Plymouth Yarn Company Blog

Summer’s coming! Summer’s coming!

Thursday, May 2nd, 2013

Written by Cia Abbott Bullemer on 5/2/13

Let’s knit something that we can work up quickly.  And in the end have a nice accessory that can be worn on a nice summer evening, or carried along for that blasting air conditioning indoors.  And then lo and behold you will find it is your “go-to” accessory for all seasons.

I know this for a fact because I made one of these about 2 years ago with Kudo. And I seriously wear it all year long.  Even if the reasoning is to just spruce up your color for the day, or to ward off that chill at the back of the neck.  And there is inevitably always a nice comment by someone every single time I wear it.

This one in the pattern is made out of a new colorway # 61, I adore. Get outside the box and find your favorite Kudo color. My first one I made was out of  # 47.  Cheerful, huh?    It only takes ONE ball and pretty mindless – but not brainless- to knit. I always love knitting this stitch, Half Linen Stitch. It lays beautifully, it is fun to work, and not as much work as seed stitch or the sand stitch.  But almost the same motion.

Have fun! And click here to find a shop near you!

F505 Kudo Half Linen Cowl

Spring Beret in Worsted Merino Superwash

Sunday, April 7th, 2013

We are now officially closer to the summer solstice than the winter solstice. I can feel my spirits lift as the days grow longer.

When it comes to knitting this time of year, my fingers itch for transitional knits that remind me of the early crocuses that start to pop up at my mom’s house in New Jersey.

I envision wearing on these (sometimes) frosty mornings an oversized, cheerful beret to chase the chills. An accessory that welcomes spring and sloughs off the winter doldrums.

My spring beret is knit with one skein of Worsted Merino Superwash in a brand new color- I like to call it Dandelion! The hat is refreshingly fun in this color. The stitches that I used show a myriad of spring inspired folly. It is worked from the crown down to the brim seamlessly, making it fun to try on as you progress. The crown has an inspired floral motif. Ribbons of lace and garter stitch segue into a bobble and lace design. Do they resemble garden gates and spring flowers? I hope so!

Please enjoy my new design, and have a happy spring!  –Vanessa

Worsted Merino Superwash Spring Beret

View as pdf

To Fit Adult, 18 ½” brim circumference, 26” circumference at widest

Materials:
Worsted Merino Superwash: 1—100G skein, Dandelion
Gauge:  20 sts, 28 rows = 4” in stockinet stitch, 20 sts= 4” in brim rib pattern.
Needles/Notions: US Size 7 double points and 24” circular, stitch marker, cable needle

Hat is worked from the crown down to the brim seamlessly.

Garland Pattern (Multiple of 7 sts)
Rounds 1, 2, 4: knit
Rounds 3, 5: purl
Round 6: *k1, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk, k1; rep from * around.
Round 7: *k2tog, yo, k3, yo, ssk; rep from * around.
Round 8: *k1, yo, k2tog, yo, sl1, k2tog, psso, yo, k1; rep from * around.
Round 9: *k1, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k1; rep from * around.
Round 10: *k2, yo, sl1, k2tog, psso, yo, k2; rep from * around.
Rounds 11, 13: purl
Rounds 12, 14, 15, 16: knit
Repeat these 16 rounds for pattern stitch.

