We've just released our Bracklinn Sweater pattern and had a little extra yarn left over. The mornings have been a little bit chilly here in Glasgow so I decided to knit up a new hat. This took less than two days to knit up and that's while working and looking after a toddler - so super speedy! 

I knitted that Bracklinn Sweater pattern while the wee one was just a new born (I actually started it when I was nine months pregnant) and now she's nearly 18 months. It just goes to show how busy new mums are, not much time for pattern writing!! Although now that her sleep's settled down I'm getting a bit more done in the evenings, that first year sleep deprived year just went past in a blur! The Bracklinn Sweater buttons up the sides for easy breastfeeding (or medical device access), although we give instructions for a button free version too. It's available in nine sizes to fit bust 30" to 62", it's top down and totally seamless and knits up super quickly in gorgeous Illimani Yarns Amelie. It's inspired by our Bracklinn Crop - which might be a better option for those in a climate warmer than Scotland!

But that's enough shameless promotion of the paid -for sweater pattern!! Here's the instructions for the free hat pattern:

Suggested Yarn: Illimani Yarns Amelie
Colourway Grey (56% silk, 40% alpaca, 4% merino) 150 m/164 yds per 50 g skein:
One skein required 150 m/164 yds
 
Dimensions 
Size S (M, L)
Circumference: 51 cm/20.5" (58 cm/23", 64 cm/25.5")
Height before decreases 17.5 cm/7" (20 cm/8", 22.5 cm/9") 
 
Needles: 6 mm/US 10 dpns/75 cm/30” circular needle for magic loop or as required to achieve correct gauge, 5.5 mm/US 9 dpns/75 cm/30” circular needle for magic loop.
 
Gauge: 14 sts and 20 rows = 10 cm/4” in stocking stitch with 6 mm/US 10 needles after blocking.
 
Extras: Tapestry needle for weaving in loose ends, one stitch marker for end of rnd.

Notation
k: knit
p: purl
st(s): stitches
rnd: round
CO: ​cast on
pm: place marker
k2tog:  knit the next two stitches together
yo: bring yarn over needle
3-3 gather: k3tog without slipping them off the left needle, then yo, k3tog into the same three sts. Slip the 3 sts off the left needle

Lace Pattern
Rnd 1: *k1, yo* to end of rnd.
Rnd 2: *k1, drop yo from previous rnd* to end of rnd
Rnd 3: *3-3 gather* to end of rnd*
Rnd 4: *k1, yo* to end of rnd
Rnd 5: *k1, drop yo from previous rnd* to end of rnd

CO 72 (81, 90) sts using a knitted cast on or your preferred method. Join in the rnd ensuring sts are not twisted and pm for beginning of rnd.
Rnd 1: k1, p1 *k2, p1* to last st, k1.
Repeat rnd 1 13 (15, 17) more times for 14 (16, 18) rnds of ribbing.

Now knit every rnd for 5 (6, 7) rnds.
Work lace pattern for 5 rnds.
Knit for 3 (4, 5) rnds.
Work lace pattern for 5 rnds.
Knit for 5 (6, 7) rnds.
Hat should measure 17.5 cm/7" (20 cm/8", 22.5 cm/9")  from cast on edge. If you prefer a longer, slouchier hat then just knit every rnd until desired length is achieved.
​Now work decreases as follows:
Rnd 1: *k7, k2tog* to end of rnd.
Rnd 2: knit
Rnd 3: *k6, k2tog* to end of rnd
Rnd 4: knit
Rnd 5: *k5, k2tog* to end of rnd
Rnd 6: knit
​Rnd 7: *k4, k2tog* to end of rnd
Rnd 8: knit
Rnd 9: *k3, k2tog* to end of rnd
Rnd 10: knit
Rnd 11: *k2, k2tog* to end of rnd
Rnd 12: *k1, k2tog* to end of rnd
Rnd 13: *k2tog* to end of rnd.

Cut working yarn leaving a 25 cm/10" tail, thread this through all the remaining sts to secure them, pull tight and sew firmly into the inside of the hat. I like to sew over the little hole at the top a couple of times before weaving in the loose end on the inside of the hat.

​Block if desired and you're ready to go!

Here's one last picture of  our Bracklinn Crop pattern that inspired it all!!

The Indie Design Gift-A-Long is here!

