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Spring Beret in Worsted Merino Superwash

Vanessa — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 13:30:16 +0000

We are now officially closer to the summer solstice than the winter solstice. I can feel my spirits lift as the days grow longer.

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

Happy Hour- For Yarn Shops Only!

Allison — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 13:28:05 +0000

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

Vanessa — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 13:30:03 +0000

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.

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

Allison — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 15:13:55 +0000

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!

and for the men in your life, a neck warmer published by Knitty Keen…

Encore Worsted Neck Warmer

Baby Alpaca Aire Shrug and Hat

Vanessa — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 13:30:11 +0000

Oversized knits are everywhere! Large sweaters and shrugs don’t need to be heavy. Soft, billowy yarns and stitches have been gracing the runways for several seasons. Plymouth Baby Alpaca Aire is a chainette constructed, 100% baby alpaca yarn; all the warmth and loft but no heft. Most of the colors are in heathered tones, making them easy to mix and match with many colors in your wardrobe. My shrug and slouch hat are made in a simple Brioche stitch. The shrug is basically a rectangle with armholes; the only shaping (with short rows) is at the collar.

With our blistery fall in full swing, it is a nice time to cozy up to your knitting! –Vanessa

Pattern F477

Baby Alpaca Aire Shrug and Hat

View as pdf

Hat Circumference: 21 ½”, (22 ½)
Shrug to Fit Ladies: S/M, (L/XL)
Shrug from sleeve to sleeve: 46”, (50)

Materials:
Baby Alpaca Aire:
2, (2)—100G balls, color 5011 for Hat
6, (7)—100G balls, color 5011 for Shrug
Gauge: 16 sts, 24 rows= 4” in st st on size 9, 3.75 sts= 1” in brioche stitch on size 9.
Needles: US size 9 straight needles and long circular (for collar of shrug) and short circular (for hat rib), 4 stitch markers.

Brioche Stitch (Multiple of 2 sts)
Note: Work slip sts with yarn in back.
Row 1 (WS): *k1, yo, sl1; rep from * across.
Row 2: k1, *sl the yo st, k2; rep from *, ending with sl yo st, k1.
Row 3: *yo, sl1, k2tog, (the yo st and the next st); rep from * across.
Row 4: *k2, sl the yo st; rep from * across.
Row 5: *k2tog (the yo st and the next st), yo, sl1; rep from * across.
Row 6: k1, *sl the yo st, k2; rep from *, ending with sl yo st, k1.
Repeat rows 3-6 for pattern.

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

Hat
Cast on 80, (84) sts.
Work in Brioche stitch for 7”, (7½), end having worked a WS Row.
(There will actually be 120, (126) strands of yarn on top of the needle in brioche stitch; this is ok!)
Next Row (RS): *k1, k2tog; rep from * across. 80, (84) sts.
Row 1: pf&b, p to end of row. 81, (85) sts.
Row 2: k1, *k2 sts, k2tog; rep from * across. 61, (64) sts.
Row 3 and all WS Rows: purl all sts.
Row 4: k1, *k1 sts, k2tog; rep from * across. 41, (43) sts.
Row 6: k1, *k2tog; rep from * across. 21, (22) sts.
Row 8: k1, (2), *k2tog; rep from * across. 11, (12) sts.
Cut yarn, leaving a tail for seaming, and draw through remaining sts. Sew the side seam of the hat.
Rib band: With size 9 short circular, pick up and knit 72, (76) sts along the cast on edge of the hat. Pm and join in the round.
Rib Round: *k1tbl, p1; rep from * around. Repeat this round 6 times more. Bind off all sts in rib.
Weave in all ends.

Shrug
Cast on 74 sts. Work in 2×2 ribbing for 2 ½”, end having worked a RS Row.
(WS) Cast on 12, (22) sts, k across 74 sts, decreasing 4 sts evenly across ribbing. 82, (92) sts.
(RS) Cast on 12, (22) sts, purl to end of row.
94, (114) sts.
Begin working in Brioche stitch.
(There will actually be 141, 171) strands of yarn on top of the needle in brioche stitch, this is ok!)
When Brioche stitch measures 41”, (45), end having worked a WS Row.
(RS): *k1, k2tog; rep from * across. 94, (114) sts on needle.
(WS): Bind off 12, (22) sts, knit to end of row.
(RS): Bind off 12, (22) sts, purl to end of row. 70 sts.
Work in 2×2 ribbing for 2 ½”, increasing 4 sts evenly across first row. Bind off all sts.

Fold the shrug in half and sew the 12, (22) stitch cast on edges of the shrug together with the side edge of the 2 ½” garter band. Repeat this for the other side, where the bind off edges are.
Collar: With RS facing and long circular, start at one of the sleeve seams and pick up and knit 164, (180) sts along the side edge of the shrug to the other sleeve seam, pm for side seam, pick up and knit 164, (180) sts along the other side edge of the shrug, placing a marker on both sides of the center 44 sts (this will mark the back neck), PM to mark beginning of round/side seam. 328, (360) sts.
Work in 2×2 ribbing for 6 rounds.
Next Round: Rib to third marker, turn.
Next Round: Rib to next marker, turn.
Next 2 Rounds: Rib to next marker, remove marker, rib 3 sts, replace marker, turn.
Repeat the last 2 rounds until you reach the side seam markers. Then, work across all sts as before in the round, removing the back neck markers.
Work 7 more rounds in ribbing.
Bind off Round: k2, slip these 2 sts back onto the left hand needle and *k2tog through the back loop, slip the new stitch back onto the left hand needle; rep from * around. Cut yarn and weave in all ends.
Block lightly.

ABBREVIATIONS: dec = decrease, inc = increase, k = knit, k2tog = knit two together, m1= make one, pf&b= purl into the front and back of stitch, 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

Baby Zhivago

Allison — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 18:25:41 +0000

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!

Little Zhivago

Holiday Gift Alert, Volume 3

Allison — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 13:29:50 +0000

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

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

Allison — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 14:57:32 +0000

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!

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

Allison — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 12:15:51 +0000

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

A Labor Day Message….

Allison — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 15:10:22 +0000

Courtesy of Zingerbug

It is officially the unofficial end of summer. Labor day is one of my favorite holidays as it celebrates the American worker, which is me! A big thank you to Matthew Maguire and Peter J. McGuire, labor union officials who first proposed the holiday back in 1882 as a day of rest and celebration for workers and their families. I’ll gladly take a 3 day weekend, I have one UFO that needs tending to, a grill that is begging for some steaks and a blender just waiting to make some margaritas. We always stay close to home, trying to visit our swim club as much as possible before they lock the gate for the final time on Monday 8pm.

For the first time, my son is dreading this weekend, or at least the end of it. Now he’s a second grader, aware that back to school means homework, early bedtimes and tucked in uniform shirts. No more weeknight outings to the movies or miniature golf. I’m excited to meet his teacher and wondering if she’s a knitter.

Early bedtimes for the kid means uninterrupted knitting time for mommy. My goal over the next few weeks is to master crochet. I am a novice and I am ready to change that. There is way too much fantastic crochet out there that I am missing out on. I would like to replace my holiday knitting with crochet this year. Click here for one of the many videos I will be using as guide this weekend.

Make sure you call your local yarn store this weekend too. Many of them have received their fall orders and are having some amazing sales. If you get to your shop, check out some of our new yarns like Gina, Sakkie and Pasea, the hottest sellers right now.

Sakkie Crochet Pattern 2364, call your yarn shop for details