Fyberspates Blog

Inspiration Knits Mystery KAL

This month, Louise Zass-Bangham, aka Inspiration Knits is hosting her Mystery Knitalong and the pattern information has just been released!

The Slipstream Cowl is an elegant cowl, perfect to wear over a sweater or under a coat. You can easily adjust the size to suit you best. There is also the option to add beads for a little glamour. Worked in the round, this is an intermediate project that is ideal for variegated or semi-solid yarn as colours slipstream from one clue to the next. The interesting textures show-off all the colours beautifully. 

'Mixed Magentas' on Vivacious 4ply

Louise has suggested Vivacious 4ply, our high twist Superwash 100% Merino wool yarn. This tough but soft yarn is perfect for accessories and especially those that require a little stitch definition. It's also a great yarn for accessories that are likely to get a little friction due to the high twist preventing piling on this supersoft Merino base. Perfect for matching mittens which Louise will also be mystery KAL-ing(is that a verb? It is now)!

 

We love the idea of making lighter weight accessories as the weather warms up that will be ready to wear this Autumn. Actually, knowing the UK we'll be wearing them on and off for months- we're not known for good weather! Atleast if it does heat up, Vivacious 4ply is high twist and light enough to stop fingers feeling hot and sticky. Who says knitting is just for cold weather?

'Lavender Haze' on Vivacious 4ply

Clues will be available for FREE on Louise's blog until the MKAL ends, when it will become a paid-for pattern on Ravelry. Now you can get organised and choose your yarn ready for the first clue out on 1 July! There are plenty of colour options ready to go in the Fyberspates shop or alternatively, check our retailers list to find a stockist near you.

 

 

 

Seaglas Top

Dan Walmsley for Practical Publishing

Fyberspates yarn has made the front cover again and this time it is the turn of Scrumptious Lace for this summer design by Elanor King of CatchLoops on the cover of the latest edition of Knit Now. The Seaglas Top uses only a very small amount of yarn, so it’s an affordable luxury and perfect for your holiday wardrobe since it takes up so little space! Within the magazine you will see it styled on two competely different models and it absolutely works on both so we think it's a very versatile and flattering design. 

Available in sizes XS through to 3XL, it is designed to fit a 71cm to 132cm bust with 10cm positive ease. Knit in Scrumptious Lace, our 55% merino, 45% Silk Lace, the smallest size requires only one skein of each colourway and the largest size takes only an extra skein for the main colour. The colours used here are Eau de Nil for the main colour and Jen's Green for the contrasting lace detail. 

The issue is on sale from today in craft stores, newsagents and supermarkets across the UK and worldwide from the Knit Now website. It will also be available digitally via the Apple Newsstand and (for those without Apple devices) from our website. Paper copies will be available to buy here: http://www.moremags.com/knitting/knit-now while digital editions are here: http://www.moremags.com/digital-editions/all-devices/knit-now. 

 

Scrumptious Lace is currently in stock in the shop or ask your nearest retailer. 

Spice Route

 

It was while tidying up a few things over on Pinterest the other day, we realised that we haven't shared a fab new pattern with you featuring Vivacious 4ply!

(c) Inspiration Knits

Spice Route by Louise Zass-Bangham of Inspiration Knits, shows the different moods of a variegated yarn with its bands of smooth stocking stitch, blurry purls, textured garter and strands of colour. The alternating textures make it reversible - unlike other dropped stitch designs. The vertical bands are edged with stitches worked through the back loop, to ensure good definition.

The optionally beaded ends add a glamorous sparkle; a finishing touch for a special yarn such as Vivacious, our 100% Superwash Merino high twist yarn. The pattern is available in 3 sizes: S (16 x 150cm / 6 1/2 x 60 inches), M (24 x 150cm / 9 1/2 x 60 inches), and L (33 x 150cm / 13 x 60 inches). All 3 only require one skein of Vivacious too!

(c) Inspiration Knits

The sample here is worked up in 'Lavender Haze' which is now available from the Fyberspates shop or your nearest retailer. You can check our stockists here. 

If you want to cast on in company, Louise is also hosting a knitalong this month in her group. Thanks for another great pattern Louise!

Pewter

Fyberspates has made the front cover again!

(c) The Knitter

Issue 70 of The Knitter has a Fiona Morris design on the front cover: a lace cardigan called 'Pewter' knit in Scrumptious High Twist DK in Pewter. The Hourglass Purl Lace pattern worked all over creates a beautiful open work fabric that makes this DK weight cardigan a perfect transitional piece for Spring and Summer. Sizes included in the pattern range from 81cm- 126cm (32-50 inches) and calls for 5-8 skeins of High Twist DK depending on the size you choose. 

