TIOMA

With my experience working in a yarn store, I have found that most people give up knitting once the warm weather arrives.  Here is a reason to rethink that common practice, at least for a little while.

Made with your choice of hemp or linen, this feminine, sleeveless top is perfect for wearing during the hot summer months.  Although, it could be worn year-round by layering it with a sweater or blazer.

The yoke features a lace stitch that is reminiscent of macramé, and almost looks like it has been crocheted.  However, it actually is knit, and it isn't a complex stitch pattern.

The yoke is worked chunky, using 3 strands of yarn.  A more delicate, single strand repeat of this stitch pattern borders the bottom edge, with side slits.

The lace work requires some concentration, but once the yoke is finished, the rest knits up quickly.  Working Stocking stitch in the round, the main body has gradual side increases to create an A-line silhouette.

Interested in knitting this project?  Here is some helpful information.

SIZE:  34 (36, 38, 40, 42, 44)" bust

GAUGE:  22 sts/30 rows = 10cm (4") in Stocking St on 4mm (US6) needles

MATERIALS:  

• approx615-865 m (680-950 yds) of Hemp for Knitting allhemp3 (shown in col# 012) OR Louet Euroflax #2 Fine/Sport Weight (shown in col# 5920) yarn
• 4mm (US6)  - 80cm (32 inch) circ. needle
• 1 pair 8mm (US11) needles
• 1 pair 12mm (US17) needles
• 4 stitch markers

If you are interested in making a top like this, but are concerned about working with hemp/linen yarns, please read my post called You Too Can Love Hemp and Linen Yarns, and it may give you the nudge you are looking for.

You Too Can Love Hemp and Linen Yarns

One of my favourite yarn types to knit or crochet with are those made with hemp or linen.  Finished, blocked garments are flowing and breezy.  Perfect for summer!  But many people steer clear of these yarns because they see them as rough, scratchy, and difficult to work with.  I am here to change some minds on that regard.

First we'll tackle the bad rep of being rough and scratchy.  I will admit that these yarns can feel stiffer than most.  However, besides the fact that they come in traditional, as well as 'softened' versions (check out Hemp for Knitting's LUX varieties, or Louets Euroflax yarns), it only takes one washing to dramatically soften these yarns.  Add to that the beautiful drape they can have, and how could you not love them?  A trick I use for washing garments made in these fibres is to use a no-rinse wool wash (called Eucalan) the first washing.  The natural lanolin adds extra softness and drape to the fibres.  Just don't use it every time you wash, or it will saturate the fibres with lanolin, and make them very heavy.  I tend to use a natural delicate wash at least 1-2 times between Eucalan washings.

Now that you all know about the softness and drape of hemp and linen, why not give them a try?  I have mild arthritis in my hands, yet they never get sore working with these fibres.  If your hands do get sore, it may be that you are either a tight knitter or crocheter, or the pattern is being worked in a tight gauge.  I like to work these fibres on the loose side.  It's not only easier on your hands, but the finished fabrics is so much more desirable for garments.

Finally, some tools for your kit, as you set off on a new knitting/crochet adventure with hemp and/or linen yarns:

• For knitting, I highly recommend using needles with a bit of 'drag'.  These yarns can be 'slippery', especially when knit on the loose side, and this type on needle will lower the risk of stitches jumping off the needles.  My favourites are Skacel Addi Turbo Lace.  This is a circular needle, but it also has a great point for working lace in any fibre.  Other possibilities, for those who love their straight needles, would be wooden needles, typically made with bamboo or rosewood.
• When joining a new ball of yarn, the best option in a Russian Join, which is a splicing technique (and, can be used with any plied yarn).  Weaving in ends, although doable, is not easy.  So, when you do weave in ends (because you will have to do it at the very beginning and end of your project, at least), do it in a manner similar to the Russian Join, by working the needle through the plies (I like to use a sharp needle).  This will give a much better hold, and less risk of the ends popping out later.

I hope this has convinced at least some of you to try out knitting or crocheting with hemp or linen yarns.  I, personally, can't get enough of them!

MÒR GOES ROUND

This design is an 'in-the-round' version of MÒR, my Level II Knitting for Beginners class pattern.  And, it comes with all the same great features of that pattern.

Super Bulky yarn is used to make this a quick knit.  No matter what your skill level is, you will find this to be a perfect last minute gift idea, as it knits up in just a couple of nights.

Choose between a super slouchy version (shown here), or a more subtle slouch (see top photo).  Instructions are provided for both, as well as sizing for adult and child.

Plus, you are guided through the pretty spiral decrease at the crown with row-by-row instructions.

Interested in knitting this project?  Here is some helpful information.

SIZES: 

• Child - 43-46cm (17-18”) [Ladies - 53-56cm (21-22”)]

GAUGE:  8 sts/10 rows = 10cm (4") in Stocking Stitch using 12mm (US17) needles

MATERIALS:  

• 2-50g balls Big Softie by Sirdar (45m/ 50g)
• 1 pair 8mm (US11) circular needle
• 1 pair 12mm (US17) circular needle
• 1 set 12mm (US17) DPN
• 1 stitch marker

Quick and fun to knit, this project makes for a great gift or an addition to your own winter wardrobe.

MÒR

Students learning to knit deserve a fun and stylish project.  For teaching Level I Knitting for Beginners, I use my HONEY cowl pattern.  In Level II, my students make MÒR.  It is a slouchy beret, that is knit flat and them seamed.

