Plymouth Yarn Company Blog

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!

Holiday Gift Alert, Volume 3

Thursday, October 25th, 2012

This installment of the holiday knitting guide brings us to a casual, quick knit scarf yarn, Passion Nette.  I like to think of this one as your everyday scarf yarn.  This cotton/acrylic blend has a relaxed drape and a soft, natural feel against your skin.  It’s available in 8 versatile colors that will coordinate with anything in your wardrobe.

Click F443_Passion_Nette_Scarf for the PDF download

The passion doesn’t stop there either, there have been some great ideas coming out of the woodwork.  Tell us, what can you do with Passion Nette?

Christmas Countdown

Holiday Stocking In Galway

Friday, October 19th, 2012

Wow! Not only is this season great for knitting, but to create yet another Holiday Stocking for yet another grandbaby! My latest granddaughter Zoey is the recipient. This is the 4th holiday stocking I have made in less than 4 years!  Four girls under the age of 4!  I know!

….You can guess what holidays will be like when all of my grandgirls come to visit Nonnie and Papa.
If you can see the scale of this stocking you will see how I have learned to secretly spoil them every single year.  It will take a tank load of treats to fill these!

One thing that can be done to this stocking is felt it if you would like it smaller and denser.  And Galway is a perfect yarn to do that with.  The array of 124 colors in the Galway palette give you an infinite number of possibilities for colorways.
With the large scale of this pattern, it could be a good tool to learn (or teach a class) on how to turn a heel, or shape a toe.  Way fun!
Or if you are “old hat” at socks, make a pot of soup, put your feet up and enjoy the colors emerging.
–Cia Abbott Bullemer

 Pattern F474

Holiday Stocking

View as a pdf

One Size –approx. Large 10”x 24”

Materials: Galway- 3 colors 1 skein each (100 gm)

Shown in Color A (# 185) Color B (#163) Color C (#145)

Gauge:  20 sts= 4” in st st on size 9 needles,

Needles: US size 9, (16”) circular, and size 9 dpn’s, 1 stitch marker.

 

Cuff:

Using Color A and circular needle, cast on 144 sts.

Row 1: Knit

Row 2:   K4*[Sl2, k1, psso2], k9; repeat from *. (120) sts.

Row 3: K5 * P1, K9; repeat from * end  k4.

Row 4: K3 *[sl2, k1, psso2], k7; repeat from * end k4. (96 sts).

Row 5: K4 *p1, k7; repeat from * end k3

Row 6: K2 *[sl2, l1, psso2], k5; repeat from *, end k3. (72 sts).

Row 7 & 9: k3 *p1, k5; repeat from *, end  k2.

Row 8 & 10: Knit

Continue in Garter St until piece measures 4” from the points.

Purl one row for Folding Row.

Continue in Garter until piece measures 6”.  Cut color A.

Body:

With WS facing, join in the round.

Stripe # 1: Using color B knit 2 rounds.

Next round k2 with B and k2 with C across entire row.

Repeat for 3 rounds total. Next work 2 more rounds with just color B.  (Note: Carry  Colors B and C snuggly along the inside to avoid gaps when changing colors)

Stripe # 2: Using color C, knit 2 rounds.  Next round k2 with c and k2 with b across entire row.  Repeat for 3 rounds total. Next work 2 rounds with just color C.

Alternate Stripe # 1 and Stripe # 2 for a total of 8 stripes.  Cut colors B and C.

Shape  Heel:

With Color A K18 on dpn.  Turn and purl 18 sts and then purl an additional 18sts.  (36 sts).  With 2 dpn’s knit 36 sts.  Turn (WS row) k5, p26, k5.

Repeat these 2 rows until you have 7 garter ridges on RS.

Next row: (RS) k13, k2tog, k6, ssk, k13.

Next 5 WS rows: K5, purl to last 5 sts, k5.

Next row: K12, k2tog, k6, ssk, k12.  Continue in this decrease for every RS row by knitting 1 less st at beg and end of each row until you have 26 sts.

Then on next RS row K16, ssk, turn.

