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.

There's Still Time

As much as I love Thanksgiving, when it comes so very late in the month as it did this year, it can really put a crimp in the holiday season. One day, you're completely focused on family, friends and food (I'm a total turkey addict), and the next you realize Christmas is just a few weeks away. 

The only solution is to take deep breaths and remind myself (over and over again) there's still time to whip up some knitted gifts. Just in case you're in the same boat, I'm here to share some quick and easy gift-giving possibilities.


ORNAMENTS
Christmas Trees
Worked from the top down, these classic reversible Christmas Trees are ideal as ornaments, mug mats, hotpads, table accents and more. As an added plus, they can be knit in any gauge, any yarn weight, and a wide range of sizes from extra small to extra large. 

To buy the Christmas Tree pattern now, click here.
To read more about it, click here.


ACCESSORIES
Dojeling Shawl
This is a bit more ambitious, but if you choose to use large-ish needles, you could easily create a triangular shawl or bandana scarf in time for gift-giving or holiday wear. Dojeling is reversible, readily adapts to any gauge and yarn weight from fingering to bulky, and features innovative construction to keep work in progress manageable for knitting on the go.

To buy the Dojeling pattern now, click here.
To read more about it, click here.


Kintra Cowl-Scarf
The Kintra cowl-scarf features a unisex design that's quick, easy and suited to anyone you deem knitworthy. Use shrine of precious yarn for something truly delectable, or opt for sturdy workhorse yarn for durable daily wear. The pattern is written for sport weight but readily adapts to multi-stranding and heavier yarn weights that work up quickly. (For a superfast knit, check out the short version, which takes about 165-200 yards.)

To buy the Kintra Cowl-Scarf pattern now, click here.
To read more about it, click here.


Kintra Mitts
The Kintra Mitts are not only fast and easy, they feature a versatile unisex design. Choose soft and sumptuous yarn for a woman, or something sturdy and tweedy for a man. As an added plus, the pattern is written for sport weight but readily adapts to any yarn weight, so opt for heavier weights and you can quickly work up several pairs.

To buy the Kintra Mitts pattern now, click here.
To read more about it, click here.


Wyndfael Mitts
A combination of classic two-stitch mock cables and ribs make Wyndfael fast, easy and versatile. Because the pattern is written for worsted weight yarn, these mitts work up very quickly. Simply follow the pattern as written, or use the tips, tricks and easy modifications to tailor each pair to a range of recipients.

To buy the Wyndfael Mitt pattern now, click here.
To read more about it, click here.


HOME DECOR
Graefen Cloth & Towel Set
This fast and easy pattern produces a set of reversible cloths and towels. They work up quickly in DK weight, but you could speed things along even more by using worsted, aran or bulky weight yarn for a single towel, set of cloths, or both.

To buy the Graefen pattern now, click here.
To read more about it, click here.

Sweet Hearts & Soft Spots
Designed to function as coasters, hotpads, placemats and decorative accents for your table or tree, Sweet Hearts & Soft Spots are ideal for gifts. Celebrate the season by working them in holiday colors, use rainbow hues for a range of recipients, or get a jumpstart on Valentine's Day using rose, pink and red.

To buy the Sweet Hearts & Soft Spots pattern now, click here.
To read more about it, click here.


Whimsy Owls
Know someone who loves owls? This design works up quickly, and the pattern includes instructions for three different sizes, so you can create an entire owl family if you wish.

To buy the Whimsy Owl Family pattern now, click here.
To read more about it, click here.


From afghans and accessories to holiday and home accents, there's something for everyone. Each pattern includes a range of sizes, detailed yardage breakouts, and handy tips, tricks and easy modifications. For many of you, this means you can dip into stash to make the most of yarn on hand, to save time, money and shopping hassles.

It's crunch time, fellow knitters, so let's get busy. Christmas is coming!

Want to acquire several patterns? Click here to go straight to my Ravelry pattern store.

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.

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.

