Here are all the details:
​Suggested Yarn:
Malabrigo Rios (Worsted) (100% superwash merino wool)
192 m/210 yds per 100g skein. Colourway: Almond Blossom.
 
Meterage
Body Length 1: (490, 530, 560) [620, 655, 1005] {1105, 1150,
1205} m
Body Length 2: (710, 760, 810) [910, 955, 1215] {1335, 1400, 1460} m
Body Length 3: (845, 905, 965) [1090, 1150, 1530] {1685, 1765, 1845} m
 
Yardage
Body Length 1: (535, 580, 615) [680, 715, 1100] {1210, 1260,
1320} yds
Body Length 2: (775, 830, 885) [995, 1045, 1330] {1460, 1530, 1600} yds
Body Length 3: (925, 990, 1055) [1190, 1260, 1675] {1845, 1930, 2020} yds
 
Dimensions (Metric):
Size: (1, 2, 3) [4, 5, 6] {7, 8, 9}
To fit chest approximately: (70, 80, 90) [100, 110, 120] {130, 140, 150} cm with around 20 cm positive ease
Across Back Underarm to Underarm: (46, 49, 53) [61, 64, 68] {76, 79, 83} cm
Length Underarm to Hem, Body Length 1: (18, 17, 16) [15, 13, 27] {26, 25, 24} cm
Length Underarm to Hem, Body Length 2: (33, 32, 31) [29, 28, 37] {36, 35, 34} cm
Length Underarm to Hem, Body Length 3: (43, 42, 41) [39, 38, 52] {51, 49, 48} cm
Upper Sleeve Circumference: (30, 33, 36) [36, 40, 44] {48, 51, 55} cm
Sleeve Length from Underarm: 45 cm (with instructions for longer sleeves)
 
Dimensions (Imperial):
Size (1, 2, 3) [4, 5, 6] {7, 8, 9}
To fit chest approximately (28, 32, 36) [40, 44, 48] {52, 56, 60}” with around 8” positive ease.
Across Back Underarm to Underarm: (18, 20, 21) [24, 26, 27] {30, 32, 33}”
Length Underarm to Hem, Body Length 1: (7, 6¾, 6¼) [5¾, 5¼, 10¾] {10¼, 9¾, 9½}”
Length Underarm to Hem, Body Length 2: (13¼, 12¾, 12¼) [11¾, 11¼, 14¾] {14¼, 13¾, 13½}”
Length Underarm to Hem, Body Length 3: (17¼, 16¾, 16¼) [15¾, 15¼, 20¾] {20¼, 19¾, 19½}”
Upper Sleeve Circumference: (12, 13, 14½) [14½, 16, 17½ ] {19, 20½, 22}”
Sleeve Length from Underarm: 18” (with instructions for longer sleeves)
 
Needles: 5.5 mm/US 9 75 cm/30” circular needle or as required to achieve correct gauge, 4.5 mm/US 7 needles for cuffs only.
 
Gauge: 16 sts and 24 rows = 10 cm/4” in 1x2 Twisted Ribbing after blocking.
 
Extras: Crochet hook for weaving in loose ends, clip type stitch markers, stitch holder or waste yarn for holding stitches, you may find a row counter useful

Spring Snowfall is finally here! A gorgeous top down, cabled sweater with a yoked construction. Striking cables look great with this five colour fade in DK yarn from Black Elephant Yarns, and would look lovely in a single colour too. There are instructions for nine sizes with two options for body length. It's seamless, worked in the round, with a little short row shaping in the yoke for the perfect fit.

And it's available at a 50% discount with coupon code SNOWFALL50, valid until midnight (GMT) on 23rd September.

I will never get bored of narrow, twisted stitch cables on a background of reverse stocking stitch, they look so good with any yarn. Even funky multicoloured yarns that look fab in the skein, but a bit rainbow-vomit when knitted up look great in this stitch. There are instructions on which row to change colours based on a five colour fade, so no guesswork involved.​

And here's the nitty gritty on construction method, materials, techniques, etc...

Construction
We work from the top down using a yoked construction. The cabled patterns have increases built in which are worked down to the underarm. Short rows are worked at the lower back yoke for an improved fit and extra stitches are cast on at the underarm. We work body stitches down to the hem with options for different body lengths, then work sleeve stitches down to the cuff.
 
