Diamond Yarn Blog

Some Like It Hot

Colour is hot right now! A sweltering swirl of sizzling hues, and it is all inside the pages of the latest Spring/Summer Noro Magazine. A bevy of well-known international designers have worked their magic with needles and hooks, to create an enigmatic collection of thirty-four stunning styles to peak your interest, flaunting the beauty and artistry that is twirled inside every skein of Noro yarn, along with the visually beguiling photography, every page pops with an infusion of colour. High on the trend list this year is multi-directional and short row knitting, a technique that stretches the possibilities, and elevates Noro’s incredible spectrum of colour to a new level. This issue also includes a section featuring newborn fashions, a little more crochet than usual with highly exotic styling, as well as an article exploring the phenomena that has become, The Cult Of Noro, and an in-depth interview with British designer, Jane Ellison, a firsthand account of her relationship with the yarn itself.

Arriving at your LYS in the first week of June, be sure to reserve a copy!

Heat up your weekend with a quick look at what’s inside-

Lace Maxi Dress

The wavy lines in Galina Caroll’s Lace Maxi Dress play up the artistry in Silk Garden Lite’s palette, an ideal weight for warm weather styles, in a blend of silk, kid mohair and lambswool. Look for more than two dozen graduated colour options for this season.

Cap Sleeve Top

If you are a first-timer at short row knitting, this sporty Cap Sleeve Top designed by Irina Poludnento offers just enough of a thrill with over the shoulder shaping. The front and back panels are knit from the bottom to top, and the sides are picked up and knit outwards. Knit in Koromo, a brand new quality from Noro consisting of cotton, wool and silk in a dk weight.

Short Row Colorback Top

And now for something dramatically different, a design by Wilma Peers, giving the impression of drifting landscapes. This Short Row Colorback Top features a fold-over collar and is sure to be a favorite as it can easily make the shift into Fall and Winter as a tunic to wear with leggings. Knit in Silk Garden Lite. Don’t rule this one out, as multi-directional knitting is much easier than it looks.

Hourglass Top

Aptly named by designer, Theresa Schabes, the Hourglass Top, for its very inventive seaming which draws the eye to follow the curves and puts the emphasize on a sleek silhouette. Knit in Silk Garden Sock, a fingering weight yarn in fourteen richly dyed hues.

Crochet V Neck Top

Single and double crochet have never looked so inviting, as in this V Neck Top by designer, Yoko Hatta. A quick to make slipover style showcasing the versatility of Taiyo Sock, a fingering weight mix of cotton, wool, silk, and nylon.

Round Yoke Pullover

Designer, Yoko Hatta offers two creative options in this magazine issue with her crocheted yoke design, featured first as a trendy cape to cover the shoulders and secondly, as a pullover (shown above). Crocheted in Silk Garden Sock, a natural fibre yarn that is having its time in the sun, crossing over from foot warming fashion to stylish garments.

A Line Tank

Graphically enticing panels of multi-directional knitting are bordered with vertical sides in this elegant A Line Tank Top by Mari Tobita, a pleasure to knit in Noro’s new starlet, Takeuma, a mélange of wool, silk and viscose in a dk weight yarn, offering three neutral shadings and three pops of more intense colouring including purple passion no. 7 (shown above).

Saddle Shoulder Colorblock Top

Noro makes the task of choosing the right colour exceptionally easy, especially with this Saddle Shoulder Top by designer, Cheryl Murray that assimilates all the prettiest shades of summer into one yarn. Knit in Taiyo, a soft cotton, spun with silk and wool in a cheery selection of not less than thirty self-striping picks.

Tags: koromo, magazine, noro, silk garden lite, silk garden sock, taiyo, takeuma
May 18th, 2013 | No comments »

Knitting Gatsby Style

Fireworks will be exploding on the big screen this weekend, as the highly-anticipated remake of The Great Gatsby roars back to life. This 3D visual extravaganza by Australian director Baz Luhrmann, set amidst the glitzy post-war era of a booming Wall Street, will enthrall movie-goers with jazzy hip-hop riffs, a parade of sleek and shiny roadsters, lavish beaded costumes by Prada, and vintage bling from Tiffany, a decadent backdrop to the fictitious saga of Long Island millionaire, Jay Gatsby and his beloved, Daisy Buchanan.

