Cascade Yarns Blog

Kathy's Cables Designed by Black Purl Designs Knit in Pastaza  (50% Llama/50% Wool - 132 yds/100 g) The quintessential "Saturday" sweater. Great for a first time cabler, perfect for an experience knitter to work as a "no brainer" in front of the TV. A simple, roomy tunic with an artfully shaped neckline. This will be your "go to" sweater for years to come. Sizes - Small (42") [Medium (46"), Large (50")]

Eco Duo Slouch Hat Designed by Betty Balcomb According to Betty, "Cascade’s Eco Duo is quite simply the softest yarn I have ever worked with. The drape just begs to be worked up into a soft slouchy hat. This hat is a simple beret with 2 design elements worked in to make it unique:  the purl surrounded mesh band which I call my river pattern and use in many of my designs and a little seed stitch tab with buttons worn at the left temple." Materials: 1 100 gram skein of Cascade Eco Duo yarn. Pictured hat is color #1706. Sizes 8 and 10 16” circular needles and size 10 double points, or size required to obtain gauge. Gauge: 8 stitches to 2” BE SURE TO CHECK GAUGE!!

Girl's Dress Designed by: Amy Polcyn Knit Simple Spring/Summer 2010 Available on April 6 Knit in Fixation  (98.3% cotton / 1.7% elastic; 100 yds/50 g)

Tote Bag Knit Simple Spring/Summer 2010 photo by Paul Amato Available April 6 Designer: Rosemary Drysdale Knit in:  Cascade Yarns Ultra Pima  (100% Pima Cotton; 220 yds/100 g) 1 hank each - Colors:  #3717 (taupe), #3748 (yellow), #3740 (dark green), #3746 (green), #3733 (blue)

The Naked Sheep Knit Shop 2142 North Killingsworth Portland, OR 97217 503-283-2004 Blog:  http://thenakedsheepbleat.blogspot.com/ Hours: Tues - Wed:  10:00 am - 6:00 pm Thurs:  10:00 am - 9:00 pm Fri:  10:00 am - 6:00 pm Sat:  10:00 am - 4:00 pm Sun:  12:00 pm - 4:00 pm There was a wide array of Cascade Yarns in Naked Sheep as well as some great knitted models.  - Fixation  (98.3% cotton / 1.7% elastic; 100 yds/50 g) Sierra  - 80% Pima Cotton/20% Wool - 191 yds/100 g - available in both solids and quatros. Check out the cute hat! 220 Superwash  (100% Superwash Wool; 220 yds/100 g) Greenland  -100% Merino Superwash Wool - 137 yards/100 g A personal favorite - enjoyed seeing the beautiful sweater hanging as well as the hat (which was posted on Friday on Facebook!). Lana Bambu'  - 79% wool/21% bamboo - 197 yds/100 g

Close Knit 2140 NE Alberta Street Portland OR, 97211 Phone: (503)288-4568 Friday morning started with a stop by Close Knit.....                                                                                                                                                ...

Yarn Garden 1413 SE Hawthorne Blvd Portland, OR 97214 (503) 239-7950 Fall/Winter Hours: Mon - Thurs 10-7 Fri 10-6 Sat 10-5 Sun 12-5 A beautiful display of  Cascade 220 Yarn Garden has a number of charity knitting projects including helmet liners for the military overseas.

Crocheted Bag Designed by Gloria Tracy Crocheted in : Ultra Pima  (220 yards/100 g - 53 colors available) - shown in 3719 A cute, quick crocheted bag that only uses one skein!

Know It All Designed  by:  Kalani Craig Knit in Cascade 220  (Heathers) - 220 yds/100g - colors #4011 Sparrow and #9448 Olive (1 skein each)   A very cool bag!  On Knitty, Kalani wrote about her design: "Yep, this bag knows everything. It knows your row number, the chart for your stitch pattern, and where you are in that stitch pattern. Unlike the other know-it-alls in your life, it will gladly share information with you by displaying your row number and a chart for the current row of your stitch pattern in lights! (Though of course there are limitations; you can generate a custom chart for the bag, but only for stitch patterns up to 10 stitches wide that use k, p, k2tog, ssk and sk2p). The bag is part of a growing project category called “computational textiles.” Computational textiles is a scary phrase often applied to projects that are complicated, difficult and fun but don’t do much. Still, I found myself obsessed with the idea of mixing kn...

