When it comes to these teeny, tiny bundles of joy, we want everything that touches their skin to be just as cuddly soft as they are.  If a new arrival is on the horizon, then this baby blanket takes the cake.  

Its surprisingly simple to knit in moss stitch, using Patchwork, a silky soft machine washable yarn available in eleven rainbow hues.  

PATCHWORK BABY BLANKET

Finished Size:  26 in/66 cm x 38 in/97 cm

Yarn:  3 balls Patchwork Col #103 by Universal Yarn

Needles:  5.50 mm

Crochet Hook:  5.00 mm

Tension:  20 sts and 24 rows = 4 in/10 cm

Cast on 119 sts.  Work in Moss St (*K1, P1*, rep *to*, end, K1) across every row.  When work meas 38 in/97 cm, cast off all sts.

Picot Edging:  Work 1 round sc around entire edge, with 3 sc in each corner st, slip st to join at end.  Next Round- *ch3, sc into 1st ch, skip 1 sc, sc into next sc*, rep *to* around entire edge, slip st to join at end.  Fasten off.

Try one of these three yummy colourways-  

Col #104

Col #202

Col #103

   Knit, Relax, Smile, Repeat!

Translated as ‘caterpillar’ in French, chenille has made an unexpected comeback thanks to avant-garde designer Louisa Harding and her strong affection for plush opulence, and elegance in design.  A rather tricky yarn to produce, chenille consists of spun yarn (pile) which is wound around a metal stem called a ‘caliper’.  The size of this caliper determines the diameter of the finished yarn.  Next, a sharp blade passes through and cuts the pile into short lengths, and two finer threads (core) are pressed onto these ends with a rotating metal wheel.  The next step requires the core threads to twist and trap the pile fibres, locking them into position.  Cotton and rayon are noted to be the most common fibres used in the manufacturing process.  With a very unique nap much like velvet, chenille reflects light when viewed at different angles, and is highly desirable as one of the most touchy-feely yarns.       

Have a peek inside the all new Nerissa Collection, from Louisa Harding, featuring a dozen exquisite designs, each one as lyrical as a Shakespearean sonnet.  Pamper yourself with the ultimate in luxury yarns in one of these twelve new shades- icing, ivory, damson, silver, petrol, teal, cherry, russet, gold, bramley, royal, and ebony.

Silver Portia by Louisa Harding

Light and ethereal, Louisa’s Silver Portia capelet, is inspired by The Merchant of Venice and graces the shoulders in an oh so pretty way.  Teal, petrol, and silver transition gently from one scallop to the next, culminating in a fold over collar with a distinctive picot edging.   

Rosalind by Louisa Harding

Verdant and especially lush in bramley, the Rosalind Cardigan (As You Like It) features a flattering peplum with just enough volume to keep it delicate and feminine.  Louisa’s signature style focuses on lace edgings and this one makes a striking statement in teal. 

Cordelia by Louisa Hrding

Louisa draws her inspiration for this tunic from Queen Cordelia, a fictional character in King Lear, regal in gold, and stitched in classic Falling Leaves patternwork with a simple knit neckline that drapes with ease.   

Ophelia by Louisa Harding

Autumn comes a callin’ in an enticing shade of russet.  Skillfully designed with large horseshoe cable panels intersecting at the neckline and side openings for flexible arm movement.  Wear the Ophelia Cape (Hamlet) either belted with leggings or loosely flowing over an ankle grazing skirt for a soft romantic look.        

Titania by Louisa Harding

Queen of the fairies in A Midsummer’s Night Dream, Titania is beguiling in cherry red.  Take a final bow with the ideal finishing touch to wrap once or twice around the neck for cosy warmth and luxe appeal.

Every picture tells a story, and these Top Ten Cover Ups truly capture the essence of summer.  Whether its a garden wedding, pool party, or a concert under the stars, each event calls for a little something to slip on, slip over, wrap around, or toss across.  Keep the look light and airy with big openwork stitches and cool, comfortable yarns.  

Sirdar Book #398

An intriguing butterfly design makes a stunning cover-up in a chevron lace pattern.  Sirdar takes a bow with this latest smash hit- Simply Recycled, a lightweight cotton mix offered in eight powdery hues.  Denim wash (shown above).  Check out all the other pretties in Book #398.   

Kelly Scarf by Louisa Harding

Take a stroll along the shore in this luscious lacework scarf knit in Albero, a pleasing mix of cotton and lenpur (renewable wood fibre) available in twenty-two luminous shades.  Dove grey (shown above).  Part of the Hebe Collection by Louisa Harding, who reigns queen supreme of all things fanciful and feminine.  

Katia Book #65

A barely there cover up perfectly suited for day or evening in an exciting new cotton scribble yarn from Katia.  If you are partial to keeping it light and simple, go for this sleeve-to-sleeve one-piece construction.  Knit with three tempting shades of  Temis; aqua blue, chamois, and peach.

Peggy Shrug by Louisa Harding

 A vision in violet, and an ode to Elizabeth Taylor in the early days of her career.  Part of the Hebe Collection from Louisa Harding and knit in Albero, a yarn that will surprise you with amazing drape and sheen.  Be lured in with twenty-two picture perfect hues including; blush, venetian red, and cobalt. 

