Strathcona is a simple, oversized, super-bulky weight sweater knits up VERY quickly and easily on 15mm/US19 needles! We used Cascade SPUNTANEOUS, and incredibly soft, single ply merino wool that plumps up to meet the needs of the big needles. You can find more great quick to knit super-bulky patterns by Tara-Lynn Morrison HERE. Strathcona is a great pullover for newer or less experienced knitters, since it is knit in the round in one piece from the top-down (no finishing), and it knits up FAST for instant gratification! The fit is loose and cozy.
If you want more colour at play in your sweater try Malabrigo RASTA. For something that looks like mohair without any of the itch try Drops MELODY (2 strands together), or for something with the aura of fuzz and the structure of a more normal yarn try Drops MELODY&Drops WISH held together (still zero itch). See below for quantities required.
Size
(XXS/XS), S/M, (L/XL), (XXL/XXXL)
Approx (48.5 cm / 19”) 53.5 cm / 21” (61cm / 23.75”) (67.5 cm / 26.5”) across chest
Approx (46 cm / 17” ) 48.5 cm / 19” (51 cm / 21”) (58.5cm / 23”) in body length
our sample is size S/M
Materials
For projects like this that require several lengths of circular needles (if you don’t already have the right sizes) we generally recommend INTERCHANGEABLE needles.
Turtle Dove II is a super pretty, simple and very popular free pullover pattern that’s great for fall! It’s made with super soft, like, airy and fluffy Drops AIR (keep it simple sister). It is a loose, raglan-style sweater with a turtleneck and a modern silhouette. Knit from the top-down with optional short-rows to raise the back of the neck slightly, the entire sweater is knit in the round so there is no seaming at all. There are two options for finishing the body – a simple rolled hem or a twisted rib split-hem. Turtle Dove II is nearly identical to the original Turtle Dove sweater except that it is knit at a tighter gauge.
Measurements above are given for the finished circumference measured at the end of the raglan increases (i.e. at underarms). This sweater is designed to be worn with 14 -18” / 35.5 – 45.75 cm of positive ease; however, this is just a guide. Some people prefer a closer fit; do not be afraid to select an option that provides somewhat less than the suggested ease according to your own preferences.
Materials
For projects like this that require several lengths of circular needles (if you don’t already have the right sizes) we generally recommend INTERCHANGEABLE needles.
The original Turtle Dove sweater is a bit thicker and knit on larger needles, so if you want to do that I suggest using one strand of Drops AIR held with a strand of Drops Kid-Silk on 6mm/US10 needles to get that light, airy look. If your sweater needs to be machine washable go for Berroco Vintage Chunky or Malabrigo Mecha.
Last year I made myself a Malou sweater with Berroco Wizard and it was my favourite new thing so fast that I made myself a second in another colour … except winter got really busy and I forgot to photograph it and share it with you! I wore both sweaters all winter, and I’m enjoying the early fall weather and am already wearing them again this year. Berroco put out some pretty new colourways this year (see below for pictures), so there’s even more choice now … maybe a third be in the works? I’m not sure if I’m feeling more like the malachite green, the turquoise, or the jasper red this season …
The yarn, Berroco Wizard, is super soft, light, airy, colourful, and easy to work with. It’s machine-washable merino wool in a chainette form (that means it’s already knitted in a tube, like an i-cord). There is also a little bit of nylon in the yarn that’s used to carry and bind the ultra fluffy & light merino and keep it in place (all you’ll feel is the merino, the two fibres aren’t blended together).
Malou is a simple pullover knit in the round from the bottom up, making it a great first (or fiftieth) sweater. The body and sleeves are knitted separately in the round, up to the underarms. The pieces are then joined and the yoke is worked in the round to the neck. There are some short-rows at the neck to bring the back of the neck higher, but if you find this intimidating you can skip this. There is no seaming, no picking up stitches – the only finishing is weaving in the ends and whatever type of blocking you prefer (I steam blocked)
Skill Level: advanced beginner. This is not a complicated sweater!
Skills: knitting in the round, W & T short rows for the back of the neck.
Choose at least two skeins of yarn that start at around the same place in the colorway – these will be for the sleeves.
Start your project with the sleeves. You can use them to check your tension, and you’ll be able to match their colour before you start into the body.
I got a different gauge than in the pattern (my sweater came out smaller than the size in the instructions) so be sure to check yours! That said, I still had lots of yarn left over (I used 2.6 balls for my sweater in the second size), and the sweater size is perfect for me, so it’s a win-win in my books! As always, check your tension ….
