Friday, August 20, 2021, Issue 212: Lazy summer days...Happy Friday!

• Posted on 19 August 2021
• By Susan Wong-Tsang
• Posted in August 2021, Gift Knitting, KAL, knit-along, make-along, summer knitting
• 0

At this time last year, we had a wonderful summer of finished summer tees and knit-alongs! We were inspiring each other to knit, knit, knit and even though we couldn't knit together in person, we knit together apart! In the last couple of weeks, we have finally been able to knit together again and it is so good to see everyone so happy to enjoy those moments together with fun and laughter.

Even though it is still hot and humid outside, it is not too soon to start our fall knitting! Cardigans and cozy but lightweight sweaters or shawls are great options.

Cleo is as light as air, a fluffy hug. A year-round closet staple, the Cleo Cardigan by Rachel Kurihara is perfect for spring/summer evenings or layered for fall/winter!

Rachel's sample above was knit holding 2 strands of mohair silk together. Suggested yarn: Garnstudio Drops Kid Silk, Lichen and Lace Marsh Mohair or The Fibre Co. Cirro (single strand).

SIZES
XS, S, M, (L, XL, 2XL), 3XL, 4XL, 5XL
36, 40, 44, (48, 52, 56), 60, 64, 68 in / 91.4, 101.6, 111.8, (121.9, 132.1, 142.2), 152.4, 162.6, 172.7 cm, including the intended positive ease of 6-8 in / 15-20 cm at the bust.

MEASUREMENTS
Garment Bust Circumference: 36, 40, 44, (48, 52, 56), 60, 64, 68 in / 91.4, 101.6, 111.8, (121.9, 132.1, 142.2), 152.4, 162.6, 172.7 cm
Underarm to Hem (adjustable): 10 in / 25.4 cm
Yoke Length: 9, 9.6, 10, (10.6, 11, 12), 12.6, 13, 13.3 in / 22.9, 24.6, 25.4, (27.1, 27.9, 30.5), 32.2, 33, 33.9 cm
Sleeve Length (underarm to cuff) (adjustable): 17, 17, 17.5, (17.5, 18, 18.5), 19, 19, 19 in / 43.2, 43.2, 44.5, (44.5, 45.7, 47), 48.3, 48.3, 48.3 cm
Upper Arm Circumference: 15.75, 16.25, 17, (18, 19.5, 21.5), 23, 24.5, 25 in / 40, 41.3, 43.2, (45.7, 49.5, 54.6), 58.4, 62.2, 63.5 cm

SUGGESTED NEEDLES
Body – 4.0mm (US size 6), 24-60 inches circular needles
Ribbing – 3.75mm (US size 5), 24-60 inches circular needles
or the required needle size to obtain gauge

MATERIALS
Lace weight yarn, circular needles, additional circular needles (optional), DPNs, stitch markers, scrap yarn, darning needle, 4mm crochet hook (if using crocheted provisional cast on), five (5) 20-25mm buttons

GAUGE
19 stitches & 24 rows = 4” stockinette stitch worked flat, blocked

YARDAGE
The sample is knit with one strand of each colorway and the yardage below represents total yardage.

1775, 1935, 2017, (2460, 2715, 3066), 3380, 3645, 3880 yards / 1623, 1769, 1844, (2249, 2483, 2804), 3091, 3333, 3548 m

Camay (Purlificknitter) test knit the Cleo Cardigan for Rachel Kurihara (@rachelknitsthings) which is now live on Ravelry. I love her use of handmade covered buttons!

Have you seen Andrea Mowry’s newest pattern? Morning Rituals is the sweater I reach for on crisp mornings as the fog rolls out and my mug warms my hands. I pull it over my head and stand barefoot on our dew-kissed deck and greet the morning. Every stitch wrapping me in comfort as I gratefully embrace another day. It is knit from the bottom up, adorned with beautiful cables, a high neck to keep you warm and pockets!

SIZES
1 (2, 3, 4, 5)(6, 7, 8, 9)

FINISHED BUST CIRCUMFERENCE
42 (46, 50, 54, 58)(62, 66, 70, 74)”
106.5 (117, 127, 137, 147.5)(157.5, 167.5, 178, 188) cm
Recommended ease is positive 12-8”/30.5-20.5 cm; sample is shown in Size 2 on a 35”/89 cm bust with 11”/28 cm positive ease on a woman who is 5’5”/165 cm tall.

YARN REQUIREMENTS
These are just approximations. Total yarn usage will depend on the yarn you use (fiber content, ply, etc.), your personal gauge, and any modifications you may make.

DK Weight
419 (464, 519, 550, 588)(644, 687, 738, 783) g
1097 (1214, 1359, 1441, 1541)(1688, 1798, 1933, 2050) yds
1004 (1110, 1243, 1318, 1409)(1543, 1644, 1768, 1874) m

Yarn suggestions: Kelbourne Woolens Scout, The Fibre Co. Arranmore Light and Rowan Felted Tweed.

SUGGESTED NEEDLES
Main Fabric: 4.0mm (US 6) – 32”/80 cm to 40”/100 cm circular and preferred needles for small circumference knitting (ML or DPNs), plus a spare for the 3-needle bind off.

