Watanay, Sleep Sacque for Baby

Posted on Saturday, March 31, 2012 by Coryna

When my babies were little and even when they were not so tiny any more, I always sang them lullabies. It was part of their bedtime routine. After the bathing and brushing of teeth there was always a story and at least one song or more..

Watanay Sleep Sacque for Baby. Front view with colourful vines.

Watanay Sleep Sacque for Baby. Front view with colourful vines.

They each had their favourite.. some were longer, some were shorter and well, some were not technically lullabies but they were comforting and soothing songs fitting for the end of busy days.

One of song in the repertoire was an Iroquois lullaby,  Ho Ho Watanay, which also had French and English verses. Simple and sweet.  The lyrics for this an many other traditional lullabies can be found here.

The Watanay Baby Sleep Sacque is a buttoned version of the popular baby garments that are all the trend right now. I designed this one for my first grand baby, Ronin.

Watanay Sacque. Made with Patons Diploma Gold Dk, shade 6169, Air Force Blue

Watanay Sacque. Made with Patons Diploma Gold Dk, shade 6169, Air Force Blue

The machine washable wool blend shown is a standard DK weight yarn, Diploma Gold, from Patons. Easy care was definitely a consideration when choosing the yarn for this project. Another dk yarn with 120m per 50 grams would be suitable as well.

Watany Sacque. Back view showing slipped stitch ribbing. Snug Texture!

Watany Sacque. Back view showing slipped stitch ribbing. Snug Texture! This photo captures the closest colour representation.

Sized for Newborn to 6 months – of course this depends on the size of the baby! Finished length of the Sacque shown here is 74 cm or 29 inches from shoulder to hem. Options to make a longer garment are included in the pattern.

Baby Sleep Sacque. Detail of front including the twisted stitch cable borders.

Baby Sleep Sacque. Detail of front including the twisted stitch cable borders.

The Pattern is fully written out with charts for the twisted borders and for the slipped stitch used on the body.

The Watanay Sacque is adjustable in size via the shoulder buttons. The slipped stitch ribbing around the chest makes for a snug, yet comfortable fit that also allows for growth.

The garment is worked flat in one piece to the underarms, then the fronts and back are worked individually. Stitches are picked up from the front sections for the button-hole band on the right front and for the button band on the left front. The bottom is then seamed together.

A single crochet border around the top edge and the armhole openings finishes the garment.   Gauge: 22sts and 28 rows over 10 cm (4 in.) with 4.0 mm ( 8UK/CAD, 6 US) needles.

Always do a swatch to check your gauge and adjust your needle size accordingly

Yarn requirements: 5— 50 g balls (250g total) of standard Double Knitting yarn with at least 120 m or 131 yards per 50 gram ball , 600 m/ 685 yds in total

For a longer sacque, please purchase an additional 50g for a total of 300g, 720m (816 yds).

Equipment: One set 4.0 mm straight needles ( 8UK/CAD, 6 US)

Stitch holder or waste yarn,  Crochet Hook: 3.5 or 4.0 mm ( US E or G), Tapestry Needle

Notions: 13* smooth, flat buttons, *14 or *15 if you lengthen the sacque.

Watanay Sleep Sacque, in Air Force Blue, on tartan rug with Cheeky Monkey

Watanay Sleep Sacque, in Air Force Blue, on tartan rug with Cheeky Monkey

 

You can purchase the pattern buy now or by navigating to my Patterns for Sale Page.
Thank you .. and always remember to knit with joy!

Coryna

Ho, Ho Watanay (traditional Iroquois lullaby)

Ho, ho, watanay
Ho, ho, watanay
Ki yo ke na
Ki yo ke na
Sleep, sleep, little one
Sleep, sleep, little one
Now go to sleep, now go to sleep
Do, do mon petit
Do, do mon petit
Et bonne nuit, et bonne nuit

Detail views of the Sleep Sacque can be seen below.

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Fur Elise, Harmonic Cables and Lace…

Posted on Sunday, February 12, 2012 by Coryna

This is a complex yet beautiful design which may challenge you, but offers superb rewards. Strong and feminine while emanating style and practicality!

