Zelle

Posted on May 26, 2017May 23, 2017 by Aphaia

Samples (M) shown use Old Maiden Aunt 100% Superwash Bluefaced Leicester Aran, in the Mudder’s Milk colour way (Long), and Rowan Fine Art Aran, in the Bachata (0551) colour way (Short).

Materials
65 (80, 95, 110, 125) {100 (120, 140, 160, 180)} yds / 59.5 (73, 87, 100.5, 114.5) {91.5 (110, 128, 146.5, 165.5)} m Aran weight yarn

5 mm / US 8 circular needle or DPNs
Stitch markers (2)
Tapestry needle
Waste yarn or stitch holder

Gauge
18 sts x 30 rnds = 4 ” / 10 cm in broken rib.
18 sts x 34 rnds = 4 “ / 10 cm in pattern stitch.

Sizes
XS (S, M, L, XL).
To fit cuff circumference 5 (5.75, 6.5, 7.5, 8.5) “ / 12.75 (14.5, 16.5, 19, 21.5) cm.
To fit hand circumference 6 (7, 8, 9, 10) “/ 15 (18, 20.5, 23, 25.5) cm. (Approx. 1 “ / 2.5 cm negative ease).
Length 7 (7, 7, 8, 8) {9 (9, 9, 10, 10)} “ / 18 (18, 18, 20.5, 20.5) {23 (23, 23, 25.5, 25.5)} cm.

The individual pattern will be able to purchase online from June 10th, 2017 (£4.50 GBP).

"Once upon a time, in a kingdom far far away…”

Although there are many fairytales, A Love like Salt is perhaps not one of the better known - yet the variations of the story are found all over the world. This collection draws on the fairy tale as a starting point, but delves into the history and culture of salt as inspiration for these patterns.

Comprising of 6 patterns, the collection is currently available to pre-order either as a e-book, or as a paper copy+e-book - information on how to order is given below.

The collection will be released digitally on June 10th, 2017.

If you would like to pre-order the e-book only, this can be purchased via Ravelry (for the discounted price of £10).

If you would like to pre-order the paper copy+e-book for (the discounted price of £12 plus P&P), please click here. Pre-orders for paper copies closes May 31st, 2017), and the paper copies of the book will be shipped on June 15th, 2017.

(Prices on full release: e-book only £12.00, paper copy+e-book £13.50 plus P&P).

Salaka

Posted on May 25, 2017May 23, 2017 by Aphaia

Named for a fish, Salaka is a top down textured and cabled sock, with a traditional heel flap and gusset. The interlocking cables produce a stylised fish tail motif, drawing on the way the fish were stored for pickling in barrels - all tightly packed in layers, with the tails sticking up.

Available in 3 sizes (S / M / L - 56, 64, 72 st options), the socks have both written instructions and charts. Both the left and right socks are worked identically until the heel flap, where symmetrical motifs are used to create the finished effect.

The pattern suits solid, semi-solid and variegated colour ways.

Sample shown (Medium) in Rusty Ferret Doll 4ply, in The Dark Below colour way.

Materials
300-437 yds / 274.5-400 m fingering weight yarn

2.25 mm / US 1 circular needles or DPNs
Stitch markers (3)
Cable needle
Tapestry needle

Gauge
8 sts x 12 rows = 1 “ / 2.5 cm in stocking stitch in the rnd.

Sizes
S (M, L).
To fit foot circumference approx. 7.5 (8.5, 9.5) “ / 19 (21.5, 24) cm.
Leg length from cuff to base of heel flap approx. 9.5 “ / 24 cm.

The individual pattern will be able to purchase online from June 10th, 2017 (£3.50 GBP).

"Once upon a time, in a kingdom far far away…”

Comprising of 6 patterns, the collection is currently available to pre-order either as a e-book, or as a paper copy+e-book - information on how to order is given below.

The collection will be released digitally on June 10th, 2017.

If you would like to pre-order the e-book only, this can be purchased via Ravelry (for the discounted price of £10).

(Prices on full release: e-book only £12.00, paper copy+e-book £13.50 plus P&P).

Guérande

Posted on May 24, 2017May 26, 2017 by Aphaia

Guérande lies on the Brittany coastline, and has been an area connected with salt production for a very long time. The salt, produced by evaporating seawater in a sequence of tidal pools, is famed for its colour as much as its quality. The workers, paludiers, rake up the drying salt, mixing in mud and algae with the finished product.