 

(c) The Knitter

Scrumptious High Twist DK is a delicious high twist DK weight yarn that comprises of 50% Superwash Merino, and 50% Silk. Available in 212m/ 230yds per 100gms this hard working yarn is as soft as it is shiny. It's a real bit of luxury to add to your wardrobe. 

Scrumptious High Twist DK in Silver

Due to high demand following the success of this pattern, there will be pre order slots available for those wishing to purchase High Twist in the Pewter colourway. Shipping will commence on 15th April 2014 so pop over now to secure your skeins. Remember, due to the nature of hand dyeing, a sweater quantity will need to have skeins alternated every few rows to avoid any obvious colour changes. 

Don't forget to come over to the Ravelry group and share your knitting!

Scrumptious Collection Volume 2 Revisit

With the first day of Spring this week and the change in the weather, we've noticed a growing change towards light weight yarns and knits. It seemed a good time to revisit Volume 2 which features some knitwear that is perfect for warmer weather. 

Firstly there are 2 stunning shawls with great drape thanks to the silk content of Scrumptious Yarns. Both are large enough to wrap round the shoulders while the weather warms a little but once it gets warmer, the silk will keep things cool enough to take you right through to Autumn. 

Dollis by Anniken Allis

The Dollis Shawl is a pretty two-colour shawl has a calming garter stitch centre with contrasting lace edging and beads that add weight and pop out from the lace pattern. The lace pattern is given in both written and charted instructions. 

Effra by Anniken Allis

Then there's Effra, also by Anniken which is worked up in Scrumptious Lace. This is a large shawl with graphic motifs that aren't too tricky to follow. The shawl is worked from the top down and starts like a half-hexagon shawl with three equal triangles. After a few rows, the increases for the middle triangle stops. This creates some shoulder shaping which allows the shawl to sit really nicely on the shoulders and gives you more width than a standard triangular shawl but it's not as wide (nor the last few rows as long) as a standard half-hexagon shawl. 

Lea Cardigan by Lily Kate France

There's also some really verstaile garments like the Lea Cardigan. Knit in 4ply, this short-sleeved cardigan has a deep V-neck that can be worn to the front or the back. Sized from 32-50 inch bust this requires between 2-4 skeins of Scrumptious 4ply to make. 

Lea Cardigan by Lily Kate France

Then there's Kyoko Nakayoshi's elegant Osney Shrug knit in Scrumptious 4ply. This seamless shrug uses short-row shaping to create the flattering curves around the edges. Sized for 32-34to 48-50 inches at the bust, this takes between 2-4 skeins to make and has an easy lace pattern to follow. 

Osney Shrug by Kyoko Nakayoshi

As well as these knits, there's also some good projects that won't make you overheat when working on them like berets and cushions. It's not that warm yet but with all these trips to the park (and pub gardens, ahem) we've been leaning away from garments and throws and towards smaller portable projects instead. 

 

To get your copy of Scrumptious Collection Volume 2, visit the online store today or ask at your local LYS. 

Peacock on a Walk

It's not just knitting patterns in Fyberspates yarn landing in our inbox that makes us drool, we love crochet too. This new pattern caused quite a stir recently as we think the creator is one talented lady. Lena Fedotova is a knitting and crochet designer from Ukraine, traveling around the world in an old wooden boat. She currently stays anchored in Montenegro. Her latest design, Peacock on a Walk is typical of her designs that are textured and interesting to look at as well as create. 

(c) Ravliki

Made with gorgeous Gleem Lace yarn, Peacock on a Walk can be a scarf or a stole, depending of how many inner pattern repeats are worked. It is crocheted bottom up in one piece and can be made to any length. The lace border repeats (“feathers”) are added as you go. The scarf is easy and fun to make, but assumes at least an intermediate crochet skill level because of its construction, use of post stitches and a rather unusual method of creating picot. However, once you get the pattern, you will sail through this project.

(c) Ravliki

Gleem Lace is 55% Bluefaced Leicester and silk, and is available in 874 yards (799 meters) per 100g skeins. It comes in 12 stunning colours and is gorgeously shiny, giving a luxurious fabric for beautiful textured stitches found in this scarf. To get your skein please visit the Fyberspates shop or check with your local yarn store. 

 

Delayed Socks

Sometimes, when you're chattering on Ravelry or Twitter about your latest knitting WIPs or FOs you suddenly realise that you didn't share some good news. We absolutely had one of those moments recently when our lovely friend and Fyberspates Team Member, Jen AC, shared a picture of her Budleigh Socks in Vivacious 4ply. There was a panicked moment of 'did we tell everyone about THAT book from THAT designer?!?!?!' 

