I’m in the Dominican Republic this week … but I promise I’m still thinking of you! While I’m gone, here’s a popular favourite ….. the four points blanket is a great project all year round. It’s available in both knit and crochet, and you can make it in a baby blanket size or as a throw. It’s a simple composition and can be made in a number of different yarn options. The patterns are free, so you can read them over and see if they work for you without committing. If you want something a bit more jazzy, try the Easy Puzzle Blanket, which uses 6 colours.
MODIFICATIONS
use 3.75mm/US5 to 4mm/US6 needles
for a crib (throw) size cast on approximately 140(204) sitches. You will pick up & knit the same number of stitches.
Berroco Vintage Baby is a new yarn that just cam out this spring. It’s very similar to it’s sibling Vintage DK, but it has a slightly silkier texture and comes in 50g balls. It’s soft, easy to work with, machine washable, reliable and is generally great on both the skin and the wallet. The yarns in the Vintage line are a blend of wool and synthetic, and generally work well for people with sensitive skin. We carry this yarn all year.
KNIT 4 Points Baby: 3 skeins in each of 4 colours ($59.64)
KNIT 4 Points Throw: 5 skeins in each of 4 colours ($99.40)
CROCHET 4 Points Baby: 4 skeins in each of 4 colours ($79.52)
CROCHET 4 Points Throw: 7 skeins in each of 4 colours ($139.16)
Berroco Vintage DK is a staple around here, we sell tons of it for every kind of project for babies, grown-ups, and everything in-between. It’s soft, easy to work with, machine washable, reliable and is generally great on both the skin and the wallet. The yarns in the Vintage line are a blend of wool and synthetic, and generally work well for people with sensitive skin. We carry this yarn all year.
KNIT 4 Points Baby Blanket: 2 skeins in each of 4 colours ($79.76)
KNIT 4 Points Throw Blanket: 4 skeins in each of 4 colours ($159.52)
CROCHET 4 Points Baby Blanket: 2 skeins in each of 4 colours ($79.76)
CROCHET 4 Points Throw Blanket: 4 skeins in each of 4 colours ($159.52)
For several years Cascade Ultra Pima has been the go-to yarn for these projects. Its silky soft texture is seductive, and it’s ideal for babies as it’s machine washable, allergy-friendly and excellent for warm climates (no animal fibres in it), and comes in a bunch of great colours.
KNIT 4 Points Baby Blanket: 2 skeins in each of 4 colours ($95.76)
KNIT 4 Points Throw Blanket: 4 skeins in each of 4 colours ($191.52)
CROCHET 4 Points Baby Blanket: 2 skeins in each of 4 colours ($95.76)
CROCHET 4 Points Throw Blanket: 4 skeins in each of 4 colours ($191.52)
Our Summer Sale is ending soon, September 6th is the last day to get 25% Off! Take advantage now, before it goes away!
Labour Day Long Weekend Store Hours
Friday Sept 3: 11 am to 5 pm
Saturday Sept 4: CLOSED
Sunday Sept 5: CLOSED
Monday Sept: CLOSED
LONG WEEKEND PROJECTS
I was thinking wouldn’t it be great to have a small project that’s for the long weekend? Something small, portable, not too challenging. I settled on cloths: face cloths, dish cloths, etc. I know I cherish the little linen cloths I’ve made with Quince & Co Sparrow (they’re like the energizer bunny of textiles, they just keep going …) and I figured you might feel inspired to make something pretty for yourself. There are lots of patterns on Ravely for cloths, but here are a few I found that sparked some joy, and my absolute favourites follow below:
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 to have a loop.
Size
Approximately 10 x 10 inches
Yarn Options
Main Colour: 100m required per washcloth. Contrast Colour: 24m required per washcloth.
The four points blanket is a project we have a lot of clients coming in to get yarn for all year round. It’s available in both knit and crochet (see below), and you can make it in a baby blanket size or as a grown-up throw. The pattern is all knitting in garter stitch, and they provide a video tutorial for the single ‘fancy’ technique, picking up stitches. We’ve got lots of suitable yarns included in our SUMMER SALE, there are lots of options to advantage of for a baby or an adult blanket.
