Classic Elite Web-Letter

Web-Letter Issue 211 – Eyelet Circles Shawl in Vail and Fresco

2011-10-04T13:31:31Z

Web-Letter Issue 211 – Eyelet Circles Shawl in Vail and Fresco

Two favorite yarns are featured in this week’s pattern: a perennial favorite, Fresco, and a newcomer, Vail. Both yarns are yummy and such a joy to work with. Fresco has a magnificent colorful palette – so many amazing choices! And by contrast, Vail comes only in natural, undyed colorways – so the range is limited to the colors of the beautiful animals whose fleece is used to produce this fine, soft yarn. The large shawl is a great way to enjoy working with either of these fiber blends, and what a wonderful finished product you’ll have to wrap yourself in when the weather turns chilly. Enjoy!

(file size: 1.7 MB; published October 4, 2011)

If you have difficulty with the PDF, try these: page 1 – page 2 – page 3

The Yarns:

Vail
70% Alpaca • 30% Bamboo

Like its namesake, Vail is pure luxury; unlike its namesake, it won’t cost you a fortune!

A light fingering weight yarn designed to be used for garments and accessories, Vail is 70% baby alpaca and 30% bamboo. The bamboo gives it the most delicate luster and drape, while the alpaca contributes an ethereal softness.

Fresco
60% Wool • 30% Baby Alpaca • Angora

Fresco is a smooth and even 3-ply sport weight yarn. The plies are twisted together tightly enough to make a firm, springy yarn, but not so tightly that the yarn loses its lofty, soft hand. The fiber blend—wool (for warmth and strength), alpaca (for loft and sheen), and a bit of angora (to provide a soft halo)—makes a yarn that’s warm, soft, and slightly fuzzy.

Fresco is available in an expansive palette, which makes it great for colorwork projects. However, because of the ply, the yarn is also great for textured stitches and lace.

Also from Classic Elite Yarns

Panache is a new booklet of patterns for Fall 2011 with a unique concept, one that ties in perfectly with this week's "double" Web-Letter pattern. Panache features four designs, each shown in two or three different yarns. The five yarns featured in the booklet, Pirouette, Vail, Alpaca Sox, Soft Linen, and Silky Alpaca Lace, represent a wide spectrum of fibers and gauges, but all lend themselves to beautiful openwork and soft, wearable accessories.

Pictured clockwise, beginning on the top left, Grace is a triangular shawl with a ruffled edge in Vail or Pirouette, Zest is a garter stitch and ruffled scarf knit on the bias in rectangular and triangular versions in Vail, Alpaca Sox, or Silky Alpaca Lace, Glamour is a lace stitch scarf worked side to side in Vail, Pirouette or Soft Linen, and Flair is an eyelet lace scarf or wrap in Vail, Silky Alpaca Lace or Pirouette.

Web-Letter Issue 206 – Introducing Fall 2011

2011-08-31T19:13:19Z

Web-Letter Issue 206 – Introducing Fall 2011

I didn’t think it possible but for Fall 2011 Classic Elite has more designs than ever before – 21 booklets for all our cool weather yarns. In addition to designs for our existing yarns and 5 new yarns, we are publishing a selection of our most popular accessory patterns for Liberty Wool Print together in one booklet, including the ever popular Molly scarf.

On my to-do list from our Fall collection:

Zest – A ruffled scarf from the Panache booklet of wraps and shawls. I’m going to knit mine in Vail and put ruffles on both sides of the scarf.
Oblique – A faux cardigan knit in Princess from the Design School booklet.
Cinderella – Quick and easy to knit, this is a great everyday raglan cardigan in Montera from the Bounty pattern book.
Everything in the October pattern book! Especially Nikko, a cabled cardigan with collar and flared silhouette.

Please take a look at our website to view all the new Fall booklets, yarns and colors.

The Yarns

Avenue: A merino silk blend in a chainette construction with a tweedy look. The fabric created from knitting this yarn is spectacular! This one needs to be knit with to truly be appreciated; the fabric is spectacular!

Pirouette: A lace weight kid mohair and bamboo blend in 20 luscious colors. Super soft and whisper thin, we have patterns for single, double and triple stranded projects. And Pirouette is very affordable at $8.95 suggested retail for 246 yards!

Toboggan: This soft and squishy 2 ply chunky weight blend of superfine alpaca and merino comes in 100 g hanks in bright and fun colors. The mitten, cowl or hat patterns in our Toboggan booklet can be knit in just a few hours!

MountainTop, our new collection of naturally undyed yarns, includes:
Crestone: Worsted weight 100% wool in four marled colors
Vista: 50% Superfine alpaca and 50% wool in six undyed blended shades. Vista and Crestone are the same weight and can be used interchangeably.
Vail: Baby alpaca and bamboo combine for incredible softness and drape in this fingering weight yarn. Vail is available in six shades, all perfect for lace projects.

The Patterns

This Fall, we are introducing two Liberty Wool pattern books. In addition to the Palette booklet, Accents is a collection of accessory pieces in Liberty Print that showcase all of Liberty’s wild color changes, including the two-color Fair Isle tams and Garter Stitch Wrap.

Panache is a collection of shawls, wraps and scarves knit in some of our most popular yarns. Each design is shown in multiple yarns – with several of the patterns expanded to different styles and sizes.