Jen AC's Budleigh Socks

What now follows is a post all about the talented Rachel Coopey aka Coopknits and her gorgeous book Coop Knits Socks. Coop Knits Socks is recent publication featuring 10 of Rachel’s original sock designs. These well-written patterns are accompanied by exquisite photography by Jesse Wilde, as well as step-by-step tutorials for techniques such as Kitchener Stitch and Afterthought Heels. There are even some rather lovely models that you might recognise.....

 

(c) Jesse Wild

Each design is beautifully balanced and well thought-out, giving both experienced and novice knitters the chance to create socks that are beautiful and wearable, while being enormously enjoyable to knit. Many of the clearly written patterns use a variety of skills, including cabling, grafting, lace and twisted stitches and provide a great opportunity to try out new stitch patterns.

 

(c) Jesse Wild

Within the book there are 3 designs featuring Fyberspates yarns. There is Willowherb, knit in Vivacious 4ply in the amazing 'Mixed Magentas' colourway. This slightly variegated colourway is a wonderful velvety colour that really showcases the non-uniform petals combined in this lace and twisted stitch pattern.

 

(c) Jesse Wild

Also in Vivacious 4 ply is Dawlish, with bold lines of cables and twisted stitches that were inspired by the shapes and colours of marker buoys bobbing on the water. This bright and fresh colourway is appropriately called 'Sunshine' and is perfect for really making the cables pop. 

(c) Jesse Wild

Then there is Brighton, knee-high socks that are just so fun and so stylish! Knit with Sheila's Sock, these bright and cheerful knee-high socks start with a ribbed cuff before leading to bands of stranded colourwork in bold geometric patterns. For those of us who are slightly daunted by the idea of knee high colourwork socks, there are instructions given for a shorter, mid-calf length version too.  

 

Jeni on a rather cold beach in Shetland, modelling for Coop Knits Socks!

We love Coop Knits Socks and hope you do too. You can get hold of your copy of this fab book here and of course, check out the Fyberspates shop to get your sock yarns to work your way through the book!

Autumn Whispers

It's getting a little chillier and while the nights are drawing in, the daytime isn't quite so chilly that we need thick woollens (yet). So in the meantime, that means lighter weight garments take front row in our daily wardrobe and just in time, Carol Feller has published this great cardigan design. 

 

(c) LittleFellers

Autumn Whispers is knit from the top down using the contiguous method of shoulder shaping, this cardigan is lightweight and elegant. Knit with Vivacious 4 ply which is our High twist superwash 100% merino wool yarn, this cardigan can be knit with from either a short or ¾ length sleeve to create a look just for you.

 

 

(c) LittleFellers

Carol worked this sample up in the 'Copper Tones' colourway which is perfect Autumn colours. The Vivacious 4 ply is ideally suited for these fine structured knits as Merino is a naturally strong yet soft fibre next to the skin and has a beautiful hand across the fabric. Merino has the natural characteristic of working up into a breathable fabric for those last rays of summer that suddenly make an office hot and stuffy but can also warm and insulate for the crisp autumnal mornings. 

 

 

(c) LittleFellers

Autumn Whispers is available in multiple sizes starting from 16"(finished back width at bust) through to 27.75” and the smallest, short sleeve size only takes 2 skeins of Vivacious 4 ply. So grab your yarn here, a copy of the pattern and get knitting as we think this simple but satisfying knit will work up really fast to give you a garment ready to wear this Autumn. 

 

Eleven Hundred Dollars Sweater

We love patterns with a story and a sweater pattern dropped into our mailbox recently at Fyberspates HQ that had a whole film behind it. The Eleven Hundred Dollars Sweater, designed by Elanor King is part of the soon to be released Cooperative Press book ‘Hitch: Patterns Inspired by the Films of Alfred Hitchcock' by Stephannie Tallen. In this dramatic collection, knitwear designers have taken inspiration from Hitchcock’s films to create some pretty film worthy knit wear. Whether you are planning a train ride to Mount Rushmore, a shopping excursion to a Bodega Bay bird shop, or simply a night peering out your rear window, this collection will keep you in the proper, stunning wardrobe for your Hitchcock adventures. We chatted with Elanor to find out about her favourite movie moments and what she enjoyed most about designing from this inspiration.

It seems we are not the only ones who are a little scared of Hitchcock’s fabulous ability to scare his audience. Elanor said ‘”Although horror and thriller movies terrify me to the point of hiding behind the sofa, I have been known to mute a Hitchcock film just to watch the gorgeous costumes by Edith Head. Rear Window is the movie that I took for my inspiration for Eleven Hundred Dollars - Grace Kelly has such feminine style in it. She wears deep V necks, lots of chiffon and her waist is so tiny! I've tried to incorporate some of these elements into the design: the sleeves are 3/4 length bishop style and in a mesh lace so there are hints of skin peeping through. The waist is emphasised by the deep waistband and geometric zig zags. The difference in ease between the band and the upper body (3") also enhances the wearer's shape. This is a top that would look great on a woman with curves (and that's not a euphemism!)”

