In the Making...

So a new pattern. Meet Yarra, a gorgeous lace stole worked in two identical pieces, so the pretty Estonian lace edge is shown to its best. Designed in 6 sections using different lace skills but joined by relaxing knit and purl sections for an enjoyable knit.  The “Yarra” name comes from A Good Yarn, which sits at the corner of Oole and Yarra Road. Originally designed for Lace Club 2020 at A Good Yarn, Cleethorpes. The yarn used in the wrap is the sumptuous and silky Fyberspates Scrumptious 4Ply . It is a mix of merino and silk and has the most heavenly drape, which is perfect for a decadent lace wrap. The main sample uses Seafoam and Magenta. The original sample that I made used Pearl and Mulberry for a softer and more traditional colour palette.  The wrap is designed to use different lace techniques but they are only done in small sections that are separated by restful knit and purl. My most favourite part of the shawl is the edging, which uses traditional Estonian stitches t...

A while ago, I made a photo tutorial for the Estonian Cast On . The Double Estonian Cast On is a simple variation of this. The edge is thicker and more decorative. It is ideal for 1 x 1 and 2 x 2 ribbing, as it wraps the base of the ribbing columns. It is firm, but stretchy - this makes it a great cast on for socks. My Little Duck socks that I blogged about last week used the Double Estonian Cast On. The actual cast on is the same for both the single and double Estonian Cast on. It's just the starting bit that's a little different. As for any long tail cast on, measure out a long tail. I tend to use 1 inch per stitch for thicker yarn and 1/2 inch per stitch for DK weight and thinner; plus another 6 inches for luck!  Instead of making a slip knot, fold the yarn again to the same length that you've measured. You should have 3 lengths folded instead of 2 for a long tailed cast on. Leave a bit extra at the tail end for sewing in the end. ...

I showed you a work in progress photo of my Little Duck Socks recently. Blogged here They are now finished with plenty of time for Christmas. The duck stitch pattern is from Mary Jane Mucklestone 's 150 Scandinavian Knitting Designs. I did her workshop a few months ago. This is the first of lots of project ideas from the book. The rest of the sock is my design. I reversed the ducks for each sock (just for added cuteness!). Mainly the socks were worked on 2.5mm needles - my new Nova Cubics DPNs, which I really enjoying working with. The stranded sections were done on a 3.00mm, so they didn't pinch in at that point. The change in gauge is obvious to me, especially on the toe but it does make them fit better ( I suppose I could have increased stitches instead - maybe next time). I used a Double Estonian Cast On for the ribbing. I've been using the single Estonian Cast On for most ribbing at the moment, it makes a firm but stretchy cast on ...

I've recently been looking into different cast on methods. I've tried quite a few and they've all got their purpose but I have taken quite a fancy to the Estonian Cast On (a.k.a. Double Start, Latvian). It's quite simple to execute, it's stretchy and can be quite decorative too. It works well with 1 x 1 and 2 x 2 ribbing because it wraps around the base of the column of ribbing. It's a super cast on for socks. The tutorial is for the single strand method. 1. Measure out a long tail. I tend to use 1 inch per stitch for thicker yarn and 1/2 inch per stitch for DK weight and thinner; plus another 6 inches for luck! Make a slip knot and place on your needle. 2. Place your fingers between the strands and tilt your hand back into a catapult position. This creates a cross on the thumb strand. 3. Insert your needle into the loop around your thumb from below. 4. Reach across over the top of the strand on your forefinger. 5. ...