Begin
With double points, Cast on 6 sts- placing 2 sts onto 3 double points. PM and join in the round, being careful not to twist.
Round 1 and every odd numbered round up to 26: knit all sts.
Round 2: *kf&b; rep from * around. 12 sts.
Round 4: *kf&b; rep from * around. 24 sts.
Round 6: *k1, kf&b; rep from * around. 36 sts.
Round 8: *k2, kf&b; rep from * around. 48 sts.
You will now begin increasing 8 sts every even numbered round.
Rearrange the sts so that there are 12 sts on 4 double points.
Round 10: *k1, m1, (yo, ssk, k2tog, yo, k1)2x, m1, k1; rep from * around. 56 sts.
Round 12: *k1, m1, k2, yo, ssk, k3, k2tog, yo, k3, m1, k1; rep from * around. 64 sts.
Round 14: *k1, m1, k4, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k5, m1, k1; rep from * around. 72 sts.
Round 16: *k1, m1, k6, yo, sl1 k2tog psso, yo, k7, m1, k1; rep from * around. 80 sts.
Round 18: *k1, m1, k4, ssk, k2, yo, k1, yo, k2, k2tog, k5, m1, k1; rep from * around. 88 sts.
Round 20: *k1, m1, k5, ssk, k2, yo, k1, yo, k2, k2tog, k6, m1, k1; rep from * around. 96 sts.
Round 22: *k7, ssk, k2, yo, k1, yo, k2, k2tog, k8; rep from * around.
Round 24: *k1, m1, k to last stitch on needle, m1, k1; rep from * around. 104 sts.
Switch to circular needle.
Round 26: purl all sts
Round 27: knit all sts, increasing 22 sts evenly around. 126 sts.
Round 28: purl all sts.
Rounds 29- 44: Work 16 rounds of garland pattern.
Round 45: purl all sts.
Round 46: knit all sts, decreasing 16 sts evenly around. 110 sts.
Round 47: purl all sts.
Round 48: *p15, k7; rep from * around.
Round 49: *p15, k1, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk, k1; rep from * around.
Round 50: *p7, MB, p7, k7; rep from * around.
Round 51: *p7, k1tbl, p7, k2tog, yo, k3, yo, ssk; rep from * around.
Round 52: *p4, MB, p2, k1tbl, p2, MB, p4, k7; rep from * around.
Round 53: *p4, k1tbl, p2, k1, p2, k1tbl, p4, k1, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk, k1; rep from * around.
Round 54: *p2, MB, p1, T2F, p1, k1tbl, p1, T2B, p1, MB, p2, k7; rep from * around.
Round 55: *p2, k1tbl, p1, (p1, k1)3x, p2, k1tbl, p2, k2tog, yo k3, yo, ssk; rep from * around.
Round 56: *p2, T2F, p1, T2F, k1tbl, T2B, p1, T2B, p2, k7; rep from * around.
Round 57: *p3, T2F, p1, k3, p1, T2B, p3, k1, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk, k1; rep from * around.
Round 58: *p4, T2F, m1 purlwise, sl1, k2tog, psso, m1 purlwise, T2B, p4, k7; rep from * around.
Round 59: *p5, T2F, k1, T2B, p5, k2tog, yo k3, yo, ssk; rep from * around.
Round 60: *p5, pf&b, sl1, k2tog, psso, pf&b, p5, k7; rep from * around.
Round 61: *p7, k1, p7, k1, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk, k1; rep from * around.
Round 62: *p15, k7; rep from * around.
Round 63: *p15, k2tog, yo k3, yo, ssk; rep from * around.
Round 64: purl all sts.
Round 65: knit all sts, decreasing 18 sts evenly around. 92 sts.
Round 66: purl all sts.
Round 67: *k2tog but do not slip sts off needle, knit into the first stitch and slip both sts off needle, p2; rep from * around.
Round 68: *k2, p2; rep from * around.
Repeat these 2 rounds 3 times more, than round 67 once more. Bind off all sts on next round in rib. Weave in all ends.

©2013 Plymouth Yarn Company. 032013vle
Abbreviations: k= knit, kf&b= knit onto the front and back of next stitch, m= marker, m1= make one, MB= (k1, yo, k1, yo, k1)all into next stitch, p5, turn, k5, turn, p2tog, p1, p2tog, turn, sl1, k2tog, psso., p= purl, pm= place marker, RS= right side, sl= slip, ssk= slip 2 stitches as if to knit, knit them through the back loop, st= stitch, T2B= sl next st to cable needle and hold to back, k1, p1 from cable needle, T2F= sl next st to cable needle and hold to front, p1, k1 from cable needle, WS= wrong side, yo= yarn over

Coffee Beenz Ribbed Cowl by Cia Abbott Bullemer

Thursday, March 7th, 2013

With winter dragging on, and the days getting a bit longer, I thought I would like something to perk up the winter doldrums.  This great yarn, Coffee Beenz, part of Plymouth’s Encore Family, popped onto my needles.  I love the sophistication of the outcome and the durability of the fiber content.  One thing I also love about this pattern is the possibilities: button it straight on and you get 2 sold stripes of color, or twist it once and you get a checkerboard affect when it is buttoned.  Also try just buttoning it part way and leave it slit at the bottom to lay nicely on the nape of your neck.