Capture your own Gatsby Style with these fabulous flapper fashions from Debbie Bliss-

Beaded Turban- Turn heads with a 1920′s style bob cut and this stunning headpiece, knit in two seed stitch strips and seamed together with a centre tab. Add a decorative touch with a special vintage broach or a sprinkle of pearls for evening sparkle. Knit in Cashmerino Aran, soft and demure in over sixty shades. Beige (shown above).

Dog Tooth Yoke Sweater- Pleated skirts with drop waists were all the rage in the Jazz Age, this one is paired nicely with a figure-flattering ribbed pullover featuring elegant sleeves that grace the elbow and an interesting two-tone slip stitch yoke pattern. Knit in Rialto 4 Ply, a washable fine merino wool, light enough for the warm weather, and available in more than thirty colours. Pale Blue and White (shown above).

Cabled Cardigan- A slim neutral silhouette was the fashion style, and for classic daywear, a shawl collared cardigan with pockets for a silver cigarette case was a staple, this one features delicate lace detail. Sleek and sophisticated in a champagne hue, knit in Eco Baby, an organic cotton in a finer weight. Pebble (shown above).

Beaded Clutch Bag- Flapper girls were the life of the party during the Roaring Twenties, with their feathered headpieces, embroidered dresses, and beaded accessories like this exquisite knitted clutch. One ball of Baby Cashmerino, and a remnant of silk fabric for the lining work their magic with glass beads threaded onto the yarn and knit into a chevron pattern. Hot Pink (shown above).

Pleated Skirt Dress- Summertime in Long Island includes serving tea and sandwiches in the gazebo, followed by serving on the tennis court. This sporty outfit has well-constructed pleats, transitioning into stripes and ribs. Knit in Eco Baby. Heather and White (shown above).

Diamond Sweater- After a night of doing the Charleston, its a relaxing afternoon game of croquet, and this classic Diamond Sweater suits the occasion to a tee. Knit in Rialto 4 Ply. Light Pink and White (shown above).

May 11th, 2013 | No comments »

A Crush On Coral

If there was just one single colour to conjure up wistful images of sun-bleached boulevards, swaying palm trees, and fruity cocktails garnished with paper umbrellas, it would have to be CORAL. This exotic swish of a pinky orange hue is high on our radar for Spring and Summer fashion, radiating a healthy glow on all those who choose to wear it. The 1980′s pastel parade inspired by The Golden Girls and Miami Vice may have over-juiced this tropical shade but now decades later, coral has resurfaced as a cool, classy staple in the fashion world playing up the wow factor as a striking counterpart to mint green, turquoise and bright white.

Spring 2013 Runway Fashion

Cast on for warm weather with A Crush On Coral-

Katia Mali Top

Citrus Smoothie- Summer is all about light and loose layers, and this design fits the bill with open stitching, a boxy shape, and roomy sleeves. Knit in Mali, a soft aran weight cotton with a distinctive ropelike twist from Katia showcasing eighteen Caribbean brights. Geranium (shown above).

Katia Linda Tunic

Ice Sorbet- A flowy tunic will be high on the priority list for keeping cool, whether its at the pool or the patio as a cover-up. Knit in Linda, a slubby mix of viscose, linen, and cotton ideally suited for relaxed knitwear like this, and if you dislike sewing seams, this style is as simple as it gets, knit in one piece from side to side. Ten shades are available.

Louisa Harding Jesse Shell

Fruity Sherbet- For sunseekers, show off that tan with a flattering sleeveless shell knit in Jesse from the Louisa Harding Collection, a worsted weight cotton with a slightly faded denim finish. Check out the complete range of colours, including bubblegum (shown above).

Katia Tonga and Monaco Top

Dreamy Creamsicle- Cool and comfortable cotton takes on a woven look for summer with Tonga, a brand new braided-strip yarn, cut and pieced together with a crochet hook to create a mix of casual elegance for this boat neck style top. See the video here for step-by-step instructions on working with Tonga.

Katia Zanzibar Cap Sleeve Top

Sassy Splash- For a pop of colour, keep it easy and breezy with this cap sleeve top from Katia’s City Collection, knit in two squares, no shaping required. Knit in Zanzibar, a polar weight yarn that z-o-o-m-s across 12.00 mm needles with record speed.

