Big Sky Yarns & Crafts

Three Irish Girls Lookbook!

With the craziness of another holiday behind us, I can spend some time showing you (finally!) what I was working on so feverishly for a couple of months this summer.

I designed three items for The Three Irish Girls Yarns for their new fall Lookbook. If you want some yarn love, click on the Lookbook link for incredible colors and projects. Sharon has 33 new colorways and 41 patterns. Truly inspiring and drool-able. Pictures copyright of Three Irish Girls.

My first project is the most basic mitten pattern, CLAP! in the Ainsley colorway:

 

How wonderful is that? Adorn Sock is a velvety soft yarn 80% merino, 20% nylon, 3.5 ounces, 430 yards. Plenty, plenty, plenty.

This pattern is for all those sock yarns in your life that are just too pretty to hide in your shoes. They are worked in the round from cuff to tip with no seaming -- none! Just draw your yarn through the remaining stitches and voila! There are 6 sizes from toddler to adult large. The sample below is the women's medium.

 

 

I fell in love with the reverse stockinette side as well so I knit another pair with the remaining yarn:

 

The PDF pattern is $3.95 and is available to purchase here. I love PDFs because when I lose it or beat it up entirely, I can just print another and away I go!

My next pattern actually turned into two, Kiss and Tell Vest & Cowl in the Saoirse colorway:

 

Galenas Merino is a butter soft merino, single ply, that is heavenly to work with. This is in the new colorway, Saoirse:

 
 

It is a semi-solid in a varying shades of teal and just perfect for something with detail that won't get obscured by too much color. Each hank is 3.5 ounces and has 220 yards. Gauge for the vest and cowl is 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4" in stockinette stitch. 

 
 

The bottom half of the vest is worked first, beginning with a provisional cast on. Instead of working bottom to top as usual, the bottom half is worked left to right to create the slimming vertical line from the puckered areas. Stitches are slipped at both ends for a nice rounded edge requiring no other finishing.  There are 7 sizes from 29.5" to 53.5" final bust measurement.

At the desired length, graft the live stitches to the provisional cast on stitches. Stitches are then picked up for the top half of the vest and worked as usual. A 3 needle bind off makes the sleeves an easy finish.

 

Optional cowls I think are just the ticket. If you need the extra warmth, you have it, but it doesn't have to stifle the life out of you indoors. This one is worked the same as the bottom half of the vest: begin with a provisional cast on and then work until desired length and then graft the  live stitches to the provisional cast on stitches. The cowl requires two hanks.

 

Both the cowl and vest patterns are included in the PDF for $4.95.  Click here for purchase.

I have been wanting to design this jacket for quite some time and here it is, Sustenance in the Eavan colorway. It is that marriage between sweater and jacket, perfect for three seasons.

 

It is worked in Lindon Merino in the Eavan colorway, a lightweight multi-ply 100% wool yarn, perfect for this project. Gauge:  17 stitches and 26 rows = 4" in stockinette stitch.

 

Another semi-solid, this one has black which makes it more perfect in my book. 

 

Worked in three pieces, there is very little seaming: just the simple straight side seams and a bit of seaming to attach the collar to the back of the neck. The wide collar is worked with the fronts:

 

Wide ribbing is worked at the bottoms of the front and back, but it is straight, so no funny pulling in. Here is the back:

 
The ribbing gives depth to the sweater, I think. I used a three needle bind off for the shoulders and when joining the right and left collar panels to each other:

 

I cannot say enough for the three needle bind off. It creates a professional seam with zero work besides knitting, which is what we like to do, no? The little seam needed to attach the collar to the back of the neck.

Moss stitch at the collar creates a lovely reversible fabric:

 

We have not discussed the sleeves! Sleeves are a tricky human, so I picked up stitches around the armhole and worked in the round down from the shoulder seam so they can be easily customized for the perfect length. Plus, since they are worked in the round there is no seaming. Ribbing finishes the sleeves as well.

 

This sweater is perfect to leave open for a slim vertical line or use a belt or shawl pin to close. There are 7 sizes in this pattern as well ranging from 34.5" to 59" final bust measurement.  Purchase the PDF pattern here for $4.95.

 

I am also going to be knitting one of these without sleeves to show how charming a vest with just a bit of ribbing would be at the armholes. In Billings, vests are a constant.

So now you see what I have been working on!! So exciting and I couldn't even share FOREVER. So glad forever is over.

Knit on.

 

What not to say to a knitter

Hope ya'll had a simply satisfying Thanksgiving yesterday. I ate enough for the week, as usual, so all is well. My dad is visiting from Arizona for the week and I do believe we tried to kill him the early part of his visit with 2 degrees, gobs of ice and snow and no sun. Yesterday was lovely and my dad, Dan and I actually got a lovely walk in before our meal. It was so nice to be outside when it wasn't 2 degrees but a balmy 20 with sun. Today is even better -- sun and 30 plus degrees! Dan even took the kiddos sledding.