Super Bulky yarn is used to make this a quick knit, and also create stitches that are easy to identify when sewing up.  And, no matter what your skill level is, you will find this to be a perfect last minute gift idea, as it knits up in just a couple of nights.

Choose between a super slouchy version (seen at top), or a more subtle slouch (shown here).  Instructions are provided for both, as well as sizing for adult and child.

Plus, you are guided through the pretty spiral decrease at the crown with row-by-row instructions.

Interested in knitting this project?  Here is some helpful information.

SIZES: 

• Child - 43-46cm (17-18”) [Ladies - 53-56cm (21-22”)]

GAUGE:  8 sts/10 rows = 10cm (4") in Stocking Stitch using 12mm (US17) needles

MATERIALS:  

• 2-50g balls Big Softie by Sirdar (45m/ 50g)
• 1 pair 8mm (US11) needles (optional -- for cast-off)
• 1 pair 12mm (US17) needles

Quick and fun to knit, this project makes for a great gift or an addition to your own winter wardrobe.

HONEY

Created for my Level I Knitting for Beginners class, this is a quick and easy project.  The original purpose for the design, means the pattern is worked flat and them seamed, and includes row-by-row instructions.  Rather than the typical "continue in established pattern, until...", you can follow along just reading the next row of instructions.

A pretty, but simple slip stitch pattern creates the honeycomb textured effect in this project.

Great for a last minute gift idea, this cowl can be worked up in just a couple of nights.  It can be knit using one strand of super bulky weight yarn (seen here in Sirdar's Indie, col# 164), 2 strands of bulky weight, or 4 strands of worsted (see top photo, in 4 strands of Cascade 220, col# 8400).  So, you can have a lot of fun using up stash yarn, combining different colours and textures, you name it.

Interested in knitting this project?  Here is some helpful information.

SIZES:  

• Finished circ. of approx. 58cm (22¾”) and depth of approx. 22cm (8¾”)

GAUGE:  9 sts/14 rows = 10cm (4") in Garter Stitch using 12mm (US17) needles

MATERIALS:  

• Approx. 90m (98 yds) of bulky weight yarn (such as Indie or Big Softie by Sirdar).  NOTE:  To get more yarn possibilities in this weight, try working with 2 strands of chunky weight yarn, or 4 strands of worsted weight yarn (as shown in photo). 
• 1 pair 12mm (US17) needles

Quick and fun to knit, this project makes for a great gift or an addition to your own winter wardrobe.

NORTHERNER

Reversible cables are the ultimate for cabled scarves and cowls.  You never have to worry about them flipping over to show their bad side, because they just don't have one.  Plus, this technique creates a fabric that makes the finished project even warmer and cozier then it's one-sided cousins.  

NORTHENER can be made in any one of three lengths.  By adding a couple of large buttons to one short edge, you can button NORTHERNER closed to form a cowl, or wear it open as a scarf, whenever you please (for this option, be sure to knit one of the two larger sizes).  Of course, if you just prefer scarves, knit it up in either the second or third size and leave as is, button free.

You should also be let in on the often unknown fact that making cables is a deceptively easy technique. And, the pattern includes both written and charted instructions.  The hard part will be deciding whether to make a small cowl, a double wrap infinity/short scarf, or a cosy, long scarf (not pictured).

I used a soft semi-solid, but I think it would look great in any hand-dye, as long as you stay with shades that are light to medium dark.

Interested in knitting this project?  Here is some helpful information.

SIZES:  

• Small cowl - 60.3cm (23") long and 14cm (5½") wide
• Double wrap infinity/short scarf - 120.7cm (47½") long and and 14cm (5½") wide
• Cozy, long scarf - 181cm (71¼") long and and 14cm (5½") wide

GAUGE:  20 sts/18 rows = 10cm (4") in 1x1 Ribbing using 8mm (US11) needles

MATERIALS:  

• 1 [2, 3] skeins Malabrigo Yarns Mecha, 120m (130yds) per 100g skein
• 1 pair 6mm (US10) needles (optional -- for cast-off)
• 1 pair 8mm (US11) needles
• cable needle
• 2 large buttons, approx. 3.5cm (1¼") diameter

This project has so many options length and style of wearing, it is sure to fit into any winter wardrobe.

ABBIE

Meet ABBIE, the little sister shrug of ABIGALE.  It really is a girls' sized version of my favourite shrug.  Still a sleek, close fitting garment with optional thumbholes,...

short-row shaping to eliminate unwanted excess fabric in the back,...

and a new, pretty, lace cuff detail (ABIGALE's cuff sports mini cables).

My little model sure had fun playing around the garden in her's,...

and it even met the approval of the garden fairy!

Interested in knitting this project?  Here is some helpful information.

SIZES:  3-4 (5-6, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12) years

GAUGE:  26 sts/38 rows = 10cm (4") in Stocking St on 3mm (US2½) needles

MATERIALS:  

• 355-395m (388-432yds) of Fingering/4-ply weight yarn (shown above in Manos Del Uruguay Yarn's Alegria, col# A8686)
• 3mm (US2½)  - 100cm (40 inch) circ. needle or 3mm (US2½) needles & 1 set 3mm (US2½) dpn
• 1 set 3mm (2½US) dpn, for connecting sides
• waste yarn for provisional cast-on
• 4 st holders or waste yarn
• stitch marker

This project uses a provisional cast-on.  For helpful information on this technique, check out How to Avoid the Provisional Cast-on Pitfall.