Suggested Yarn:  Black Elephant Yarns Winter Fade DK
5 x 115g skeins 100% superwash merino 230m/251 yds
 
Total Meterage (Cropped Version): (575, 625, 640) [855, 900, 945] {1130, 1170, 1210} m
Total Meterage (Full Length Version): (680, 745, 800) [1000, 1060, 1115] {1315, 1375, 1465} m
Total Yardage (Cropped Version): (625, 680, 700) [930, 985, 1030] {1235, 1280, 1320} yds
Total Yardage (Full Length Version): (745, 810, 875) [1095, 1160, 1220] {1440, 1500, 1600} yds
 
Dimensions (Metric):
Chest Circumference: (77.5, 87.5, 97.5) [107.5, 117.5, 127.5] {137.5, 147.5, 157.5} cm
Yoke Depth: (19, 21, 22.5) [24, 25, 26] {27.5, 29, 30} cm
Length Underarm to Hem (Cropped Version): (34, 32.5, 30) [36, 35, 34] {37.5, 36, 35} cm
Length Underarm to Hem (Full Length Version): (40, 39, 37.5) [42.5, 41, 40] {44, 42.5, 42.5} cm
Upper Sleeve Circumference: (26, 29, 31) [35, 37.5, 40] {44, 46, 49} cm
Sleeve Length from Underarm: (44, 42.5, 47.5) [46, 45, 44] {47.5, 46, 45} cm
 
Dimensions (Imperial):
Chest Circumference: (31, 35, 39) [43, 47, 51] {55, 59, 63}”
Yoke Depth: (7½, 8½, 9) [9½, 10, 10½] {11, 11½, 12}”
Length Underarm to Hem (Cropped Version): (13½, 13, 12) [14½, 14, 13½] {15, 14½, 14}”
Length Underarm to Hem (Full Length Version): (16, 15½, 15) [17, 16½, 16] {17½, 17, 17}”
Upper Sleeve Circumference: (10½, 11½, 12½) [14, 15, 16] {17½, 18½, 19½}”
Sleeve Length from Underarm: (17½, 17, 19) [18½, 18, 17½] {19, 18½, 18}”
 
Needles: 4.5 mm/US 7 75 cm/30” circular needle or as required to achieve correct gauge.
 
Gauge: 18 sts and 28 rows = 10 cm/4” in stocking stitch after blocking.
 
Extras: Tapestry needle for weaving in loose ends, cable needle, clip type stitch markers, holder or waste yarn for holding stitches, you may find a row counter useful.
 
Pattern Difficulty: Moderate to fiddly. There are separate instructions for multiple sizes included in many of the lines of the pattern. I’ve tried to make this as clear as possible, but it is a complicated pattern.
 
Skills Required: Work flat and in the round; knit and purl; knit into back loops, cast on and bind off; knitted and purled increases and decreases, including knitting into back loops. Cable knitting including knitting into back loops, pick up and knit (instructions given), work short rows (instructions given).

Two new patterns are in the works, with a little bit of luck these will be released in October and November. Although with a five month old baby at home, delays are to be expected! 

I'm going a bit girly-girly for winter. Brocken Spectre is a super fluffy cardigan with a delicate lace pattern at the shoulders. It's knitted up with a 4ply silk blend and laceweight alpaca held together for an extra cozy, fuzzy, knitted hug. Goldenacre Cardigan is knitted up in a twisted slip stitch rib pattern, designed to look like brioche lace. It's got saddle shoulders for continuous lace from neckline to cuffs and an attached shawl collar for toastiness. Let nobody say I didn't prioritise toastiness. 

Aaaand, one last look at how stunning these cables are!

My new pattern, Crosshill Cardigan, is live! It's a top down, seamless waterfall cardigan designed for miniskeins (but still beautiful in a single colour). The main colour is Mulberino Yak 4ply in navy and the contrast colours are a set of Mulberino Shfades, both from Orchidean Luxury Yarns.  The cardi comes in nine sizes, to fit chests approximately 28-60". It's open at the front so there's a bit of leeway between sizes. 

