‘Knitlympics’is the brainchild of Scottish textile designer and author, Carol Meldrum who has put together an eccentric collection of twenty top Olympians, complete with shiny medals, the all-important torch, a tiny podium, a laurel wreath, and that highly sought after ticket to the most popular sporting event. 

Knitlympics by Carol Meldrum

Hot on the sneaker soles of last year’s huge success, ‘Knit Your Own Royal Wedding’ by Fiona Goble, which brought knitters together to create a cast of characters in knitting shop windows in time for the tea parties and early morning nuptials.  This quirky book includes patterns for a lineup of our favorite Olympic icons, including mustache-man Mark Spitz, who won seven golds in Munich ’72, high jumper Dick Fosbury at the top of his game in ’68, Flo-Jo, the fastest female sprinter in the world with two records set in ’88, and Swedish heptathlon Carolina Kluft, one of the golden girls in Athens ’04.  

Olympic Buddies Sebastian Coe & Steve Ovett

Sebastian Coe and Steve Ovett in their famous pose after winning gold at the Los Angeles Olympics in ’84.  ‘Knitlympics’ is set to be released in early March with plenty of time to knit your way into the Olympics!

NOTE:  In the latest Spring/Summer issue of the Debbie Bliss magazine, an unfortunate mistake was made.  In the article, ‘Our Canada Visit’, on page 35, Nell mistakenly refers to leaving from the Billy Preston Airport, instead of the Billy Bishop Airport.  Both Debbie and Nell apologize for the error, and meant no disrespect to one of Canada’s great heroes, nor the talented American musician.

Debbie Bliss Spring/Summer 2012

The perfect remedy for a cold day= a hot cup of tea, some biscuits, and a copy of the latest Bliss magazine….

Kids Ahoy!

Seafaring days are not too far-off, with this section devoted especially to little captains and maritime sailors in classic motifs that never go out of style.

Summer Shimmer in Party Angel

Shimmer is back for warm weather days and little lacy knits have never looked more tempting to try.  Knit in a fanciful grey/blue hue from the Party Angel catalog.

Sheath Tunic in Party Angel

Cast on a wispy strand of kid mohair enhanced with silk and metallic thread to knit up this dramatic vine and leaf design.  Knit in ‘chamois’ Party Angel.

Rosy Tone Knits

Heirloom lace gets a modern makeover in deep magenta Rialto Lace, the newest quality from Debbie Bliss, a superfine twist of merino superwash presented in twenty terrific tones.

Simply Stripes

Missoni-inspired chevron stripes are everywhere this Spring!  Six sassy shades in Bella knit up into a roomy slipover with built-in sleeves.

Tea and biscuits are part of the Sunday night ritual, as knitters gather to watch an hour of what has been dubbed as the ‘hottest show on television’ filled with lavish period costumes, dashing gentlemen, and tangled relationships of love, bitterness and betrayal.  

Sunday Nights On PBS

Inspired by Downton Abbey’s exquisite fashion styling and period costumes, Debbie Bliss highlights some of the Edwardian elements in her latest  collection-

Rialto Lace Collar by Debbie Bliss

Past influence brings this sweet garter and lace collar out of the shadows into a modern era.  Knit in a smoky charcoal shade in the all-new Rialto Lace by Debbie Bliss.   

Rialto Lace Cardigan by Debbie Bliss

Lace knitters will swoon over this elegant cover design from the Rialto Lace Collection by Debbie Bliss.  Ready for Spring 2012, with twenty shades of extrafine merino superwash.  Its project ready for your next knit-a-long.  

Rialto Lace Shawl by Debbie Bliss

A chilly afternoon outing on the Yorkshire moors inspires this vision of loveliness in an ultralight wrap, knit in a divine shade of grey/green Rialto Lace, which deepens subtly as the light changes. 

Rialto Lace Tie Front by Debbie Bliss

Look for this stunning diagonal lace design snipped from the tattered fashion pages of a bygone era.  Knit in a spicy hue of extrafine merino that shines with a remarkable beaded twist. 

More Rialto Lace designs will be featured in the Spring 2012 Debbie Bliss magazine arriving at your LYS in early February.  

Have a look at some of the latest trends in hats-

Murmur Beret by Louisa Harding

The history of the ‘beret’ dates back to the Bronze Age, primarily worn by artists and aristocrats.  Now its one of the most prevalent hat styles thanks to an adjustable fit, easily shaped to either side or pulled to the back.  A big winner with those who want to avoid ‘hat head’.  Murmur Beret by Louisa Harding is knit in Millais, a rustic wool blend, in fourteen tweedy shades.

Malabrigo Book Three

Purl ridges add pizzazz to this face-framing style knit in Malabrigo Merino Worsted.  A weekend project and what could be more lovely than starting off a new knitter with a skein of this luxurious hand dyed merino wool from a palette dripping with colour.  Simply irresistible with one hundred and twelve choices.