WS row: Sl1, p6, p2tog, turn.

RS row: Sl1, k6, ssk, turn.

Repeat this until 8 sts remaining.

With Color B and circular needle, k4, place marker, k4.  Pick up and knit 13 sts along the ridges created for the heel.  Pick up 1 at the corner.  K36 across the instep that are waiting on the circular needle. Pick up 13 more sts along the other side of the heel, then one more at the corner.  K4 to center of the heel.  (72 sts).

Using Colors B and C return to established Stripe pattern starting with Stripe # 1.

When 5 stripes are completed for the foot, cut colors B and C.

Shape Toe:

With Color A, knit 18 sts onto each dpn.

Needle # 1and 3:  knit to last 4 sts, k2tog, p2.

Needle 2 and 4: P2, ssk, knit to end of needle.  Place a marker on the fabric under Needle # 1 to indicate beginning.

Next round: Knit.

Repeat these last 2 rounds until you have 9 Garter Ridges on the Toe.  Then you decrease each round without the Knit row in between.

 

Finishing:

Stitch the cuff with RS facing. Weave in all ends.

If desired, add bobbles, bells, or tassels at the tips of all the points on the cuff.

Hanging Loop:

With Color A and dpn, cast on  sts and make an I-cord. [I-Cord directions: Using dpn’s, cast on 3 sts and knit.  Without turning work, slide the sts to the other end of the needle, insert the rh needle, knitwise into that st and bring the yarn across the back of the piece and knit as usual. Repeat until desired length.] Leave a tail for attaching.

Attach I-Cord to heel side of the cuff.

Weave in all ends.

©2012 Plymouth Yarn Company.  Designed by Cia Abbott Bullemer 101112cab

Abbreviations: beg=begin(ning), dpn=double pointed needles, K = knit, p = purl, st st = stockinette s, p2tog = purl 2 sts together, st(s) – stitch(es),  psso = pass slipped st over, sl = slip; ssk=slip 2 stitches as if to knit- then knit them together, pm = place marker.

 

 

Embrace Knitting at Knit in Charleston.

Thursday, October 18th, 2012

If you happen to be in Charleston, South Carolina, be sure to stop by and see the gang at Knit. 

 

Gay and her daughter Mollie opened the store just about 7 years ago to share their love of knitting with the community.  There is an open knit night on Wednesdays for you to come, relax, chat, sip and knit. Visit the Knit website for shop hours and classes.

Your needles an hooks will be so happy when you bring home some of the goodies from one of their many well stocked walls of yarn!

Besides all of the beautiful yarn, there are some pretty fabulous people in this shop to help you with all of your yarn needs.

Encore Worsted Women’s Draped Cardigan

Monday, October 15th, 2012

One of my favorite things to do as a designer is to revamp Plymouth’s vast collection of classic yarns. Take Encore Worsted, for example. This yarn has been around since I was a little girl running around my mom’s yarn shop. Knitters were mostly picking out Encore for afghans, kids sweaters, and toys. Now, don’t get me wrong; Encore is terrific for all of these knits. But I think many people overlook this yarns vibrant colors (thanks acrylic!), it’s fluffy softness (thank you wool!), and durability.

Let me show you my newest creation using Encore Worsted. My draped cardigan is basically rectangle worked from side to side. The “afterthought” armhole stitches are picked up later and knit to an elbow length sleeve. Did anyone say layering?! The pattern stitch used along the hemline of the cardigan is an easy to memorize 6 row repeat.

