Potato Chip Knits

Every now and then you run across a project that you simply can't put down, and for better or worse, that's precisely what's happened with my simple rectangular shawl. 

In a very short time (comparatively speaking, because I'm still a very slow knitter), it progressed 
from this:

To this:

The two deep colors involved in the second section are so closely related, it was often difficult to distinguish one from the other. Yep, this made the knitting a bit challenging (lots of bright light was essential), but I love the effect, so it was worth it.

Finishing the first two sections was so motivating, I decided to continue plugging away, so it quickly grew some more.

As knitters, many of us have our own version of what constitutes an irrisistable potato chip knit. For some of us, it might be complex lace, for others it's anything with cables. For still others, it's intarsia.

It could be anything, but clearly for me, the magic combo appears to be soft yarn, pretty colors, an easy but interesting stitch, and fairly frequent color changes. What's your version of a potato chip knit?

RELATED

        Priorities

Priorities

I hope your new year is off to a great start.

Personally, in spite of the fact that it's not just a new year but the start of a new decade, my knitting goals remain basically unchanged. My top priorities are to limit the number of projects on the needles, finish active wips, frog projects that aren't working, and find creative ways to make use of the many lovely yarns lurking in my stash.

That certainly sounds do-able, doesn't it? It should be, except for one thing. Shortly after the new year dawned, I cast on this:

It's the start of a rectangular shawl/stole using lovely Mad Hatter sport weight yarn by Wonderland Yarns & frabjous fibers in the Shillings & Pence colorway.

Here's how I'm rationalizing this indulgence. Last year, I promised myself I could cast on a rainbow shawl as soon as I finished a few existing wips, which I did. (Technically, I still have some ends to weave in the Ohio Star blanket, but let's not get distracted with details.)

Not only have I been lusting after a rainbow shawl for months, but the yarn is wound and at the ready so it seemed like a no-brainer. Right up to the point where this experimental swatch caught my eye, that is.

And just like that, I switched directions. This yarn is soft, wooly and better suited to colder weather, which makes it perfect for winter knitting. If I can finish the shawl/stole fast enough, I'll undoubtedly have plenty of opportunities to wear it before the weather warms.

I'm opting for a slightly different ombre/gradient approach than what's shown in the swatch, so I hope it works. Meanwhile, I'm happily knitting away and making progress, and where knitting is concerned, that's what counts, right?

Pattern | Healdan Scarf

Longing for a dashing scarf that’s fast, easy and reversible? This design offers that and more. Healdan, an Old English word meaning to care for or protect, is a versatile unisex design suitable for folks of all ages.

Slipped stitches create an attractive fabric with fluted columns on one side and fluted ribs on the other. The stitch is easy to execute, knits quickly and is appealing in one color or many.

Go classic with a single solid or tonal yarn, work a subtle two-tone weave, or craft a custom gradient, ombre or fade. No matter what option you choose, the colorwork is easy, because only one color is worked on a row.

The pattern is written for sock/fingering weight or lace weight held double, but it readily adapts to any yarn weight or fiber. As an added plus, it includes directions for three lengths (48, 60, 72 ins), three widths (4, 6, 8 ins), and five color strategies ranging from a solid and two-tone weave to different gradient effects. Work it as written or use the handy Quick Reference guide, stitch chart, tips, tricks and easy modifications to tailor your project to suit your tastes.
                     

Healdan Scarf | Fast, Easy & Reversible 

Skill Level 2: Easy
Yarn: Sock/fingering or lace weight held double

Needles: US 8 (5 mm), US 9 (5.5 mm) or whatever size works for you

Sizes: Three lengths (48, 60, 72 ins) and three widths (4, 6, 8 ins)
Yardage (approx.): 240 to 645 yards (fingering); 480 to 1290 yards (lace weight held double)

With Healdan, the:

• Slipped stitch is extremely easy to execute, equally easy to memorize, and it produces a a lovely fabric that's fully reversible.
• Flat construction keeps your project compact and portable, so you can work it on the go.

• Colorwork is easy, because only one color is worked on a row.
• Five color strategies help you tailor each scarf to your tastes or those of the recipient.
• Pattern is simple enough for any moderately experienced beginner. It's concise but complete, with written directions, stitch chart, stitch counts, yardage and dimensions for each size.
• Yarn choice is completely up to you. The pattern is written for sock/fingering weight or lace weight held double, but it readily adapts to other weights and multi-stranding.
• Design is versatile and unisex, suitable for all ages, and can be worked in different yarns and countless combinations. 

