Update on donation to SafePassageUK

I hope you are all keeping safe and well at the moment. At the end of January I rereleased my Striate Cowl and stated that I would donate 25% of all sales in the introductory period to SafePassageUK.

I am very sorry to say that updating my financial records and sorting out the payment has taken me much longer than intended. I never forgot that I had this to do, however it has been difficult to find time and the head space needed to get everything up-to-date with dealing with COVID-19. Thanks to a few days off work to recharge my batteries, I have now happily made the payment. Thank you to everyone who purchased patterns over this period. I decided when making the donation I would include 100% of sales and have rounded it up to £25. Thank you for the support!

Take care,

Happy knitting and crocheting,

Sarah xxx

May the fourth be with you...

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away....

I hope you are all keeping well and safe in this difficult time.  Star Wars day allows for a little fun and so I’m offering 25% off all my digital patterns and books in my Ravelry and online store. These are the patterns you’ve been looking for....
Use the code Luke! ‘May4th2020’
The offer expires midday BST tomorrow so grab a pattern quickly!

These are the patterns you’ve been looking for....

May4th2020

Add the above code to your basket when purchasing a pattern and 25% will be automatically be deducted from the total. It can be used on more than one pattern.

Shoulder to Shoulder MKAL big reveal and prize winners

Two weeks ago we revealed Ann and my final designs for the Shoulder to Shoulder MKAL and the prize winners. The MKAL was a lot of fun this year, and I know many of you found it helpful to have something to knit that was a bit challenging in this difficult lockdown time. It has been difficult to get photos this time of the shawls together so I am posting much later than intended, however Ann has done a great job taking these in her garden. I love that the flowers match the shawl colours!

My Shoulder to Shoulder design

This is my shawl for the MKAL. I used FruitfulFusionDyes 100% merino in Kheer and Rand for my shawl. I want to thank Ishrat for supporting our MKAL this year, I am sure you agree that her yarn is beautiful and really suits this pattern. I started with a very long cast on (over 400 stitches!) and then adapted a cockleshell lace pattern for my wavy border.

Shoulder to Shoulder Parts 1 and 2

For part two I designed a mosaic pattern that beautifully shows off the two yarns contrasting but coordinating together.

Shoulder to Shoulder part 3

Finally for part three I continued the mosaic pattern but in a twisted stitch cable and lace pattern.

My Shoulder to Shoulder Shawl

Ann’s MKAL shawl started with a sideways leaf lace border. Stitches were then picked up for a garter stitch wave pattern, completed by a leaf lace part three.

Well done everyone who managed to submit photos to the prize thread, as usual it was very difficult to choose winners.

My first place prize went to yvhiha, with her gorgeous colours and fun styling on a skeleton. As a doctor, how could I resist?

yvhiha’s first prize shawl

My second place prize went to carriewinger for her beautiful styling and colour matching with daffodils. This picture just has spring written all over it.

carriewinger’s second prize shawl

My third prize went to FoolishMaid for her story of the green man. Imbolc is a very special time of year for me, and I love green men (and ladies) and I think the tree styling (is that a green man face I can see?) is just fantastic.

FoolishMaid’s third prize shawl

Ann and I are in discussion about next year’s MKAL and we hope to release a book of all our MKALs together later this year…. lockdown allowing!

Stay safe and happy knitting,

Sarah x

Estimating Yarn Length for a Long Tail Cast-On

Long Tail cast-ons are one of my favourite ways of casting on stitches. It makes a slightly stretchy edging, looks very neat and I find it very quick to do - which allows me to get straight into the knitting. The only trouble is, I struggle to estimate the amount of yarn I need for the tail: often running short and having to frog and start again, or having a very long tail that feels like a waste of yarn and gets in the way (or even worse still, I start knitting with this and find out halfway through the row that I am using the tail and not the yarn from the ball!).

So I have developed a way of estimating how much yarn I will need for my Long Tail cast-on that solves all these problems, particularly when starting with a large number of stitches.

For this tutorial you will need the yarn and needles you will be knitting with, a tape measure and some stitch markers.

Equipment for a Long Tail cast-on: yarn, needles, tape measure and stitch markers

Step 1:

To begin with, regardless of the number of stitches I will need in the pattern, I cast on 20 stitches using a Long Tail cast-on. In the photos below I am using a chunky yarn and large (5.50mm) needles and there are now 20 stitches on the needle with a tail.

Long Tail cast-on of 20 stitches

Step 2:

I then slip all the stitches off the needle. I undo the stitches, whilst holding onto the first stitch cast on and the start of the tail, just below the last stitch cast on

Where to hold before unravelling the stitches

Step 3:

I then measure the length of tail needed in 20 stitches against a tape measure laid flat. In the photo below it comes to seven inches. I do not stretch the yarn as this may give the wrong amount of yarn needed in the next step. The yarn should be relaxed but straight as shown in the photo.

Step 4:

Finally I calculate how much yarn will be needed in the final cast on by dividing the number of stitches needed for my cast-on by 20 (the number in step 1).