We didn't forget our existing best sellers! We have dedicated booklets for Ariosa, Chesapeake, Fresco, Giselle, Inca Alpaca, Kumara, La Gran, Liberty Wool, Lush, Magnolia, Montera, Portland Tweed, Princess, Woodland and Wool Bam Boo this fall. Click the thumbnails for a closer look at all the new garments in your favorite CEY yarns.

Email: Go

Web-Letter Issue 204 – Belle Skirt in Seedling

2011-08-17T14:01:29Z

Web-Letter Issue 204 – Belle Skirt in Seedling
	photos courtesy of Elena Nodel
This week’s pattern makes me wish that I could shrink my girls back to 4 years old, so that I could knit this skirt up for them and enjoy the twirling that would inevitably happen. Our independent designer this week, Elena Nodel, has a great talent for creating fashion forward fun children’s pieces. From the designer: This piece is entirely seamless and is worked from the top down. Short rows are used in shaping the skirt to allow for toddler bellies, thus producing an even hemline, finished off with a picot bind-off to add a bit more of a girly flair. We were only too thrilled that she chose Seedling for this beautiful skirt that is fit for a princess. Visit Elena’s website • View Elena’s designs on Ravelry (file size: 2.2 MB; published August 16, 2011) If you have difficulty with the PDF, try these: page 1 – page 2 – page 3 – page 4

The Yarn: *Seedling* 100% Organic Cotton Seedling, part of the Verde Collection, is a machine washable organic cotton. It is the lighter-weight cousin to Sprout and shares the same wonderful texture and softness. From the designer: Seedling is a perfect yarn for this summery project; it is soft, light and has a great drape for a cotton yarn. The texture of the yarn itself adds another dimension to the fabric and makes the skirt look very interesting.

Web-Letter Issue 201 – Allegoro Ribbed Tee

2011-08-08T12:44:10Z

Web-Letter Issue 201 – Allegoro Ribbed Tee

Before joining CEY I had the privilege of working at my LYS with a group of wonderful (and wonderfully talented ladies), including Amy McElwain. This week I am thrilled to introduce Amy and her first professionally-published design, a simple ribbed top in Allegoro. The small details of this pattern make the top shine with rib columns that flow into the neckline and raglan shaping without being overly-complicated. This is far from Amy’s first design, she has been self-publishing for over three years and is a self-confessed lover of lace and lacey leaves.

It felt appropriate to debut Amy’s first CEY design this week along with the sparkly new Web-Letter format. As in the past, click any link to visit the CEY website, view larger versions of the photos above and view past issues. To read what Amy has to say about her design, download the pattern below (where the designers’ stories will always be included).

We hope you enjoy our new presentation and find it easier to navigate.

Visit Amy’s blog • View Amy’s designs on Ravelry

(file size: 2.4 MB; published July 26, 2011)

If you have difficulty with the PDF, try these: page 1 – page 2 – page 3

The Yarn:

Allegoro
70% Organic Cotton • 30% Linen

Allegoro, part of the Verde Collection, is a blend of organically grown cotton and linen. In keeping with its mostly earth-friendly fiber content, Allegoro is dyed using GOTS certified non-toxic dyes. These dyes yield beautiful soft colors, the kind of colors that are easy to wear and you'll never tire of.

Allegoro is great for transition garments, but if you're inclined to make something outright summery, like a tank top or camisole, Allegoro will keep you cool and comfortable – in the knitting and wearing.

Web-Letter Issue 202 – Utsukushii Wrap in Silky Alpaca Lace

2011-08-08T12:43:36Z

Web-Letter Issue 202 – Utsukushii Wrap in Silky Alpaca Lace

In my opinion you can never have too many wraps. That is why I was thrilled when the preview pictures of this piece arrived from the designer, Jennifer Dassau. Jennifer worked up this beautiful Japanese Feather lace pattern that frames stockinette stitch panels in Silky Alpaca Lace.

This yarn is the perfect wrap yarn. It creates a layer to take the chill away but is still lightweight and easily folds up into a small piece that can be put away in the purse when it is no longer needed.

Visit Jennifer's website • View Jennifer's designs on Ravelry

(file size: 1.2 MB; published August 2, 2011)

If you have difficulty with the PDF, try these: page 1 – page 2 – page 3

The Yarn:

Silky Alpaca Lace
70% Alpaca • 30% Silk

Silky Alpaca Lace is a beautiful blend of fibers, spun into a gossamer yarn that knits into amazing lightweight pieces. The alpaca in this yarn provides warmth and a soft halo; the silk adds a subtle sheen to the knitted stitches. Worked in lace with larger needles, Silky Alpaca Lace makes lovely, light-as-air shawls, garments and accessories.

