knitshop.co.uk: cotton plied wool

Showing posts with label cotton plied wool. Show all posts

Monday, May 19

Julia jumper – pretty lily-patterned design

Spring is on its way and with it thoughts of slightly lighter knits. You no longer need to be swaddled in several layers of warmth. A light jacket and long-sleeved top will suffice as you venture outside and breathe in the welcome springtime air.

The change of season provides the perfect excuse to indulge in some springtime knitting too. Chunky jumpers can be replaced with flattering fitted designs. With this in mind, we’re incredibly proud to bring you our Julia jumper.

This beautiful jumper starred on the cover of Yarnwise magazine, August 2012 – something we were very proud of, since it’s knitted with knitshop.co.uk Cotton Plied Wool. Designed for knitshop.co.uk by Meg Crowther, the Julia jumper features a lily motif. Meg chose the lily in memory of Meg’s cousin, who loved these flowers. It’s knitted in DK weight yarn which is both lightweight and offers good stitch definition – all the better to show off the lovely lilies.

We’re delighted to be able to offer the Julia jumper pattern for download from our website for just £1.

You will need between five and seven 100g hanks of knitshop.co.uk Cotton Plied Wool, plus single-pointed and double-pointed 4mm needles. The yarn is spun from a mix of 60 percent cotton and 40 percent wool, resulting in a combination of light weight, durability and warmth.

The yarn comes in 100g skeins of around 225m, meaning you only need a few balls to make a complete garment. The Julia jumper therefore costs a very reasonable £35 to make – and delivery is free.

knitshop.co.uk Cotton Plied Wool comes in a fantastic selection of colours. Choose the cornflower blue shown in the pattern or a sunny yellow. Cotton Plied Wool also comes in cheerful reds and orange shades or a more subtle pale blue or light green.

These solid shades will give the Julia jumper a vintage look and ensure the lily pattern stands out on the shoulder and sleeves. For a more contemporary look choose the variegated blue-pink, green-blue or earthy brown-green combination. Browse the colour options for Cotton Plied Wool here.

For more knitting and crochet patterns see the knitshop.co.uk patterns page.

Links to this blog:

Julia jumper pattern: http://knitshop.co.uk/knitshop-pattern/2726-julia.html

Cotton Plied Wool: http://knitshop.co.uk/167-cotton-wool-yarn

4mm bamboo needles: http://knitshop.co.uk/knitting-accessories/1696-bamboo-knitting-needles-4mm.html

4mm double-pointed needles: http://knitshop.co.uk/knitting-accessories/1714-4mm-dp-20cm.html

Knitshop.co.uk patterns: http://knitshop.co.uk/161-knitshop-pattern

Meg Crowther Ravelry page: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/julia-jumper

Yarnwise magazine: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/yarnwise-magazine-51-august-2012

Wednesday, May 7

Product of the Month May

knitshop.co.uk Product of the Month May: Cotton Plied Wool Yarn

At knitshop.co.uk we’re looking forward to some sunshine and long balmy summer evenings, but we’re not quite ready to risk sleeveless cotton vests or camisole tops just yet. Instead, we’re hedging our bets with lightweight cover-ups and lighter yarns that provide warmth without bulk.

knitshop.co.uk Cotton Plied Wool Yarn is our Product of the Month for May and is the perfect yarn for late Spring. The yarn is a blend of 60% cotton and 40% wool. It’s soft and light as well as being warm. It comes in some lovely variegated colours such as Orange-Apricot and Blue-Green and well as single shade yarns such as Yellow and Blue.

Cotton Plied Wool Yarn in Blue and Green blended shades

Cotton Plied Wool Yarn comes in 100g skeins of approximately 225m and knits up on 3-4mm needles and has a tension of around 26 stitches per 10cm. It’s ideal for projects that call for a thicker 4ply or DK yarn and, because of its strength, it’s equally good for knitting or crochet.

A Stitch In Time Vol 2 featured the Cotton Plied Wool Yarn in Apricot
in this vintage knitting pattern. Pattern: Ribbon Threaded Jumper.

