Martin Storey

March 14, 2015, 6:41 pm

Looking for men's patterns? Martin Storey just released 6 great designs.

A collection of six timeless men's patterns designed exclusively for Knitrowan by Martin Storey. Designs include a classic cable sweater, a striped shawl collar cardigan and a fairisle sweater with an eye catching geometric design.

The patterns (individual or the whole collection) are available for sale on Rowan's website now and should be available on Ravelry soon.

Rowan also did a YouTube video of the garments

Ley Lines (the first) is out of the bag and I'm working away on it. Remember my public service announcement from last night? I found another mistake in the ribbing. For some reason I mixed up knits and purls in a section of about 20 stitches. Thank goodness I know how to drop down stitches to fix them - otherwise I would be ripping back about 10 rows.

It's much later. Dinner out and then knitting while watching more episodes of House of Cards. I have 12 more rows and then the casting off of Ley Lines is going to start. I can't wait. Something tells me that I could be a late night, or early morning depending on how you look at it.

↧

The Great Debate

March 15, 2015, 4:32 pm

≫ Next: Getting Ready for the Frolic

≪ Previous: Martin Storey

Every time I finished another eight rows of my pattern last night, Beth and I debated whether I could do another section before starting my cast off. I don't want to have left over yarn but I don't want to run out. We decided on five extra sections and then I started my cast offs this afternoon.

Here is Ley Lines (the first) after a day of knitting.

Every wrong side row you cast off four stitches so it is a very gently sloping cast off edge. This means I have a lot of rows to go to finish.

We have one episode of House of Cards left. Dinner is done, the dishwasher is going and it's time to watch.

↧

Getting Ready for the Frolic

March 16, 2015, 1:47 pm

≫ Next: Best Friends

≪ Previous: The Great Debate

Mr. Canada Post brought in a box from Lynda this morning. She just finished two amazing shawls. It's 'we need new samples for the Frolic' time of year so my knitters are very busy right now.

Pattern: Russian Hills (purchased on Ravelry)
Yarn: 2 skeins of Mrs. Crosby Hat Box in the colour Hot Pimiento

This edging is worked first and goes so quickly because of its visible lace patterning. Later on, we pick up for the body and use garter and stockinette as a blank slate to wear around the body, letting the lace do the talking!

Inside the pattern you will find the Chart and Written Instructions, notes on how to modify the shawl to your yardage and a comprehensive abbreviation list to ensure you don’t get lost in Russian Hills.

Pattern: Rumple Scarf (purchased on Ravelry)
Yarn: 4 skeins of Mrs. Crosby Hat Box
Sample: 2 skeins Wild Huckleberry and 2 skeins Squid Ink

We added more stitches to our scarf - 60 to be exact. I knew that we had extra yarn so why not make the shawl longer?

A scarf/wrap hybrid that can be draped around your neck or used to cover your shoulders. Designed to use 2 skeins of luxury sport-weight yarn, but very easily modified to use up any scraps you have laying about :)

Beth finished a cowl on the weekend.

Pattern: Sanibel Cowl (free from Classic Elite)
Yarn: 2 balls of Santorini
Colour: 2130 Confetti

Beth is stopping in the store on her way home from work to pick out more colours of Santorini. Her next project is going to combine three or four colours in a scarf.

Here is a better picture of Ley Lines so far. I really need to get a mannequin at home.

↧

Best Friends

March 17, 2015, 5:59 pm

≫ Next: New Flags

≪ Previous: Getting Ready for the Frolic

Today is one of those days when I have nothing to write about. No new yarn today. No new samples. Wait. I forgot. We received the new colours of Opal today.

75% superwash wool

25% polyamide

100g ball with 425m

machine washable

Opal, a German company, is one of the market leaders in sock yarn. Known for quality, they offer a fantastic selection of self-patterning sock yarns.

Now it's time to knit. There is a new show on at 10 tonight on W network. Game of Homes.

In Game of Homes, Host Cameron Mathison guides teams of skilled amateur home renovators as they compete for the chance to trade their skills for the prize of a lifetime. The teams save rundown houses that are marked to be torn down and revive them into dream homes. Each team must redo the houses room by room, as they cope with small budgets, tight deadlines and even tighter living spaces.