Katia Gemini Cardigan

Flashy Flamingo- All eyes will be on this lipstick-bright cardigan with the pretty shoulder detail knit with a new self-ruffling cotton yarn from Katia. Gemini is uniquely crafted to knit smooth by using the full strand, or to create ripples of texture by lifting a single thread onto the needle. Choose from a palette of eighteen sizzling summer shades.

Tags: coral, elsebeth lavold, gemini, jesse, katia, linda, louisa harding, mali, silk wool, tonga, zanzibar
May 4th, 2013 | No comments »

Fall/Winter Preview 2013

While Spring tenaciously tries to kick itself into high gear, the Diamond Yarn showroom was already well on the express track, with an early look at the coming attractions for Fall/Winter 2013. It may be no surprise, colour dominates the yarn industry, and this sneak peek event last weekend showcased a razzle dazzle spectrum juiced up with a noticeable infusion of primary reds, blues, and high on the trend list- every shade of green from emerald to olive. As the passion for hand painted yarn intensifies, the leading brands have been busily creating more unique self-striping and tonal dyeing techniques, the perfect palettes for more of our favorite fibres- alpaca, llama, and merino.

Here is a look at some of the highlights for Fall/Winter 2013-

DLC Baby Alpaca Hand Paint

Artistry abounds in the Diamond Luxury Collection for Fall/Winter 2013 with a sure winner- Baby Alpaca Hand Paint, luscious natural fibre in eight tapestry-infused colourways. Check out Baby Llama Heather, Andes Hand Paint, and Baby Alpaca Lace, three more up and coming starlets waiting patiently in the wings.

Noro Designs for F/W 2013

Winter will be extra warm and cosy with these two new pattern collections from Noro. Sweet Winter will feature more than a dozen fresh designs by Claudia Wersing, promoting three of the upcoming qualities, Cyochin, Obi, and Shiro in a stylish array of jackets, vests, and pullovers while covering the cold weather with all the right accessories from hats to cowls. What Can I Knit Tonight? is geared towards the knitter with little or no time who wants instant results. Designer Jo Allport puts her focus on interesting design elements, in this modern collection of one to two-night projects ranging from a mini ipad cover to legwarmers.

Noro Colour Boards

The next wave of Noro will bring three exciting new chunky qualities into the spotlight- Cyochin, a wool/mohair/silk combo, Kama, running the gamut with a mixture of silk/alpaca/angora/wool/mohair, and Obi spun with wool/silk/mohair. Shiro will make its debut as a luxury dk ideal for lightweight knitting in a blend of cashmere/wool/silk. Noro colour boards show a surprising step towards a paler palette as well as pumping up the jewel tones with more reds ands greens.

Debbie Bliss Milano

One of the more distinctive qualities previewed for Fall/Winter 2013 hails from designer, Debbie Bliss. Milano has a nubby tweed texture comprised of silk, wool and nylon, and could almost be classified as a chenille yarn. The Milano pattern collection features vests, jackets, a plush plaid pullover and a stylish cape.

Debbie Bliss F/W 2013 Design

This stunning creation garnered triple wows with its elegant peplum, zipper detail and exquisite cabling, part of the F/W design collection from Debbie Bliss, knit in a new lighter weight version of her popular Blue Faced Leicester Aran.

Giselle by Sirdar

Sirdar goes for glam and glitter with Giselle, a new easy care wool blend in an aran weight. The familiar colourways of Escape DK have been enhanced with a strand of sparkle and paired nicely with boho chic styles in both knit and crochet designs.

Kiko by Sirdar

Capturing the look of hand dyeing, Sirdar introduces Kiko, a budget friendly yarn softly spun with playful appeal, a super chunky weight backed up with full pattern support for simple pullovers, cardigans, tunics and accessories, geared towards all ages. This one will be very popular with first time knitters.

Extreme by Katia

Recognized as a trailblazer, Katia leads the pack when it comes to originality in knitting yarns. The coming season shows no exception, as the Spanish design team works full force to grab our attention with new qualities- Air Lux, Broadway, Punto, Ushuaia, Natural Wool, Horizon, Alpaca Cotton, and Extreme (shown above), a tubular yarn in neon brights, the ultimate for eye-popping accessories.