Web-Letter, Issue 199 – Firefly Water Lilies Top

The perfect

2011-07-19T16:01:44Z

Shared by Classic Elite
CEY Web-Letter Issue 199

Web-Letter, Issue 199 – Firefly Water Lilies Top The perfect pullover for a warm sunny day, Brenda Castiel's sherbet colored raglan in drapey Firefly will look fantastic worn with summery white or more casual denim. The Firefly palette offers enough colors to choose a brighter, more neutral or autumnal colorway for a completely different look.
The Story: Pastels. Ice-cream colors – strawberry, pistachio, vanilla. A summer garden in full bloom. Monet’s Water Lilies. These are the inspirations for this light and lovely summery top. Loosely knit for freshness, this classic will see you through spring, summer and fall (even winter in warmer climates). Firefly is a warm-weather yarn with a subtle sheen and wonderful hand. The juxtaposition of the linen with a light-catching sheen gives it a distinctly feminine look. This piece is knit in the round, from the top down, with raglan shaping. The yoke is worked in broken rib while the body is a textured pattern of seed stitch and stockinette stitch. A combination of wide color blocks and narrow stripes keep it interesting. The bottom border has stripes of alternating stockinette stitch and reverse stockinette stitch, forming welts of different colors. An I-Cord is tied to ruche the welts into soft folds at each side. (The I-Cord is easily removed if not wanted.) Sleeves are ¾ length and also feature the striped welt border. The neckline is trimmed with a delicate picot edging, adding a touch of elegance to this pretty, easy-to-wear top. Brenda Castiel — designer http://knitandtravelandsuch.blogspot.com The Yarns: *Firefly* 75% viscose, 25% linen Firefly is a warm-weather yarn with a subtle sheen and wonderful hand. The juxtaposition of the linen with a light-catching sheen gives it a distinctly feminine look. Firefly drapes wonderfully at a wide range of gauges.	more photos The Pattern: Here is the free downloadable Firefly Water Lilies Top pattern. (file size: 976 KB) If you have difficulty downloading or printing the PDF pattern above, try these: page 1 - page 2 - page 3 - page 4
Download this pattern now Find this design on Ravelry. If you do not yet have access to Ravelry, it's easy to join.
If you like the design above, you'll like this too:
	Honeysuckle, in *Firefly*. Pattern available in booklet 9136 Meadow.

Issue 200 - Greatest Hits

2011-07-19T15:59:19Z

Shared by Classic Elite
CEY Web-Letter 200

200 Weeks of Free Patterns, News and Tips!

You may have heard the adage, “There’s no such thing as a free lunch”. Au contraire, Classic Elite has published 185 free knitting and crochet patterns over the last four years in our weekly Web-Letter. Designs range from home accessories to projects for your pets to adult sweaters in virtually all of our yarns.

You can find each of our past patterns here, but we thought we’d do something special for our 200th issue. We came up with a list of our favorite patterns, some new and some oldies-but-goodies that you may have forgotten about. Enjoy browsing through them, and feel free to forward this email to anyone you think might appreciate getting a free lunch once in a while...

1. Cotton Bam Boo Smocked Top; 2. Cookie A.'s Summer Socks; 3. Classic Silk Mayfair Camisol; 4. Kumara Diamond Cap; 5. Fresco Winter Wonder Mitts; 6. Fresco Basket Whip Cowl; 7. Provence Summer String Bag; 8. Wool Bam Boo Pt. Reyes Mitts; 9. Minnie's Soft Linen Coverup; 10. Sprout Baby Blanket; 11. Cotton Bam Boo Kudzu Shawlette; 12. Soft Linen Shawl; 13. Provence Baby Cardigan; 14. Breast Cancer Awareness Scarf; 15. Ribs & Cables Baby Cap; 16. Lacey Crochet Kerchief

If you like the designs above, you'll like this too:

Spring 2011 Collection Review
Web-Letter, Issue #185

Issue 197 - Classic Silk iPad Sleeve

2011-07-12T12:35:28Z

Web-Letter, Issue 197 – Classic Silk iPad Sleeve I recently purchased an iPad 2 and love it. I love searching for useful apps and fun games. You can download your favorite issue of Vogue Knitting and keep up-to-date with the blog entries on the Knitting Daily app. I particularly like being able to highlight and make notes on my pattern pdf downloads. However, all this fun is hidden in the sleek, but boring electronic exterior. Make Tonia’s sleeve to carry, protect and showcase your creativity.
The Story: It seems that tablets are everywhere these days. Once mine arrived I needed something to carry it in. This case design came to mind. I did this summer version in Classic Silk and plan to do a winter version in Waterlily, since both the yarn and its colors are perfect. It’s not that I expect the iPad will get cold, but that I like the feel and look of season appropriate apparel for my tablet. I am a fan of the mindless knitting of I-cord and had fun playing with the cord to make the “flowers”. However, if geometry is your thing why not triangles and square shapes instead. The possibilties of fun with I-cord are endless. Be as creative as you want. The Yarn: *Classic Silk* 50% cotton, 30% silk, 20% nylon Soft and lofty, Classic Silk is a wonderful blend of cotton, silk, and nylon. This blend of fibers has the luxurious feel and look of silk with the softness of cotton and the strength of nylon. Each fiber takes the dye differently, resulting in a heathered dye effect. Classic Silk comes in a gorgeous palette of 26 colors.	more photos The Pattern: Here is the free downloadable Classic Silk iPad Sleeve pattern. (file size: 1 MB) If you have difficulty downloading or printing the PDF pattern above, try these: page 1 - page 2 - page 3
Download this pattern now Find this design on Ravelry. If you do not yet have access to Ravelry, it's easy to join.
If you like the design above, you'll like this too:
	Kindle Cover, in *Montera*. Pattern available in Web-Letter Issue #134.
0 Comments

