Kit of the Month: Noro Entrelac Pillow

Kit of the Month:Noro Entrelac Pillow 

Years ago we had a Pillow of the Month class series. Time to revive this idea but as a Kit of the Month instead. One of our favorites is this entrelac pillow and using Noro is a no brainer. It's perfectly suited to this technique and Noro always looks s-t-u-n-n-i-n-g in entrelac! 

Entrelac is a bit tricky at first. Definitely a technique needing attention to get started. Once you get your base triangles done (see those little itty bitty triangles above...) and start working back on the first row....trust me it gets easier. Before you know it you're flying and binge watching your favorite show. 

Here's examples of entrelac used in garments, accessories and blankets. You see it's very versatile technique that can include lace motifs, cables, big and small blocks, set inside St St .... lots of variations! 

1. #17 Scarf  2. Rib Style Scarf  3. Felted Bag 4. Leaf Entrelac Poncho 

1. Tangerine Shawl  2. Garter Coat  3. Kelly 4. Pullover

1. Crayon Box  2. Pinwheel Blanket  3. Mosaic Entrelac  4. Big Blanket 

Entrelac provides perfect opportunity to dabble with knitting backwards. It sounds really wonky but it's a real technique, and surprisingly easy to get the hang of. Some call it "mirror knitting" which sounds better and more official. It's such a simple trick (kinda light when you realize a yarn over is only that....laying yarn over the needle before next stitch).

Mirror Knittig really speeds up the back and forth work, over a few stitches (7 in this pattern), which is the essence of entrelac. Once you get the technique down. you'll be building knitted blocks of entrealac lickety-split. 

Kit Colors

Noro Silk Garden Pillow Kits

Click to purchase kits and read the details. Kit includes 4 balls Silk Garden and the pattern. Want just the pattern to use up your scary pile of stash? Click here! 

There's plans for a future class (sometime this summer if Kim can get her act together). It's an opportunity to learn entrelac (if a newbie) or brush up on your skills as a refresher. If you're chomping for a new project now, wnat to learn a new technique and like finding videos to guide you, then go get a kit now! 

If you're wanting to use a different Noro watch for future kits using Ito, Viola, Akari, Enka. Or just come in and we'll put together a custom kit for you. We also sell all the pattern shown above.  

Tips for pillow forms: Ikea has awesome feather inserts in range of sizes. Or just use an old one you're tired of with a new Noro pillow cover! Pattern written for seaming the cover but for those deft at sewing machines, you could use a zipper on one end. Or stitch long piece of velcro in lieu of a seam. 

New Feature: Kit of the Month

KIT OF THE MONTH

 Ta Da! Hat

Welcome to a new feature: Kit of the Month. The first kit is our Ta Da! Hat pattern. It shows off a favorite (and very on-trend) technique: double stranding with mohair. It’s a basic slim fit beanie style hat. No frills since the magic is in the alchemical blending of mohair and tweed. Kit uses Berroco’s Providence + Aerial. Our goal is to highlight a new kit monthly…or thereabouts. Sometimes life intervenes and our Kit of the Month may span a couple months….but our goal is to regularly spotlight fun, easy and useful projects as kits, list online. We like to leave wiggle room and allow spontaneous bouts of creativity to guide our choices.

Check our website for more  kits. Just search type “kit” into search bar and they’ll magically appear. (How did we function before we could search stuff?!)

Yarn Spotlight

Aerial and Aerial Color

Aerial came out last year but had new colors and a sibling added last fall. It's a soft mohair with wide ranging palette that blends perfectly with all the Providence colors. This year Berroco came out with Aerial Color, a few multicolored mohairs. You can pair Aerial +Aerial Color, or Aerial + Aerial. Or grab some stash yarn and Aerial to magically transform what we dread (our dull, boring stash) into something surprisingly fresh and fun! 

The beauty of this double-stranding technique: It bumps up the gauge and needle size! This means a fingering becomes more of a DK, a DK becomes more of a worsted and so on. If intimidated by thought of working with a single strand of fuzzy thread (mohair) just pair it up and bump up needle size. It’s kind of a great since we all need stashbusting ideas but at same time crave a little something new. Viola! Give double-stranding a go. We’re spotlighting mohair today but down the road watch for Kim’s current obsession with blankets, DK and marling. It’s same technique (double-stranding) but in a fun, addictive pattern. But these details are for another day, so stay tuned. Today it’s all about the beauty of ethereal mohair’s ability to elevate even the dullest, most basic yarn to something new and lovely. 

We love using a single strand of mohair held with other yarns. It's like magic! You can be bold or subtle with your color pairings. Often we're surprised at the end results. They don't always look like you thought they would together and instead by some alchemical yarnie magic...look amazing! It's fun to swatch, testing out different combos. Changing up the color of the mohair with the same base yarn, or keeping same mohair but swapping out the base yarn creates such variety. Then when you have a bunch of little swatches....stitch them up! You can always turn into a lovely pillow (because you can never have too many pillows!)  “Now where did I put all my swatches I made… (digging around numerous piles and bags….dumping basket on floor….Dagnabbit…where did you little dickens get to!?” Okay…can’t post photos of my test swatxhes…..they’re hiding. 

Getting back to pattern inspirations….. 

Freebies: 1. Corinna  2. Arrowsic  3. Ellsworth  4. Nigela  5. Lorraine 

Excited to see the brand new freebie, Lorraine. Uses Remix Chunky held with Aerial Color. Looks so smoothly soft, Can you see the subtle multicolor effect against the tweedy background of the turquoise Remix? Since it’s chunky works up quick on big needle. Other subs for the Remix chunky: Ultra Wool Chunky, Lanas Quick, Comfort Chunky. (Watch for future posts using this double-stranded technique with emphasis on color marling, bigger gauge, blanket project Kim is in love with at moment Addictive knitting and color play at its best…)

Few Favorite $$ Patterns: 6. Bloomfield  7. Pinora  

Both of these sweaters above show off Providence and Aerial held together. Other suggested combos: Sub Remix or Ultra Wool for an easy care version. Makes lovely slightly hazy, fuzzy fabric but not bulky so flattering and nice for our warmer/shorter winters. 

For new patterns check out the digital pdf collection: Aerial & Aerial Color Fall 2021  We’re planning to add more digital patterns to our website in upcoming months. For now you can call or email us if you’re wanting to purchase a specific pattern if it’s not listed for sale on website yet. 

Purchase Aerial here and Aerial Color here 

Purchase Kit of the Month: Ta Da! Hat here 

Providence

Another newish yarn we love is the soft, tweedy Providence. Berroco added a few beautiful new colors to expand out the range. A dk weight that plays perfectly with mohair to yield amazing items. It’s great on its own (awesome in lighter sweaters or cardigans perfect for our climate) or magic happens when paired with a strand of mohair. Endless combinations of colors created sometimes surprising results. Who knew such a seemingly delicate fuzzy strand could impart such transformations. 

Find more Providence patterns here 

Purchase here 

Mohair Subs: Ella Rae Silky Kid (more colors); Lang Alpaca Superlight (affordable). 

Base Yarn Subs: All the Remix, Ultra Wools, Lanas and Mercado lines. 

Welcome to a New Year! 

Looking forward our new Kit of Months, a return of our Pillow of the Month and hopefully a few classes come Spring. 

New Fall Stuff Part Deux: Chunky/Bulky Season Is Here

What supply chain shortage (she says glancing around our well-stocked shop!)? You know you're ready for 4Q when you overhear customers say upon entering "wow....no shipping delays in here!" Time to start crafting, shopping and finding perfect gifts for everyone on your holiday lists. Scroll to end: ntroducing new Maisie Kits of shop favorites! 

New Awesome Yarns!

Remix chunky had us squealing with delight when our lovely Betsy our Lovely Berroco Rep pulled the sample out of her bag last spring. Bet you can imagine the stereo sound of Megan and I bouncing in our seats, clapping excitedly, giddy as schoolgirls that there was a C H U N K Y Remix! 

My hot water bottle seriously needs a wardrobe upgrade! Scroll down for kit details 

Moving on our Chunky / Bulky theme, we now head over to Super Bulky Macro. 

 

No new intro needed for Macro. It's long been a shop favorite for years. In fact we opened up fall sales meeting asking Betsy.... Please, please tell us Macro not gone? And it wasn't....Hurray! We love how super super bulky (#17-19 needle) and awesome colors. It's F....A.....S.....T!! Easily can whip up items in hours to a few days for a blanket. 

Since it's been around many years Macro has loads of perfectly fast, gift knitting patterns available. She even paired up last year with another bulky yarn Coco for some innovative uses of solid + multicolor techniques to jazz up things a bit. 

Of course Berroco always great pattern support with lots of freebies too! Love the tree skirt and holiday stockings! Just sayin' it's getting to rapidly be the season! 

New Kits! 

Macro Pillow Kit 

Never underestimate the power of pillow knitting! It's one of Kim's passions....just ask her family (who regularly mutter no more pilllows! as they toss them off the couch to find a seat). There's just so much potential with pillows. Usually fairly quick knit, great for learning new techniques or stitches, much less committment than afghans or sweaters. Any scarf can easily become a pillow when you realize there's no way you'll  finish a whole 60" long scarf! Presto-chango....bind off and you've got the makings of a pillow instead. 

The Macro Cable Pillow Kit is super fast and easily cranked out for that perfect gift. Takes just 2 hanks on a #17 needle. Wowza! Hardest part is deciding which pillow form to shove inside. Hint: 18" crams into this 16" knitted cover nicely! Love a good negative ease.....LOL 

Purchase Kit Here 

 Yowza Blanket Kit 

blan

Yowza is a family favorite. Megan made several wonderful lap blankets over the years. Of course Kim's cat Mr. Fritzi totally thinks the blanket is his....but that's a cat for you! It's such an easy project: Grab 4 hanks Macro and #17 circular needle (32" or 40") and cast on 52 stitches. Then settle down on couch, binge watch favorite shows before you know it.....one blanket done! Purchase Kits Here 

Berty the Hot Bot Kit 

Dress up your old hot water bottle with a lovely new cover! Meet Berty....the Hot Bot Cover in Remix Chunky. Takes 5 balls total. Fun, adorable little project. Pair with a new hot water bottle to make a sweet gift for someone needing a little warm-n-cozy! Purchase Kit Here

Kit Contains yarn + pattern: 1 ea ball ea 5 colors (MC) 9901.(CCs) 9922, 9930, 9960, 9984

Until next time.....crack on and stay busy! 

Oct Mys Box & KAL!

What time is it? 

 Mystery Box Time!

Keep scrolling for all the juicy details!

Last week was first day when there's a hint of fall in the air. Seeing trees trying to turn colors.  Mornings are coolish and the air feels bit less summery. Pumpkin recipes are flooding social media and we're craving comfort foods! Despite this week's heat spike, next week's forecasts the mercury drops and tonight is a chance of thundershowers!  Our Autumn Mystery Box promises cuddling up under soft, cosy wrap to ward off this lovely chilly fall air is just around the corner. 

Wee Bit Different This Time....

This time round we know what's in the box up front! Our Oct 2021 Mystery Box is your choice Marie Knit Shawl or Elana Crochet Wrap, two new patterns designed by Melissa Leapman for Juniper Moon's Herriot Great, a 100% baby alpaca (omg....an amazingly soft & cuddly yarn). We lovingly say it's an affordable cashemere. Works up like butter! 

For the Knit option, your "Mystery" is weekly pattern reveals during a new Melissa Leapman Marie Knit-Along starting Oct 2. Look at all the stitch patterns and techniques!

See that fuzzy bloom? That's pure 100% baby alpaca and it is bliss! Juniper Moon's Herriot Great is the yarn and we adore it. Seriously like working with butter and just as soft as cashmere without the steep price tag.  

This Mystery Box a bit more expensive ($89.99) but Herriot Great is SO worth it! Plus we loved chance to dovetail with a KAL. Melissa Leapman will have zoom sessions and technique videos on her website. This will make a gorgeous gift for a favorite loved one too and holidays here soon! 

Crochet Option

Couple of Crochet Box Caveats

• Eliana calls for 6 hanks MC, 1 ea of CC1 and CC2 but......this scarf seems pretty dang long.....we think you could easily get by with just 4 hanks. Instead you can incorporate the CC colors to make up for using less MC.You'll only use a tiny bit of these contrasting colors so there's plenty to just add more repeats of the stripe pattern. Or just make the MC sections shorter. You choose. 

• We don't think this pattern is part of the official KAL so probably no zoom sessions or videos tutorials....but we're thrilled there's a crochet option! All same color options apply

Colors Options up the Whazoo! 

Knitting Fever created only two colorways for the Marie KAL....but come on....we need more than that! So we dreamed up a few more! (Plus it gave Kim an excuse to have all the Herriot Great colors on order ship earlier! LOL) 

Be sure to scroll down all the way for two brand new color options just added, not shown above! 

LATE BREAKING ADDITIONS....... 

Just got word this morning: More colors available to ship out today! Since eight color options isn't nearly enough (heehee) here's two more!

You can indicate in checkout "notes" which color your prefer for MC.....or let us surprise you! 

There's a custom option if you prefer to choose your own color adventure. Just choose that option and include which colors you want, or come by the shop to pick out in person.  Note #145 below still on backorder and won't be available in time. But all others good to choose - even discontinued ones. 

Order Here

Your box will ship out/pick up Wed Sep 23. 

Melissa Leapman says:

Knitted out of the softest chunky alpaca imaginable from Juniper Moon Farm, the Marie shawl offers a fun and easy way to play with color. Believe it or not, this beauty uses just one color per row (yes!!!) to create garter stripes, a cool mosaic pattern, and interesting colorful lace.

Join this fun knitalong with Melissa and her friends as we work through 3 separate sections of this amazing asymmetrical shawl. We will have optional live get-togethers via Zoom for each clue so I can demonstrate tricky sections and answer your knitting questions.

4 hanks of Juniper Moon Farm’s gorgeous Herriot Great“ in your choice of two colorways, four clues sent out weekly via email and Ravelry, free live Zoom sessions for demos and Q & A, and eligibility for amazing door prizes!

Marie KAL Supplies Needed

• Juniper Moon Farm’s Herriot Great (131yd ea/100g)
• Color A: 2 hanks
• Color B: 1 hank
• Color C: 1 han
• Circular knitting needle US10.5 (8 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge, 29”
• dpn's size US10.5 (8mm) or size needed to obtain gauge

Gauge
In Garter Stitch, 11 stitches and 28 rows = 4”, blocked.

KAL Schedule

Oct 2: Knitalong begins & Clue 1 released
Oct 9: Clue 2 is released
Oct16: Clue 3 is released
Oct 23: Clue 4 is released

Let's get busy looking forward to Fall's Return and a fun new Mystery Box Project!