The shawl is a deep crescent shawl, with a subtle textured finish. The delicate slipped stitch edging echoes the paludiers’ rakes, drawing lines through the salt.

The shawl has a variety of options: two sizes (Small / Large), and three colour versions are included:

- Single Colour Version with Accenting Colour Ways: a single yarn colour is used for the body of the shawl, with one or two additional colours used for the slip stitch edging (and cast off if desired).
- Colour Block Version: Broad stripes of colour (five on the small version, seven on the large), with contrasting slip stitch edging.
- Gradient Version: Multiple colours are used (four on the small version, five on the large) to create a shifting colour scheme, with sections alternating between using one colour and two. Again, contrasting colours are used for the slip stitch edging.

Samples shown use (Small / Single Colour) Bilum Slika and Ginger’s Hand Dyed Splendor 4 Ply, and (Large / Colour Block & Gradient) Jamieson & Smith 2 Ply Jumper Weight (for full details on colours / yarns used please see images below).

"Once upon a time, in a kingdom far far away…”

Comprising of 6 patterns, the collection is currently available to pre-order either as a e-book, or as a paper copy+e-book - information on how to order is given below.

The collection will be released digitally on June 10th, 2017.

If you would like to pre-order the e-book only, this can be purchased via Ravelry (for the discounted price of £10).

(Prices on full release: e-book only £12.00, paper copy+e-book £13.50 plus P&P).

Hallein Hat

Posted on May 23, 2017May 23, 2017 by Aphaia

The final part of the Hallein set is the hat. Like the other pieces, this is inspired the textiles found in ancient archaeological deposits within the salt mines of Austria. It uses a textured rib to create a deep brim, and the slip stitch pattern for the body of the hat. The crown decreases are fully charted in pattern, creating a crisp, clean finish.

Suitable for men and women, the hat has a flattering, slightly slouchy fit.

Sample shown (size M) uses Ginger’s Hand Dyed Sheepish DK in the ‘Sound & Fury,’ and ‘Muddy Paws’ colour ways.

This hat matches the Hallein Wrist Warmers and the Hallein Cowl.

Materials
120 (150, 175, 210, 240) yds / 110 (137, 160, 192, 219.5) m DK weight yarn, in two shades
MC 75 (95, 110, 130, 150) yds / 69 (87, 100.5, 119, 137) m
CC 45 (55, 65, 80, 90) yds / 41.5 (50.5, 59.5, 73, 82.5) m

3.5 mm / US 4 circular needle or DPNs
4 mm / US 6 circular needle or DPNs
Stitch marker (1)
Tapestry needle

Gauge
21 sts x 38 rows = 4 “ / 10 cm in broken rib pattern in the rnd, on the smaller needles.
24 sts x 36 rows = 4 “ / 10 cm in slip stitch pattern in the rnd, on the larger needles.

Sizes
XS (S, M, L, XL)
Circumference (Brim, un-stretched) 11.5 (14, 16, 18, 20.5) “ / 29.25 (35.5, 41, 46, 52) cm. To fit head circumference 16 (18, 20, 22, 24) “ / 41 (46, 51, 56, 61) cm.
Circumference (Body) 14 (16, 18, 20, 22) “ / 35.5 (41, 46, 51, 56) cm.
Height (Brim-Crown) 9.25 (9.75, 10.25, 10.5, 11) “ / 23.5 (25, 26, 27, 28) cm.

The individual pattern will be able to purchase online from June 10th, 2017 (£3 GBP).

"Once upon a time, in a kingdom far far away…”

Comprising of 6 patterns, the collection is currently available to pre-order either as a e-book, or as a paper copy+e-book - information on how to order is given below.

The collection will be released digitally on June 10th, 2017.

If you would like to pre-order the e-book only, this can be purchased via Ravelry (for the discounted price of £10).

(Prices on full release: e-book only £12.00, paper copy+e-book £13.50 plus P&P).

Hallein Wrist Warmers

Posted on May 10, 2017May 23, 2017 by Aphaia

Like the Hallein Cowl, this matching pair of wrist warmers is inspired by the Austrian salt mines. Using the same textured rib and slip stitch motif, these warmers can be made with a choice of two different fits - Fitted for a neat, snug fit, or Slouchy for a more relaxed, casual finish. The small integrated thumb holes mean that if desired, they can be worn as plain arm warmers instead.