Issue 198 - Knitterly Cowl

2011-07-05T14:25:45Z

Web-Letter, Issue 198 – Knitterly Cowl Classic Elite is often thought of as a very "New England" company, probably because New England sensibilities run deep in many of us. However, for these few months, summer knitting unites us all! We want to make simple, small knits that we can throw on for an evening dining al fresco or maybe stuff in our bags for when we encounter some icy A/C. This cowl fits the bill! Though we finally settled on a combination of two of our most popular spring yarns, Firefly and Soft Linen, this cowl can be made in an infinite array of colors, textures, and fibers. To get inspired, visit our blog to see some alternate combinations dreamt up by our resident expert, Susan Mills.
The Story: I had the pleasure of visiting several stores in Northern California after the January TNNA show this year. While speaking with Shelli Westcott at Knitterly www.knitterly.net in Petaluma, I noticed her lovely cowl. She said, "I made this cowl to stay warm on the plane, inside the convention center, outside, anywhere I went. I chose simple muted colors that I could wear with what I could fit in my carry-on suitcase. Oh, and it had to be soft." She was kind enough to share the pattern with me. This cowl pattern works with any combination of great yarns. My first piece was soft and warm, made with Lush and Ariosa. Today we are sharing a lighter, summer version made with two of my favorite summertime yarns, Firefly and Soft Linen. The Yarns: *Soft Linen* 35% linen, 35% wool, 30% baby alpaca Soft Linen is the perfect yarn for warmer days and soft, cool nights. The alpaca makes a beautiful halo, the linen gives it a crisp and firm hand and the wool provides stability and its own level of softness. *Firefly* 25% linen, 75% viscose Firefly is a warm-weather yarn with a subtle sheen and wonderful hand. The juxtaposition of the linen with a light-catching sheen gives it a distinctly feminine look. Firefly drapes wonderfully at a wide range of gauges.	more photos The Pattern: Here is the free downloadable Knitterly Cowl pattern. (file size: 1.1 MB) If you have difficulty downloading or printing the PDF pattern above, try these: page 1 - page 2
Download this pattern now Find this design on Ravelry. If you do not yet have access to Ravelry, it's easy to join.
If you like the design above, you'll like this too:
	Firefly Scarf, in *Firefly*. Pattern available in Web-Letter Issue #131.
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Issue 195 - Provence Fair Isle Bag

2011-06-27T23:23:44Z

Web-Letter, Issue 195 – Provence Fair Isle Bag A bag is a great beginner project – it does not need to ‘fit’ and is sure to get plenty of use. This week’s pattern is a great crash course for beginners – from the handle to counting the rows of stripes to a simple fair isle flower pattern at the bottom. There is plenty of time to become comfortable with each technique in this pattern before moving on to the next section. The hardest part will be choosing just the right colors! After you fall in love with Provence, look for the Dianthus pattern (the pink top also shown in the photos) along with four other Provence patterns in Garden Gate.
The Story: If you’re like me, you can never have too many bags. Most days I carry to work: a lunch bag, a knitting bag, a bag to hold files and papers and a pocketbook bag – and I carry all of these bags in a larger tote bag! This colorful bag in Provence is mostly stripes with one stripe in stranded colorwork. You begin with the handle, cast on stitches between the ends of the handle, work in the round to the bottom of the bag, and then work a three needle bind off for the bottom seam. The marled shades of Provence add depth to the color palette. Make it as deep as you want by adding more stripes. And because of its simple shape, it is easy to line with fabric if you desire. The perfect bag to carry whatever you have that needs carrying! The Yarn: *Provence* 100% mercerized Egyptian cotton Provence, one of our signature yarns, is a mercerized Egyptian cotton that knits into a strong and beautiful fabric. Egyptian cotton has two qualities that make it a great cotton yarn: a very long staple (fiber) length and a small diameter. The long staple gives the yarn strength and sheen; and the delicate diameter means that it spins into a soft, smooth yarn. Mercerizing makes a yarn that is stable, takes dye well, and is less likely to shrink. With 59 colors available, the combinations for any colorwork project are endless!	more photos The Pattern: Here is the free downloadable Provence Fair Isle Bag pattern. (file size: 848 KB) If you have difficulty downloading or printing the PDF pattern above, try these: page 1 - page 2
Download this pattern now Find this design on Ravelry. If you do not yet have access to Ravelry, it's easy to join.
If you like the design above, you'll like this too:
	Dianthus, in *Provence*. Pattern available in booklet 9138 Garden Gate.