The only limitation is your imagination. Create a timeless look with muted neutrals, or go bold with brights, classic with gem tones, or whimsical with rainbow hues. Add a lush touch with luxury yarn, texture with a rustic tweed, or a trendy feel with speckled yarns. Simplify your color choices by indulging in a gradient or ombre mini-skein collection, or craft your own. 

For dramatic impact with minimal fuss, try a slow-change gradient or rainbow yarn. To tone down pooling, pair a busy variegated with a closely related solid, or add a touch of glam by combining glitter or metallic yarn with a contrasting solid.

If you're feeling brave and want to quickly work up a last-minute holiday gift, substitute a heavier yarn weight or multi-strand lighter weight yarns and use larger needles. Fast, easy and fully reversible, Healdan is suited to any knitter who can cast on, knit, k2tog, ktbl, purl, slip stitches and bind off.

To view the Ravelry description and purchase the Healdan scarf pattern, click here. (And don't forget, you don't have to be a Ravelry member to buy patterns.)

Happy holidays and happy knitting! 

FYI

Want to learn more? See FO| Healdan Rose Gradient, FO | Healdan Plumberry Mitts & Scarf .
Shopping at your favorite LYS? All patterns are activated for in-store sales.
Experimenting with color combos? These articles offer ideas and inspiration.

FO | Kintra Mitts Red Cash Silk

Well, that was a short-lived struggle! Just a few short weeks ago, I was determined to stay focused on the tasks already at hand, but then in a moment of distraction I found myself casting on yet another pair of fingerless mitts, and I realized I'd lost that battle.

And I'm glad I did. Just in time for the holidays, I have a pair of soft, silky red mitts to go with my recently completed Kintra cowl.

To change things up just a bit, I used the rich purple Cash Vero and a three-needle bind-off to seam the mitts with a kiss of contrasting color. Overall, I'm pleased with the effect, and should I grow tired of the purple, I can easily remove it and redo the seam with red.

Kintra Mitts
Yarn: Cash Silk (Zegna Baruffa), Cash Vero (Cascade)
Needles: US 8 (5 mm)
Yardage: ~96 yards
Size: M

For now, however, I like the purple accent, and because the cowl features a removable button, I can achieve a matching look by substituting a purple pompom for the black button. (Yep, it's the same one I made for the Wyndfael cowl, but it works just as well here.)

Christmas is only a few weeks away and there's still much to be done, but meanwhile, I'm ready for the season with my vibrant red cowl and mitts.

RELATED

Pattern | Kintra Cowl-Scarf	Pattern | Kintra Mitts

Pattern | Kintra Cowl-Scarf

The name says it all. Kintra, an early American colloquialism for family, friends and folks nearby, is a versatile unisex design that’s also fast, easy and fully reversible — perfect for yourself and every knitworthy person you know.

Slipped stitches create a plush, ribbed fabric that’s stretchy and identical on both sides. Integrated I-cord edges add a polished look and minimize finishing, while optional button closures make Kintra easy to grab, wrap and go.

Written for sport weight yarn with a bit of memory, the pattern readily adapts to any yarn weight and multi-stranding. So, whether you're eyeing a special yarn at your favorite yarn store, seeking the perfect pattern for a treasured mini-skein collection, or using great stash yarns, Kintra offers a host of possibilities.

Go classic with muted neutrals, bold with brights, timeless with rich gem shades, understated with earth tones or whimsical with rainbow hues. Break out your favorite gradient or ombre yarn, or choose a family of closely related shades to craft your own. Add a luxe touch with premium yarns, texture with rustic tweeds, an on-trend feel with speckled or variegated yarns, or a soft sheen with wool-silk blends. 

Use a slow-change gradient or rainbow yarn for high impact with minimal fuss. Tone down a busy variegated by pairing it with a related solid, or add a touch of glam by doing the same with glitter or metallic yarn. 

Kintra Cowl-Scarf | Fast, Easy & Reversible

Skill Level 2: Easy
Yarn: Sport weight

Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm)  and US 8 (5 mm), or whatever size(s) work for you

Sizes: Two lengths (25 ins, 50 ins) and three widths (5 ins, 7 ins, 9 ins)
Yardage (approx.): 200 to 760 yards

With Kintra, the:

• Slipped stitch is extremely easy to execute, equally easy to memorize, and it produces a plush, stretchy fabric that's fully reversible.
• Flat construction keeps your project compact and portable, so you can work on it anytime and anywhere.

