6.30.2016

Anklet Skein Pattern Suggestions

There are quite a few patterns out there that use less than a full skein of fingering weight yarn. That's when our anklet skeins come in handy - 275 yards of Artisan Sock. And we've just added more of these skeins to our online store.

Naturally, anklet skeins are perfect for anklets, but not just anklets.

Let's have a look at some of the patterns that caught my eye on Ravelry when I searched for fingering weight patterns that require less than 275 yards.

Small cowls are a great idea for anklet skeins. Jo Strong's Irish Mesh cowl is a beautiful pattern featuring the Irish mesh stitch.

photo by Jo Strong

I also love the look of Allyson Dykhuizen's Francisco Cowl, a lovely combination of garter stitch and eyelets.
photo by Holla Knits

Fingerless mitts are another great choice for anklet skeins. Melanie Berg's Qwist Mitts use slip stitches to create a fun fabric.
photo by Melanie Berg

Tiina Kuu's Kujeillen mitts combine nupps and twisted stitches to create an interesting pair of fraternal mitts. 

photo by TiiQ

And the Straightforward mitts by Mone Drager use twisted rib for a awesome pair of unisex mitts.

 photo by GuapaM

And, of course, anklet skeins can used for anklets - a great summer sock. Andrea Rangel has designed two beautiful pairs of anklets with Artisan sock. 

The Wendee sock seen here in Spanish Wine (hard copy pattern available here),

 photo by Andrea Rangel 2011

and the Hex Socks, seen here in Laguna (hard copy pattern available here). 

 photo by Andrea Rangel 2012

And the final pattern I've chosen is one that I've seen pop up everywhere lately - KALs, Instagram, podcasts... 

The Rose City Rollers by Mara Catherine Bryner is a free pattern that has had almost 3000 projects posted on Ravelry since it was published last May. People seem to really like it. 

 photo by Mara Catherine Bryner



6.14.2016

DK Pattern Suggestions

Our upcoming Summer sale (date to be announced) is going to include a whole lot of Split Skeins (previously known as "Knotty Naughty") in Lively DK, so I thought it would be fun to have a look around on Ravelry and find some awesome DK weight patterns to share with you. Keep reading until the end for more information about our Split Skeins.*

For each of the patterns mentioned I have suggested colours. The links will take you to the regular DK listing for each colour as the sale listings are not available online yet. These are just suggestions to get your creative process started. Make sure to check out the Split Skein listings on the day of the sale to see what is available.

Everyone needs a little inspiration, right? Let's check out the patterns I found!

I'm a lover of mittens and DK is a great weight for mittens. Not too bulky but thick enough to be warm.

Pemba by knittedblissJC looks like a nice cozy pair of mittens with lots of cable-y interest.  And it has a matching headband! I think I would make them in Zest or Totally Pink for an awesome pop of colour.

 photo by knittedblissJC

Andrea Rangel's Dinar slipper pattern was designed with DK Lively in mind. Andrea's choice of Rick's Cognac is perfect. If you'd like to pick up a hard copy pattern for Dinar, we have those in stock.

photo by Andrea Rangel 2012

I've been seeing the Blueberry Waffle sock pattern by Sandy Turner pop up lately all over the knitting podcasts I watch. The pattern is free and written for DK. Wouldn't it look smashing in Jam Session or Viviane?

photo by Avalanche

I've have an ongoing love for baby knits and the Puerperium Cardigan by Kelly Brooker pulls at this knitter's heartstrings. Whether you went with a sweet version in Bloom or an eye-catching version in Carnelian, any baby would look adorable.

 photo by Leah Williams

And while we are talking about baby knits, what about a gorgeous baby blanket like the Garter Rib Baby Blanket by Orange Flower Yarn? White Winged Dove or Song Sparrow are great neutrals that would match pretty much any baby room.

 photo by sketchbook

Shawls are always a popular choice with any yarn weight. And Joji Locatelli's The Way from Brighton is an exceptional example of the beauty of a DK weight shawl. You could recreate the look with Spooky Hue or change it up with Atmosphere. (hard copy pattern available here.)

photo by Joji Locatelli

Dee O'Keefe came up with a stunner when she designed Thurmont with DK Lively in Lichen. It would also look lovely in Acorn for a more subtle approach.

 photo by Dee O'Keefe

And who can resist a beautiful DK weight sweater? It has the benefits of being faster to knit than a fingering weight sweater and less bulky than a worsted weight sweater. The best of both worlds!

The Snowflake sweater by Tin Can Knits has just a touch of lace to keep it fun. I'd combine Reflection and Silhouette to copy the original pattern's look. (hard copy pattern available here.)

 photo by Tin Can Knits

And finally, the Campside Cardi by Alicia Plummer looks so cozy. I want to cuddle up in one right now. The question is would you go neutral with Quill or eye-catching with Iris? The difficult decisions knitters have to make!

photo by aliciaplum

I hope you've enjoyed this tour of DK weight patterns. A couple of them have definitely found their way onto my queue. 

* So what are Split Skeins?  These skeins previously had a single knot or a flub in the strand.
After the skein was dyed, we split it into two hanks where the knot/flub occurred in the skein. You will essentially be getting two smaller skeins that TOGETHER will range from 265-275 yards.

If we have multiple skeins listed, they have likely been dyed in various different dye batches and, NOT in the same batch as other skeins of the same colorway in either the sale or the regular colorways sections of the website.  If you are ordering multiple skeins, you may need to knit in alternating rows. Please plan your projects accordingly.

Split Skeins are a great opportunity for some good savings if you don't mind an extra join or two! In many cases, the smaller skein is 10 grams or less. A little naughty, yet oh so nice! :)