Pattern | Herlacyn Afghan

With its crisp lines, subtle textures and vivid colors, Herlacyn offers unlimited possibilities. Named after an Old English term for harlequin designs, this fast and easy unisex afghan represents a modern take on a traditional form.

Ideal for mini or partial skeins, the geometric shapes require just two color changes per row. Choose related shades for a custom gradient or ombre as shown, opt for classic neutrals, or pair soft gray with a single contrast color for an on-trend look. 

Herlacyn Afghan  | Fast & Easy

Skill Level 2: Easy
Yarn: Worsted weight; adapts to any weight and multi-stranding

Shown: Cotton Fleece (Brown Sheep)

Needles: US 8 (5 mm)
Sizes: 3 sizes (baby, lapghan, throw)

Yardage (approx.): 820 to 1400 yards               

Fast, easy and reversible, this afghan sports a subtle texture on the front and plush texture on the back. Strip construction keeps your project contained and portable, while the modified three-needle technique makes seaming a breeze and preserves drape.

 With Herlacyn, the:

• Crossed stockinette stitch is easy to execute and creates a stable fabric with an appealing texture.
• Color work is a breeze and just two easy color changes per row produce crisp diagonal lines.
• Strip construction keeps your project compact and portable, so you can work on your afghan anytime and anywhere.

• Pattern is simple enough for any moderately experienced beginner. It's concise but complete, and includes a schematic along with directions, stitch counts, yardage and dimensions for three sizes.
• Yarn is worsted weight or its equivalent, so your project grows quickly.
• Design is versatile and unisex, suitable for all ages, and can be worked in different yarns and countless combinations. 

The pattern includes written directions for three popular sizes ranging from baby (28 x 36 ins) to lapghan (35 x 44 ins) and throw (43 x 54 ins). Designed for worsted weight yarn, the pattern readily accommodates other yarn weights and multi-strand strategies. It’s your decision. You can work it as written or use the handy Quick Reference guide, schematic, tips, tricks and easy modifications to customize the result.

Herlacyn is a quick, fun knit suited to anyone who can cast on, knit, purl, increase, decrease, ktbl, k2tog, k3tog, slip stitches, pick up stitches and bind off. 

Ready to get started? Click here to buy the pattern now. Happy knitting!

To read more about this design, see FO | Herlacyn Heatwave and FO | Herlacyn Breeze.
To explore possible neutral color schemes, see 9 Nifty Neutral Combos.

Not-So-Scrappy Scrap Blankets

As much as I love the look of a nicely executed scrap blanket, you might have noticed random is not a thing I do well. 

Unfortunately like most knitters, I have an abundance of scraps, leftovers and partials tucked in the stash. The challenge for me, therefore, has been to create a variety of ways to put these leftovers to good use. These afghan designs have helped me do just that, and they might help you do the same.


Angletyn

Worked on the bias, Angletyn's large-scale chevron design is highly adaptable. If you have lots of leftovers of similar weight, simply arrange the colors in a sequence you find visually pleasing, then knit each strip in a series of two-row stripes. If you have varied scrap amounts, try knitting stripes of different depths based on how much you have of each color. 

Color Check

Designed as a multi-color project, Color Check features a simple slip stitch that's ideally suited to burning through scraps and leftovers. Pick a unifying color for the check outlines and use scraps and leftovers for the fill colors. This reversible design consists of  strips joined to create two panels, which are then seamed together back to back. As a result, you can change colors as often as you choose without worrying about lots of ends to weave — simply bury them inside the seamed panels.


Drumlin

Worked with another easy slip stitch, Drumlin is a versatile, quick knit and is fully reversible. The stitch creates a fluted texture on both sides, and its attractive worked in a single solid color or in alternating two-row stripes. For a striped approach like the example shown above, try pairing two solid colors or match a solid with a complementary confetti, speckled or variegated yarn.


Herlacyn

From the beginning, Herlacyn was designed to help use up some of the many partial skeins lingering in the stash. In the example shown, colors were arranged in a diagonal pattern to create an ombre or gradient effect, but there are countless ways to adapt this pattern to accommodate yarn on hand. Try working the triangles in a single contrasting solid, rich or bright rainbow colors, or various shades from the same color family.