Issue 196 - Katy Did It Pullover

2011-06-27T23:23:06Z

Web-Letter, Issue 196 – Katy Did It Pullover You really have to feel a garment knit in Katydid to appreciate its drape, softness, and fluidity. Its ribbon construction lends itself perfectly to openwork, making this week's pattern an ideal match. Katydid is also one of our Verde Collection yarns, fully organic and environmentally responsible. To learn more about the Verde Collection, download our Verde Collection e-book of free patterns. And can I get a round of applause for this week's model? (psst… it’s our boss.)
The Story: My name is Cathy. I opened Montoya Fiber Studio, a small yarn shop just north of Chicago, eight years ago. Knitting has been my passion for the last 25 years. It was something that just clicked with me. I have never been without a knitting project since that first sweater I knit for my daughter when she was a baby. I had never planned on owning a yarn shop, but the opportunity presented itself, and I took the chance. It has been a decision I’ve never regretted. Who could complain about working every day surrounded by yarn and the friendship of knitters? As a small business owner, I really appreciate the support of yarn lovers who frequent my shop and keep my business alive. I do a lot of my own designs for the store. I try to develop patterns for my customers that don’t have a lot of shaping or finishing, but have interest in the stitch pattern or yarn. I want the patterns to be very workable and my customers excited about their projects. When I first worked with Katydid, I loved the ease of working it. It doesn’t split like many types of cottons and has a lot of fullness for its weight. I started swatching lace patterns on size 13 needles and loved the look. The lace pattern I used in the sweater is totally reversible, so it also makes a great scarf or shawl. The sweater is made from four rectangles. There’s no increasing or decreasing to throw off the pattern. It’s great over a tank top, dress, or even a swimsuit. One of my customers made the same sweater on the same size needles out of Sprout and it also worked out great. She had it finished in a week. Get started now and you can enjoy it this summer. Cathy Montoya -- designer www.montoyafiberstudio.com The Yarn: *Katydid* 100% organic cotton ribbon Part of the Verde Collection of environmentally conscious yarns, Katydid is a 100% organic cotton ribbon. Katydid's ribbon construction gives it a quick knitting gauge and sophisticated look. This warm-weather yarn comes in a bright, summer-friendly palette. Katydid is made at a facility that meets the standards for GOTS certification. This means the processes used to produce them, from harvesting to milling to labeling, are fully certified under Global Organic Textile Standards. To find out more about GOTS, visit global-standard.org.	more photos The Pattern: Here is the free downloadable Katy Did It Pullover pattern. (file size: 1.6 MB) If you have difficulty downloading or printing the PDF pattern above, try these: page 1 - page 2
Download this pattern now Find this design on Ravelry. If you do not yet have access to Ravelry, it's easy to join.
If you like the design above, you'll like this too:
	Impatiens, in *Katydid*. Pattern available in booklet 9137 Summer Flowers.
0 Comments

Issue 195 - Provence Fair Isle Bag

2011-06-14T11:46:47Z

Web-Letter, Issue 195 – Provence Fair Isle Bag A bag is a great beginner project – it does not need to ‘fit’ and is sure to get plenty of use. This week’s pattern is a great crash course for beginners – from the handle to counting the rows of stripes to a simple fair isle flower pattern at the bottom. There is plenty of time to become comfortable with each technique in this pattern before moving on to the next section. The hardest part will be choosing just the right colors! After you fall in love with Provence, look for the Dianthus pattern (the pink top also shown in the photos) along with four other Provence patterns in Garden Gate.
The Story: If you’re like me, you can never have too many bags. Most days I carry to work: a lunch bag, a knitting bag, a bag to hold files and papers and a pocketbook bag – and I carry all of these bags in a larger tote bag! This colorful bag in Provence is mostly stripes with one stripe in stranded colorwork. You begin with the handle, cast on stitches between the ends of the handle, work in the round to the bottom of the bag, and then work a three needle bind off for the bottom seam. The marled shades of Provence add depth to the color palette. Make it as deep as you want by adding more stripes. And because of its simple shape, it is easy to line with fabric if you desire. The perfect bag to carry whatever you have that needs carrying! The Yarn: *Provence* 100% mercerized Egyptian cotton Provence, one of our signature yarns, is a mercerized Egyptian cotton that knits into a strong and beautiful fabric. Egyptian cotton has two qualities that make it a great cotton yarn: a very long staple (fiber) length and a small diameter. The long staple gives the yarn strength and sheen; and the delicate diameter means that it spins into a soft, smooth yarn. Mercerizing makes a yarn that is stable, takes dye well, and is less likely to shrink. With 59 colors available, the combinations for any colorwork project are endless!	more photos The Pattern: Here is the free downloadable Provence Fair Isle Bag pattern. (file size: 848 KB) If you have difficulty downloading or printing the PDF pattern above, try these: page 1 - page 2
Download this pattern now Find this design on Ravelry. If you do not yet have access to Ravelry, it's easy to join.
If you like the design above, you'll like this too:
	Dianthus, in *Provence*. Pattern available in booklet 9138 Garden Gate.
0 Comments

Issue 194 - Katydid Baby Pullover

2011-06-07T11:55:08Z

Web-Letter, Issue 194 – Katydid Baby Pullover If you have a little one in your life to knit for and if you haven’t already taken a peek at the Wee Ones collection, then I encourage you to click over and browse the fourteen – yes 14! – patterns in this booklet. This week we have a simple baby sweater pattern that was photographed as part of the Wee Ones collection, but it just didn’t fit in the booklet, so please enjoy this free pattern!
The Story: As a knitter, it is my firm belief that babies should wear handknits as often as possible. Not only to keep the baby snug, warm and comfortable, but as the baby grows, all too quickly, into an opinionated toddler and child, he or she is more likely to continue wearing handknit sweaters if accustomed to it right from the start. This baby pullover is suitable for a boy or girl. Knit in soft and durable organic Katydid, it is comfortable for the wearer and durable enough to be passed down as it is outgrown. The simple lace and cable panel at the center front is an easy to remember four-row repeat. The buttons at the shoulders make slipping it over the head easier for the baby and the dresser. The Yarn: *Katydid* 100% organic cotton ribbon Part of the Verde Collection of environmentally conscious yarns, Katydid is a 100% organic cotton ribbon. Katydid's ribbon construction gives it a quick knitting gauge and sophisticated look. This warm-weather yarn comes in a bright, summer-friendly palette. Katydid is made at a facility that meets the standards for GOTS certification. This means the processes used to produce them, from harvesting to milling to labeling, are fully certified under Global Organic Textile Standards. To find out more about GOTS, visit global-standard.org.	more photos The Pattern: Here is the free downloadable Katydid Baby Pullover pattern. (file size: 848 KB) If you have difficulty downloading or printing the PDF pattern above, try these: page 1 - page 2 - page 3
Download this pattern now Find this design on Ravelry. If you do not yet have access to Ravelry, it's easy to join.
If you like the design above, you'll like this too:
	Adelaide Cardigan, in *Katydid*. Pattern available in booklet 9144 Wee Ones.
0 Comments