Berroco Remix Light is soft, easy to work with, machine washable, eco-friendly (it’s recycled), allergy friendly and great for warm climates (no animal fibres in it), comes in a bunch of great colours, and is ever so affordable (especially on sale)!
Kelbourne Mojave is soft, easy to work with, machine washable, allergy friendly and great for warm climates (no animal fibres in it), comes in a bunch of stunning colours, especially baby friendly brights, and is a great deal on sale! Use 3.
Quince & Co Sparrow is a linen that turns silky smooth once it’s washed. It’s eco firendly (100% organic linen), machine wash and dryable, allergy friendly and excellent for warm climates (no animal fibres in it), comes in a bunch of great colours, and is a great deal on sale! If you live in a hot climate or are making a blanket for someone who does, this yarn is remarkable, as it has something of a cooling effect. This yarn would make a very special blanket.
Quince & Co Sparrow: 4 Points Blanket CombosQuince & Co Sparrow: 4 Points Blanket CombosQuince & Co Sparrow: 4 Points Blanket Combos
KNIT 4 Points Baby: 2 skeins in each of 4 colours (SALE PRICE $89.82, Reg. $119.76)
KNIT 4 Points Throw: 4 skeins in each of 4 colours (SALE PRICE $179.64, Reg. $239.52)
CROCHET 4 Points Baby: 3 skeins in each of 4 colours (SALE PRICE $134.73, Reg. $179.64)
CROCHET 4 Points Throw: 6 skeins in each of 4 colours (SALE PRICE $269.46, Reg. $359.28)
BC Garn Bio Balance is soft, a pleasure to work with, eco-friendly (it’s GOTS certified organic), and comes in a bunch of great colours. It is NOT machine washable, but would make a stunning throw! It;s unique blend of wool & cotton make it great for temperate climates or people to run a bit warm.
BC Garn Bio Balance: 4 Points Blanket CombosBC Garn Bio Balance: 4 Points Blanket CombosBC Garn Bio Balance: 4 Points Blanket Combos
KNIT 4 Points Baby Blanket: 2 skeins in each of 4 colours (SALE PRICE $77.82, Reg. $103.76)
KNIT 4 Points Throw Blanket: 3 skeins in each of 4 colours (SALE PRICE $116.73, Reg. $155.64)
CROCHET 4 Points Baby Blanket: 2 skeins in each of 4 colours (SALE PRICE $77.82, Reg. $103.76)
CROCHET 4 Points Throw Blanket: 4 skeins in each of 4 colours (SALE PRICE $155.64, Reg. $207.52)
Today’s projects are brought to you by Kelbourne Mojave, a soft summer yarn that’s been flying under the radar for too long! It’s soft, easy to work with, and has amazing yardage (50g/170m). Mojave is a blend of cotton and linen with a matte surface texture (no shiny), and lots of great colours.
This cute summer tanks is a great little summer knit! It’s size inclusive (up to a 62″ bust). It’s made with Kelbourne Mojave (ON SALE 25% OFF TO SEPT 6), a gorgeous blend of cotton and linen that’s easy to work with a knits up beautifully (it doesn’t hurt that it comes in a spectrum of gorgeous colours either). As Friends is knit from the bottom up, and worked separately for front and back. Each cup is worked separately with shoulder straps joined at end. If you want you can make it any length you like, it doesn’t have to be as cropped as i the photos. See finished projects HERE.
The pattern is very thoughtfully sold under a “choose what you pay” price structure – you can pay full price, 25% off, or 50% off – whatever you ca afford.
Skills
Knitting in the round, bottom up, decreasing, holding stitches, 3-needle bind off, wet blocking (see our list of Knitting Skills Tutorials).
Sharing
To share your projects and see other versions of the pattern use the #AsFriendsTank hashtag on Instagram, and tag @jessssiemae.
To fit chest measurement of: (28, 32, 36)(40, 44, 48)(52, 56, 60)” or [(71, 81.5, 91.5)(101.5, 112, 122)(132, 142, 152.5)cm]
Actual measurement of finished garment at full chest: (28, 32, 36)(40, 44, 48)(52, 56, 60)“ or (71, 81.5, 91.5)(101.5, 112, 122)(132, 142, 152.5)cm
Choose a -10 – 0” / -25-0cm smaller than your full chest measurement. If you have a large bust in comparison to underbust, choose a size closer to the -10”/-25cm ease suggestion.