Fur Elise.Short Version in St. Denise Boreale, shade Balsam

Fur Elise.Short Version in St. Denise Boreale, shade Balsam

These gloves begin with deceptively simple ribbing that belies the ornate pattern that springs forth enveloping the forearms. These cabled and lace medallions then smoothly diminish in number giving way to classic eyelette cables and a single motif.

Make these in either the shorter mid-arm length or full length to the elbow, and choose between sizes s/m and m/l.  The shaping is achieved by changing needles sizes (for the long gloves only) and carefully placed decreases (both versions).

The pattern is both written out and fully charted so you can work from whichever format you prefer, or cross reference between them!

I hope you enjoy this special design!

You can find the pattern here or on the Patterns for Sale page. Thank you!

Fur Elise. Short version, Detail of Palm

Fur Elise. Short version, Detail of Palm

The gloves are worked in the round using double pointed needles. Other methods of working in the round can be used, like the magic loop if you prefer, but I like my sets of pointy sticks!

The primary cables on the left hand twist to the left, and the thumb is placed to the right side of the diminishing medallion motifs. The thumb features an eyelette cable pattern to match the body of the gloves. Shaping is made by way of decreases and by changing needle sizes, beginning with larger needles for the upper arm cuff, and smaller for the wrist and hand areas.

The right hand is mirror image of the left, therefore the primary cables twist to the right, and the thumb is placed to the left of the medallions.

FurElise.Green.2.grn.backdetail

Fur Elise, shorter version shown in lovely pure wool from St. Denis, shade is Balsam. One 50 gram ball with at least 165 metres is enough for this pair in size s/m or m/l!

One ball of fingering weight /4 ply or sock weight wool with at least 165 metres per 50 g ball is sufficient for one pair of the shorter gloves in either size, s/m or m/l.

Featured Yarn for shorter (green) gloves:  St Denise Boreale, 206 m (225 yds) per 50 g ball, in shade 1260, Balsam.  Actual requirements: For size s/m you will need 40g (165 m/180 y) and for size  m/l,  50 g (225 m/ 225 y) will do.

The longer pair (elbow length) is shown made with soft and silky Alpaca. Two 50 gram balls of fingering weight pure wool with at least 165 metres per 50 g ball (340 m total) are sufficient.

Long gloves (red) Featured Yarn details: Drops Alpaca, 100% pure Peruvian Alpaca, 180 m (196 yds) per 50 g ball, in shade 3620, Red. Two 50g balls will make either size.

The pair shown is size s/m and took exactly 76 grams of alpaca, 273 m (298 yds) in total.

Fur Elise. Long version in Drops pure Alpaca.. delicious in red!

Fur Elise. Long version in Drops pure Alpaca.. delicious in red! Two 50 gram balls will make a pair like this in either size, with a bit left over!

 

In addition to the yarn these are the tools you will need:

S/M: 2.25 mm (13UK/CAD, 1 US) & 2.50 mm (12 UK/CAD, 2 US) dpns

M/L: 2.50 mm (12 UK/CAD, 1.5 US) & 2.75 mm (13UK/CAD, 2 US) dpns

Short gloves, both sizes: 1 set double pointed needles

S/M— 2.25 mm, M/L- 2.5 mm needles

All Gloves: cable needle (or spare dpn), a stitch holder or waste yarn, tapestry needle.

The pattern can be found here or by navigating to the Patterns for Sale page. I do hope you enjoy it!

Fur Elise, long version showing the decreasing medallions and cabled palms.

Fur Elise, long version showing the decreasing medallions and palms featuring palms cradled in eyelette cabled s and ribbing.

More Details!

Sizes

S/M (shown) & M/L, 2 Lengths: Short: 32 cm (12.75 in.) & Long: 23 cm (9.25 in.)

Gauge Notes

S/M: 30 sts x 40 rows/10 cm square in stockinette stitch with 2.25 mm needles

M/L: 28 sts x 37 rows/ 10 cm square in stockinette stitch with 2.50 mm needles

Please do a swatch test & adjust  your needle size accordingly!

Fur Elise, elbow length in Alpaca. 80 g of 4 ply fingering wool is enough to make these

 

 

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Euphoric Amphorae… Opera (or regular) Gloves and Cowl

Posted on Friday, January 13, 2012 by Coryna

Nothing says siren better than a pair of opera gloves.

