Thursday 30 June 2016

Summer Knitting Inspiration

Two new pattern releases to celebrate!

Loch Katrine Shawl knitting pattern

Loch Katrine Shawl is a pretty little shawl with stunning zigzag edging. Short row shaping gives this shawl a delicate curve and “mini-nupps” add interest to the lace section. This shawl is quick to knit and only uses 50g of laceweight yarn – perfect gifting material!

Castle Sands Scarf knitting pattern

Castle Sands Scarf is a stunning wide scarf in a pretty Estonian lace stitch pattern with a gorgeous edging, blocked into delicate points. It's worked from the centre out so that both sides are perfectly symmetrical. The yarn is an unbelievably soft and buttery heavy lace weight yarn, almost a 4ply. Its luxurious softness and fabulous handdyed colourways work so well with delicate lace.

And if you need more Summer knitting inspiration, please check out our post about our all time Top Ten Summer Knitting Patterns. There's something for everyone - simple linen tees, pretty wraps and intricate lace. 

Wishing all our readers a happy, knitting filled Summer!

Top Ten Summer Knitting Patterns

Tuesday 21 June 2016

Top Ten Summer Knitting Patterns


Top ten summer knitting patterns


Thought I'd write a wee top ten post this week. My "real" job is being a Maths teacher, and with one week to go until my 7 week summer holidays, I'm on the search for fun, lightweight knitting projects to keep me busy. Thought I'd collect a few gems for anyone in a similar situation!


Maybe Baby by Webster Street Knittery



Maybe, Baby knitting pattern


Summer in Scotland is a slightly chilly affair, so I love shawls and wraps to throw over my shoulders when I'm sitting outside in the evenings and this one looks just perfect. Such a pretty textured stitch pattern and lots of interest in the edging - sublime!




Wool Knot Tee knitting pattern


I always say I love a classic pattern with a twist, which this pattern takes very literally! Such a cool top - I love the different coloured striping, its flattering drape, and of course the knot detail. 


Davis by Pam Allen


Davis knitting pattern


A classic Summer sweater - light and loose! The yarn is 100% organic linen spun in a ribbon structure. It's got a bit of texture to it so it looks great in a simple stockinette pattern like this. And the colours are such lovely muted shades,

Spring Lace Infinity Scarf by Linda from Purl Avenue




Such a pretty knit with a delicate lace pattern, this really is a showstopper! And it's a really wearable piece for people who love lace knitting but wouldn't wear a shetland triangle! And it's a freebie, who can resist?!

Lilac Love Lace Shawl by Derya from Laylock



In Summer, I never really knit anything heavier than dk yarn - it's the time of year where lace knitting and fine yarns really get their chance to shine. And this is a true classic lace knitting pattern. Perfect for Summer weddings and garden parties, this is an intricate, timeless wrap. 


Linum Tee by Bristol Ivy




Another lovely linen creation! This top in 4ply linen yarn will certainly be cool in warmer climates. I going through a real phase for textured knits at the moment, and absolutely adore the asymmetric, textured detailing round the neckline. Such a simple but striking top - love it!



Embruns by Emilie Luis




A real Summer wardrobe staple - it ticks so many boxes for me. A clean silhouette; simple, flattering design; clever detailing at the front. This is one that you knit once and wear forever!


Danzig by Justyna Lorkowska






I had to include this one! Such a fun knit - the rainbow stripes are such a joyful addition to a knitting pattern. While variegated yarns by themselves can be a bit much for me, when "diluted" like this with the grey solid colour, they add a splash of brightness that makes this a perfect summer knit.

A Crush on Lace by Lisa Richardson



Lace isn't just for shawls! This top with lace panels is an absolutely gorgeous way to show off your lace knitting skills. This really is something special, and shows that knitting isn't just about thick woolly jumpers!


Epsilon Cropped Cardigan by Littletheorem Knits




Ok, so this one's by me (a shameless plug!) but I'll explain why it's on the list: firstly, we don't have a really cropped cardigan yet and I think they're both cute and useful for when it's hot-but-not-that-hot. And secondly, I only had one skein of this beautiful blue sock yarn at the time, so I knitted the sample for this pattern in a size 28-30. This is just a tad too small for me, so it's definitely on the list to reknit in a larger size!


I really hope you enjoyed this list and that if you're a "cold-weather" knitter then it inspires you to start knitting in the warmer months too. Please let me know what you think in the comments, and let me know if you have any summer favourites that you would have added!






Friday 10 June 2016

Father's Day Competition on AllFreeKnitting

One of my very first knitting patterns, Klein Scarf, is in AllFreeKnitting's Father's Day knitting pattern competition! 



They've listed their top five Father's Day patterns (mine is listed as Sapphire Algorithm Scarf) and all you need to do is post a comment on their page to be in with a chance to win the book "Simple Scarves made with the Knook" and  the Knook Kit. Plus I get a prize too if my pattern is the winner, so please do vote for my Sapphire Algorithm Scarf!


Having said that though, the other knitting patterns are truly lovely too, and if you're looking for a last minute handmade Father's day gift, or just free men's knitting patterns, they're a great place to start! The rest of the list of patterns is as follows:



A moss stitch knit tie with a contrast colour tail.



Sure to appeal to the most fussy of dads, this is a great "on trend" hat in a beautiful variegated yarn.



Perfect for last minute knitting! This cosy cowl will knit up quickly in worsted weight yarn.



The twin rib stitch pattern adds interest to a classic dad-friendly pattern.


Here's the competition link again, and may the best pattern win!