Materials
Kelbourne Mojave (ON SALE TO SEPT 6): (2, 2, 2 to 3) (2 to 3, 3, 3 to 4) (3 to 4, 3 to 4, 4) skeins
is a top down, seamless raglan crop top with a simple lace repeat creating large holes all around the garment. The combination of large needles and the lace motif make this an incredibly low yardage pattern. Perfect for layering, this top is designed to be worn with coordinating tank top, AsFriendsTank(above) . Look at My Holes also looks cool on its own, but for the full effect of the Look At My Holes As Friends Set you need to make both! Like all of Jessie Mae’s patterns, it is size inclusive.
Ardent is a striking yet simple introduction to intarsia colour-work and features a double-neck, ruffled short sleeves on a drop shoulder, and folded hems. The fit is boxy with extra ease and a lowered back hem, with split sides for movement. If you prefer cleaner lines, you can skip the ruffles.
The top is worked flat, beginning at the front hem and worked up to the shoulders, then down to the back hem. Stitches are then picked up around the armhole for the ruffled sleeve. The front is vertically colour-blocked in 2 colours, while the back features thick stripes that border a semicircle worked in a third contrasting colour, reminiscent of a deconstructed sunburst.
3.75mm/US 4 needles suitable for working small circumferences in the round (Note: the sleeve ruffle increases stitches substantially as it is worked, so you may find it easier to use magic loop or a short circular needle rather than DPNs)
Fine Lines is a happy, fun play with color and ribbing that takes me back to Twiggy and summers in the late 60’s when everyone was wearing ribbed tops called “Poor Boys”!
Knit all in-one-piece from the top-down, Fine Lines uses an unusual construction, adding extra length on the BACK sts, so that there is no need for short-rows along the neckline. As a result, the BACK striping is somewhat different from the front, which adds a bit more fun to the pullover. The pattern also features an interesting bust dart detail that adds a bit more ease in the front over the bust, and it can be customized to one of 3 lengths — cropped, waist length or hip length (sleeve lengths are varied accordingly).
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.
We just received our first restock of Kelbourne Mojave, and it’s got me thinking about summer tops. Kelbourne Mojave is a super soft and light blend of cotton & linen. It comes in some really beautiful muted colours and also some awesomely bright colours. Happily, Kebourne has introduced several great new colours this year, my favourites include the Electric Blue and Fuchsia!
Availability
Mojave’s availability is a bit limited this year. It is manufactured in Peru and they have been hard-hit by COVID (the mills there have either been shut down or running at minimal capacity for the last year). We have only received half of the colours in our order, the rest is expected in May (fingers crossed). I think this is going to be the story for a lot of products this summer, especially those milled in South America.
From my perspective, I’m grateful, I’m enjoying what I can get my hands on and am not worrying about what isn’t. The world is full of abundance and opportunity, you just have to receive it when life brings it to you. When you let go and follow the flow the results are even better than if you had gone with your original plan.
Accessibility
Unfortunately, we are still closed for in-store shopping and based on both reason (research) and intuition, I don’t think it’s going to be safe to do so until May. I know the government seems to think it’s safe for retailers to allow customers inside, but everything I read from researchers, scientists and doctors says otherwise. We’re already going into a third wave, and the case counts are expected to be much higher than before. So one more push – the vaccines are starting to roll out, so hopefully this time will be shorter, and the weather is getting warmer so we can get out and enjoy nature more!
Photo: PetiteKnit
Ankler’s Summer Shirt
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].
Total length: 52 (54) 56 (60) 62 (62) 64 cm [20½ (21¼) 22 (23½) 24½ (24½) 25¼ inches]
Ease: The shirt is 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.
Measurements: The measurements for the finished garment are on the front page of the pattern (note that these measurements are only achieved if the correct gauge is kept). Before beginning your project, measure yourself with a measuring tape around your bust (or your widest upper body part) to determine which size will fit you the best. For example, if you measure 95 cm [37½ inches] you should knit a size M. A size M shirt has a finished circumference of 96 cm [37¾ inches], which in the given example would mean 1 cm [½ inches] of positive ease.