Juniper Moon Farm Collection

A warm welcome to Juniper Moon Farm, the newest member to join the Diamond Yarn family. Based in Charlottesville, Virginia, this working farm raises Cormo, Cotswold and Babydoll Southdown sheep in a picturesque setting, proudly producing a boutique-style line of knitting yarns. Look for Marlowe, a loosely spun 50/50 blend of merino and silk in Jeweltone and Dappled shade ranges, as well as Herriot Heathers, a pure baby alpaca.

Tags: debbie bliss, diamond luxury collection, fall, noro, sirdar, winter
April 27th, 2013 | No comments »

Wet Blocking Vs Steam Blocking

Congratulations! The final stitch on your latest knitting project has just been cast off, now what? Before you sew your seams together, take time for one of the most important steps in finishing a garment, blocking, which will shape and mold your knitted pieces to correspond with the actual measurements given on the pattern schematics. This will make a huge difference to the overall look, from homemade to professional with just a few simple materials that you may already have at home. Set up an area with a table to work on, and gather together the following supplies, a tape measure, rustproof pins (T-pins are preferable), a few large towels to use as a blocking pad, spray bottle filled with water, steam iron, and a linen or cotton tea towel. The next step is crucial, choosing wet blocking vs steam blocking. To decide which method is most suitable for your project, check the fibre content on the ball band and match to the chart below. If in doubt, test a small swatch first, any yarns that contain synthetics should be wet blocked, as the heat from a steam iron will damage these fibres. Both blocking methods require pinning the garment pieces so they will measure out to the required sizing.

Wet Blocking- fold a few towels to create a soft pad and pin your garment pieces in place. Choose either a spray bottle filled with cool water or a large damp towel as your blocking tool. Both work equally well, it is a matter of personal preference. Wet the pieces thoroughly with either the spray bottle or the damp towel. Leave overnight to dry.

Steam Blocking- fold a few towels to create a soft pad and pin your garment pieces in place. Set your iron to the lowest steam setting, hold slightly above the pinned garment pieces, and rotate in a circular motion without touching the fabric. The steam will dampen the pieces without pressing. If your work requires a light pressing, make sure a linen or cotton tea towel is used as a pressing cloth to avoid direct contact with the fabric. Leave pins in position until pieces are thoroughly dry. Drying time is much quicker with this method.

Angora- Wet block by spraying

Cotton- Wet block or warm/hot steam block

Linen- Wet block or warm/hot steam block

Lurex- Do not block

Mohair- Wet block by spraying

Novelties- Do not require blocking

Synthetics- Carefully follow instructions on ball band- wet block by spraying, do not press

Wool- Wet block by spraying or warm steam block

Wool blends- Wet block by spraying, do not press

Tags: blocking
April 20th, 2013 | No comments »

Spring Lace

Spring is finally in the air, and sporadic might really be the best way to describe it, but at least the layers are getting lighter and the styles are shifting gears, veering in a fresh direction. One of the current trends creating plenty of buzz is the ‘case for lace’, whether it be a hint at nostalgia or what some may describe as bridal boutique wear, this filigree fashion has recharged the style savvy, showing up as diminutive touches on jackets and dresses, spreading its dainty appeal onto peplums, necklines, and sleeve cuffs by the likes of iconic designers such as Oscar de la Renta. This season, Katia has translated the look from runway to mainstream with the all-new Elegance Collection featuring a shimmery array of cotton and viscose blends, luscious linen, and an exclusive line-up of pre-knit lace options that will amaze even the most advanced knitters and crocheters.

Oscar de la Renta Spring 2013 Collection

Stretch the possibilities of your talent with one of these striking lace designs from Katia worked in crochet, knitting and hairpin lace-

Cap Sleeve Top

Innovative, and fresh, this cap sleeve top from Katia’s Elegance Collection captures the impression of vintage filigree, but with far less effort. This design is worked in one piece up to the armholes with six narrow bands of Guadalupe, joined together with a few rows of crochet using Mississippi 3. Katia offers a video here to show how simple the technique really is.

Brisa Tunic

A well-crafted boatneck tunic knit in an alluring wave pattern with openwork sections created by wrapping the yarn three times for each stitch and then dropping the extra loops on the next row. Knit in Brisa, a cotton mixed with viscose readily available in thirty shades.