If you haven't taken part before, the gift-a-long is basically a giant knit along/crochet along on Ravelry in the run up to the festive season. It begins today with a sale on over 4500 independently designed knitting/crochet patterns from 250 designers. Use coupon code giftalong20 from today until 30th Nov - you can find which patterns are eligible here.

It's more than just a sale though, you can post your projects on the forums to be in with a chance to win prizes - as well as getting your fix of knitting chat! That carries on until the end of December.

Normally I try to knit quite a few things getting ready for Christmas (last year I made a whole batch of bunbuns as gifts) but this year things are a bit different with a newborn. She's not keen on napping unless I'm cuddling her, so not much knitting is on the cards. However I am going to try to make myself a pair of handwarmers - my hands have been getting chilly pushing the pram! I'm going to try to knit these gorgeous Ridgeview Mitts by Kerriknits Designs. I have some super bright coral yarn that would be perfect!

I need to mention though that this is all based on Ravelry and unfortunately they still have not fixed their accessibility issues. For those of you who can't access Ravelry at the moment, not to worry! There's an alternative which starts up tomorrow, I'll be posting more info then!!

We’ve just released our Glen Shiel Cardigan knitting pattern! It’s classic cardigan with a pretty lace pattern and a cosy shawl front. The lace pattern is simple and straightforward, and it knits up fast with DK yarn and larger needles. This is a perfect winter warmer – one you’ll want to snuggle up in every day! Available in eight sizes to fit bust from 30 – 60”.
 
This cardigan is worked in one piece from the hem up to the underarms, then stitches are divided and we work the two fronts and the back separately, then we rejoin fronts and back with a three needle bind off at the shoulder. Pick up stitches round the armhole for sleeves which are worked flat and seamed, and to finish off pick up stitches round the front of the cardigan for a shawl collar. Shown in size 85-90 cm/34-36” on a model with 34” bust.

Here's the nitty gritty details:
Yarn: Wool and the Gang Sugar Baby Alpaca (100% Baby Alpaca 116 m/127 yds per 50g) DK weight
Colourway: Margaux Red
Meterage 850 (950, 1125, 1290, 1500, 1690, 1930, 2150) m
Yardage 935 (1045, 1240, 1420, 1650, 1860, 2130, 2365) yds
 
Dimensions (Metric)
To fit bust: 75-80 (85-90, 95-100, 105-110, 115-120, 125-130, 135-140, 145-150) cm
Across Back: 40 (45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75) cm
Length Armpit to hem:46 (46, 49, 49, 52, 52, 55, 55) cm
Upper Arm Circumference: 30 (35, 35, 40, 40, 45, 45, 50) cm
Sleeve Length 48 (48, 51, 51, 54, 54, 57, 57) cm
 
Dimensions: (Imperial)
To fit bust: 30-32 (34-36, 38-40, 42-44, 46-48, 50-52, 54-56, 58-60)”
Across Back: 16 (18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30)”
Length Armpit to hem:18.5 (18.5, 19.75, 19.75, 22, 22, 23.25, 23.25)”
Upper Arm Circumference: 12 (14, 14, 16, 16, 18, 18, 20)”
Sleeve Length 19 (19, 20, 20, 21.5, 21.5, 23, 23)”
 
Needles: 5 mm/US 8, 100 cm/40” circular needle, set of 5 mm/US 8 DPNs or spare 5 mm/US 8 circular needle
 
Gauge: 16 sts and 26 rows = 4”/10 cm in main lace pattern after blocking.
 
Extras: Tapestry needle for weaving in loose ends, holder or waste yarn for holding live stitches.
 
It’s available on Etsy, Ravelry and here on our website.

We’ve also got a fab test knitting opportunity!

Dip in the Lily Pond is a pretty hat pattern in an unusual stitch pattern. A versatile knit with a wide range of sizes from newborn to adult large, and three colourwork options letting you create beautiful and unique hats for every occasion. Perfect for using mini skeins or leftover odds and ends of sock yarn too! The pattern uses dipped stitches which look just like waterlilies, hence the name of this pattern.
 
To find out more, visit our group on Ravelry. If you’d like to test knit but you’re avoiding Ravelry due to their ongoing issues with accessibility, please get in touch via email. Go to our homepage and click “contact” at the bottom of the screen.
 
