SMP Craft

I promised a few weeks back that to celebrate spring, I’d be posting some springtime knit and crochet flower patterns to get you excited for this beautiful season. Here is our first flower pattern from 75 Floral Blocks to Knit by Lesley Stanfield.

(click cover to buy)

This pattern is the perfect inspiration for spring, as flowers begin to bloom in vibrant colors around our neighborhoods. I love taking slow strolls around the block and staring into the gardens to see all the different flowers that have sprung from the ground.

This Flower Bed pattern is a repeat pattern that’s usually worked in two colors. But varying the colors through makes a lovely springtime garden scene. A scheme of slip stitches means that only one color is worked at a time.

MATERIALS
Yarn DK wool in pale gray (A), 4 shades of green (B), and 4 shades of mauve and pink (C)
Equipment A pair of knitting needles

METHOD

Specific abbreviation
mb make bobble: p3, turn, k3, turn, p3tog, take yarn to back.

Note All slip stitches are slipped purlwise.

INSTRUCTIONS

Using A, cast on 33 sts.
1st and 3rd rows (RS) K.
2nd and 4th rows P.
Change to first shade B.
5th row K.
6th row K5, [wrapping yarn 3 times for each st k3, k7] twice, wrapping yarn 3 times for each st k3, k5.
Change to A.
7th row K1, [slip 1, k3, slip 3 dropping extra wraps, k3] 3 times, slip 1, k1.
8th row P1, [wyif slip 1, p3, wyif slip 3, p3] 3 times, wyif slip 1, p1.
9th row K5, [slip 3, k7] twice, slip 3, k5.
10th row P5, [wyif slip 3, p7] twice, wyif slip 3, p5.
11th row K3, [slip 2, drop next st off needle to front, slip same 2 slip sts back on to left-hand needle, pick up and k dropped st without twisting it, k3, drop next st off needle to front, k2, pick up and k dropped st without twisting it, k3] 3 times.
Change to first shade C.
12th row P1, wyif slip 2, * [(p1, k1, p1) in next st, wyif slip 2] twice, (p1, k1, p1) in next st, wyif slip 3; repeat from * once, [(p1, k1, p1) in next st, wyif slip 2] 3 times, p1.
13th row K1, slip 2, * mb, [slip 2, mb] twice, slip 3; repeat from * once, [mb, slip 2] 3 times, k1.
Change to A.
14th row P, working each bobble st tbl. Repeat 3rd–14th rows 3 times more, substituting shades B and C each time. K1 row, p1 row, k1 row.
Bind off knitwise.

Sunflowers from 50 Sunflowers to Knit, Crochet & Felt by Kristin Nicholas

It’s springtime in New York and I couldn’t help but be inspired by the budding flowers outside, so I created a Pinterest page featuring some the beautiful blooms from our books. Oh, you didn’t know that we have a treasure trove of gorgeous floral craft books? Well, now you do. Ever since we published 100 Flowers to Knit & Crochet back in March 2009, which was a smash success, we couldn’t stop giving crafters what they were looking for: flowers and flowers and some cute critters galore! Check out the Pinterest to page to see all the different varieties of flowers, blossoms, vines, leaves, and fruits that you can make from our books.

And speaking of making flowers, Creativebug is currently hosting a giveaway for the book 50 Sunflowers to Knit, Crochet & Felt by Kristin Nicholas on their website. Click on the link to enter to win a copy of the book, 3 skeins of Kristin’s Classic Elite Color by Kristin yarn, and a 3-month subscription to Creativebug. Bonus: You can check out a lovely video of Kristin’s farm and animals, plus her beautifully colorful home. Good luck! And keep checking back on our blog for some free floral knitting patterns in the coming weeks to celebrate the season!

Being a big knitter and crocheter, I am a scarf and shawl fiend! Scarves are easy and fun to knit and the perfect accessory to change up an outfit. I just love how comfy and how versatile they are. I’m such a big fan of scarves that I’m a little ashamed to admit that the enormous collection hanging on my closet door is so big that that when I try and close it, a scarf end always gets stuck poking out from the door!

