Plymouth Yarn Company Blog

Crochet Magazine Winter 2012 Cover!

Friday, November 30th, 2012

Check out the upcoming issue of Interweave Crochet Winter 2012/2013, online edition release date is November 30th and you will see it on newsstands December 18th.

On the cover, you will see the Ghost Cone Scarf  by Sue Perez using Grignasco Champagne: #306, 6 skeins. Champagne is 75% pure new extrafine superwash merino wool and 25% mulberry silk.  It’s 100% gorgeous and elegant,  it’s the perfect yarn for this project.

Call your yarn shop today to reserve your copy and to see the beautiful line of Grignasco yarns available.

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

 

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!

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

Fall Yarns from Plymouth

Thursday, May 31st, 2012

I am so excited for our fall line-up of yarns this year.  Many of you have seen them already and were kind enough to share some of your pictures and projects with us.  When we introduce a new line, I normally pick a favorite and go with it.  That is impossible this time around ! There are so many beautiful fibers and colors.  It’s going to be a busy knitting season for sure!  I figured I would share them all with you, in one shot.  I will do my best to give the important information you need, even when I really just want to say “It’s just so pretty, I must have it.”

We have a fantastic crew who gets to pick these fabulous yarns.  It takes a village you know.  They travel to Italy, Turkey, and Peru, just to name a few, to find the highest quality fibers so Plymouth Yarn can offer these to your favorite yarn shops.  We have a team of designers who get to play, I mean work, with all of the contenders.  They are always hard at work visiting trade and fashion shows to see the latest styles.  I consider myself a pretty good knitter but they never cease to amaze me when they demonstrate to us just what these yarns are capable of.

Without further ado…..fall yarns!

Adore Color Card

Angora Glitz Color Card

Baby Alpaca Aire Color Card

Check out the video on youtube that features Bi-Use from Adriafil

Bi-Use Color Card
F437 Bi-Use Free Scarf Pattern PDF

De Aire Glow Color Card
F424 De Aire Glow Free Scarf Pattern PDF

Dakota Color Card
F423 Free Dakota Scarf Pattern

Great Hand Dying basics here

Europa Tweed Color Card

Gina Color Card
F430 Gina Free Cowl Pattern PDF

Grandiosa Color Card

F431 Grandiosa Free Hat Pattern PDF

Jelli Beenz Color Card

Pasea Color Card

Sakkie Color Card

F447 Sakkie Socks Free Pattern PDF

Wilde Color Card

F429 Wilde Triangular Scarf Free Pattern PDF

Worsted Merino Superwash Hand Dyed Color Card

Joy Ruffle Color Card
F448 Joy Ruffle Scarf Pattern PDF

Joy Supreme Color Card

F444 Joy Supreme Scarf Free Pattern PDF

Passion Ice Color Card
F445 Passion Ice Scarf Free Pattern PDF

Passion Nette Color Card
F443 Passion Nette Scarf Free Pattern PDF

Scandalicious Color Card

F415 Scandalicious Free Scarf Pattern PDF

Now that you have seen them all, get to your favorite yarn shop and get some! Color cards are available at plymouthyarn.com. Share your projects with us on Facebook and Twitter. Pin them on Pinterest! Have fun!

New Year Resolutions

Friday, December 30th, 2011

Most people will make a New Year’s Resolution for 2012.  We want to lose a few pounds, save more money, drink less coffee and be more organized.  But what are your New Year’s Knitting Resolutions?  I’d like to share a few of ours with you, along with the resources to help you accomplish them!

1. Knit for yourself! Now that you have the feeling back in your fingers from the last-minute-holiday-crunch knits, sit down and find a pattern that you want for you.  Even if it’s as simple as a new scarf.  Think of the time you will have to fit in knitting for yourself.  If you only have an hour or two a week, think of a spring or summer shawl so when you are done your project, it will be the right season to use it.  Here are a few to consider….

2.  Make a gauge swatch.  I am notorious for not following my own advice on this one.  I often go blindly into a project.  I learned my lesson just a few weeks ago while making a Christmas gift for my niece.  I switched a yarn in a pattern for a slouchy hat.  There were very few differences between the two yarns, fiber content and put-up were the only things that jumped out at me.  My slouchy hat ended not fitting my niece but fitting my husband and I can’t talk him into wearing a purple hat with a touch of glitz.   Check out this article from knitty.com on the importance of and how to knit a gauge swatch.

