Tybee is a simple, new free baby cardie pattern knit with using Berroco Vivo, a multi-colored, self-striping 100% cotton. Vivo is perfect for baby & kid knits, as it’s super soft, light, machine washable, and ever so pretty! the 100% cotton is breathable and prefect for transitional weather.
Construction
The body is worked in one piece from the bottom-up to the underarms, then divided for back and fronts. The sleeves are worked in the round to underarms, then joined to body so that yoke is worked in one piece.
Simpler Pattern Options
If you like the idea of a baby sweater in this yarn but you want something simpler, try one of the following:
Berrooc Modern Cotton is a super soft and slightly silky yarn that’s perfect for spring and summer projects. It’s a machine-washable blend of pillowy Pima cotton and silky Modal viscose/rayon, which also makes it a perfect choice for people sensitive to animal fibres and vegans. Modal is a sustainable cellulosic fibre sourced from plants (like bamboo or Lyocell), and is a bit cooler to the touch than plain cotton (a good thing if you tend to run warm, or live in a warm climate).
Modern Cotton is a Worsted weight yarn, meaning it works up on 4.5mm/US7 knitting needles or a 5mm/H crochet hook, and you can substitute it in patterns that call for a similar weight yarn.
Red Bud Isle is a pretty summer tank with a nifty cross-over in the back. The Tank is worked from the bottom front hem upwards, increasing along edges of the back body and adding a single stripe near the hem and a set of stripes at the chest. Stitches are then cast off to separate into front and back strap sections. Front body is finished first and each strap is turned into an i-cord. Back body pieces overlap and strap stitches pick up stitches to join together back body pieces to create the fixed overlap. The final stitches are worked into i-cord for each strap.
Size
Finished bust: 84 (92, 102, 112, 116, 127) cm OR 33 (36, 40, 44, 46, 50)”
To be worn with 5 cm / 2” positive ease
Model has 81.5 cm / 32” bust, stands 165 cm / 5’5” tall, and is wearing size 2.
Materials
Berroco Modern Cotton: Main Colour 3 (4, 4, 5, 5, 5) skeins (shown in Piper 1603), and Contrast Colour 1 (1, 1, 1, 1, 1) skein (shown in Point Judith 1645)
I admit, I love Norah Gaughan … her designs always engage me, they’re creative, sometimes architectural, but always different from everything else out there. Simple eyelets make a basic top both pretty and a teensy bit avant-garde. This top will be extra flattering on anyone with smaller shoulders. Plus, this particular pattern is FREE!
Misha and Puff don’t have a large repertoire of patterns, but their classic, vintage-inspired knits are simple, beautiful and fun. This easy, open little cardie is a versatile layering piece for warmer weather. Seamless, top-down construction and a hint of texture at the yoke make it a fun and satisfying knit. This classic cardigan construction is certain to be a go-to favourite. There is also a pattern for a matching Bonnet.
Size
0-6m (6-12m, 12-18m, 18-24m, 2-3y)
Finished bust: 18 (19 3⁄4, 20 1⁄2, 21 1⁄4, 22)” OR 46 (50, 52, 54, 56) cm
This simply styled FREEBIE baby blanket combines bands of colour and texture in a modern ‘sampler’. It’s available in a knit (right) as well as a crochet (left) version.
Throw Blanket
To make a larger blanket you just need to add more stitches:
CROCHET: The pattern stitch is a two-stitch repeat so you can change the stitch count at the beginning by a multiple of two stitches and the pattern will still come out right.
KNIT: The pattern is a multiple of 4 plus 2 stitches, so ass stitches in a multiple of 4 to make your blanket bigger.
For a full throw size (Crochet: 62.5″, Knit: 61″) buy twice as much yarn and start with Knit: 278 sts, or Crochet: 224 chain.
There is something very beautiful and special about this vintage-inspired baby blanket … I may be sentimental because it resembles the blanket my great-grandmother made for me. I think a fabric this simple and pretty requires a fibre with a little bit of a fancier aesthetic, like Berroco Modern Cotton (or a merino like Cascade 220 Superwash Merino). The trefoil border is a simple corchet stcrochet stitch, and the pattern comes with free youtube videos.