EuphoricAmphorae.Opera Gloves and cowl.1

Euphoric Amphorae, lovely Opera Gloves and buttoned Cowl in butter soft pure Alpaca. Photographed at St. Ninian's in my beautiful Crieff, Scotland.

It is the epitome of elegance and femme fatale… Every girl should have at least one (or three ) in her wardrobe. These beauties are made in alpaca for a slight silken shimmer, softness  and warmth. For every day wear, you may prefer the mid-length or short versions. Stunning, any way you wear them!

Euphoric.Brown.Putting on the glam!

Euphoric.Brown.Putting on the glam!

While both versions feature the Amphora Lace stitch, only the Opera length gloves incorporate diminishing cables set between the lace repeats.  The matching cowl features the Amphora Lace with a ribbed and  ruffled border. The buttoned closure allows for  flexible wearing, and minimizes hair trauma!

Euphoric Amphorae. Mid-length gloves made in blur Mystic Alpaca yarn.

Euphoric Amphorae. Mid-length gloves made in blue Mystic Alpaca yarn.

Inspiration comes in many ways, and this gorgeous one of a kind cape was the inspiration for the Opera length gloves and cowl. I knew that the perfect accessory would be lovely, long Opera gloves.. so… I walked directly from Edinburgh’s Walker Slater shop (where I found this cape)  to K1 Yarns. The perfect yarn was Artesano Alpaca 4 ply  in the luscious shade of Cocoa.

Euphoric Amphorae.with cape looking down

Euphoric Amphorae.With the cape that inspired the design.

Three 50 g balls of this 4 ply  fingering weight alpaca was enough to make the gloves and the cowl.. with narry a scrap left over! If you want longer gloves and the cowl, you will need 4 balls. For just the gloves, 2 balls will make the 16.75 inch long pair as shown, or longer ones if you prefer.

The mid length gloves were made with one 50g ball of Mysti Alpaca 4 ply.

Euphoric Amphorae. Blue alpaca gloves with Bramley Heritage apple.

Euphoric Amphorae. Blue alpaca gloves with Bramley Heritage apple.

Both versions and the cowl, feature the lovely Amphora lace pattern, but the Opera length gloves has diminishing cables between the pattern repeats. The pattern is both written and charted.

Please find the pattern for sale here or navigate to the Patterns for Sale page.

I hope you enjoy it!

Coryna

Euphoric Amphorae. Buttoned Cowl detail

Euphoric Amphorae, detail view of the Buttoned Cowl.

Euphoric Amphorae. Brown gloves with cape and purse.

Euphoric Amphorae. Hand detail of the Opera gloves made with 100% Alpaca 4 ply by Artesano, shade called Cocoa.

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Spinning Evolution…the thick and the thin of it

Posted on Thursday, December 29, 2011 by Coryna

Spinning looks like quite a simple process, until you try it!  The nuances are abundant and challenging.

When I first tried to spin, well, I never thought I would ever make a wearable ( or otherwise useful) garment from wool that I had spun myself! The most challenging aspect of spinning by hand, whether you use a top whorl, bottom whorl, Turkish or support style spindle has to be the drafting – also known as how to make the fibres flow from your hand to the spindle evenly and freely.

I took a class a couple of years ago and purchased the very nice quality spindle that I was randomly ‘given’ to use during the class. Now that I know more I realize that while it is very pretty and made of select woods, the design is more aesthetic and less functional… so I have set about modifying it a bit ( more about that soon).

Top whorl spindle with grey-blue merino being plied.

Top whorl spindle with grey-blue merino being plied.

The class was moderately helpful since the instructor kept telling us to draft the same way as you would if you were spinning on  a wheel…even though she knew that only one person in the class had any experience with something as lovely (if daunting to a beginner) as a full size spinning wheel. One poor girl at the end of the class quickly handed back her spindle and left close to tears.. I hope that she has recovered from the ordeal and that she may try again.. I was simply too stubborn to be defeated by a bit of fluff and a couple of pieces of wood!