One of our favourite patterns is Meg Crowther’s Julia jumper. This lovely pattern features a Lily Of The Valley motif on the sleeves and is knitted using Cotton Plied Wool Yarn in Blue. Julia Lily Of The Valley jumper uses between 5 and 7 skeins of yarn and knits up on 4mm single-pointed needles.

Julia - Lily of the Valley Jumper in Blue Cotton Plied Wool Yarn

knitshop.co.uk newsletter subscribers can download the pattern for free throughout May. Combined with the Product Of The Month 14% discount on Cotton Plied Wool Yarn, this makes Julia jumper a great project choice for intermediate knitters.

Beautiful summer colours are available
in the Cotton Plied Wool Yarn

If you’re after a more straightforward project, our Sugar And Spice Ginger Silk Top is a great quick knit that flatters all shapes. Cotton Plied Wool Yarn has a very similar tension to the Mulberry Silk Twist Yarn used in the original pattern and comes in similar length skeins, so you can simply substitute yarns here.
Another of our patterns that will work well with Cotton Plied Wool Yarn is the Jasper Pullover Tank Top. This lovely slipover top is ideal for this time of the year and will fit kids from two to seven-years-old. You need two skeins of yarn for the main colour and one skein of the contrast yarn. . You’ll also need a pair each of 3mm and 3.5mm circular needles.

Jasper Pull-over originally knitted in 100% alpaca yarn.
For a more summery version use Cotton Plied Wool Yarn.

If there’s a pattern you’d like to knit or crochet using Cotton Plied Wool Yarn or another knitshop.co.uk yarn, please contact us for needle conversion and yarn substitution advice. We’re always happy to help!

Cotton Plied Wool Yarn is also available at
the knitshop.co.uk Boutique Outlet in Lee Green

Tuesday, February 4

Products of the Month February

Roses are red… and are so our February deals

We love February. It’s the most romantic month of the year and also marks the start of the shift away from forbidding winter to the new shoots of spring. We’re still wrapping up warm, but already thinking of places to visit and longer walks to enjoy with our nearest and dearest.

In fact, because Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, we’ve had a rummage through our yarns and come up with 10 fabulous red yarns you can use to get creative and show off your affections. And to encourage you in your romantic endeavours, we’re giving you 15 percent off any of these 10 red yarns throughout the month of February.

Lacet Wrist Warmer in Dark Red
as seen in the Knitting Magazine.

If you want to make something snug to keep your loved one cosy, how about knitting a pair of Lacet Wrist Warmers in Bright Red Mulberry Silk Merino Wool Yarn? You’ll need just a single skein of yarn and a set of 4mm double-pointed needles.

Your sweetheart is also certain to love a gift of snug wristwarmers made from a skein of our popular multi-coloured Kolibri Wool Yarn. Using 5mm dpns or a circular needle, you’ll be able to impress them with a pair of fabulous Velvet Wrist Warmers knitted in Red Berry Kolibri Yarn combining lace and cabled panels.

Wrist warmers are ideal for this time of year when it’s getting warmer but still a bit chilly. Another great way to cover up is with a lightweight Ladder Stitch Scarf knitted in knitshop.co.uk’s Cotton Linen Blend Yarn. Make one in Carnation Red from a single 100g skein.

For a cosy and soft scarf, opt for a couple of skeins of Red Cotton Plied Wool yarn . This luxurious yarn is warm and lightweight and looks wonderful when used to knit simple but bold patterns. For example, you could use it to create a k4 p4 rib pattern on 4.5mm needles.

Monday, December 24

Competition

Knitshop.co.uk competition -
£50 of yarn to be won!

Fans ofknitshop.co.uk’syarns are pretty creative – and pretty competitive!

So what betterway to see who has made the most incredible creations than to run aphoto-based competition to win some more yarn?

