The new Crescent Spokes scarf is up on Patternfish. I knit it in Saucon Fingering, my current favourite yarn. It's a cotton/acrylic fingering (sock) weight yarn and makes a really great scarf. I think I'm a convert to scarf wearing now. I had a great time figuring out how many ways this scarf could be worn.

 

Deb

Ta, da. A new crescent scarf, third time lucky. It's in Saucon Fingering, a cotton/acrylic blend which I really like. The pattern is written and I'm getting it testknit in Fountain Hill, a mohair/acrylic blend for two different looks. Hopefully that will be done next week. Maybe I will become a scarf person after all.
Deb

We have a new pattern up on Patternfish - Side Panel Vest . It's a Top Down with short rows to shape the V-neck. You have lots of choices to make this your own creation.

• Choose either worsted weight yarn or heavy worsted weight yarn (aran).
• Choose 4 buttons or buttons all the way down the front.
• Choose which pattern you want to work down the sides (or put in one of your own favourites): Lace Pattern or 2 x 2 Rib.
• And because it's Top Down you decide how long you want it to be.

I can't wait to see how these choices result in different looking vests.

A-Line Cardigans

When Deb wrote "Morgan's Cardigan" for our Teens & Tweens book, we had no idea how popular that cardigan was going to be! Morgan (Deb's daughter) was more than pleased with her cropped sleeve version and I loved wearing the largest size to shows. However, at every show I wore it I kept on hearing "oh, love that cardigan but I'd need it in a larger size".

"Morgan's Cardigan" (largest size)
and the "A-Line" Cardigan (small).

So, after me repeating this to Deb several times, she re-wrote the cardigan in adult sizes - and it's lovely! It's called the A-Line Cardigan #624 and here it is on the left. It's in worsted weight yarn so a fairly quick knit and very versatile.
I can tell you, from personal wear, that this is a terrific cardigan and I wear it a lot! You can wear it with jeans, with nice pants or a skirt for a dressier look and it looks great over a dress as well.
I'm just starting a second one for me in a lime green merino from Abuelita Yarns (I like this yarn so much we're going to be carrying it ourselves).
The three-quarter length sleeves, as shown, work perfectly for me but you can have it as a cap sleeve or a long sleeve - whichever you prefer! The lengths are written as petite, average or tall but, again, you can knit whichever length suits.
It's on Patternfish for download.
But that is not the end! Deb got quite a number of emails asking about re-sizing the cardigan to Plus sizes.

Here is our friend Jennifer, in her cardigan
 that Deb knit for her.

After doing some research and talking to a number of interested knitters in the plus size range, she's re-written the cardigan to Plus sizes from 1X to 5X. The A-Line PLUS Cardigan #625 has the same sleeve and length options along with additional fitting options for the fuller figure.
You can download the pattern from Patternfish here.
I believe there's a KAL (Knit-A-Long) being organised for the A-Line PLUS but I'll let Deb fill you in on that.
Deb's been doing (as you know if you've been keeping up with the blog) a lot of research on plus sizing and has been getting a lot of input from Julie. It's been really interesting to hear her work through the fitting options and design challenges. Look out for the results next year in book form!
-Lyn

A Snug Shrug!

Now that I'm back from the NENA (New England Needle Work Trade Show) in Sturbridge, MA, and Deb's back from doing the Knitters Frolic in Toronto, I thought I'd better get caught up on posting Deb's new pattern!
It's called #626 The Snug Shrug and it's a super cute little shrug just perfect for the evening over a summer dress or top or to cover up in cool air conditioning. You can download it from Patternfish and we also have it available on our site as a pattern or kit. There are two versions:

The version on the left is worked with two strands of superwash yarn. One strand is a hand-dyed fingering weight yarn in light and dark blues and the 2nd strand is Sterling (63% superwash, 20% silk, 15% merino & 2% silver) in a solid black (the silver adds a lovely, subtle, sparkle!). Kits are available in blue with black as shown and a lovely, rich, brown with black. 

The version on the right in white is a soft, fluffy merino superwash boucle which is worked on a larger needle than the ball band calls for to make it very soft and light (this kit is available in winter white as shown, grape heather & blue heather).  

-Lyn

We're going to the Fair

It is the season for Fall Fairs. And although going on kiddie rides and eating cotton candy is fun we're passing all that up to go to the Kitchener-Waterloo Knitters Fair. Hoorah. It's going to be fun and busy and we'll get to see lots of friends there too.

Right now I am taking a blogging break before I do the final check on 2 new patterns we'll have ready for Saturday at the Fair.

I've done the Morgan's cardigan out of the Teens and Tweens book in adult sizes. The pattern now goes up to a 50" bust. Yay. I was tempted to call this pattern 'Me too' since so many knitters who have the teens book also wanted this for themselves. Now you can.