Syros Cardigan

Be ready for most occasions with this sophisticated cardigan, a summer staple as a light and airy cover for sleeveless dresses. With a hairpin loom and a small crochet hook you are ready to create this exquisite design worked in Syros, a shimmery fingering weight yarn available in a range of thirteen shades.

Linen Top

Stay cool with this crisp white linen top in a combination of hairpin lace and crochet. Worked from side-to-side in two simple squares with Lino, a pure linen yarn presented this season in eighteen colour options.

Cap Sleeve Cardigan

A trick of the eye gives the illusion of intricate lacework in this stylish cap sleeve cardigan. Two new yarns from Katia’s S/S Collection work in harmony to create side-by-side panels. Guadalupe is a flat woven band with scalloped edges, which is cut into strips and joined together with San Remo. See Katia’s video here for step-by step instructions on how to work with Guadalupe.

Tags: brisa, elegance collection, guadalupe, katia, lace, lino, san remo, syros
April 13th, 2013 | No comments »

A Well-Knit Home

Let’s sneak a quick look inside the pages of the all-new visually enticing design book, Knits For You and Your Home by Debbie Bliss, featuring more than thirty projects that dare we say are….. self-indulgent. It is a well-known fact that knitters are exceptionally generous with their time and handiwork, the tendency is to knit for others first, sharing their special gifts with family, friends, and often charities. In this book, Debbie turns things around and puts the focus on you, and your home, as she explains in her introduction-

“Whenever I meet knitters I am reminded time and time again that they are some of the most selfless of people; so many times I hear the refrain ‘I am making this project for a friend/partner/grandchild’ or the classic phrase ‘I never have time to make anything for myself.’ So with this book of over thirty designs I hope to entice the crafter – if only for a short time – away from the projects they are planning to make for everyone else and to knit something for themselves.“

With her incredible instinct for knowing what knitters really want- simplicity, style, a soothing palette, and a splurge of luxury now and then, Debbie divides this book into four sections, each one setting a relaxing mood with a specific colour-

“Pamper is for the ultimate time out, so bring the spa into your home and put your feet up on a giant pouffe,

drift off with a sleep mask or make hearts containing relaxing lavender.” D.B.

Lavender Heart

Beaded heart-shaped sachets are filled with dried lavender, that familiar fragrance that stirs the memory and induces a sense of well-being. This is a simple and quick one ball project knit in Baby Cashmerino, the ultimate blend of luxury fibres. Have fun picking a calming hue from one of more than seventy colour choices.

Pouffe

Stylish and comfortable at the same time, this knitted pouffe provides extra seating for guests, as well as a child-friendly option for the living room or a footstool for those overworked tootsies. Knit in Cotton DK, a sturdy yarn with more than thirty colour possibilities.

“Cocoon has knits to envelop and comfort you, from super-soft throws

and a snuggly snood to cosy chair covers.” D.B.

Chair Back

Cables and bobbles add surface texture to an elegant chair back, in an easy one-piece construction with satin ribbons to tie. Knit in Rialto Chunky, a superwash merino available in twenty-six shades of opulence.

“Detox is for those who sometimes relax by pottering around. I relax by sorting out

my crayons by colour or my sketchbooks by size, rearranging my mood boards,

gently tidying (but nothing too energetic!), so in this section

I have included projects that will help you sort, stack and tuck away.” D.B.

Magazine Holder

This magazine holder keeps clutter under control and conveniently transports reading material from room-to-room or to the recycle bin. Knit in durable Cotton DK, in panels of garter stitch, a project well-suited for beginners.

Storage File

Moss stitch texture and the palest shade of duck egg blue go hand-in-hand to create a well-organized space. Versatile and pretty to look at, this storage file is ideal for stashing away favorite recipes, catalogues, knitting patterns, or incoming mail. Knit in Cotton DK, a worsted weight yarn which gives great stitch definition.

“Indulge has projects to make you feel that little bit extra-special,

bringing some well-deserved glamour into your life.” D.B.

Chevron Pillow

An ordinary pillow goes from drab to fab with this bargello-inspired cover knit with hours of rest and relaxation in mind. Choose these five complimentary shades of Baby Cashmerino or pick your own pleasing palette.

