Category Archives: Cascade Eco

FINISHED Carbeth Pullover

Leave a reply

Carbeth (Pullover)

If you’re looking for a quick sweater to whip up before the fall weather really hits, this is IT! The Carbeth Pullover uses chunky weight yarn, 6mm/US10 needles, so it goes fast! The design is simple, elegant, and makes for a very easy to wear sweater with a little bit of interest in the details. It’s easy to change the measurements (make the body longer, make the neck longer or shorter, etc). We used the same yarn, Cascade Eco+ Peruvian Tones, but in a more interesting colour, 08 Rum Raisin (in the skein it looks brownish, but knitted up it looks more like an oxblood/dark red). We tried out the black/grey colourway last December when I made a Carbeth Cardigan, but I think it’s time to get some colour back into our lives!

Yarns

We used Cascade Eco+ Peruvian Tones, which gave it a contemporary look for a great price (the project used less than two skeins, and came in under $70). I’ve also seen it made a few times with Cascade Eco+ Merino, which is a softer merino wool, has more body and definition and still comes in under $76. If you need something machine washable you can’t go wrong with Berroco Vintage Chunky.

Mods

The pattern is a cropped style and we added one inch to the length of the body. I think if I was to make one for myself I’d like the neck longer – I like it all oversized and cozy.

P.S.

Many thanks to our sample knitter Tessa, without who I could not keep up with the hard work of inspiration.

Materials

PROJECT/CLASS Carbeth Cardigan

Leave a reply

Carbeth Cardigan

Check out my new Carbeth Cardigan – I just finished blocking it, and it’s definitely a win. It was relatively quick, and I only used two skeins of Cascade Eco Peruvian Tones, so the price tag isn’t precious. I would totally make this sweater again, and in fact, I was so impressed with the design that we’re offering it as a class this February! 

Fit

The fit is great! I made the second size and it fits true to a size small (sometimes with sweaters with a lot of ease through the body it’s hard to tell which size will fit. I wasn’t sure the decorative detail in the shoulder would make me happy (diagonal lines in that area don’t always flatter petite shoulders) but I was very happy and surprised to find that they made my tiny shoulders look great! It’s hard to see on the mannequin because it has even less shoulder than I do, but the lines are very elegant. I think the sweater will look great with a high waisted pant like a trouser cut (unfortunately, another garment my mannequin doesn’t wear well). 

Happy Accidents

A small note about the colour of my yarn – it is not supposed to stripe or knit in blocks of colour. There seems to have been a problem with the dye lot I used, which was actually from last year’s stock. It looks like the dye was more saturated in part of the skein. After I figured out what was happening I decided to go with it – I wasn’t in the mood to rip it all back, so I figured I’d take a leap of faith, thinking it might look interesting or add something aesthetically. I think it did. 

Check Your Gauge

I swatched A LOT to make sure my tension was accurate. My tension may not be what yours is, so PLEASE swatch and measure your gauge before casting on!  The needles I used may not be the right size for you. The pattern called for 6.5mm/US10.5 needles, but I ended up going down to a 5.5mm/US9 to get the right tension. 

To measure your gauge, you want to knit a square approximately 6 inches x 6 inches in the stitch that the pattern suggests (if they say their tension is in stocking stitch, then do that). Wash your swatch in cold water with a delicate wash like Eucalan or Soak, and lay it flat to dry. Then, on a hard surface with a ruler, measure the number of stitches and rows inside 4 inches/10 cm in the centre of the piece. DO NOT cast on the number of stitches that are stated in the pattern gauge, this will make a swatch that is too small to measure your tension accurately. How many stitches should you cast on for a swatch? Take the number of stitches in the pattern’s recommended tension (ex. 14 sts = 4″/10cm) and multiply it by 1.5 … so if the tension is 14 stitches you should cast on about 21 stitches.  Also, always swatch with the same needles you are going to knit with – people’s tension can change with their comfort level with different types of needles. 

Materials

Yarn Alternatives

For a more luxe cardie try Diamond Luxury Collection Baby Alpaca Sport and 7mm/US10.75 (& 6mm/US10) needles (alpaca tends to be very stretchy, so consider going down a size in the pattern). If you need a yarn that’s machine washable, try Berroco Vintage Chunky and 6mm/US10 (& 5mm/US8) needles.

PROJECT Modern Mocs

Leave a reply

Modern_Mocs_4__Large__medium2

Modern Mocs

I stumbled across these cool slippers and thought they’d make AMAZING holiday gifts! There are lots of yarn options, and they just look gorgeous. Cascade Eco has amazing yardage, and 1 skein makes a pair of slippers with lots left over. Berroco Vintage Chunky is soft, affordable and easy to both wear and care for (it’s totlly machine washable and is a blend of wool and synthetic, so it’s sturdier than a 100% wool yarn). Fleece Artist Back Country is a super soft, hand-dyed merino wool that would knit up some unforgettably super funky slippers.