The colourways in this yarn seem to be more of a suggestion than an exact duplication in each ball. When you do your sleeves they probably aren’t going to be *exactly* the same, even if you try to meticulously match the skeins. If you try to get them to be you’ll probably drive yourself crazy, but treat it as an exercise in surrender and you’ll be smiling!
Berroco Wizard is a super soft, light & happy bulky weight yarn. It stripes by itself, with bold colors flowing. It has a chainette construction which makes it feel deliciously airy and weightless. The construction is also responsible for it’s very generous 240m yardage – the same amount of a typical bulky weight yarn would normally be about 100m to 125m. Wizard is also machine washable, so it’s great for all kinds of projects including blankets, sweaters, hats, scarves, mitts – even a cozy pair of -slipper-socks!
The Stripe Hype Sweater is a great stash busting project where you can use up scrap yarns or combine your favourite colors in just the way you want. Also, knitting stripes makes this one a really quick project to complete because the curiosity of seeing how every next stripe will affect the overall look is highly addictive, and a lot of fun.The work begins by working the back flat, then stitches are picked up for the left and right front separately and worked flat. The back and front are then joined together and the body is worked in the round. Stitches are picked up for the sleeves and worked in the round and lastly stitches are picked up around the neckline and the collar is worked in a twisted rib stitch.
Length from back neck (excluding collar) to hem: 59 cm / 23.25” all sizes.
Sweater is designed to have 20-30 cm / 8-12” of positive ease. Choose a size that is 20-30 cm / 8-12” bigger than your bust circumference for a relaxed and slightly oversized look.
Sample in size M, model has a bust of approx. 87 cm / 34.25” and is 171 cm/ 5’6” tall.
If you’re between two sizes, I recommend choosing the bigger size.
The Stripe Hype dress is a relaxed dress that is the absolute perfect “just-throw-it-on” garment for any season. The dress has a dropped shoulder and a boxy fit which makes it modern and easy to knit.
You can customize it to your exact preferences by choosing your favourite colours: go all in and use multiple colours for a really fun and playful vibe (a great option for using up scrap yarns in your stash), or choose just a few colours in a more toned down colour palette for a more classical look. You can also knit it all in one colour.
The dress is worked top down. The work begins by working the back flat, then stitches are picked up for the left and right front separately and worked flat. The back and front are then joined together and the body is worked in the round while increasing stitches along both side seams around the waist and hips for a slight A-line shape. Stitches are picked up for the sleeves and worked in the round and lastly stitches are picked up around the neckline and the collar is worked in a rib stitch.
The Stripe Hype Sweater is a great stash busting project where you can use up scrap yarns or combine your favourite colors in just the way you want. Also, knitting stripes makes this one a really quick project to complete because the curiosity of seeing how every next stripe will affect the overall look is highly addictive, and a lot of fun.The work begins by working the back flat, then stitches are picked up for the left and right front separately and worked flat. The back and front are then joined together and the body is worked in the round. Stitches are picked up for the sleeves and worked in the round and lastly stitches are picked up around the neckline and the collar is worked in a twisted rib stitch.
Length from back neck (excluding collar) to hem: 59 cm / 23.25” all sizes.
Sweater is designed to have 20-30 cm / 8-12” of positive ease. Choose a size that is 20-30 cm / 8-12” bigger than your bust circumference for a relaxed and slightly oversized look.
Sample in size M, model has a bust of approx. 87 cm / 34.25” and is 171 cm/ 5’6” tall.
If you’re between two sizes, I recommend choosing the bigger size.
The Stripe Hype dress is a relaxed dress that is the absolute perfect “just-throw-it-on” garment for any season. The dress has a dropped shoulder and a boxy fit which makes it modern and easy to knit.
You can customize it to your exact preferences by choosing your favourite colours: go all in and use multiple colours for a really fun and playful vibe (a great option for using up scrap yarns in your stash), or choose just a few colours in a more toned down colour palette for a more classical look. You can also knit it all in one colour.
The dress is worked top down. The work begins by working the back flat, then stitches are picked up for the left and right front separately and worked flat. The back and front are then joined together and the body is worked in the round while increasing stitches along both side seams around the waist and hips for a slight A-line shape. Stitches are picked up for the sleeves and worked in the round and lastly stitches are picked up around the neckline and the collar is worked in a rib stitch.
Just to recap, I made the smallest size (which I talk about in the video), and I used Drops Air (colour 34) & Drops Kid-Silk (colour 41) on 6.5mm/US10.5 needles.