Scarves, Shrugs & Shawls by Sarah Hatton contains 22 fabulous designs that you can wear all year round. My favorite part about the book is the “How To Wear” section which gives readers loads of ideas plus instructions for how to wrap, fasten, belt, or tie on your latest scarf project. In the pages above, I share with you the knitting pattern plus the “How to Wear” ideas for Sarah’s Multiway Stole. A few weeks ago I spotted this same design at Uniqlo — a large rectangular scarf with buttons up part of one side. Which made me think (as most crafters do), why buy one when I can make my own? I really hope you enjoy knitting this multifunctional and gorgeous piece. I think it’s the perfect Springtime accessory to wear — you can change the way you wear it based on the temperature outside!

Happy Spring! Despite it being in the low-40s here in New York, the flowers are just starting to poke out of the ground, which gives me hope that warmer temperatures and spring dresses are just around the corner! To celebrate the season we’re having a giveaway for our fabulous new book 50 Sunflowers to Knit & Crochet by Kristin Nicholas along with some Lion Brand Kitchen Cotton yarn.

We are so excited about this book. The sunflower patterns are bright and cheery and come in all shapes and sizes. Plus, there are patterns for leaves and stems, butterflies, ladybugs, and bumblebees to add to the collection. Looking through this book just puts you in a good mood. It radiates springtime and sunshine. And there’s no one better to translate a field of sunflowers into knit and crochet patterns than author Kristin Nicholas. Kristin lives on Leyden Glen Farm, a working sheep farm in western Massachusetts with her husband and daughter (Oh, and not to mention, 400 sheep, 3 border collies, 2 Great Pyrenees guard dogs, 10 cats, 30 chickens, 1 guard donkey, and 1 guard llama). In the summer, her family grows a field of sunflowers that was the inspiration for this book. Check out the video below to see Kristin working on the farm and to hear how she incorporates color beautifully into her work and life.

If you’d like to enter win a copy of 50 Sunflowers to Knit & Crochet along with two skeins of Lion Brand’s Kitchen Cotton yarn, then leave a comment below (and while you’re at it, feel free to sign up for our newsletter at the top-right of this page). Please only one comment per person and, sorry, but this contest is for U.S. and Canadian citizens only. This giveaway will run from March 21 — March 28  and two winners will be chosen at random using random.org on Friday, March 29. Good luck!

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Winners!

Congratulations to Sylvia Buonanni and Christine Newpower, the winners of our book and Kitchen Cotton yarn giveaway!

Thank you to everyone who entered and for the overwhelming response! Check back again soon for more giveaways!

We’re excited to announce that Sarah Hatton, author of Scarves, Shrugs & Shawls, will be hopping the pond to come teach workshops and sign books in the U.S. and Canada for most of the month of March! Check out her tour schedule below to join a workshop and meet this uber-talented designer! Click on the links to the different locations to learn how to sign up.

Churchmouse Yarns & Teas, Bainbridge Island, Washington
Friday, March 1 
6:00p.m.–8:00p.m. — Meet the Designer: Sarah will be signing copies of Rowan Studio and copies of her books.
Saturday, March 2
4:00p.m.–6:00p.m. — “Martha” Meet Up: For graduates of the Churchmouse Yarns & Teas “Martha” cardigan classes, as well as anyone who has tackled the cardigan on their own, here’s your chance to meet the designer and show off your handiwork.
Sunday, March 3
10:00a.m.–1:00p.m. — Understanding Lace and Designing Your Own Lace Charts workshop
2:30p.m.–5:30p.m. — Understanding Texture: Infinite Possibilities in Two Stitches workshop

River City Yarns West, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Monday, March 4
6:00p.m.–8:00p.m. — Meet the Designer: Pattern & Book Signing
Tuesday, March 5
1:00p.m.–4:00p.m. — Understanding Lace and Designing Your Own Lace Charts workshop
5:30p.m.–8:30p.m. — Understanding Texture: Infinite Possibilities in Two Stitches workshop
Wednesday, March 6
1:00p.m.–7:00p.m. — Amending a Pattern and Pattern Writing Basics workshop

Knitting Time, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
Friday, March 8
6:00p.m.–8:00p.m. — Trunk Show & Book Signing
Saturday, March 9
10:30a.m.–5:00p.m. — Amending a Pattern workshop
Sunday, March 10
1:30p.m.–4:30p.m. — Understanding Textures workshop

Haus of Stitches, Humboldt, Saskatchewan, Canada
Friday, March 15
5:00p.m.–8:00p.m. — Understanding Texture workshop
Saturday, March 16
10:00a.m.–3:30p.m. — Amending a Pattern and Pattern Writing Basics workshop
Sunday, March 17
1:00p.m.–4:00p.m. — Understanding Lace and Designing Your Own Lace Chart workshop

Have you seen Scotland’s latest tourism campaign? It’s simply brilliant! I really can’t think of a better reason to visit Scotland than these two adorable Shetland ponies wearing Fair Isle sweaters! This is a cuteness-factor overload!