• Elements like simple accent stripes allow you to tailor each project to your tastes or those of the recipient.
• Pattern is simple enough for any moderately experienced beginner. It's concise but complete, with written directions, stitch chart, stitch counts, yardage and dimensions for each size.
• Yarn choice is completely up to you, but for best results choose something with a bit of memory (wool and wool blends work beautifully). Written for sport weight, the pattern readily adapts to other weights and multi-stranding.
• Design is versatile and unisex, suitable for all ages, and can be worked in different yarns and countless combinations. 

The pattern includes directions for two lengths (25 ins, 50 ins), three widths (5 ins, 7 ins, 9 ins), and four color strategies ranging from solids and stripes to blended gradients.

The choice is yours. You can work the pattern as written or use the handy Quick Reference guide, stitch chart, tips, tricks and easy modifications to customize every version you make. 

Whether you're knitting for yourself or others, you'll find the Kintra cowl-scarf is fast, easy and suited to any knitter who can cast on, knit, k2tog, ktbl, purl, slip stitches and bind off.

To view the Ravelry description and purchase the Kintra cowl-scarf pattern, click here. (And just a friendly reminder, you don't have to be a Ravelry member to buy patterns.)

FYI

Want to learn more? See FO | Kintra Nearly Neutral Cowl-Scarf , FO | Kintra Red Cash Silk Cowl.
Shopping at your favorite LYS? All patterns are activated for in-store sales.
Experimenting with color combos? These articles offer ideas and inspiration.

FO | Kintra Cowl Red Cash Silk

Just in time for cold weather, the red Kintra cowl is finished. Over the past month or so, you've seen glimpses of this project, but for the most part, it's been something I've quietly been knitting in the background. 

With the first version, Kintra Nearly Neutral, I worked a longer length that could be worn wrapped and buttoned as a cowl or open as a scarf. For this version, I went with a shorter length and a large statement button. The bright red will spark up my neutral wardrobe, while the button will coordinate nicely with the black sweater and turtleneck with which it will likely be worn. If I grow bored with the look, the button can easily be replaced since it's removable. 

Cash Silk, a sport weight blend of extra fine merino, silk and cashmere, is wonderfully soft and it knits up beautifully, The reversible rounded rib is plush and stretchy, and the finished fabric is light, soft and luxurious. To preserve the deep, cushy ribs, I opted to lightly steam rather than wet block this piece.

Kintra Reversible Cowl
Pattern: Just released!
Yarn: Cash Silk (Zegna Baruffa)
Needles: US 8 (5 mm) and US 9 (5.5 mm)
Yardage: ~165 yards
Dimensions: 5 x 25 ins

For the most part I don't do matchy-matchy accessories, choosing instead to change up the stitch or color mix. I'm so pleased with this simple cowl, however, I'm fighting the urge to cast on a pair of bright red Kintra mitts and create a matched set ideal for the holidays and winter weather ahead.

Since there's no such thing as too many mitts, I strongly suspect this is a battle I will lose.



RELATED

Pattern | Kintra Cowl-Scarf	Pattern | Kintra Mitts

Tips & Tricks | Easy Removable Buttons

For cardigans, cowls and other handknits that require closure, buttons are an easy, go-to option. There's one significant problem, however. Eventually most handknits need to be cleaned, and many buttons are not designed to withstand washing, dry cleaning or other methods.

I can't speak for you, but there's no way I'm going to detach buttons, wash the item and then reattach the buttons. Life is truly too short for such fuss, so for many years, DIY removable buttons have been my preferred solution.

Luckily, removable buttons are not only easy to make, they open up a range of possibilities that make it easy to put buttons from stash to good use. The basic process is simple:

1. At every location where you want a button, work paired buttonholes (i.e. work buttonholes at both ends of a cowl or on both button bands of a cardigan.
2. Choose decorative button(s) that look good and suit your needs.
3. Choose backer button(s) that fit through the buttonholes you've worked.
4. Use coordinating thread to attach each decorative button to a backer button.
5. Be sure to leave enough distance between the decorative and backer buttons to span the depth created by two layers of overlapped knit fabric.

My red Kintra cowl is a good example. After auditioning a range of looks and options, I decided in favor of a large, black button for the public side and a small, narrow white barrel for the backer button. The slim backer button fits through a single, unobtrusive button hole worked at both ends of the cowl.


Since backer buttons can be either purely functional or decorative for a reversible look, I decided to create another version. I chose two long, narrow shanked buttons and connected them using a standard jewelry jump ring, taking care to make sure the jump ring was smooth and wouldn't snag the yarn. 