The cardigan is worked from the top down using a modified raglan construction before splitting for the sleeves and body at the underarm. The body is worked down to the hem before picking up the sleeves stitches and working down to the cuff. We work a series of eight bands of lace from top to bottom, these could be worked in eight different colours, maybe one contrast colour, or the whole cardigan could be worked in a single colour.
 
And what's the inspiration behind the name? Crosshill is the area in Glasgow where my parents stay, and a firm favourite of my daughter. This makes it one of the few places where I’m able to get any knitting done while she’s awake!
​

Arnprior is live! This super cosy cardigan is the perfect "quick to knit" pattern for winter wear. Living on Scotland's seemingly permanently cold and rainy west coast sometimes it seems like winter will never end, this is a great one to knit when you need something toasty and you don't want to spend a month knitting it! The simple but stunning lace pattern looks great at shoulders and cuffs,  and the twisted ribbing adds interest to an otherwise easy stocking stitch knit.

Arnprior Farm becomes a fabulous pumpkin patch in the Autumn and is a firm favourite of my daughter. This cardigan is so quick to knit that I managed to finish the bulk of it on the drive to and from Arnprior this year. The beautiful pink and orange tones of the yarn are perfectly reminiscent of sweet treats at the pumpkin patch.

The cardigan is knitted from the top down. We cast on stitches across the upper back and work down to the underarm, knitting the lace pattern as we go and working armhole shaping at the outside edges. Then stitches are picked up at each shoulder and worked down to the underarm, with armhole shaping to match the back and increases at the inside edge too. There's a little twisted rib edging at the inside edge to stop the fronts curling.

Then we work all stitches down to the hem, and pick up stitches round the armholes for the sleeves. Hem and cuffs are worked in twisted 1x1 rib, and there's another repeat of the lace pattern at the cuffs too.

We've tried to be as size inclusive as possible here, so there are 11 different sizes so hopefully everyone can pick a cardigan that fits. We include guidance on ease and instructions on how to change the sleeve length.

There's a schematic showing all measurements and a disgram showing how to work the upper body too.

My Garabato Cowl pattern is live! It's a mohair silk cowl with an unusual and beautiful stitch pattern. Measuring 38 cm x 140 cm/15” x 55”, so big enough to wrap around twice, using less than 50g of yarn, making this super quick to knit – perfect for gifting! For those of you reading this as it's hot off the press - there's a 50% coupon code valid until midnight on 10th April 2023 - it's GARABATO50.

I knit this up for my sister for her 40th birthday, I'm so lucky to have so many family and friends who like to receive handknitted gifts. I've been really loving lace mohair recently - I absolutely fell in love with the stitch in my Liathach Cowl and I'm planning a cardigan with a similar stitch pattern. I'm going to knit an oversized cropped version of my Dairsie Sweater with laceweight mohair and some 4ply silk yarn from The Urban Purl, hopefully to be released this Autumn. 

In case anyone's interested, here's the gritty details!
Suggested Yarn: Black Elephant Yarn Lace Mohair (72% mohair, 28% silk) 420 m/460 yds per 50g skein.
Colourway: Silver Lining
Meterage: 336 m
 Yardage: 368 yds
 Dimensions (Metric):
38 cm x 140 cm
 Dimensions (Imperial):
15” x 55”
Needles: 5 mm/US 8 80 cm/32” circular needle or as required to achieve gauge. We recommend sharp lace needles if using laceweight mohair.
 Gauge: 11 sts and 20 rows = 10 cm/4” with 5 mm/US 8 needle in garter stitch after blocking
 Extras: Tapestry needle for weaving in loose ends, marker for end of rnd, blocking wires, pins and blocking board for finishing

I've got a few test knits running at the moment too with spaces spare. On the left is my Dairsie Aran Cardigan and in the middle is my Pollokshaws. They're running in my Ravelry Group at the moment, but if you can't use Ravelry then click the contact button on my homepage to get in touch. On the far right is my Pollokshaws Cardigan which is coming soon, should hopefully be up to test this week sometime. Keep an eye on my instagram to find out when!

And on the needles this week is my Spring Snowfall Sweater. I'm absolutely loving knitting this up. Narrow twisted cables on  reverse stocking stitch just look fab in my opinion. Love how well they pop against the background. And the yarn from Black Elephant is just sublime! It's their Winter Fade in DK yarn and I am in love!!

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!!

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:

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!