Last Week I offered the sweater patterns, and as promised here are some accessories knit with Kelbourne Scout ….
Portage
Portage is a classic-styled cabled toque, made with a classic wool, worked in the round from the bottom up. Simple and elegant, this never goes out of style – plus cables create density in the fabric which helps to keep you warm! It’s also kind of an easy project to choose when you don’t know what to knit, it makes a gorgeous gift or you can keep it for yourself.
Le Massif Scarf is worked in the round, featuring simple but striking geometric patterns. It is bold, stylish, and deliciously warm. This is a great exercise if you want to practice your stranded colourwork.
Size
14″/35cm in circumference
76″/193cm long
Materials
Kelbourne Scout: 3 skeins in main colour, 1 skein in each of 2 contrast colours (shown in 26 Charcoal, 709 Sunflower and 105 Natural)
Compass is a gorgeous cabled cowl designed in the style of traditional aran sweaters (my heart skipped a beat when i found it). The cowl is written for two sizes, depending on how you like to wear your winter neckwear. If you prefer not to work the tubular cast on and bind off, a long tail cast on and binding off in pattern may be used in their place.
Custom Hats, by Kate Atherly, an awesome knitting instructor and designer, is an ebook that has something for every knitter. It’s not a standard pattern book, this is a complete recipe for making your own custom-fit hats, for any head, with any yarn. Just grab a skein and start knitting. With instructions for slouchy and beanie-style hats, and tutorials added for decorative flourishes like different cuff finishes and pom-poms and tassels, this book has everything you’ll ever need to keep everyone in your family warm.
The recipe includes all the instructions and numbers for three styles of hat with three choices of cuff, in 13 gauges and 17 sizes, covering preemies to XL adult heads. And if those don’t cover your needs, the formulas are included so you can calculate your own.
The book steps you through the whole process: from choosing yarn and determining size right through to finishing, with tutorials for all the key knitting techniques – casting on, working in the round, stretchy and decorative bind-offs, even weaving in the ends. There’s a whole chapter with ideas and instructions for customizing the hat with colour, changing up the hem pattern and style, and adding decorative flourishes like pom-poms and tassels.
Don’t worry, a yardage table will help you make sure you’ve got enough yarn: and there’s lots of tips and tricks for what to do if you think you’re going to run out, and how to use up small quantities of yarn leftovers. There’s even information on making hats for the most delicate of heads: premature babies, cancer patients and others losing their hair because of medical treatments. Photo tutorials and guidance on fit and yarn help you make your first hat perfect. For experienced hat knitters, the advice on customization and straightforward but powerful formulas empower you to get designing.
Kelbourne Scout is a classic yarn for the sake of yarn. It’s an unfussy, strong, versatile, heathered wool. Scout is a Dk weight, woolen-spun yarn, so it’s light, airy and springy – perfect for fair isle, cables, or any other technique that requires a bit of definition. Made with 100% Peruvian wool, it’s comfortable to work with and wear (it passes my yarn-o-meter, meaning it’s not as buttery soft as a merino wool, but it isn’t remotely in the itchy or uncomfortable range of fibres).
If you love the projects we’re sharing today but you aren’t a fan of traditional style woolen-spun yarns like Kelbourne Scout (it isn’t itchy, but it also isn’t baby-bum soft), you can substitute the following yarns:
2. If you like knitting with a more traditional yarn, but you find it too itchy for a hat, try lining your hats with a headband sized strip of fleece fabric – it’s also beneficial as it makes the hat warmer!
Because of COVID we had to wait a little extra time for Kelbourne Scout (it was supposed to arrive in August but the Peruvians have been kit hard by the pandemic), but we’re grateful we waited! There were so many inspiring project ideas designed with Scout that we’re breaking them up into two segments – we’ll start with the sweater projects and then move on to the accessories after (hopefully this will give the sweater knitters a chance to scoop up the yarn they need for a larger project).