My first attempts were not great, and the plying was a whole house production as I wrapped yarn from one end to the other to keep it from tangling and then plied it in a not so convincing fashion.. one learns, doesn’t one! Now I have a great trick for plying and it is actually quite relaxing – and can be done in a small space!

After a couple of years of hibernation and intermittent attempts, and not a few internet searches for more helpful tutorials, I came to my !aha! moment a couple of months ago when I found this video from Fibre Beat about drafting and drawing. Maybe it will help you..

 

Natural while Polwarth fibre spun on my Edith Ashcroft Turkish spindle

Natural while Polwarth fibre spun on my Edith Ashcroft Turkish spindle

Here below you will see my, albeit limited, spinning evolution.  The attempts are shown from the earliest to more recent from left to right with the finest (not best, but certainly thinnest and most consistent!) on the lovely hand turned Enid Ashcroft Turkish Spindle.

The fibres used  and their relative status are from left to right:

Polwarth,  natural white ( 2 samples) – 2 ply, slubby, uneven first attempt

Corriedale from Old Maiden Aunt in the colourway called ‘Rusted’ – single ply

Polwarth, natural white – single ply, evidently a more refined spinning of this lovely fibre

Bluefaced Leicester  in natural mid tones from Twist Fibre Studio in Newburgh, Scotland,  2 ply, fingering weight. This has now been made into a pair of my Paestum fingerless gloves, see photo below!

Pure Merino in a gorgeous mid grey-blue also from Twist Fibre Studio, 2 ply dk/fingering weight

Pure Merino in Rich Blue from Elena Costello in Perth, Scotland, single ply -in progress on my favourite Enid Ashcroft Turkish spindle.

Spinning Evolution left to right with Turkish spindle

Spinning Evolution left to right with Turkish spindle

I now have three spindles and may get at least one more Turkish spindle, only because I have a couple of types and colours of fibres and like to switch between from time to time.

I hope to sort out my video capability soon and can then share with you some of the tricks that I have learned that have made my spinning adventure a pleasure.

By way of encouragement, here is a  photograph of my first project using fibre that I spun myself.

Paestum gloves made with HeathcoteRoad's Handspun Blue Faced Leicester 2 ply wool

Paestum gloves made with my own Handspun Blue Faced Leicester 2 ply wool

I purchased the natural mid brown Blue Faced Leicester fibre as sliver from Twist Fibre Studio in Newburgh, Scotland. It was spun on a Turkish spindle, then plied using the same spindle. After washing to set the twist, I wound the hank of yarn into a centre pull ball with a Nostepinne. Then voila! my first pair of completely hand made gloves!

I hope that you find this information helpful and encouraging. I will follow up with more details and how-to’s soon.

As always, knit (and spin!) with joy,

Coryna

Hanks of hand spun Blue Faced Leicester (BFL) with Nostepinne

Hanks of hand spun Blue Faced Leicester (BFL) with Nostepinne for winding centre pull balls. Low tech option to replace my winder which broke after only two years. Brilliant!

 

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Yook, the fully Reversible Scarf.. with the Eponymous name

Posted on Friday, December 9, 2011 by Coryna

I love scarves. They can either keep you warm and toasty, or dress up an otherwise bland wardrobe with just the right amount of colour and texture.

Yook. Reversible Wrapped Stitch Scarf with pomegranate.

Yook. Reversible Wrapped Stitch Scarf with pomegranate.

 

These attributes are especially important for women like me who:

a. don’t like alot of colour or pattern in clothing  - I am still traumatized by the ’80′s!!

b. have a relatively small wardrobe since nothing off the rack ever seems to fit properly…I mean really, how is a girl with a classic hourglass shape supposed to find clothing these days?

The problem, however, with alot of knitted scarves is that they have a glorious pattern on one side, but the reverse is just not that great… ok, but not great. I am a bit particular, I admit, but don’t want to spend alot of time fussing to make a scarf sit just right so that it looks pretty… must work on that patience thing.

Yook.Stitch detail

Yook.Stitch detail

This being said, I came up with this stitch pattern  the yook2… a simple wrapped stitch that yields a pleasant result.