Jillian Moreno wrote a quick review on "60 Quick Knits" in the Cool Stuff  section. 60 Quick Knits in Cascade 220: 20 Hats*20 Scarves*20 Mittens (Sixth and Spring Books) For many knitters, Cascade 220 is their go-to all-purpose yarn,. It’s reasonably priced, soft and comes in a huge rainbow of colors. This book is a smorgasbord for cold weather accessories: hats, mittens and scarves for women (and a few kid patterns), all knit from Cascade 220. Quick to knit and with enough of an assortment of looks and techniques color, texture and sometimes both to keep any knitter interested. It’s never too early to start holiday knitting

Fixation Wrist Warmer Designed by Shannon Dunbabin Knit in Fixation   - (98.3% cotton/1.7% elastic; 100 yds/50 g) - shown in color 9245 One skein makes a pair. Necessity is the mother of invention:  the wrist warmer pattern was originally designed to wear under a horribly uncomfortable wrist brace.  Fixation became the perfect choice of yarn with its washability and stretch.

Mendel Designed by:  Carol Feller for StolenStitches.com Knit in Heritage  (75% Superwash Merino Wool / 25% Nylon - 437 yds / 100 g) "Simplicity and elegance are key in this understated top," says Feller. "Drama is created using an open draped neckline and ruched hemline and cuffs.  It's knit as a lightweight material from fingering weight yarn that has been knit with a loose gauge. This creates a flattering and stretchy material. Knit in the round from the bottom up, the ruches and hem are created as you knit. When the body is finished sleeves are picked up and knit down from the armhole, leaving you with minimal finishing when the knitting is done." How we love this, with its beautiful understanding of line and its understated elegance .

Bow Tie Cloche Designed by Debbie Anne - Bellsisters Design Shop Knit in Fixation  (98.3% cotton / 1.7% elastic; 100 yds/50 g) and Ultra Pima  (100% Pima Cotton; 220 yds/100 g) This is a very stylish and comfortable cotton cloche- perfect for spring time weather~or if you are having a bad hair day!

Eco Alpaca Climbing Lace Cardigan Designed by Angela Juergens Knit in Eco Alpaca  (100% undyed Baby Alpaca - 220 yards/100 g) - shown in color 1517 Gauge: 21 stitches/30 rows = 4”/4” in Double Seed Stitch pattern needle size US 7 A beautiful, yet simple cardigan - leave it open or close it with your favorite shawl pin.  Eco Alpaca is lusciously soft and drapey - making this prjoect a complete joy to knit.

Capped Designedy by Jill Wolcott (Y2Knits) Knit in Sierra  (80% Pima Cotton/20% Wool - 191 yds/100 g) "Welted leaf patterns offset by rib columns create interest on this simple top," says Wolcott. "The rib trim is repeated at the neck and cap sleeve to keep them flat. Minimal finishing is needed." In spite of the simple, partly circular construction, there's a distinguished amount of shaping here-- at both front and back necks as well as the waist. We love the knit/purl patterning: it's been used for hundreds of years in mosaics and brickwork, and gives a timeless quality to a very modern silhouette. In fact, the whole architecture of it-- the horizontal welt, the vertical panel, and the integration of all the design elements-- is remarkably harmonious.

bluegirl knits was started in 2008 by Nichole Reese who started designing while working at Knot Another Hat  in Hood River, Oregon. Blueridge Hat Knit in Lana Grande   (100% Peruvian Wool - 87 yds/100 g) - Shown in color 6025 Gauge:  10 sts and 16 rows = 4" (10 cm) Finished Size:  Small Adult- 21” (Medium/Large Adult- 24”) This fast and fun hat uses just one skein of yarn for both sizes. This is a great simple cable project for a first time cabler or a quick knit for the skilled, looking for an affordable and fast knit. Petey the Magic Giraffe Knit in Cotton Rich  (64% Cotton/36% Nylon - 80 yds/50 g) - 3 skeins Color A (1317) and 1 skein Color B (1457) Gauge:  16 sts and 28 rows = 4" (10 cm) Finished Size:  9”w x 14”h This spotted giraffe is knit in pieces and sewn together using worsted weight yarn. Petey makes a great gift.

