The magical part of felting was that it appealed to beginner and advanced knitters alike. Beginner knitters didn’t have to have perfect tension or wonderful seaming abilities. Pretty much any mistake could be hidden once the knit was felted. Advanced knitters could appreciate the smooth and rewarding fabric from doing intricate shaping or colorwork (think tartans and plaids!).

Felting is asking for a resurgence. I have designed for the month of June a felt hand bag that uses a fun, easy to memorize motif: the triangle. Plymouth Yarn’s Gina is a 100% wool roving yarn that has a delicious stripey color transition. Gina really makes the construction of the triangles POP. You won’t need to change colors, tie in ends, or any of the normal striping techniques for this yarn. It does the work for you- and it will keep you interested in knitting the bag just to see what color will come out of the ball next.

Are you going on any road trips this summer?I will be going to the shore several time this summer, and this will be an enjoyable travel companion to my car ride.

enjoy! Vanessa

Gina Hexagon Felted Bag

Download the pdf

Approximate Dimensions:
10” wide 10” tall
(not including handle)

Materials:
Gina: 3—50G balls, color 11 Spring Flowers
Gauge: 16 sts, 16 rows= 4” in st st on size 10 (6mm) needles (before felting),
5” x 5” = 1 triangle, before and after felting.
Needles: US Size 10 (6mm) DPNs (double pointed needles), stitch marker, yarn needle for sewing.

1 Triangle
CO 66 sts, placing 22 sts each onto 3 DPNs.
Join in the round, being careful not to twist. PM. K one round.
Round 1: *Ssk, k to last 2 sts on DPN, k2tog; rep from * twice more. (6 sts decreased)- 60 sts.
Repeat the last round until there are 6 sts remaining- 2 sts on each needle. Cut yarn and draw through remaining sts. Fasten off.

Make 11 more triangles. Make 2 hexagon motifs by working a small (not too bulky selvedge) mattress stitch- stitching 6 triangles together. Set aside.

Strap/Gusset
CO 14 sts onto a DPN. Work in garter stitch (knit every row) for 25”- this “gusset” will go around the perimeter of the bag.
Rows 1, 3, 5, 7 (WS): P all sts
Rows 2, 6: K all sts.
Row 4: Sl 5 sts to spare DPN and hold to front, k5, k5 from DPN, k4.
Row 8:  K4, sl 5 sts to spare DPN and hold to back, k5, k5 from DPN. Repeat these 8 rows for braided strap until desired length- ours is approximately 26” + 25” for the gusset. End having worked row 3 of cable. BO in k on next row.

Finishing
Sew the 25” of the gusset’s sides to the sides of the hexagons. Sew the CO and BO edges of the strap together- making sure there isn’t a twist in the strap.
Felting: Gina felts quickly and easily by hand.
Fill your sink with hot soapy water so that the bag is just submerged. Using your hands (put on some rubber gloves to protect them from the heat!) agitate the hand bag, rubbing it against the sides of the sink and against itself. You can shock the bag by running it in some very cold water to help merge the fibers together, but it isn’t mandatory. When the stitches of the handbag have disappeared and the bag has stiffened a bit from felting, wring out the excess water and roll in a towel to get most of the moisture out. Shape and let air dry.

©2013 Plymouth Yarn Company. 061213vle

ABBREVIATIONS: BO= bind off, CO= cast on, dec= decrease, DPN= double pointed needle(s), k = knit, m= marker, pm= place marker, psso= pass slipped 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.

Gina bag before felting

First up, meet the Cape Town Collection, brought to you from the finest spinners and dyers in South Africa.  Johanne is Dk weight and 327 yard per skein. Contents are 40% Wool, 30% Acrylic, 30% Mohair blend.

Also from the Cape Town Collection, we have Toria. Light and delicate, lace weight 80% Kid Mohair, 20% Nylon blend.  The 229 yards per ball will knock your shawl off!

I won’t lie, Revel from Grignasco is my personal favorite of the season.  275 yards of 85% Baby Alpaca, 15% Merino Wool sport weight delight.

Revel knit swatch

Bamtastic is 248 yards and 60% Bamboo Rayon, 40% Nylon.  You will love the drape with this cozy, machine wash and dry yarn.

