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

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

Happy Hour- For Yarn Shops Only!

Thursday, February 21st, 2013

Introducing our very first happy hour!  These will be lightning deals Plymouth Yarn will offer to our yarn shops during a specific time and day.  The deal will only be valid during the time frame posted and only for orders called into our office.  You can call the office to find out what the deal will be.  They are not valid on past or future orders.  Due to the nature of this sale and the risk of stock depletion, Plymouth Yarn reserves the right to substitute deal items for an item of equal or greater value.

Now that all the legal mumbo jumbo is out of the way….let’s celebrate!  Here are the details of our first happy hour!

Do you want to carry Plymouth Yarns in your shop? Contact us to get started today!

Dreambaby DK Crochet Popcorn Hat

Friday, December 14th, 2012

Ask any knitter, crocheter, or crafter; the time for quick, last minute gifts is upon us. I’m definitely feeling the pressure!

Many of my friends are having babies, so luckily these gifts tend to be for the little ones. Anyone who has crocheted and knitted can tell you that crocheting is quicker than knitting in most regards.

My popcorn baby hat is crocheted in Dreambaby DK. It is a great gift for the babies in your life, and you’ll be happy to know it can be made lickety-split! Enjoy–Vanessa

Dreambaby DK Crochet Popcorn Hat

View as pdf

To Fit Size: 0-3, (6-12, 18-24) months
Approx. Hat Circumference: 14 ½”, (16, 18)

Materials:
Plymouth Dreambaby DK:
1, (1, 2)—50G balls, color 137 Brown
Gauge:  17sts, 20 rows = 4” on size US G crochet hook in single crochet (sc),
16 sts in popcorn stitch= 3 ½” on size US G hook.
Needles: Size US G crochet hook, stitch marker

Pattern is written for smallest size, with larger sizes in parenthesis. If only one number is given, it applies to all sizes. Use a marker to help mark the beginning of the round(s).

Begin (starting at the top)
Ch 5. Join with a sl stitch to form a ring.
(OR use the magic loop method to make 11 sc-
http://www.planetjune.com/blog/tutorials/magic-ring-right-handed/  if using this method, skip to round 2)
Round 1: work 11 sc in ring. (11 sc)
Round 2: Work 2 sc in each sc across round to last st, sc in last st. (21 sc)
Round 3: work 1 sc in each sc round. (21 sc)
Round 4: *work 1 sc in each of next 2 sts, work 2 sc in next st; rep from * 6 times more. (28 sc)
Round 5: *1 sc in each of the next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st; rep from * 6 times more. (35 sc)
Round 6: *1 sc in each of the next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st; rep from * 6 times more. (42 sc)
Round 7: *1 sc in each of the next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st; rep from * 6 times more. (49 sc)
Round 8: *1 sc in each of the next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st; rep from * 6 times more. (56 sc)
Round 9: *1 sc in each of the next 7 sts, 2 sc in next st; rep from * 6 times more (63 sc)
0-3 Month size only:
Round 10: 1 sc in each of the next 8 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc to end of round. (64 sc)
6-12 Month and 12-18 Month Size Only:
Round 10: *1 sc in each of the next 8 sts, 2 sc in next st; rep from * 6 times more. (70 sc)
6-12 Month Size Only:
Round 11: (1 sc in each of the next 9 sts, 2 sc in next st)2x, sc to end of round. (72 sts)
18-24 Month Size Only:
Round 11: *1 sc in each of the next 9 sts, 2 sc in next st; rep from * 6 times more. (79 sc)
Round 12: 1 sc in each of the next 10 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc to end of round. (80 sc)

All Sizes
Next Round: sc in every sc around. (64, (72, 80) sc)
Begin Popcorn Stitch
Round 1: *work 5 dc in next sc, drop the loop from your hook, insert your hook from front to back under the top 2 loops of the first dc of the group, grab the dropped loop and pull it through the stitch (1 popcorn made), sc in next 3 sts; rep from * around. (16, (18, 20) popcorn sts)
Round 2: sc in every stitch around (popcorn st counts as 1 sc). (64, (72, 80) sc)
Round 3: *2 sc in next 2 sts, work popcorn stitch (work 5 dc in next sc, drop the loop from your hook, insert your hook from front to back under the top 2 loops of the first dc of the group, grab the dropped loop and pull it through the stitch (1 popcorn made), 1 sc in next st; rep from * around. (16, (18, 20) popcorn sts)
Round 4: sc in every stitch around (popcorn st counts as 1 sc). (64, (72, 80) sc)
Repeat the last 4 rounds for popcorn pattern.
When hat measures 3”, (3 ½, 4 ¼) from beginning of popcorn stitch, end having worked a sc round. (Approximately 8, (9, 11) layers of popcorn will have been made). Work 4 rounds of sc. Work 1 round of backward crochet firmly. Cut yarn, fasten off, and weave in all ends.

©2012 Plymouth Yarn Company. 121212vle

ABBREVIATIONS:  ch= chain, dc= double crochet, dec = decrease, inc = increase, M= marker, RS= right side, sc= single crochet, sl = slip, st(s) = stitch(es), tbl = through back loop,  tog = together,  WS = Wrong Side, yo = yarn over, wyif = with yarn in front, wyib = with yarn in back

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

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!

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?

Passion Nette Hotpad

Courtesy of Tranqwool Knitting Provisions

Christmas Countdown

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!

50 Shades Quiz Winner & Free Pattern for All!

Monday, August 6th, 2012

We would like to congratulate our 50 Shades of Yarn giveaway winner,  Susan!  She had guessed the closest numbers to our shades.  Data was compiled from our accounting system by simply doing a search for the words red, grey and black.  This was tricky, I know, due to so many mixed shades  and lines of yarn we did not name in our accounting program.   But the kicker for me, the thing that spawned this whole giveaway, was my amazement that we, in fact,  had 50 active shades of grey yarn! We have 39 shades of “red”(descriptions only containing the word red, that is) and 45 black yarns.  It was not shades of black, just plain black yarn was counted.

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