Cascade Yarns Blog

Nicky Epstein is coming to visit Cascade Yarns later this week!  She will be teaching classes in the Puget Sound area and will be in both Tricoter and Great Yarns booths at the Stitch & Pitch on August 5, 2010 at Safeco Field starting at 5 pm. August 6, 2010 Renaissance Yarns 417 Ramsay Way, Ste#115 Kent, WA 98032 EDGING MAGIC & FLOWER POWER WORKSHOP - Don't miss this chance to experience Nicky's thought process on edging and flower design. If you've never taken a class from Nicky...take this one -12:30-3:30 pm HAPPY HAT KNITTING! - Learn Nicky's easy ways to make fabulous showstopping hats. Everyone will walk away with an original hat that they've designed with Nicky's help. Choose color/yarn you will want to wear on your head or use as a gift. - 5-8 pm August 7, 2010 Yorkshire Yarns 5808 100th Street Southwest Lakewood, WA 98499 BLOCK BY BLOCK  - Nicky will instruct from her upcoming new book, " Knitting Block by Block " feat...

The Stacy Shawl Designed by  Christina Wilkins Knit in Alpaca Lace - 100% Baby Alpaca - 437 yds/50 g - held double This shawl is an original design created for Stacy of The Knitting Nest in Austin, Texas where Christina will be teaching a class on August 8, 2010 from 2-4 pm.  Knit from from one end to the other, The Stacy Shawl features a cabled neck edge and a lace edging. The Stacy Shawl can also be knit in Cascade 220.

Some Like It Hot Opera Gloves Designed by Annie Modesitt Knit in Fixation (98.3% Cotton/1.7% Elastic - 100 yds/50 g) - shown in color 8990 - 3 balls Originally published in Romantic Hand Knit s (Annie Modesitt), Some Like It Hot Opera Gloves are both sexy and elegant.  The elastic in the Fixation helps the gloves keep their shape and stay in place. Marta Tunic Designed by Melissa Matthay Knit in Fixation - shown in color 8176 - 15-17 balls This beautiful tunic has several options for customization.  The sleeves are knit in one straight piece, so adjusting the length is relatively easy and the length be adjusted from midriff baring to mid-thigh.

Henri the Knitted Bear Designed by Rachel Borello Knit in Cloud 9 (50% Angora/50% Merino Wool - 109 yds/50 g) A fun little knitted bear! Quick to work up and a super sweet gift for anyone!

Bud Fixation (Cuff Down) Designed by Robyn Gallimore - Red Bird Knits Knit in Fixation (98.3% cotton/1.7% elastic - 100 yds/50 g) "Lovely stretchy cotton Fixation with lots of texture and a few buds at the top to celebrate the season," explains Gallimore. This is a rich, lush interpretation of gardening allusions-- one of the designer's enduring themes. Trellised travelling stitches (all worked without a cable needle, and she tells you how) train their way down from the gloriously budded cuff to the toe. The buds are especially effective in a variegated yarn, as they show up all bobbling in different colors.

Hangover Hannah Designed by Mother of Purl Design s (Susan Chastain) Knit in 220 Superwash (100% Superwash Wool - 220 yds/100 g) Hangover Hannah is the newest in a series of DK weight socks designed by Susan Chastain (Mother of Purl Designs).  These lace socks feature pine tress and a leaf patterned fold-over cuff.

Feet Eaters Designed by Anna Hrachovec  Knitting Mochimochi - 20 Super-Cute Strange Designs These cozy critters want to gobble you up!  But they realize it's more socially acceptable to keep your feet warm instead. Knit in Cascade 220 (100% Peruvian Highland wool - 220 yds/100 g) - shown in 7808 (Purple Hyacinth), 8505 (White), 8555 (Black) and sole in 9478 (Cotton Candy) Available in 3 sizes - the small has 1 tooth, medium has 2, and large has 3 teeth.

