05 July 2011

Pattern: Wench

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A saucy lass deserves an easy-to-knit and easy-to-wear pullover for warmer weather: Wench fits the bill. The drape of the finished linen fabric will win you over, keeping you cool yet covered. This sweater was inspired by the shifts that all women used to wear, but now you can show it off. With picot edgings and drawstrings at neck and wrists, you’ll look just a bit fancy while feeling supremely comfortable.

Sizes: 30 34, 38, 42, 46, 50, 54” bust

Skills Needed
Casting on
Binding off
Knitting
Increasing
Decreasing

Wench $7

Wench is also part of the new ebook Avast No. 1: eight patterns for piratical knitters
Avast No. 1 $25

Pattern: Walk the Plank

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Though most sailors run barefoot on board a ship (easier to climb the rigging), sometimes socks are necessary. Walk the Plank are worked in worsted-weight from the toe up (with complete directions for a short-row heel), so you can quickly use up every last bit of your yarn. The Sailor’s Rib is attractive and easy-to-remember, so you’ll have a new pair of socks in no time.

Skills Needed
Casting on
Binding off
Knitting
Purling
Increasing
Decreasing
Working short rows

Walk the Plank $5

Walk the Plank is also part of the new ebook Avast No. 1: eight patterns for piratical knitters
Avast No. 1 $25
buy now

Pattern: Night Watch Cap

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An essential part of any pirate’s kit, a watch cap keeps your head warm whether you’re hairy or not (pirates often shaved their heads to streamline their grooming routines). Wear your Night Watch Cap with brim folded in classic watch cap style or unfold the brim and push it back onto the crown of your head, letting the top flop back. With this rib pattern you can have the fancy side showing or go incognito with plain ribs. If you weave your ends carefully as you go, you can flip the hat from knit to purl side for four looks.

A note on sizing: The ribbing on this hat allows the circumference to stretch from 16-22 inches, making it a hat that will fit most adults (and some kids).

Skills Needed
Casting on
Binding off
Knitting
Purling
Increasing
Decreasing
Working stitches out of order

Night Watch Cap $4

Night Watch Cap is also part of the new ebook Avast No. 1: eight patterns for piratical knitters
Avast No. 1 $25

Pattern: Mermaid's Mitts

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Even mermaids get cold hands, I imagine. They could use a pair of Mermaid's Mitts! And these little pretties are quick to knit, light and cozy, and require just a smidgen of laceweight yarn. If you are ready to move beyond the basics but not ready for the time commitment of a shawl, you’ll flap your tail for this pair in fishtail lace. You could even use the last ten grams from your Aphros for a matching pair of mitts!

Pattern is charted and written out and includes helpful tips to get you started.

Skills Needed
Casting on
Binding off
Knitting
Purling
Increasing
Decreasing

Mermaid's Mitts $5
buy now

Mermaid's Mitts is also part of the new ebook Avast No. 1: eight patterns for piratical knitters
Avast No. 1 $25
buy now

29 June 2011

Pattern: Deckhand

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Does your little scallywag deserve a new sweater? How about a comfortable, easy-to-wear (and put on) pullover in easy-care cotton. Just right for cool summer evenings on deck. Worked flat with one-row stripes, the generous bateau neckline fits easily over squirming heads, while single button adds a little verve. Sleeves are “just right” at the young end of each size and will be 3/4 sleeves for the older wearer—perfect for keeping out of the way when climbing the rigging.

This version is worked in Mission Falls 1824 Cotton. You might surmise from the photographs that Penelope doesn't really like her sweater, but she has happily worn it before, with a grin even. Unfortunately, these pictures were taken at the end of our vacation, by which time she was quite cranky. I'm happy to report that she's in a better mood now, though still recovering from jetlag.

A version knit in Knitpicks Comfy Worsted will be released in July. And Isobel modeled that one, which was a hoot. Can't wait to show you some of the poses!

Skills Needed 
Casting on
Binding off
Knitting
Purling
Decreasing

Deckhand $2.99

Deckhand is also part of the new ebook Avast No. 1: eight patterns for piratical knitters.
Avast No. 1 $25

Pattern: Captain Austen's Scarf (reissue)

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A cozy scarf is a must for walking the deck of your ship, and what better way to dress it up than with a little of Frank Austen's fringe? He worked the very same fringe (on some curtains) while on shore leave with his sister Jane. Luscious, bulky Malabrigo Twist makes for a quick knit, and the reversible Seaweed stitch pattern will keep your interest until it's tie to tie that fringe and board your ship.

I originally released Captain Austen's Scarf last fall, but when putting together the collection Avast No. 1, I realized it belonged here and brought it to the photo shoot. Doesn't it look great on Stephen?

Captain Austen's Scarf $4

Captain Austen's Scarf is also part of the new ebook Avast No. 1: eight patterns for piratical knitters.
Avast No. 1 $25

Pattern: Babe in the Mist

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Wrap your littlest buccaneer in a blanket of Mist Drops to keep baby safe from discovery, whether on board ship or tucked away on a desert island. Every edge of this cozy cover undulates so baby will become accustomed to the waves, and both sides of this pattern are beautiful, so no worries about which side is best. A washable wool blend makes this a practical, not-too-heavy, and easy-to-care for blanket for your babe.
Babe in the Mist uses approximately 500 yards of Berocco's Vintage
Pattern is charted and written out, and includes helpful notes to get you started.
Skills Needed 
Casting on 
Binding off 
Knitting 
Purling 
Increasing 
Decreasing
Babe in the Mist $5 
buy now


Babe in the Mist is also part of the new ebook Avast No. 1: eight patterns for piratical knitters.
Avast No. 1 $25