Between the black, red and gold buttons, I've kept my options open and can change the look of this simple cowl to suit my mood and the occasion. I think the black button will get the most use, but we'll see how that unfolds over the course of the winter.



This isn't the first time I've used a removable/reversible button strategy. Many years ago, I made a loosely cabled cowl for a dear friend who had moved far away and was feeling bereft. The result was A Very Braidy cowl, which featured a pair of matching turquoise buttons backed by natural wood, so she could vary the look as she preferred.

 

As you can see, I tend to lean toward oblong buttons, but that's primarily a design choice. A few weeks ago, I shared my Wyndfael cowl with two types of removable closures, one an oversized but more sedate button and the other a whimsical pompom.

 

It's hard to argue with the practical benefits of removable buttons, but clearly they also allow you to have fun and experiment. Just be sure your backer button is both small enough to fit through the designated buttonhole and large enough to not pull out at the slightest pressure. If that happens, tighten up the buttonhole with a small tack stitch in each corner or swap the existing backer button for one that's slightly larger.

New Neutrals

It's been quite some time since earth tones have grabbed the limelight, but based on the clothing and accessories appearing on fashion runways and in major stores, they're back. Big time.

Rich, chocolate browns are being paired with their traditional siblings such as milk chocolate, tan and sand, as well as spicy shades of tumeric, ginger, chili pepper, pumpkin, rust and burgundy.

In other words, all the classic fall colors are once again right on trend. If the loooong reign of cool neutrals has left you out in the cold, now's your chance to find the yarns you're seeking in the warm tones you love.

RELATED

    10 Terrific Fall Color Combos

Sneak Peek! New Patterns

Some knitters have been asking when particular patterns might be released. I always appreciate your interest and have responded to individual inquiries, but this seems like a good time to offer a sneak peek at upcoming patterns.

Like their siblings, the new designs are quick and easy projects geared toward knitters of all skill levels. Here's a swift roundup of what's in the pipeline and where things stand:

Healdan Scarf - Just Released!
Healdan means to care for and protect, so it's the perfect name for a versatile unisex scarf. Fully reversible and knit on larger needles, Healdan is easy to work, and the stitch is ideal for making the most of mini-skeins, DIY ombres and gradients, tonal yarns, challenging variegated yarns and more.
    To buy this pattern, click here.
    Read more about this design here.

Kintra Cowl-Scarf - Just Released!
Kintra is an old-fashioned term for family, friends and folks nearby. Like the Kintra mitts, the cowl-scarf pattern features a super easy slip stitch which produces plush, stretchy cowls and scarves that are warm, versatile and suitable for everyone on your knitting list. 
    To buy the pattern, click here.

    Read more about this design here.

Wyndfael Cowl - Coming Soon!
Narrow stripes and single button closure accentuate gently rounded ends for a fresh take on a classic cowl or neckwarmer. Like the Wyndfael mitts, this design works up quickly, so it's a great candidate for winter gift-giving.
    UPDATE: The pattern has been sent to the tech editor.

    Read more about this design here.

Several more cowl, scarf, mitt, shawl and afghan designs are actively in the works, but since the patterns are not quite fully developed, I'll save them for another day. If there's a design that's caught your eye and you want to know if/when a pattern is coming, just let me know in the comments.

The Next Big Thing

Okay, technically, the Ohio Star afghan (my largest current WIP) isn't quite finished. The border is done, but I've decided to add a final edging, which looks nice and does a dandy job of minimizing curl.

That said, with completion of the Wyndfael cowl, my active project list has shrunk from six to four (two scarves, one shawl and the aforementioned afghan), so it's time to start thinking about the next big thing.

And this is where things get a bit dicey. For weeks, I've been tantalized by the prospect of casting on a rainbow shawl using lovely fingering weight yarn (Charlemont, Valley Yarns). The pattern is roughed out, and the yarn is wound and at the ready.

Unfortunately, just as I went to retrieve the yarn from the cupboard, a wayward thought popped into my mind and whispered in a sultry voice, What about that other shawl project? You know, the one that's been on your to-do list much, much longer? The idea was to pair the delightful Helen's Lace (Lorna's Laces) with the variegated Rayon Metallic (Blue Heron), a combo that seemed promising. Here, too, the pattern is roughed out, and the yarn is ready and waiting.

So, what's a knitter to do? 

In theory, I could cast on both and work them simultaneously, but that approach has several glaring flaws. I'm a slow knitter, so it simply means when true cold weather hits I'll have two partially complete shawls, rather one done (or nearly so). It also adds two new projects to the WIP list, which puts me back where I started.