And Sophy (our cabinfever shipping goddess) designed a beautiful shawl which I am almost finished knitting in blue. I hope to have it done for Saturday but it will be close. The pattern is ready though. This is a combination of triangles and rectangles and really interesting to knit up.

It might look complicated but it's not. You begin at the centre neck and work 2 sets of Chart A just like a regular triangle shawl. Then, this is the interesting part, you begin Chart A again at the beginning, centre and end of the row and work Chart B in between them. This changes the shape altogether. Chart C is easy because it just extends Chart A so the triangle is bigger here. You can see that triangle in the centre of the shawl. And then you work the border (D). I am right at the last bit of Chart C & Chart B sections. Next the Border and I'm home-free.

It sits beautifully on your shoulders because of the shape. Is this cool or what. I need to get back to work on my blue one. Hope to see you at the Fair.

-Deb

Cat Bed?

I've been trying to work on a stole .... but Emmy thinks it's her new cat bed. I can't put it down for a second without her climbing right onto it for a snooze. Something about the combination of Silk & Silver, fine mohair and a merino/angora blend? This cat has good taste!

The blue item in the front is a new lace shawl from Sophy which I'm test knitting in our Silk & Silver which I've dyed in a combination of purple, blue and turquoise. 

- Lynda

It's Here!

Yes! Teens & Tweens has arrived! Here are a couple of images from the book. I'll post all the colour pages on the gallery on the web site.

The Cabled Hoodie above, Kendra's Tunic below:

The Waffle Scarf & Mittlets, below left, Mirror Stripes Pullover, below right & bottom left, and the Tam & Zigag Scarf bottom right:

Now to update the web site!

-Lynda

The VALENTINE by Elizabeth McCarten. It's a top down and it's ready for you to knit. I've finished mine and I love it. It's just right with a camisole or over a T for your Teen. My daughter is going to love the one I made. And here is Isobel who inspirated this design:

 http://www.patternfish.com/patterns/5355

Ya gotta love those cables!

-Deb

Birthday Sox

I just had my birthday and I thought I'd share my Birthday Sox's from Deb.You might notice that they've been worn, natch, and are about to go into the wash.

I pretty much always get socks on my birthday from Deb, but it wasn't always that way. Well, it was for years, but one year Deb decided that I should learn to knit socks (now you need to remember, Deb is my older sister and the one who taught me to knit ... so, you get the picture). So, that birthday ... *gasp* ... no socks!!! I was devastated. So, while I may be stubborn (like my older sister, mmm?), I'm not stupid. I learned to knit socks. And guess what? Yup, socks started showing up again on my birthday. And, it's weird, I can easily knit myself socks and do as well, but somehow, it's those birthday socks I look forward to each year. Thanks Deb!

May you have a safe and happy holiday season,
- Lyn

New Pattern Now Out

I've just posted Deb's new pattern #622 Last Minute Baby on our web site and in a downloadable format on PatternFish. Here's the final image ... but you've watched the work in progress the last little while! It's a top down, super fast knit using heavy worsted/aran weight yarn. You change the size by adjusting the needles. If you need a quick baby gift, this pattern is the one!

I've got some lovely yarn to dye and try it out myself!
-Lyn

Ravelry Group

Yesterday I set up a Cabin Fever Group in Ravelry (http://www.ravelry.com/groups/cabin-fever). While I was still trying to get the group image to stop being totally squished two "threads" (I think that's the term) were already being added!

Bev was totally on top of the whole group thing and started a thread about Your Fav Cabin Fever Pattern and the knitter with the question was right there with her. It was very cool. So, Deb and I sat down yesterday afternoon and Deb answered the question and we tried to figure our way around the group.

I think you can set up rules and post them (need to learn where and how) but right now our initial thing is we'd like people to put their name in with their comments/questions/discussions. Or is this not done? I'm not totally sure of the protocol. However, Deb and I prefer to have names to respond to as it seems more personal. Like a real conversation.

So, please feel free to join in! If anyone has suggestions about set-up or things I need to know or should know to administer or moderate the group please drop me an email, either at our email in Ravelry or info@cabinfever.ca - I'd appreciate it. This is a big learning curve for us!

I just finished the test knit for the yet un-named beaded mittlets (which will likely BE the name) from Shirl the Purl. Have made a coupla changes and went over them with Deb yesterday before I sewed in the ends. They came out terrific but I'll pull off the cast-off edges and add a couple of decreases just to keep them snug. After you wear mittlets for a bit, if there's not a decrease there, they tend to stretch a bit around you fingers.

