New pattern: Diamond Crush

Diamond Crush

Designed to let your yarn do the talking, this is an ideal pattern for long colour change yarns such as Kauni 8/2 Effektgarn. A 150g/600m ball of Kauni will give a generous shawl with a wingspan of 180cm approx.

Diamond Crush is knit using a top down construction and features pretty diamond panels and eyelet detailing. Two edging options included - either straight or wavy. 
This is a written pattern and has been tech edited and test knit.

Want to knit this shawl in 4ply instead? A 400m skein of 4ply/fingering yarn will give you a smaller shawl at approx 150cm across and 60cm deep, knit on 4mm needles.

I love seeing the different variations of this shawl appear on Ravelry. Starting with a different colour gives a completely different look to the pattern. 

Purchase the pattern now on Ravelry: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/diamond-crush

New pattern: Astrolabe mitts

Astrolabe Mitts

Pretty fingerless mitts with a feature lace medallion motif reminiscent of the shape of an Astrolabe (an ancient device used by astronomers and navigators to determine the position of the Sun and stars).

Negative ease and a thumb gusset make for a snug and comfortable fit.

Astrolabe mitts are knit in the round in DK/8ply yarn. I prefer magic loop but DPNs (or 2 circulars) are also fine.

Sizing is achieved through gauge. For petite/teen size the gauge is 23st/10cm (suggested needle size 3.75mm). For average woman size the gauge is 22st/10cm (suggested needle size 4mm).

You will need 50-75g of DK. Pattern lists 75g/160m approx but myself and testers all used closer to 50g for the pair. If you want to make longer mitts then definitely have more yarn on hand!

Pattern available now on Ravelry! http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/astrolabe-mitts

New Pattern: Fifth Avenue

Inspired by Audrey Hepburn, Fifth Avenue was an exclusive design for the Red Riding Hood Yarns “Ladies of Luxe” yarn club.

Audrey Hepburn is perhaps best known for her acting career – particularly for her role as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s – but the reason I chose her as my inspiration was her selfless humanitarian work, particularly in her role as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. Audrey to me was a true lady of luxury - a style icon with a generous and giving spirit.

These long fingerless mitts are knit in luxurious silk blend yarn and feature an exquisite lace panel and pretty cable detailing, perfect for that special night out (or a stroll down Fifth Avenue).

Fifth Avenue mitts are knit in the round in DK/8ply yarn. The suggested yarn is 50% silk which give a lovely sheen and great stitch definition. You will need most of a 100g/220m skein.

Find them on Ravelry: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/fifth-avenue

New patterns: Knit Actually

Now on Ravelry Knit Actually Hat and matching Knit Actually mitts. Knit inside out in Worsted weight yarn for fun, fast knitting. Hat is sized NB to L Adult. Recommended yarn is Malabrigo Rios.