Since the last update, I knit the body and the sleeves. I followed the pattern instructions for the sleeves and did the grafted underarm, because I figured maybe I’d learn something new. What I learned was that I still prefer a picked-up underarm, and that I’m not into armpit grafting (that sounds gross, but ‘m sticking with it). Here’s a really good video from someone more proficient than me on how to pick up the underarm stitches when you’re ready to pick-up and knit your sleeves. (That said, I left a note on the Cocoknits youtube video and they very kindly got back to me saying that Julie’s Toni KAL playlist shows her cleaning up the outside edges. …. still, too many hoops for me to jump through).
I also knit the body a bit longer because the size was smaller than I expected, and I didn’t bother picking up for the neckline, when I tried it on it seemed to be just right, so I stuck with it. FYI I steam blocked it with a hand steamer… quick & easy!
Conclusions
Overall, it was a satisfying knit! I’m nearing the end of my first day wearing it and it’s cozy, comfortable, pretty, and it hasn’t been itching me. I learned a new technique, and I would definitely make another sweater from Cocoknits. I’m still nodling it aroun, but I think my next might be Emma Version A from the Cocoknits Sweater Workshop book (I think I figured out that I can get the right tension with Quince & Co Kestrel and 6.5mm/US10.5 needles, but I’m smacking my head because of course I didn’t make any notes for myself in my Ravelry account so I have to go back and double check that. And I need to order more of the yarn too!
P.S.
In the video I mention perfectionism and the Knitsana workshop
Mabel
Mabel is a loose-fitting, comfortable pullover that fits the bill. She is also infinitely adaptable … try knitting the neck ribbing into a cowl or extra long fold-over turtleneck. Add cables, split the hem, knit it knee length, add stripes … the sky’s the limit. It is written in 10 sizes from 36 to 72” bust, so you have options for fit, as well!
This sweater is worked using the Cocoknits Method, a commonsense system for knitting seamless, tailored sweaters from the top down. The Cocoknits Method is explained in detail in Cocoknits Sweater Workshop by Julie Weisenberger.
FYI, if you hadn’t already heard, Cocoknits is hosting a KAL starting this February, and I thought it might be a nice diversion, as well as a neat way to learn something new and unique. Cocoknits designer, Julie Weisberger, is known for her own sweater construction style, which is laid out in her book Cocoknits Sweater Workshop.
I’m going to give it a shot and make Mabel, so reach out and give me a shout if you’d like to join me! It knits up on 7mm/US10.75 needles at 12 sts/4″, so it won’t be a huge commitment. I’d like to make mine light and airy, and I still have to swatch to figure out my yarn, but I’m thinking of using one of the following combinations:
If you’re allergic to wool I think you can also get away with using the Rico So Cool So Soft Cotton we have on sale (I managed to restock more of the navy, black and cream).
KALDetails
Knit whatever Cocoknits Method Patternyou want, whenever you want, however, you want. That’s the philosophy behind Cocoknits knit-a-long.
It’s a “choose your own adventure” of sorts. But the best part? They don’t have an end date…and they don’t plan on setting one, so you can join over and over again. That’s why they’re calling this the Cocoknits Method Everlasting KAL.
Still, the Cocoknits team enjoys the tradition of starting off the new year by working on a shared pattern together. For 2023 they have decided on a fan favorite: Mabel.
As promised, here’s Malou, the sweater I mentioned last week when I wrote about the Bente Throw …. I made Malou for myself, and I’m so happy I did, I LURV it so much I’ve started a second in another colourway! The yarn, Berroco Wizard, is super soft, light, airy, colourful, and easy to work with. It’s machine-washable merino wool in a chainette form (that means it’s already knitted in a tube, like an i-cord). There is also a little bit of nylon in the yarn that’s used to carry and bind the ultra fluffy & light merino and keep it in place (all you’ll feel is the merino, the two fibres aren’t blended together).
Construction
Malou is a simple pullover knit in the round from the bottom up, making it a great first (or fiftieth) sweater. The body and sleeves are knitted separately in the round, up to the underarms. The pieces are then joined and the yoke is worked in the round to the neck. There are some short-rows at the neck to bring the back of the neck higher, but if you find this intimidating you can skip this. There is no seaming, no picking up stitches – the only finishing is weaving in the ends and whatever type of blocking you prefer (I steam blocked)
Choose at least two skeins of yarn that start at around the same place in the colorway – these will be for the sleeves.
Start your project with the sleeves. You can use them to check your tension, and you’ll be able to match their colour before you start into the body.