Samples (Fitted, size S, and Slouchy, size M) shown use Ginger’s Hand Dyed Sheepish DK, in the 'Sound & Fury', and 'Muddy Paws' colour ways.

These wrist warmers match the Hallein Hat and the Hallein Cowl.

Materials
125 (155, 185) {160 (185, 215)} yds / 114.5 (142, 169) {146.5 (169, 196.5)} m DK weight yarn, in two shades:
MC 75 (90, 110) {95 (110, 130)} yds / 68.5 (82, 100.5) {87 (100.5, 119)} m
CC 50 (65, 75) {65 (75, 85)} yds / 46 (59.5, 68.5) {59.5 (68.5, 78)} m
4 mm / US 6 circular needle or DPNs
4 mm / US 6 crochet hook
Stitch marker (1)
Tapestry needle

Gauge
20 sts x 32 rnds = 4 “ / 10 cm in broken rib pattern in the rnd.
24 sts x 36 rnds = 4 “ / 10 cm in slip stitch pattern in the rnd.

Sizes
S (M, L). Fitted Slouchy.
Cuff circumference 6 (7, 8.5) “ / 15 (18.5, 21.5) cm.
Hand circumference 6 (7.5, 8.5) {8.5, 10, 11.5} “ / 15 (19, 21.5) {21.5, 25, 29} cm Length 9 (9, 9) “ / 23 (23, 23) cm.
Thumb Hole Circumference 2 (2, 2) “ / 5 (5, 5) cm.

The individual pattern will be available to purchase online from June 10th, 2017 (£3.00 GBP).

"Once upon a time, in a kingdom far far away…”

Comprising of 6 patterns, the collection is currently available to pre-order either as a e-book, or as a paper copy+e-book - information on how to order is given below.

The collection will be released digitally on June 10th, 2017.

If you would like to pre-order the e-book only, this can be purchased via Ravelry (for the discounted price of £10).

(Prices on full release: e-book only £12.00, paper copy+e-book £13.50 plus P&P).

Hallein Cowl

Posted on May 9, 2017May 7, 2017 by Aphaia

The first pattern in the collection is inspired by the salt mines of Austria, namely the city of Hallein. The mines have yielded some interesting archaeological discoveries, including cloth - with a plaid pattern.

The Hallein Cowl is a two colour pattern, using either DK (or Aran) weight yarn. It combines textured rib, with a two colour slip stitch pattern that is perfect for beginners unused to working with multiple yarns at the same time - only one colour is used per row. Two lengths are available: the short version create a neat close-fitting cowl, which is perfect for tucking into a jacket collar. The long version can be worn doubled around the neck for extra cosiness.

Materials
225 (595) {275 (705)} yds / 206 (544) {251.5 (645)} DK {Aran} weight yarn in two shades:
MC 150 (400) {185 (480)} yds / 137 (366) {169 (439)} m
CC 75 (195) {90 (225)} yds / 69 (178) {82.5 (206)} m

4.5 mm {5 mm} / US 7 {US 8} circular needle or DPNs

Stitch marker (1)
Tapestry needle

Gauge
20 {18} sts x 30 {24} rnds = 4 “ / 10 cm in broken rib in the rnd, with DK Aran weight yarn on 4.5 5 mm needles.
20 {18} sts x 36 {26} rnds = 4 “ / 10 cm in slip stitch pattern in the rnd, with DK Aran weight yarn on 4.5 5 mm needles.

Sizes
Short (Long)
Circumference 20 (52) {22 (58)} “ / 50.5 (137) {56 (147)} cm.
Height 12 (12) {12 (12)} “ / 30.5 (30.5) {30.5 (30.5)} cm.

The individual pattern will be available to purchase online from June 10th, 2017 (£3.00 GBP).

"Once upon a time, in a kingdom far far away…”

Comprising of 6 patterns, the collection is currently available to pre-order either as a e-book, or as a paper copy+e-book - information on how to order is given below.

The collection will be released digitally on June 10th, 2017.

If you would like to pre-order the e-book only, this can be purchased via Ravelry (for the discounted price of £10).

(Prices on full release: e-book only £12.00, paper copy+e-book £13.50 plus P&P).