Lucben

Worked in strips rather than individual blocks, Lucben offers a fresh take on the timeless look of a classic 9-patch blanket. You can do what I did and mix various shades from the same color family to create a custom gradient, or choose a light and dark color, then alternate them for a checkerboard effect. Try a tonal approach using closely related hues for the blocks and borders, or try a simple two-color strategy, using one for the blocks and the other for the borders. 


Tikkyn

With its charming pindot stitch, Tikkyn offers a host of scrap-busting possibilities. Keep the emphasis on the cozy texture by working each strip in a different color. Tone down a busy variegated, speckled or confetti yarn by pairing it with a related solid shade. To accommodate different amounts of yarn, try working long stretches in one color combination and shorter sections in another, similar to Tikkyn Flagstone.


Twegen

Worked in yet another reversible slip stitch, Twegen is an attractive, easy way to put leftovers and partials to good use. For an interesting effect, choose a unifying main color and work each strip with that and a mix of colorful scraps and leftovers, both solid and variegated. For lighter weight yarns, try multistranding to create a fun marled fabric. For an ombre effect, sort yarns by color family and work each strip with the darkest shades at the bottom, medium ones in the middle, and lightest ones at the top.


Valere

With its compact geometric shapes, Valere readily lends itself to scrap-busting. Try a strategy similar to the one shown above, using a single color for the background and vivid contrasting colors for the banners or flags. If you have a lot of similar leftovers in a single color family, work all the banners in these varied shades. To use up small bits of yarn, work the banners in alternating two-row stripes. 


Keep in mind most of these ideas will work with a wide range of patterns. While you think about what type of scrap-busting project you prefer, take time to organize and inventory your scraps, leftovers and partials. That alone may be enough to prompt ideas and inspiration.

Some knitters, of course, are hyper-organized with yarny leftovers, but I'm not one of them. If I have lots of a specific type (I'm looking at you Cotton Fleece), I store all of them in the same small bin. With more limited leftovers, I tend to tuck them in with other yarns of the same or similar weight and fiber makeup, while super-small quantities often live out their last days snuggled with other small bits in a plastic container or ziploc bag.

Whatever you choose to do, I hope you found some of these tips useful. Each pattern highlighted here includes directions for three sizes (baby, lapghan, throw), along with detailed yardage breakouts, and easy modifications to help you transform all the yarn into something pretty and practical.

Happy not-so-scrappy knitting! 

Pattern Sale: Tornado Relief

UPDATE: 
Thank you all for your generosity, the sale has ended and a check for tornado relief is on its way.
______________________________

As some of you know, a record-breaking 15 tornadoes hit this region on Memorial Day. Winds up to 170 mph caused such extensive damage, some areas were completely decimated. 

If you've never experienced a tornado or seen the aftermath, it's difficult to imagine. In a matter of minutes, people are injured or dead. Homes, apartments, businesses, shopping centers, eateries, schools, government facilities, and houses of worship are leveled. Roads are blocked with trees and debris. Power lines are down. Cell towers are gone. In our area, the primary water distribution system was so damaged, it was shut down. 

To add insult to injury, a week of rain and storms contributed to the damage and caused significant delays. Cleanup is underway, but recovery and rebuilding are going to be long, drawn out and grueling. 

To help with that effort, I'm running a quick sale to fund a donation for tornado relief. All you have to do is purchase one or more patterns in my shop. You'll save 25% and do some good at the same time, since all proceeds will go to local agencies assisting families with recovery and rebuilding. This offer lasts through Saturday, June 8 (EDT).

If you want to browse patterns or read more about them before you buy, click here to go to the Patterns page.

If you want to buy now, click the link below and it will take you directly to my Ravelry pattern shop: 

   Pattern Sale | Save 25% on any pattern through Saturday, June 8 (EDT).
   No coupon required. Sale price will automatically be applied at checkout.
   All proceeds will be donated for tornado relief efforts.