For current test knitters, here’s the tutorial video:

Techniques
Joining bound off and cast on edges
This cushion is knit in the round, sewn up along the top, blocked, a cushion pad inserted, and then sewn up along the bottom. I sewed the top and bottom up as follows:

Lay cushion cover flat, with beginning of round at the right. We will join the first stitch at the front right with the first stitch at the back, then the second stitch at the front with the second stitch at the back etc. until all front stitches are joined to the back stitches.

To do this, thread a darning needle with a long thread in colour C7. Secure the thread to the wrong side of the cushion at the beginning of the round by sewing over one spot a few times. Then bring the needle behind the first stitch at the front from right to left, then behind the first stitch at the back from right to left (as you look at it). Pull the thread tight. Then bring the needle behind the second stitch at the front from right to left, then the second back stitch from right to left, pull the thread tight. Keep going across from right to left until all stitches are joined.

We've just released our latest pattern - Bracklinn Crop! It's a super cute cropped tee worked from the top down with an "easier than it looks" lace pattern. Designed for mini-skein sets or leftover sock yarn - with detailed instructions on using more/fewer colours.

It's available in nine sizes too, to fit busts from 28" - 62", and it's been thoroughly tech edited and test knitted.

It's available here on our website and also on Etsy and Ravelry - use coupon code BRACKLINN50 for a 50% discount until midnight (GMT) on Wednesday 5th Aug.

We've got a few new test knits on the go at the moment too! One's sweet and simple children’s sweater with zigzag colourwork detailing. Worked from the top down using a yoked construction, this straightforward knit is totally seamless. Available in 9 sizes to fit newborns to 11 year olds:

The next is a worsted weight version of our classic winter warmer, Courie In. It's got a slightly unusual construction. Sleeves are knitted first from cuff to centre back, then both sleeves are joined with a three needle bind off. Stitches are picked up at the bottom edge from underarm to underarm and worked down to the hem to form the back. Then stitches are picked up round the front to form the garter stitch wrap front. There's instructions for nine sizes to fit busts from 26” to 60”/65 to 150 cm, and I'm looking for two testers per size ideally.

Apart from all this knitting I've been trying to chill out and enjoy month seven of pregnancy! Not always easy when your back's aching and you can't sleep due to a baby practicing for future dance-offs in the womb! Here's a bump pic, again modelling my new design Worsted Courie In!

The weather here in Glasgow's been pretty poor, even by Scottish standards! But still managed a bit of time out in the garden, there's quite a lot of veg still growing and the sweet peas are thriving!

Our latest knitting pattern is now available to download! Chance Inn Cardigan is a lightweight Summer cardigan with a stunning lace yoke. Inspired by a traditional Estonian floral lace pattern, this cardigan is a real showstopper, perfect for a special occasion.

This cardigan is worked from the top down with a yoked construction. We work the lace yoke, then divide stitches for body and sleeves, leaving stitches for the sleeves on waste yarn. We work the body down from armpit to hem with waist shaping, and finish with a few rows of twisted ribbing. We pick up stitches at the fronts for a neat edging, also in twisted rib. Then we work sleeves from armpit down to cuff. There's no seaming - it's all worked in one piece. The pattern contains both charts and written instructions for the lace section, as well as instructions for all the lace stitches required. This pattern is written for eight sizes, to fit busts from 30 - 60"/75 - 150 cm. We recommend the gorgeous but hardwearing hand dyed "Tough Sock" yarn from the Uncommon Thread, shown in colourway "Habitat", but any sock yarn that gets gauge will be just fine!

It's available to download from our website here.

Here's the nitty gritty:

Yarn: The Uncommon Thread Tough Sock
Colourway Habitat (80% Superwash Bluefaced Leicester Wool, 20% Nylon)                                   
 366 m/400 yds per 100 g
600 (700, 900, 1100, 1300, 1500, 1700, 1900) yds
550 (650, 850, 1000, 1200, 1400, 1600 1800) m
 
Dimensions (Imperial):
To fit bust 30-32 (34-36, 38-40, 42-44, 46-48, 50-52, 54-56, 58-60)”
Across back armpit to armpit: 16 (18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30)”
Upper sleeve circumference: 12 (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)”
Yoke depth: 6.5 (6.5, 7.5, 7.5, 8.5, 8.5, 9.5, 9.5)”
Sleeve Length: 13 (13, 14, 14, 15, 15, 15, 15)”
Length Armpit to Hem: 9.5 (10.5, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 15)”
 
