Plymouth Yarn Company Blog

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.

Miss Brooke finding her spot on the couch

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!

Oodles of Encore!

Coffee Beenz Coordination!

Delightful Dreambaby

Gorgeous Baby Alpaca Grande!

Miss Brooke wanted to show off the Encore wall

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

Faye and Christine

Christine and her goodies. I spy Plymouth needles!

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

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.

Pattern F445

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!

Joy Ruffle

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

Cropped Turtleneck
Designer: Mari Lynn Patrick
For sizes: X-Small (Small, Medium, Large)
Yarn Information: Plymouth Yarn Company Worsted Merino Superwash
Amounts: 3 (4, 4, 4) hanks in #43 teal green

Hot Water Bottle Cozy
Designer: Annabelle Speer
For sizes: One size
Yarn Information: Plymouth Yarn Company Encore Worsted Tweed
Amounts: 2 skeins in #1237 Oatmeal

Afghan
Designer: Mary Beth Temple
For sizes: 43 x 43″
Yarn Information: Plymouth Yarn Company Galway Worsted
Amounts: 5 skeins in #722 oatmeal, 3 skeins in #750 green heather, 1 skein in #756 gold heather

Sparkle Wristers
Designer: Vanessa Putt
For sizes: One size
Yarn Information: Plymouth Yarn Company Gold Rush
Amounts: 1 cone each in #36 blue and #5 silver

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:  

It’s My Birthday and I’ll Knit if I Want To!

Tuesday, September 25th, 2012

Hi, I’m Heidi Sunday, a new guest blogger here.  I have some ideas about what I will brag about, and I’ve been chomping at the bit to get on here.  Soon, I am planning to post a free pattern for the crocheted scarf I am wearing, the “Tranqwool Seaweed” pattern for 1 skein of Passion Nette, dreamed up by Jenni Pfaff at Tranqwool Knitting Provisions in Spencer, NC.  Stayed tuned!  I am too busy knitting and doing some heavy duty relaxing to finish the pattern right now.

Wilde Free Pattern

Friday, September 21st, 2012

Happy Friday Folks! I saw this one and fell in love, I think I’ll take a stab at this weekend and I will keep it all for myself!  Enjoy this free Wild Triangular Shawl pattern, on me.  Feel free to reciprocate at happy hour today….

Pattern F429 back view

Front view

F429

WILDE
Triangular Shawl

F429 Wilde Triangular Scarf PDF

Approx. Measurements: 24” long, 60” wide
Wilde:
5—100G skeins, color: Brown with Tan.
Gauge:  2.5 sts, 3.2 rows= 1” in garter stitch on size 15 needles.
Needles: US Size 15 long circular.

Loosely cast on 14 sts.
Working in garter st (knit every row), increase 1 stitch in the from the edge at beginning of every row by knitting into the front and the back of the st, until you have 30 sts
Then, increase at the beginning and the end of every row until you have 150 sts. Bind off very loosely.

Fringe: Cut 2 strands of yarn, each 20” long. Holding the 2 strands together, fold in half and attach along the edge of the shawl. Repeat this process along every edge of the shawl (but not the bind off edge), spacing the fringe about 1” apart.
Weave in all ends.

©2012 Plymouth Yarn Company. 031212vle

Talk Like A Pirate Day Top 10

Wednesday, September 19th, 2012

Talk like a pirate day be a favorite here at Plymouth Yarn. Take a look at our Top 10, slightly Plymouth Yarn related, reasons to be a pirate… Aaarrrggghhh!

10.  We know right where to pillage for 24k! Here, there is always a Goldrush!

9. Ye get to travel. Think of all the uses ye will get out of that shawl ye made while cruising on those beautiful, blue Caribbean waters!

8. Open Up Davey Jones’ Locker, ye can basically wear whatever ye wish.  Pull out that sweater with the uneven sleeves, that scarf that ye made way too long or the socks that didn’t end up looking the same.  Nobody will say a word because, well, you’re a Pirate. Dead men tell no tales!

7.  Have ye seen our logo?

6.  It would give ye an excuse to bring your parrot to work.

5.  Ye can use your Encore Worsted scraps to make this Eye Patch free on Ravelry.com.

4.  Ye can use your Galway scraps to make a Felted Eye Patch, free on Ravelry.

3. Crocheters will always be prepared since their hooks are always “on hand”

2. Ye can wear these patterns all year round! There’s one for the veteran Seadogs and young lads alike!

Pattern 2054

Pattern 2129

And the number one reason to be a pirate…

1. RUM! When ye are a pirate ye are not only allowed to drink rum but ye are expected to! Ye might drop a few stitches or have to rely on your knitting counter to get through your project but nobody will mind. They will just be happy if you don’t steal their boat or make them walk the plank.

Enjoy the rest of Talk Like A Pirate Day.  Ahoy Matey!