My family and friends were lucky, everyone emerged shaken but unscathed. Many others weren't so lucky, so let me thank you in advance, your support is greatly appreciated. 


PS: It's true. An approaching tornado sounds exactly like a runaway train heading straight for you at top speed.

Stashbusting Strategies (Part III)

Beautiful fall and winter yarns are beginning to arrive in yarn stores, so late summer/early fall is the ideal time for some serious stashbusting. Stashes are an important part of our creative life, but to avoid becoming overwhelmed, it's vital to have a full range of use-it-up strategies at our fingertips. Luckily, almost any project can become a stashbuster, but some fulfill that role more readily than others.

Today, I'm focusing on afghans, but the basic concepts can be applied to many projects, especially shawls, scarves and wraps. With that in mind, let's look at a few designs and explore their stashbusting potential, and if a particular design captures your imagination, you can click the bold title to learn more about the pattern.


Angletyn

The possibilities here are endless. You could:

• Create a Missoni-like effect by using rainbow CCs and changing colors every few rows. 
• Use a mix of broad, medium and narrow color bands to make the most of yarn on hand.
• Work the top and bottom triangles in your MC, then work alternating MC and CC stripes. 
• Work each chevron in a different handspun set against a contrasting MC.
• Create a tone-on-tone effect by working the MC and chevron bands in closely related colors.

Herlacyn 

Derived from an Old English phrase that referred to colorful harlequin patterns, Herlacyn by its very nature offers great stashbusting potential. You could:

• Pair six related CCs with one MC as shown to create an ombre or gradient effect.
• Reverse the look by working the diamonds in CCs and triangles in the MC.
• Choose three colors and one MC, then work each strip with the MC and one CC.
• Choose four colors and one MC, then use the same CC for all the triangles in one row.

Lucben

This fast and easy design has nearly infinite use-it-up potential. You could:

• Work every block in a different rainbow color using partials and leftovers.
• Make a simple grid using one MC for seams and trim, and one CC for blocks.
• Create a diagonal gradient similar to what's shown by using multiple shades of the same color. 
• Produce a checkerboard using just two CCs and working blocks in alternating colors.

Tikkyn

Tikkyn, too, has great stashbusting promise. Instead of rainbow colors, you could:

• Work each block in different neutrals such as shades of cream, sand, tan, taupe and brown.
• Pair two closely related colors for each strip and work two-tone strips rather than blocks. Go bright and vibrant, subtle and sophisticated, or rich and gem-like.
• Emphasize texture rather than color to use up stashed afghan or sweater quantities. Simply work the entire blanket in one color such as creamy yellow for a baby or grey for a guy.
• Adopt one of the color strategies featured in Beyond the Block: 20 Surefire Configurations.

Valere

Faced with a growing pile of leftovers and partial skeins from many multicolored projects, I needed a design that offered infinite ways to put these lovely leftovers to good use. Valere was the result and to maximize its potential, you could:

• Work it in an array of rainbow colors, similar to what's shown.  link to cream version
• Put leftovers to good use by making striped rather than solid banners. 
• Focus solely on two colors (one MC, one CC).
• Produce a gradient effect by working each banner in yarn from the same color family.

Afghans and blankets are easily adaptable and ideally suited to stashbusting efforts. After seven years of diligent stashbusting, my stash is at a comfortable size (not too big, not too small), and it all fits into the designated storage space. It's also been reshaped to more accurately reflect my current fiber, color and project preferences, which is a decided plus.

Because the thought of being entirely stashless makes me twitchy, I can't envision a day without yarn in reserve for midnight forays, quick gifts and experimental swatching. That's why periodically, I buckle down and focus on stashbusting projects. It puts lovely yarns to good use and frees up space for fresh infusions of fiber.

Hopefully, these ideas will provide ideas and inspiration for transforming your stash into unique and useful hand knits worked from the treasure trove hidden in your stash.

What are your favorite stashbusting tips and tricks?


RELATED

Stashbusting Strategies (Part I)	Stashbusting Strategies (Part II)