The result is this cowl, which I absolutely adore!  I think that variegated yarns work well with the entrelac technique and the little sparkles from the sequins are a lovely touch.

The eight patterns in Studio 26 are designed by Rowan designer Julia Frank and are inspired by the trend for tweed and relaxed, easy to wear, slouchy designs.

I loved how the pretty the balls looked on the shelf, so I had to take a photo to show you!  These are all 12 shades available.

The book to go with the yarn is called The Naturally Sublime Egyptian Cotton DK Book (661) and features 20 designs for babies, children and adults using Sublime Egyptian Cotton DK.

For women, there are chic little waistcoats, stripey nautical-inspired knits and the simply stunning Pointelle with an exquisite lace back. For boys there is an easy gansey style sweater and matching slouchy hat emblazoned with a skull and crossbones motif and for girls, there are trendy little cropped cardies to wear with beach dresses and Bermudas. There’s the simplest sailor gansey in the smartest deep red for men.

Finally, there is an exquisite lace christening gown, ballerina cardie and Tutu shoes for baby girls and the most adorable little sailor suits for baby boys – outstanding little vintage styles for your tiny treasures.

Have a look on our shop website for pictures of the designs in the book.

The instructions give the yarn requirements to knit the scarf in either Louisa Harding’s Simonetta, Grace Hand Beaded or Nerissa.  I was tempted to do it in Grace Hand Beaded, but thought that the Simonetta would make the scarf feel more floaty and delicate and it only took 1 ball.

The lace pattern is a 16 row repeat and although I had to concentrate on counting rows at first, I found that once I got into it, the pattern became quite easy.

Why not chose your favourite shade of Simonetta and have a go yourself!

Alternatively, browse the Simonetta pattern book by Louisa Harding on our website which features no less than 14 knitting patterns for tops, scarves, shawls, a hat and even a skirt!

I was dying to try it out myself, so I knitted this little baby hat, using Knitcol.  The pattern is from Sirdar pattern 1242 that includes instructions for 4 different types of baby hat.  Isn’t it cute?

I knitted this shrug using a lovely shade of Angel from the pattern book Angel by Debbie Bliss.  It’s basically 2 sleeves and a ribbed band. Pretty quick to do.

My Mum also knitted this short cardigan, from the same pattern book, using Debbie Bliss Party Angel yarn.  It’s Angel yarn with a touch of sparkle! I wore this cardi a few times of the Christmas season. It was great for parties.

I found the cardi to be a good fit and I will wear it often but one thing Mum did say when she picked up around the edge for the ribbed band, she needed to pick up more stitches than the pattern said, because it was pulling in otherwise.

http://www.leafcutterdesigns.com/projects/conceptknit.html#skyscarf

The new year brings with it lots of new yarns, pattern books and fabrics, the first of which is Rowan Magazine 51. It is due out on 15th January but you can pre-order your copy now which will be despatched as soon as it arrives at the shop.

Rowan Knitting & Crochet Magazine 51 sees key shapes which reflect a new confidence emerging within the wearer.  The designs have been created for ease of movement and casual freedom giving a relaxed, summery vibe.  The fun element is injected with a return to the retro resort styles where pattern and colour explode.  The season is mainly understated, where nothing is outrageous.  Rowan is promoting two stories Artisan and Riviera to reflect these trends.  Essentials is the showcase for the key shapes of the season but translated into more simplified, easy to wear styles that will compliment the season’s essential looks.

(click to enlarge the pictures below)

The Rowan yarns used are Pima Cotton DK, Cotton Glace, Savannah, Revive, Handknit Cotton, Panama, Kidsilk Haze, Siena 4 Ply, Wool Cotton, Fine Lace, All Seasons Cotton, Denim

In this book, Vintage Designs to Knit by Kim Hargreaves, Rowan have chosen to revisit 25 of her truly great designs in their favorite classic yarns: wools, mohairs and cottons, so there is something to knit all year round. There are smart little sweaters, soft cardigans, tailored jackets and cute tops, with beaded, textured, plain and lacy stitches, plus a few accessories.

Visit our shop website to pick up your copy, just in time for Christmas!

Knit Pro DPN Tubes

Do you knit socks or know someone who does? Perhaps these DPN tubes from Knit Pro would come in useful?  These DPN tubes are a solution for holding and protecting your double pointed needles and work in progress. Your stitches are safely protected inside the tube and less likely to fall off of the needles.  You get a set of 3 tubes – 2 with slots and 1 without slot – to store DPN’s of all sizes as the tubes move up and down enabling storage of short and long needles.

Knitters Note Cards

These knitting notecards feature two designs, a ball of yarn and some knitting in progress.  A perfect gift for a knitting obsessed friend!

Knitting Dolly

For children (or maybe grown ups too!) why not drop a Knitting Dolly into their stocking this year.  Knitting Dollies are a lovely way to introduce children to French Knitting.  Children can make a cord from any sort of yarn, which could be used in all sorts of ways.  You could add a ball of Adriafil Knitcol yarn which comes in a range of bright colours.  It’ll keep the kids quiet for ages!

Shawl Pins

Perhaps you’ve knitted a shawl for someone this Christmas.  These beautiful shawl pins with mother of pearl detail make a perfect accompaniment.

Browse the full selection of shawl pins on our shop website.

Knit Pro Knitting Needles

A beautiful set of Knit Pro knitting needles is always a welcome present for a knitter.  We have sets of straight needles, interchangeable needles and double pointed needles, in both metal and wood.