Tags: baby cashmerino, cotton dk, debbie bliss, home, rialto chunky
April 6th, 2013 | No comments »

New Kid On The Block

All kidding aside, this season’s self-striping sensation wings its way across the ocean direct from Debbie Bliss’s London-based studio. With a playful palette picked by Debbie’s discerning eye, Rialto DK Prints is a softly spun extrafine superwash merino geared towards tykes and teens, an all-season yarn that will keep its cool for summer and turn up the heat for winter. Designed as a coordinate yarn to compliment the ever-popular Rialto DK in a range of nearly fifty solid shades, this pairing of the two is featured in a book of twelve easy to wear kid friendly styles.

Check out the New Kid On The Block this Spring! Rialto DK Prints are packed with irresistible pizazz, in six Italian-inspired colourways- Pisa, Ravenna, Florence, Napoli, Roma, and Verona.

Orange Cardigan by Debbie Bliss

Zesty shading in a vibrant orange hue is the starting point for this circular yoke cardigan, capped off with a striking fairisle effect. Multi-coloured pom poms and buttons add the finishing details. Knit in Rialto Dk and Prints. Burnt Orange and Roma (shown above).

Hooded Jacket by Debbie Bliss

A pint-sized weekend warrior needs a soft comfortable hoodie to grab in a hurry and throw on for extra layering and this one has a little extra pep in its step with self-striping rainbow banding. Knit in Rialto DK and Prints. Indigo and Roma (shown above).

Cricket Sweater by Debbie Bliss

Crisp white cables set a beautiful backdrop for this sporty pullover with wide ribbed borders accented with a rich strip of shifting colour. Knit in Rialto DK and Prints. White and Napoli (shown above).

Green Stripe Pullover by Debbie Bliss

You can never go wrong with a plain and simple crew neck style when it comes to knitting for wee tykes. It’s the colour that grabs their attention first and for the knitter, its a breeze, no additional ends to sew in, the stripes are built in to the yarn. This Green Stripe Pullover is knit in Rialto DK Prints. Ravenna (shown above).

Purple Tunic by Debbie Bliss

Pretty in purple with all eyes front and centre on the gathered cable bodice. This sweet n sassy style will add longevity to a little girl’s wardrobe, by knitting one size larger, it becomes a dress for the first year, then as she grows in height it can be worn with tights and eventually as a suntop. Knit in Rialto DK and Prints. Purple and Roma (shown above).

Tags: debbie bliss, rialto dk, rialto dk prints
March 30th, 2013 | No comments »

Top Ten Cardigans For Spring 2013

Is it a well-kept secret that the best part about welcoming Spring may be the brightly coloured jelly beans and ooh-so sweet chocolate bunnies to munch on at Easter, or is it the less sugary ritual of shedding chunky layers, changing from boots to shoes, and down-filled coats to lightweight cardigans? Like a breath of fresh air, this newest bevy of handknit designs are showing up in yarn shops now, knit up in a diverse selection of comfortable cottons, cool linens, and shiny silk blends.

Cast on for sunny days and warm weather with the Top Ten Cardigans For Spring 2013-

Katia Azahar and Monaco

Natty Nautical- Texture and banding in bright white creates a striking contrast to highlight the curved edging on this mariner-inspired bolero. Knit in Monaco and Azahar, a self-ruffling cotton yarn from the Katia Elegance Collection.

Sirdar Leaflet #9739

Classic Coco- Glam it up for day or evening functions with this smart and snappy cardigan from Sirdar. Knit in Raffaella DK, a crimped cotton blend with a silky soft texture. Lido and Marino (shown above).

Sirdar Leaflet #9736

Relaxed Retro- For subtle charm and a nostalgic feel, try this appealing drop waist design from Sirdar. Knit in Simply Recycled DK, a yarn that not only feels good but is gentle on the environment by re-using cotton fibre from t-shirt manufacturing. Look for two new shades this season to catch your eye- Pumice and Grape.

Katia Acuario and Azahar

Linear Lines- From Katia’s Elegance Collection, vertical eyelets play up the hip length proportions of this shimmery white cardigan knit in Acuario, a viscose based yarn with a silvery sheen, complimented with Azahar, for a luxurious collar finish.

Katia Gemini

Tropical Topper- A sporty style with three quarter raglan sleeves that fit with ease and focuses all the attention on the shoulders. Knit in Gemini, a meshlike cotton yarn from Katia opening the window to endless design possibilities with its unique two-in-one look. Check out the video here to see it in action.

