New pattern release: Myst

Matilda of Organic Knitters approached me a couple of months ago to ask me if I wanted to take part as a featured designer in the #organicsummerkal that she's been hosting for a couple of years. She told me that I would have to work with some rather exciting yarn, so of course I had to say yes! I have been dreaming of Rosy green wool yarn for the longest time, so that was the most perfect opportunity to give this yarn a try! Rosy green wool specialises in rare breeds yarns that they blend with organic merino. The result is absolutely divine. I got to try the Manx merino Fine - go and google Manx sheep, they are just the most amazing breed. I really cannot get over this yarn now that I’ve tried it. It is light, airy, drapy, and oh so luxurious. I even think that my mom that is “allergic” to wool would definitely wear it around her neck. It's perfect for a lightweight shawl or a very fine cardigan!

I didn't have to play with this yarn very long, because you know sometimes, the yarn speaks to you. And that's what happened this time around. I didn't have to do much - well except for charting the whole thing out! I really felt that the shawl knitted itself up. The stitch pattern is rather addictive (just one more section please, and then I looked up and it was 2am, hum hum), and it's honestly a perfect piece for new to lace knitters. The lace part is very easy as you only repeat the same section over and over, which makes it a wonderfully meditative knit.

Apart from the stitch pattern which was a lo of fun, I loved playing with a different construction/ shape with this piece. I really wanted to challenge myself and try something different than the more traditional triangle or crescent shaped shawls. So for this piece you basically start off with a provisional cast on, and knit all the way to one edge. Then put the stitches back on the needles and repeat for the other. Easy peasy!

The result is a very generous elongated triangle that sits nicely on the shoulders ( I like to wear it as shown in the first picture). It’s been crazy chilly here in Latvia, so it was wonderful to go out and have it around my shoulders (also great when you forget to bring your umbrella), and I’m sure that I will have plenty of wear out of it this Summer!

If you want to get a copy of the pattern, click on the button below! It will redirect you to the ravelry pattern page where you'll be able to see all the beautiful versions that are being knit up!

New pattern release: Ginkgo

I am beyond excited for this month's pattern release! This piece has been a one year work in progress. Well sort of! I had conceptualized this design around this time of the year last year, and created a little paper template for it. But since it was already June, I knew that it was too late in the year to design the piece and release it that same year. So I kept it preciously in my design journal until a few months ago, once I got the yarn in hands, and my needles ready to cast on!

I created this design around the concept of origami thus the little template that I made. I really wanted to create a piece that would be as seamless as possible, starting from the bottom up (hem to neck then neck to hem). So in the end, the only seamed part would be the sides, which is quite minimal for a sweater.

Both front and back necks are shaped with decreases to create this elegant v-neck in the front, and this very deep open back that I adore. It is slightly cropped but you can definitely add some lenght if you'd prefer and very dramatic sleeves that are inspired (once again) by Japanese kimono. If the long and large sleeves are not for you, cast on less stitches and you'll end up with smaller/ shorter ones. What I love about this pattern, is that it's very easy to customize, and change element that fit you figure. The sweater is available in 8 different sizes, starting for & 32" bust. It is intended to be worn with something like 3 to 4" of positive ease for a very comfy and breathy fit.

From left to right: Onyx, Tournaline, Amethyst, Dark Beryl, Serpentine (credit pictures to Yarnandknitting.com)

As for the yarn, I have used the beautiful blend of 50% linen & 50% Falklands Wool from Blacker Yarns. Now how could I describe this beautiful blend? Once again I was not disappointed by Blackers. I mean I think that I've tried maybe six or seven of their bases, and the experience has been so enjoyable every single time. Their blends are wonderful and their colors are absolutely stunning. I think that there's a bit of everything for everyone.

But back to Lyonesse. It is extremely soft, like almost buttery soft. It has a beautiful sheen from the linen, and as you would expect from a plant-based yarn, the dyed didn't take evenly on the skein which resulted in the most perfect heathery shades.

Some very lovely versions have already been completed. And one of my favourite's in Patricia's. You can check it out here

New pattern release: Blossom shawl

I am so excited to introduce you to Blossom!

Blossom was such a fun collaboration with Gregoria Fibers and Isle yarn.
The yarn originates from the Isle of Purbeck where Sue is working the land with her family. She recently decided to sell the production of her wool and thought of creating an exclusive collection that will bring dyers and designers together. The yarn is very unique and precious as it is a blend of 50% lamb wool and 50% Tussah silk. Twenty skeins were sent to the dyers of our choice to create a unique color palette.

When I approched Anna of Gregoria Fibers, I told her that I wanted a colorwat that would be dyed very gently, with a little bit of speckles here and there. I wanted something very delicate with a little bit of contrast only. And she did her magic. The yarn came to me even more beautifully that I had imaged.

As for the pattern itself, I wanted to create something really Spring-inspired that would work hand in hand with Anna’s colorway.
Blossom is knit bottom up, starting on the little scalloped edge at the bottom. Once the first set-up rows of the border are done, the pattern is very intuitive. And once the border is completed, there’s only shorter and shorter rows of garter stitch goodness.

It’s been so lovely to see the color combinations that the sweet test knitters have decided to use. The color combination is infinite!