Button up, ponies! It’s chilly out there!

Alright, so it’s a bit of false advertising. I’ve been to Scotland and sadly not once in my travels did I spot a Fair Isle-sporting pony! Someone needs to fix that pronto! A few years ago there was a massive call online to knit sweaters for penguins who were affected by an oil spill in New Zealand (the sweaters prevented them from preening themselves and ingesting the oil). Why not start a campaign to knit sweaters for underdressed ponies!? I know, I know. Ponies don’t really need sweaters, but…but…I just really want to see more photos of cute squat animals wearing Fair Isle! Is that so wrong?

If you’d like to help me realize my dream of seeing more Fair Isle-wearing ponies, then have I got the book for you! The Very Easy Guide to Fair Isle Knitting is not only a great introduction to Fair Isle, there are over 60 gorgeous patterns (plus ideas for variations) and 11 easy-to-make projects in the book, all containing clear step-by-step instructions, color-knitting charts, and close-up photographs. You’ll learn everything from basic two-color seeding to all-over Fair Isle pattern knitting. Check out the sample pages below to get a peek at the pattern directory (some of which I think any pony would love to wear!) I even included a Fingerless Mitts project, which I think would be a cinch to adapt into some hoof warmers!

The Very Easy Guide to Fair Isle Knitting
Step-by-Step Techniques, Easy-to-Follow Stitch Patterns, and Projects to Get You Started
 by Lynne Watterson
$22.99/$26.50 Can.
144 pages, trade paperback

Loom Knitting for Babies & Toddlers (click on the cover to buy)
More Than 30 Easy No-Needle Designs
$24.99/$28.99 Can.
144 pages, trade paperback

Here’s the latest book from our loom knitting maven, Isela Phelps. This book is filled with delightful patterns for babies and toddlers that are fun, easy, and quick to make on a loom. The patterns featured in the book include a range of cute and colorful mittens, sweaters, hats, booties, socks, blankets, toys, and more, and all the projects are explained using the clear step-by-step instructions, diagrams, and photos that are a trademark of these beginner-friendly books. The best part is that all the projects can be made on any type of loom, including the newer ones that are  just coming on the market.

And speaking of looms, we’re giving away the Martha Stewart Crafts-Lion Brand Yarn Knit & Weave Loom Kit along with a copy of Loom Knitting for Babies & Toddlers to one lucky winner! This loom is awesome! Like its name says, you can easily knit and weave scarves, hats, blankets, and all of Isela’s wonderful designs! The kit comes with 18 loom pieces that you can arrange in over 30 different configurations, hundreds of small- and large-gauge pegs, plus all the tools you’ll need to create a beautiful range projects. Check out the video below to see all the things you can do with this bad boy!

If you’d like to enter to win this wonderful book and handy loom, then please leave a comment below (and while you’re at it, feel free to sign up for our newsletter at the top-right of this page). Please only one comment per person and, sorry, but this contest is for U.S. and Canadian citizens only. This giveaway will run from February 21 — March 7 and the winner will be chosen at random using random.org on Friday, March 8. Good luck!

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Winners!

Congratulations to Helen, the winner of our book and Knit & Weave loom kit giveaway!

Thank you to everyone who entered and for the overwhelming response! Check back again soon for more giveaways!

The Blaklukka sweater from Knitting with Icelandic Wool

Thanks to Kay Gardiner, over at Mason-Dixon Knitting for A.) having a very vivid imagination when it comes to what our lovely author Vedis Jonsdottir might look like. (Just for the record, here’s Vedis’s author photo—she’s even wearing an Icelandic sweater in it!) And B. for posting this super-fascinating blog post by Pam Peterson discussing the past and present of Icelandic sweaters! Icelanders really do wear lopi sweaters or lopapeysa—aka circular yoked sweaters featuring patterned borders like the one pictured above. Check out Pam’s blog post photos for proof. (The guy playing the accordion is my favorite!)

