- May 23, 2023
- 12 Comments
Hello! I have a new knitted hat to share today, knit by me for me, but my grandson was kind enough to stand underneath the wisteria and be my adorable model. The hat is knit is DK weight and as it's a hat it doesn't take much yardage and was knit using scraps that I already had on hand.
- May 19, 2023
- 5 Comments
Hello and happy first day of spring! We've had such cold weather lately that it doesn't feel anything like spring to this Californian. I guess I need to keep knitting sweaters! My most recent knit was a test for the sweet Finnish designer Suvi of SuviKnits. I have tested for her before, and since her patterns are perfect in every way, it's more like a preview knit. I don't think any of the testers found even so much as a typo.
- March 20, 2023
- 10 Comments
As promised I have a new cardigan pattern to share that I tested for German designer, Imke Von Nathusius. The shaped garter yoke, especially on the back, is what makes this sweater unique and beautiful. The clever construction used to create the V shape makes for a very fun knitting experience. I'll admit that there are a few times when I scratched my head and did not know how this pile of knitting will ever turn into a sweater with arms and neck and all the essentials. But I trusted the pattern, plunged ahead and kept knitting away. After a while, like magic, a lightbulb lit in my head and I saw how it would come together. It reminded me in a way of knitting the Baby Surprise Sweater if you've ever knit that one!
- February 17, 2023
- 4 Comments
Today I have the last of my test knits to share and it just might be the prettiest of the lot; the Twist Adult by Kiddiwinks Knits, AKA Jackie from Portugal. I previously tested her gorgeous children's versions of this sweater and when I heard she was testing the adult size I shot my hand up immediately. The two Twist sweaters I made for my grandson, both pullover and cardigan pictured below, are completely darling and so versatile. So today, I'm happy to be able to share the adult version with you!
- November 03, 2022
- 13 Comments
Here is the Everyday V Neck by Frogginette, a classic that will get you started on building your child's basic wardrobe. And if you follow me at all, you know now much I love those everyday basics. Of all the sweaters I've knit for my grandson, I think this is probably the most practical for an everyday sweater and v necks always easily go over the head. To make a more dressy occasion sweater you can omit the stripes. These pictures were taken last spring and I made it a little big so it would fit this fall and winter. The pattern comes in extended sizes of 3 months to 16 years making it a pattern you'll be able to use again and again and again! It is a quick knit and a very well written pattern.
The yarn is Malabrigo Rios, a superwash worsted weight, in color Pines. It is a very soft and easy care yarn but after washing I recommend a quick visit through the dryer to get it back into shape.
Purchase Everyday V Neck by Lisa Chemery of Frogginette
There is a 20% discount promotion on purchase page.
See my Ravelry notes here
Purchase Malabrigo Rios here
I found these cute initial washable wood labels from Katrinkles. I'm in the process of sewing them on all his sweaters. When he outgrows them and we pass the sweaters on, I can snip these off and use them again.
Here is Climbing Blaze in full glory! I photographed this sweater in spring when the roses were amazing. We have more fun with this rose bower. We call it our Renewing Bower. If we have lost our superpowers, we run through the bower to regain them. Works every time.
And here we have it. The last picture of the day says it all. One can be adorable for only so long.
This post has an affiliate link(s). If you purchase something from an affiliate link, I will receive a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you so much for supporting the blog. If you'd like to make a comment, please click here or scroll down. I reply to each comment and that response will appear directly below your comment. If you would like a personal reply, please know that I use the Blogger platform and they do not give me your contact information when you comment. If you would like a personal reply you can contact me using the contact form on the right side at the very end of my website. If you would like to receive Knitionary posts by email, please subscribe here.
- August 23, 2022
- 3 Comments
Here is my new shawl, Summersky. The pattern is meant to be knit with a gradient set but I didn't have any gradients in my stash. I did however have some black Shibui Maai and white Rowan Kidsilk Glamour and I love to wear black and white.
Summersky is shaped like a rectangle with pointed ends and knit in two pieces. As I was finishing the first piece I had an inspired thought to switch the predominant color for the second half while still keeping it black and white. Since this was a test I asked the designer and she agreed it could look great, but honestly, I don't think either one of us realized just how fantastic it would turn out! I simply love it and it looks gorgeous with just about anything I toss it over.