Finished measurements

115cm (45,2”) long / 44cm/17,3” deep

Yarn
2 skeins of Isle Yarn, 50% lamb wool & 50% silk / 100g apprx. 382 yards (350m) or about
874 yards (800m) of fingering weight yarn.
Color A: undyed
Color B: Pink

Gauge
21sts & 39 rows =10cm /4” in garter stitch after blocking

Needles
US5 (3,75mm) needles.
Or needle size to obtain gauge.

Notion
stitch markers

To celebrate the release of the patter, you can use the code BLOSSOMMAY15 during checkout to receive 15% off (valid from now thru May 7th midnight Riga time.

New pattern release: Homestead shawl

Homestead is the perfect comfort knitting piece: rows of garter stitch for relaxation and few rows of eyelets and braids for a little bit of challenge.
It is another netflix-friendly piece to make, perfect for the evenings on the couch with a cup of cocoa and a good show.
Once around your neck, you’ll have a hard time putting it down! It is easily adjustable, so if you have more yardage, you can add a stitch(s) repeat(s) to make it (even) bigger!

The pattern is written, and a video is provided to help you execute the laterail braid stitch.

As for the yarn, I have used the gorgeous Baa Ram Ewe Dovestone Natural Aran, a pure joy to knit with!

50% Bluefaced Leicester
25% Wensleydale Longwool
25% Masham
Yardage: 170m per 100g hank (185 yds)
Needle size: 4.5mm-5mm (US 7 - 8)

Finished measurements
112cm (44”) wide / 130cm (51.1”) long /180cm (70,8”) wingspan

Yarn
5 skeins of Baa Ram Ewe, Dovestone Natural Aran:
50% Bluefaced Leicester
25% Wensleydale Longwool
25% Masham;170m per 100g hank (185 yds) or approx. 930 yards (850 meters) of Aran weight yarn.

Gauge
18 sts & 36.5 rows = 10cm(4”) in garter stitch after blocking

Needles
4.5mm (US7) circular needles, or size needed to obtain gauge

New pattern release: Kimono

The kimono is a very cosy blanket to wrap around your shoulders and keep you warm on the couch (or on the porch!) whilst listenning to your favourite audiobook (Harry Potter anyone?) or watching a good show on netflix.

The pattern is very easy and comes up in three different sizes.
It features a little bit of lace, a lot of stockinette, and a very addictive slipped stitch panel on the back (a video is provided to help you execute the slipped stitch. It is knit flat, like a large rectangle, and a little bit of seaming brings the sides together to create the opening for the sleeves. The pattern is knit in a worsted weight yarn (I have used Cumbria from the Fibre Company, which is the most cosy and rustic yarn that you can imagine). The yarn comes in a range of beautiful vibrant colors and more versatile neutrals.

The Fibre Company Cumbria
Yarn weight: Worsted   Skein weight: 100 g
Fibre: 60% Merino wool, 30% masham wool and 10% mohair
Length: 218 m / 238 yds per 100 g hank
Tension / Gauge: 18–20 sts / 10 cm over 10 cm / 4 in
Needle size: 4-5 mm / 6-8 US / 8-6 UK

As for the design itself, I knew that I wanted to create a piece that would be the first thing that I would grab at home when I’d be a little bit too cold. I keep it on the back of my working chair, so whenever I feel a little bit too chilly, that’s the first thing that I grab, and with this deliciously rustic wool, I feel warm instantly.

I didn’t really intend the sleeves to be as dramatic as they are, but I love them so much this way, and the first thing that came to my mind when I did the seaming was “kimono”.

Yarn
5 (5, 6) skeins of The Fibre Company Cumbria Worsted: 60% Merino Wool/30% Brown Masham Wool/10% Mohair, 238yds (218m) /100g OR about 1190/1428 yds (1090/1305m) worsted weight yarn

Needle
US7 (4.5mm)

Gauge
20sts & 29 rows= 4” (10cm) in stockinette stitch after blocking

Sizes
1 (2, 3): to fit 34”-38” (40”- 44”, 46”- 50”)86.4 - 96.8 (101.6 - 111.8, 116.8 - 127)cm

June cashmere yarn review & giveaway

As I'm writting to you, I have a big cup of coffee next to me, and the little swatch that I have just completed. I cannot stop petting it because it's simply the softest thing ever. I haven't knit with 100% cashmere fibers a whole lot as they are one of the most luxurious fibers available in the market, but the few times that I did, the experience was a pure delight.

The yarn that I'm introducing today is the June Cashmere DK, a 100% luxurious cashmere yarn.

 "June Cashmere's 100% cashmere yarns are collected directly from Kyrgyz shepherds living on small family farms along the ancient Silk Road amidst the soaring mountains of Central Asia.  June is the Kyrgyz word for animal fiber, which is a centuries old vital resource and essential element of their nomadic lifestyle. From felted woolen rugs, to the clothes on their backs, june has made itself an indelible part of Kyrgyz culture. Additionally, the uniquely warm properties of the cashmere from their goats allow them to sustain cold and long winters in the vast mountains in Kyrgyzstan. "

If butter could be a fiber, I would say that cashmere is the closest thing to it. I think that it took me less than 15 minutes yesterday to complete the swatch because the fiber was literally flying on my needles. The fabric that the swatch gave me was something very drapey and delicate. If I would have to knit a sample with the yarn, it would most probably be a shawl with very little details, something simple in stockinette that would enhance the drapiness and the sheen of the fabric.

If you are interested in trying out June Cashmere yarn, you can enter this giveaway to win one skein in the lace or DK weight! Three winners will be selected on the 20th of December.