Lets revel in all things red and white this Canada Day as we celebrate one hundred and forty three years.  Over the past year, our country has been a gracious and proud host to some of the world’s biggest events- the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, the recent G8/G20 Summit in both Huntsville and Toronto, and currently the twenty-second official royal visit with the Queen and Prince Philip stopping in to say hello in five Canadian cities. 

Happy Canada Day!

This newest design, a trendy knitted cap for summer with a crocheted peak shows off our red and white pride in smooth, soft ECO cotton from Debbie Bliss.  One hundred percent organic, and grown without pesticides or harmful fertilizers, this yarn is harvested by hand by farmers who are part of the bioRe Association- a fairtrade program.  The cotton is dyed in twenty-four shades with non-toxic dyes and water used in the process is recycled and verified to be drinkable. 

Chelsie models Peaked Leaf Cap

PEAKED LEAF CAP

Finished Size:  Women’s Medium

Yarn:   Debbie Bliss ECO – 2 balls in col #613 (MC)

                                                         1 ball in col #608 (CC)

Needles:  4.00 mm

Crochet Hook:  4.50 mm

Tension:  20 sts and 24 rows = 4 in/10 cm in st st on 4.00 mm needles

Cast on 90 sts in MC.  Work in K2/P2 ribbing for 3 rows, inc 1 st on last row = 91 sts.  Work 2 rows in st st.  Cont in st st working CHART in CC over centre 17 sts.  When CHART has been completed, cut CC and continue in MC only until work measures 4.5 in/11 cm ending with a WS row.

Shape Top: 

Next Row- K1, *K9, K2tog*, rep *to*, end, K2

Next and all alternate rows- P

Next Row- K1, *K8, K2tog*, rep *to*, end, K2

Cont to dec in this way having 1 st less between decreases on every K row until 11 sts remain.  Cut yarn and thread through rem sts.  Tighten and secure.  Sew side seam. 

Peak:

With 4.50 mm crochet hook, and double strand of MC, attach yarn to 32nd st along cast on edge.  Ch2, 1 dc in each of next 25 sts, ch2, turn.

Next Row- Dc2tog, *Front Post dc (yo, with hook at front of work, insert hook behind next dc from right to left, yo, draw yarn through, yo, draw yarn through 2 loops, yo, draw yarn through last two loops), Back Post dc (yo, with hook at back of work, insert hook in front of next dc, yo, draw yarn through, yo, draw yarn through two loops, yo, draw yarn through last two loops)*, rep *to*, end with dc2tog, ch2, turn

Next Row- Dc2tog, *Front Post dc, Back Post dc*, rep *to*, end with, dc2tog, fasten off.  Sew in ends. 

Design by:  Michele Meadows

Note:  If you are looking for more patterns to knit with a Canadian theme check out the free patterns section.

Turquoise is the colour of 2010, according to Pantone, a North American company experienced in predicting colour trends which directly influence fashion and home decor.  Tranquil and soothing, evoking images of warm tropical waters, and a sense of well-being, turquoise pairs together the coolness of blue with the refreshing energy of green.  Its a shade that is complimentary to all colours of the spectrum, a rich contrast to chocolate brown and navy blue, a warm companion to pinks and reds, and adds extra punch to those trendy yellow-greens.   

Moraine Lake in Banff National Park

What could be more inspiring for the first week of Summer, than this image of Moraine Lake in Banff National Park, a glacier fed lake that rivals any Caribbean postcard with its vividly luminous colour.  Its at the end of June each year, when the lake fills to its crest and this phenomenon occurs, the colour of the water becoming a stunning shade of turquoise.

Mazu by Louisa Harding

Relax at the water’s edge in this flattering shade of Tropic in Fleuris, a chunky weight bamboo viscose blend from Louisa Harding ’s Chinoiserie Collection.  A softly fitted style, edged in seed stitch draws attention with an elegant neck closure.

D'Azur Sublime #632

When the temperature rises, Sublime cools things down in a relaxed openwork design in Soya Cotton, a fifty-fifty blend of these two natural fibres, available in sixteen delicious shades. 

Grande Seda Mirasol #12 in Wach'i

Show off your love of cables in an unexpected way, knit sideways!  This striking summer vest is designed by Jane Ellison in an eye-popping shade of deep turquoise in Mirasol Wach’i, a beautiful twist of pima cotton and silk in a popular worsted weight.  With eight bright and bold colours to choose  from, summertime knitting will be hot and spicy. 

Amber Wrap in Fleuris by Louisa Harding

For long walks at the beach, cover up those sun-kissed shoulders with a lightweight wrap in Fleuris, part of the Bijoux Collection by Louisa Harding, ultra soft and feminine.

Little Biarritz Sublime #632

Welcome the sun with a bright, happy colour.  Simple to knit with a pleated yoke, making this tunic style pullover extra roomy.   Sublime has designs for every age in Soya Cotton, a natural blend of cotton and soya perfectly suited for keeping little ones cool and comfortable and ready for fun all summer.

Little Anna Wrap Sublime #634

Make a splash this summer in sensational turquoise.  To top off a special outfit, here is a velvety soft wrap cardigan from Sublime.  Its knit in Baby Cashmere Merino Silk DK, a classic yarn that knits up as smooth and delicious as melted ice cream.

Fathers Day Knitted Necktie

  ONE SKEIN NECKTIE

Finished Size:  2 in/5 cm x 60 in/152 cm

Needles:  2.75 mm

Yarn:  100g  Wisdom Yarns Marathon Socks BOSTON col #214

Cast on 21 sts.  Work in Moss St across each row as follows- *K1, P1*, rep *to*, end, K1.  When work meas 17 in/43 cm-

Shape Tie: 

Dec Row- K1, K2tog, work to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1.  Continue in Moss St, dec on every 20th row in this way until 13 sts remain.  Continue in Moss St without further shaping until work slightly stretched measures 60 in/152 cm.  Cast off.  Turn side edges 3 sts inwards and slip stitch in position on wrong side.

Tie and enjoy!

design by:  Michele Meadows