I hope you find it as much fun as I did to make. It is reversible and the possibilities of color combos is extensive…hey! try it in a solid color too!

Bring on the winter-but arrive in style for the beginning of Spring!

F494 Coffee Beenz button cowl

TNNA Long Beach 2013

Monday, February 18th, 2013

The National Needlearts Association hosted their winter trade show in beautiful and warm  Long Beach, CA.  Our team was there and loved visiting with some of you in our booths.  We hope you enjoyed our newest yarns and garments on display.  For those of you who couldn’t make it to the show this year (hopefully, you entered into our While the Boss is Away at TNNA giveaway), we wanted to share some photos with you.  Yarn shops-be sure to call your sales reps for the most up to date info on what you see.  Knitters & Crocheters-if you see something you must have, call your favorite local yarn shop and make a request. Below you will see great new yarns like Cleo, Linen Concerto, Colorando, The Grignasco Collection, Maria Diaz Collection,  and favorites like Baby Alpaca, Merino Superwash, Galway and Encore.

Cleo

Linen Concerto

Colorando

Just a taste of the Grignasco line of yarns

The Maria Diaz Collection

Plymouth Select Superwash

Galway

Baby Alpaca Grande

Baby Alpaca Collection

Encore

Dick Power and Plymouth Sales Reps Melody and Bonnie.

Our designer extraordinaire Cia and Deborah from Yarning for You in San Marcos, CA

Last Minute Gift Ideas

Friday, December 7th, 2012

I’m sure everyone is busy with trimming, blocking, weaving ends in, and joining their seams by now.  Knitters and crocheters never wait until December to make gifts…..right? HA!

So my mom’s shawl is made as well as the socks for my brother but here I am, December 7th,  just remembering all the folks I forgot.  It’s easy to overlook when our days are so hectic.  I have so many people in my life who’s small actions make things run smoothly.  Of course I remember my son’s teacher, but there’s the really sweet, part-time aide who always saves him a chocolate milk at lunch.  If you’re a mom, you know it’s important to have people be good to your kids.  The holidays are the perfect time to let them know how special they are.

This is where I thank my lucky starts for our line of ruffle yarns! One night, one skein in most cases, one aide remembered!  I wanted to share some links for the patterns I’ll be using from Ravelry.  Call your yarn shop and get a ball today!

Joy Prism Scarf

Scandalicious Scarf

Joy Metallic Scarf

Passion Fur Scarf

and for the men in your life, a neck warmer published by Knitty Keen…

Encore Worsted Neck Warmer

Crochet Magazine Winter 2012 Cover!

Friday, November 30th, 2012

Check out the upcoming issue of Interweave Crochet Winter 2012/2013, online edition release date is November 30th and you will see it on newsstands December 18th.

On the cover, you will see the Ghost Cone Scarf  by Sue Perez using Grignasco Champagne: #306, 6 skeins. Champagne is 75% pure new extrafine superwash merino wool and 25% mulberry silk.  It’s 100% gorgeous and elegant,  it’s the perfect yarn for this project.

Photo by Harper Point Photography.

Call your yarn shop today to reserve your copy and to see the beautiful line of Grignasco yarns available.

Grignasco Camel Hair Headband

Thursday, November 29th, 2012

Winter is coming!

I haven’t lived in these climates since 1994 when my husband and I packed up the kids and moved south!  BRRR! This little headband or neckwarmer is a fun little 1-2 hour project made with Grignasco’s Camel Hair.  You can actually make 2 from the 2 balls of yarn-obviously they are mirror images of colorway, but hey! You get 2 out of it.

