HRYC

October 02, 2013

Just adding knitting projects to the Ravelry queue.

Again.

It all started when I spied this Dagmar Sweater pattern in Ravelry's Hot Right Now list. The best use of a cable to emphasise shape i've seen, maybe ever. Too often this idea is played out and turns into this weird thing that splits the body in two, but here the cable serves as an elegant frame rather than an overwhelming design feature. I'm also smitten with the shaped hem, and the overall texture.

Dagmar Sweater by Handy Kitty

The one thing you'd want to be careful with knitting this pattern though would be the yarn - nothing too stretchy. I'd rule out alpaca or cotton to prevent ending up with the dreaded over stretched bum area. Cascade 220 in a nice heathered shade, though? Perfect.

Going into Summer I probably shouldn't really be looking at big, warm, cosy jersey patterns. The colour of the Camelia Tee caught my eye first, like a magpie to silver, colour just leaps off the screen to grab all my attention. I love, love, love the lace detail on the shoulder and the relaxed shaping. Not being a summer person, I like garments with room to move in so I don't feel trapped in the heat.

Camelia Tee by Anna Nilsson

One little thing - i'd definitely do a nice tight bind off for that neckline. As it is, it looks like it has the potential to fall off one's shoulders. And I'd go for some Knitsch Yarns Sock, maybe in Yellow Brick Road or Pencarrow.

And this. Cirrostratos reminds me of soft-like-clouds, floaty days. I can just imagine the fabric of it being the perfect combination of lightness plus warmth. Just the thing for lazy hazy days turning into early evenings with a touch of chill. Or for Wellington summers picked by wind that shouldn't ever surprise us but always does.

Cirrostratos by Monika Lehner

Zealana Kiwi in laceweight would make this something really special. Or Malabrigo Silkpaca Lace (once we get more in, hopefully it'll arrive before Christmas).

Argh! There's that word already! The dreaded Christmas. I can't believe it's sneaking up on us so gosh darn quick. I think i'll go back into my nice cave of denial and instead give you this:

Cat's Mane by Mer Almagro.

You're welcome.

August 29, 2013

Droplet Socks - a new free pattern

A few weeks ago Wei Siew of the Kiwiyarns blog sent me an exciting email - a sock pattern designed with Knitsch Sock! It also contained a special request for a fresh batch of West Janney.

The Droplet Socks pattern is exquisite. I adore the texture and the directional pattern design. I'm a sucker for anything that stands out against a reverse stocking stitch background. And the best part of all? It's free! Hooray!

Image thanks to Wei Siew

Thanks so much for choosing Knitsch for your pattern Wei Siew! I can't wait to knit my own pair. If you fancy knitting your own lichen-inspired socks, West Janney is now back in stock (along with lots of other colours, hooray!).

June 24, 2013

Warm Woollen Mittens

Is it 'woollen' or 'woolen'? I don't know. Either way, it's definitely time to be wearing them. I've never been much of mitten knitter. I'm not sure why.

So I asked on Facebook for some pattern suggestions, and here's what was suggested:

Susie Rogers Reading Mitts by Susie Rogers (free!)

Birdies Mitts by Julia Davies (free pattern!)

Rainbow Kid Mittens by Emilie Williams (free pattern!)

Snap Dragon Flip-top Mitts by Ysolda Teague

And one person requested an image of kittens in mittens, so how about kittens on mittens?

Meow Mitts by Tiny Owl Knits

Happy knitting!

xx Tash

September 14, 2012

Weekend Treat - there's two!

Hip hip hooray it's FRIDAY!

Which means it's time for another Weekend Treat. This time round it's 20% off all printed patterns in store....and as they are only stocked in store, to make it fair we'll throw a free tote bag into every order placed online from 5pm Friday 14 September to 9am Monday 17 September.

Hooray!