This mesh bag set is the ultimate duo in accessories! A roomy tote for market scores, beach day essentials, or picnic must-haves in addition to a chic bottle bag to ensure you are always hydrated make the perfect pair this season. These quick projects are stylish, quick, and functional – the best combo!
I came across these sunny hand towels a few times and felt like they were full of YUP! They’re a good size, 22″ wide x 37″ long, but of course you are welcome to up or downscale them – they’re just rectangles, after all. They’re made with a simple linen stitch that creates a woven look on one side and a nubbly texture on the other. And the pattern’s free – sweet!
The Yarn
Cascade Ultra Pimais a silky soft, light cotton. It’s easy to work with on both knitting needles or crochet hook. I often recommend it for baby blankets or afghans because it’s so soft and machine washable, and it doesn’t have the hardness or lack of give that’s common in so many cotton yarns.
I was so eager to share this project with you that I rephotographed the Cascade Ultra Pima (it was time). All the new images have been colour corrected, so they’re as close to the original as was possible … not an easy task with cotton, the light reflected off the surface makes it really tricky! Any old photos left are colours that were out of stock and couldn’t be photographed.
Photo: Purl Soho
Materials
Cascade Ultra Pima: 4 skeins in main colour, 1 skein in contrast colour (makes 2 hand towels, recommend 3718 Cream for main colour and 3764 Sunshine for contrast colour)
The following colours of Cascade Ultra Pima are all smashing combined with colour 3718 Cream:
3755 Tomato
3764 Sunshine
3833 Antique Moss
3845 Robin’s Egg Blue
3772 Cornflower
3759 Taupe
Alternate Yarns
Berroco Remix Light is also a great option! Because of it’s generous yardage You’ll need half as much yarn: 2 skeins of the main colour and 1 of the contrast will make two hand towels)
Photo: Purl Soho
Farmhouse Towels (Knit)
Make some towels that are so beautiful you’ll never want to use them! That’s ok, some things you use until they’re shredded, and some you keep out to please the eye. Both have their roles in our lives. The pattern is a FREEBIE, and makes for some simple, elegant summer knitting.
Quince & Co Sparrowis my favourite yarn for this project, I love how this linen looks, the silky feels after being washed, and also how resilient it is (it gets better going through the wash) . My second personal choice would be
Berroco Remix Light is the budget friendly, earth friendly, use-friendly option – it has so much yardage, two skeins of the main colour will make 3 towels, and 3 skeins will make 5. Plus it’s recycled, has a neat texture, is easy to knit with and wash.
Cascade Ultra Pima is the last on the list, but not the least. This silky smooth pima cotton is a staple, and is always a joy to knit with and wear. If you like a plain, flat aesthetic, this is your yarn of choice.
ALL OF THE YARN SUGGESTED ARE ON SALE TO AUG 14th!
Note: the pattern seems to have neglected to explain how to make an I-Cord (the loop at the tops of the cloth), so here is an I-cord tutorial for those of you who are not familiar with the technique. Alternately, you can skip the I-cord, make your cloth loop-free and just weave in your ends – there’s no rule that says a cloth must have a loop.
Size
Approximately 10 x 10 inches
Yarn Options
Main Colour: 100m required per washcloth. Contrast Colour: 24m required per washcloth.
Rico Creative So Cool So Soft is a 100% cotton bulky-weight cotton yarn is made up of a fine thread wrapped around a stand of soft as a cloud cotton. It knits up exquisutely soft and with a bit of texture to keep things casual, interesting and easier to work with (to see the texture better check out some finished projects). It has a pretty, matte surface texture, with zero shine. It’s Ideal for knitting oversize sweaters, cozy blankets, shawls, and crocheting baskets.
A cropped little top is the prettiest thing when paired with a summer dress or loose skirt/pants. It gives you just enough coverage with tons of casual, easy to wear style. This tops is knit at a loose, comfortable tension on 8mm/US11 needles, so you’ll whip it up quickly and it’ll breathe nicely!