I also see this as a nice and easy way to test your skills on Fair Isle or 2 color knitting.  You only have 13 rows to deal with changing colors, and you are working in the round. No need to struggle with your tension expertise on that purl row!

Have fun with picking color combos, and get some holiday gifts done in the meantime.

Enjoy!  Cia

SNOWFLAKE HEADBANDS

View as pdf

Approx. Finished Measurements: 21” x 4.5”

Materials: Grignasco Camel Hair

2 balls (1 ball of Main Color, and 1 ball of Contrasting Color)

Gauge: 18 sts = 4” in Stockinette Stitch on size 8 needles

Needles: Size US 8 (16”) circular knitting needle,

(1) Stitch Marker, Tapestry Needle.

Directions:

With Main Color (MC), loosely cast on 96 sts. Join in the round making sure to not twist the sts.

Place marker to indicate beginning. Knit 8 rounds.

Row 9: With MC and Contrasting Color (CC) Beg motif following chart working MC and CC colors as indicated on the graph.

When 13 rows of graph have been completed, work 8 rounds with MC. Bind off loosely.

Weave in all ends.

KEY (Repeat 15 sts x 13 rows)

Black Square =Main Color

White Square=Contrasting Color

Start with St # 1 and repeat between St # 2 and St # 16.

©2012 Plymouth Yarn Company. 110412cab

Quick & Fun Free Pattern for Baby Alpaca Grande

Monday, November 19th, 2012

A Cabled Cravat, “what’s Thot?”, you say.  It makes a great looking neckwarmer, that’s Whot.  I don’t know why I haven’t made this before.  It only takes one skein, a couple of hours, and when you are finished, you will notice it was not boring!  Lots of fun for the knitter, and even more for the recipient.  I am thinking of making one in every color I can find, plus Baby Alpaca Hand Dye, Tweed, Glow or the newest variety Baby Alpaca Grande Hues.

Want the pattern? Click here to download the pdf!

Baby Alpaca Aire Shrug and Hat

Thursday, November 15th, 2012

Oversized knits are everywhere! Large sweaters and shrugs don’t need to be heavy. Soft, billowy yarns and stitches have been gracing the runways for several seasons. Plymouth Baby Alpaca Aire is a chainette constructed, 100% baby alpaca yarn; all the warmth and loft but no heft. Most of the colors are in heathered tones, making them easy to mix and match with many colors in your wardrobe. My shrug and slouch hat are made in a simple Brioche stitch. The shrug is basically a rectangle with armholes; the only shaping (with short rows) is at the collar.

With our blistery fall in full swing, it is a nice time to cozy up to your knitting! –Vanessa

Baby Alpaca Aire Shrug and Hat

View as pdf

Hat Circumference: 21 ½”, (22 ½)
Shrug to Fit Ladies: S/M, (L/XL)
Shrug from sleeve to sleeve: 46”, (50)

Materials:
Baby Alpaca Aire:
2, (2)—100G balls, color 5011 for Hat
6, (7)—100G balls, color 5011 for Shrug
Gauge:  16 sts, 24 rows= 4” in st st on size 9, 3.75 sts= 1” in brioche stitch on size 9.
Needles: US size 9 straight needles and long circular (for collar of shrug) and short circular (for hat rib), 4 stitch markers.

Brioche Stitch (Multiple of 2 sts)
Note: Work slip sts with yarn in back.
Row 1 (WS): *k1, yo, sl1; rep from * across.
Row 2: k1, *sl the yo st, k2; rep from *, ending with sl yo st, k1.
Row 3: *yo, sl1, k2tog, (the yo st and the next st); rep from * across.
Row 4: *k2, sl the yo st; rep from * across.
Row 5: *k2tog (the yo st and the next st), yo, sl1; rep from * across.
Row 6: k1, *sl the yo st, k2; rep from *, ending with sl yo st, k1.
Repeat rows 3-6 for pattern.

Pattern is written for smallest size, with larger size in parenthesis. If only one number is given, it applies to all sizes.