After the two halves are knitted from tip to center, they are joined seamlessly with triangles. The instructions are easy to memorize, making it perfect for TV and travel knitting. The color possibilities are endless, and I really encourage you to look at what the testers came up with, here. It comes in three sizes and I made the second size. The pattern includes a page that shows different color effects plus a template for your own color experimentation. This is a pattern that I can't wait to make again and am thinking about this subtle cafe au lait light and dark combo below. I've got enough cream Kidsilk Haze Glamour leftover and can add that too. Won't this be gorgeous and sophisticated?
Summersky by Jennifer of Shady Stroll Knits
25% off through Wednesday, August 24
I used a strand of white Rowan Kidsilk Haze with
a strand of white Rowan Kidsilk Glamour, discontinued but worth a search.
In the last picture you can see the little sequins in the KS Glamour. In real life it's way
more sequincy, but unfortunately the picture only captured a few.
The black is one strand of Shibui Maai (also discontinued!)
Now I don't want to alarm you and think that I've decorated for fall while it's still summer--that won't happen around here for a few more weeks, but, for the last few years these pomegranate branches sold out quickly. If in the past you've ordered these too late and were disappointed, now is the time to order while they are still in stock. They are very attractive with silky leaves and the realistic scraggly look of a real pomegranate tree! We have pom trees around our neighborhood and this is exactly how they look. Just one or two sets of these pomegranate branches will get you ready for fall. I just purchased another set of orange and I also have a set of red for my kitchen that I can keep out through December. Click here to purchase. One question before I go, will you decorate for fall and when?
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| You could fill out the bouquet with faux fall leafy branches but I adore this scraggly minimalistic look! |
This post has an affiliate link(s). If you purchase something from an affiliate link, I will receive a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you so much for supporting the blog. If you'd like to make a comment, please click here or scroll down. I reply to each comment and that response will appear directly below your comment. If you would like a personal reply, please know that I use the Blogger platform and they do not give me your contact information when you comment. If you would like a personal reply you can contact me using the contact form on the right side at the very end of my website. If you would like to receive Knitionary posts by email, please subscribe here.
- August 19, 2022
- 6 Comments
Hello friends. I'm here today with a sweater I made in March and I'm so happy to finally share it with you today, on publishing day! This was a preview knit for Brooklyn Tweed, knit in Dk weight and designed for children with chest sizes 21.5" to 30.5". I made the 4th size for my grandson who just turned 5 yesterday. Happy birthday dear boy. 💖
The pattern calls for Brooklyn Tweed's lovely Arbor, but the BT team encouraged the preview knitters to use whatever yarn we wished, as long as it made gauge of course. I had some fabulous Rowan Softyak DK in my stash and knowing my grandson loves it, I chose this sophisticated color combo. The colorwork is created with slipped stitches so you knit with only one color per row, but you slip the same stitches for enough rows to create a puffy 3-D effect. A little blocking tames it a bit but keeps the pouffy, whimsical effect in tact. It reminds me of Lava Lamps and I love it! If you've ever knit a BT pattern you know that they are written to a very high standard, including the children's patterns.
Modine designed by Paula Pereira for Brooklyn Tweed
Purchase Rowan Softyak DK at Rowan and also ON SALE at Jimmy Beans.
I've been singing Softyak's praises forever, but honestly once you knit with it, I'm certain you'll fall in love forever. It is a chainette type yarn, a blend of cotton, yak and nylon, is cashmere soft, has a fabulous needle glide, is machine washable and resists pilling. I used Plateau for the main color, a charcoal with a sophisticated touch of teal. This is my grandson's favorite yarn, and at age 5, he is quite picky! We call it pajama yarn because it's so soft. I hope you try it and let me know what you think. I just purchased a sweater's worth in Heath, a muted purple.