Issue 193 - Cotton Bam Boo Kudzu Shawlette

2011-06-07T11:54:41Z

Web-Letter, Issue 193 – Cotton Bam Boo Kudzu Shawlette It's hard to say what I like most about this week's free pattern. It's not crescent-shaped per se, nor is it a semi-circle. The shape is more like vines gracefully falling from your neckline in gradually increasing leaves, then cascading into an openwork edging. Cotton Bam Boo's natural tendency to drape certainly helps to maintain the illusion, while its excellent stitch definition allows the leaves to stand out in stark relief to the cabled beginning and lace ending of this piece. It doesn't hurt that Cotton Bam Boo is available in 26 solid and variegated colors, making this a pattern to suit any palate (or should I say palette?).
The Story: In the southern United States, Kudzu flows over the land like waves caught in time. When I lived in Virginia, I loved to watch the daily progress this “weed” made, overtaking trees and buildings alike. I tried to capture the impression of motion in this shawlette, using lace patterns that transition organically from one to the next. The top edge begins with a twisted rib that expands into the first round of leaves. The second round of leaves, slightly larger, develops from a column of twisted knit stitches left-over from the rib. The third and final round of leaves, larger still, expands to take over the lattice at the bottom edge. This lacy shawlette can be worn over the shoulders with a fancy accent button or shawl pin to hold it in place. The full length version can also be wrapped twice around the neck for a more casual look. The midi length is just long enough to go once around the shoulders. -- Rachel, designer The Yarn: *Cotton Bam Boo* 52% cotton, 48% bamboo viscose Cotton Bam Boo is a smooth, lustrous sportweight yarn with great stitch definition. The cotton component allows the blend to knit up into a fabric that is soft and breathable. Bamboo viscose adds a soft sheen, and it is naturally antibacterial. The cotton/bamboo viscose blend gives this yarn a wonderful drape – perfect for summer shawls and wraps.	more photos The Pattern: Here is the free downloadable Cotton Bam Boo Kudzu Shawlette pattern. (file size: 2 MB) If you have difficulty downloading or printing the PDF pattern above, try these: page 1 - page 2 - page 3 - page 4
Download this pattern now Find this design on Ravelry. If you do not yet have access to Ravelry, it's easy to join.
If you like the design above, you'll like this too:
	Faith, in *Cricket*. Pattern available in booklet 9132 Cricket.
0 Comments

Issue 192 - Soft Linen Cafe Curtain

2011-05-24T12:51:32Z

Web-Letter, Issue 192 – Soft Linen Café Curtain We're mixing things up this week and doing a little interior decorating. Forget painting walls or buying new furniture, bring a touch of whimsy to your rooms with this beautiful lace edged café curtain. It is knit in Soft Linen, which has a lovely drape and great stitch definition. This yarn’s combination of alpaca and linen are the perfect texture pairing for a curtain. While you are at it, peruse our Home Sweet Home booklet for interesting pillows and other home dec projects to spice up your space.
The Story: I know there are some who think it’s crazy, so here are some reasons to knit curtains: 1. Windows are (usually) square or rectangular, and therefore, much easier to fit than the human form. Nothing is more frustrating than a sweater you've spent many hours knitting that just doesn't fit quite as well as you would like. No wonder knitters love scarves—they fit perfectly every time. Think of your curtain as a very wide but short scarf. 2. No shaping. Once you have the stitch pattern memorized, (and this curtain is an easy 4 row repeat), no need to look at the pattern. 3.Gauge is not so important—as long as it's wide enough to cover the window, a little more or less fullness doesn't matter. 4. Knitted garments spend most of their time in the closet. Even a favorite sweater won't be seen as often as a curtain hanging in your window 24/7. The bottom edging of the curtain is worked first then stitches are picked up and the curtain is worked back and forth on a circular needle. A hemmed edge at the top forms the rod pocket. This is easy to customize for your window—the finished curtain should be approx. 1¼ to 1½ times as wide as your window. The Yarn: *Soft Linen* 35% linen, 35% wool, 30% baby alpaca Soft Linen is the perfect yarn for warmer days and soft, cool nights. The alpaca makes a beautiful halo, the linen gives it a crisp and firm hand and the wool provides stability and its own level of softness. This year-round yarn works equally well for lace, colorwork and textures. This makes it a particularly good choice for pieces that will get a lot of use. Available in 19 colors.	more photos The Pattern: Here is the free downloadable Soft Linen Café Curtain pattern. (file size: 320 KB) If you have difficulty downloading or printing the PDF pattern above, try these: page 1 - page 2
Download this pattern now Find this design on Ravelry. If you do not yet have access to Ravelry, it's easy to join.
If you like the design above, you'll like this too:
	Lace Valance, in *Firefly*. Pattern available in booklet 9143 Home Sweet Home.
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Issue 191 - Cotton Bam Boo Baby Hat