Hat
Cast on 80, (84) sts.
Work in Brioche stitch for 7”, (7½), end having worked a WS Row.
(There will actually be 120, (126) strands of yarn on top of the needle in brioche stitch; this is ok!)
Next Row (RS): *k1, k2tog; rep from * across.  80, (84) sts.
Row 1: pf&b, p to end of row. 81, (85) sts.
Row 2: k1, *k2 sts, k2tog; rep from * across. 61, (64) sts.
Row 3 and all WS Rows: purl all sts.
Row 4: k1, *k1 sts, k2tog; rep from * across. 41, (43) sts.
Row 6: k1, *k2tog; rep from * across. 21, (22) sts.
Row 8: k1, (2), *k2tog; rep from * across.  11, (12) sts.
Cut yarn, leaving a tail for seaming, and draw through remaining sts. Sew the side seam of the hat.
Rib band: With size 9 short circular, pick up and knit 72, (76) sts along the cast on edge of the hat. Pm and join in the round.
Rib Round: *k1tbl, p1; rep from * around. Repeat this round 6 times more. Bind off all sts in rib.
Weave in all ends.

Shrug
Cast on 74 sts. Work in 2×2 ribbing for 2 ½”, end having worked a RS Row.
(WS) Cast on 12, (22) sts, k across 74 sts, decreasing 4 sts evenly across ribbing. 82, (92) sts.
(RS) Cast on 12, (22) sts, purl to end of row.
94, (114) sts.
Begin working in Brioche stitch.
(There will actually be 141, 171) strands of yarn on top of the needle in brioche stitch, this is ok!)
When Brioche stitch measures 41”, (45), end having worked a WS Row.
(RS): *k1, k2tog; rep from * across. 94, (114) sts on needle.
(WS): Bind off 12, (22) sts, knit to end of row.
(RS): Bind off 12, (22) sts, purl to end of row. 70 sts.
Work in 2×2 ribbing for 2 ½”, increasing 4 sts evenly across first row. Bind off all sts.

Fold the shrug in half and sew the 12, (22) stitch cast on edges of the shrug together with the side edge of the 2 ½” garter band. Repeat this for the other side, where the bind off edges are.
Collar: With RS facing and long circular, start at one of the sleeve seams and pick up and knit 164, (180) sts along the side edge of the shrug to the other sleeve seam, pm for side seam, pick up and knit 164, (180) sts along the other side edge of the shrug, placing a marker on both sides of the center 44 sts (this will mark the back neck), PM to mark beginning of round/side seam. 328, (360) sts.
Work in 2×2 ribbing for 6 rounds.
Next Round: Rib to third marker, turn.
Next Round: Rib to next marker, turn.
Next 2 Rounds: Rib to next marker, remove marker, rib 3 sts, replace marker, turn.
Repeat the last 2 rounds until you reach the side seam markers. Then, work across all sts as before in the round, removing the back neck markers.
Work 7 more rounds in ribbing.
Bind off Round: k2, slip these 2 sts back onto the left hand needle and *k2tog through the back loop, slip the new stitch back onto the left hand needle; rep from * around. Cut yarn and weave in all ends.
Block lightly.

©2012 Plymouth Yarn Company.  100112vle

ABBREVIATIONS: dec = decrease, inc = increase, k = knit, k2tog = knit two together,  m1= make one, pf&b= purl into the front and back of stitch, pm= place marker, psso = pass slip stitch over,  p = purl, RS= right side, sl = slip,  SSK =  slip 1 st as if to knit, slip a second st as if to knit, knit them together through the back loop, st(s) = stitch(es), st st = stockinette st,  tbl = through back loop,  tog = together,  WS = Wrong Side, yo = yarn over, wyif = with yarn in front, wyib = with yarn in back

Baby Zhivago

Friday, October 26th, 2012

See this cutie! One of our sales reps decided to try out the Dr Zhivago hat by CiD Hanscom Designs.  Made with just one skein Passion Fur Yarn and  the pattern is found on Ravelry.  It just happens that her model was this adorable little guy who braved wearing the hat for long enough to snap the pictures!  What a trooper!

Little Zhivago