A Love Like Salt

Posted on May 7, 2017May 7, 2017 by Aphaia

Things may have seemed extremely quiet for a while around here, but if you are on Ravelry you may have noticed a few adverts popping up here and there around the site. These were all in anticipation of a new collection I've been putting together, and the provisional pattern pages have been up on Ravelry since the end of April.

However, since we wrapped up the official photoshoot on Friday I can now switch things up and start promoting it properly!

Before we get into the proper introduction to the collection, it seems sensible to provide some background on the inspiration (and an explanation of the title) before I share the patterns.

The tale in all its variants is very similar. A father asks daughters how much they love him. The elder daughters all respond with socially appropriate equivalents (sugar, gold, that sort of thing). The youngest, however, always responds that she loves him like salt.

Displeased with her answer, he drives his youngest daughter from his home. She wanders for a while, eventually finding employment as a lowly servant at a wealthy and powerful household. There the son of the household falls in love with her, and despite resistance on his parents part (normally resolved when they discover she is not as low in status as first appears), permit the marriage.

She makes the decision to invite her father (in secret) to her wedding feast, but she instructs the cook to prepare all of his food without salt. The father, failing to recognise his estranged daughter, finds his meal inedible. Realising now the extent his daughter's love (since no man can survive without salt), he laments that he has wronged her and mourns her (he believes she is probably dead at this point).

Instead she reveals herself and everyone is happily reconciled. Hurrah!

Using that as a starting point, I looked to the history and geography of salt to provide the actual inspiration for the individual patterns. What I found was an awful lot of inspiration! It was at this point that the collection started to take on a life of its on. Rather than create one (extremely) large collection, I instead decided to break it down into more manageable sections - North, South, East and West.

So, may I now introduce (officially), A Love Like Salt: North. A small collection of six patterns, with an emphasis on slip stitches and texture.

"Once upon a time, in a kingdom far far away…”

Comprising of 6 patterns, the collection is currently available to pre-order either as a e-book, or as a paper copy+e-book - information on how to order is given below.

The collection will be released digitally on June 10th, 2017.

If you would like to pre-order the e-book only, this can be purchased via Ravelry (for the discounted price of £10).

(Prices on full release: e-book only £12.00, paper copy+e-book £13.50 plus P&P).

The London Craft Guide

Posted on March 3, 2016March 3, 2016 by Aphaia

London Craft Guide

Although it has been available for pre-order for a little while, the London Craft Guide from Yarn in the City was officially launched at Unravel last week, and I’m delighted to say that I contributed a pattern to the guide – may I introduce the South Bank Shawl!

South Bank Shawl (Image courtesy of Yarn in the City)

The South Bank of the River Thames is a popular and busy tourist destination. With the London Aquarium, the British Film Institute and the iconic London Eye stretched along the riverbank towards the Millenium Footbridge.This lovely lace shawl is an ode to the London Eye, a giant Ferris wheel originally constructed for the Millenium. The tallest Ferris wheel in Europe, the Eye is a popular destination for tourists and locals, as it offers a stunning view of the city from 135 metres up. Worked in a luxurious silk-blend fingering weight yarn, this pattern includes half circle and full circle versions, with optional bead accents. (From the Ravelry Page)

The lovely yarn is Uncommon Thread’s Merino / Silk blend in the ‘Breath’ colour way, and the beads are silver-lined translucent crystal beads.

There is more information on the guide over at the Yarn in the City website. And there are reviews from Crafts from the Cwtch (which mentions my shawl!), Inspiration Knits and Knitted Bliss.

And the London Craft Guide will be at Edinburgh Yarn Festival. One half of Yarn in the City will be at the event vending as PorpoiseFur, and will have copies of the guide plus the samples to look at!

All images in this post (C) Juju Vail and Yarn in the City

Holla Knits Blog Tour: Arciform

Posted on November 5, 2015November 5, 2015 by Aphaia

This is a very exciting pattern for me. As it is my first garment, and I adore it. A customisable-length, super cosy jacket with colour blocking and short row shaping.

The pattern is worked with three colours, though more could be added – maybe a contrast trim? And worked from the top down. Sleeves are worked with short row caps for a neat fit. And barring a little seaming at the shoulders, the whole thing is knitted as one piece.

The gray / green combination above is worked in Valley Yarns Berkshire Bulky in the Light and Dark Gray Heather, and Lime colour ways. The version shown below uses Knit Picks Brava Bulky in Seraphim, Mulberry and Peacock.