Dimensions (Metric):
To fit bust 75-80 (85-90, 95-100, 105-110, 115-120, 125-130, 135-140, 145-150) cm
Across back armpit to armpit: 40 (45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75) cm
Upper sleeve circumference: 30 (32.5, 35, 37.5, 40, 42.5, 45, 47.5) cm
Yoke depth: 16 (16, 18.5, 18.5, 21, 21, 23.5, 23.5) cm
Sleeve Length: 32.5 (32.5, 35, 35, 37.5, 37.5, 37.5, 37.5) cm
Length Armpit to Hem: 22.5 (25, 27.5, 30, 32.5, 35, 37.5, 37.5) cm
 
Needles: 4 mm/US 6 75 cm/30” circular needle
 
Gauge: 21 sts and 30 rows = 4”  in stocking stitch after blocking
 
Extras: Tapestry needle, waste yarn in a contrasting colour

We’re just back from a lovely week away in the Cairngorms. The holiday itself was great, but in knitting terms there’s been a few ups and downs! One of my very best friends has asked me to knit her a cardigan for her wedding. She liked my, Epsilon Cardigan Knitting Pattern so I’ve used the same kind of construction but amped up the lace a bit. I made a huge swatch to test that the lace worked out, but didn’t include much stockinette. How I have paid for that mistake! The gauge in my calculations was off by half a stitch in the “worked flat” sections, and by considerably more when worked in the round.

I think every knitter has probably gone through that denial of knitting a garment, especially with lace, and knowing it’s going to be the wrong size, but just thinking “it’ll all work out when I block it”. Blocking does not solve everything – it looked lovely but didn’t fit. So a week ago I had to bite the bullet and frog the stockinette. All of it. In 4ply yarn.

I’m a maths teacher, and I’m constantly saying to the kids that making mistakes is fine, you just need to learn from them. No need to get stressed, just go through it again and fix it. Maybe that has sunk in for me too, because to be honest, it was all pretty quick and painless to reknit. Being on holiday definitely helped, and we had a few bad weather days so I just curled up with a good book and my knitting and got through it.

We did manage to get lots of really nice walks in too. We’ve got a rescue Jack Russell Terrier who is very high energy so it was a real treat for her to get lots of good long hikes. The area round Aviemore is absolutely stunning too. We mainly kept to the footpaths near Loch Morlich, but every path you go down is absolutely stunning. Here’s a few highlights from the many, many photos:

And by the time we got back home, the cardigan was ready to block. Looking much better this time round! I'm writing the pattern up this week, so it should hopefully be tech edited and ready to purchase soon - I'll keep you posted!

Here's the gritty details:

For Suilven Cowl:
Yarn: Juniper Moon Herriot Fine (4ply)
Colourway Travertine (75% Alpaca 25% Nylon, 422 m/461 yds per 100 g)
1 (2) 100 g skeins = 422 m/461 yds (844 m/922 yds).
 
Dimensions: 75cm/30” (120 cm/47”) around, 38 cm/15” deep for both sizes.


and for the Suilven Hat:
Yarn: Juniper Moon Herriot Fine (4ply)
Colourway Travertine (75% Alpaca 25% Nylon, 422 m/461 yds per 100 g)
One 100 g skeins = 422 m/461 yds, with plenty of yarn left over.
 
Dimensions: Smaller size stretches to fit heads up to 54 cm/21.5” around. Larger size stretches to fit heads 55 cm/22” around and up.


and for both:
Needles: 4 mm/US 6  75 cm/30” circular needle
 
Gauge: 16 sts and 28 rows = 10cm in stocking stitch after blocking.
 
Extras: Tapestry needle for weaving in loose ends, one stitch marker.

Patterns include both charts and written instructions for the lace pattern. You should be able to make a hat and smaller size of cowl from a single skein and you can make a larger cowl with a hat using two skeins.

A chunky, textured, winter warmer classic earflap hat. And the pattern's free - what could be better?!

We're having a Summer Sale in the shop to celebrate the launch of our new website! All the patterns in our store are half price until the end of the day on Friday, no coupon code needed. Happy knitting!!