Yesterday some friends came over for dessert and the girls had a most lovely dress up time:

 

Glam! Glam! Glam!

And because one can never be too serious in our household, behold the true nature of the visit:

 

Their mama is the one who told me what one can never say to a knitter:

"I actually lost my mittens the other day. I could not believe it."

What! My ears perked up! She said it so innocently, like she really didn't remember who she was talking to. I wanted to knit her something for Christmas, but I didn't know what, so now the question has been solved. But it must be solved quickly so her new mittens will match her ice blue jacket.

Out came the stash in full force. No sport, sock or dk. Must be at least worsted for the plan to work swiftly and efficiently. I found some SWS (soy wool stripes) from Patons Yarns that is a tried and true favorite. I love that stuff, ever since it made its debut years ago. 70% wool, 30% soy, it has a lovely hand with a bit of shine. The subtle striping with a thick single ply is a synonym for happiness in my book.

 

This is the Natural Denim colorway and I knit it tight at 4.5 stitches per inch for a substantial mitten. No fooling around.

Mitten number 1, check:

 

Cuff up in the round, no seaming. Thumb knit after the body is worked. Who wants to graft? Not me.

But in any covert mission, I started to get nervous. What if it didn't fit? What is the point of knitting something for someone when the dumb thing wouldn't even work properly? So I broke down and told her of my secret plan (of which she was surprised) and they did fit perfectly! AHH! I should have kept it a secret. I should have trusted my instincts. Sigh.

I did measure her head, however -- no talking chances on the hat. We all know how awful an elephant hat is and how it can ruin a friendship. Stay tuned.

Knit on.

With a Vengeance

Winter has hit Billings with impressive force. Here is my favorite spot in the kitchen:

 

Snow, snow, snow. And ice. Impressive ice. The make-you-want-to-stay-home-and-knit-all-day-and-drink-tea-ice. Speaking of tea, have you tried Bigelow's green tea with pomegranate? Lovely marriage of flavors. I don't know how long it has been around because my tea stash was huge and so I won't let myself shop for new tea until I drank a dent in what I already have. However, I went to a friends and they had this tea, so it truly isn't my fault I have fallen in love with this new tea. I have tried a couple brands, and so far my favorite is Bigelow's.

In retrospect, this isn't the wisest choice of color for my sanity, but I started a Windward Cowl (Rav link) by Miriam Felton from her new book Twist & Knit. I present to you the most lovely, soft yarn I wish you could squeeze through the monitor, Blue Sky Alpacas' Alpaca Silk:

 

The most wonderful yarn in 50% alpaca and 50% silk. WIth so much smooshiness, I'm sure the cowl will not stand up much, but, boy, will it will be a lovely pile of yarn love around my friend's neck:

 

In this pic I have finished the first chart (note orange marker) and just started the second. This would be a lovely pattern for those just getting interested in the labyrinth of lace knitting. I am not much of a lace knitter and it is perfect for me: just a bit of a cable here, a ktog and ssk combined with the obligatory yarn overs and you are good to go. I have really enjoyed it so far and I do put markers between repeats to save my sanity. I picked this color so it will be a nice neutral without being too dark that not a stitch could be seen (or knit). There are two different size options in the pattern and I am working the 24" circumference. I bet I am not even half way with that first ball, so two balls will be more than ample.

I do feel the need to knit with yellow yarn soon to combat the lack of sun presently in Billings.

Knit on.

New Projects All Over

Tis the season for new knitting books -- hooray! One new one is Stitch 'N Bitch Superstar Knitting by Debbie Stoller. Let me just say that even if you don't THINK you are a Debbie Stoller knitter, this book must still be considered because it has over one hundred (!) pages of knitting tips and tricks for knitters of all skills and levels presented in an easy to read conversational style with tons of drawings to help along the way. Even a section on designing your own knits. Truly comprehensive and impressive.

 

And that's not all. Did I mention the projects? 41!! four zero + one. These also vary dramatically in size, shape and skill level. Here are a couple of my favorites:

 

I am not usually a colorwork person (I don't want to fool around with multiple colors, just KNIT), but I absolutely love everything about this sweater. I am a fish person plus a yoke sweater always grabs my attention, even in the worst iron tough acrylic or wool. But wait! She is standing in front of the ocean. Sold.

Hoping to be brave enough to wear these, I present some fabulous lace socks:

 

I even have some pointy slides that would make the whole outfit. We have had such mild weather in Billings so far, I could have worn these a dozen times so far this fall.

 

Again, this may be just the marketing talking (green! flowers!) but I love how this pattern travels all over this sweater with the 3/4 length sleeves. Is it really not supposed to meet in the center? I would have to check that out first. Like I need a style to make me look heavier. Ahem.