Athena by Louisa Harding

If you dream of silken strands, look for Mulberry by Louisa Harding, and paint the town red………..and pink, and blue.  Let your creativity flow in this exquisite shawl design and explore all the options with thirty-seven glossy shades. 

Katia Book #66

For crochet enthusiasts, it will take only a weekend’s worth of twisting and turning the stitches to make this summery shawl in Isis, a new and nubby quality featured in Katia Book #66.  

Annie Capelet by Louisa Harding

The icing on the cake in a creamy smooth 50/50 blend of merino and cotton.  The Annie Capelet is knit in Ianthe from Louisa Harding Book 112.  Opt for one of sixteen delicious varieties including;  petal, bud, zest, and raffia (shown above). 

Katia Elegance Book #66

Take ruffle scarves to the next level!  A simple chain stitch connects strips of Triana to make a dazzling full width shawl.  Finish off the ends with just a few rows of knitting to create those gorgeous frills.  Instant pizazz!  

Sirdar Leaflet #9473

Firefly Metallic by Sirdar will be fluttering into stores this summer with six jewel tone mixes to make evenings really sparkle.  Preview this lacy little number plus five other sizzling styles to stay ahead of the crowd.   

Katia Triana Book #66

Triana, a truly fascinating novelty yarn stretches out again into a breezy cover up with fringe detail.  No knitting required!  Versatility at its best, from poolside to cocktails at five.

We are in full summer mode (at long last) with a steady stream of sunshine and balmy breezes.  This week, its a salute to outdoor festivals, a warm weather tradition and literally popping up like fireworks each and every weekend.  Coming soon to a big open grassy park near you- live music, fresh air, family fun, exotic foods, arts and crafts….  

Mardi Gras by Jenny Watson

In this just released collection- MARDI GRAS, UK designer, Jenny Watson illuminates the festival spirit with a cavalcade of colour in twenty fresh styles all featuring Noro’s summery blends.  

Tanabata Short Sleeve Cardi

Keeping it light and frothy in Tanabata, a new bubbly yarn in a refreshing cotton and silk combo with seven stripey shades.       

Nobori Cardigan

Boldly go for Nobori, a real stunner with tropical punch.  Noro’s innovative twist of cotton, wool, and silk quietly interlaces with a translucent ribbon to create a shadow effect.  Six bright and sassy kaleidoscope choices are ready to pour onto your knitting needles and join in the party atmosphere.   

Silk Garden Lite Shawl and Cap

Relaxing by the lake and enjoying the good tunes or strolling through the artisan market, make it a weekend to show off your latest knitting project, with this floaty shawl and openwork cap.  Knit in Silk Garden Lite- a luxurious mix of silk, mohair and lambswool available in eleven rainbow hues.

Nobori Tank Top

Popsicle-inspired colouring from Nobori in this knockout tank design.  Not only is it a quick knit, it does double duty from one season into the next.

Halter in Taiyo Sock

Cool summer style in a lightweight halter to show off that spray on tan.  Knit in Taiyo Sock with fifty percent cotton fibre and plenty of yardage, its a yarn that’s for more than just socks.   

Taiyo Jacket

When the stars come out and the music keeps on playing, slip into a lace panel cardigan knit in Taiyo.  The big sister version sings its own praises with two dozen eclectic colourways.

Knitters seldom pass up an opportunity to catch a glimpse and drool over the next wave of yarns and patterns, even if the mere thought of knitting with chunky wool is (thankfully) still a month or two away.  Its simply an appetizer, a little something to spur us on to finish our current projects.   

RIVA is one of the exciting new yarns in the DEBBIE BLISS Fall/Winter 2011 Collection and its a surefire winner with twelve earthy colourways that rivet our attention towards the brisk days of Autumn.  A chunky wool and acrylic blend thats looks just as scrumptious in moss stitch as it does in stocking stitch. 

Cowl Neck Pullover

Alluring in cherry, this cowl neck pullover features simplicity at its best.  Knit in double moss stitch, one of Debbie’s all-time favorite combination of knits and purls.   

Cropped Sweater

Think of mist rising on the moors and this quiet shade of viola in Debbie’s newest cropped sweater design may just inspire a trip to the land of  lads and lassies.

Neat Jacket

A lovely windowpane effect in a textured stitch creates a stylish jacket for cool days to come.  Edges are trimmed in black to sharpen the intensity of the red hues.   

Countryside Jacket

Knit in bark, one of the twelve new shades in Riva by Debbie Bliss.  The Countryside Jacket fits the bill for practicality in weekend wear.  

Grandad Cardigan

Whether its walking the dog, or exploring a new trail, reach for a favorite comfy cardigan with deep pockets just like this one. 

Lace Edged Dress

Wear this lovely lace edged dress over tights or shorten it just a tad to a fashionable tunic length. 

Big Shrug

Oversized and easy to slip on to ward off those nasty chills, this Big Shrug is knit in one piece with a quick pick up ribbing that sits cosily around the neck.  Just one of nine tempting designs in Debbie’s latest RIVA booklet.   

Debbie Bliss is coming to Halifax and Muskoka this September.  See all of her latest designs in person and take part in the interactive fashion show.