I got a different gauge than in the pattern (my sweater came out smaller than the size in the instructions) so be sure to check yours! That said, I still had lots of yarn left over (I used 2.6 balls for my sweater in the second size), and the sweater size is perfect for me, so it’s a win-win in my books! As always, check your tension ….
The colourways in this yarn seem to be more of a suggestion than an exact duplication in each ball. When you do your sleeves they probably aren’t going to be *exactly* the same, even if you try to meticulously match the skeins. If you try to get them to be you’ll probably drive yourself crazy, but treat it as an exercise in surrender and you’ll be smiling!
Berroco Wizard is a super soft, light & happy bulky weight yarn. It stripes by itself, with bold colors flowing. It has a chainette construction which makes it feel deliciously airy and weightless. The construction is also responsible for it’s very generous 240m yardage – the same amount of a typical bulky weight yarn would normally be about 100m to 125m. Wizard is also machine washable, so it’s great for all kinds of projects including blankets, sweaters, hats, scarves, mitts – even a cozy pair of -slipper-socks!
The Fibre Co has kindly leant us a little Trunk Show with some gorgeous samples knit up with The Fibre Co. Acadia. Acadia is a luscious, luxurious blend of silk noil, baby alpaca and fine merino wool. It has a slightly rustic look, but don’t be mistaken, this yarn is all beauty and softness. Acadia shines in simple knits, it positively SINGS, leaving you with less work and all the credit!
We have the Trunk show until Oct 5th, so pop in and see what the sweaters actually look and feel like!
Use code KITSTOGO10 at check-out to receive 10% off the online purchase of these kits to October 5, 2022 (can not be combined with other discounts or promotions).
Wythop is a pretty twist on a traditional yoke sweater, featuring a rosebud bobble and lace stitch pattern. It is knitted seamlessly from the bottom up and features short row shaping at the neck for an improved fit. Acadia gives the garment beautiful depth of colour and texture as well as an exceptional drape.
Skill Level: advanced beginner to intermediate
Construction
The pullover is knitted seamlessly from bottom up. The body and the sleeves are knitted in the round and joined at underarm. The yoke is knitted in the round with a simple rosebud lace-and-bobble pattern. The neck is shaped with short rows.
Enso is a Japanese word for ‘circle’. It’s a simple pullover with pretty details that soften the look and make it a wardrobe staple. Enso features a round, scoop neck, garter panels along the sides, and a curved hem for a classic shape. It’s knit top-down, in the round, so no seams!
Enso begins with casting on the stitches for the shoulders and back neck. The back is shaped with short rows to create the shoulder slope, and then worked down to the underarm shaping. Stitches are picked up along each shoulder and the front is also worked down to the underarm shaping. The front and back are then joined with stitches cast on for the underarms and the body is worked until the end. Stitches are picked up around each armhole for the sleeve heads and shaped with short rows, before the sleeves are knit in the round until the cuff.
The short rows along the shoulders and on the sleeves are worked by wrapping stitches. However, for this pattern, the wraps are not picked up, but are left and form a subtle decorative line of across each shoulder. The wrapped stitch from the previous row is simply knit or purled as if it had no wrap.
One Cardigan bySarah Hatton is another staple addition to The Fibre Co.’s much-loved One Series, which centres on the idea of single garment worn and loved by people of all ages and from all walks of life. This beginner-friendly cardigan is worked from the top down using raglan shaping, so it is seamless. The pattern is gender-inclusive, and offered in an extended range of 15 sizes, from Toddler to Full sized Adult. The adult sizes also offer 2 options for body length.
Skill Level: Advanced beginner to intermediate
Construction
A timeless gender-inclusive cardigan knitted in one piece from the top down, which features classic raglan detailing. Sleeve stitches are put on hold and then the sleeves are worked in the round after the body is complete. The button band is picked up and finished last. The pattern is offered over 15 sizes from age 1-2 through to fit a 162 cm (64 in) chest, and with the option of a shorter or longer length for the adult sizes.
Size
Toddler/Child: Age 1-2 [2-4: 4-6: 6-8: 8-10: 10-12] or Finished Chest Circumference 22.75(26, 27.75, 28.5, 29.75, 31.5)”
Ease: Child sizes are designed with 5-10 cm (2-4 in) of positive ease. Adult sizes 1 to 9 have 1-10 cm (0.25-4 in) of positive ease, depending on the size. For a fitted look please select a size nearer to your own body measurements; for a more relaxed fit we suggest nearer to the 10 cm (4 in) positive ease.