This post has an affiliate link(s). If you purchase something from an affiliate link, I will receive a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you so much for supporting the blog. If you'd like to make a comment, please click here or scroll down. I reply to each comment and that response will appear directly below your comment. If you would like a personal reply, please know that I use the Blogger platform and they do not give me your contact information when you comment. If you would like a personal reply you can contact me using the contact form on the right side at the very end of my website. If you would like to receive Knitionary posts by email, please subscribe here.
- July 13, 2022
- 4 Comments
I'm back again after only one day because I don't want you to miss the discounted price of this new pattern!
The pattern: The Twist Pullover from Kiddiwinks Knits includes a tee version and is a companion pattern to the Twist Cardigan. The unisex pattern is sized 3 months to 8-9 years. I love the fit and there is plenty of room in the chest and upper arms for all the movement of an active child. The back is raised with short rows. There are just enough cables to make the sweater interesting but not overwhelming on a little dude. This will be a school/play sweater for my grandson but I think the pattern is sophisticated enough to make a handsome Christmas sweater. The pattern is knit top with hidden increases inside the cables; they beef up as they travel down the yoke. The pattern is well written and easy to knit, plus has a great discount now through Easter Sunday. You can purchase it here.
The yarn: Rowan Softyak DK, that wonderful cotton blend that this knitter particularly loves for children's sweaters. Besides being soft, it also wears well. Even after a year of wearing and washing, my grandson's Softyak sweaters are still presentable enough to be passed along after he's outgrown them. All Rowan yarns ship free though Monday, April 18. You can purchase Rowan Softyak DK here. I think you'll love it as much as I do. Go to yesterday's post to read about my favorite cotton yarns.
My sweater's particulars: See my Ravelry page here. The color is called Lawn and I used 4 1/2 skeins. I used US size 6 needles and size 4 for the ribbing. I made a 6/7 for my big 4 year old and think it has plenty of growing room for next fall. I've set aside the remainder of the yarn to lengthen sleeves or hem if necessary come fall.
My newest yarn acquisition above, Creative Linen in Teal. It's the most gorgeous blue green, not as bright in real life as my monitor. I'll be making Cool by Kim Hargreaves.
All Rowan yarns ship free until Monday, April 18
I had time to set my Easter table in between all the practice egg hunts we've had this weekend. Carter requested numerous dry runs in anticipation of the Grand Hunt tomorrow. He is bouncing with excitement. So cute. If you celebrate Easter, I hope it's grand!
- April 16, 2022
- 2 Comments
Good morning! A quickie post this morning to share a test knit I recently completed. The pattern has just been published with a 20% savings going on right now. First let me tell you about the pattern--it's knit to a DK gauge, top down with the back neck shaped with short rows. The 3/4 length sleeves are finished with a feminine frill. I knit mine with a gorgeous vintage yarn, Rowan Calmer, but I think this would be completely gorgeous in a fluffy yarn, something with a little mohair perhaps. Rowan Kidsilk Haze doubled would be beautiful.
The designer, Suvi, from SuviKnits reminds me of Kim Hargreaves by her use of feminine details and her care to tiny details that elevate the sweater from plain to polished. It's the little things that count. In this sweater the rib is knit through the back loop, there is a tiny linen-type stitch at the frill increase, and to keep the frill light and open, it's finished with a tiny bit of garter stitch. Suvi does a fabulous job writing her patterns in clear and concise language. If you are new to any of the techniques above, this is a good pattern for you.
It's 20% off with the code SPRINGFLOWER through April 12.
Calmer yarn is a fabulous cotton/acrylic blend. To knit it is to love it, but it has been discontinued. Rowan said the manufacturing mill closed and they have not been able to find another mill that can duplicate it. I'm always on the lookout for Calmer and have built up a good stash. My grandson just loves this yarn. It is the softest yarn ever, very fun to knit, and the garment wears beautifully for years.
Below is the designer's sweater. Doesn't it look dreamy in creamy white?
If you'd like to make a comment, please click here or scroll down if you are on the website. I reply to each comment and that response will appear directly below your comment. If you would like a personal reply, please know that I use the Blogger platform and they do not give me your contact information when you comment. If you would like a personal reply you can contact me using the contact form on the right side at the very end of my website. If you would like to receive Knitionary posts by email, please subscribe here.
- April 11, 2022
- 3 Comments