Kissed Happiness by Louisa Harding

Look for this retro beauty, an enchanting addition to your winter wardrobe, in a delicious pairing of two sister yarns from the Louisa Harding Collection.  Grace Hand Beaded is the ultimate fantasy yarn in a mixture of silk, merino and glass beads, while Grace Hand Dyed accentuates the positive with patina and sheen.

Diamond Luxury Collection #1478

The ‘cloche’ is a close-fitting bell-shaped hat originally designed in 1908 by milliner Caroline Reboux.  Flattering shorter hair lengths, the cloche grew in popularity during the 1920′s when cropped cuts were all the rage.  Today it has re-emerged as a fashion favorite, featured in the Diamond Luxury Collection Booklet #1478, knit in Galway Highland Heathers, a worsted wool in twenty-nine melange tones.

Saffron Beret by Louisa Harding

Twists and twirls accent the Saffron Beret, knit in Willow Tweed, a slubby silk, merino and alpaca mix from Louisa Harding, offered in twenty-two shades of elegance.

Sublime Book #656

The Floribunda Flower Hat knit in Lustrous Extra Fine Merino DK has extra fullness to compliment all face shapes.  Urban chic for the younger crowd.

Viking Book #1110

The ‘slouchy’ hat, caps off our list as the hat of the season.  Spotted on celebs in Aspen and on the streets of L.A, its a cross between a floppy beret and a ski toque.  Knit in natural undyed alpaca from Viking Garn, and right on trend with a fairisle motif.

This season teal perks up the sombre shades in our winter wardrobe, as a complimentary colour it adds a warm spark to black, brown, charcoal and navy.   

Teal Feather by Malabrigo

Teal it like it is- 

Juniper Slipover by Louisa Harding

As restful on the eyes as waves rippling against the shoreline, from the Absinthe Collection by Louisa Harding.  This Juniper Slipover is knit in Willow Tweed, a merge of merino and alpaca with a creamy slub of silk available now in twenty-two watery hues.   

Baby Alpaca Glimmer by Diamond Luxury Collection

Apres-ski anyone??  Keep shoulders toasty warm while sipping cocktails at the chalet.  Baby Alpaca Glimmer from the Diamond Luxury Collection adds subtle elegance to this cosy wrap knit in a springy lace rib.  (Forest shown above). 

Loveliness Slipover by Louisa Harding

A vision of loveliness from Louisa Harding, in this season’s Three Graces Collection.  Grace Hand Beaded and Grace Hand Dyed float together in a simple sideways design that embodies the opulence of glass beads and the luxe combination of silk and merino.   

Kutama by Mirasol

Dip into your Crayola box for a pop of colour to chase away the winter blues.  This stunning cable coat is knit in Kutama by Mirasol, a blend of alpaca and highland wool fully loaded with body and drape.  Available in sixteen shades.  (Emerald shown above).     

Diamond Luxury Collection #1478

Looking to accessorize your winter wardrobe with a touch of teal?  Have you noticed slouchy hats are everywhere?  Try this stylish charmer on for size, knit in Diamond Luxury Collection’s Fine Merino Superwash DK, and available in more than sixty shades.     

Boyfriend Cardi by Louisa Harding

Cables add surface interest and extra length to this classic style cardigan from Louisa Harding.  Knit in Millais, a 50/50 blend of wool and acrylic in a bulky weight, available in fourteen delicate tweeds.  (Peacock shown above).  

Log Cabin Baby Blanket by Universal Yarn

Break away from pastels, this Log Cabin Baby Blanket revs up the norm with a contemporary colour palette.  Knit in Patchwork  by Universal Yarn, an easy care worsted weight yarn in eleven soothing colourways.  (Earth and Sea shown above).

Paloma Scarf by Debbie Bliss

Squishy, scrumptious Paloma by Debbie Bliss, is this season’s cold weather comfort.  Shake off winter’s chill in a downy blend of baby alpaca and merino, available in sixteen solid and melange tones.  (Teal shown above).

As we unwind from all the excitement of 2011, and eagerly anticipate the year to come, lets take a few minutes to reflect back on the Top Ten Trends Of 2011 and predict which ones will carry on-

Let the countdown begin!!!

*TEN*

Sirdar Bohemia

MEGA-SIZED YARNS! Somehow the yarns just kept growing in thickness, yet surprisingly lighter and loftier, thanks to innovative hollow core construction.  Knitting shops were stocking up on 20 mm needles in an attempt to keep up with the demand for these larger than life yarns.  Sirdar Bohemia

*NINE*

Knit Your Own Royal Family

KNITTED ROYALTY! It was comical and sweet, and caught on like wildfire.  In the Spring of 2011, knitting groups were busily creating their own royal ensemble complete with corgis just in time for the televised event.  Tea parties took place inside knitting shops and royal displays were set up in the front window.  ‘Knit Your Own Royal Wedding’ was the brainchild of British author, Fiona Goble.