↧

New Flags

March 18, 2015, 4:42 pm

≫ Next: Coming Soon

≪ Previous: Best Friends

While I was in Myrtle Beach, dad and I went flag shopping. He found that the best place to go is the flea market. They have a huge selection at great prices. Now we are ready for Easter.

Cathy stopped by today with her Naushon Scarf. I love this colourway. We will be bringing Santorini to the Frolic. The display is going to be awesome with lots of garments.

Our house is almost ready. The one thing we have been waiting for is the stone on the fireplace. It's finally there and should be installed tomorrow. Actually, boxes were there on Monday. Beth took a peek and it was wrong. She called the builder and they were very thankful that it was caught before the fireplace was finished. That would have been a lot of work to change it. And Beth would have made them change it because she was dead set against the other stone.

I'm working like crazy on Ley Lines. Fingers crossed it will be finished tonight. Two hours of Survivor and then CSI: Cyber.

↧

Coming Soon

March 19, 2015, 4:48 pm

≫ Next: Caliadne Shawl

≪ Previous: New Flags

There are new patterns coming from Noro. I think that they should be in the store sometime next week.

The first is a hard cover book.

The vibrant colors of Noro yarn and the striking stitch patterns of lace knitting provide a unique opportunity for design inspiration. For this collection of 30 projects, some of today's top knitwear designers have risen to that challenge, and to new heights of beauty: from flattering tops, dramatically draped shawls, and cozy hats and mitts to a structured tote and a cozy blanket, these creations, knit in a variety of Noro yarns, will open your eyes to openwork in a whole new way!

And a new pattern book from Jenny Watson.

Ley Lines (the first) was finished last night. Now it needs to be blocked. I think that might be my job on the weekend. Tonight I will be knitting on Ley Lines (the second) and watching basketball. March Madness is here. We have a friendly family wager happening. And trust me, it's not that friendly. Very cut throat!! The worst part of it is that mom is winning right now and she knows absolutely nothing about basketball.

Beth and I made a trip to the mud pit today to see the fireplace. Here it is so far.

The big green thing is our wood shelf. It will be stained a dark grey after the stone work is done. I can't wait to see it finished.

↧

Caliadne Shawl

March 20, 2015, 2:40 pm

≫ Next: The Second

≪ Previous: Coming Soon

Diana just dropped off the Caliadne Shawl. It looks amazing. Diana called me just after she started because she realized that there was going to be a lot of red left over. She made a few very easy adjustments to the pattern to make it bigger and to use up almost all of the yarn.

Reminiscent of a watery home, the simple waves of Caliadne are sure to enwrap you in the ocean's splendor wherever your land-bound adventures may take you! This shawl's contrasting stripes create depth and a sense of unending beauty when coiled upon itself. Elegant in its simplicity, Caliadne is great for beginners who are ready to take the plunge into medium sized projects. It's a piece versatile enough to be worn day and night, and pink enough to soften the edges of your business casual wardrobe without taking you into the realm of cotton candy. Designed by Toby Roxane, this pattern includes written instructions.

Yarn: Zen Yarn Garden Serenity Glitter Sock - 1 skein each of 2 colours (we used Vixen and Stamped Lips)

80% Superwash Merino/10% Cashmere/10% Sparkling Nylon3-Ply Fingering Weight | Approx. 400 yards (100 g)

The pattern will for sale on Ravelry later this year. We have permission to sell you the pattern when you purchase the yarn (Zen Serenity 20, Serenity Glitter Sock or Serenity Silk Single) to knit the shawl.

I think we have all of our Frolic garments finished now. That means that my knitters have started working on garments for Camp. It's the end of March and September will be here before we know it.

↧

The Second

March 21, 2015, 4:15 pm

≫ Next: Easy Summer Knitting

≪ Previous: Caliadne Shawl

Ley Lines (the second) is my new obsession. I want to have it finished so that I can wear it to the Frolic. We're home from dinner and it's only 7pm. There are many hours of knitting ahead of me tonight.

We are very excited about this year's Camp. Kate Atherley and Kim McBrien are teaching some amazing workshops. Registration is taking off - we have 15 ladies coming so far and the cut off number is 40. If you are thinking that you would like to join us this fall, please don't wait and be disappointed.