The naturalfibres of knitshop.co.uk’syarns are beautifulin their own right, but you also need skill and imagination for yourshowstopping knitting or crochet project. The winning entry willreceive a luxury selection of knitshop.co.ukyarns consisting of two hanks of AlpacaQuito Yarn,two hanks of Cottonplied Wool Yarn,a skein of knitshop.co.ukSock Yarnand four balls of Cotton4ply Mercerised.

To enterthe competition all you need to do is take a photo of an item you’vemade using knitshop.co.ukproductsand send it to us, along with a description, including the productsused,at info@knitshop.co.uk.We’ll post the shortlisted photos on our website and on ourFacebook page at facebook.com/knitshopand everyone can vote for which one’s the best.

Competitionentries will be accepted till 5 January, with the shortlistedphotos online from 6 January until 12 January. We’llannounce the winner on 14 January!

Everyonewho enters the competition will receive a free knitshop.co.ukpattern of their choice. Please state which pattern you would like toreceive when emailing in your photo entry and description.

Links tothis blog:

Knitshop.co.ukcompetition prize details

One luckyprize winner will receive

AlpacaQuito Yarn– two hanks

Cottonplied Wool Yarn–two hanks

Cotton4ply Mercerised– four balls

knitshop.co.ukSock Yarn– one hank

Email aphoto of your knitshop.co.uk creation to info@knitshop.co.uk.

Sunday, November 13

Pictures of A Stitch In Time Vol 2 using knitshop.co.uk yarns


Cryscelle - Front Cover Mulberry Silk Yarn black and silver white page 100

This Attractive Affair
Cotton 4ply mercerised bordeaux and oyster
page 35

Striped Sun Top
Cotton 4ply mercerised coral pink, mint green, arctic white
page 49

Box Coat
Tundra Wool Yarn dark green
page 218

Ribbon Threaded Jumper
Cotton Plied Wool Yarn apricot
page 310

Jumper with Collar Flowers
Cotton 4ply mercerised shell pink and arctic white
page 284

Cocktail Jumper
Mulberry Silk Yarn light pink and black
page 387

A Stitch In Time Vol 2 is available to purchase from knitshop.co.uk.
"The book takes you on a journey through knitting pattern history from 1930 to 1959. This substantial treasury contains 80 stunning, c;assic patterns for women..." A Stitch In Time Vol 2

"This truly amazing book is for all knitters, young and old, and of all abilities."

Photography: Susan Crawford
Pictures are curtsey of Arbour House Publishing LTD

Link to purchase A Stitch In Time Vol 2
http://www.knitshop.co.uk/patterns-magazines-books/2141-a-stitch-in-time-2.html

Wednesday, November 9

A Stitch in Time, Volume 2

Step right up for A Stitch In Time was a blog featured by knitshop.co.uk and now it has finally been published and is available to everyone, Susan Crawfords' masterpiece, combining a variety of vintage knitting patterns from 1930 - 1959.

If you haven't already taken a peek at A Stitch in Time, Volume 1, then you are missing out on some really stunning knitwear patterns. However, A Stitch in Time, Volume 2, is here and worthwhile having a flick through because this coffee table book has some amazing images of the final garments.

This beautiful book contains many patterns for all levels of knitting ability, and the images are really inspiring. Obviously, the most important feature of the book, the patterns, are sublime. Wonderfully explained with a step-by-step pattern, beautifully illustrated.

The patterns range from 1930's to the 1960's, a variety of jumpers, cardigans, dresses and more. There is a little something for everyone in this book, and for anyone who is just starting to knit, the book will walk you step by step through choosing yarn, colours and f course the pattern. The result is a wonderfully knitted vintage-inspired garment followed to a 'T' from the pattern or with some artistic inspiration of your very own.

Of course, what knit pattern book is complete without a little helping hand from the knitshop.co.uk team? Knitshop.co.uk yarns were used within several of these projects as they are perfect to achieve a vintage inspired garment.

Knitshop.co.uk yarns have been featured on the front cover of the book, a real privileged. Susan's stunning Cryscelle was chosen to adorn the front cover and for this piece the Mulberry Silk was used. A perfect choice in yarn for such an amazing theatrical top. The striped silver white and black Mulberry silk reflect the light stunningly and the sumptuous silk makes this a great top for evening wear as well as office and day-wear.