So if I need 403 stitches in my cast on:

403 divided by 20 = 20.15

Then to work out the final yardage I times the answer above by the number of inches used in my 20 stitches (7 inches in this example) by the answer above:

7 times 20.15 = 142 (rounded up).

I then add 8 inches for a tail taking to the total yarn needed for my Long Tail to:

142 plus 8 = 150 inches.

I am then able to measure out 150 inches, make a slip knot here and start casting on.

Counting stitches

My other trick when casting on a lot of stitches is to use stitch markers to help me count. I will often cast on 50 stitches, count to makes sure the number is correct, then place a stitch marker. I then cast on another 50 stitches, count from the previous stitch marker and place another marker. I continue doing this until all stitches are cast on. On my first row I then remove the markers when I come to them. It saves me counting lots of stitches in one go (I frequently make mistakes or miss one doing this) and I am confident when I start knitting that I have the right number.

Long Tail cast-on with stitch marker used to mark every 50 stitches cast on.

I hope you found this tutorial helpful. This technique can also be used for other long tail cast-ons such as German Twisted cast-on.

Happy knitting,

Sarah x

Shoulder to Shoulder MKAL is now live!

Shoulder to Shoulder is the fifth annual MKAL by myself and Ann Kingstone. This year we are knitting shawls.

Our innovative MKAL gives you not one, but two options with each pattern section, one designed by me and the other designed by Ann. This gives lots of different options for the final shawl you knit and ensures no two shawls look alike.

Part one will begin on the 6th March, Part two on the 13th March and Part three will be released on the 20th March. The final pattern will be released on the 3rd April and we will choose winners from the prize thread in our Ravelry group. We will email you with a pattern update automatically on each date so you do not miss any instalments.

As usual with our MKAL’s we will hold hands with you throughout by offering tutorials on new techniques, and have a live broadcast every week. Join us in our Ravelry group for all the chat, updates and spoiler threads, as well as details regarding the prizes.

This project placement holder we have created can be used to hide your MKAL WIP on Ravelry. Just copy and save it as an image, and then upload to Ravelry.

Shoulder to Shoulder MKAL pattern holder

SHOULDER TO SHOULDER DETAILS:

SIZE: The finished shawl is a very wide crescent shape and is approximately 38cm/15” at the deepest point.

NEEDLES: 2.75mm/US 2 needles suitable for knitting long shawl rows.

TENSION/GAUGE: 32 sts and 44 rows per 10cm/4” in unstretched stocking stitch/stockinette.

MATERIALS: 4ply/fingering weight yarn with approximately 400 to 450 metres/437 to 492 yards per 100g. You will need 100g each of two contrasting shades.

For the prototype shawls Sarah used Fruitful Fusion Dyes ‘100% superwash merino’, and Ann used Yorkshire Warmth ‘4ply/fingering’ (87½% Bluefaced Leicester wool, 12½% cashmere).

I have loved working with Ishrat at Fruitful Fusion Dyes. We met at a local yarn event and I instantly fell in love with her bright vibrant yarns and speckled skeins. I chose two coordinating yarns, one tonal and one speckled to show off the patterns in the shawl. You can also find her yarns on Ravelry. I used Rand, a gorgeous emerald green and Kheer, a warm speckled yarn that picks out the green in Rand.

Fruitful Fusion Dyes’s 4ply 100% superwash merino in Rand and Kheer

The pattern can be purchased on Ravelry for just £3 during the MKAL. Come and join the fun!

Happy knitting,

Sarah x

It's a mystery!

I have a secret project at home that will be my part of the joint annual mystery knit-a-long (MKAL) that I run with my good friend Ann Kingstone. It is looking gorgeous but I cannot show you yet what it looks like or even what it is…

To keep you entertained in the meantime Ann has shared the pictures of our designs from the past four MKAL’s (have we really been doing this for five years now???) over on her blog. I also love the interchangeable designs that we produce and it makes me so happy to see what combination other people choose to knit in the MKAL so I thought I would share some of the MKAL competition winners from each year.

We will be announcing the MKAL on Friday with all the preliminary information you will need to join in the fun. We hope you will!

Marika21's Two Heads are Better

Celesteflower's Two Heads Are Better

Joberthecrafty's On The Other Foot

Marika21's On The Other Foot

AceOfMace's Neck & Neck

bartlebean's Neck & Neck

ninabos's Two Hands Are Better

Vogelgryff's Two Hands Are Better

Striate Cowl

The cold weather has just begun to hit Yorkshire and whilst I have spent most of the mild winter so far wearing only a little knitwear, it is now time to layer up with cozy woollies as Jack Frost makes an appearance. This makes me very pleased to announce that Striate Cowl, a chunky cozy cowl that first appeared in Knit Now issue 95 (way back in November 2018) is now available as a single download to purchase.

Striate cowl is a simple two colour slip-stitch pattern, so only one colour is worked each round. It is quick to make and perfect for a last minute gift or to whip up as the cold weather strikes.