*EIGHT*

Noro Yarn

I LOVE YARN DAY! October 14, 2011 marked the official launch date.  Finally a day of celebration, for knitters to unite worldwide and bring their treasured yarns out of the closet.  Festivities were planned well in advance at local yarn shops, in the workplace and public venues.  I Love Yarn Day

*SEVEN*

Knitters Pride Cubics

CUBIC NEEDLES! Canada welcomed Knitters Pride with such a surge of enthusiasm causing shipments to sell out well in advance.  Once these inventive square shaped needles were in hand, the love affair began.  Knitters marvelled at the easy flat grip and arthritic hands were happily flying again at full speed.

*SIX*

Sublime Book #655

FAIRISLE RETURNS! Hot off the European runways earlier this year, and straight onto our knitting needles.  Fairisle recaptured the ski lodge vibe from the sixties and brought the fashion back to the masses.  For most knitters it felt like it had never left.  Sublime Chunky Merino Tweed Book #655

*FIVE*

Diamond Luxury Collection #1473

NEW ANGLES! The wrap cardies and vests became trendier than ever as knitters hunted for patterns designed in a simple one piece construction.  Suddenly new angles took shape.  Diamond Luxury Collection #1473

*FOUR*

Sublime Book #656

TUNICS! No more bulky sleeves!  These hybrids emerged into mainstream knitting combining the warmth of a vest and the look of a sweater.  Favored by all ages, as a relaxed slipover style to wear with tights and leggings.  Sublime Lustrous Extra Fine Merino Dk Book #656

*THREE*

Murano Lace

COSY COWLS! a.k.a. ‘circle scarves’ to the University kids, became the replacement to the traditional fringed scarf.  An ideal project for beginner knitters, and with so many variations in style, it was ultra chic to toss on a different cowl every day of the week.  Murano Lace Free Pattern download

*TWO*

Midnight Sun Wrap from Universal Yarn

SUBTLE SPARKLE! It took knitters only a second or two to adapt to the unexpected appearance of shimmer in all their favorite yarns, from alpaca to cotton and everything in between.  Knitters went ga-ga for glitter, happily wearing it day and night.  Universal Yarn Garden Metallic

*ONE*

Papillon Ruffle Scarf

RUFFLE YARN! Perhaps the greatest knitting trend to date, shaking up the yarn industry and creating a festive frenzy when shops were sold out just mere weeks before Christmas.  Thank you to the makers of ruffle yarns for bringing new and former knitters back to the circle!  Nova Papillon Free Pattern Download

Wishing you health and happiness in 2012

Knitting is a creative outlet for many of us but it is also a gift from the heart.  Those who have never picked up a pair of needles and cast on stitches can only begin to appreciate the sharing of time and thoughtfulness.  A pair of woolly socks with one foot slightly shorter than the other, fuzzy mittens sporting a few extra loops picked up along the way, or a cosy cabled scarf with stitches that wander and change directions now and then, these are the gifts that money just cannot buy.   

Fleece On Earth and Good Wool To All!

Wishing you joy and peace this holiday season

from all of us at

Diamond Yarn

These colourful chunky mittens will be finished and ready to wrap after an afternoon of knitting, complete with nostalgic charm,  just like Grandma used to make from her scrap basket.  Knit in Escape Chunky from Sirdar, a tweedy mix of wool and acrylic in sixteen fun stripey colourways.    

Last Minute Mittens

LAST MINUTE MITTENS

Size:  Women’s Medium (Large)

Yarn:  2 balls Sirdar Escape Chunky col #178

Needles:  4.50 mm and 6.00 mm double pointed

Tension:  14 sts and 19 rows = 4 in/10 cm in st st

Right Mitten-

Cast on 24 (28) sts with smaller needles.  Divide sts evenly onto 3 needles.  Join in round and place a marker.  Work in K1/P1 ribbing for 3 (3.5) in/7.5 (9) cm.  Change to larger needles and work in K rnds, inc 2 sts evenly across 1st rnd = 26 (30) sts.  Place a marker on needle between first and last st, and between 13th and 14th (15th and 16th) st.  K 10 rnds. 

Thumb Opening:  Using a 12 in/30 cm length of scrap yarn, K the first 4 (5) sts, slip these 4 (5) sts back to left needle.  Note:  This will act as a stitch holder.  K across all sts with Main yarn.  Cont in K rnds until work meas 8.5 (9) in/22 (23) cm.