Ursa is constructed from the top-down with raglan shaping for the sleeves and optional horizontal bust darts in 3 cup sizes. The pattern includes directions to try it on as you work and notations to help you tweak the size (including the length, if cropped isn’t your thing!) according to your preference. Also included in the pattern are links to custom video tutorials that will walk you through the techniques for half brioche stitch and German short rows.
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner/Intermediate
Size
To choose your size, measure the circumference around the fullest part of your bust, then add 2-6” (depending on how much ease you want) and choose the closest size. If you are between sizes, you can size up or down depending on whether you want more or less ease in the bicep (see full schematics illustration in the photos to the left).
If you want to make the project in a light, airy, fuzzy style, try holding 1 strand of Drops Air (3, 4, 4) [4, 5, 5] {5, 6, 6} balls, with 1 strand of Drops Kid Silk (2, 3, 3) [3, 3, 4] {4, 4, 5} balls. Use the needles recommended in the pattern.
For a linen summer version, use Quince & Co Kestrel: with Long Sleeves – (6, 7, 8) [8, 9, 10] {11, 12, 13} … for a top with short sleeves you can probably omit at least 2 skeins of yarn.
Column is worked seamlessly in circular from bottom up. The hem begins with preferred method CO, then it is worked in rib or stockinette stitches for your choice. The pieces of body and sleeves are worked together in the round after joining. The shape of yoke takes unique hybrid raglan with single and double decrease. Toward end, the neckline is formed by german short rows.
If you want to make the project in it’s original light, airy, fuzzy style, try holding 1 strand of Drops Air 5 (5, 6) balls, with 1 strand of Drops Kid Silk 4(4, 4) balls. Use the needles recommended in the pattern.
The Gallant sweater in aran weight yarn is an advanced beginner, top down, raglan sweater knitting pattern. You will need to be familiar with basic top down sweater construction in order to make it. Its simplicity is what makes it so special. It is cropped and it features a simple mock neck. Worked in the round in stockinette stitch all the way through.
If you want to make the project in it’s original light, airy, fuzzy style, try holding 1 strand of Drops Air 4(4, 5, 5, 6, 6, 7, 7, 8) balls, with 1 strand of Drops Kid Silk 3(3, 3, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5, 5) balls (use needle sizes suggested in pattern).
Erikka Slipover is worked seamlessly top down. First, the slipover is worked in rows while the shoulders are shaped with short rows. Thereafter, the body is worked in the round. Front and back are then divided and are finished separately. Decreases are worked at the front piece for a better fit. You pick up stitches for the ribbing around the slipovers neckline that is worked in the round. Erikka Slipover can be worked in 3 lengths, which result from the different lengths of armhole openings and 2 neckline variations. The short version can only be worked with a narrow neckline.
If you want to make the project in it’s original light, airy, fuzzy style, try holding 1 strand of Drops Air 4(4, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5, 5) balls, with 1 strand of Drops Kid Silk. 2(2, 3, 3, 3, 4, 4, 4) balls.
Midsommar is a crescent-shaped shawl that requires no counting — just follow along with the easy set of drop stitch, eyelet, stockinette and garter stitch sections.
This shawl would be absolutely gorgeous knit in an aran weight linen like Quince & Co Kestrel (you’ll need about 7 skeins, and 6mm/US10 needles are recommended).
The shawl starts with a single stitch and gradually increases by one new stitch on every right side row, until it’s the size you’d like, or you run out of yarn. When you’re done with the knitting just bind off and add a fringe!
This is a really simple project which makes for perfect comfort knitting. It’s easy enough for a novice and the side-to-side construction means you can simply bind off whenever you want – you’ll have the perfect triangle shape. Because of this ‘bias’ construction, the fabric is stretchy and will wrap and drape beautifully.
Skill Level:Beginner Friendly
Materials
Rico So Cool So Soft Cotton: 7 balls {A (blue) – 1 ball, B (grey) – 2 balls, C (yellow) – 1 ball, D (coral) – 3 balls}
7mm/US10.75 – 32″ or 40″ circular needles (for a loose tension use 8mm/US11 needles)
If you want to make this wrap but don’t want to use cotton, Berroco Vintage Chunky is a great alternative (you’ll still need a total of 7 skeins, and 6mm/US10 needles are recommended).
