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

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

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!

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

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!

Susan has won 10 balls of Encore Worsted color 389!

Thanks so much for all of your responses.  Here is a nice, quick little project for you to try. You can make one in every shade!

Pattern F142

GALWAY- CHUNKY or WORSTED
Felted Bracelet

F142 PDF Download
MATERIALS: 1 -100g ball of Galway Chunky or Worsted, set of double pointed needles size US 13, beads, needle & strong thread for sewing on beads.
GAUGE: 3 sts = 1 inch.
I-cord:  Cast on 5 sts.  Knit 1 row.  Without turning, slide sts to other end of needle, wrap yarn around back and knit the 5 sts again.  Slide sts to other end, and repeat wrapping of yarn, knitting, and sliding.

With either a single strand of Chunky, or a double strand of Worsted, cast on 5 sts.
Knit an I-Cord 11½” – 12” long (this will fit and average sized wrist of  7” to 7½”). Work to 12½” for an 8” wrist.

Cut yarn and thread end through a blunt point needle. Run needle through  the five sts on knitting needle. Slide the 5 sts off the needle but do not pull them together yet.

I-Cord produces a hollow tube much like fingers in a glove.  Place the beginning end of the I-Cord into the finishing end and gently tighten by pulling on the yarn threaded on blunt point needle.  Sew together trying not to make the join  too bulky as excessive bulk will cause a bump after felting.

Felt by hand as follows:
Wet bracelet thoroughly with hot water and dish detergent.  Gently roll around in palms like a ball for several minutes adding hot water as needed.  Unfold and refold bracelet to felt evenly several times during this process. Begin to felt more firmly rearranging the bracelet often and  adding hot water and soap as needed.  Turn on cold water and rinse bracelet for a minute.
Open bracelet and place over fingers with your palm facing you (like you are beginning to put in on to wear)  Using hot water and detergent.  Roll the bracelet back and forth on your fingers to felt in a different direction.  Felt around the whole bracelet.

Continue this process until the desired firmness and size is achieved.  Bracelet can be stretched while still wet to make larger.  Felt is very strong and you will not hurt it.
Squeeze out excess water with a towel and allow to air dry.  Sew on beads or whatever you wish. DO NOT sew beads on the inside of the bracelet (the part that touches you wrist) it will make the bracelet smaller.

Designed by Diana Shannon  ©2005 102105jbt

Ok, I’ll admit it; I read the 50 Shades of Grey book series.  My friends read it, my sister read it, my niece read it, my boss read it, and last but not least, my mom read it! (I’m pretty sure I won’t be accompanying her to the movies when that one comes out.)
Last week, I was chatting with a knitter looking to make a chevron blanket with various shades of grey Encore Worsted. As I searched in my computer system, I realized just how popular grey is, and that we have many, many shades of it.  So for some fun this week, I decided to give away a bag but I am going to make your work for it! Give us your best guess to the questions below.  One person, with the closest answers, will win 10 balls of Encore Worsted color 389.  Comment with your answers to our Blog ONLY.  Facebook and Twitter entries will not be accepted.  In the event of multiple correct comments, a winner will be chosen among them at random.  Plymouth Yarn employees, sales representatives and their immediate families are not eligible to win. Data on number of shades is collected from inventory reports.  Winner will be notified via email on August 3rd 2012.
1.    How many shades of grey yarn are active in our inventory?
2.    How many shades of red?
3.    How many black yarns are active in our system?

Have fun and happy guessing.

I have two prizes available.  You will receive a copy of pattern P417

Encore Worsted Sock Pattern P417

and two balls of Encore Worsted in color 1009,  Old Glory.

Old Glory, #1009

Your tootsies will love these socks, and think how great it will be to slip these on after a long day at the pool or beach! We know so many of you take part in charity knitting.  How about making these for your local veterans’ association?

Winners will be picked at random on Tuesday, May 29th.  Winners will be notified via email for blog submissions and inbox message on facebook.  Tweeters will be notified by direct message. So be sure to keep your eye out on Tuesday! Have a great Memorial Day weekend.

What a wonderful reason to knit! Julie shared some pictures of the hats she creates, check them out below.

If you are a charity knitter, send us an email and tell us your story.  You can share your pictures with us on facebook and twitter too! You can also find us on Pinterest.