You may, as I did, think that these are a tad large for my hand. They fit but are not "snug". Both Deb and I have relatively small hands (and stubby fingers). I tried these on several other people, including Al, and they fit great. So I am planning to knit these again, in DK weight for smaller hands. The red version(which will be the Medium/Large size) was done in Shelridge Farm's W4 (worsted weight) in Cranberry (lovely red) and I think I'll do the DK version (Small/Medium) in their yarn in one of two green's that I have. Can't quite make up my mind which one.

I am going to finish the editing of the pattern today, then cast on with a pink pair (worsted weight) for the 2nd test knit and the 2nd Christmas present. After I do that, Deb will take a turn and then we'll have them out. Would be nice to get them done soon as they'll make great Christmas presents (the red version is already pegged for one of Al's girls) and they are fast! A really quick knit.

-Lynda

I love Wednesday's

On Monday, Deb and I drove up to Shelridge Farm to visit with Buffy & Don, to stock up with more yarn for the shop and to have further development talks with Buffy. We're working with Buffy to come up with a dye technique which she'll do just for us. It's great fun, sometimes frustrating and a very, very interesting exercise. While we were working with Buffy, Don was working in the kitchen and sent each of us home with an amazing, home-baked baguette. Al and I had ours with supper and I had the tiny leftover bit as toast the next morning. Wow, can Don bake bread!

I'm just testing knitting Shirl the Purl's new Beaded Mittlet in Shelridge Farm's W4 (worsted weight) in Cranberry. It's lookin' good!

If you're wondering why the title of this post is "I love Wednesday's" is because that's my day for working at home. Deb goes into the office and I get to sit quietly at home and work. It's hard to work (as in testing patterns or developing new patterns) in the office with customers coming in, the phone ringing, discussions with Sophy as she's packing up orders ... it's not really ideal. Naturally some days, like yesterday, I had to do work on the web site and answer emails but I also did get some work done (see above and below).

This is my progress on the lace shawl I'm doing in the Fibre-Isle's Lovit Cashmere (60% fine merino superwash, 30% Lyocell cellulose & 10% premium cashmere). It's lovely to work with.

I started the shawl with a leaf pattern (lower part) which is terrific to knit and easy to keep in your head. I used the first 50g ball doing the leaf, but I wanted to "open up" the pattern for the lower part of the shawl. So when I changed balls (and spliced the yarn so hopefully you won't see the join) I changed to the medallion pattern. Now this was just as I was going to bed, so I did the very clever transition pattern from Evelyn Clark and went to bed. This morning I had to get up at 6:00am just to sit and start the actual pattern. I am VERY pleased at how lovely it looks. Evelyn's transition means that one pattern actually flows into the next quite seamlessly. I am very impressed. I am going to get some of her books "Knitting Lace Triangles" for the shop as I think this is easily the best book I've seen for getting started.

OK, time to actually shower and get to work!

-Lynda

Now Available!

I spent a couple of hours yesterday posting the two new patterns on our web site and on Patternfish and was amazed this morning to discover that several people have purchased them already. Wow!

You've been following the blog for Bernice's "J.J. Jacket" and that's now available as a pattern or a kit:

And I finally finished the top down chunky pullover I was working on after being given some wonderful chunky alpaca from Catalina:

-Lynda

JJ's not looking impressive

I had some further comments about why we shop at the yarn stores we do (thanks E. - check out the last post comments). Location does dictate what a shop might stock. I also got an email from a store owner saying that it doesn't matter what the latest craze is, a store owner has to know her customers and whether the stock she's buying is going to appeal to her knitters. A suburban shop or the 'only store in town' has to cater to a much more varied customer base and this can be very tricky since such a wide range of products and price points are needed. You might imagine yourself in the shop owners place next time you are in your local yarn shop. It does look different from the other side of the counter. Thanks for your input everybody. Lots of very interesting comments.

Speaking of yarn shop products here is my latest being knit up. Is it just me or do you find that sometimes sweaters just don't do us any service by looking extremely goofy for so long. "Yes, it's a sweater, at least it's going to be, really, would I lie to you?"
This is the schematic for the red sweater above. I'm not too far along yet but #1 is the collar. On my 'girl' you can plainly see it is a garter stitch flipped over collar which is going to be quite lovely. I have finished panel #2 down the Left front.I just started on the Back panel #3. And I mean just started. I think I have worked 2 ridges there and obviously need a longer needle than that double pointed needle to get going. The clothes pin is pinning the first buttonholes together just to show you what's what. If you want to see it a little further along go to http://mommabearknits2.blogspot.com/ because Bernice is motoring on ahead. This is her design and based on her Baby J (www.cabinfever.ca/P420.html).

I think it's movie night at our house tonight and that means lots of garter stitch and popcorn.

-Deb

More patterns on Patternfish

Yes, we're back from our shows and so happy to be home. To getting caught up before going on holiday I've added all the new patterns to our web site and have added #255 Lyrical Lace, by Karen Lawrence, to the Patternfish site as well.