The 15th Street Wrap is a simple scarf but larger than life! Worked in bulky yarn, this wrap is the epitome of classic minimalism, combined with comfy coziness that every knitter dreams of in the middle of winter. This wrap is wider and longer than a regular scarf , which makes it perfect for looping around your shoulders while reading a book or wrapping up snugly against the winter weather. The simple construction and stitch pattern make the 15th Street Wrap perfect for both new knitters and experienced knitters looking for a relaxing project.
If you want to make this wrap but don’t want to use cotton, Berroco Vintage Chunky is a great alternative (you’ll still need a total of 10 skeins, and 6mm/US10 needles are recommended).
Whenever I find something up to scratch for the crocheters I like to include it … there aren’t enough pretty patterns for crochet. This top is also a fairly simple piece, so you don’t need to be especially experienced to make it.
Zelie is a boxy, loose-fitting, simple summer crochet top that lets the yarn do all the work. The back and front are worked separately and seamed – that’s it, it’s just two pieces. It’s made with a simple half-double crochet stitch throughout. It’s a K.I.S.S. top (Keep It Simple Sister)! I also really like the way this yarn crocheted up – it’s like a colourful camo …. so you can blend seamlessly at the botanical garden.
Berroco Summer Sesame is a soft, light, and comfortable summer yarn with texture and colour. Its bright, happy shades of colors ebb and flow to make this self-striping worsted weight yarn a perfect summer choice. This cotton blend yarn is light to the touch, breathable, easy to work with, and machine washable. 100g/270 m (295 yds). 47% Cotton, 44% Acrylic, 9 % Nylon. Machine wash separately in cold water on delicate cycle. Lay flat to dry. Made in Italy.
These kits are a special-order but we are stocking this yarn in the store on a regular basis through the spring and summer – you have the option to order it any time (it will be available to purchase as long as the manufacturer makes it available to us). Your kit will ship or be available for pick-up once it arrives, and we will contact you. If you need your kit for a specific date please let us know and we can find out if it’s feasible.
I know it’s only St Patrick’s Day, and it’s still snowing (but thankfully not sticking to the ground), but warm weather is just around the corner, and I think a healthy dose of cheer is in order this spring!
Berroco Pima Soft
If you’ve been in the store lately you’ve likely noticed the little sweaters all over the place. Those sweaters are my way of swatching and spending some time with a new yarn to see if it is store-worthy. It’s an interesting process, sometimes I’m underwhelmed by yarns I thought I’d love, and sometimes I find gems I never expected. Berroco Pima Soft is one of the gems.
Berroco Pima Soft is a new, CRAZY SOFT, 2-ply yarn made with 100% pima cotton. It’s slightly textured, making it much more forgiving to knit with than a smooth cotton (which also makes weaving in ends and finishing easier). It’s perfect for anything you want to make, from tees, tanks, sweaters, chemo-hats, babies, blankets, cushions – you name it. It’s a DK weight (21 to 22 sts/4″ on a 3.75mm/US5 to 4mm/US6 needle) so it isn’t too heavy for warm weather or if your internal thermostat runs warm. It’s lovely for crochet and knitting, and is just right for all climates! It’s great for knitting and crochet, and I think it would also make a nice texture in a punch needle project.
Designed with Berroco Pima Soft, this loose summer tee is a sampler of textured stitch patterns. Vincas features a boxy shape and slight drop shoulders. It is worked flat and seamed (the stitch patterns are written out, there are no charts).
Riviera is a cheerful, simple cotton tee with a lace lyoke. It’s worked from the top down, in the round, to underarms, then divided for body and sleeves. The body is worked in the round to lower edge (the lace yoke pattern is charted).
The Me Oh My Tee is your classic everyday t-shirt, but with an added cut-off, cropped element inspired by my best friend, Maiya, and her tendency to take scissors to all her favorite shirts. Knit from the bottom up at a fairly tight gauge and emulated set-in sleeves (it’s a seamless knit, no sewing), this tee will quickly get added to your go-to t-shirt rotation.