Shape Top:  *K1, SL1, K1, PSSO, K to 3 sts before next marker, K2tog, K1, slip marker*, rep once more across rnd.  Rep these decs on each rnd until 10 sts remain.  Cut yarn and draw through all sts.  Tighten and secure.  

Thumb:  Remove scrap yarn carefully and pick up 11(12) sts around opening with larger needles.  Divide evenly onto 3 needles.  Attach yarn and K 10 (11) rnds. 

Shape Top:  *K2tog, K2*, rep *to* across rnd, end with K2tog, K1 (2) = 8 (9) sts.  K 1 rnd.  *K2tog*, rep *to* until 4 (5) sts remain.  Cut yarn and draw through rem sts.  Tighten and secure.

Left Mitten-

Work as Right Mitten until Thumb Opening:  K to last 4 (5) sts, using a 12 in /30 cm length of scrap yarn, K 4 (5) sts, slip these 4 (5) sts back to left needle, K across with Main yarn.  Cont to work as Right Mitten. 

(Design by:  Michele Meadows)  

At the top of the wish list this season for teens who text and twitter, a cosy pair of chunky wrist warmers to keep hands warm while fingers are free to update friends minute by minute.  Trying cables for the first time?  This simple design features a stylish stag horn cable with side ribs for the perfect fit, knit in Galway Chunky from the Diamond Luxury Collection, pure wool in eighteen classic shades including ‘cherry red.’

Wrist Warmers in Galway Chunky

CHEERY RED WRIST WARMERS

Size:  Women’s Medium

Finished Width- 9 in/23 cm

Finished Length- 10 in/25 cm

Yarn:  100g Galway Chunky col #44 (cherry red)

Needles:  5.00 mm and 6.00 mm

Tension:  14 sts and 20 rows = 4 in/10 cm in st st

Left Wrist Warmer-

**Cast on 34 sts with smaller needles.  Work in K2/P2 ribbing for 3 in/7.5 cm, inc 2 sts evenly across last row = 36 sts.  Change to larger needles and cont in Pattern as follows-**

Row 1- K2, P2, K2, P2, K8, *P2, K2*, rep *to* 5 times

Row 2 and 4- work sts as they appear

Row 3- K2, P2, K2, P2, C4B (slip 2 sts to cable needle at back of work, K 2 sts from left needle, K 2 sts from cable needle), C4F (slip 2 sts to cable needle at front of work, K 2 sts from left needle, K 2 sts from cable needle), *P2, K2*, rep *to* 5 times

Rep these 4 rows a total of 6 times.  Change to smaller needles and work in K2/P2 ribbing for 4 rows, dec 2 sts evenly across 1st row.  Cast off. 

Right Wrist Warmer-

Work **to** as above then cont as follows-

Row 1- *K2, P2*, rep *to* 5 times, K8, P2, K2, P2, K2

Row 2 and 4- work sts as they appear

Row 3- *K2, P2*, rep *to* 5 times, C4B, C4F, P2, K2, P2, K2

Rep these 4 rows a total of 6 times.  Change to smaller needles and cont in K2/P2 ribbing for 4 rows, dec 2 sts evenly across 1st row.  Cast off.

Sew side seam leaving a 1.5 in/4 cm thumb opening approx. 3 in/7.5 cm from top edge.

(Design by:  Michele Meadows)

This week’s festive project will add bright holiday cheer, knit in a very simple two-sided lace design.  One ball of Party Angel, in whispery soft kid mohair swirled with silk and frosted with a filament of glitter, is a little splash of luxury for someone special on your list.  

Party Angel Scarf

PARTY ANGEL SCARF

Finished Size:  9 in/ 23 cm x 42 in/ 107 cm

Yarn:  1 ball Party Angel by Debbie Bliss col #7 (poppy red)

Needles:  4.50 mm

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

Cast on 47 sts.  K 2 rows.  Cont in Pattern St as follows-

Row 1- K2, YO, *K3, P2, P3tog, P2, K3, YRN, P2, YO*, rep *to* twice, end with, K3, P2, P3tog, P2, K3, YO, K2 

Row 2- K2, *P4, K5, P4, K2*, rep *to*

Row 3- K2, YO, *K4, P1, P3tog, P1, K4, YRN, P2, YO*, rep *to* twice, end with, K4, P1, P3tog, P1, K4, YO, K2

Row 4- K2, *P5, K3, P5, K2*, rep *to*

Row 5- K2, YO, *K5, P3tog, K5, YRN, P2, YO*, rep *to* twice, end with, K5, P3tog, K5, YO, K2

Row 6- K2, *P6, K1, P6, K2*, rep *to*

Rep these 6 rows until work meas 42 in/107 cm, ending with Row 6.  K 2 rows.  Cast off.  Block gently with steam iron.

(Design by:  Michele Meadows)