One note: this pattern is for intermediate to experienced knitters. Techniques include German Short Rows (full instructions included in pattern), working in the round (magic loop technique is suggested), picking up stitches, crochet chained border (full instructions included in pattern). It also uses a double knit stitch for the sole, which is not hard but a neat new thing to try out (note, this stitch is NOT the same as the technique of “double knitting”, nor does it have anything to do with the yarn thickness of “Double Knit”).

Oh, and if these slippers aren’t your thing but you’re interested in slippers, the same designer, Bekah Knits, has some other really pretty slipper designs that are worth checking out.

  Size

  • S (M, L, XL, XXL) to fit US shoe size:  W’s 5-6 (W’s 7-8, W’s 9-10, W’s 11/M’s 9-10.5, M’s 11-12.5)
  • Fits Foot Length: 8.75” (9.5”, 10”, 10.75”, 11.5”) / 22 (24, 25, 27, 29) cm

Modern_Mocs_2__Large__medium2

Yarn Options

  • Cascade Eco: 1 skein per colour (or 1 skein if you make them a solid colour)
  • Berroco Vintage Chunky: Colour no. 1 (uppers/cream): 2 skeins, Colour no. 2 (bottoms/oatmeal: 1 skein. To make similar slippers, I would use colours 6101 and 6105 in this yarn.
  • Fleece Artist Back Country: 2(3, 3, 3, 3, 3) skeins for a pair of slippers in a single colour, otherwise Colour no. 1 (uppers): 2 skeins, Colour no. 2 (bottoms): 1 skein.

Other Materials

  • Pattern
  • 4mm/US6 straight needles (optional)
  • 4mm/US6 – 47″ (or 40″) circular  needles (for magic loop)
  • 4mm/US6 double pointed needles (2)
  • Crochet hook (size H)
  • Stitch markers
  • stitch holders
  • tapestry needle
  • fabric paint for soles (optional)

modern mocs combo

PROJECT Carbeth In Eco Peruvian Tones

Leave a reply

 

 

 

 

 

6E587D60-1746-4FEE-8D92-DCF7E422F31E_medium2.jpeg

 

Carbeth

Why am I showing you this lovely warm, wool sweater in the middle of August? Because I just noticed that the price of Cascade Eco+ Peruvian Tones is going up this fall, and I’d figured I’d give you a head start. If are thinking about making something in this yarn, like the Carbeth cardigan below, NOW is a great time to pick up the yarn, while it’s still at last year’s price. The cardigan in the pictures is colour 06 Ebony,  you only need 2 skeins, and you’ll be saving yourself ten bucks!

Size

This cardigan is intended to be wide, cropped, and to hang bell-like from the shoulders. To fit as shown, it should be knitted with at least 10cm / 4in positive ease at the bust. Pick the size at least 10cm / 4in above your actual bust measurement, and if in doubt, select the next size up. Length can easily be added to the sweater to make it less cropped.

  • Finished measurement at bust: 95 (104, 112.5, 124, 135, 143.5, 152.5)cm  or  37½ (41, 44½, 49, 53½, 56½, 60)”

Materials

  • Cascade Eco+ Peruvian Tones: 2 skeins (all sizes)
  • Approximately 6.5mm/US105 needles, but see pattern for all the details
  • Double pointed needles for i-cord
  • 4 stitch markers
  • Waste yarn and spare needles or needle cords for holding stitches
  • Tapestry needle
  • 6 buttons (2.5 cm / 1 in diameter)
  • Pattern: Carbeth

Shop Online Button Turquoise 250w

 

 

 

FINISHED Beginner Friendly Reversible Wrap

Leave a reply

 

 

 

 

Reversible Wrap-Cardigan

The Reversible Wrap by Jo Sharp is one of those under-appreciated patterns that’s flown under people’s radar for way too long! It’s an amazing project for newbies, it’s basically made from two rectangles that are cleverly sewn together – easy peasy knitting! The only skills involved are cast on, cast off, knit, purl, basic mattress stitch, and basic wet blocking. The pattern is written for two versions, one long and one short. It’s also reversible, you can wear it right side up, or upside down.

We made the long version and used two skeins of very economical Cascade Eco+ (costs less than $60). It’s a very flexible garment, as is the yarn, so if you want a garment with a bit more drape and stretch feel free to go up in needle size. It’s also a pattern that can be in a warmer winter yarn or a cooler fibre for spring/summer.  Affordable yarn options include Cascade Eco+, Berroco Vintage Chunky, Cascade Avalon, and Berroco Remix Light.

Yarn Options

Approximate Yardage Required (chunky or heavy aran weight yarn): version 1 (short): 400(470) metres, version 2 (long): 535(670) metres.