I figured we can all use something to look forward to, and the seasons’ changing is one of those things you can always bank on (at least in Canada – we have A LOT of weather). Anker’s Summer Shirt is a simple summer top, worked in one piece from the top down. The yoke is worked in sections of rib with increases in the round, followed by classic raglan increases when the stockinette stitch section begins. The sleeves are worked at the end, either on double-pointed needles or on circular needles using the Magic Loop technique. Anker’s Summer Shirt has no finishing other than weaving in ends.
Size
XS (S) M (L) XL (2XL) 3XL
To fit a bust circumference of 80-85 (85-90) 90-95 (95-100) 100-110 (110-120) 120-130 cm [31½-33½ (33½-35½) 35½-37½ (37½-39¼) 39¼-43¼ (43¼-47¼) 47¼-51¼ inches].
Designed to have approx. 0-5 cm – [0-2 inches] – of positive ease, meaning it is designed to be 0-5 cm – [0-2 inches] larger in circumference than your widest upper body measurement.
We’ve cast on for this project in Berroco Pima Soft and it’s looking amazing! Worked entirely in garter stitch, Ezra is a basic top-down, seamless design is a welcome gift for any new parent. Customize the sleeve length to suit any season and choose from four sizes up to two years old. BT by Brooklyn Tweed patterns are skill-accessible knitting patterns written in a concise, visually appealing way. This pattern. is an great entry-point for knitting sweaters in the round. Ezra is a great entry point for anyone new to knitting sweaters or making them in the round from the top-down.
The pattern is worked from the bottom up in the round, beginning with the ribbed band before the lace pattern begins. If you prefer the ribbed band to be skintight, there is an option to add an elastic. The bralette is later separated for front/back, and the front bra cups worked separately. The straps are worked in an icord and later seamed to the back. Pattern includes photos on suggested placement for racerback straps, but they can be modified for straight straps.
Make some towels that are so beautiful you’ll never want to use them! That’s ok, some things you use until they’re shredded, and some you keep out to please the eye. Both have their roles in our lives. The pattern is a FREEBIE, and makes for some simple, elegant summer knitting.
Quince & Co Sparrowis my favourite yarn for this project, I love how this linen looks, the silky feels after being washed, and also how resilient it is (it gets better going through the wash) . My second personal choice would be
Kelbourne Mojave – their colours make me so happy, and the I love the the subtle texture of the fibre.
Berroco Remix Light is the budget friendly, earth friendly, use-friendly option – it has so much yardage, two skeins of the main colour will make 3 towels, and 3 skeins will make 5. Plus it’s recycled, has a neat texture, is easy to knit with and wash.
Cascade Ultra Pima is the last on the list, but not the least. This silky smooth pima cotton is a staple, and is always a joy to knit with and wear. If you like a plain, flat aesthetic, this is your yarn of choice.
Last time was crochet, so today I’m looking at knitted bags that make me happy. Knitted bags can be simple and elegant, and make great totes and carryalls. They’re also a nice, smallish summer project – great for taking up to the cottage, your back-yard or the local park. They benefit from working with plant based fibres, which are perfect for the summer because they don’t hold humidity like most animal fibres do (wool, alpaca, camel, mohair, cashmere … basically everything except silk).
I kind of love the simple spiral design on this bag, it’s elegant but has some interest, it’s a great design feature! Instructions are included for three sizes. It’s worked in the round, cast on using Judy’s Magic Cast-On and worked from the bottom up. Straps are then worked back and forth and grafted together at the top.
Simplicity is also key wit this tote! You make this bag by first knitting the base flat, then picking up around the Base and knitting the Body of the bag in the round.
Graphic stripes and simple designs make me extremely happy! This bag is knit flat in one piece in garter stitch to form a rectangle that is then folded and sewn on two sides to create the bag shape. If preferred, you can carry the yarns up the edge of the piece when working the “Thin and Thick Stripe Pattern” sections.