Firstly, on page 35 is featured the pattern 'This Attractive Affair'. A beautiful 1930's inspired pattern which makes an ideal gift for someone deserving. Susan opted to use our 4ply mercerised cotton in Bordeaux and Oyster Colours. This rich palette is warm, perfect for this winter's trend but also spot on for the colours of the 1930's. This light weight yarn is soft to the touch but strong and easily washable.

On page 49 you will also find our 4ply mercerised cotton. A fabulous summer knit pattern, this 'Striped Sun Top' includes our coral pink, white and mint green cotton. We encourage you to use a variety of your own favourite colours, but Susan's choice really accentuates the shape of the top and will be stunning in hot sunshine.

This is followed by 'The Box Coat' on page 218. A 1940's inspired coat knitted in Tundra Wool. This chunky yarn, ideal for winter knits is a clear winner for this pattern. The thickness of the final fabric will keep you warm through this winter and more to come. The choice of the dark green yarn is ideal for winter 2011 and represents the palettes of the 1940's. knitshop.co.uk also offer a mustard yellow which I feel is also ideal for this pattern.

Patterns from the 1950's includes a fabulous jumper with glorious flower and collar detailing, 'Jumper with Collar and Flowers' on page 284. Very 1950's this pattern is great for children and adults. I love how this can be combined with pencil skirts or glamorous trousers as well as your every day jeans. Knitted in 4ply mercerised cotton makes this a light and warm jumper. The cotton works well in the finer detail of the flowers and is sure not to aggravate the skin around the neckline like a wool could. Susan opted for knitshop's shell pink, Arctic white and canary yellow for the floral detailing, but again the choice is yours.

Another great jumper is the 'Ribbon Threaded' jumper found on page 310 An inspired use of ribbon makes this jumper very cute and pretty. The apricot yarn brings out the girly pattern and we can definitely recommend this to any knitter who enjoys using various materials aside from just yarn. A fun pattern, Susan chose to use knitshop's Cotton Plied Wool for it's softness and warmth. We recommend needle size 3-4 which is also recommended in the pattern.

Finally, knitshop.co.uk yarns were used in the 'Cocktail Jumper' on page 387. Another 1950's inspired pattern for knitting, this jumper uses the Mulberry Silk for a sumptuous finish. Ideal for drinks parties and formal dinner parties, we love this pattern for it's unique design. The light pink Mulberry Silk was combined with the black to achieve another glorious pattern by Susan Crawford.

Which is your favourite vintage pattern? Email us your pictures of your A Stitch In Time garments!

And Happy Knitting!!

Links to this post:

A Stitch In Time Vol 2 - order your book today for delivery tomorrow!

A Stitch In Time Vol 1 - still available at knitshop.co.uk

Cotton 4ply mercerised - oyster, bordeaux, light pink, mint green, coral pink and white

Mulberry Silk Yarn - black, silvery white and light pink

Cotton plied Wool Yarn - apricot

Wool Yarn Tundra - dark green

Step right up for A Stitch In Time

Susan Crawford Vintage Blog

Sunday, May 15

Cotton Plied Wool Yarn

The Cotton plied wool yarn is a fantastic yarn for the spring and summer season, consistent of both, cotton and wool it is ideal for the mild but cool days. This gorgeous and soft yarn knits up very evenly and gives a great texture when worked in a pattern or lace stitch. It is very versatile - we have used it for baby and toddler knits as well as adult garments and accessories. Julieta is currently working on 2 baby pattern for this yarn, which will be published on the knitshop.co.uk website in May / June 2011.

Here are the details of this yarn:

60% cotton, 40% wool
fine DK yarn
100g balls
225m / 100g
recommended hand wash 30c
needle size: 3 – 4mm
currently available in 8 colours
Tension: 23sts x 30r stocking stitch on 3mm needles

The cotton plied wool yarn has become famous and was seen in two yarn reviews recently.