Sierra Grapevine Shawl Designed by Susie Bonell Knit in Sierra  (80% Pima Cotton/20% Wool - 191 yds/100 g) - 2 hanks A great 2 skein project that works well as a scarf or a shawl to wrap yourself in!

Pittsburgh Steelers Hat Designed by Lorna Miser Knit in Cascade 220   (100% Peruvian Highland Wool - 220 yards/100 g - available in more than 350 colors in heathers, solids, tweeds, quatros, and hand paints) - shown in colors 8555 (black) and 7827 (goldenrod) - 1 skein each. Originally designed for the Pittsburgh Knit and Crochet Festival, the pattern is now a free download on the site.  Customize to whatever team colors are your favorites! The original modeled by Randy Grossman (former Steeler) while we were in Pittsburgh last month.

Eco Duo Cabled Scarf Designed by Shannon Dunbabin Knit in Eco Duo  (70% undyed Baby Alpaca / 30% undyed Merino Wool - 197 yds/100 g) - shown in color 1703 - 1-2 skeins (scarf shown is 1 skein, 2 would make a very generous scarf) Size US 9 needles Eco Duo is one of Cascade Yarns' newest yarns - buttery soft and each color combination creates a shadow (stripey) effect.  The higher the contrast in the skein, the darker the stripes in the project.

Figheadh Yarnworks is a local couple (Tacoma, WA), Jennifer and Fred Hagan, that have been in business since 2003 designing beautiful garments and accessories.  They are a wholesale only company, but have a store locator  to help you find where to buy their patterns.  Here are a few that feature Cascade Yarns: Aran Wiggles Turtleneck Pattern Cascade Cash Vero (55% Merino/33% Microfiber/12% Cashmere): 50 g/98 yds, 12 (13, 14, 15, 15) skeins, color #003 Here’s an Aran style sweater with a kick. Knit in the round, the raglan shaping makes for an easy finish—just close up the armholes and add the turtle. Sherrod   Cascade Venezia Worsted (70% Merino Wool / 30% Silk): 100 g/218 yds, 6 (6, 7, 7, 8, 8, 9) skeins, color #123 Knit this traditonally styled sweater with no seams. The structure is Guernsey in origin, but the stitch patterns are Aran. Joined together, these two styles will give you a sweater that’s all one piece as soon as you work the last BO! S...

Labyrinth  LG-105 Designed by:  Tammy Eigeman Thompson for woolen collectibles 2010 Knit in Eco Alpaca  (100% undyed baby Alpaca - 220 yards per 100 g - available in 20 natural shades and twists) •3 sizes, finished 40”, 43”, 48” Here is another splendid sweater from Eigeman Thompson, traditionally worked in the round and steeked for the armholes and neck. Beautiful cable and lace patterns lighten the soft warmth of the alpaca yarn. Shoulders are joined by a 3-needle bind-off; the only sewing is setting the sleeves in (using the cut armhole steeks as facings). The ribbing pattern is embellished with a tiny 1/1 cable cross; the neckline is worked in the round in a 2 x 2 rib on the outside, then one purl round for a foldline, then knit plain on the inside and tacked down. A very graceful and elegant piece.

2 Great Wraps - one knit and one crocheted - in Cottonrich DK - a great cotton/nylon blend that is soft, durable, and easy on the hands.  Summer Waves Wrap Designed by Susie Bonell Finished Measurements: Approx. 60” by 16 ½ overall Materials: Cottonrich DK  (64% Cotton / 36% Polyamide - 135.6 yds) -  6 skeins Size 9 needles Size G Crochet Hook Lacey Arches Stole Designed by Susie Bonell Finished size: Approx 20” x 66” blocked Materials: Cotton Rich DK: 9 skeins Crochet hook size G