3. Use your stash! I tried to use my stash this year for all of my holiday knitting and will try to continue to do so.  I ran out of masculine colors and only had to purchase a few balls! I am left with mostly baby yarns so I am hoping for a very long, cold winter so I will get news in the spring that I have some babies to knit for.  I am going to use some for charity but I will get to that later in this post.  There are some wonderful things you can do with those one or two skeins you picked up.  If you have 100% wool, felt, felt, felt! Small coin purses, small bags, small bowls and headbands.  Have a baby or wedding shower to attend?  If you have cotton, consider washcloths.  I have one that a friend made me almost 10 years ago.  It was in my wishing well at my bridal shower and it may be the only linen that hasn’t needed to be replaced! Hats are a great way to use up the stash too.  Here are some pattern ideas you can try.

4.  Finish the projects you start.  I’ll admit it, I have 3 wips in my inventory for about a year now BUT I also started and finished at least 20 others this year.  Will I ever finish those other 3? Hopefully, maybe, well, I can’t answer that question.  There are some great reasons why this should be a resolution you keep.  First is if you get to the end and realize you need just 20 more yards, it may be impossible to track down the dye lot.  Second is while I always try to have a couple pairs of needles in each size, they do me no good if they are tied up in a project I’ve been procrastinating on, then I am off to buy another set or borrow from one of my many knitting buddies.  Which isn’t so bad I guess as I get to see all the new arrivals at my LYS.  Third is the most obvious, that baby will grow right out of that sweater you started.  I am going to choose my projects more carefully and think ahead to make sure I have the time and supplies I need to complete them.  Try looking up your patterns on Ravelry and get real world tips, advice, materials lists and pictures of finished products.

5. Knit for Charity.  I know so many of you are already doing this and it’s such a wonderful opportunity to use your talents.  I send scarves to a local homeless shelter.  I can get them done in one or two nights while I’m watching t.v. and it’s a great way to use your stash.  Check with your local yarn shop, they will likely have a program set up for donations of all sorts.  Here is a list of just a few organizations we have had contact with….

Chemoclothes.org

Bob’s Blankie Brigade

Project Linus

Hair Flair for Hope

Stitching for America

6. Use your technology! Did you know there’s an app for that?  Use your smartphone for more than Angry Birds!  I use my iPhone for everything. There is a free app (called Needles) for cataloging your needles so you know what you’ve got on hand.  It can also direct you to the nearest yarn shop when you are on the go!  Vogue Knitting and Knitting Daily are available too.  YouTube is a great resource for how to videos on just about everything.  I’ve used it to learn a new stitch and how to knit with the new ruffle yarns.  You can also find yarn reviews there.  I can’t talk about technology without mentioning Ravelry.  If you haven’t joined yet, get on it! It’s a fantastic resource for everything yarn, patterns and the people who love them.

I hope everyone has had a wonderful holiday and the gang here at Plymouth Yarn wish you a very Happy New Year.

Catch of the Day

Wednesday, July 27th, 2011

Do you like to fish? Do you like to crochet? Do you like to crochet while your friends are fishing? Here’s your chance to be a master angler and come home with a fish every time! Your crochet hook is your rod and Galway is your line.  There is no messy bait to contend with either!

This little cutie came across my desk via email the other day.

His name is Wal and he is the brain child of the vary talented Stacey at freshstitches.com.  For this tiny fish, she used about 60 yards of Galway in color 154 and just 5 yards of the white, color 8.  After I met Wal, I visited the website and met lots of other cuties.  You can purchase Wal and Stacey’s other “Amigurumi” patterns here.  There are also free patterns available here.

Stacey loves to hear from her customers and you can reach her just about any way imaginable!

stacey@freshstitches.com

FreshStitches on facebook

Find Stacey on  twitter

Stacy Trock on Ravelry

FreshStitches Etsy store

Find items featuring her adorable crochet amigurumi designs at CafePress

Buy the 5 star rated book Cuddly Crochet on amazon!