Sirdar Leaflet #9772

Casual Cardi- For everyday wearability, this round neck style from Sirdar makes the grade with simple set-in sleeves and lace panel details. Choose either the short or long sleeve version. Knit in Americana DK, a new and popular printed cotton blend showcasing eight options including- Dixie, San Fran, and Virginia (shown above).

Katia San Remo

Boxy Button Up- Fashionably forward from Katia, this oversized meshwork cardigan with ribbed sleeves is knit in San Remo, a silky viscose mixture with eight shades ranging from White to Graphite (shown above).

Sirdar Leaflet #9729

Crochet Comfort- Take a break from knitting this Spring and try your hand at crochet instead with this sweet n sassy cardigan featuring three quarter length sleeves and a vented yoke. Crocheted in Sirdar’s classic Calico DK, a lightweight cotton blend. Three new colours are nesting in shops now, Peachie, Hopsack and Bay Blue (shown above).

Louisa Harding Annie

Denim Diva- Seed stitch borders partner up with pint-sized ruffles for a modern spin on the iconic jean jacket. Annie by Louisa Harding is knit in Jesse, a smooth natural cotton with a plied twist making its debut this Spring, in sixteen shades. Indigo and Aqua (shown above).

Elsebeth Lavold Rye Cardigan

Trim and Tailored- This longer length cardigan from the Garden Delight Collection by Elsebeth Lavold juxtaposes organic design elements against a flattering welt panel. Knit in LinSilk, an aran weight mix spun in linen, viscose and silk. Choose from one of a dozen rich hues, Lagoon, Sky Blue or Wine (shown above).

March 23rd, 2013 | No comments »

Spring Greens

It may not look like Spring is just around the corner, but nature is once again busily stirring up action below the surface in preparation for it’s March 20th arrival. Our days are becoming longer, and as the planet tilts towards the sun, the first sprigs of green have started to sprout through the soil, and tightly packed buds are emerging on tree branches. It might be a tad early for donning a pair of gloves and heading into the garden, but thinking and knitting green may help to bring on Spring!

In primary art class, who could possibly forget that happy discovery of mixing together yellow and blue paint to magically create the colour green. Not surprisingly, the human eye sees more of this than any other colour in the spectrum, it really is all around us in our environment and studies have shown that it has invigorating qualities, by surrounding yourself with the colour green, you may feel a sudden surge of renewed energy.

Here is a look at this season’s fresh and lively arrival of Spring Greens-

Frankie by Louisa Harding

From British designer, Louisa Harding, nature’s beauty is encapsulated in this fern-panel pullover with simple boat neck styling and classic cap sleeves. Knit in her newest offering- Colline, an aran weight cotton spun with alpaca for a milky smooth finish, available in a dozen solid shades, including Rosemary and Kingfisher (shown above).

Allium by Elsebeth Lavold

Swedish designer, Elsebeth Lavold is known to have a fondness for green as well as incorporating floral and leaf patterns into her designs. In this sleeveless tunic, vertical eyelets are worked into the soft gathers while not upstaging the intricate lace detail across the neckline. Knit in Hempathy, a combination of cotton, hemp and modal, featuring six new shades for the season. Spring Grass (shown above).

Victoria by Louisa Harding

Two crisp shades of green compliment each other nicely in this ensemble, the cardigan features shirred sleeves and is knit in Mila, a medium weight cotton interlaced with a strand of glimmer. New this season from Louisa Harding. Lime (shown above).

Mandorla by Elsebeth Lavold

From The Garden Delight Collection by Elsebeth Lavold, comes a striking combo of a button-up vest and matching handbag effectively adorned with a running bud stitch. Knit in Linsilk, a brand new addition to the line-up, in twelve dreamy hues. Verdant (shown above).

Jamie by Louisa Harding

Knit in Colline by Louisa Harding, cotton and alpaca go hand-in-hand to knit this pretty lace-up cardigan highlighted with a mini peplum and lettuce leaf trim on cap sleeves. Rosemary (shown above).

Asparagus Shawl by Elsebeth Lavold

This triangular shawl will perk up an outfit and add a layer of warmth when the sun isn’t shining. Knit in Silky Wool, a classic dk weight yarn with subtle texture and a jamboree of colour rich choices including- Lime Juice, Clear Green, Spring Grass, and Eucalyptus.

March 16th, 2013 | No comments »