Yook was also my first foray into the world of Noro. The lovely ladies of my kntting group in Creiff, Scotland just adore this yarn… so I had to see what the fuss was about.  Will write more about this later… as I am on the proverbial fence with regards to this Japanese icon.

Yook Scarf with Ganesha pendant

Yook Scarf with Ganesha pendant

Yook, however, translated well with the Japan’s Noro Silk Garden Lite (DK) resulting in a garment that is at once lofty & somewhat lacy.

Scarves are forgiving in their nature, so this pattern will lend itself to a variety of yarns and can be made in variable widths. The pattern repeat is a multiple of  4+2, plus 4 edge stitches. Simple, elegant, interesting and yes, reversible!

Gauge: 18 sts  and 28 rows per 10 cm (4’’) square with  4.0 mm (8 UK/CAD, 6 US)  needles.

The scarf as shown took exactly 3 – 50 gram balls of Silk Garden Lite (DK) in shade 2041.

A total of 150 grams  yielding 357 metres (410 yards) will make a similar scarf.

Yook Reversible scarf, wrapped

I must say that I had to juggle a bit between the three balls to insure smooth transitions in the colour shifts.. not necessary, but I wanted to avoid abrupt changes. Why, oh why, does Noro not make any solid colours?!

I hope that you enjoy this pattern, it is a simple knit that is great to take along to knitting nights or on any journey due to it’s ease of making. The pattern is available for purchase here or on the patterns for sale page. Thank you!

Remember to knit with joy!

Cheers,
Coryna

Yook, wrapped in silk, kid Yook, reversible scarf made with silk, kid mohair and lambswool.mohair and lambswool.

Yook, reversible scarf made with silk, kid mohair and lambswool.

P.S. Will be buying a sewing machine once we are a bit more settled in our new home ( Vancouver) and hope to share by enthusiasm for Burda and for vintage fashion with you!

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Kallisto..gorgeous reversible half diamond lace cowl

Posted on Tuesday, November 22, 2011 by Coryna

Gorgeous, practical, feminine, and reversible! What more could you ask for in a cool weather accessory?

Kalisto reversible cowl worn as a hood, lovely drape, and so warm!

Kalisto reversible cowl worn as a hood, lovely drape, and so warm!

Kallisto is worked in the round on circular needles from the bottom to the top and with a completely reversible half diamond stitch pattern that I designed. I know that many stitches look pleasant from either side, but for this cowl, I wanted something that was almost exactly the same whichever way you wrapped it.

If you want a more solid fabric as opposed to the lacy stitch illustrated here, the pattern can be worked making increase (m1) stitches instead of yarn overs.

Kallisto Reversible Cowl, worn here simply as a scarf/collar.

Kallisto Reversible Cowl, worn here simply as a scarf/collar.

 

This piece was made for one of my daughters from a beautiful shimmery & drapey, but warm and sumptuous blend of equal parts tussah silk and merino wool.

The yarn was hand spun by my friend Mary Pirie of the eponymously named, Mary Pirie Designs, in Creiff, Scotland.  Available from An Cnoc Scottish Arts and Crafts.

Mary Pirie Design merino and silk yarn, handspun in Crieff and available from An Cnoc

Mary Pirie Design merino and silk yarn, handspun in Crieff and available from An Cnoc Scottish Arts and Crafts, shown here wound into a centre pull yarn cake.

Two 100 gram hanks of this aran weight yarn was used…and there was just enough. The bottom border and the top are complementary, not mirror images. The top border as shown is bit shallower; if you would like the top to match, you will need more yarn. Alternatively, work 4 (not 4.5) pattern repeats to allow for enough yarn to make a wider top border.

Kallisto Reversible Cowl all wrapped up for fall in locally handspun merino and silk.

Kallisto Reversible Cowl, all wrapped up for fall.

If you would like to use this stitch that I designed for a scarf, a chart is included for working the design flat as well as basic directions for scarf making. This being said, this chart could also be used if you want to make the cowl flat, then seam it together.. not ideal, and well, I will do almost anything to avoid seams wherever possible!

I do hope that you enjoy this pattern and that you will always knit with joy!

The pattern to make Kallisto is available to purchase here or by navigating to the Patterns for Sale page.

 

Kallisto.reverse.outside on deck. Showing facing and reverse of the stitch pattern.