2011-05-17T15:52:23Z

Web-Letter, Issue 191 – Cotton Bam Boo Baby Hat When we did the photography for Wee Ones pattern book, this hat designed and knit by Tonia Barry, looked adorable on our young model. Unfortunately, the adorable-ness lasted about half a second as our 15 month old model took the hat off her head almost as fast as we could put it on. Three of us tried repeatedly but our insistence and stamina were no match for hers. The hat was left out of the book but was too darn cute to be forgotten. Knit in Cotton Bam Boo Print with solid Cotton Bam Boo for the hat band, it stylishly frames the face. If your little hat wearer is more cooperative than ours, please send us a photo!
The Story: I love to design pieces for children, especially hats. When Cotton Bam Boo Print arrived I was inspired to do this little hat. The hat begins with the solid band, a wide I-cord, and the bow is knit as part of the band – made with a buttonhole that the band pulls through. After finishing the band, stitches are picked up for the top of the hat, then again for the brim of the hat. A double-stranded brim counters Cotton Bam Boo’s propensity to drape and gives the brim just a little body. With so many great color combinations available it’s hard to stop at just one! The Yarn: *Cotton Bam Boo* 52% cotton, 48% bamboo viscose Cotton Bam Boo is a smooth, lustrous sportweight yarn with great stitch definition. The cotton component allows the blend to knit up into a fabric that is soft and breathable. Bamboo adds a soft sheen, and it is naturally antibacterial. The cotton/bamboo blend gives this yarn a wonderful drape. Available in 23 solid and 6 printed colors.	more photos The Pattern: Here is the free downloadable Cotton Bam Boo Baby Hat pattern. (file size: 688 KB) If you have difficulty downloading or printing the PDF pattern above, try these: page 1 - page 2
Download this pattern now Find this design on Ravelry. If you do not yet have access to Ravelry, it's easy to join.
If you like the design above, you'll like this too:
	Anna, in *Cotton Bam Boo Print*. Pattern available in booklet 9144 Wee Ones.
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Issue 190 - Katydid Drop Everything Scarf

2011-05-10T12:30:26Z

Web-Letter, Issue 190 – Katydid Drop Everything Scarf Scarves are everywhere this spring, pulling together casual outfits as well as more formal ones. This week’s designer, Rachel Henry, created this easy to knit up scarf that is sure to brighten up any outfit. She chose to work it in Katydid which is soft, has beautiful drape and comes in perfect bright colors.
The Story: When I’m working on a new design, usually I have some idea what I want it to look like long before I settle on a specific yarn. Often the yarn informs the design, telling me as I knit swatches and prototypes what it wants to be. The finished pattern is very rarely exactly what I started out with in my mind. But for this scarf, the process worked in reverse on all counts. I began by fondling the soft ribbony goodness of Katydid at a local Knit Night with my friends. I knew the yarn’s unique flat nature could be hidden by knitting it tightly enough, but I didn’t want to hide it – I wanted to show it off! The final version of the Drop Everything scarf jumped into my mind fully formed: alternating sections of large horizontal drop stitches between rows of garter stitch, and vertical drop stitches between columns of stockinette. Worked on large needles, the scarf would be a quick, fun knit that should appeal to experienced knitters and beginners alike. As I worked up the sample in a stunning orange, I didn’t change a thing from the original plan. The finished scarf has beautiful drape and is lightweight. Make it in bright colors for the perfect spring accessory! Please visit my blog at http://remilyknits.wordpress.com to read more about me and my designs. I love to see photos of finished projects, and I welcome questions! Rachel -- Designer The Yarn: *Katydid* 100% organic cotton ribbon Part of the Verde Collection of environmentally conscious yarns, Katydid is a 100% organic cotton ribbon. Katydid's ribbon construction gives it a quick knitting gauge and sophisticated look. This warm-weather yarn comes in a bright, summer-friendly palette. Katydid is made at a facility that meets the standards for GOTS certification. This means the processes used to produce them, from harvesting to milling to labeling, are fully certified under Global Organic Textile Standards. To find out more about GOTS, visit global-standard.org.	more photos The Pattern: Here is the free downloadable Katydid Drop Everything Scarf pattern. (file size: 320 KB) If you have difficulty downloading or printing the PDF pattern above, try these: page 1 - page 2
Download this pattern now Find this design on Ravelry. If you do not yet have access to Ravelry, it's easy to join.
If you like the design above, you'll like this too:
	Drop Stitch Top, in *Katydid*. Pattern available in booklet 9109 Picnic.
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Issue 189 - Classic Silk Beret

2011-05-03T16:38:41Z

Web-Letter, Issue 189 – Classic Silk Beret Many of our Web-Letter projects are designed and photographed at the same time as our pattern booklet designs. This particular hat was photographed the same summer afternoon as the new Meadow and Garden Gate booklets, which you can read more about on the CEY blog. With 30 different colors of Classic Silk available, the combinations for this simple beret are endless. As Susan notes below, try it in one color for an even more straightforward knit.
The Story: Hats are worn for many different reasons – for warmth, as a fashion statement, for covering ill behaved hair. No matter what the reason, this beret is slouchy and easy to wear year round in super soft Classic Silk. An easy knit, this would be a good first project on circular and double pointed needles. The stripes add interest but it would be just as serviceable knit in one color. The Yarn: *Classic Silk* 50% cotton, 30% silk, 20% nylon Classic Silk is a soft, summer yarn with a nubby texture that is wonderful for next-to-skin garments. This cool and breathable yarn shows off a variety of stitches, from lace to cables, and is available in an extensive palette of colors that look great together and alone.	more photos The Pattern: Here is the free downloadable Classic Silk Beret pattern. (file size: 588 KB) If you have difficulty downloading or printing the PDF pattern above, try these: page 1 - page 2
Download this pattern now Find this design on Ravelry. If you do not yet have access to Ravelry, it's easy to join.
If you like the design above, you'll like this too:
	Roma, in *Classic Silk*. Pattern available in booklet 9135 Hot House.
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Issue 188 - Firefly Foxmoor Scarf

