Tweed

Our shipment of Arranmore Light finally arrived. The website is updated for online shopping and the yarn is available for in store shopping.

Inspired by the breath-taking scenery of Ireland, Arranmore Light yarn is spun in a mill that traces its roots to the homespun tweed industry of 19th century County Donegal. This DK-weight yarn blends cashmere and silk with fine Merino wool to create an authentic tweed yarn in a colour palette reminiscent of the wild Irish coastlands for makers who appreciate the best of luxury and tradition.

This is the Churchmouse Library Vest (pattern purchased on Ravelry) that we knit with Arranmore Light along with one of my Inclination Cowls knit with Dyed in the Wool Rosy Maple and Salty Dog.

Our vest is the long version. This chart shows the number of skeins of Arranmore Light you will need to make the vest.

This is the Bookish Cardi knit out of Arranmore Light. You can purchase the pattern on Ravelry.

We added 2” to the length of our Bookish Cardi. Here is a chart to show the number of skeins of Arranmore Light you will need.

We also knit Stephen West’s Dustland Shawl with 3 skeins of Arranmore Light.

Jackson and Fred love to wrestle.

I found these photos of baby Jackson this morning when I was looking for Arranmore Light pictures for the blog. You’d never guess it was the same dog.

Happy Birthday Dad

We have a new sample and it is stunning. This is the Bookish Cardi

The Bookish Cardi is a statement layering sweater. It features some of my favorite stitches and techniques: twisted stitches, crochet bobbles, and buttonholes which makes for an addictive knit that you won’t be able to put down! The cropped length, front button closure, and easy drop shoulder style make this the ultimate layering piece to mix and match with your wardrobe.

Deidre knit the 3rd size (with 2” added to the length) and used just over 3.5 skeins of Arranmore Light. Deidre knit the cardigan on 3.5mm and 4mm needles.

The pattern is by Annie Lupton (Boho Chic Fiber Co.) and you can purchase it on her website.

The latest Field Guide is now available.

We welcome with joy the world’s foremost expert on brioche knitting, Nancy Marchant! Field Guide No. 21: Brioche is perfect for knitters new to brioche, with how-to instructions, tips, and four patterns that set a knitter up for brioche glory. Experienced brioche knitters will love these designs, too—modern and simple, hitting that the sweet spot of easy and gorgeous.

This is the Field Guide we have dreamed of creating for a long time.

We were total brioche newbies when we started working with Nancy on this Field Guide. Now, with Nancy’s guidance and a set of gorgeous designs, we’re confident brioche knitters.

My dad is celebrating a big birthday today. 80! He’s still going strong. He goes to work everyday and still loves it. People ask Beth and I why he is still working - he should be retired. We tell them that he enjoys working and it would kill him to sit at home everyday. He does nap every afternoon but who wouldn’t have an afternoon nap if they could?

Beth sent me pictures of the decorations at work.

We sang Happy Birthday then someone yelled because we forgot the sprinklers.

We took the cake back and started again.

Lucy enjoyed the party. I fed her some of my ice cream.

Happy Birthday Dad!

Everyday

Andrea Mowry released a new pattern this morning.

This past year held many unexpected opportunities for learning more about myself and offered the time to slow down and reflect. I have thought a lot about what I reach for time and again in my closet, and how much that choice affects my mood for the day. I have found myself wanting to make and wear wardrobe staples that come to life in the details and go with everything in my closet! 

This sweater is knit from the top down (meaning you can try it on as you go and add length to suit your own personal style!), beginning with the collar. You will separate the sleeves placing them on hold while the body is finished and then the sleeves are returned to the needle, picking up stitches for the underarm for a totally seamless sweater!

You can purchase the pattern for the Everyday Sweater on Andrea’s website. 

Photos © Andrea Mowry

Here are a few different yarn options.

Lore from The Fibre Co. One of Andrea’s test knitters used Lore and it looks amazing.

Patagonia from Juniper Moon. We have more stock coming next week.

Arranmore Light from The Fibre Co. I started my post and came back to it. A test knitter just added her sweater knit in Arranmore Light.

We used Arranmore Light for Stephen West’s Dustland Shawl (pattern purchased on Stephen’s website).

Inspired by the breath-taking scenery of Ireland, Arranmore Light yarn is spun in a mill that traces its roots to the homespun tweed industry of 19th century County Donegal. This DK-weight yarn blends cashmere and silk with fine Merino wool to create an authentic tweed yarn in a colour palette reminiscent of the wild Irish coastlands for makers who appreciate the best of luxury and tradition.

Here are the Lore mini balls. 

I’m home early today to meet a repair man. Our dishwasher stopped working on Sunday. It’s all fixed now. Washing dishes is not something that either of us like to do. Beth brought out the throw away plates last night but I vetoed them.

Dad and Lucy are leaving early in the morning for Myrtle Beach. Dad is so excited to be heading south. We’re having an early dinner tonight so that he can get to bed early. I’m not sure that he will sleep. An early night to bed sounds like a good idea. Happy knitting tonight!

Minis

Minis are so cute and the minis coming tomorrow are no different.

These are mini balls of Lore from The Fibre Co. 13 colours are coming.

Made in England’s historical textile region of West Yorkshire, Lore is 100% lambswool from the Romney sheep, locally known as Kent lamb. It is an honest woolen-spun DK weight yarn that blooms beautifully after washing, making it a perfect yarn for colourwork. Garments made from Lore will wear well and are perfect for everyday and special adventures alike.

25gram balls

62m (68 yards)

21 stitches = 4” knit on 4mm needles

Lynn just knit a sweater in Lore and loves the yarn. I will make sure to get pictures the next time she wears it to work.

In the Flow is a cowl knit with Lore mini balls. You can purchase the pattern on Ravelry.

In The Flow is a generously sized cowl designed by Becky Baker to be an excellent project for the beginner knitter, or for any knitter who enjoys a simple, meditative project with beautiful yarn.

I didn’t know about this pattern when I placed my order and missed ordering these colours. We will get them on our next order. I know we can put together great combinations with what is coming. 

These mini balls will be great for colourwork - hats and mitts come to mind. A great mitten pattern is the Fiddlehead Mittens - you can find it on Ravelry. You will need a full skein of Lore and 5 mini balls.

They will also make great Jolly Wee Elves.

Follow the numbers for the larger elf on Churchmouse’s pattern (purchased on their website).

I will try and get these on the website tomorrow. I’ll be in the store early packing mail orders and then I have a Zoom meeting with Rowan to see the new yarns and patterns for spring. I can’t wait.

One of my balls of Dream State rolled across the floor and Jackson thought it would be fun to play with. Thankfully we stopped him before the ball was a mess. Our dogs have great taste in yarn. The more expensive the better.