It turns out the history of lopapeysa does not go very far back. The rise of this iconic sweater began in the 1950s when the wife of the Icelandic Nobel-prize-winning author, Halldor Laxness, brought the pattern back from Greenland and replicated the design, which would go on to become a national symbol. Lopapeysa are traditionally knit using lopi yarn, which is 100% pure wool yarn that is lighter, warmer, and more water-resistant than yarns from elsewhere, as lopi comes from long-coated Icelandic sheep that have developed over time to ensure as much protection as possible from the harsh northern climate, giving the wool its special properties. Mmm…sounds so warm and fuzzy!

Just look at the fluffy coat on this guy!

If you want to learn more about Icelandic knitting, our book Knitting with Icelandic Wool has an excellent introduction discussing its origins as well as a history of the wool industry. It also includes over 65 gorgeous designs for a range of garments that are perfect for the whole family—from variations on the traditional lopi sweater to smaller projects like wooly hats, socks, and scarves.

Knitting with Icelandic Wool (click on cover to buy)
by Vedis Jonsdottir
$29.99 / $34.50 Can.
264 pages, paper over board

75 Floral Blocks to Knit (click on the cover to buy)
Beautiful Patterns to Mix & Match for Throws, Accessories, Baby Blankets & More
$21.99/$24.99 Can.
128 pages, trade paperback with French Flaps

Our latest book from Lesley Stanfield is sure to be a crowd-pleaser! Featuring a wide array of gorgeous floral blocks—from traditional designs inspired by quilts from the 19th century, to blocks containing raised and textural effects, and colorful stockinette-stitch pictorial designs, there’s something on every page for you to incorporate into your next project. The “Mix and Match” suggestions sprinkled throughout the book are my favorite part: It takes all the guesswork out of the equation for how to pair the blocks. The only problem I’m having now is where to begin! I keep flipping through the book trying to figure out which block to knit first, but every time I get to the next page, I change my mind. See the sample pages below to see what I mean.

If you’d like to win your very own copy of 75 Floral Blocks to Knit along with two skeins of Lion Brand’s LB Collection Cotton Bamboo yarn, then leave a comment below. (Please only one comment per person.) This giveaway will run from February 1 — February 8. Two winners will be chosen at random using random.org on Friday, February 9. Good luck!

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Winners!

Congratulations to Ellen Schmidt and Dianne Killeen, the winners of our book and yarn giveaway!

Thank you to everyone who entered and for the overwhelming response! Check back again soon for more giveaways!

Did you make it to Vogue Knitting Live last weekend? I had the pleasure of winding up and down the aisles, stopping at all the different stalls to fawn over the gorgeous designs, and touched loads and loads of delicious yarn! Several of our authors were on hand to share their skills and sign books. All in all, it was a wonderfully inspiring weekend. Here are some highlights of things we saw, felt, and loved.

Yarn, yarn, yarn!

I think I could have gone home in a cab stuffed to the gills with yarn and still wouldn’t have been satisfied! There are so many beautiful kinds scattered throughout VK Live, it’s impossible not to go there and spend 90% of your time just petting yarn. Here are a few of my favorites that I spotted:

I love the color combinations in these multicolor yarns

Yarn spun with strips of money

There was a yarn bar for sampling how different kinds of yarns knit up

Hooks and needles

I also spotted these oversized knitting needles and crochet hooks from Loopy Mango that I’m just enamored with! I want some, obviously so I can make giant knit and crochet items with them, but also because I think they would make awesome conversation pieces for the home!

They look a little daunting to wield, but because of their size, I imagine projects knit/crochet up fairly quickly using these tools. A simple scarf or a cozy vest, like the gentleman below is wearing, probably only takes one episode of Downton Abbey to complete, right?

And, I found this sweet woman working on her crochet most encouraging. If she can handle that big hook, so can I!

If you went to VK Live, I hope you enjoyed yourself and were able to snag some great finds. If not, I highly recommend checking it out when it comes to your area. There’s so much to be seen, and you definitely get inspired to take your knitting to the next level by trying out some new yarns, stitches, and tricks that you spot in the stalls and on the runway.

Now, who wants to buy me some of these goodies?