Pattern Round Up | October

Another month of new pattern releases to whet your appetite along with some yarns which I think would go wonderfully with them.

There’s a rabbit on my head (c) stephen west | yak from left to right, chestnut, mauve, toffee, blue lavender, peacock teal

First up is There’s a Rabbit on My Head by Stephen West. I always love seeing what new things Stephen has up his sleeve (or under his hat), they always sure to delight and intrigue me in the best possible way. His newest collection, Westknits at Home, is a collection of patterns which are all photographed in his home studio. There are some wild and wonderful patterns in the collection but I chose this one because I just love the colour combination.

With just two colours being knit at once in simple pattern this would be a great introduction to stranded knitting and the short row brim adds an great extra design detail. The yarn I have paired this pattern with is YAK, a 50% 50% blend of wool and yak. It is lovely, soft and easy to work with.

Climb every mountain (c) heidi kirrmaier | sumptuous dk, cobble

Something super cosy now from Heidi Kirrmaier with a pattern called Climb Every Mountain. This poncho-esque jumper will certainly not be everyone’s style but I think it just looks so inviting and snug, the perfect jumper to pop on when you’re trying your hardest not to turn the heating on just yet (or is it just me who still lives like a student?).

The yarn is The Uncommon Thread Sumptuous DK. A beautiful blend of merino, alpaca and silk. As I mentioned in another blog post this yarn is being discontinued. What is on the YAK website is all there is IN THE WORLD so get in there quick so you don’t miss out on this glorious yarn!

Quer-denke mitts (c) nicole eitzinger | merino silk dk from top to bottom, burning haystack, absinthe

Those of you who came to Unwind in July or who read my posts about it will know that I had the pleasure of having Nicole and Cordula from Dye for Yarn hanging out on my stall. I have been following their twitter and facebook page ever since and was really excited to see Nicole’s new pattern pop up. The Quer-Denker Mitts are knit up in a twisted rib pattern with a clever cable twist which apparently doesn’t require a cable needle.

The pattern is knitted up in a 4ply yarn held double. However, I have paired the pattern with a double knit yarn which so long as you get the correct gauge should work just as well. The yarn is Dye for Yarn Merino Silk which is 50/50 blend. Knitted with a small needle these will be a dense and warm pair of mitts!

Fading lines (c) joji locatelli | titus 4ply from top to bottom, robin egg, storm, periwinkle, black magic rose

Last but not least, Fading Lines by Joji Locatelli. This pattern has taken Raverly by storm and I implore you to have a look at the projects that are already up. They will give you some real colour inspiration because, although Joji’s version has the beautiful ombre effect (managed by using specially dyed mini skein sets by Pigeonroof Studio), that is not by any means the only amazing way you could knit this up. The colour combinations are endless and I have paired this pattern with Eden Cottage Yarns Titus 4ply a 70% merino, 30% silk blend.

As everyone keeps harking on about the impending Christmas season being upon us soon, however much it doesn’t feel like it (it is 21 degrees in Brighton today!), I hope this round up has given you a little inspiration to get the Christmas gift cogs turning!