Download the brochure....

↧

Easy Summer Knitting

March 23, 2015, 3:17 pm

≫ Next: Bring on the Heat

≪ Previous: The Second

It's that time of year where you want to knit but you aren't interested in a big project. Here are some suggestions for you.

How about a summery scarf? The Bias Before and After Scarf is knit in Classic Elite's Silky Alpaca Lace. You need one ball and 4.5mm needles.

From Churchmouse Yarns

We dubbed this scarf 'before & after' because it's so ugly (truly!) before it's blocked and so beautiful after. Knitted on the bias, this light, airy scarf has the smooth simplicity of stockinette stitch without all the rolling at the edges. The pattern includes simple instructions for adding beads at the ends.

We have a sample of the scarf hanging in the store. It is great looking and so lightweight. We think of it more like jewelry than something you are wearing for warmth.

Silver Hey - shown as a bandana or you can make it bigger for a shawl. Knit in Anise from Louisa Harding. You are knitting on 10mm needles which means you can have it finished to wear this weekend.

What about a knit necklace?

Although a scarf or shawl may be a more usual neckwear accessory, this necklace is definitely easier to wear in warm weather.

The color, drape and texture changes in our newest yarn Santorini work perfectly for this super quick to knit necklace. The pattern is easily customizable to any length. Add as many "beads" as you like – the necklace shown has 10 rows between "beads" but you can space them out or place them closer together.

Download the pattern...

One ball of Santorini and 4mm double pointed needles will make two scarves. One for yourself and one for a gift.

The basketball was amazing on the weekend. Too amazing. I was busy flipping between games and that totally cut into my knitting time. Tonight there isn't much on TV so I should have some time to get the needles moving.

↧

Bring on the Heat

March 24, 2015, 5:52 pm

≫ Next: October Moss

≪ Previous: Easy Summer Knitting

Here is another interesting idea for a summer project. The Heatwave Throw by Kaffe Fassett.

Kaffe has designed this throw in his own unique and inimitable style, exclusively for the web site using Purelife Revive and Cotton Glace.

The pattern is free and you can download it on Rowan's website...

In the Frolic group on Ravelry there are some bus tours posted. Can you image the ride home with everyone showing off their purchases?

If you are looking to share a ride, you can post there as well.

Beth and I made a last minute decision to take a drive tonight. The garage doors were put on today. Of course we stopped for ice cream on the way home. Isn't that what you do when you go for a drive?

↧

October Moss

March 25, 2015, 4:29 pm

≫ Next: Super Bulky = Super Fast

≪ Previous: Bring on the Heat

Early next week (fingers crossed Monday) we will have two more colours of Liberty Print from Classic Elite.

The body of this open front cardigan is worked in garter stitch, entirely on the diagonal, There is no finishing — the sleeves are picked up from the body and worked in the round to the cuff in Stockinette stitch.

The colors flow in different directions on this garter stitch scarf. The entire scarf is worked without breaking the yarn — the only ends to weave in are from beginning a new ball.

Cathy worked in the store today so that I could do some necessary errands. She sent me a text that a box came in from Freia Fibers. The Super Bulky is here.

I can't wait to see the yarn tomorrow. We have new samples too. I thought about going to the store now but it's cold and rainy. My friends won't go outside on a day like today for pictures. How can I blame them - I don't want to go outside.

A parcel arrived from Wannietta this morning and Cathy brought in some more finished projects. There are going to be lots of pretty pictures tomorrow.

↧

Super Bulky = Super Fast

March 26, 2015, 12:06 pm

≫ Next: New Tosh

≪ Previous: October Moss

So much for taking pictures outside today. The weather was good for the first few (meaning that snow was fitting for these projects) and then I moved back inside

The hat pattern is from Ravelry - The Big Hat. One ball of Freia Super Bulky on 10mm needles. Cathy made the perfect pom pom.
The cowl is my pattern - we'll give you the pattern with the purchase of the yarn. Again, just one ball of Freia Super Bulky on 15mm needles.

Here are some pretty spring items. First from Cathy

Pattern: Cordelia (from the Classic Elite book Oceanside or it can be purchased on Ravelry)
Yarn: 4 balls of Classic Elite Bella Lino

Bella Lino is a lightweight yarn that creates an airy fabric with long, harmonious stripes. The palette of summery shades each have a linen-hued base.