What is really striking is Elanor’s attention to detail so it comes as no surprise that the pattern includes lots of interesting details and different techniques to keep a knitter’s interest when working the project. Elanor has captured a Lisa's character with her design as Lisa’s clothes in Rear Window are fabulous celebrations of femininity: cross-over tops, wispy, floaty material, teeny-tiny nipped-in waists. The geometric lines and princess seams flatter and curve the waist and the sleeves are a flirty knit mesh with lots of shape. When Lisa shows off her Paris dress to Jeff she tells him it’s “A steal at eleven hundred dollars”, thus giving us the name of the sweater.  

The sweater is worked from the bottom up then moves on to some interesting construction methods. The waistband is worked in the round to the crossover, then the body is worked flat and splits into back and fronts at the armholes. The sleeves are worked flat, top-down. There is a good range of sizes 30- 54 inches and is knit in Fyberspates Scrumptious 4 Ply / Sport Superwash.Scrumptious 4 ply Sport is a 45% silk, 55% superwash merino base with 400 yds / 365m per 100g skein. Of the yarn, Elanor said, “It's a fab yarn, giving gorgeous colour contrast and stitch definition in the mosaic stitch waistband. It ran very smoothly for me and thus worked up quickly, which is important in a 4-ply sweater! Also! It *ahem* withstood with grace a wee bit of frogging and re-knitting... I've been swatching lots of things in scrumptious since.  For the KAL in April, I think I'll join in and work up another version in navy and beige. Though I'd also love one in a Cornflower blue and Cream colourway; and Jen's green is my favourite colour.... so many choices!!!! One of each!”

We are so glad Elanor enjoyed the yarn and look forward to seeing more of her designs. This title is currently available for preorder from the Cooperative Press website, and will be released on September 27. Pre-orderers will receive two exclusive, bonus patterns: one for a cabled cowl and the other for a cloche. To get your own colour combinations of Scrumptious 4 ply, please visit our shop. Stay tuned for more news from the book as we are proud to be part of the ‘Hitch Blog Tour’ later in the year. 

 

 

 

 

 

Cerris

It is always a great day when the new season’s Twist Collective comes out and I’m sure we’re not the only ones who cease all work to pour over each new pattern. This time, the real icing on the cake was a stunning new shawl design by lace super designer Susanna IC using Scrumptious 4 ply sport. Once we had stopped gazing adoringly at the images, we got in contact with Susanna to tell us more about this yummy design and her crafting career to date.

 

(c) Jane Heller

After nine years in Europe, Susanna IC now lives in San Antonio with her husband, two sons, one guinea pig and countless balls of yarn.  She has an extensive background in studio arts and art history, which inspires much of her knitting. In addition to many online and print publications, such as Interweave Knits, Twist Collective, and Knitty, her projects and designs can be found on Ravelry, and on her website, www.ArtQualia.com.

 

The pattern itself is called Cerris and is a crescent shaped shawl worked from the scalloped lower edge to the top. It features a wide lace border worked with your choice of beads or bobbles, and a cabled centre section shaped with short rows. Quite frankly, we love it.

(c) Jane Heller

The feeling is apparently very mutual as Susanna really enjoyed Scrumptious yarn. Susanna described her process of working with Scrumptious as “a great experience”. She said, “the yarn has a wonderful stitch definition and does not split easily, which was important in creating the lace and cable textures.  The generous silk content gave the finished shawls beautiful sheen and drape, while the deep, rich colors (Cherry and Midnight) were perfect for the two Cerris samples and the autumn season.” Depending on the size of shawl (small or large), Susanna’s design requires 1 (2) skein(s) Fyberspates Scrumptious 4-Ply Sport which comes in 399 yd (365 m) per 100 g skein and is made up of a luscious 45% Silk, 55% Superwash Merino.

 

Susanna explained her inspiration for the shawl. “In autumn, I love taking long walks through the forests.  The air feels refreshing after the long, hot summer and I always find the changing colours of nature inspiring.  I wanted to create a large and cozy shawl; something to wrap around to keep warm as days get colder in autumn. Cables combined with lace seemed the perfect pairing for this project and this textured pattern reminded me of leaves falling from oak trees - I find the variety of oak leaf shapes with their wavy edges fascinating.  The shawl’s name comes directly from the original inspiration as well - ‘Cerris’ is one of the many oak species.”

 

You can find the Cerris pattern on Twist Collective here or on Ravelry here. Scrumptious 4 ply is currently in stock here at the shop. To keep up to date with new patterns in Fyberspates yarn, please come and join in the chatter on our Ravelry group or like our Facebook page.