In the ever popular series edited by Judith Durant is Sock Yarn One-Skein Wonders:

 

This one is as fabulous as the others in the series and if you buy the Barnes & Noble edition, there are 5 extra patterns! And there are over one hundred patterns. 100. Seriously. Whoo hoo! This book is just so lovely to even peruse -- color and pictures throughout the zillion patterns that cover every possible category.

I am never wild about baby knits, but maybe because two are arriving in my family in the next 6 months (that are not mine -- let's just clarify that a bit), I am keeping my eye out for cute projects that won't kill my brain. This little sweater might tax me a bit but look how cute:

 

How precious is that? The big plus for me is that it is knit in Cascade Yarns sock yarn, Heritage. Have you ever worked with Heritage? FABULOUS. It has a wonderful hand, looks rich knitted up and washes wonderfully.

Look at these pants:

 

Can you stand it? I thought I would die. I could make two pairs of these and call it good for my new babies. Pudgy legs. Self striping yarns. Does not get any cuter. Period. Have you seen knitted pants make of mitered squares for adults? The scariest things ever. Stick to babies with knitted pants. Whew.

I also received my new Vogue Knitting Holiday Issue not too long ago:

 

If you haven't checked out their relatively new feature, VK 360, that alone is worth your trip to the VK website. Every garment is modeled and every angle is seen without the pretty distractions. 

Red was the color and I found these sweaters particularly attractive:

 

I am a sucker for big collars and Laura Bryant designed this one.  It could be the red pantyhose, however. How cute would those look with a black denim skirt (only right above the knee -- no need to get crazy) and tall boots so just a smidge of red yelled triumphantly?

However, the one that got me for it's yoke collar and cables is this beauty:

 

Designed by Norah Gaughan, it is knit in the round with the sleeves worked separate. Perfect because your eye always stays high for the cables and neck. It is worked in Berroco's Blackstone Tweed, though I have some of Berroco's Inca Gold waiting for something stunning:

 

Inca Gold without even working it is a triumph in yarn:  80% merino and 20% silk. Yumm. Wouldn't this neutral color be perfect for just about any bottom? It is hard to see on the monitor, but it is an extremely warm light tan, almost pinky if such a color exists.

Here's a terrific staple that wouldn't take forever and a day to knit because it is worked in the round as well:

 

We all know how much I adore all forms of stripes. Okay, maybe not all -- there are some ugly stripe combos, I'll give you that. Not this one, however:

 

Perfect for gift giving, here are wonderful knitted scarves that spoke to the people on my list that I'm not-so-sure-what-they-would-like category:

 

We know how knitting for Christmas is almost a past tense verb at this point with only 6 weeks to go, but a positive attitude and wishful thinking is everything while in denial.

Knit on.

Apparently

Apparently, I can say no to most yarn lately, except Lorna's Laces. Look what I found on eBay:

 

Four skeins of Shepherd Sport in Sherbet.

 

And 5 Shepherd Sport in Georgetown.

My flimsy excuse is that I was so excited they were sport weight and not sock weight and, believe it or not, the thought of a bigger project in sport weight thrilled me. More than once I have seen patterns for sport weight yarn and thought, "What? It isn't worsted?" and put that pattern right down.

Yes, it must be a simple pattern because all that color flying around will obscure almost anything. But therapeutic, mindless knitting is what I am all about so I need to wind at least one to see what gauge REALLY is for these babies. Label says 6 stitches per inch. Did I say it is superwash? Yes, now you see what pushed me over the edge (and that it was $7 a skein).

Remember Verena Knitting magazine?

 

Get this -- I actually purchased a two year digital subscription (8 issues) for only $30. Now, I thought that was a good deal, but let me show you why it is great:

 

Besides the magazine, all 79 patterns look like this -- each individually formatted for your knitting bag, ready to go. And 79 patterns is just one issue! (That just blows my mind completely. Plus there are kids patterns, home, plus sizes. It just goes on and on and on like the Energizer bunny.)

You just download and print what you want and that is all there is to it. I thought it would be like the center pullout pattern section, all jammed together. But no! Each pattern is its own planet. Well worth the $30 for just one issue, yet all 8 -- whoo hoo! The patterns are a bit  hard to read at first, but once you get in the groove of how they are written, all is well. That burgundy sweater may work for my new sport yarn. Ahem. See, I knew what I was doing.

Knit on.

ART with a capital A

 

The perfect picture in 100 kinds of wonderful by the Great Kate, waiting for me to put it in real frame for forever and ever. Apple slices and paint, 2010, Kathleen Haesemeyer, 1st grade, age 6.

Here is another, with a bit more angst, I believe:

 

Errata on Evy's scarf

Pattern printed previously in Body of Scarf:  Rep rows 1-6 until fabric measures 52” from CO edge or 2” from desired length, ending with row 6.

Instead of ending with row 6, end with ROW 5. I have changed it in the blog entry, but in case you have already printed, make a quick note.

Knit (or paint) on.