Kallisto.reverse.outside on deck. Showing facing and reverse of the stitch pattern worked up in oceanic shades of blues and greens.

 

Marie Pirie Designs Silk and Merino. Hand spun and dyed in Creiff, Scotland.

Marie Pirie Designs Silk and Merino. Hand spun and dyed in Creiff, Scotland. Hanks are 100 grams each with 230 metres or 251.5 yards per hank. Two are needed to make the cowl as shown.

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Good Crieff Tea Cozy

Posted on Monday, October 31, 2011 by Coryna

Simple yet interesting pattern for a knit cozy that will keep your tea wonderfully warm.

Good Crieff Tea Cozy

Good Crieff Tea Cozy

Two sizes: 4 or 6 cup teapots—traditional round Brown Betty style.

Two formats: with integral base, or without—the first helps to protect your  table top while the second is well suited to footed tea pots!

Two methods: this cozy can be worked in one piece, in the round with double pointed needles then back and forth or in two pieces  then seamed together. You choose!

Good Crieff Tea Cozy , top view

Good Crieff Tea Cozy , top view

The stiches used are basic, but their organization offers some interesting techniques and practical textures with minimal finishing.

Should you decide to make the cozy without the base then change your mind, no worries. Options for making and attaching the base at the end are also included.

Ribbing, garter, half-brioche, and attached i-cord  are some of the stitches used.

This cozy works up quickly in hand crafted pure wool, grown, dyed, and spun in Scotland by Pandora’s Golden Fleece. This wool is available from Pandora herself at the Crieff Market, or from An Cnoc, Scottish Arts & Crafts in Crieff, Scotland. Another similar Aran weight wool could be used.

Good Crieff Tea Cozy, showing the integrated base

Good Crieff Tea Cozy, showing the integrated base

Handspun is generally variable in nature as I am discovering as I venture into the realm of hand spinning. The cozy shown was made in the smaller size in one piece with the integrated base and used 120 metres of wool . Allow more wool for the larger size.

Pandora's Golden Fleece, wound into a yarncake,shown with label and British Heritage apples.

Pandora's Golden Fleece, wound into a yarncake,shown with label and British Heritage apples.

The pattern is available for purchase here or by navigating to the Patterns for Sale page.

Enjoy this pattern and knit with joy!

Good Crieff Tea Cozy. Yarn Cake with geraniums

Good Crieff Tea Cozy. Yarn Cake with geraniums

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Tashka, the almost perfect wee handbag!

Posted on Tuesday, September 27, 2011 by Coryna

This almost perfect wee handbag the holds just the essentials. There is something about the size and shape of this bag that is completely compelling. You just want to pet it and keep it with you. Just the right size for wallet, lipstick, compact, hankie, keys and cell phone. It’s slightly crescent shape is somehow ergonomic…

 

Tashka. front view showing bobbles, the I-cord strap and ceramic button.

Tashka. Front view showing bobbles, the I-cord strap, and the hand made Flat Rabbit Ceramics button. Stunningly Scottish!

My lovely friend Mandy is the owner of An-Cnoc, Scottish Arts & Crafts in the picturesque town of Crieff. She is an amazing knitter, craftswoman, and is passionate about promoting contemporary and traditional arts and crafts. Featuring the work of several Scottish artisans, her shop is a treasure trove of talent.

I was more than happy to oblige when Mandy requested a pattern (or two!) that would be suitable for Pandora’s Golden Fleece, a locally produced yarn. She was keen to make up kits to sell in the shop that would include, yarn, coordinating button, lining, and a pattern as so often her customers have requested patterns for this very special wool!

 

Tashka, back view highlighting the crescent shaping

Tashka, back view highlighting the crescent shaping. Made wit Pandora's Golden Fleece in the colourway Lavender Blue.

Soft, strong, highly textured, and dyed to reflect the Scottish landscape, Ewenique’s Homespun Originals made by Pandora, herself is a blend of 100% Scottish wool from Abercairny Jacob, Bluefaced Leicester, & Blackfaced Sheep. You can see Pandora spinning at the Crieff Market on many a Saturday, and if you are not in the neighbourhood, find her on Facebook as Pandora’s Golden Fleece.

