Normally I post a little pattern for you, but I feel like a national celebration of the birthday of a long-dead Monarch (Queen Victoria) deserves something a little more …. today I share the digitized collection of Victorian Knitting Manuals, gratis the Univerity of Southampton’sKnitting Reference Library & JStor. There are 67 books in the collection, so it should keep you busy.
It just goes to show, you can take the girl out of the library and put her in a store full of yarn, but apparently, you can’t take the library out of the girl!
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.
As soon as I saw Adara I thought “Hello sweetie, you’re going to be my next favourite sweater!” Then I swatched with the yarn and I KNEW it. Berroco Lucca is a new blend of cashmere and cotton, and it is so soft and buttery – I have a feeling that once you put this sweater on you’ll never want to take it off (you may even want to make another in a different colour). It isn’t just a perfect closet staple, its the sweater of your heart.
The design features all over garter stitch with slightly leafy looking lace panels up the sides and arms. Rolled edges finish things off and add a modern, simple polish. Adara is worked flat in pieces and seamed (seams give a sweater stability and structure, which is helpful with a fibre blend of cashmere and cotton … if you’re going to spend the time and money to make a cashmere sweater, it should be beautiful too). The lace pattern is charted.
Newsletter Special: 10% Off, use code KITSTOGO at check-out!
The Yarn
Berroco Lucca is a luxurious, soft and buttery yarn made in Italy from a blend of premium cashmere and cotton. It has beautiful stitch definition and soft drape, and it’s perfect for making just about anything you want to touch your skin (sweaters, shawls & wraps, cowls, hats, scarves, mitts, blankets – you name it. The colour is very delicately marled, giving the finished knit a bit of subtle dimension while still keeping that classic cashmere look. Lucca is definitely a yarn you’ll want to come back to over and over again … I’m so convinced of this that this kit includes the entire Digital eBook: Berroco no. 426 Lucca (you’re going to want to make more).
Lucca is worsted weight and normally knits 20sts/4″(10cm) on 4.5mm/US7 needles. Lucca ismachine washable (not often something a cashmere does well), but lay it flat to dry.
Note:If you love this pattern but the yarn is a little too precious, we can work with you to make up a kit for you in another yarn – just contact us!
PRE-ORDER NOTE
These kits are a SPECIAL PRE-ORDER – we aren’t stocking them in the store on a regular basis, but you have the option to order them at 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.
FYI: The yarn mills still aren’t up and running at full capacity, international shipping is still lagging, and it’s going to be another hit-or-miss year in terms of availability from distributors. If you want something in a particular colour I suggest you order early, shipments are already a bit backed up.
Quince & Co Kestrel has been a customer favourite for years … good things never go out of style. It’s an aran weight, organic linen, so it knits up quickly and easily. It’s machine washable, perfect for warm-weather garments. It makes beautiful, simple stocking stitch fabric, but it also knits up as a stunning lace. Quince & Co Kestrel is 15% Off until June 19th
Hacienda is a modular knitted stole with a lovely drape and texture. The unique construction of Kestrel is a perfect fit for Bristol’s unique and fearless sense of design. All of these elements come together beautifully in this fun to knit, and fun to wear, piece.
The wrap is designed with Quince & Co Kestrel, an extremely versatile, aran weight 100% organic linen (I don’t know if you get more environmentally without hugging a tree). It knits beautifully, easily and fast, it’s machine washable (in a delicate bag), and softens up COMPLETELY after washing. If you want to maintain the crispness in the picture above you’ll need to wash by hand, lay flat to dry, and press (a little spritz of Soak Flatter won’t hurt either). Because of the textile, this wrap is great for cooler summer nights, people who winter in a warmer climate, or for anyone who can’t wear wool and wants something really nice.
Cable cast on, picking up stitches (links provided); increasing, decreasing. Construction diagram included.
Fernwood
Fernwood is a pretty tank with an elegant, scalloped lace edge. Designed with Quince & Co Kestrel and 6mm/US10 needles, it’ll whip up quickly, so you can wear it all summer!
Mira is an open tee is a great layering piece for summer. The oversized shape and relaxed gauge aim for maximum drape, which is then compounded by eyelets and garter stitch. There’s very little shaping in this piece, making for a relaxing knit. The fit is very oversized and the tension is loose, but if you want something a bit smaller and firmer try going down in needle size to a 5mm/US8 or 5.5mm/US9.
Size
Bust Circumference: 54 (60¾, 66, 72¾)” or 137 (154.5, 167.5, 185) cm
Shown in size 54″ [137 cm] on a 34″ [86.5 cm] on a 5’8″ [172.5 cm] tall model with 20″ [51 cm] positive ease
Designed to be worn with 16-24″ [40-60 cm] positive ease
Long-tail cast on, sloped bind off, cable cast on, three-needle bind off (links provided); increasing, decreasing. Charts and line-by-line instructions included.