While I'm trying to wrestle this decision to the mat, perhaps I should just pick up the afghan, start working the final edging, weave a few ends, and see what revelations emerge.

FO | Wyndfael Cowl

The current temps are in the high 80s (F), and they're projected to hit the low-to-mid 90s next week. Nonetheless, I've been busy putting the finishing touches on my Wyndfael cowl. I worked the accent stripes and rounded ends, then buckled down and began weaving ends.

The ends incorporate a small, nearly invisible button hole, which centers the button where the two ends meet. I like to keep my options open, so I attached a large, decorative button to a smaller backer button to create a removable cufflink-style closure, and this is the result.

Wyndfael Turquoise Cowl

Pattern: In development (coming soon!)

Yarn: Merino 5 (Crystal Palace); Cash Vero (Cascade)

Size: Short (~5 x 21 inches) 
Weight: Worsted
Needles: US 8 (5 mm)
Yardage: ~140 yards 

The removable button turned out to be a wise choice, because somewhere along the line I had a wacky idea ... 

What if I used a small pompom as a closure, instead of a button? I decided to give it a try and this is the outcome. Like the cufflink closure above, it's attached to a small backer button, which fits through the existing loops, so it, too, can be swapped out for wearing or washing. As an added plus, the pompom automatically matches, so it circumvents the sometimes frustrating search for a suitable button.

I confess I'm truly delighted with how this turned out. When cool weather arrives, I'll have a warm, cushy cowl to wrap around my neck, a matching pair of mitts to keep my hands warm, and when the mood strikes, I can go for whimsical or classic, whichever suits best.

And it's completely possible there may be a turquoise pompom in my near future ...


RELATED

    Pattern | Wyndfael Mitts

Why We Swatch

As eager as I am to start my rainbow shawl, I'm still weaving ends on the Wyndfael cowl and Ohio Star afghan, and I have a feeling once the shawl is on the needles, I won't want to work on anything else. So, I decided I needed to cast on something relatively small to work on between bouts of finishing. For some time, I've been longing for a red scarf to brighten my basic black wardrobe and offset the gray days of winter.

This delightful red yarn (Cash Silk by Zagna Baruffa) has been slumbering in the stash for close to two years, and now seemed like the perfect time to put it to use. I love my reversible Kintra Nearly Neutral so much, I decided to follow those working notes. (Be forewarned, these photos were grabbed on the fly, but bear with me, it's been one of those weeks. Colorwise, the first photo is most accurate.)

The recommended needle size is US 6, but I knew I wanted a drapier fabric so I swatched first with size US 7 for the first inch and US 8 for the remainder. Because I love the way this stitch looks when twisted, I worked all the knit stitches through the back loop (tbl).

Very quickly, I realized the fabric at this gauge was not as fluid and lofty as I wanted, so I cast on with larger needles (US 8 and 9), and started over again, working all the knit stitches through the front loop not the back.

You can't really see the difference in the photos, but the ribs are more rounded, the fabric is stretchier and significantly more flexible, and blocking will even out the stitches and maximize drape.

For now, this is my travel and pick-up-lay-down project for days when I have just enough time for a few quick rows. I've not decided how long I want this scarf to be, but I'm very fond of long skinny scarves that can be wrapped multiple times, so we shall see.

Meanwhile, as frustrating as it can be to start over once a project's on the needles, it's often the right thing to do. I'm certainly much happier with how things are progressing, which is why we swatch. Right? Right!

Surprise Ending

Last week, I was moaning about the hot mess that was my red, white and blue afghan, but since then a lot has been accomplished. The border has been finished and bound off, and for now, the afghan is cooling its heels while I gear up to weave ends (to do this well, I have to be in the right state of mind) and prep for blocking.

To stay productive and continue to chip away at the WIP pile, I picked up my Wyndfael cowl. Designed to match my Wyndfael mitts, this was supposed to be a super-quick knit. Somewhere along the way, I was tempted by another project, so it was set aside. Now, 11 months later, I'm finally ready to buckle down and finish it.

Similar to the mitts, I'm incorporating accent stripes in rich purple, a color I love with this shade of turquoise. I also decided to work rounded ends for visual interest, a bit of a surprise ending if you will.

The first end is completed (sorry, bad photo of the wrong side) and I've begun working the second. With a bit of luck and some knitting time, I'll soon have this piece bound off, and ready to finish and block. (Update: Done!)

Once both the afghan and cowl are done, my WIP list will pared down to three active projects, a feat I plan to celebrate by immediately casting on a rainbow shawl. With that motivating factor in mind, I'm heading back to my knitting!