Sizes
Sizes: 1 (2, 3)
Finished width at base: 28 (35, 42) cm / 11 (13¾, 16½)”
Finished height: 28 (35, 42) cm / 11 (13¾, 16½)”
Before sewing, flat piece measures 20 (25, 30) cm / 8 (10, 12)” x 60 (75, 90) cm / 24 (30, 35½)”
People have been asking a lot about market bags this summer, so I’ve put together a little bit of inspiration for you. I prefer crochet for market bags, the stitch reinforces the strength. Plus crochet is fun in the summer, it’s an extremely comfortable way to work with plant fibres. A basic crochet bag (like the second below) is also a great next level project for new or inexperienced crocheters.
I designed this little bag many, many moons ago and it’s still one of my favourites. My favourite version were the ones I made a few years ago with some Quince & Co Sparrow Linen – they’re sturdy, light, and put away up nicely!
Hi guys! I’m sorry I’ve been away so long, I am very well, just busy in the store …. you’ve been very graciously keeping me on my toes! I’ve been arranging orders for pick-up and shipping, over the phone, email, our online store and even through Facebook messenger! I’m very proud to report that many blankets have been conceived in the last week, many colours have been combined, consulted, and recombined. Much yarn has been wound.
I have a few minutes before the phone rings and my email is quiet, so I thought I’d show you my very small project. I saw the Baker’s Twine Pot Holder on Ravelry and it kind of appealed … plus it’s a small, easy project not requiring too much bandwidth.
I’m test-driving a new yarn, Borgo de’ Pazzi Amore Cotton. It’s a very affordable bulky weight, recycled cotton that’s made in Italy. It comes in marled colours and I thought it would make a good craft yarn for dish cloths and such. I think one skein is going to be enough for my square pot-holder, it’s 10″ wide and I’m knitting it tight on small needles. Unfortunately, I haven’t has the time to photograph all the colours, but they’re pretty straightforward (pink & white is what you’d imagine … pink & white).
The little aqua ring is made with Kelbourne Woolens Mojave … I love their bright colours and the lovely texture. Mojave is a blend of cotton and linen and it’s just a lovely combo. The ring was actually kind of interesting, it’s constructed in the round first and then you knit the fabric around it.
Hacks
Use slippery metal needles. The tight tension made things harder on wood needles.
I book-ended my slip-stitch sections with stitch markers. The dual-colour system you see in the picture isn’t actually necessary, I think I had a bit of ‘pandemic brain-fog’ when I started and I was getting disoriented. Now that I’m better seated in this transitional period I look at the markers and I’m like “What? Why did you think that was a complicated concept?” Still, while it was ultimately unnecessary, I’m impressed with my little system.
If you want a smaller piece you can omit one pattern repeat (12 sts) and it should come out around 7.75″ to 8″ wide.
Just a quick Haley update … I’m here in the store and I’m well. I’ve been paying a lot of attention to caring for myself, both physically and mentally. I’ve been making a point of exercising and eating properly to buttress my immune system. Mentally, I’ve made a point to slow down and let myself adjust to the experience. I’ve also expanded my meditation practice. As for mindfulness, I’m trying to lean into the experience, let myself really go into it, absorb and process all I can get from it.
Not that that’s an easygoing thing. Life has been “Go!Go!Go!STOP”, which is both exhilarating and a bit taxing. Adapting to this pandemic has been like going through the stages of grief – I think I’m mostly in acceptance (or I could be completely in denial, but I don’t think so).
Several people have suggested I host events on Zoom or host online classes, but I am being pulled inwards now more than ever. My need to connect with myself and ground myself is strong. I know a lot of people are struggling with feeling disconnected and are looking to connect with others through digital media. For what it’s worth, that isn’t my calling. I can’t connect with others if I’m not connected with myself, I can’t love others if I don’t love myself. I view this as a period of transition, and I’m letting the currents make their changes and transform me. We all get the experiences we need to grow.
Anyway, I’m still here for you, and those of you who need me are definitely reaching out. But I’m letting the way I’m here evolve and recalibrate naturally.