Materials
The Fibre Co. Acadia: 4 [4: 5: 6: 6: 8: 9: 10: 11: 12: 13: 14: 15: 17: 18] hanks. For longer length (adult sizes only) – [-: -: -: -: -: 9: 10: 12: 13: 14: 16: 17: 19: 20] hanks. We recommend alternating hanks as you work to give an overall blended appearance.
District is an elegant pop-over style sweater. Signature Norah Gaughan, It features simple, clean lines and a yummy texture in mosaic stitch.
If you’re interested in making this sweater with The Fibre Co. Acadia please contact us and we can put a kit together for you.
Construction
The sweater is worked in one piece from the bottom of the front to the bottom of the back. Sleeve ribbing is added after & there are 2 seams, the underarm/sleeve seams.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Size
To fit bust 30 (34-38-42-46-50)”
Finished bust 35 (40-45-48-53-55)” or 89 (101.5-114-122-134.5-140)cm
length / 21 (22-23-24-25-26)” or 53.5 (56-58.5-61-63.5-66)cm
Shown to fit size 34” or 86.5cm
Materials
The Fibre Co. Acadia: main colour 6 (8-9-10-11-12) hanks, contrast colour 4 (5-6-6-7-8) hanks
Lucinda was not included in our trunk show, but it’s such a great knit that I wanted you to see it! It’s the perfect, go-to sweater you’re going to’ll reach for every time you get dressed. The simple, clean lines are universally flattering and timeless, making it the perfect forever sweater!
Lucinda is worked from the bottom-up in one piece, then turned right-side out at the armhole and worked back and forth in rows. Shoulders are joined using the three-needle-bind-off. Sleeve Stitches are picked-up around the armhole and worked in the round to the cuff. The pullover is worked inside-out since many knitters prefer to knit than purl. There are two sleeve length options; the sample is shown in the shorter sleeve length.
Size
37¼ (40¼, 44, 47¾, 51¼, 54¼, 58, 61¾, 64¾, 68½)”
Shown in size 44” with shorter sleeves and 10” positive ease
Who wants to think about Fall when we’re in the middle of Summer? Me! When I saw Berroco Wizard I knew the projects were winners, and when the yarn for our store samples showed up I knew I’d be happy, but it wasn’t until I cast on that I realized it was BASHERT (a Yiddish term referring to something that is destined, like a soul mate).
I’m making Malou, a simple pullover (see below), in colour 2954 and it’s just sooooo gorgeous. It’s like if Noro and Missoni collaborated and said: “Hey, wouldn’t it be great if we could make everything Haley ever wanted in a yarn?!” I thought the colourway would work up looking more blue, but you know what – I don’t care! It’s GORGEOUS, it’s better than what I wanted it to be, it’s what I need.
Berroco Wizard is a super soft, light & happy bulky weight yarn. It stripes by itself, with bold colors flowing. It has a chainette construction which makes it feel deliciously airy and weightless. The consruction is also respinsible for it’s very generous 240m yardage – the same amount of a typical bulky weight yarn would normally be about 100m to 125m. Wizard is also machine washable, so it’s great for all kinds of projects including blankets, sweaters, hats, scarves, mitts – even a cozy pair of -slipper-socks!
These kits as a special-order and we aren’t stocking them in the store on a regular basis – 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.
Aleid
Aleid is a simple stockinette hat and mitten set, perfect for gifting. Also a great beginner project! You can order the kit as just the hat, just mitts, or both.
Bente is a mosaic stitch blanket using one color of Wizard. Working from two balls simultaneously creates a dynamic color change throughout the blanket. Kits are available in both a throw size and a baby blanket size (see modifications below).
Skill Level: Intermediate-Beginner (after scarves). (Mosaic stitch is an extremely easy form of colour knitting and only involves slipping stitches from the left needle to the right.
Skills: Knit, slipping stitches, following a pattern, alternating balls of yarn (carrying yarn up the side/stripes)
Malou is a simple pullover in Wizard, a great first sweater. Body and sleeves of this garment are worked in the round to underarms. Pieces are then joined and yoke is worked in the round to the neck
Skill Level:
Size
This sweater is designed cropped – to make yours longer please purchase an extra ball of yarn.
Sanne is a must-make cardigan with ¾ sleeves, pockets and cozy shawl collar. It’s a wear-every-day kind of sweater. Shoulders are shaped using short rows and are then joined using 3-needle bind-off. Sleeves are then picked up and worked down. The hem and sides are finished with an applied I-cord.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Size
This sweater is designed cropped – to make yours longer please purchase an extra ball of yarn.