The cowl is worked from the bottom-up with a garter stitch rib and a slip-stitch cable pattern. The pattern can be read from a chart and written instructions, whichever you prefer working from.

Decreases worked in the last slip-stitch repeat adds neck shaping and makes a comfortable, not too bulky fit around the chin.

I knit the sample in Sublime Yarns Willow, colours Greta (white) and Evelyn (red) which is a lovely soft chunky yarn on 7mm needles. Only one ball of each is needed for all three sizes.

The Striate Cowl can be purchased here or on Ravelry and has an introductory 15% off discount using the code StriateCowl until the 2nd February (newsletter subscribers get 30% - don’t forget to check your emails!).

I will also be donating 25% of all sales over this period to Safe Passage UK in the hope of working towards a better, kinder world on what is a sad day for me. The loss of protection for unaccompanied child refugees from the withdrawal agreement has saddened me and I feel the need to do something positive today. I am always very thankful that I and my family have never had to escape persecution, war or the effects of climate change, so I would like to do something to help those who have had no choice.

Happy knitting,

Sarah x

Indie Design Gift-A-Long 2019

The Indie design gift-a-long (GAL) is currently live on Ravelry! I am really excited to be involved and joining in the fun this year.

If you don’t know what the GAL is, then allow me to let you know. Every year there is a great team on Ravelry who create the GAL and put together knit-a-longs and crochet-a-longs, as well as coordinating prizes and games. The designers taking part create a 25% discount on their included patterns and the discount period runs from the 26th November 8pm US EST time to the 2nd December 11.59pm US EST time. To get the discount add the code giftalong2019 to your purchase on checkout. More information on the GAL can be found in this Ravelry thread here.

You can also find the full list of participating designers on this thread - there are 286 in total! I will be highlighting some of my favourite designers and patterns this weekend on my next post.

I have twenty knit and crochet designs that I am including in the GAL discount shown below:

Vesperis

Camaura

Manica

Frondis

Florens

Elegantia

Xylia

Alexandria Gauntlets

Baby Owl Mobile

May Cowl

Nariko

Weirwood

Maiden Pink

Gillyflower

Winter Thyme

Dragon's Breath

Frostfires

Linden Tree

Kai

Elysium

Come and join in the fun!

Sarah x

Isolabella

I have just release Isolabella on Ravelry and thought I would share the design and its inspiration here in a little more detail.

Isolabella translates as ‘the beautiful lonely one’. I am always drawn to stunning single skeins of variegated sock yarn, often buying them as souvenirs from travels and treating myself to my favourite hand dyers’ latest creations. My stash is full of single skeins that need patterns that show off their beautiful colours. This pattern was born out of a desire to make my single skeins shine in all their glory.

Isolabella is a simple little garter stitch shawl that requires just one skein of sock yarn to complete. Its gently curving shape is created with short rows and eyelets.

The shawl is finished with a fun looped edging. The long curly points and light, lofty texture makes it ideal to wear as a scarf or shawlette.

I knitted this version with one ball of Lana Grossa Meilenweit Magico II that I purchased on a trip to Germany several years ago. It has been languishing in my stash just waiting for the right pattern. Isolabella perfectly shows off the long colour changes in this yarn.

Isolabella in Lichen + Lace 80/20 sock yarn in I See Seashells

I have also knitted a second sample in one of my favourite yarns, Lichen + Lace 80/20 sock in I See Seashells. This yarn has a very different look but again, the pattern highlights the beautiful colours really well.

Both samples will be at Yarndale with me next weekend along with the print pattern. I will also have some beautiful shades of Lichen + Lace sock yarn for sale on my stand. I hope to see you there!

Happy knitting,

Sarah x

Eferhild

I am so happy to finally share my new pattern, Eferhild with you all. Eferhild is an old English name meaning warrior maiden. This pattern is inspired by the legends of shield maidens and warrior women who have left their mark on history, being both strong and protective and yet feminine and soft.

Eferhild shawl

Eferhild is a kite-shaped shawl that is easy to wear and provides a warm, comforting shield of armour around the neck against winter’s cool winds. Its shape particularly gives a lot of warm to the front of the neck and chest area, yet fits comfortably under a jacket or coat.

The shawl begins at the narrow point and increases gently to form the kite shape. Elegant lace sections intersperse the solid crochet bands and the shawl is finished with a tassel on the pointy end.

Eferhild looks particularly beautiful in yarn that has long colour changes. I used Schoppel-Wolle Zauberball Crazy in colourway Flussbett, which means Riverbed in German. It takes 200g of yarn to crochet.

The pattern is simple and suitable for intermediate crocheters and adventurous beginners. The lace sections are charted and written in full to make it easy to follow.

I will be exhibiting at Yarndale in two weeks time and will have copies of Eferhild and the sample to try on if you are going to be there. Please come over and say Hi!

Eferhild is 20% off until the end of Monday 16th September 2019 (no coupon needed). Newsletter subscribers will get a larger discount as usual in the next email.

Happy crocheting,

Sarah x