Show and tell: stripes and colorwork.

Posted by Julia on April 30, 2016

We’re back with another round of show and tell! Here are some of the finished projects we’ve had the good fortune to admire lately, all of whom began as yarn on our shelves. Today, let’s look at projects featuring stripes and colorwork.

Paula knit this “Chevron Baby Blanket” with Berroco Modern Cotton, modifying the pattern a bit to knit at a slightly smaller gauge. She swatched to figure out how wide each pattern repeat would be with her yarn, then added stitches to her cast-on so that her blanket would come out the desired size.

Paula also finished this “wwwww #1” recently, a lined headband by Kate Davies. Paula used Jamieson’s Shetland Spindrift for the colorwork exterior, and soft-as-can-be Shibui Maai for the lining. Nicely done, Paula!

Margaretta recently knit Elizabeth Zimmermann’s classic “Baby Surprise Jacket” with Fibre Company Canopy Worsted, and used her leftovers to make a “Boston Whaler” hat. I love her unexpected combination of sage green, steely gray, and bright fuschia, especially with those perfect pink buttons!

Margaretta has also been working on General Hogbuffer’s “Slippery Slope Socks,” using the solid CoopKnits Socks Yeah! and the self-striping Schoppel-Wolle Crazy Zauberball. Since I snapped this picture of the first finished sock, she’s completed the pair, and plans to make another with different colors.

Judie’s “Wildheart” shawl was also knit with self-striping yarn, Cutthroat Yarn Gradient BFL. She added a picot bind-off to an otherwise unadorned edge; a little something that I think makes the whole shawl shine.

Thanks to the talented knitters who shared their work with us today, and to all the fiber artists who begin their projects here at the Hillsborough Yarn Shop. We love seeing what you’re working on!

Mountain Colors headband kits.

Posted by Julia on December 29, 2013

A knit or crocheted headband is a practical accessory, but not one that we see tons of patterns for; hats are far more common. For those with cold ears and ponytails, however, headbands are far superior to hats, and much more likely to be worn. From Mountain Colors: a headband kit that knits up quickly, using super bulky yarn.

There are four headband patterns included in each kit, and enough yarn to make one headband.

The yarn is Mountain Colors Bozeman, a thick-and-thin variegated wool that knits at about 2 stitches per inch on US #15 needles. We ordered 10 colors, from mossy greens and rich blues to warm reds and browns.

Treat yourself to a Mountain Colors headband kit, and remember them when you’re seeking a knitterly gift, as well. See you at the shop!

From Plymouth.

Posted by Julia on January 6, 2013

A very large box arrived this week from Plymouth, the company that brings us a wide range of yarns from the classic 100% wool Galway to the fluffy Baby Alpaca Grande to self-striping yarns in a variety of fibers. This particular box contained a little bit of everything: a new sample sweater made up in Galway, a couple of bags of Mushishi, some patterns, and a new yarn: Adriafil Knitcol.

Knitcol is a self-patterning superwash merino in worsted weight, perfect for socks, accessories, and baby things. Anne is soon to start a pair of thick socks for her husband in Knitcol; they’re sure to be cozy and handsome in the brown and gray colorway. We were also lent a sample headband made in Knitcol–Calorimetry, a free pattern from Knitty.

We’re always happy to see new uses for Galway, a soft and sturdy standby of a yarn. We’ve seen it used in sweaters, neckwarmers, hats, and countless felting projects. This cropped, short-sleeved cardigan is another great use for Galway; what have you used it for?

Above, you’ll see Mushishi, looking happier with three new colors in its cubby. This self-striping blend of wool and silk comes in huge skeins of almost 500 yards, which can go a long way in worsted weight. One skein of the stuff could grow up to be two scarves or cowls, a small shawl, or at least two hats. Come by the shop to see Mushishi, Knitcol, our newest Galway sample, and the rest of the Plymouth gang. See you there!