2011-04-26T15:57:21Z

Web-Letter, Issue 188 – Firefly Foxmoor Scarf Firefly is my favorite warm weather yarn. When it premiered last spring I had a feeling it might be the one, and I was absolutely sure of it when I saw the six new colors for this spring (really, you should have a look). For this week’s pattern, designer, Jen Hansen, paired Firefly with a lovely lacey scarf pattern with pointed ends – a refreshing little detail. The lace stitch is repeated three times across the scarf and would be a great introduction to lace. Now, just to choose a color…
The Story: In late spring, my fiancé and I enjoy walking around our neighborhood looking for deer. We live in a subdivision where one would not expect to see them wandering down the streets, sidewalks, and backyards. Although it’s a little frustrating when your vegetable garden has been completely eaten by these creatures, we appreciate that it’s a special thing to have literally in your backyard while living in suburbia. Those late spring evenings can be a little chilly as we walk the streets trying to catch a glimpse of a fawn following her mother around, learning the ‘hood. The Foxmoor Scarf is the perfect thing to keep the chill off on those spring nights. The lace pattern and Classic Elite Firefly yarn are a great combo for a scarf like this. — Designer, Jen Hansen Visit Jen's website to see what else she is up to when not looking for wildlife in her neighborhood. The Yarn: *Firefly* 75% viscose, 25% linen Firefly is a warm-weather yarn with a subtle sheen and wonderful hand. The juxtaposition of the linen with a light-catching sheen gives it a distinctly feminine look. Firefly drapes wonderfully at a wide range of gauges - knit loosely for elegant lace or more tightly for stockinette fabrics.	more photos The Pattern: Here is the free downloadable Firefly Foxmoor Scarf pattern. (file size: 588 KB) If you have difficulty downloading or printing the PDF pattern above, try these: page 1 - page 2
Download this pattern now Find this design on Ravelry. If you do not yet have access to Ravelry, it's easy to join.
If you like the design above, you'll like this too:
	Appledore, in *Firefly*. Pattern available in booklet 9142 High Seas.
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Issue 187 - Seedling Wrap

2011-04-19T03:45:32Z

Web-Letter, Issue 187 – Seedling Wrap This week we celebrate Earth Day, and there's no better time than late April to turn our attention to nature. Nourishing rains, hesitant color and fragile buds mark this time of year, and the evenings still carry a distinct early spring chill. Tonia Barry gives us the perfect piece to ward off those raw spring nights with her wrap, knit in the newest member of the Verde family, Seedling. For more free patterns from the Verde Collection, check out the blog where we are thrilled to debut our latest e-book in celebration of Earth Day. How apropos!
The Story: The softness and coziness of the fabric that Seedling creates just make me want to wrap myself up in it. Therefore, designing a wrap out of Seedling was a must. This is a perfect piece for evening walks on the beach when there is just a slight chill in the air or to ward off the chill from too much air conditioning at a favorite restaurant. The yarn is soft and wonderful to knit and the lace is a very simple, easy-to-memorize repeat—all components of a pleasurable knitting experience. The Yarn: *Seedling* 100% organic cotton New for Spring 2011, Seedling is the little sister to the incredibly popular Sprout and also is machine washable. You'll find its smaller gauge makes textures really pop. Spun with 100% organic cotton, Seedling is our newest addition to the Verde Collection of yarns made with nature in mind.	more photos The Pattern: Here is the free downloadable Seedling Wrap pattern. (file size: 588 KB) If you have difficulty downloading or printing the PDF pattern above, try these: page 1 - page 2
Download this pattern now Find this design on Ravelry. If you do not yet have access to Ravelry, it's easy to join.
If you like the design above, you'll like this too:
	Sparrow, in *Seedling*. Pattern available in booklet 9133 Seedling.
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Classic Elite Web-Letter

Web-Letter Issue 211 – Eyelet Circles Shawl in Vail and Fresco

Web-Letter Issue 206 – Introducing Fall 2011

Web-Letter Issue 204 – Belle Skirt in Seedling

Web-Letter Issue 201 – Allegoro Ribbed Tee

Web-Letter Issue 202 – Utsukushii Wrap in Silky Alpaca Lace

Web-Letter, Issue 199 – Firefly Water Lilies TopThe perfect

Issue 200 - Greatest Hits

Issue 197 - Classic Silk iPad Sleeve

Issue 198 - Knitterly Cowl

Issue 195 - Provence Fair Isle Bag

Issue 196 - Katy Did It Pullover

Issue 195 - Provence Fair Isle Bag

Issue 194 - Katydid Baby Pullover

Issue 193 - Cotton Bam Boo Kudzu Shawlette

Issue 192 - Soft Linen Cafe Curtain

Issue 191 - Cotton Bam Boo Baby Hat

Issue 190 - Katydid Drop Everything Scarf

Issue 189 - Classic Silk Beret

Issue 188 - Firefly Foxmoor Scarf

Issue 187 - Seedling Wrap

Web-Letter, Issue 199 – Firefly Water Lilies Top

The perfect