I hope you all enjoy my cheerful design in a Plymouth classic. –Vanessa

 

Pattern F473

Encore Worsted Women’s Draped Cardigan

View as a pdf

To Fit Women’s Size: S, (M, L, XL, XXL)
Shoulder to Shoulder Measurement (across back): 12 ¼”, (12 ¾, 14, 14 ½, 15)
Length: 23”, (24 ¾, 26 ¾, 28 ¾, 31 ¼)
Sleeve Length: 14”

Materials:
Encore Worsted: 5, (5, 6, 6, 7)—100G balls, color 0473 Light Aqua
Gauge:  20 sts, 28 rows = 4” on size 7s over st st, 16 sts= 4” in 2×2 rib on size 7s (slightly stretched), 24 sts= 5” in pattern stitch on size 7s.
Needles:  Size US 7 long circular and double points, stitch markers, scrap yarn

Pattern Stitch (Multiple of 18 sts + 6)
Row 1 (RS): p1, k2, yo, ssk, p1, *k4, k2tog, yo, ssk, k4, p1, k2, yo, ssk, p1; rep from * across.
Row 2: k1, p2, yo, p2tog, k1, *p3, p2togtbl, drop the yo of previous row, (yo)2x, p2tog, p3, k1, p2, yo, p2tog, k1; rep from * across.
Row 3: p1, k2, yo, ssk, p1, *k2, k2tog, drop the yo’s of the previous row, (yo)3x, ssk, k2, p1, k2, yo, ssk, p1; rep from * across.
Row 4: k1, p2, yo, p2tog, k1, *p1, p2togtbl, drop the yo’s of the previous row, (yo)4x, p2tog, p1, k1, p2, yo, p2tog, k1; rep from * across.
Row 5: p1, k2, yo, ssk, p1, *k2tog, drop the yo’s of the previous row, cast on 4 sts onto right hand needle, k1 under the 4 loose strands of the dropped yo’s, yo, k1 under the 4 strands again, cast on 4 sts onto right hand needle, ssk, p1, k2, yo, ssk, p1; rep from * across.
Row 6: k1, p2, yo, p2tog, k1, *p5, p2tog, p6, k1, p2, yo, p2tog, k1; rep from * across.
Repeat these 6 rows for pattern.

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

Cardigan is made all in one piece, without seams. Afterthought armholes are set in place with scrap yarn, and picked up and knit in the round after the body of the cardigan is finished.

Body (starting with left front)
(sl the first stitch of every row)
With circular needle, Cast on 86, (90, 94, 98, 102) sts.
Row 1 (WS): p2, *k2, p2; rep from * across.
Row 2: k2, *p2, k2; rep from * across.
Repeat these 2 rows 3 times more. (8 rows total).
Increase Row (WS): (p2, k2)2x, p across to last 8 sts- increasing 18, (19, 20, 21, 22) sts evenly across to last 8 sts, (k2, p2)2x. 104, (109, 114, 119, 124) sts.
Pattern Setup Row (RS): (k2, p2)2x, pm, work row 1 of pattern stitch across 42 sts, pm, k last 8 sts, (p2, k2)2x.
Next Row (WS): (p2, k2)2x, p to m, sl m, work next row of pattern stitch to m, sl m, (k2, p2)2x.
Next Row (RS): (k2, p2)2x, sl m, work next row of pattern stitch to m, sl m, k to last 8 sts, (p2, k2)2x.
Repeat the last 2 rows, progressing in the pattern stitch. When piece measures 11”, (11 ¾, 12 ¾, 13 ¾, 15 ¼), end having worked a WS Row.
Sleeve Row (RS): work in established pattern to second marker, sl m, (mark this area as the underarm), then with scrap yarn- k38, (40, 43, 45, 48) sts, cut scrap yarn (leaving a tail), place these 38, (40, 43, 45, 48) sts back onto the left hand needle and continue across row as established with main yarn.
Repeat sleeve row once more when piece measures 12 ¼”, (12 ¾, 14, 14 ½, 15) from previous sleeve row. Then, work even until piece measures 11”, (11¾, 12 ¾, 13 ¾, 15 ¼) from last sleeve row, end having worked a WS Row.
Decrease Row (RS): (remove markers as you get to them) (k2, p2)2x, k across to last 8 sts- decreasing so that there are 86, (90, 94, 98, 102) sts on the needles altogether, (k2, p2)2x.
Row 1 (WS): p2, *k2, p2; rep from * across.
Row 2: k2, *p2, k2; rep from * across.
Repeat these 2 rows 3 times more. (8 rows total). Bind off in rib on next row to match cast on rows tension.