Winter Yarns

  • Cascade Eco+: version 1 short: 1(2) skeins, version 2 long: 2(2) skeins
  • Berroco Vintage Chunky: version 1 short: 4(4) skeins, version 2 long: 5(6) skeins (use 6mm/US10 needles)
  • Diamond Baby Alpaca Sport: version 1 short: 4(5) skeins, version 2 long: 6(7) skeins (use 6mm/US10 needles)
  • Malabrigo Mecha: version 1 short: 4(4) skeins, version 2 long: 5(6) skeins (use 6mm/US10 needles)

Spring/Summer Yarns

  • Cascade Avalon: version 1 short: 3(3) skeins, version 2 long: 4(5) skeins (use 5.5mm/US9 needles)
  • Quince & Co Kestrel: 6(7) skeins, version 2 long: 8(10) skeins
  • Berroco Remix Light: version 1 short: 2(3) skeins, version 2 long: 3(4) skeins (2 strands held together)

Shop Online Button Turquoise 250w

Materials

Resources for Beginners

Seaming: If you’ve never seamed before, Mattress stitch is the way to go … there are some good free instructions at  Vogue Knitting and Knitty.

Weaving In Ends: I always go to this comprehensive tutorial from PurlSoho on Weaving In Ends. Remeber, you never tie and cut your ends in knitting, you always weave them in!

Blocking: Wet blocking is pretty easy (it’s basically just washing), but here’s a nice tutorial from Craftsy to help you out.

Everything Else: For the basics like cast on, bind-off, knit, purl, go to knittinghelp.com.

 

Cascade Eco Jo Sharp Cardigan COMBO

KAL Carbeth

Leave a reply

Carbeth BLOG COMBO

Photos: Kate Davies

Carbeth KAL

I love the simple lines of this casual, oversized sweater (Carbeth), and after a few people told me chatted me up about it I thought I should definitely share.  Mason Dixon Knitting is hosting a “Bang Out A Carbeth” KAL (knit-along), and should you want to join, I’ve got a few post-holidays affordable yarn suggestions …

Cascade Eco

  • 2 skeins (holding 1 strand) … all sizes come to about $60
  • This 100% Peruvian wool is great for an oversized sweater, and you can’t beat the price!

Berroco Vintage Chunky

  • 4(5, 5, 6, 6, 6, 7) skeins (holding 1 strand) … $40 to $70
  • Soft, comfortable and machine washable, Berroco Vintage Chunky is a great choice for people with sensitive skin who can’t wear wool, or anyone who may not be inclined to wash by hand. Plus, it comes in a full palette of gorgeous colours!

Berroco Remix Light

  • 3(3, 3, 4, 4, 4, 4) skeins (holding 2 strands together) … $46 to $62
  • Wool-free, soft, pretty, comfortable, machine washable and environmentally friendly, Berroco Remix Light is a great option for a sweater that will carry you from winter through to spring (I don’t know about the climate where you live, but where I am it doesn’t really get particularly warm until mid-May).
  • The Carbeth pattern was originally written for two strands of yarn held together, so doing this with the remix shouldn’t be a problem, and the yarn’s tweedy texture will blend well. Plus, using two strands gives you the opportunity to use two different colours at the same time to create a marled effect … I think i may do this with mine.

Size

Finished measurement at bust: 92.5 (101.5, 110.5, 122, 133.5, 142, 151) cm / 36½ (40, 43½, 48, 52½, 56, 59½) in.

FREEBIE Galilee

Leave a reply

 

 

Galilee-1_medium2

Enter a caption

Galilee

As soon as I saw this FREE pattern I knew I wanted to share it, but I figured I’d better wait until the heat settled down, and all the best yarn options had arrived. I love the elegant shape and texture in this “swancho” (it’s like a poncho, but with little sweater sleeves). If the textured panel seems a little daunting you can omit it and just knit the front panel like the same as the back, in stocking stitch.

You can use any chunky weight yarn (something that knits up on a 6mm/US10 needle). Berroco Vintage Chunky is soft, machine washable, and comes in a spectrum of great colours. Cascade Eco is made with 100% Peruvian wool that comes in both dyed and undyed natural colours, and is the most cost-effective choice, especially as the sizes grow). For a stunning statment, use Malabrigo Mecha, a gorgeous hand-dyed, machine washable, buttery soft single ply merino wool.

Size

  • Small (Medium, Large, X-Large, 2X, 3X)
  • Bottom edge – 55 (59, 64, 68, 71, 76)”
  • Length – 24½ (25, 25½, 26, 26½, 27)”

Yarn Options

Berroco Vintage Chunky: 9(10, 11, 13, 14, 15) skeins

Cascade Eco: 3(3, 3, 4, 4, 5) skeins

Malabrigo Mecha: 9(10, 11, 13, 14, 15) skeins

Other Materials

  • FREE Pattern
  • 5.5mm/US9-16″ circular needles
  • 5.5mm/US9-29″ circular needles
  • 6mm/US9-29″ circular needles
  • 2 stitch markers
  • tapestry or darning needle