Sandshore
Sandshore is a seamless cardigan worked from the top down. A clean mesh lace forms an intersection down the back, set slightly asymmetrically for interest. The Kestrel knits up quickly and is a smooth, dry summer yarn. I’ve found Kestrel is extremely stretchy knit at this tension, consider going down one or two sizes in the pattern.
I usually lead with details about the pattern, but when you’re using Quince & Co Sparrow the main character in the story is always the yarn. Sparrow is one of my absolute favourite summer yarns, I never ever get tired of wearing the garments I make with it and I’m always planning my next project with it in the back of my head. It’s the best linen I’ve ever come across, once it is washed it is deliciously soft, cool, light and comfortable. It’s not that I don’t work with other yarns, it’s just that this is just the one I always go back to. I havetwo sweaters made with it and I wear them as soon as the weather gets warm – they’re like my summer uniform. I need to make a third this year because I need it in another colour (which is really the only thing that’s been holding me up).
Sparrow is organic, made in Italy, and is machine washable. I generally machine wash mine in a delicate bag (to keep it from abrading) and machine dry it on low in the bag. (The label says to lay it flat to dry, but I like it better if it’s been in the dryer at least a little).
Yarn Substitutions
If you’re not a linen person and you’re never going to be a linen person, I get it. but you want to make a shawl, my favourite sub would be Fibre Co Meadow, cause it’s gorgeous and you’re going to LURV making and wearing your project. BC Garn Bio Balance would make a slightly more casual look, and the wrap would be a smidge warmer (it’ll bring the price-point down too – $52). For a more rustic look and a really affordable project, try Berroco Remix Light, you only need two skeins (only $32).
The pattern, Ashtona, is an asymmetrical, sideways knit shawl. It combines combines pretty ribbon lace with an uneven ribbing motif – think waves lapping against a shoreline grooved with tiny rivulets and ripples in the sand. The piece is worked on the bias from the right tip to the wide left edge. Both charts and line-by-line instructions included.
By the way, Quince & Co has a gorgeous website. If you’re in the mood to stroll online and look at beautiful photos of wonderful designs, I highly recommend it.
Skill Level: Intermediate (see below for a list with links) – I wouldn’t make this as your first lace project, there might be a few too many hoops to jump through, but it should be fine for a second.
Size: 80″ (203 cm) wingspan and 22″ (56 cm) deep at centre
We’re shifting over to our Summer Store Hours after the Victoria Day long weekend, so please note that we are CLOSED ON SUNDAYS. We go back to the regular store schedule the week of September 13th.
While trolling for inspiration I found this really need little capsule collection for Fibre Co. Meadow by Japanese designer michiyo. I was really impressed, the designer clearly understands the fabric and makes the most of it’s natural lightness and drape. Meadow is a gorgeous yarn, a heavy lace-weight made with a very yummy blend of baby llama, silk, linen and merino wool. It’s great for layering pieces, light sweaters, and shaws and wraps.
Photos by Tommy Martin, shown in colour Fennel
Tsumuzikaze
Besides that fact that it’s a great combination of interesting, different and beautiful, I that this top looks really good on lots of people (see the finished projects HERE)! Tsumuzikazeis a Japanese word that means whirlwind, the design inspiration for this lovely pattern with an asymmetrical ‘whirling’ hem. This pullover is worked from the top down in the round. An eyelet pattern on the shoulders are worked as increases. The sleeves are worked separately, then in the round from the armhole. The lower edge is shaped with short rows.
Photos by michiyo, shown in colour Indigo
Size
To Fit Actual Bust Circumference up to: S 83(32¾), M 92(36¼), L 103(40½), XL 113(44½)
Finished bust: 102 (110, 120, 146) cm 40 (43¼, 47¼, 57¼) in
Finished Length: 62 (65.5, 70.5, 74) cm 24½ (25¾, 27¾, 29¼) in
Finished Hem circumference: 76 (80, 88, 99) cm 30 (31½, 34¾, 39)in
Photos by CozySunny Day, shown in colour Bellflower
Photos by Tommy Martin, shown in colour Gentian VioletPhotos by Tommy Martin, shown in colour Gentian Violet
Kagerou
When I first saw this project I didn’t realize that it was a vest! It’s like a cross between a tank and a vest … a Vank Top? A Test Top? Is it a waistcoat? Feel free to throw in your two cents! Whatever it’s called, it is worked from the bottom up; the fronts and back are worked together back and forth up to the armhole, then the yokes are worked separately. Short rows are then worked to make the back longer than the front. The back, left front and right front of the upper body are worked separately on smaller needles in a rib pattern. Finally the shoulders are joined and the piece is finished by adding buttons and blocking gently.
Photos by Handknitlife, shown in colour Pokeweed
Size
To Fit Actual Bust Circumference up to : S 83cm(32¾), M 92cm(36¼), L 103cm(40½), XL 113cm(44½)
Finished Bust: 90 (92, 102, 113) cm or 35½ (36¼, 40, 44) in
Finished Length (back): 70 (71, 73.5, 77) cm or 27½ (28, 29, 30¼) in
Finished Shoulder width: 32 (33, 36, 38) cm or 12½ (13, 14¼, 15) in
Finished Hem circumference: 142 (146, 162.5, 178.5) cm or 56 (57½, 64, 70¼) in
Photos by Tommy Martin, shown in Larkspur for MC and Pennyroyal for CC
Kinomi
Kinomi is a light top designed with minimal shaping and lots of flow. The pattern is written for two lengths; the shorter version is illustrated, whilst the longer version is designed to cover the hip. Kinomi is worked in pieces separately from the bottom up. The neck band is made in two pieces in a contrasting colour with the ends grafted and then sewn onto the body. Ribbing is added to the armholes and the piece is finishing with light steaming.
Photos by roko, show in Bedstraw for MC and Queen Annes Lace for CC
Size
To Fit Actual Bust Circumference up to: S 83(32¾), M 92(36¼), L 103(40½), XL 113(44½)
Finished bust: 115 (124, 133, 142.5) cm 45¼ (48¾, 52¼, 56) in
Short length: 53.5 (54.5, 56, 57.5) cm 21 (21½, 22, 22½) in
Long length: 71.5 (72, 76.5, 78) cm 28 (28¼, 30, 30¾) in
Centre back neck to cuff: 35 (37, 39, 41.5) cm 13¾ (14½, 15¼, 16¼) in
Hem circumference: 152.5 (163.5, 174.5, 185) cm 60 (64¼, 68¾, 72¾) in
Light and romantic, this cardigan is the perfect topper for sunny spring days and cool summer nights. It can be worn as a cardigan or a cape/shawl. This pattern is worked from the top down seamlessly and the lace is charted.
Photos by LilyLilyLily, shown in colour Prairie
Size
To Fit Actual Bust Circumference up to: S 83(32¾), M 92(36¼), L 103(40½), XL 113(44½)
Finished bust: 99 (105, 116, 128) cm 39 (41¼, 45¾, 50½) in
Finished Length: 44.5 (45.5, 47.5, 50) cm 17½ (18, 18¾, 19¾) in
Finished Centre back neck to cuff: 70 (72, 74.5, 77) cm 27½ (28¼, 29¼, 30¼) in
Finished Hem circumference: 155.5 (166, 182.5, 204) cm 61¼ (65¼, 71¾, 80¼) in
Photos by Tommy Martin, shown in colour Ladyslipper
Rourou
Rourou is a Japanese word that means hazy light, the kind that filters through the leaves of trees on a sunny summer day. The front and back of Rourou are worked in pieces separately from the bottom up creating the sleeves at the same time with side increases.
Photo by cosysunnyday, show in colour Queen Anne’s Lace
Size
To Fit Actual Bust Circumference up to: S 83(32¾), M 92(36¼), L 103(40½), XL 113(44½)
Finished bust: 110 (120, 130, 140) cm 43¼ (47¼, 51¼, 55) in
Length: 58.5 (60, 61.5, 62.5) cm 23 (23¾, 24¼, 24½) in
Centre back neck to cuff: 38.5 (41, 43, 46) cm 15¼ (16¼, 17, 18¼) in
When I came across this project it immediately struck me as a great little summer tee … an it would be PERFECT made with Quince & Co Sparrow. Treit is a light tee, worked bottom up, with a cropped length and leafy lace yoke. After a few rounds of twisted rib at the collar, the cropped body (which can be knit longer if desired) is knitted to the underarms. Two sleeve caps are knitted, body and sleeves are joined, and the yoke is worked from a lace chart to the neck. There are optional instruction to raise the back of the neck neck with short rows (a nice feature for more experienced knitters, and great that it isn’t necessary for those who need to keep thins KISSasble (you remember K.I.S.S., right? I refer to the sage life advice, “Keep It Simple Stupid”, not the 70’s band with the black & white getups.)
A. If you want to reproduce the ‘tweedy’ texture, use one of ‘Marled’ colours (they are marked in the drop-down menu of colours on our site). If you aren’t so keen on it, that’s cool too, just use one of the regular colours for a more refined finish.
B. I would DEFINITELY suggest the use a lifeline when knitting this project. Linen is slippey, and lace is lace, so do yourself a favour and give yourself a safety-net. If you are not already familiar with this concept, now’s the time to add this very, very handy little hack to your “I wish I knew that BEFORE ….” life list.
The pattern recommends you choose the next size up from your normal bust size, but linen is very stretchy, so if you plan to wear this top over a tank or cami you may want to take that into consideration and not size-up.
To make life easier, here’s a list of colours that we have in relevant sweater quantities … well, at least at the time of publishing … once it goes live it’s in the hands of a higher power (the yarn gods?):
Something classic and cool for summer makes me very happy. It’s knit with Quince & Co Sparrow, one of my favourite yarns for summer. It feels soft and cool on your skin, washes beautifully in the machine, and just kind of *flows*.
Note: Linen can be quite stretchy once it is washed, so be sure to swatch a square at least 5″ x 5″ and wash it before you measure your tension. You may also want to make a smaller size than normal, I usually go down one size.
I have fallen seriously behind in my COVID knitting … you know how it goes, make plans and universe laughs. I pulled some sexy yarn from my ‘stash’ and have been working on Love Note. I know fuzzy isn’t really spring but hey, my pandemic, my rules. My sweater is not the pink one, that belongs to the pattern designer, mine is the dark one in progress below.
I finished the body last night and tried it on and it looked amazing! I’m feeling motivated to finish the arms and wear it – it feels light as air, it should be great over a cami. The lace looks really pretty, I’m not really a lace person, but it isn’t too much, and it’s in the right place. There is a sort of high front/lower back thing going on, if you aren’t into it you can skip it, although I would put in at least half of the short rows to even out the front & back. The pattern has both a cropped and full length version, I’m making the adult size XS in the full length (see below for interesting things about size), I added a 1/2 inch, and it’s still on the short side style-wise. I highly advise trying on your sweater before starting the short rows. BTW, the lace is fairly simple, and the pattern comes with both a chart and the written instructions.
The pattern uses a thin mohair held with a fingering weight yarn, but I’m not really up for mohair (itchy), so I have subbed a ‘blown yarn’ with baby alpaca. Blown means it has a knitted core and the alpaca is literally blown into it with a machine. It makes an extremely light, airy yarn that has some depth to it. I’m using Illimani Amelie, but you can also use the very similar and quite affordable Drops Air(or if you want I’ll special order you some Amelie, it’s super yummy scrummy sexy (I don’t have any in store right now, it costs $24/skein).
Size
The pattern is EXTREMELY size inclusive, it runs from a baby 0-6 months up to an adult 5XL (72″ bust). I’m thinking matching mommy/baby sweaters? Sibling sweaters? Cousin sweaters? BFF sweaters? The opportunities are endless. The baby and child sizes are an ideal opportunity to use Drops Air – my mom always said you can put a baby in anything, that they can’t complain, but I beg to differ – they seem to be adept at wailing their adorable little heads off for as long as they feel uncomfortable.
Sorry we haven’t connected in a while, I’ve been working hard and am healthy and happy. You know how it is, this experience is wearing on the most resilient of us – going eyeball to eyeball with fear and vulnerability is challenging. Anyway, I haven’t been feeling myself lately, but I think that’s ok, I’m growing into something new, so I’m just sort of letting myself marinate. I saw my niece and nephew for the first time since before march break and found they have grown … they used to fight like cats & dogs and now they’re BFFs (it only took a month and a half of being locked in together). They got bigger too, but that’s a given.. they’re kids. Anyway, here’s what I’ve been up to (should you be interested):
Reading:The Power of Now by Ekhart Tolle (audiobook) … I just started this on Sunday and it’s the kind of book that you’re going to read over and over as you grow. I think it’s also the kind of book that you don’t read until you’re ready for it. I wouldn’t say the material is over my head, but I’ve got some work ahead of me.
Watching: Star Trek: The Next Generation (on Netflix) … most, but not all of it stands up. Picard is still great, but why isn’t Troi in a uniform?! I mean, is she a civilian? Is she starfleet?
Listening: Tara Brach podcast …. I’ve wandered from her excellent weekly pandemic support content and have crawled into the back-catalogue from B.C. (ie. before covid). The episodes on Radical Compassion from December 2019 are excellent, this morning I was listening to Desire and Addiction from March 2020.
Discussing: The Zombie Apocalypse … apparently I’m not on my beau’s Zombie Apocalypse ‘team’ and he’s throwing me under the bus. On the upside, he says the team will eat me. I don’t really blame him, I can’t run and I bruise easily. Anyway, I don’t really want to be around for the Zombie Apocalypse anyway, it sounds stressy and low on crafts. Other topics of interest include washing our winter coats … is there anything better than sucking the air out of the storage bag containing your winter coats? That’s a feeling worth savouring!
Cooking: Instant Pot Chicken Adobo. Yummy, simple and easy! Serve with Rice and a veggie. Freeze in batches for quick prep later.
Working On: Making vulnerability my BFF … according to researcher Brené Brown in Daring Greatly: “Vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity. It is the source of hope, empathy, accountability, and authenticity. If we want greater clarity in our purpose or deeper and more meaningful spiritual lives, vulnerability is the path.”