Sleeves
Unpick the scrap yarn from one sleeve and divide the sts (from both the top and bottom) onto double points. 76, (80, 86, 90, 96) sts.
Join yarn at the underarm and pm.
Decrease 1 st before and after the underarm marker
every 5th, (4th, 4th, 3rd, 3rd) round 15, (17, 19, 21, 23)
times. 46, (46, 48, 48, 50) sts. Continue to work in st st until sleeve measures 12 ¾” from beginning of sleeve. Knit across next round, decreasing 10, (10, 8, 8, 10) sts evenly across. 36, (36, 40, 40, 40) sts.
Work in 2×2 ribbing for 9 rounds. Bind off all sts on next round. Repeat for the other sleeve.
Weave in all ends. Block lightly.

©2012 Plymouth Yarn Company. Designed by Vanessa Ewing. Modeled by Cia Abbott Bullemer. 092512vle

 

ABBREVIATIONS: dec = decrease, inc = increase, k = knit, 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

 

Holiday Gift Alert, Volume 2. Passion Ice with Free Pattern

Thursday, October 11th, 2012

Passion Ice is the yarn of the day! If you have any kind of Holiday party to attend this yarn is a must have.  The metallic sparkle that runs throughout is perfect for your dressy occasions and everyday wear.  Available in 5 shimmery colors.  It’s an easy knit with a 7 stitch cast on and you are done in no time.

Thanks to The Gourmet Yarn Co. for sharing this great photo!

Click here for the Passion Ice free scarf pattern on Ravelry.

 

Call your yarn shop today and get your hands on Passion Ice!

Holiday Gift Alert, Volume 1. Joy Ruffle

Wednesday, October 10th, 2012

With only 75 days until Christmas and 58 days until the start of Hanukkah, it’s time to start that knitting and crocheting.  Follow our blog over the next several days for quick and easy projects for everyone!

Today we will cover Joy Ruffle.  With this great ruffle yarn, available in 4 solid colors and 6 multicolored shades,  you can have a scarf made in a night.  It will make the perfect teacher, coworker, hairdresser, or babysitter gift.  I made tons of ruffle scarves for the last Holiday season and tied them around the gifts for the gals in my family.

Check out some free patterns you can use with this gorgeous yarn on Ravelry!

Kelp Forest Shawlette by karinknits designs

Joy Ruffle Scarf by Plymouth Yarn Design Studio

Call your shop today to get your hands on Joy Ruffle!
 

Christmas Countdown

Neon? Yes Please!

Friday, October 5th, 2012

Don’t tell the boss but I am spilling the beans today.  I just happened to be stretching my legs(OK, I was snooping, but let’s keep that between us) and found myself in our design/sample room.  This is the place where all the magic happens.  After all the trips have been taken and all the trade shows have been attended, this is the spot where the best of the best end up to be test knitted and designed into something beautiful.

I was excited to see a few things but what really caught my eye was the vivid and fun colors in the Grignasco line.  NEON!  I managed to get a shot of the fluorescent fabulousness in the Kid Seta line and wanted to share.  Ask your yarn shop today about these great colors.  Yarn shops-call your reps! You have to see these!

Plymouth Yarn Featured in Knit Simple’s 2012 Holiday Gift Extravaganza

Tuesday, October 2nd, 2012

We are so excited for this great issue of Knit Simple 2012 Holiday Gifts Issue, chocked full of great holiday gifts.  Available on newsstands today!

Photographs by Paul Amato for LVARepresents.com; Rose Callahan; Jack Deutsch and Marcus Tullis

 

 

Passionette about String

Monday, October 1st, 2012

On a recent visit, I asked Jenni at Tranqwool Kniting Provisions in Spencer, NC to show me how she created the crocheted Passion Nette Seaweed scarf on display. Now I’ve written up a pattern for it! Hope you like it!

Click here to download a free copy of the pattern: tranqwool seaweed scarf

Next on my needles: a sweater with an all over lace pattern from Plymouth’s Baby Alpaca Aire. Here is a sneak peek: