Product of the Month June

Get set for summer with this Tropicana vest pattern. 

The sun is shining steadily and shows no sign of leaving, so it’s hardly a surprise that at knitshop.co.uk our thoughts have turned to summery knits. With a brand-new yarn to experiment with, we can’t wait to get our needles out and give Susan Crawford’s Tropicana vest a try. 

Tropicana by Susan Crawford

We’ve recently launched our own vintage cotton yarn range, known as Coquette. The 4ply all-cotton yarn, developed in partnership with respected knitwear author and designer Susan Crawford, is perfect for lightweight spring and summer knits. It’s also bang up to date thanks to the vogue for all things vintage and the popularity of Downton Abbey and the new Great Gatsby film. 

Tropicana knitted in Yellow Mulberry Silk Twist Yarn

Tropicana is a fantastically-detailed pear-and-trellis pattern top that offers a figure-hugging ribbed fit and falls flatteringly beneath the bust. Team it with linen trousers or a pair of shorts for a casual holiday look. Previously available as a recommended pattern for our Mulberry Silk Twist Yarn, we’ve updated Tropicana to knit using Coquette. 

Coquette Vintage Cotton Yarn

This brand-new yarn knits up into garments with beautiful drape while also showing off the finest detail in your patterns. In other words, Coquette rewards you for the extra effort involved in knitting more complex designs. We think the more eye-catching shades in the 12-strong Coquette yarn range work especially well for Tropicana. If Canary yellow isn’t your colour, Aquamarine or Pumpkin will look every bit as good. 

Canary Coquette Vintage Cotton

You’ll need six skeins of Coquette and a pair of 3.25mm needles. Choose a contrasting shade of ribbon to complete the look. As if the pattern and the challenge of a new yarn weren’t enough to tempt you to get the needles clicking, we are also running an introductory offer on Coquette Vintage Cotton Yarn. A 50g (125m) ball usually costs £4.95, but for a limited period we’ve discounted them to £4.45 each. 

Mulberry Silk Twist Yarn

The Tropicana Vest pattern is available as an instant PDF download in versions for either Coquette Vintage Cotton Yarn or Mulberry Silk Twist Yarn. Grab a copy now and make a start on your summer holiday wardrobe. Just imagine how good you’ll look in Tropicana once you’ve a tan to show off!

Mulberry Silk Twist Yarn, Oranke, Ice Blue, Teal, Yellow, Light Pink and Dark Silver Grey

Tropicana by Susan Crawford

Links to this blog:

Tropicana Vest pattern: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/knitshop-pattern/2778-tropicana.html

Coquette Vintage Cotton Yarn: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/323-coquette-vintage-cotton

Mulberry Silk Twist Yarn: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/31-mulberry-silk-twist

3.25mm bamboo needles: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/knitting-accessories/2063-325mm-100cm-bamboo-circulars.html

Susan Crawford blog: http://www.susancrawfordvintage.com/Home.html

Sugar And Spice Ginger Silk Top

Sugar And Spice and all things nice. That’s what little girls are made of, but women love luxurious goodies too. This fantastically flattering top is wonderful to wear and feels great against the skin since it’s made from 100 percent hypo-allergenic mulberry silk yarn. It also looks amazing, due to the figure-hugging curves knitwear designer Susie Johns has included.

Knitted using knitshop.co.uk’s Mulberry Silk Twist Yarn, this beautiful top involves some simple shaping and rib stitch. So if you can knit and purl and know how to increase and decrease, you should have no trouble recreating Susie’s lovely design. 

The pattern, written for knitshop.co.uk by noted knitwear designer and author Susie Johns, featured as the cover design on Let’s Knit magazine. For this project, the top was knitted in bright red – hence it being christened Sugar and Spice. You can choose whichever colour you like.

Mulberry Silk Twist Yarn comes in a choice of 10 bold or subtle shades, from the zingy orange that gives the pattern its name, to the more muted pale pink, white, silver-grey and ice blue. These show off the double-stranded texture of the natural silk yarn. The yarn is made from nothing but mulberry silk and comes in generous 250m hanks. http://knitshop.co.uk/31-mulberry-silk-twist

You’ll need just three hanks of this luxurious yarn to create the Sugar And Spice Ginger Silk Top. Its stretchiness helps ensure a perfect fit. The top knits up on 3.25mm and 4mm needles. The yarn has a tension of 12 stitches x 20 rows to make a 10cm square using 4mm needles. The top is knitted as two pieces, so there’s not much sewing up, either. Instructions for a pretty crochet finish to the armholes are included, but these are optional. You can also omit the drawstring round the neck edge if you prefer. This cap-sleeve top also looks great with knitted edging.

If you’re after a vintage feel you could choose the antique gold. In the March 2013 issue of Yarn Today, knitshop.co.uk is one of their recommended vintage yarns. They state: “antiques gold is the ideal shade for vintage-inspired garments and accessories”.

We’d love to see your finished Sugar and Spice Ginger Silk Top. Email us a photo we can post on our Facebook page or tweet us a photo.

Click here for other knitshop.co.uk patterns. 

Links to this blog:

Sugar And Spice Ginger Silk Top: http://knitshop.co.uk/knitshop-pattern/2725-sugar-spice-ginger.html

Mulberry Silk Twist yarn: http://knitshop.co.uk/31-mulberry-silk-twist

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

3.25mm bamboo needles: [not listed on site]

3.5mm crochet hook: http://knitshop.co.uk/metal-crochet-hook/1761-35mm-metal-hook.html

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

Let’s Knit magazine: http://www.letsknit.co.uk/

Susie Johns Ravelry page: http://www.ravelry.com/designers/susie-johns

Knit Today magazine: www.knit-today.com

Knitshop.co.uk Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Knitshop/82318014483

Knitshop.co.uk Twitter page: https://twitter.com/Knitshop

Spring is in the Air

Colour Palette for your Spring Projects

As the snow drops and daffodils emerge from the frozen earth the knitshop.co.uk is looking ahead at spring and summer trends. Whatever you are planning on knitting and crocheting in the months to come, make sure you choose the right colours to make an impression.

We've been researching the latest trends, delving deep into books, magazines and trend conferences and we propose this springs' knitting colour trends.

Tangerine

Deep oranges, tangerines and intense yellows will be a pivitol colour theme in all knitwear. This will be an ideal tone to inject in between contrasting colours. The bright orange Thick & Easy offered by the knitshop.co.uk is ideal for injecting stripes of colour into your work.

Sun-yellows and golds

Add some brightness and boldness into your knits with some intense yellows and mustard golds. Luxurious and glamorous, this Mulberry Silk Merino Wool yarn in sun yellow is stunning and beautiful knitted up.

Lilacs and mauves

Majestic mauves and delicate lilacs will make for beautiful block coloured knits. We just love this wine red Chinese silk, bold and full of character

Cabaret

Similarly, this rich dark purple Chinese silk is stunning and majestic. A wine filled cabaret colour perfect for jumpers, gloves, sock and more

Navy Blue Indigo

A classic, Navy Blue is always a great colour to use an all knits. Rich and traditional Navy Blue is winner.

This light weight Mulberry Silk yarn is a great yarn for luxurious spring and summer garments. Or this Steel Blue cotton Dk is an interesting twist on indigo blue

Greens

Green is a difficult tone to choose, it can be a little off putting if not the correct shade. But this leaf green cotton 4 ply is simply attractive and intriguing. Great for striping and edging.

Teal

One of my favourites is an intense teal green/blue. The knitshop.co.uk offers a gorgeous choice of teals to choose from

A beautiful turquoise Simply Wool and this fabulous teal Mulberry Silk Merino Wool and again, another Chinese silk

Oyster

This rather unique shade is sumptuous, we can't get enough of this and if you're keen to use a new original shade this Spring then this is the one cotton 4ply mercerised in oyster or this antique gold, luxurious and unique antique gold Chinese Silk

Whatever colour you choose this spring - keep knitting and please send us your stunning results for our customer gallery!
Lots of Happy Knitting - Julieta and the knitshop.co.uk Team

Links to this post:
Thick & Easy bright orange
Mulberry Silk / Merino Wool Yarn sun yellow
Chinese Silk wine red
Chinese Silk dark purple
Mulberry Silk Yarn navy blue
Cotton DK Yarn steel blue
Cotton 4ply mercerised leaf green
Cotton 4ply mercerised oyster

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

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

A little snatch at Autumn

As the British Autumn approaches fast, the leaves turn gold and the skies darken we all feel pleased to have a lovely project to be getting on with, keeping us warm and look forward to what the new season will inspire us with.

Le Rouge

This season's on trend colours are deep crimson, mauves, violets, peaches and reds. Coming together these colours will make for a warm autumn colour palette. I love this alpaca yarn in crimson. It's the ideal colour of the season. Warm colour matched with a warm texture, this is all you need to complete an autumn project. Alpaca Fino Yarn in pink.

One of our popular yarns in-store is this dark purple Chinese silk, the colour and sheen create a wonderful yarn that when knitted is sumptuous to all senses! Try using a dash of this lilac to smooth between the warmer colours. 100% this is soft to the touch and even used alone in a project, this is a wonderful colour to work with and one that is always popular from season to season. knitshop's Simply wool yarn.

This mulberry merino is perfect. A stunning shade, soft and easy to knit and crochet with, this yarn is a winner with me and represents the crimson colour palette perfectly.

The Canary

Other colours to also look out for are the blacks and greys with a splash of canary yellow to liven the palette. The mustard and grey linen blend is a great example of the palette trend, however I would add a darker grey or black for further contrast and impact. This zesty canary yellow alpaca is simply perfect to add a stripe of colour to projects.

For a touch of texture and dramatic effect, why not try the mohair in yellow. This yarn when knitted up will have a beautiful fluffy texture and the tiny yellow fibres will blend and merge into the black and grey dispersing and giving a wonderful subtle finish.

This mulberry silk silver would be a perfect match to the above yellows, and a gorgeous yarn to knit with. This is ideal for winter aran knits and more.

Indigo and you

But watch out for teals, indigos and greens as these will be taken us through from winter into spring. Again the cotton linen blend the knitshop.co.uk offer is ideal as the palette is already created for you. The subtle mix in teal and indigo dye knits-up wonderfully giving the fabric a shadow and depth that is beautiful. I also like the denim blue Chinese silk. I like the raw feel of the yarn and the slightly washed out look you would get with denim-wear. I find this yarn very inspiring and look forward to use it in future projects.

If you are looking for a merino wool, then look no further than this blazing neon blue. This is a statement colour, but definitely one worth using for your fashion projects as this is this winters must have sparkler! However, if this is a little too bright, then perhaps try the denim merino.

Gold

A classic British colour palette is always a safe bet, browns, golds, and creams. Of course the knitshop.co.uk have plenty to offer here too when it comes to yarns. Again the Chinese silk really stands out colour-wise. This gold is stunning, it has the right shine to it and is a little more unique than most browns and golds sold at the moment

This deep brown is really representative of the season and not to be missed out on if you are planning to use autumn shades. The softness of the merino wool will make your project lovely and easy to knit up and most importantly wonderfully soft.

Finally this antique gold mulberry silk will complete your palette or is perfect to be used as a single colour in your projects. Ideal for vintage patterns, the parchment colour is original.

 

Links to this post:
Autumn Half Term Activities

Alpaca Fino Yarn, pink

Chinese Silk Yarn

Simply Wool Yarn

Mulberry Silk/Merino Wool Yarn

Cotton Linen blend yarn

Mohair Silk Yarn in yellow

Mulberry Silk silver

Step right up for A Stitch In Time

The knitshop.co.uk team are proud to announce that A Stitch in Time Volume 2 will be published end of August 2011. After the success of Susan Crawford and Jane Waller's vintage knitting patterns, we are eagerly anticipating the second volume filled with more vintage knitting patterns from the 1930's to the end of the 1950's.

A Stitch in Time 2 will feature 75 new unique knit patterns of vintage pieces including tops, skirts and accessories. The book features authentic styling and beautiful photography making this a great coffee table book. Excitingly, several of the patterns have used knitshop.co.uk yarns, so we can't wait to see the book ourselves!

A Stitch In Time 2 - knitshop.co.uk Mulberry Silk Yarn

As we are so excited about the release of the second volume, knitshop.co.uk are offering their readers a fantastic opportunity to pre-order their copy of A Stitch in Time Volume 2.

As part of your pre-order, you will receive a hard-back copy of A Stitch in Time as soon as it is released and it will be lovingly signed by Susan Crawford herself, making a wonderful gift or treat for a knitting lover. A printable gift certificate is available with every order so you can present this as a gift in advance of the release date.

Alongside this you will receive a sample skein of yarns from knitshop.co.uk used in the book. This includes a gorgeous Mulberry Silk, Cotton 4ply mercerised and Wool Yarn Tundra . Plenty to get you started on some amazing projects.

knitshop.co.uk will additionally offer with all pre-orders of the book a 15% discount off their Mulberry Silk collections and Cotton 4ply mercerised collections. This is an amazing opportunity to complete a beautiful vintage knit pattern featured in the book.

And if this is not enough to get you off your feet, into action and pre-ordering your copy, you will also receive a stylish project bag to encourage you to get organised and get cracking on your projects. You will also receive a pattern from the book, ahead of everyone else, at the beginning of May, as a preview of the pattern book.

A Stitch in Time £30 + P&P

To pre-order your copy of A Stitch in Time volume 2 please click here

If you have not already got your copy of A Stitch in Time Volume 1 click here

Links to this post:
Susan Crawford
pre-order A Stich In Time Vol 2
get A Stitch In Time Vol 1
Sample skeins
Mulberry Silk Yarn
Cotton 4ply Yarn
Wool Yarn Tundra
knitshop.co.uk

Back from the Show

This Friday and Saturday was the I Knit Show in London.
I spent my time on the Knitonthenet stand, advising the fellow knitters of the Mulberry Silk yarn, Chinese Silk yarn, Bamboo Knitting needles, Pattern and so much more..... I had two great days.
I enjoyed working with Susan and Gavin from Knitonthenet, had real fun meeting lots of new people and... the best time of all - the dinner conversations after a nice and busy day.

Now about my fashion appearances:
- Friday I wore the Moss Stitch Jumper knitted from the book A Stitch In Time, knitted in fine milk/cotton yarn
- Saturday I was wearing the Frilly Sleeves Jumper also a pattern from A Stitch In Time, knitted Mulberry silk yarn

The garments from A Stitch In Time look even better in real... I think I know what I am going to be doing over the next few months in the evenings! I'm looking forward to start my first project from the book. My choice is the cardigan "To Wear in the Evenings" for my mums birthday in the Mulberry silk yarn.

Happy Knitting!
Julieta @knitshop.co.uk