Boy's Blue Stuff Sack Designed by Laura Farson Knit in 220 Superwash (100% Superwash Wool - 220 yds/100 g) Color A: #897, light blue Color B: #896, medium blue Color C: #814, royal blue Color D: #813, dark navy blue Keep all your child’s treasures in this simple stuff sack. The pattern takes advantage of yarn dominance and is knit by stranding with dominant color in the left hand and the other yarn in the right. Size: Childs: 9” wide x 12” high Girls Pink Gradations Stuff Sack Designed by Laura Farson Knit in 220 Superwash (100% Superwash Wool - 220 yds/100 g) Color A: #894, light pink Color B: #836, medium pink Color C: #901, bright pink Color D: #903, dark pink This simple stuff sack will hold lots of treasures. It’s knit with odd number of stitches so stranding develops a textured check pattern. Size: Child: Measures: 8‐3/4” wide X 9” high

Budding Oak Scarf Designed by Dawn Brocco Knit in Eco Wool (100% undyed Peruvian Highland wool - 478 yds/250 g) Sample 1:    1 hank each #8018 Silver (MC) and #8010 Ecru (CC)   Sample 2:   1 hank each #8049 Tarnish (MC) and #8018 Silver (CC) Finished Dimensions: 1.75-2.75" wide x 90" long, excluding tassels  Improve your knitting skills with this beautiful scarf!  Techniques used in knitting this scarf include exterior cable shaping, lifted increases, bobbles, cabling without a needle, and long tail cast-on in purl.  Two scarves are shown - wear them alone or together .

Timeless Knits for Kids Written by Chris de Longpre' - Knitting at Knoon Rib Tickler Knit in Greenland (100% Merino Superwash Wool - 137 yds/100 g) - shown in color 3500 - 2-4 balls Sizes - 4-14 (23-32") This charming vest gets its tickle from lace ribbing extending from the top of the ribcage to the hem.  This version is a go-with-anything color, but made in a favorite color, will tickle any girl's fancy. Cotton Candy Knit in 220 Superwash (100% Superwash wool - 220 yds./100 g) - shown in color 894 - 3-6 balls Sizes - 4-14 (29-38 1/2") A truly girly-pullover will be loved by any girly-girl.  The all-over lace pattern is surprisingly easy to knit.  It might look dainty, but modified drop shoulders and plenty of ease will keep her from sitting on the sidelines.  Even the girly-est of girls has to keep up with her older brother! Head of the Class Knit in 220 Superwash - shown in color 1922 - 3-6 balls Available in sizes - 4-14 When Chris was i...

On July 2 - Loopy Yarns - Chicago, Il - hosted an exclusive children's fashion show featuring Jen Small - Blue Canary Creations - a local Chicago designer.  All of her patterns are available on Ravelry .  You can watch the show on YouTube . Sakura -- Cascade 220 Cavalier -- Cascade 220 Domo Arigato Pullover -- Cascade 220 Little Red Caboose pullover - Cascade 220 Pretty Please Pullover -- Cotton Rich

Saturday Sweater Designed by Mel Clark Knit in Cascade 220 (100% Peruvian Highland Wool - 220 yds/100 g) "Wear it to the Farmer’s Market," suggests Clark. "An easy, flattering raglan pullover with a generous, snuggly collar that can be worn wide open for glamour or buttoned high for extra warmth." Gloriously slouchy, comfortable and cozy, this will be your go-to sweater any time you want your clothes to make you feel loved. Raglan-sleeved, easily and traditionally made in pieces, with the collar and front bands picked up in the usual fashion; pockets are patch and knit separately, tied with little crochet chains.

Crochet Adorned Linda Permann's  book   is book full of fun crochet embellishments to accent all of your needlework projects, be they knitted, crocheted or sewn! Crochet the patterns as written or use the stitch mix and match the motifs in the included stitch dictionary. Many of the patterns in the stitch dictionary are worked up in Cascade. Garden Party Cardigan   Crochet a bouquet of flowers to add to your knit, crochet or store-bought cardigan using  220 Superwash . Full diagrams and written instructions make it easy to do!   Vintage Kitchen Trivets These double-layered lacy trivets, worked in   Sierra , will protect your countertop from warm pots and pans and add a bit of charm to your kitchen.   Lacy Headband Add a touch of luxury to this headband by making it with a super-soft silk blend yarn Venezia Worsted —it takes less than a skein!

Peavey Jacket Designed by:  Mercedes Tarasovich-Clark Interweave Knits Fall 2010 - On news stands - August 3, 2010 Finished Size  41½ (45, 51, 54½)" chest circumference, buttoned. Jacket shown measures 41½".  Yarn  Cascade Eco + (100% wool; 478 yd [526 m]/250 g): #8400 charcoal heather (MC), 2 (2, 3, 3) skeins; #2452 green heather (CC), 2 (2, 3, 3) skeins.  Needles  Body and sleeves—size 10½ (6.5 mm): straight. Ribbing—size 9 (5.5 mm): straight and 32" circular (cir). Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.  Gauge  15 sts and 16 rows = 4" in stranded St st on larger needles.