Ingrid has knitted up two swatches and posted the yarn review and pictures on her blog. "....try out a pattern...It is called ‘asparagus stitch’, which is worth knitting for the name alone!...."

The yarn was also reviewed in the latest Knitting Magazine by Sue Culligan, June 2011 issue 90. The magazine is available to purchase online at a price of £4.99.

Sue says "This cotton and wool blend is a great yarn for all seasons. It feels like a soft cotton but also has a warmth from the wool element and is perfect for sensitive skins and baby garments. It knits up with lovely clear stitch definition, good elasticity and a soft sheen. The tension comes out at 24 sts to 10cm using 4mm needles, which gives a firm and even knit that is light to handle and wear. ...." Knitting Magazine, issue 90

Links to this blog:
Julieta's knitting on the needles
Ingrid's Yarn review
Knitting Magazine
Cotton plied wool yarn

Monday, May 9

Knittng on the go....

Knitting on the go I literally mean it the way it sounds.... I have been knitting in the parks in Lee Green and Kent, what a beautiful sunshine! Children are out on the playground licking ice cream and mummies get time to knit a nice cardigan or bolero for the cool spring evenings.

The knitting on my needles...
I'm knitting the gorgeous Cotton DK yarn on 3.5mm circular needles in a lovely pink colour with violetred edging. This will be a bolero pattern age 7-8 years once it is finished, watch the space for more information on the pattern. Remember the review about the Cotton DK yarn just a few weeks ago... The yarn knits up very evenly and drapes well in garments and accessories, I just love using it. Although I tend to use smaller needles than recommended, considering this is classified as a DK - aran weight yarn. The yarn is still fairly new to the shop, we only got it towards the end of last summer but I seem to be coming back to it for nice spring and summer knits, I have used it for several projects over the year.

My second project on the go is a boys cardigan using Cotton plied wool yarn. I have used a lovely neutral colour, the cream white for this little garment and it's worked on 3.25mm needles. The yarn knits up very evenly, it is ideal for textured or plain knitting. It is available in single and multi colours. Ingrid did a great review about this yarn on her blog back in April, she says: "The yarn drapes beautifully and the combination of wool and cotton..." click here to read more. Again this seems to be a yarn I have used several times over the last year for cardigans and baby clothes.

Last but not least I'm working on a Girls Princess Pouch. For this project I'm using 4ply cotton yarn and 2.25mm double pointed needles. OMG this needles are soooooo fine...! And I did already break one of my 2.25mm bamboo's while working with this amazing fine yarn. We do recommend 2.5 - 3mm for this yarn, but because I'm knitting fairly loose I'm using the 2.25mm needles. This has also been used for A Stitch In Time Vol 2 and I will post a review on this yarn very shortly.

All three project will be available as pattern to download for free or to purchase at the knitshop.co.uk website. I will post a link to the pattern and photos about the projects once they are finished.

Something to read for the Crocheters amongst us - I'm mostly talking about knitting as this is the main craft I do, although I did crochet all three of this yarns before. The mercerised cotton 4ply is my favourite to crochet, I use a 3mm crochet hook and I just love making small crochet flowers with this yarn. They are great for decoration, I use them to put on gifts for a handmade finish. The cotton plied wool yarn crochets up beautifully, it gives a great stitch definition and looks good with nearly every stitch. The cotton DK yarn I find is not as versatile as the other two yarns. Its more crisp and perhaps a little stiffer for crochet, but with the right size hook it will give you a great finish and look very neat and pretty once it is done.

Watch out for new patterns, project pictures, new yarn reviews and great blog posts in the near future, we will keep you updated here on our knitshop.co.uk blog, facebook and twitter page.

Lots of sunshine and happy knitting!
Julieta @knitshop.co.uk

Links to this post:
knitshop.co.uk
cotton yarns, cotton plied wool yarn
knitshop.co.uk pattern
Ingrid's blog
facebook
twitter
crochet hooks
cotton DK review
knitting needles

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