 

Tashka handbag with compact and lipstick

Tashka handbag with compact and lipstick. Note the pleasing moss stitch sides and base of the bag. Made in one piece!

Each 100 gram  hank is individual and features about 125 m (136 yds). Working up at a gauge of 17 sts and 21 rows per 10 cm (4in.) square with 5.0mm (6 UK/Cdn or 8 US)  in stockinette stitch, one hank is sufficient for your Tashka.

Almost seamless, the pattern includes some interesting  features: bobbles, moss stitch, integral shaping, and an i-cord strap.  Lining is optional, but functional.

 

Tashka, inside-out!

Tashka, inside-out! Step by step instructions are included for cutting and sewing the lining.

The lovely handmade ceramic button from Flat Rabbit Ceramics, in Crieff, is the perfect finishing touch and it’s rustic yet sophisticated beauty sets off the design perfectly. More of Cairnie’s designs can be found on her website and in the An-Cnoc shop. Buttons, decorative items and so much more!

Knit in one piece, there are two handle options: 1. classic as shown, or 2. a loop handled version. Lining is recommended but not entirely necessary.

 

Tashka, lining in progress

Tashka, lining in progress

Currently, I do not own a sewing machine, and hand seamed the lining. Not terribly onerous, just a bit slower. Mind you, attaching the lining to the bag needs to be done by hand anyways so by the time you get out the machine, change out the bobbin colour etc, etc, not alot of time gained, perhaps.. but to be honest, I miss my sewing machine!

I hope you enjoy this pattern, it is available for download as a pdf  here.

Remember to always, knit with joy!

p.s. In case you were wondering, Tashka (properly spelled as táska) is the Hungarian word for bag and well, short for kézitáska (handbag) …

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Milano Market Mohair Vest …molto bene

Posted on Tuesday, September 6, 2011 by Coryna

I have been dreaming about mohair for awhile now. When on holiday in Milan, Italy, we came upon a fabulous outdoor market selling all manner of goods; invariably, I found the wool vendor! After selecting this gorgeous highly textured and coloured lot of mohair, I set about making this vest with classic lines, deep ribbing and a big cuddly collar.

 

Milano Market Mohair. Collar detail back view.

Milano Market Mohair. Showing the large cape-like collar.

This beautiful Italian mohair blend by Rial of Biella in the shade called Marrone,  has such a wondrous melange of colour and textures that a simple stitch shows it off the best.  It is at once thick and cuddly, but light and fluffy.  It feels like wearing a warm hug!

Mohair is one of the most  amazing and yet misunderstood fibres. Coming from the Angora goat, it has more warmth than wool (even when wet), and amazing memory. It is also a better for the allergy prone among us while offering that decadence and femininity that only a fluffy sweater can afford.

 

Milano Market Mohair. playing with the collar, front view

Milano Market Mohair. playing with the collar, front view

Complex stitch patterns would just get lost in a fibre such as this one; and it is nice to have a relatively simple garment to work on once in a while.

The clean lines show off the yarn and the deep ribbing and strategic increases of the cape styled collar keeps the shoulders and upper arms warm on a chilly day! Ribbing at the waist gives shape to the gently shaped garment which is meant to be worn with about 2 inches of positive ease. Molto Bene..

 

Milano Market Mohair Vest, front view.

Milano Market Mohair Vest, front view.

The pattern is  written for ladies sizes Small, Medium, Large & Extra Large (XL) with finished bust measurements of : 37, 40, 44,  and 48 inches (94, 101, 112, 122 cm).

The yarn works to a gauge of: 12 stitches and 18 rows per 10 cm (4’’) square with 6.0 mm needles after blocking.

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Classically constructed in 3 pieces, back, left, and right front which are then sewn together at the sides and shoulders. Button bands are worked by picking up stitches from along the front edges and worked sideways. Once this is done, the collar is made by picking up stitches from around the neckline. Finishing involves adding the buttons, (I moved the top button placement to create the collar overlap, choose the button placement that suits you best), a row of single crochet around the armholes (this is optional for those not comfortable with crochet) and of course, sewing away the ends.