Another Sanibel Cowl knit in Santorini. I love this colour. 2114 Dancing Shadows.

Wannietta finished an amazing shawl in the same colour of Santorini.

Santorini's colorways sing along the matte and shiny textures inherent in the yarn, adding vibrant color to warm-weather garments, wraps and scarves.

Pattern: Naushon. You can purchase the Classic Elite book, Along The Shore, for the pattern or you can purchase the pattern on Ravelry.

The shawl takes 9 balls.

Survivor last night was awesome. You know that when someone goes on and on about how they are going to run the game that they are going home soon. And the look on his partner in crimes face at tribal council was awesome. I made Beth rewind it so that we could watch it again. Don't get cocky in the game. It doesn't end well.

↧

New Tosh

March 27, 2015, 2:27 pm

≫ Next: One of a Kind

≪ Previous: Super Bulky = Super Fast

Yesterday when I talked about the Freia Super Bulky, I forgot to show the two brand new colours of Freia. We have these in Super Bulky and Fingering.

Whisper

Woodsman

Beth knit the checkerboard cowl in Woodsman Super Bulky.

Speaking of Fingering, Auburn Wave makes a great summer project. 2 balls of fingering on 4.5mm needles.

I received a very happy email this morning. There is another tosh order in production for us. We're hoping that it will make it here in time for the Frolic. There are new colours!!

Daffodil

Deep

Fallen Cloud

Fir Leaf

Geode

Great Grey Owl

Heartbeat

Kilim

Kitten

Leopard

Moonglow

Odyssey

Pecan Hull

Plunge

Raspberry Cordial

Resin

Silver Leaf

Woodstock

And there is a brand new yarn coming too.

Twist Light - a sock yarn with nylon

Twist Light is a 75% superwash merino wool / 25% nylon, 3 ply fingering weight yarn with a generous 420 yards (384 m) per skein. Twist light has a tight twist that creates a durable fabric when knitted/crocheted. Each incredibly soft squishy skein is hand dyed in small dye lots.

Twist Light will be coming in the following colours.
pecan twist
plunge
raspberry cordial
deep
heartbeat
great grey owl
leopard
fallen cloud
woodstock
kilim
odyssey
kitten
geode
neon peach
fluoro rose
holi festival
tart
charcoal
whiskey barrel
dr zhivago's sky
worn denim
amber trinket
coquette
spectrum
mandala

merino light
ember
paper
chicory
baltic
lolita
plunge
deep
great grey owl
raspberry cordial
pecan hull
daffodil
odyssey
moonglow
fir wreath
silver leaf
kitten
geode
kilim
woodstock
fallen cloud
leopard

prairie
clematis
cove
plunge
raspberry cordial
odyssey
geode

tosh dk
baltic
ember
whiskers
charcoal
whiskey barrel
plunge
geode
odyssey
kilim
pecan hull
great grey owl
fir wreath
fallen cloud

merino
esoteric
chicory
plunge
odyssey
geode
woodstock
kilim
fallen cloud

sock
tart
calligraphy
baltic
leopard
heartbeat
great grey owl
plunge
raspberry cordial
odyssey
geode
woodstock
kilim
lolita
magnolia leaf
mourning dove
nebula
opaline
amber trinket
stephen loves tosh
fog
dirty panther
baroque violet
medieval

vintage
astrid grey
whiskers
rain water
paper
plunge
odyssey
geode
woodstock
kilim
fir wreath
fallen cloud

asap
raspberry cordial
plunge
odyssey
woodstock
fallen cloud
fir wreath
shire
cousteau
mourning dove
jasper
fog

merino dk
dr zhivago's sky
stephen loves tosh
plunge
raspberry cordial
odyssey
woodstock
silver leaf
fir wreath
fallen cloud

pashmina
moonglow
fir wreath
odyssey
plunge
pecan hull
fallen cloud
leopard
rain water
curiosity
fog
coquette
baltic
antique lace
well water
mica
dachshund
astrid grey
dr zhivago's sky
chicory
mandala
aura
hosta blue

I love pashmina. Super soft and the yarn takes the dye beautifully.

madelinetosh pashmina is a 3-ply yarn made up of 75% superwash merino wool, 15% silk and 10% cashmere, a similar fiber blend to woven pashmina scarves.