Kelbourne Woolens Scout
Kelbourne Scout is a classic yarn for the sake of yarn. It’s an unfussy, strong, versatile, heathered wool. Scout is a Dk weight, woolen-spun yarn, so it’s light, airy and springy – perfect for fair isle, cables, or any other technique that requires a bit of definition. Made with 100% Peruvian wool, it’s comfortable to work with and wear (it passes my yarn-o-meter, meaning it’s not as buttery soft as a merino wool, but it isn’t remotely in the itchy or uncomfortable range of fibres).
Sawyer is a great pattern for wearing and knitting. It’s simple, elegant and easy to wear. Sawyer is a great pattern for advanced beginners and intermediate knitters who want to expand their skills and build their confidence – Kelbourne has created little tutorials to help you through (see below).
Sawyer is worked flat in pieces from the bottom up. The lace pattern is provided in both charted and written form. After completing the front and back, stitches are joined at the shoulder using a 3 Needle Bind Off. Stitches are then picked up to work a deep ribbed turtleneck. After completing the shoulder and neck, stitches are picked up at the armholes and sleeves are worked flat in Stockinette stitch to the ribbed cuffs. Two options for sleeves are given in the pattern – pay attention to the schematic and choose the sleeve circumference that best suits your desired finished result. Once completed, the body and sleeves are seamed. Body length can be added easily by adding repeats of the lace pattern. The gauge is given in the lace pattern after blocking. Be sure to knit a blocked gauge swatch prior to beginning.
Size
Bust: 56.75” (144 cm) finished bust, one size.
Sleeves: 13 (17)” 33.5 (43) cm circumference at armhole.
The sleeves are designed to fit with 1–0” (2.5 cm–0 cm) of positive ease. Please see schematic for more detailed finished measurements.
working from charts, visit our Charts Series here.
working the 3 Needle Bind Off, visit our tips and tricks here.
evenly picking up stitches, visit our tips and trickshere.
seaming using mattress stitch, visit our tips and tricks here.
Clawthorpe
Clawthorpe is a simple, pretty fair isle pullover, a great colourwork project for anyone. Clawthorpe is worked in the round from the bottom up. Both the body and sleeves begin with a provisional tubular cast-on, and the neck is finished with a tubular bind-off. After the body and sleeves are joined, raglan decreases are worked to shape the underarms, and short rows are worked to raise the back yoke. When working the yoke, you may find it helpful to change to the longer circular to accommodate the large number of stitches, and then change to the shorter circular when there are too few stitches to fit comfortably on the longer circumference.
Size
34.5 (38.5, 43.25, 47.25, 51.25, 56)” 87.75 (97.75, 110, 120, 130.25, 142.25) cm finished bust. Please see schematic for detailed measurements.
Materials
Kelbourne Scout: Main Colour 4(4, 5, 5, 5, 5), Contrast Colour: 1 skein in each of 4 colours
Rippling Sands was inspired by the lines left behind in the sand at low-tide. The stunning twisted stitch pattern creates an overall wavy stitch pattern (achieved by using Bavarian twisted stitches). The design is a simple boxy, drop shoulder sweater worked in the round from the bottom up. The top portion is worked separately flat with the shoulders seamed together with a three-needle bind off. Afterward the 3/4 sleeves are picked up and worked outward from the body in stockinette stitch.
Size
Size 1 (2, 3) (4, 5, 6)
Bust: 37 (41, 45) (49, 53, 57)” or 94 (104, 114) (124.5, 134.5, 145) cm
Soundtrack is a cool pullover knit with two colours to create a mod graphic design. This sweater is great for anyone who likes mixing tradition & innovation.
Size
Finished Bust/Chest Circumference: 32 (36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64) in or 80 (90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160) cm
Stoneham Poncho is worked in the round from the top down using traditional yoke shaping, in simple but bold geometric patterns. It’s a great fair-isle without all the work of sweatering. It’ll also be a very useful garment come the spring when life starts stretching its limbs and restaurant patios reopen.
Size
S/M (M/L)
collar circumference: 51(60) cm or 20.05(24)”
circumference at bottom: 125.5(152.5) cm or 50(61)”
length: 58.5cm or 23″
show in size S/M
Materials
Kelbourne Scout: Main Colour: 3 skeins, Contrast Colours: 1 skein in each of 2 colours.
I love the elegant lines of this tunic length sweater. The lines are simple, but so attractive – the kind of sweater that motivated me to learn how to knit.
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!
