and for a slimmer fitting more hard wearing sock, use smaller needles.
Size small using 4mm needles and acrylic blend yarn would easily stretch to fit a 9 inch foot circumference.
Size small using Lamb’s Pride and 5mm needles would easily stretch to a 10 or 11 inch foot circumference, but be less hard wearing.
If you need to make a longer foot, the charts are set up so you can repeat a section or part of chart as often as you need to get the desired length. I’ve also included which chart row I ended on for each of my samples so you have an idea of how it worked for me.
There are four options for your heel pattern. I’ve used a slip stitch heel and a ribbed heel for the samples, both worked well and gave a good fit.
I’m knitting another pair for Christmas this year, using some Rowan Calmer I had in stash. It’s so soft and will make such a comfy pair of socks. I’m tempted to make them in my size and keep them 🙂
