Spotted on Ravelry #006

As many of you already know ‘Spotted On Ravelry‘ was a popular feature in our skacel Magalog for 5 years. Now that we’ve retired our Magalog, we can continue this on-going segment here on our Blog and with more frequency than twice a year!

 “5 More Fall Favorites!”

1. Kate’s Everyday Sweater by The Chilly Dog

“I was giddy when my adult daughter asked if I would design a sweater especially for her. She had a very specific list of requirements, though.

• something that can be worn every day (work, school, home…)
• machine washable
• rounded neckline that’s not too tight
• flattering shape with small splits at the sides
• sleeves that aren’t too short
• textured stitchwork
• pretty color

I think I nailed it, although I won’t know for sure until Christmas when she opens her gift. (Hers is in Forestry. I’m keeping the Burnt Orange one for myself). The sweater has a repetitive, textured stitch and simply shaped raglan sleeves. This pattern comes in three women’s sizes and has a finished circumference of 34 (38, 42) inches.”

Featured Yarn:

HiKoo® CoBaSi Plus

This pattern is available from shop.thechillydog.com for $5.00.

2. Butterfly by Ruth Kindla

“This pullover stands out with its interesting pattern structure and the serrated edges. Go on – you can do it!
It is worked with color gradient yarn in garter stitch with short rows and some purled rows.“

Featured Yarn:

Gradient by Schoppel

This pattern is available for €6.50 EUR.

 

3. Sakura Tree by Agata A. Piasecka

“Sakura Tree is a knitted light lace shawl with a lace flower pattern recalling blooming cherry tree and the subtle border with delicate leafy pattern.“

Featured Yarn:

Traumseide by Zitron 

This pattern is available for $5.00 USD.

 

4. Wood Warbler cowl by Martina Behm

“This is the seventh pattern from A Year of Techniques – a collection of 12 patterns to teach you new knitting skills. The pattern file will be added to Ravelry on 6th September. More details on the following pattern release dates can be found on the source page for A Year of Techniques.

Stripes on the bias and some cunning shaping make this cowl something of a mystery while it’s on your needles!

The Wood Warbler cowl is not available as a single pattern.”

Featured Yarn:

Gradient by Schoppel

Print + eBook bundle costs £19.99, plus shipping. To purchase, please visit their website.

 

5. Sketch Shawl by Tanya Mulokas

“Sketch Shawl is my first shawl design. When I finished it, my husband said that it looks like a pen doodle and reminds a sketch. That’s why I named it like this.“

Featured Yarn:

Filigran by Zitron

This pattern is available for €3.50 EUR.

 

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To see all of the patterns featured in this article, click here!

Superwash vs. Colorfast

As color-blocking in patterns continues to rise in popularity, it’s important to remember that just because a yarn is ‘Superwash‘ does not mean it is ‘Colorfast.’

• What does ‘Superwash‘  mean?
  • ‘Superwash’ wool is a wool yarn that is machine washable and, therefore, will not felt.
• What does ‘Colorfast‘ mean?
  • The ability of fabric or other substances to keep the same color without fading or running even if washed, placed in harsh light, exposed to perspiration or treated with certain chemicals.
• “If I make a project in red and white, will the yarn bleed, even if it’s ‘Superwash‘?
  • Just because a yarn is ‘Superwash‘ does not ensure it is also ‘Colorfast‘.
  • The only way to know for sure if bleeding could be an issue for your project is to swatch both colors together and test your preferred blocking method first.
• Never blindly block your finished project (especially wet blocking) without first testing on a swatch. Doing so will ensure minimal heartbreak!
• When in doubt, remember yarn is just like laundry! You would never wash your whites with a new red sock, right? Not unless you want pink shirts! Yarn is the same. Explore alternative blocking and laundering methods if you intend on using highly contrasting colors in the same project, such as:
  • Steam Blocking – This can be a great alternative!
  • Color Catchers could help prevent bleeding, but we still recommend testing on a swatch first.
  • Dry Cleaning – While this is a great option for projects that need to be washed (like blankets) on occasion, we still recommend having your cleaners test a swatch of the yarn FIRST, before getting it cleaned. All fibers react to the dry cleaning process differently.

The moral of the story is simple: do your homework! A lot of time and money are put into our projects, whether they are intended for yourself or another, so always make time to swatch, test, and know your project will live a lifetime of color perfection, just as you intended!