Lolita Designed by:  Josi Hannon Madera MATERIALS: 5.0 mm (US-H/8) & 5.5 mm (US-I/9) hooks 3 - ¾ in. dia. (19 mm), 4-hole buttons Tapestry needle Cascade Sierra , in color #03 - (580, 615, 650, 685, 720, 755, 790, 825) yds A supa-cute a-line mini with the structural elements that reflect the newest trends on the runway, it features simple cable detailing, a 3-button opening at the center-back, and "tushie-shaping" (so that it fits over one’s curves and doesn’t ride up in the back).  The sizing for this garment allows for a perfect fit because length and hip circumference are dealt with separately – so narrower sizes are not automatically shorter and wider sizes are not automatically longer. Is that the way it should be all the time? You Sexy Thing Designed by Julie Armstrong Holetz   MATERIALS: 450 yds Cascade Sierra, color #60 US G/4 mm crochet hook ½ yd (46 cm) outer lining fabric ½ yd (46 cm) light weight interfacing ¾ yd (69 cm) inner lining fab...

Kid's Jester Hat and Mittens Designed by Dawn Brocco Adorable Jester Hats and matching mittens - customize with your choice of almost 50 colors (with more coming for fall).  Sizes: 2-4 / 5-7 / 8-10 Finished Measurements: Mitten Hand Circ.: 7.5 / 8 / 8.5" Mitten Length: 6.75 / 7.75 / 8.25" Hat Circ: 18 / 19 / 20" Hat Depth (without points): 7.5 / 8.5 / 9.5" Yarn: Cascade Yarns Eco+ (100% Peruvian wool, approx. 478 yds / 250 gram hanks): Sample 1: 1 hank each #8457 lemon yellow (A) and #6913 azalea pink (B), Sample 2: 1 hank each #7009 leaf green (A) and #5342 royal blue (B) Gauges: 16 sts and 24 rnds = 4" (10 cm) in St st with size 8 ndls and 2 strands yarn and 14 sts and 21 rnds = 4" in St st with size 10 ndls and 2 strands yarn, or sizes needed to give gauges.

Choo Choo Hoody Designed by Patty Davis What little boy doesn’t love trains?  With extraordinary detail and vibrant color this Hoody will be his favorite!  This easy to crochet Hoody is warm and cozy. Not to mention ultra soft.  The contemporary design and extraordinary detail make it truly special.  Hoody pieces are crocheted separately and sewn together.  Train and smoke “balls” are crocheted separately and attached. Sizing:  Children’s sizes 6 months to 3 yrs. Finished Measurements Chest (closed) 26 (28, 30, 32, 34)” / 66 (71, 76.2, 81.2, 86.3) cm Materials:  Pima Tencel (50% Pima Cotton/50% Tencel; 89 yds/50 g) : 6-9 balls #4922 (bright blue). 1 -2 balls #9509 (Mint Green) and #7478 (Red) Remnants of Yellow, Green, and White yarn for train. Size 9 (5.5 mm) crochet hook (or size to obtain gauge). Size 6 (4.0 mm) crochet hook Size F (3.75 mm) crochet hook Gauge:  18 st and 18 rows = 4” / 10 cm on sc rows using a...

Horizontal Vertical Kimono Designed by:  Betty Balcomb Knit in 220 Superwash Quatro  - 5(6,6,7) balls - shown in #1955. Measurements: Bust 36(39,42,45) inches. Length short – about 24", average – about 28", tall about 31" from shoulder to mid‐thigh. Feel free to make the garment shorter or longer by casting on less or more stitches.  Purchase an extra ball if you plan to make the vest extra long. Size 7 needles or Size Required to Obtain Gauge.   Knit side to side, this versatile vest is both flattering and comfortable.

Clustered Stitch Scarf Designed by:  Betty Balcomb Knit in Alpaca Lace  (437 yards/50 g - 100% Baby Alpaca) - shown in color #1410 - 1 skein Gauge: about 5 stitches per inch in pattern stitch on US 6 Finished Size: About 10" x 58" after blocking and not including fringe. The fringe adds about 3" at each end. This elegant scarf could not be simpler to knit. The beauty comes from the wonderful yarn, a very simple lace pattern and a modest fringe on the ends. Wear it loose, tied any number of ways, draped around the neck, joined with a shawl pin or sew on a couple of buttons along one side and close to form a v-necked faux vest.