Beauty and warmth await you in Colca Canyon.  This chunky and soft 80% Baby Alpaca, 20% Merino Wool blend has a unique construction that will make every project a work of art.

Next we have Just Fur Kicks,  all the delight of fur without the guilt!  88 yards of Nylon/Polyester blend fluffy goodness.  Perfect for all of your trims, boot cuffs and accessories!

Last but surely not least, we bring you Monte Donegal and Monte Donegal Hand Dyed.  A lush blend of 40% Alpaca, 40% Merino Wool, 14% Acrylic, 6% Rayon.  These indulgent yarns are worsted weight with 109 yards per ball, perfect for so many projects.

Hand Dyed

Color Cards and samples will be at your local yarn shop soon. Check out plymouthyarn.com to see available patterns and news.

Feather & Fan Mega Afghan

Encore Mega Afghan PDF Download

Measurements: Approx 40” x 55”

Materials: 12 Balls Encore Mega, size 17 (or 19 if you are a tight knitter) 32″ circular needles

Pattern repeat is a multiple of 18 (i.e. 36, 54, 72, etc.), plus 4 stitches for border.

Cast on 94 sts.

Rows 1-6: K 92, then work border as follows: bring yarn to the front as if to purl (YF), then slip last 2 stitches as if to purl.

PATTERN:

Row 1: K2, K2tog 3 times, *(YF, K1) 6 times, (K2tog)6 times, repeat from * until 8 stitches remain, then K2tog 3 times, last 2 stitches: border as above.

Row 2: K to last 2 stitches, YF then slip last 2 stitches as if to purl.

Row 3: same as row 2

Row 4: K 2, P to last 2 stitches, YF then slip last 2 stitches as if to purl.

Repeat rows 1-4 until almost desired length. Then do row 1 of pattern, 5 rows of Garter Stitch (K every row, continuing border), then bind off and get cozy.

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

“Marge is a wonderful person and friend, and it’s always a pleasure to visit her shop at the corner at Knit & Purl! Marge is always helpful whenever any of her customers have knitting woes! And holds special events such as “knit in public day” at the shop. Often,her husband, Don, is minding the shop and is equally knowledgeable about the stock on hand.”

Thank you so much for all your wonderful comments.  Your LYS  owners should be proud that you think so highly of them.  If you can’t find a shop in your area, check out our website and try the find a shop feature today!

Next up- we will be having a Thank You giveaway to celebrate reaching 10,000 fans on facebook.  Stay tuned for details!

Take a sneak peak at the shop in the pictures below.

Carefree Cover Up as seen in Creative Knitting Spring 2013

To Enter: Comment on this blog entry between 4/8/13 and 4/19/13.  Tell us your first name with last initial, your favorite Plymouth Yarn retailer along with their city and state.  Winner will be picked at random and notified by email or message.

Visit Plymouth Yarn’s Facebook page, Twitter, Pinterest or Youtube Channel today.

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

Every three years,  TNNA conducts a very important survey called the TNNA State of Specialty NeedleArts 2013 needle artist survey.  The more responses from knitters, crocheters, needlepointers, cross-stitchers, weavers, and spinners, the better the results for YOUR needleart!  See below for official TNNA info and link to the survey…..

The 10-minute survey asks about your experiences with the needlearts you
enjoy: crocheting, cross-stitch, embroidery, knitting, needlepoint,
spinning, or weaving. Let us know which types of projects you prefer, how
you like to learn, and what you’d like to see needlearts shops do better.
The needlearts community needs your advice and opinions, whether you are a
beginner or an expert! This survey is conducted every few years by The
National NeedleArts Association (TNNA). Your input is very important and
will be included in a published national report.

Your answers are anonymous. No one will use your survey responses to market
to you.

In return for your participation, you will receive valuable benefits:
. Gain a chance to win one of five $100 needlearts gift certificates.
. Ensure stores, manufacturers, and other suppliers provide what you want.
. Explore your needlearts interests.

Your valuable input will also help the needlearts community:
. Give guilds, associations, community groups, and others guidance to grow
the world of needlearts.
. Help independent retailers and family-owned suppliers succeed by giving
them the customer feedback they need.

Please complete the triennial national Yarn, Stitching, and Weaving 2013
Survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/TNNAfiber