I started thinking that I have a beautiful shawl knit in pashmina. I've pulled it out and put it out in the store. I LOVE the fringes.

Pattern: Shalimar (purchased on Ravelry)
Yarn: 3 skeins of pashmina

Lace and cables combine to create beautiful curves in this lace stole. A luxury blend of yarn makes this a truly opulent knit.

Shalimar is knit all in one piece from end to end with a knotted fringe that is added last.

This pattern includes lace patterning on both sides of the work and simple cables. Charts and written instructions are provided.

Size is easily modified by working in a different weight and/or adjusting the number of horizontal/vertical repeats. Changes in gauge and/or repeats will affect yardage required.

The news about this shipment might change things in the Frolic booth. I knew that we were taking merino light but if the boxes arrive in time we'll be bringing the new Twist Light too. And look how many colours of pashmina are coming. Maybe we can squeeze that into the booth.

↧

One of a Kind

March 28, 2015, 6:54 pm

≫ Next: Finishing Projects

≪ Previous: New Tosh

It's that time of year. Beth and I are heading to The One of a Kind show in Toronto after work today. That is never a cheap evening.

We're home now. I'm sorry to say that the show was a bit disappointing. Lots of t-shirts. Not sure what that was about. Lots of pottery but not pottery that I wanted to buy. A few artists that we were looking forward to seeing weren't there. The game man wasn't there - he always has a big booth with cribbage boards and other card/dice games made of wood. The good things about the show. We got to park close and the show was pretty empty. If this was your first time going, I'm sorry. The fall show is nothing like this. Please try it again in November and I think you will understand why I go every year.

What did I buy?

A leather purse from Matteo Mio. I have a few purses from him and they are awesome. I'm still carrying a bag from six or seven years ago. It has been on many trips and I love it. If you go in the fall, stop by his booth. You won't be disappointed in his bags.

Butter tarts. They are very good but they could be the sweetest butter tarts I have ever had. It was hard getting through it.

Now it's time to knit. I haven't done much of that in the last few days. And there is the second half of the Notre Dame/Kentucky basketball game. I can't decide who I want to win because I have both teams in the family pool.

Have you looked at the workshops being offered at the Knitters Frolic? There are still spots available in all but one class. Don't miss out on an opportunity to take a class with these great instructors.

↧

Finishing Projects

March 29, 2015, 3:36 pm

≫ Next: A lot of stitches

≪ Previous: One of a Kind

The last few days have been spent finishing projects that have been sitting around. Remember my New Year's Resolution? Every month I must finish one. Today I finished two. Pictures tomorrow because they are in need of a mannequin and a bit of blocking.

Here is the next one that is going to be finished.

Pattern: Exploration Station (purchased on Ravelry)
Yarn: 4 skeins of tosh merino light

This is the Stephen West KAL from October. I am so close to finished. Like four or five rows close. Why has it been sitting in my closet?

This top down semi-circle shawl begins with my favorite Westknits shortcut rows and yarn overs followed by two-color brioche ribbing, slipped stitches, stripes, and finally and beautiful chevron border. Choose 4 colors of yarn and enjoy the playful knitting journey!

Master Chef Canada will be on soon. A bit more knitting then early to bed. For some reason I'm very tired today. It's going to be a busy week so I should start off on a good foot.

↧

A lot of stitches

March 30, 2015, 6:39 pm

≫ Next: Diagonal Summer Scarf

≪ Previous: Finishing Projects

I forgot how long it takes to do an I-Cord bind off. Especially when there are close to 500 stitches on the needle. If you aren't familiar with the I-Cord bind off, here is a great explanation from Knitty.

I spread the stitches over two circular needles to show how great the shawl is. I highly recommend Exploration Station. The pattern is extremely well written and fun to do. Plus you might learn a new technique.

Now I need to get moving. It's going to take a few days to get these all cast off.

↧

Diagonal Summer Scarf

March 31, 2015, 5:44 pm

≫ Next: Come Together

≪ Previous: A lot of stitches

Beth has been busy playing with Classic Elite's Santorini.