Ribbing: 3.75mm (US 5) - 16”/40 cm & 32”/80 cm to 40”/100 cm circular and preferred needles for small circumference knitting (ML or DPNs)

Sleeve: 4.5mm (US 7) – preferred needles for small circumference knitting (ML or DPNs). if necessary to retain gauge.Most knitters tighten up gauge over small circumference, so I recommend going up a needle size to maintain the correct gauge.*

NOTIONS
Stitch markers, row counter (recommended), scissors, waste yarn, spare needles or stitch holders.

GAUGE
17.5 sts & 26 rows = 4”/10 cm on Main Fabric needle.
Measured over stockinette stitch knit in the round, after blocking.

WIPs and FOs

I have not had the time for a finished project but I am making progress on my most recent WIP! By Tuesday evening, I was working on the details before the hem ribbing on my test knit of Daintylion designed by Rebecca McKenzie of Raging Purlwind (@ragingpurlwind) using The Fibre Co. Cirro in Angelic.

I almost have one sleeve finished...just the ribbing to go.

Unfortunately, I also found a dropped stitch in the back on Tuesday that I have caught with a stitch marker until I can sew it in. Usually when taking progress photos, I also take a few of the back but this time I hadn't! I am happy to say the stitch had held and hadn't dropped farther down!

KNIT GROUP AND GALLERY

The newest Knit-Alongs are the Any Sweater / Shawl KAL and the Knit Any Project: the everlasting knit-along to encourage and support you to knit is running from May 1 to August 31, 2021.

Remember to post photos to the finished object (FO) thread when you finish a project during the Knit-Along so that you will be included in the next draw! We will also add the option of posting your finished project to Instagram using the #sue2knitskal so that I can find them!

Patti (@patnelann) has been busy making a gift for a baby shower this week for twins. They are for photo shoot. The parents are baseball playing, hockey loving pig farmers. Aren’t these wonderful?

The patterns are: 1. Newborn Hockey Uniform by Caryn's Yarn Basket; 2. Newborn Baseball Outfit by Briana K Designs; 3. Pig Hat and Diaper Cover by Cozy Nooks Designs.

Liz is using up stash! Here’s her Toddler Raglan Hoodie by Megan Goodacre (Tricksy Knitter) with a Lola Hat with matching mitts to make up a set.

Liz also finished this Despicable Me Fluffy Unicorn by by Inga Breuer from a pattern she found on Pinterest but is avaiable as a fee Ravelry download.

Lovely socks knit by Sonia (soniabknits) in DK weight Schoppel Wolle Zauberball Starke 6 in 2099 Blue Break - Pause in Blue.

Sonia (@soniabknits) finished a luxurious Jacqueline Beret to complement her Escher’s Dream Cowl by SweaterFreak Knits.

Brandi (@thegreenbuttonjar) finished her gorgeous Find Your Fade Shawl by Andrea Moowry (@dreareneeknits) over a year ago but finally blocked it!!

Sandi (sandima) finished the Radvent Cardigan by Ambah O’Brien that she knit for her daughter using an advent calendar yarn kit! Love the pooling on the sleeves!

Here’s Sandi (sandima)’s test knit of the Colourwork Dinosaur Beanie by Joan Rowe recently released.

Rosemary finished and learned a lot while knitting this pair of Togetherness Socks, a free Ravelry download pattern designed by Little Home Designs’s. Yarn is West Yorkshire Spinners Signature 4 Ply in the Nutmeg colourway.

Jane knit this sweet little cardigan on the knitting machine that she picked up a few weeks ago! She is planning to learn how to do cables and tuck stitches on her next project!

NEW IN THE SHOP

Soak Minnie Basin Handwashing Kits

What is it: This bright little helper likes to focus on the small stuff: masks, bras and swimsuits fit just right in her compact shape. Hand wash in style with this small but mighty Soak system. 

• fade resistant, frost resistant, UV resistant
• child-safe, food safe
• unique beveled edges for easy pouring

Minnie Basin
Dimensions: 12” (30cm) wide x 4” (10cm) tall
Capacity: 5 Liters / 1.3 US Gallons

Full Size Soak
12oz / 375 mL, 75+ washes

How it works: Just Soak (scrub for masks!) and squeeze.

• Wash face masks in hot water and scrub for 20 seconds, squeeze and dry.

Between washes use your basin to store your face masks and other small items. 

Soak Eco Wash Bag Slim

What is it: Created by the experts at Soak, this Eco Wash Bag (Scentless has a blue zipper) is designed to keep all your Soakworthy items safe during machine washing. Protect your lingerie, swimwear, active wear, scarves, sports bras, baby socks, knitwear, and embellished garments.

Made from 100% RPET, post-consumer recycled plastic bottles. Each Eco Wash Bag diverts 8+ plastic bottles from oceans and landfills.

• Washer/ dryer safe.
• Premium zippers stylishly matched to each Soak fragrance.
• Zipper cover protects the rest of your laundry.
• Soakworthy hang tag allows for easy storage when not in use.
• Quality construction with French seams.
• Perfect to store lingerie and other items during travel.
• Can also be used as a project bag.

How it works: Place your favorite delicate items inside the Eco Wash Bag. Zip and secure zipper pull under tab. Wash in cool water on the delicate cycle with Soak. Lay knits and lingerie flat to dry. The Eco Wash Bag is ideal for top and front loading machines, including HE. Also dryer safe.

Tuesday Knit Afternoons from 2 - 4 pm and Thursday Knit Nights from 7 - 9 pm has started again in the shop! Weather permitting, we will hold our Thursday Knit Nights out back!

Happy Friday, Happy Knitting, Crocheting and Crafting! Keep calm and keep on knitting and making!