Euro-Style Cowl Designed by Laura Farson Knit in Heritage Paints (75% Superwash Merino Wool/25% Nylon - 437 yds/100 g) - 1 skein Easy style, yet very versatile to wear, this euro‐inspired cowl is a dream to knit. It’s a stretchy tube that can be worn as a scarf, neck warmer, or wimple.

We just received our copy of the new issue of Knit N'Style and loved the 2 patterns in Cascade Yarns.  This issue will be on sale July 27! Shadow Woven Pullover Designed by Sandi Prosser Knit in Eco Duo (70% Undyed Baby Alpaca/30% Merino Wool - 197 yds/100 g) This is a great sweater for the man in your life - it is soft, warm, and the striping comes from the yarn.  For a more subtle effect, pick a less contrasting color-way.  All of the colors in Eco Duo are natural and create a great shadowing effect. Julia Pullover Designed by:  Diane Zangl Knit in Cascade 220 (100% Peruvian Highland Wool - 220 yds/100g) This is a classic sweater with simple, flattering lines.  The color detail dresses it up just a bit.

Chulio Sampler Knit in Eco Alpaca (100% Undyed Baby Alpaca - 220 yds/100 g) shown in colors 1516, 1512, and 1511. We are very excited about Gwen Bortner's new book  Entrée to Entrelac - A Build-As-You-Go, Modular Approach for Knitters   that will be making its debut at Stitches Midwest.  Flap Messenger Bag Knit in Cascade 220 (100% Peruvian Highland Wool - 220 yds/100 g) - shown in colors 8555 Black, 8911 Purple, 8903 Lime & 9467.

Cresting Waves Clog Socks (Cuff Down) Designed by Dawn Brocco Knit in Cascade 220 (100% Peruvian Highland Wool - 220 yds/100 g) and Cloud 9 (50% Angora/50% Merino Wool - 109 yds/50 g) Brocco: "These socks are worked in 2 Cascade Yarns - Cascade 220 and Cloud 9. But consider Cascade's Lana D'Oro or other worsted weight wool or wool blend yarn. The easy stitch pattern is a classic Faroe design and reminds me of waves coming into shore, then flowing back out again, so I chose sea and shore colors. The cables, too, add a seaside (rope) element. The pattern is in 3 sizes, with tips on adjusting fit." These are very warm and durable socks, with the 10-ply yarn worked at a snug tension.

Flo the Elephant Translated by Franklin Habit from "Nursery Elephant of Wool," anonymously published c. 1930-1949, with revisions c. 1950 by Sue Rothschild. Published in Knitty - First Fall 2010  Materials:  [MC] Cascade 220 Quatro   [100% wool; 220yd/201m per 100g skein]; color: #5011 Crème Brulée; 2 skeins  [CC] Cascade 220 [100% wool; 220yd/201m per 100g skein]; color: #9421 Blue Hawaii; 1 skein This adorable elephant was knit by Franklin and makes an equally adorable collectible or toy.  The article on Knitty.com includes an informative and entertaining interview with  Sue Rothschild, of Rochester, Minnesota, whom had made numerous elephants over the years for friends and relatives.

Just Right Wrap Designed by Lisa Ellis - from Knit Prayer Shawls  (Published by Leisure Arts) Knit in 220 Superwash (100% Superwash wool - 220 yds/100 g) Over the centuries, shawls have come to symbolize shelter, peace, and spiritual sustenance. Now, thousands of knitters and crocheters of all faiths are creating handmade shawls for people in need. What started as a grass-roots movement has quickly grown into an international cause, with countless numbers of shawls being given to grateful recipients around the globe. This thoughtful book features 15 prayer shawls in easy to advanced skill levels, created by Leisure Arts’ best-selling designers. The concealed spiral bound 5 ½” x 8 ½” hardcover is the ideal slip-it-in-your-project bag, take-along pattern book for every on-the-go crafter. 

Monster Designed by Linda Medina Knit in Cascade 220 - 100% Peruvian Highland Wool - 220 yds/100 g Knit your own adorable monster - soft, squishy, and full of personality.  The Monster also makes a great pillow.

Covington 53% Wool / 47% Acrylic - 100 g 12-14 sts=4 inches (10 cm) on US #10-11 (6mm-8mm)   Diamonds Hat & Scarf  - free pattern Designed by Susie Bonell - 2 skeins - shown in Color 03