The scarf is an adaptation of Classic Elite's Diagonal Summer Scarf pattern. She used 4 balls of Santorini but we think that 3 would be more than enough. Beth chose colour 2130, 2148 and 2 balls of 2188. After much debate (actually I just handed them to her) she used 4.5mm needles.

We have a neat kit coming very soon from Dream in Color. Fingers crossed in the next two weeks.

The Arcoiris Scarf kit knit in Dream in Color Jilly Lace on 4mm needles.

Jilly Lace was designed to be the perfect shawl yarn. Just like the fingering weight version of Jilly, Jilly Lace has a soft and lustrous single-ply construction that has fantastic stitch definition for both lace and stockinette – you won’t want to stop knitting with it!

100% superwash merino wool

There will be two colourways available. Warm above or cool below.

The kits will retail for $49.95. Call or email me to reserve yours. I don't know if we will be able to get more kits once the order is sold.

It's almost time for Game of Homes. Wow these houses need a lot of work. We have fun deciding what we would do if we were on the show.

↧

Come Together

April 1, 2015, 6:55 pm

≫ Next: Free pattern from Rowan

≪ Previous: Diagonal Summer Scarf

These were finished in March (my New Year's Resolution) but I needed to block the textured cowl. Lynn got out the steamer and pins today and now it is looking good. Why not wet block? I knew that I liked the size and didn't want it any longer. The steamer was a better idea on this project.

Both cowls are from one Come Together kit from Classic Elite. The kit has 6 balls of Silky Alpaca Lace and you wind all 6 into one big ball. My kit is Peace.

I'm still working on the cast off of Exploration Station. There hasn't been a lot of knitting time but I'm hoping there will be lots this weekend. The store is closed on Friday and spring/summer hours have started so we are now closed on Mondays until the fall.

Someone got a new bed and is very, very happy. So happy that he fell asleep.

↧

Free pattern from Rowan

April 2, 2015, 6:44 pm

≫ Next: Revive

≪ Previous: Come Together

Knit this men's v neck cardigan, the member’s exclusive free pattern for April 2015. Designed by Lisa Richardson using Cotton Glace (cotton) and Silkystones (silk and linen) worked together for the main body, this textured cardigan has pocket detailing, contrasting edges and set-in sleeves.

Download the free pattern on Rowan's website...

It's been a really long week and I'm having a very hard time coming up with a blog post today. There hasn't been any knitting. No new yarns this week. No more free patterns to share. Help.

These pretty flowers are sitting on my breakfast bar so that I can look at them while I'm working. They remind me of spring which has kind of arrived.

I'm going to sign off now and head to bed. Tomorrow will be about knitting.

↧

Revive

April 3, 2015, 6:00 pm

≫ Next: Off the Needles

≪ Previous: Free pattern from Rowan

Lynn came to work yesterday in her Easy Fold Poncho. It got me thinking about the spring/summer version that Churchmouse Yarns knit up.

Rowan Revive makes a lightweight, warm-weather poncho that's just right when the sun goes down on a summer day - or all year long if you live in the south

The tweediness of the recycled fibers brings a new level of interest to the poncho's stockinette stitch fabric.

You'll need 7 skeins of Rowan Revive for the poncho, plus one more if you want the optional cowl.

We have the pattern in the store or you can purchase it on Ravelry...

Purelife revive is Rowan's wonderful tweed effect, fully recycled summer yarn. It has a beautiful rusticity.

36% recycled cotton
36% recycled silk
28% recycled viscose

If Revive interests you but you don't want to make a poncho, there are many other options. From Rowan you can make

Lambrook available for purchase on Ravelry.

Emmer from the Rowan booklet Simple Shapes Purelife Revive and Summerspun.

Guido from Rowan Magazine #55.

The Cable 3/4 Sleeve Sweater is a free download on Rowan's website.

Sherry from Kim Hargreaves' Honey magazine.

The yarn is a true DK which means there are many, many, many patterns from Sirdar that you can use as well.

I was at my parent's for dinner and left my knitting there. UGH!! I am so close to finishing Exploration Station. So close. About 20 stitches to cast off. I was going to do that during The Amazing Race and then have pictures. Like any knitter, I have a few other projects at home that I can work on. :) Ley Lines has come out to play.

↧

Latest Images