 

Milano Market Mohair Vest, left shoulder view

Milano Market Mohair Vest, left shoulder view

Presto, pronto… ready for any outing, or curling up with a good book, or your knitting!

I do hope you enjoy this pattern it is available for purchase as a pdf here, or by navigating to the Patterns for Sale page.

Knit with joy,

Coryna

Note to self: plan another trip to Milan, and next time, bring an empty suitcase!

 

Milano Market Mohair Vest, front view on the porch

Milano Market Mohair Vest, front view on the porch

 

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Brigid’s Cross Lace, a feminine style for sultry days or nights

Posted on Tuesday, August 23, 2011 by Coryna

I have been waxing nostalgic for summer… the word evokes the memories of days filled with warmth and sunshine. The wearing of pretty sundresses with only a thin gauge cardigan or Pashmina to stave of the evening chill…or a lovely boat-neck top with and easy fit and dropped cap sleeves.

Brigid's Cross.Lace Boatneck top. Front view 1

Brigid's Cross Lace Boatneck top , lovely for warm days, or try making it in a shimmery metallic for evening wear.

I have only mere memories of such days as Scotland’s summer lasts but a day or three. I am, to either my credit, or my detriment, an eternal optimist so when I came upon a handful of Rowan’s Bamboo Soft on sale at John Lewis in Edinburgh,  I was seduced by the softness and the hope for warmer days. After all, cool bamboo, shimmering silk, elegant linen, or rustic hemp, are fibres are well suited to warmer climes and by extension, well suited to the design I had in mind to wear with my favourite Thai silk wrap skirts.

Brigid's Cross Lace top. front view 2

Brigid's Cross Lace top, decide how wide you would like the neckline opening, and how deep the armholes.

I wanted a simple, but elegant, boat neck top with a very open lace stitch.   I couldn’t find the stitch I imagined so instead modified an existing one called the Indian Cross. I smoothed out the stitches and altered the way it is made to create Brigid’s Cross Lace. Perfect for showing a hint of skin without being too open, and the texture of the peppercorn stich worked on the body of the piece offers both structure, and modesty.

The eyelette cable ribbing at the waistband adds to the feminine aspect of this relatively easy to make garment. The back and front are made alike with minimal shaping. Grafting the shoulder seams using the Kitchener Stitch makes for a pleasing and seamless finish.

I have included a step by step tutorial on how to make both the Brigid’s Cross Lace stitch and the Kitchener Stitch in the pattern. The process can also be seen the photo montage below.

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A note about the yarn: Rowan’s Bamboo Soft, is very soft, has a bit of sheen and  drapes beautifully. It has a loftiness that implies a quick knit, but I feel I must warn you, there is a catch; literally.

The loose twist gives the yarn its loft and bouncy texture also results in a very splitty yarn. You must watch the making of every stitch carefully, and even the slightest imperfection of your skin will l catch and snag leaving nasty pulled threads that are not so easy to fix. Would I buy this yarn again? No. Just as well that Rowan has discontinued it. There are many other lovely bamboo, cotton, hemp or linen yarns that would do better. This would be lovely in a shimmery black or dark copper for  evening wear with chiffon Palazzo trousers…

When substituting yarns, choose a yarn that has a similar length to weight ratio as this one- about 102m (112 yds) per 50 g ball.  Rowan’s Bamboo Soft has a recommended gauge of 25 sts x 30 rows per 10 cm (4’’) square in st st with 3.25 mm (UK/CAD 10, US 3) needles.

Actual Gauge for this project: 22 sts x 30 rows per 10 cm (4’’) square in st st with 4.0mm (8 UK/CAD, 6 US) needles.

The pattern is available to fit bust sizes 34 -44 (Small to 3X) and should be worn with between 2 and  5 inches (5-12.7 cm) of positive ease for a slightly loose fit.

I do hope that you enjoy this pattern. You can purchase it here.   I will save mine for holidays in sunny Italy – or wear it as an extra layer over a thin pullover – with sleeves!

Knit with joy!

Coryna

Brigid's Cross Lace top. back view

Brigid's Cross Lace top. back view. Front and back are made alike. Eyelette cables at the waistband and a textured peppercorn stitch on the body compliment the neckline's openwork.

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