And the following Neck Cozies (aka "the new scarf") should be posted very shortly. These are quick, fun, projects and make excellent gifts. The cozies are shorter than regular scarves, have a button (or two) closing and fit cozily into the lapels of your jacket or coat.

This one is #087 - Ribbed Neck Cozies:

And #088 - Cabled Neck Cozy:

Another way of wearing the Cabled Neck Cozy:

And this is #089 - Fancy Neck Cozy:

We will be closed for our annual holiday from Monday, June 29th, through to Monday July 13th. Happy Canada Day (July 1) and Happy Independence Day (July 4)!

-Lynda

Ooops

I just uploaded some new patterns to Patternfish and forgot to let you know! Julia usually takes a few days to post new patterns but she was right on it this week. So, my apologies and here's the current status.

I uploaded a new photograph for Deb's Point to Point Shawl:

I posted my Jane Austen Shawls:

Bernice's new preemie to 18 months, 3 in one cardigans called Sam, Sadira & Katie was posted and I expect it to be available in the next day or two:

And I also loaded up Shirl the Purl's "Shirl's Mittlets" so you should be up be up in a day or two as well:

I will be uploading several more (7 more? no, must be 5 as the socks are already on Patternfish) over the coming days and week so I'll keep you posted. My deadline is to have everything posted before we leave for the TNNA show ... will I make it? Now back to updating the catalogue.

-Lynda

First Outing

I like to go away but I hate leaving. Does this make any sense? Tonight I leave for the NENA show in Sturbridge, MA. A trade show where we get to talk to lots of knitting store owners and see lots of knitting products. We'll see what the initial reaction is to our Need A Hat? booklet. First time out of the box, oh my.

I'm also teaching a Top Down class at The Fiberloft store in Harvard, MA on Saturday afternoon. I'm looking forward to that a lot. It's going to be fun. But before I start my mad dash around the house collecting bits of clothing and my 5 knitting projects which I won't even work on and the 2 books I won't have time to read, I did get some more done on the little pink sweater.

I'm calling this the Tuxedo shaping. You get to decorate the shirt front with whatever pattern you like. I'm going to try the broken rib pattern next because that would look like a shirt with pleats.

A nice wide panel across the centre back to play with, which is of course not tuxedo-like but I'm trying not to get too caught up with that one. I have some alterations to do on this and then a reknit. I'm going to think about it over the weekend. See you next week.
-Deb

P.S. Commenters
Thanks for the kind comments. It's always a little nerve racking taking a new project to it's first outing. You have given me a boost.

Hockey Night in Canada

Yes, it's hat time! We're working on a new hat booklet for children and adults with the patterns being available in most gauges of yarn. I thought of about 6 things I wanted to do but started with a(nother) flap cap. I really like them and they seem quite popular right now. But, just to be different, I decided to try to do one from the top down. Yes! It works great. Plus it has the added standard benefit of top down knitting - you can try it on while you go. Now, this was not of use for me as I knit the first one in the infant size (instant gratification kinda thing) but the theory holds. So, there was a hockey game on last night ....

And yes, that little cutie is on a toilet roll - no kiddies around the house to try this on so had to improvise.

So, there you go. A hat. I knit this in our Cabin Fever Cotton Tweed DK but now I'll have to knit this up in the various yarn weights but pleased with the first go. And naturally, immediately cast on for the next idea. I thought a slip stitch pattern would be cool but now I think my idea was a little too subtle.

In fact, not sure you can see much at all ..... rrrrriiiipppppp .... next!

- Lynda

Mirror, mirror

I've come a long way on my sweater and I was trying to photograph myself in the mirror. It's really hard to do. I've edited out all of the photos with the funny faces I make when I'm concentrating.And then some friends dropped by after a bike ride and I greeted them at the door with my sweater on, with needles still sticking out of it, and they didn't bat an eye. They took a better photo of the sweater for me.

I still have to work on the sleeves but I can make some judgements now.

I like the overall shape of it. I don't know if the twisted stitches are worth the effort since they don't show that much. But my other thought was I should start them higher up. Maybe do an inch of ribbing and then start the twisted stitches after that. I think I like the twisted diamond in the back since it pulls it in at the small of the back. I found some great buttons at the shop, really light weight wooden ones. I made the buttonholes 6 sts wide and that was way too much so I sewed them smaller, to 3 sts wide, and am much happier with that.

I don't know about the neckband. Should it have a flipped over collar? Maybe not a huge one. I am definitely leaning that way. I could put some twisted rib in that too. All of the interest is in the bottom and I sort of like to draw the attention up to the face a bit more. It will look different once the sleeves are done. I think then I will be sure I need a big collar to balance it out. So far I pretty pleased with this and it's wonderful to do a big project again.

-Deb